As we walked through the hall, I reviewed the League's ranking system again. The League of Adventurers, which is known as the Guild by some, divides adventurers in a very novel-ish way. From lowest to highest, the ranks are;
Copper // Bronze
Iron // Steel
Silver // Gold (req.'d for S class missions)
Platinum (req.'d for international missions)
Ruby (req.'d for inter-continental missions)
Topaz // Sapphire
Emerald // Diamond
Alexandrite
As for mission ranks, they are from F class to SSS class. There are other mission known as "Mandatory/compulsory" and "Special missions by request". However these are treated as a separate class rating.
It's mainly due to the circumstances surrounding these types of missions. Either way, missions ranks are pretty straight forward with the higher missions having better rewards and even bonus conditions. These bonus conditions may allow an adventurer to jump ranks given the proficiency and frequency at which the bonus conditions are met.
Moving on… In order for one to normally advance to Silver Rank, one must successfully complete a B class mission. Gold Rank requires completing an A class mission, while Platinum Rank requires 3 S class tasks completed consecutively with the highest possible success conditions. As for Ruby Rank (my goal), one has to complete a SS task, 3 Special request mission and a Mandatory mission all at the highest success condition.
Currently, we have a chance to be Silver ranked adventures on our first day, so I don't want to lose this opportunity. As we reached the receptionist's desk, James seeing us coming said,
"So, what's the Hall Master's decision?" James knew what Douglas would say, but still wanted to hear it from us as though it were a formality.
"It's been decided we will take on a B class task. Here's the paperwork from the Hall Master." I said, handing over everything needed.
"Then in that case, let me show ya to the 2 you'll be partyin with".
James said, leading us to an isolated table towards the right of the hall. As we approached the table, 2 young men arguing over something came into sight,
"I said, don't call me that, Dargantan! I may have been very patient with you, but I will knock your teeth out all the same!" One of the 2 said, pissed at the hail of insults being sent his way.
"If you did not want to be called an uneducated ratdog, then you should not have stuck you nose where it does not belong!" The other replied, still indignant from the looks of it.
"Anansi, Cavilhaugh! What could you two possibly be arguing about now?" James said. Despite his grin, James looked like he was about ready to toss the two out for any sudden moves.
"Finally, James is here. He can settle this dispute."
Anansi said. He appeared to be from the northernmost continent of Salamor, given the mahogany brown skin. The young man also had thick shoulder length braids, and an outfit that's better suited for hot temperatures. Overall his attire seemed out of place as Eliador has frequent cold fronts.
Instinctually, I walked up and fist bumped Anansi. It's been a long time since I had seen another brotha around. To be honest, I felt like the only black person on this continent despite being a dark elf. The crazier part, Anansi also dapped me up instinctually. This here proves black people know other black people no matter what galaxy or universe we come from. As we did this, James said in amazement,
"Yuriy, I didn't know you knew the formal greeting Salamorians perform when they meet family and friends!"
"Formal greeting? The hell are you talking about, this is how one brotha from anotha motha greet each other. Bruh, what you on about?"
I reflexively responded. I felt like I finally met another black person from Earth to the point I started speaking in the way I used to back on Earth. When I replied, I had not noticed I spoke in English either, as James again said,
"You even speak their continental language too! This is amazing!"
Okay, what in the actual fuck is going on here. I looked towards Anansi who looked back at me. Then we both looked at everyone here, then back at each other.
"The fuck is goin on?" I said in English. Anansi replied saying,
"I thought you knew. Shiii, I'm as confused as you no lie."
"Hey, speak in a language we all can understand!!" Cavilhaugh cried. Giving him a side glance, Anansi and I continued,
"I gotta ask, how do you know my customs and language so well." Anansi said still in English.
"Honestly, in another life, in my homeland we spoke this way. We also dapped each other. When I saw you, it was instinctual." I replied in English.
"Ah! A brotha from anotha star! My grandad used to tell me stories of your kind. They know our way of life because where they're from they lived it. In some cases, they lived an even harsher life than ours. It is customary we always welcome our fellow brotha regardless of where they're from." Without even doubting my words, Anansi replied.
"Allow me to be the first of the brethren to welcome you to Ohmdorra, brotha!" He said, bowing like a waiter greeting guests at a 5-star restaurant.
"Much obliged. If possible don't mention it to the others… well at least not that guy staring holes into my head." I said, Anansi nodded, and we then turned back to the others. I gently grasped Ivy's hand who looked like she knew what up,
"I'll tell you about it later. Then again, you seem to already know." I said and received a mischievous giggle in response. James didn't even ask about what Anansi and I said, instead he went straight to the point.
