Adventurers.
That term is applied to individuals who make a livelihood by undertaking quests. Quests ranging from rank E to C typically involve mundane tasks such as safeguarding merchants during travels between cities, locating missing pets, and performing household cleaning duties.
Adventurers, by definition, are individuals skilled in various disciplines who take on quests and missions to earn a living. These quests can vary widely in nature and difficulty, ranging from relatively straightforward assignments in the lower ranks to more complex and perilous tasks in the higher ranks.
In the realm of adventuring, tasks are classified into different ranks, each denoting the level of difficulty and potential danger involved. The scale typically ranges from E (the lowest) to S (the highest). As adventurers progress to higher ranks, the challenges they face become more demanding, requiring advanced skills and experience. Let's delve into the job descriptions for each rank:
Rank E: Entry-level quests that are often considered trivial. Examples include guarding merchants during trade routes, locating lost items, or performing basic household chores.
Rank D: Quests of a slightly higher difficulty level, but still generally manageable for adventurers starting to gain experience. Tasks may involve escorting important individuals, dealing with minor threats, or assisting in community projects.
Rank C: Intermediate-level quests that demand a higher skill set. This could include exploring wilderness areas, eliminating moderate threats, or solving more complex issues within a community.
Rank B: Adventurers taking on Rank B quests are dealing with challenges that pose a significant risk. These quests may involve facing dangerous creatures, exploring uncharted territories, or resolving critical issues affecting larger regions.
Rank A: At this level, adventurers are tackling tasks of great importance and danger. Quests may include quelling major threats, dealing with powerful magical entities, or assisting in political matters.
Rank S: The highest echelon of quests, reserved for elite adventurers. These missions often involve facing world-altering threats, dealing with ancient and powerful beings, or undertaking missions of utmost secrecy and importance.
Adventurers operate within a structured system that aligns their skill level with the complexity of quests they are allowed to undertake. This system, governed by ranks, ensures that adventurers progressively face more challenging tasks as they gain experience and expertise.
Rank E Adventurers: At the entry level, adventurers are limited to accepting quests of rank E only. These quests are designed to be relatively straightforward and are considered suitable for those new to the adventuring profession.
Rank D Adventurers: Once adventurers advance to rank D, they gain the ability to take on both rank D and E quests. This expansion allows them to tackle a slightly broader range of challenges and further develop their skills.
Rank C Adventurers: Progressing to rank C broadens an adventurer's scope, enabling them to engage in quests ranging from rank E to C. This advancement signifies a considerable increase in skill and experience, as they can now take on more complex tasks.
Rank B Adventurers: Upon reaching rank B, adventurers no longer have the option to accept quests of lower ranks (E, D, C). They are exclusively permitted to undertake rank B quests, which are notably more demanding and hazardous.
Rank A Adventurers: Advancing to rank A unlocks the ability to engage in quests from rank B to A. This reflects a heightened level of proficiency, indicating that the adventurer is prepared to face challenges of greater magnitude and significance.
Rank S Adventurers: Achieving the pinnacle of the adventurer's hierarchy, those in rank S possess unparalleled skill and experience. They are granted the privilege to undertake quests ranging from rank B to S. These quests involve world-altering scenarios, formidable adversaries, and missions of utmost secrecy and importance.
Certainly, the adventurer's guild recognizes the diversity of preferences and risk tolerance among its members. Adventurers are not obligated to advance to a higher rank if they choose to remain at their current level. This option provides flexibility for those who find fulfillment or prefer the challenges associated with quests of a particular rank.
For example, even after gaining the eligibility for rank B, an adventurer may choose to stay at rank E or D if they find satisfaction and comfort in the types of quests available at those levels. This allows them to continue taking on tasks that align with their preferences, without being compelled to confront higher-risk scenarios. Adventurers could also opt for a more personalized progression path, deciding when and if they want to advance to higher ranks. This approach accommodates individual preferences, ensuring that the adventurer's journey remains enjoyable and aligned with their goals.
