After collecting his reward at the guild's counter, Locus came back to the table that Genken was sitting, or rather sleeping at.
"It's done. I'm now a D-rank adventurer."
Genken woke up.
"Great, then it looks like I'll continue to be your teacher, so how about I officially join your party?"
"Sure."
It was possible for people to join a party, which would make the party leader's rank apply for all of them.
If he accepted a quest, everyone in the group would be working on it.
Some quests were more difficult than others and therefore required a party to accept them.
When the two reached the counter, a little, young lady with black hair and glasses greeted them.
"Good evening, what can I do for you?"
"The two of us would like to form a party with me as the leader."
"Alright, may I see your adventurer cards, please?"
Both of them rummaged around in their pockets for the little cards and handed them to her.
Locus took a quick peek at Genken's rank. It looked like Genken was still rank F, which confused Locus since Genken could teleport and therefore complete many higher quests with ease.
The lady behind the counter wrote something in a huge book. Genken turned to Locus.
"Did you know that that's an enchanted book? Look closely. It automatically opens and turns to the right page for the employees. Every guild uses them."
Locus wondered how an F rank came into possession of knowledge like that.
"Alright, all done. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"No, thank you very much. Have a nice evening." Genken replied.
He and Locus walked away from the counter.
"By the way, why do you want to work in the Berthram Guild's territory? You could transfer your progress as an adventurer to another guild with bigger influence."
Locus hadn't really thought about the possibility of working for another guild.
"I'm fine. This guild is my home."
Or at least it was, back when he still had one.
"I assume that's it for today?"
"Exactly. We'll meet again tomorrow morning."
"What if this group of adventurers comes back?"
"Don't worry, we won't meet at the guild. Your combat skills need improvement. Come to the western gate once the sun has risen."
"Okay, but what exactly will we be doing?"
"First, we'll train your basic combat skills. I want you to be strong."
"And how long will it take me to become strong?"
"Well, that depends on how strong you want to be. Come to think of it, why do you even want to get stronger?"
Locus paused. The Mastermind Guild was feared, so there was a chance that people would distance themselves from Locus if they found out what he was planning to do.
But sooner or later, Locus had to tell Genken. Maybe Genken could devise a special training for Locus.
"I want to kill the Mastermind."
Genken froze.
"You want to kill the Mastermind? The ruler of the world?"
"Yes."
For a few seconds, none of them said a word. Then Genken smiled.
"Alright, let's see how that goes. I'm in!"
Locus was relieved.
"So how long will it take me to reach that goal?"
"Hmm, that depends on your potential. I'm guessing about one or two eternities."
Genken looked Locus in the eyes.
"But let's see if you can prove me wrong."
Locus was a little confused. Then he remembered the company and its leader, whom he had seen at Condre Village.
"And how long to beat a High Commander?"
Genken raised his eyebrows.
"I guess we'll find out tomorrow. You better give it everything you've got."
Locus nodded.
"Oh, and you need a great plan."
That was another thing that Locus didn't have.
Genken seemed to notice.
"Alright, so we need to get you stronger and smarter."
Genken took a close look at Locus.
"And if your goal is that high, I guess I also need to teach you Aura."