"So, what's the argument about this time?" He asked to which Cavilhaugh responded.
"Glad you asked! I had been working on a formula which would allow a mage to construct a weapon out of pure neutral magoi. When I was almost done, HE came over and said the formula would never work since magoi leakage was present all over the formation!" Cavilhaugh said as if Anansi tried to take his favorite toy away.
"What I said was, the idea is noble. But with the breaks in his formation, he would sooner create an explosion in his hands before he creates a weapon. I then recommended he focus on spells that already take the form of weapons and leave it at that." Anansi said sitting back down as if the whole ordeal had nothing to do with him.
"Damnit, you two! You know I am not a mage, and yet you want me to solve this… wait I have just the answer." James said then turned to me,
"These three will be partyin with you. You have 1 hour to discuss a proper solution before I come back with the B rank task". Like a stealthy mouse, James was already walking to the receptionist desk, leaving us behind. Sighing, I said,
"Greetings, I am Yuriy Markov, this is my sister Katya and my soon to be wife Ivy." Both ladies waved, and in response Cavilhaugh waved back, while Anansi bowed again in the same manner as before.
"Okay, so Cavilhaugh, right? Let me see the formation you created. Don't worry, I already have what you are trying to make since my ancestor had left it for his descendants."
I said while holding up and unsheathing my sword. Cavilhaugh marveled at its craftsmanship, and immediately showed us the formula. I didn't even need 30 seconds to figure out the issue, Katya was faster than me, and Ivy didn't even care to look. What Anansi said was true to the letter.
"Don't be disappointed, but what Anansi said is indeed true. Your formation matrix will generate the needed magoi. However, the receptors here, here, and here are meant for elemental magoi not neutral magoi. The magoi channeling process would lead to the conjurer's death by magoi radiation exposure before the needed amount of magoi is collected." I said while I pointed to keep part of his magic formation.
(To briefly explain Arcane theory, magic formations require 4 key components to work. The formation matrix which absorbs ambient magoi and/or the castor's magoi. The 4 to 12 receptors which are key phrases in the celestial language used to shape and retain elemental magoi. The 3 formation crests nodes which are used to give a tangible form to the shaped elemental magoi. They also create the prescribed effect of each spell.
Lastly the evocation crest which activates the formation. Humans, dwarves and beastmen for the most part use magic formations to cast spells. Using a catalyst such as a staff, wand or even an inscribed weapon, they shape magoi in the air will chanting in a simplified version of the celestial language. Elves, fairyfolk and demonkind all evoke or command magoi directly to cast spells.)
"Not to mention if enough magoi is collect and moves through the formation crest nodes. All of the required materials will liquified upon use. Lastly, an array of explosions would occur before magoi comes close to the evocation crest which, is also meant for elemental magoi. However, if you are looking to create the perfect bomb for thieving mages, then you have succeeded with extraordinarily little effort."
Hearing my evaluation, Cavilhaugh looked again at the places I pointed out. He even ran a few calculations until his face sank and he slowly sat back down.
"Anansi, I apologize for insulting you and your intelligence. Your truly are a wise soul. In spite of not being a mage, you already knew the outcome." Cavilhaugh bowed his head apologetically. Anansi waved him off,
"Come now, we have known each other for years now. No need to act this way since we are fighting together. Let's put this issue aside."
Anansi said. I could have sworn a blinding halo was around his head. I have truly met Buddha! Not even 10 minutes passed, and James returned just as stealthily as he appeared. For a tall body builder type person, He is way too quiet. I guess that alone is proof he is a Ruby rank adventurer.
"Good, everything appears to have been settled. Now for your task. You 5 will be heading to the eastern province of Moonscar Vale. Once there, head to the town of Breilan and meet the mayor, Lucas. He will give you all the details on your assigned objectives. Just know you will be entering a dungeon." James said, giving us time to digest the information,
"The time limit on this quest is 1 sol. But I don't think you will need that much time; therefore, with Hall Master Douglas' approval we will increase your reward if you can complete the mission in 100 days or less. You have a 1-week grace period to prepare".
As James finished, he handed over the mission details. We then decided to meet back here in 4 days after making all necessary preparations, since the town of Breilan was a 4-day roundtrip by carriage and dungeon crawls can take a long time if one's not well-prepared. After exchanging a few words, Ivy, Katya, and I parted ways with Anansi and Cavilhaugh.
-End of Chapter