This flexibility in rank progression recognizes that not all adventurers aspire to reach the highest echelons or undertake the most perilous missions.
Leon currently held a C-rank status, a deliberate choice stemming from his recognition of his limited combat abilities. He accepted his weakness in that aspect. Nevertheless, he found contentment in his position among the lower ranks, as the associated income proved reasonably satisfactory. While not exceptionally high, it was deemed acceptable.
"Hmm?"
Currently, Leon found himself at the Adventurer's Guild in the city of Ceveral. Since it was too early for him to head to his job at the brothel, he decided to pick up a quest first. His focus turned to the bulletin board, where various quests were on display. At the same time, while choosing a quest—specifically one involving the protection of a noblewoman traveling from Ceveral City to Rasuan City across the plains of Santuria—another person reached for the same assignment.
"Oh? You're going for that one. I apologize for that," said Leon. Glancing at the person, he saw a beast woman—a rabbit woman, to be precise. Distinct features marked her as a beastkin, particularly of the rabbit variety. Gracefully protruding from the top of her head were ears resembling those of a rabbit, occasionally twitching to demonstrate heightened awareness.
She had blue eyes and light blue hair, an incredibly attractive and beautiful figure, featuring a generous chest and a confident posture. Judging by her outfit, she was an adventurer. Her adventure ensemble comprised a sleeveless bikini armor resembling a swimsuit, leaving her stomach, midriff, and the upper part of her breasts exposed, complemented by a stylish coat. Hot pants and a miniskirt, paired with sturdy white boots lacing up to her ankles and a leg lace on her thigh, completed her adventurous look.
'It's my first time seeing a beast woman in the city... and a rabbit woman at that.'
It was honestly surprising, given that humans typically considered beast people as slaves. Male beastkin were utilized for labor, while females were often relegated to the role of sex slaves. Leon didn't know exactly how to react upon seeing a beast woman here, especially a rabbit woman, known as one of the cutest beastkin and highly sought after by those in the slave trade due to their marketability. Adding to the surprise was her choice of attire, quite revealing.
"Oh, it's okay," she said. "You got it first. You should take it. First come, first served, right?"
It was a common phrase among adventurers, signifying that the first person to secure the quest should be the one to undertake it.
"Are you sure?" Leon asked.
"It's not like I'm particularly picky with quests, so it's fine."
"I-If you say so."
It felt peculiar encountering a beastkin here. Even as he walked away, leaving her to peruse the bulletin board for quests, he couldn't help but continue stealing glances at her.
When he reached the receptionist desk, he finally averted his eyes from her.
He placed the quest request on the receptionist's desk, where a woman with green hair stood. She had an indifferent expression and carried herself with a regal posture.
"I'd like to pick up this quest, please," he said.
The woman with green hair glanced at the quest request with a cold demeanor, her expression unchanging. She took a moment before responding.
"Hmm. The protection quest to accompany a noblewoman on her journey," she stated, her voice flat and uninterested. "Fill out the necessary details and sign at the bottom."
Leon complied, hastily filling out the required information on the form. As he handed it back to her, she scrutinized it briefly and stamped it with an official seal.
"Take this seriously. Failure is not an option," she remarked, still without a hint of warmth. "You're representing the guild, after all."
Leon nodded, sensing the gravity in her words. "I understand. I'll do my best."
"Good. The noblewoman is waiting at the east gate. Don't keep her waiting," she instructed, handing him a sealed envelope containing additional details.
Just as Leon was about to leave the receptionist desk, a lingering doubt crossed his mind. He turned back and inquired, "Excuse me, one more thing. Is this a solo quest, or are adventurers allowed to form parties for it?"
The green-haired receptionist looked at him, her indifferent expression remaining unchanged. "Solo quest. No partying. The client specifically requested an individual for this task."
"Got it," Leon replied.
He had hoped to team up with the rabbit woman for the quest. She seemed genuinely interested, and he sensed a certain eagerness in her eyes. However, since it wasn't allowed and the rabbit woman insisted that he should take it instead, he decided to respect the rules and not press the matter further.