As Yuna and Yukki attempted to speak with Aira at the reception counter, their path was abruptly blocked by three individuals. The first was a girl who seemed to possess weak mana for a mage; the second was a sword-wielding man with no discernible magic; and the third was a woman dressed as a sister who radiated holy mana and healing magic.
"Excuse us, could you move aside? We need to report to the Guildmaster," Yuna stood her ground, addressing the trio.
"Don't try to deceive the guild with obvious lies," the sword-wielding man accused, his tone dripping with skepticism. Yuna's brow furrowed, wondering what lie he was referring to.
"Lie? What do you mean?" Yuna locked eyes with him, her gaze unwavering.
"It's impossible for a human to live for 200 years. Don't commit such obvious lies! It's a crime!" The sword-wielder's outburst drew attention from others in the guild hall, and Yuna sighed, realizing what he was getting at.
"Perhaps humans are just too fragile for that," Yuna muttered under her breath, a hint of defiance in her voice.
"What did you say?!" The sword-wielder raised his weapon, pointing it at Yuna with a threatening glare.
"Is that how you want to play it?" Yuna met his hostility with indifference, refusing to back down despite the sharp edge of his sword nearly grazing her neck.
"Ah, what do we have here?" Yuna taunted him, unimpressed by his attempt to provoke her.
"A criminal must face justice! You're under arrest!" The sword-wielder's aggression escalated, the tip of his blade now dangerously close to Yuna's throat.
"Wait, Red! We were discussing inviting her to our party, remember?" the mage girl intervened, stepping forward to diffuse the tense situation.
"That's right. Pointing a sword at me won't even leave a scratch. What's your aim?" Yuna advanced toward the reception counter, beckoning for Aira's assistance.
"Didn't I tell you? We're done here," Yuna retorted, flicking her finger against the sword's tip. The blade snapped in half with a clean break, shocking the onlookers into silence.
"What?! That sword could withstand even dragon's breath!" the sword-wielder gasped, staring at the remnants of his weapon in disbelief.
"Well, tough luck. Not even a lizard could scratch me," Yuna boasted, her confidence unwavering as she folded her arms.
"Didn't I warn you, Red? Now look at what you've done! You've ruined everything!" the mage girl chastised the sword-wielder, her voice laced with frustration. She then turned to Yuna, her expression softening as she approached with a bow. "I apologize for my friend's behavior."
"No need to apologize. It was my temper that got the best of me. Accept my apology as well," Yuna responded, bowing slightly to reciprocate the gesture.
"Allow me," Yuna said, picking up the broken sword and inspecting it closely. She could feel the remnants of mana still lingering within the blade.
"Hey! What do you think you're doing with my sword?" the sword-wielder protested, a hint of panic in his voice as Yuna examined the broken weapon.
"You're about to find out..." Yuna replied confidently. "Repair!" She invoked a skill she had developed long ago, channeling mana from the surroundings to mend the sword. In moments, the broken weapon became whole once more, shimmering with renewed energy.
"What? Impossible! How can you use magic for that? And besides, I don't need your help!" The sword-wielder declared, snatching the repaired sword and storming out of the guild in a huff.
"Are you satisfied now, Red? Look at the mess you've created. We were planning to invite her to our party," the mage girl chastised the sword-wielder again before turning back to Yuna, her expression turning sincere.
"I apologize for my friend's behavior. Thank you for your help," she expressed her gratitude, her voice softer now.
"It's alright. I should have kept my temper in check. Let's put this behind us," Yuna accepted the apology, offering a reassuring smile as she turned back toward Yukki.
"What's with that commotion? Let's go talk to Aira, Yukki," Yuna called out, motioning for her friend to follow.
"Y-yes!" Yukki shook off her daze and hurried to catch up with Yuna.
Approaching Aira, Yuna presented the demonic boar's head, ready to report their mission's success. "Aira, we completed the quest!"
