Shin approached the guild counter with eager determination. The receptionist, a cheerful woman with short auburn hair and sharp eyes, welcomed him with a warm smile. Her nametag read "Lila."
"Good morning, Shin," she greeted. "You're here to take your first quest, correct?"
Shin nodded enthusiastically. "That's right! I'm ready to get started."
Lila chuckled at his enthusiasm. "Before we proceed, let me explain the adventurer ranking system. It's important to know your limitations and opportunities."
Lila pulled out a parchment from beneath the counter, detailing the adventurer ranks. "The guild ranks adventurers based on their abilities and experience, from F Rank, the starting level, to SSS Rank, the pinnacle of power. Here's how it works:
F Rank: New adventurers. They take on the easiest quests, usually involving small, weak monsters or simple tasks.
E Rank: Slightly more experienced adventurers. Tasks include dealing with minor threats like stronger wildlife or assisting villages.
D Rank: These adventurers handle more dangerous tasks like subjugating packs of monsters or escorting goods through risky areas.
C Rank: Skilled adventurers trusted with missions that involve exploring dungeons or dealing with magical creatures.
B Rank: These are seasoned adventurers, often working in teams to take down significant threats, such as rare monsters or complex dungeons.
A Rank: Highly skilled individuals capable of leading large-scale missions. They are entrusted with critical tasks such as protecting cities or slaying powerful creatures.
S Rank: Legendary adventurers known for incredible feats. Few reach this level, and their missions often involve world-altering events.
SS Rank and SSS Rank: The rarest and most powerful adventurers. These individuals are practically myths, handling catastrophic threats and commanding unparalleled respect."
Shin leaned forward, eyes wide. "So what are the advantages of being a higher rank?"
Lila smiled knowingly. "As you rank up, you gain access to higher-paying and more prestigious quests. You'll also receive better resources and recognition from the guild and society. High-ranked adventurers often gain noble titles, exclusive rewards, and access to rare information or equipment. But with greater power comes greater responsibility."
Lila set down the parchment and looked at Shin with a gentle but firm expression. "Since you're just starting, you're currently an F Rank adventurer. This means you're only allowed to take F and E Rank quests for now. It's for your safety as much as anything else. Higher-ranked quests are far too dangerous for someone who hasn't gained enough experience yet."
Shin nodded, understanding the reasoning. "So, I can only do the easy stuff for now?"
Lila chuckled. "That's right. But don't worry, everyone starts at F Rank. With enough dedication, you'll climb the ranks soon enough."
She reached beneath the counter and brought out a small, silver ring engraved with the guild's emblem—a sword and shield crossed over a star. "Here, take this. It's your adventurer's identification ring."
Shin held the ring, examining it curiously. "Identification ring?"
"Yes," Lila explained. "It's enchanted to display your rank and track your progress. When you complete quests or contribute to the guild, the ring will update your status. When it's time for you to rank up, the guild will handle the process automatically, and the ring will reflect your new rank."
Shin slipped the ring onto his finger. It adjusted itself to fit perfectly, and a soft glow signaled that it had activated. "This is amazing!"
Lila nodded. "It's also proof of your membership in the guild. If you're ever questioned or need to show your credentials, just display the ring. Take care of it; losing it can be troublesome."
After explaining the ring's importance, Lila handed Shin a parchment. "Now, for your first quest. I recommend starting with something simple: a goblin subjugation."
Shin read the details aloud: "Target: Goblin. Location: Forest outskirts. Reward: 50 gold coins." He tilted his head. "A goblin? Aren't they the weakest monsters?"
"They are," Lila confirmed. "Goblins are a good test for new adventurers. They're small, not too fast, and easy to predict. However, don't underestimate them. A single goblin isn't a problem, but they often attack in groups. Stay alert."
Shin nodded, his excitement growing. "Got it. I won't mess this up!"
"Good. Here's your quest parchment." Lila handed him the scroll. "And remember: report back to the guild once you've completed the mission. Good luck, Shin."
With the parchment in hand and his heart racing, Shin left the guild hall, the sunlight gleaming off his new identification ring. He couldn't help but grin as he made his way toward the forest outskirts. This was it—the first step on his journey to greatness.
As he walked, Shin thought about everything he'd learned and the challenges ahead. Sure, he was starting small, but he believed in himself. After all, he wasn't just any adventurer; he was Shin Atlas, a stupid genius with unique skills he still didn't fully understand.
"I'll show them all what I can do," he said to himself, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly. "This goblin doesn't stand a chance."