『Velvana territory — Ivory Forest』
Rumia couldn't contain her excitement and kept asking questions about Rachel's style of combat.
"I can't believe I forgot to ask, what class is Rachel?" she asked.
"She's a swordsman. But what's important isn't her sword art but rather her speed. Her attacks are so quick that you'd only sense her attacking after you've been defeated." (Lamperogue)
Rumia placed a finger on her chin and thought.
"So that would mean she's a user of the [Thunder God Arts], right?" she asked, turning to the sleeping Archibald.
Lutessa nodded.
"Yes, that's Sir Knightʼs favorite sword art." (Lutessa)
"But Lamperogue said it's most likely the [Sword Saint Arts] built for discipline," added Mary.
Rumia's eyes widened in amazement.
"Speaking of Archibald, wouldn't he have a chance of lasting thirty seconds against her?" (Rumia)
Lutessa replied, "It's possible since Sir Knight is ranked Disciple in three of the four sword arts. But even Mr. Rogue lost on the twelfth second."
Lamperogue was calm and replied, "You didn't need to emphasize so much on my loss."
Lutessa shyly apologized, causing Rumia and Mary to laugh.
"You didn't need to apologize," replied Lamperogue.
Rumia then said, "I personally believe Archibald and Lamperogue are stronger than Vesta. If he could last thirteen seconds, then they should be able to last longer."
Mary nodded in agreement.
"Besides, Archibald has that cool new ultimate sword skill he developed." (Rumia)
Lutessa chuckled nervously and said, "I'm not sure that's an attack he should be using in a spar."
Rumia agreed, "Yeah, we don't want him to accidentally knock Rachel out and make everyone mad."
"Ha! He'd be known as the guy who made everyone wait for another Ranker to show up." (Mary)
Everyone laughed at the joke, and the atmosphere became more relaxed.
Even Lobo, who was sleeping earlier, was now awake and wagging his tail.
Withal, Archibald was still asleep.
The conversation lightened up the mood in the cabin, and they all laughed.
Well, not Lamperogue, but who'd be surprised?
"It looks like you're becoming a fan of Rachel.." (Mary)
She giggled after.
"Well, I'm not a fan of anyone yet. I'm just intrigued by her skills," replied Rumia.
Mary nodded, agreeing with Rumia's sentiments.
"That's right. It's not every day we get to see a Ranker in action, so it's understandable," she said.
Lutessa then asked, "So, what do you think is exciting about Miss Rachel?"
Rumia replied with a grin, "It's exciting because it's like watching a master magician- you know what's happening, but you can't tell how it's happening. That's how I feel about her style of combat."
Mary nodded in agreement, "I get what you're saying. It's like a high-level game of chess where the moves are so complex that you can't predict them."
Lamperogue then chimed in, "That's what makes Ranker Season exciting. It's an event where every challenger is putting their skills on the line against the Ranker, and every move counts."
Rumia was intrigued, "What are the rules for Ranker Season?" she asked.
Lamperogue explained:
"There are no official rules as it's an unofficial event, but the general idea is that the Ranker will issue an open challenge to anyone and everyone who wants to take it on. Whoever can last the longest against the Ranker or defeats the Ranker will be granted the title of one of the strongest warrior in the continent, at least until the next Ranker Season."
Mary then added, "It's a rare opportunity for everyone to test their mettle against the best of the best, regardless of their rank."
Lutessa then said with a chuckle, "And it's also great for us, as the guild takes a break while everyone is focused on the Ranker."
Archibald then mumbled in his sleep, "I'd rather be on a quest than fight a Ranker" he murmured, causing Rumia, Lutessa and Mary to laugh.
Lamperogue then added, "Speaking of Archibald, he's not the only talented swordsman out there. But you're correct. His style of combat is unique, and his youth makes him stand out."
"What do you mean he's not the only one?" (Rumia)
"Well, Rachel is fourteen." (Lamperogue)
"Wait that means?!" (Rumia)
"Yes, Rachel became a Ranker around the age of ten or eleven." (Lamperogue)
Rumia grinned, revealing her pearly white teeth.
"Archibald should consider taking part in the Ranker Season then." (Rumia)
"I asked him the same thing, but he wasn't interested." (Lamperogue)
"Well, I don't think you were persuasive enough when you asked him. But, I'm pretty sure I can convince him. After all, I am considered the most persuasive person in the guild." (Rumia)
Lutessa chuckled nervously, "What do you have in mind, Miss Rumia?"
Rumia stood up from her chair, a soulful look in her eyes, "I have my ways," she said smugly.
Lamperogue chimed in, "Just make sure it's fast. The Ranker Season ends tomorrow, and it won't come again until next year."
Rumia made her way over to Archibald, who was now asleep with Lobo, his wolf, resting on his lap.
She tapped him on the shoulder gently, but he didn't budge.
She tapped him again, this time a bit more vigorously, "Archibald, wake up," she said softly.
Archibald finally opened his eyes, still feeling drowsy from his nap.
He saw Lobo beside him and patted him on the head; Lobo responded with a howl.
Archibald was startled to find Rumia standing in front of him, beaming with a suggestive smile.
"Good afternoon, sleepyhead," she said, "How about participating in Ranker Season?"
"Umh... I don't think that would be—" (Archibald)
"What'd you say? No?" Rumia interjected, a creepy smile from ear to ear.
Archibald was hesitant at first but agreed, knowing that resisting Rumia's persuasion techniques was nearly impossible.
Mary remarked, "Wow, that was fast," causing Lutessa to giggle at the quick turn of events.
"You know, Sir Knight, you should really have considered taking part in the Ranker Season weeks ago. You're a skilled swordsman, and you have red hair and vibrant eyes that will capture your opponent's attention." (Lutessa)
Archibald chuckled as he rubbed his red hair, "Well, I can't argue with that. Red is the color of passion, after all."
No one laughed at his humor.
"(Two years, and it's still the same)" (Archibald)
Lutessa looked at Archibald with admiration, "I wish I had your style," she said.
Archibald smiled at her gently, "Thank you, Lutessa. But everyone has their unique fighting style. Yours is just as special."
Archibald stood up from his chair, feeling a bit sleepy after his nap.
He wore a red sweatshirt, black pants, and comfortable leather slippers.
As he stretched his arms out, he asked the group why they were making such a fuss about this Rachel girl.
"You shouldn't be too confident Archibald." (Lamperogue)
Archibald shrugged, "I'm not being confident. I didn't even want to take her on until Rumia insisted."
Mary chimed in, "Maybe you should consider changing your weapons, Archibald. You've been using Jade-ranked weapons for as long as I can remember."
Archibald scratched his head, "I haven't seen any Gold or Amber ranked swords that fit my style. And I don't have enough money to have a weapon smith make one for me."
Rumia suddenly asked, "How much does it cost to have a Gold-ranked sword made?"
Archibald turned to her and put his hands on his waist before answering, "It costs about 100 gold coins or more."
Rumia smirked, "That's a fair price. My staff also cost around that amount."
Lutessa chimed in, "Mother Superior also got me my stave for around that price."
Mother Superior, is the highest priestess in the Vayetran Church.
"I've been planning to have some better shortswords made for myself as well, but I don't have enough money." (Lamperogue)
Rumia chuckled, "You're all still poor adventurers. Maybe someday, you'll all be Rank B adventurers, like yours truly."
"Yeah, yeah whatever." (Archibald)
Everyone laughed at Rumia's humor, enjoying their light-hearted conversation.