"A-A-A-A-A-A... EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH?!?" Aira's surprised exclamation echoed through the room, causing Yuna to jump back in surprise.
"Whoa, you scared me," Yuna chuckled nervously, realizing that the sight of the bloody boar's head might have startled Aira more than she intended.
"It's your fault! How can you suddenly display a red boar's head like that? and nonetheless, in just few hours?!" Aira's tone was a mix of surprise and annoyance, her hands on her hips.
"S-Sorry about that... But we did complete the quest, right?" Yuna asked, still unsure about the situation.
"Y-Yes... You've indeed completed the quest... As promised, you'll be immediately promoted to rank C! Congratulations, Yuna!" Aira congratulated Yuna, her eyes wide with admiration and awe.
"W-Wait, Aira! Can we alter that arrangement?" Yuna's voice was laced with panic as she spoke up.
"E-Eh? Is being an S rank not sufficient?" Aira appeared confused, her brow furrowing.
"It's not about that! Is it possible to start from the lowest rank instead? Jumping directly to the highest rank like this feels wrong," Yuna muttered, her concern genuine.
"A-Are you sure? You're more than qualified for an S rank, but if you insist, we can accommodate that. Starting from the lowest rank is feasible. However, keep in mind that you're certainly strong enough for S rank," Aira said, her gaze filled with curiosity and concern.
"That's fine! It's not as fun to go straight to S rank," Yuna declared with newfound determination, her spirit lifting as she embraced the challenge ahead.
"W-Well then... Should I explain the basics of being an adventurer?" Aira asked, clapping her hands together as she switched her focus back to Yuna.
"G-Go ahead," Yuna nodded, her anxiety beginning to fade.
"Currently, there are eight adventurer ranks. From the lowest to the highest, they are G to E (Beginner), F - E (Experienced), C - B (Intermediate), and A - S (Expert). Do you understand so far?" Aira inquired, looking at Yuna with concern.
"Yes, it's the basic hierarchy, and it's easy to grasp," Yuna confirmed, her mind racing with possibilities.
"Good. Now, let me continue. Adventurers must abide by four rules. First, they must not kill each other. Second, they should not interfere with other adventurers' quests unless assistance is requested. Third, never undertake quests that you have not officially accepted, as you won't receive rewards for them. Fourth, and most importantly, never die while on an adventure. That's the essence of the rules," Aira summarized, her voice serious.
"I see. Thank you for the explanation. We'll be on our way now, Aira!" Yuna waved as they prepared to leave.
"W-Wait! You haven't received your guild card yet!" Aira called out before Yuna could exit, her tone flustered.
"Guild card?" Yuna looked puzzled, her curiosity piqued as she turned back to Aira.
"Yes! Your guild card serves as your identification and tracks your completed quests, achievements, and rank. It's essential for any adventurer!" Aira explained, her enthusiasm palpable.
"That sounds important! Can we get it now?" Yuna asked, her excitement bubbling over.
"Of course! Just give me a moment," Aira said, quickly gathering materials from her desk.
As Yuna waited, she exchanged glances with Yukki, who looked both anxious and eager.
"Do you think this is a good idea?" Yukki whispered, her eyes darting between Yuna and Aira.
"It'll be fine! This is just the beginning for us," Yuna replied, confidence shining in her eyes.
Aira returned with a small card in her hand, the edges shimmering with a faint light. "Here it is! Your guild card, Yuna!"
Yuna accepted the card, examining it closely. It was inscribed with her name and a glowing emblem that represented the guild. "It's beautiful!"
"Now you can officially begin your adventures as a guild member! Good luck out there!" Aira beamed, her excitement infectious.
Yuna tucked the card safely away, her heart racing with anticipation. "Thanks, Aira! We won't let you down!"
With Yukki by her side, Yuna stepped out of the guild, ready to embrace the challenges and adventures that awaited them. What lay ahead was uncertain, but they would face it together, as friends and adventurers.