The next morning, the sun rose over Arcadia, casting a golden glow over the city as Kateku and the five elves ventured into its bustling streets. Their destination was the Adventurers' Guild, a massive building in the heart of the city, where the strongest adventurers from across the continent gathered to take on missions, form teams, and improve their skills.
As they approached, the group noticed the imposing size of the guildhall. The stone building, reinforced with magical barriers, towered over the surrounding marketplace. At its entrance hung the symbol of the guild: a sword crossed with a staff. A line of adventurers, some clad in full armor, others in robes or travel gear, stretched outside, waiting to enter.
"This is where we get our ranks and start taking on missions," Kateku said as they approached. "Be ready."
Inside, the guildhall was a bustling hive of activity. Adventurers filled the large room, some resting at long wooden tables, others huddled near bulletin boards filled with missions and notices. At the far end of the room, a receptionist stood behind a tall counter, managing the flow of adventurers who sought registration or mission updates.
After a short wait in line, Kateku and the elves reached the counter. The receptionist, a sharp-eyed woman with silver hair, gave them a quick glance before speaking.
"New registrations?"
Kateku nodded. "Yes, we'd like to register as adventurers."
The receptionist pulled out a large tome and began to record their names. "Once I have your details, we'll conduct a basic assessment to determine your rank. But first, let me explain the guild's ranking system."
She gestured to a large board behind her, displaying two sets of ranking systems.
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Adventurers' Guild Ranking System:
For Items, Equipment, and Resources:
Wood Level: Basic, beginner-level materials and items, usually for novice adventurers.
Iron Level: Slightly more durable and effective, suitable for lower-level missions.
Gold Level: High-quality materials and items, more reliable and sought after by experienced adventurers.
Diamond Level: Elite items and resources, highly valuable and often used by seasoned adventurers.
Netherite Level: The highest and rarest tier of items, known for their durability and power. Only the best adventurers or the wealthiest can obtain these.
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For Individuals and Adventurers:
Noob Level: Just starting out with little to no experience in combat or magic.
Beginner Level: Learning the ropes, but still developing skills.
Pro Level: Competent and able to handle most challenges.
Master Level: Exceptional skill in combat or magic, highly regarded.
King Level: Among the best in the kingdom, capable of legendary feats.
Demi-God Level: Nearly unrivaled in power and skill, a force to be reckoned with.
God Level: The pinnacle of human (or otherwise) ability, holding nearly unimaginable strength and mastery.
---
"Each of you will be ranked based on your current abilities, and your equipment will also be assessed to determine its level," the receptionist continued. "Your rank will affect the types of missions you can take and the rewards you'll receive."
Kateku and the elves listened closely. This system was new to them, but they understood its importance. Their rank would determine how seriously they were taken by other adventurers, as well as the kinds of opportunities that would come their way.
The receptionist closed the tome and gestured toward a side door. "Your assessment will take place in the arena. Follow me."
As they entered the arena, Kateku's group was greeted by the sight of various adventurers demonstrating their skills—some sparring, others showing off their magic or other abilities. The large space was lined with training dummies and targets, and guild evaluators stood nearby, observing and taking notes.
"You'll each demonstrate your combat or magical prowess, after which we'll assign your initial rank," the receptionist said.
Kateku stepped forward first, feeling the weight of the moment. This was more than just a test—it was his first step into becoming a real force in Arcadia. The elves watched closely as Kateku prepared for the trial, knowing that their own evaluations would follow.
"Let's begin," said the guild evaluator, standing in the center of the arena.
---
As they took turns, Kateku and his group showcased their abilities. Kateku, though powerful, was still relatively new to Arcadia's magic system and struggled to control some aspects of his spells. The five elves, on the other hand, demonstrated their innate connection to nature magic, impressing the evaluators with their precision and skill.
After the trials, the receptionist called them back to the counter to announce their ranks.
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Adventurer Ranks:
Kateku: Pro Level
Aurelion, Crimsonia, Sylfae, Viridia, Liliana: Pro Level
Their items, meanwhile, were mostly ranked at Iron Level, with some of their more enchanted equipment reaching Gold Level.
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"Pro Level is a solid start," the receptionist said, handing them their guild badges. "You can take on mid-level missions with this rank. As for your equipment, you'll want to upgrade as you go. Iron and Gold will serve you well for now, but you'll need stronger gear as you face tougher challenges."
Kateku glanced at the others, a small grin forming. "Pro is fine for now, but we'll be moving up soon enough."
As they exited the guild, they looked forward to the adventures and challenges ahead, knowing that the path to the highest ranks had just begun.
After leaving the guild, Kateku and the elves wandered the streets of Arcadia, discussing their next steps. Though they had been ranked as Pro Level adventurers, they knew it was just the beginning. Arcadia had much to offer, and the road to mastery would be long and filled with challenges.
The city buzzed with energy as adventurers from all corners of the empire mingled with merchants, craftsmen, and travelers. Arcadia's towering buildings glistened under the midday sun, the magic-infused architecture giving the place an otherworldly feel. The streets were filled with stalls selling enchanted trinkets, potions, and rare materials, and the air was thick with the scent of food from different regions.
"We should explore the marketplace," Aurelion suggested, eyeing a nearby stall that sold enchanted armor.
Crimsonia nodded. "We'll need better gear soon if we want to survive the tougher missions."
Kateku, however, had his eyes on something else. "Before that, I think we should gather information. This city is filled with adventurers, mages, and scholars. If we can learn more about the ranking system, the different empires, and the magic that dominates this place, we'll have a better chance at navigating it."
The elves agreed, and they made their way to the largest library in Arcadia, the Arcadian Archive. It was a massive structure made of white stone, with intricate carvings depicting magical creatures and ancient battles. As they stepped inside, they were greeted by rows upon rows of bookshelves that stretched to the ceiling, filled with tomes on every subject imaginable.
A young librarian, dressed in simple robes, approached them. "How may I assist you?" she asked, her voice soft but confident.
"We're new to Arcadia," Kateku said, "and we need information. Particularly about the ranking system, the history of this city, and anything that might give us an edge as adventurers."
The librarian nodded. "You'll find what you're looking for in the History and Magic sections. Follow me."
As they walked through the archive, Kateku's group marveled at the sheer amount of knowledge stored in the building. The librarian led them to a quiet reading area where she handed them several volumes.
---
The first book they opened was titled The History of Arcadia. It detailed the rise of the Mage Empire, explaining how the city had been founded centuries ago by a council of powerful mages. The empire had grown rapidly due to its mastery of magic, becoming a hub for scholars, adventurers, and traders alike. The book also mentioned the Arcane Council, a group of the most powerful mages who governed the city.
"What's interesting," Kateku said as he skimmed the pages, "is that Arcadia has a reputation for being neutral. They don't get involved in wars, but they sell magical knowledge and items to other nations."
Aurelion, reading over her shoulder, nodded. "That explains why adventurers from all over the world come here. It's a place of learning and opportunity, not politics."
With this kateku gets a thought in his mind what would happen if this play gets over run by politics would it crumble would it start a war.
Thinking about war made kateku smile a little,in his old world there were some people who wanted to be a cause of a war and then tell people about it and see what's the public reaction.
Kateku now wanting to take the nation down by politics he was cooking a plan in his mind.