After returning to the Fortress City of Balga, Ashley and I met with Milimaria at the main guild hall.
“Welcome back, Schwarz and Ashley.”
“We have returned, Milimaria. Does this mean the D-rank promotion exam is concluded?”
“Yes, Examiner Ashley. How was Schwarz’s labyrinth exploration?”
“The preparations were flawless. He was able to assess and respond calmly to situations on the first basement level. He also handled an emergency on the second basement level with composure. I judge that he qualifies as a D-rank adventurer and labyrinth explorer.”
“Great. We will consider Schwarz’s D-rank promotion exam passed and grant him the labyrinth explorer qualification.”
“Thank you.”
With this D-rank, I could now focus on labyrinth exploration and finally resolve the major issue of acquiring Crystal Points. Then I could summon not only ammunition but also consumables, disposable special equipment, and support weapons without hesitation. This access significantly expanded the scope of my activities.
“Congratulations, Schwarz,” said Ashley. “With the abilities you demonstrated in the labyrinth, I believe you’ll do just fine. Just make sure you don’t overexert yourself.”
“Schwarz, please provide your guild card,” Milimaria said. “We will update your rank and grant you the labyrinth explorer qualification. Additionally, all the magic stones and other spoils obtained during this labyrinth exploration are your property. You may exchange them at the annex or sell them to magic stone merchants in the city. It’s up to you.”
“Thank you for your help today, Ashley. As for the magic stones... I think I will sell them to my acquaintance at the Marida Trading Company.”
“Oh? Who do you know from the Marida Trading Company?”
Ashley’s surprised expression suggested that the Marida Trading Company was well-known. I only mentioned it because I had consumed a considerable amount of ammunition and special grenades that day. At Marida Trading Company, I planned to trade the magic stones with attributes obtained in the labyrinth for non-attribute magic stones.
“Is it famous? I met Marta a while ago. He’s often my go-to for buying and selling tools.”
“Schwarz, the Marida Trading Company is one of the top trading companies in the Kurtmelga Kingdom. Its main store is in the royal capital. How do you not know that? Marta...as in Marta, the head of the company?”
“The head of the company? Is he? The Marta I know is a cheerful, chubby gentleman.”
“I heard that Marida is the name of the boss’s wife. Marta is indeed the head of the company.”
Marida is the name of Marta’s wife? It surprised me to learn that he was the head of such a large company. Why would he travel alone from the royal capital to the Fortress City of Balga without any guards?
“Ashley, I understand you want to talk with Schwarz, but you still have a report to write, don’t you? Now that you’re officially promoted to guild investigator, make sure you complete it.”
“Milimaria!” Ashley blushed at her remark.
While observing Ashley’s protest, I received the updated guild card from Milimaria and checked the display.
Adventurer Registration Card
Name: Schwarz Powder
Age: 24
Place of Origin: VMB
Main Weapon: None
Main Magic Attribute: None
Skills: None
Abilities: None
Tax Payment Method: From Adventurer Income
Rank: D (0/3,000)
Inspector Certificate: Yes
Seeing that it would take three thousand points to qualify for C-rank was shocking. Everything else looked as expected, but that number was shocking. It was fine, though. Now that I had my explorer qualification, there wasn’t really a need to further increase my adventurer rank.
“There it is—D-rank. I’m going to go sell the magic stones now. What about you, Ashley?”
“I’m heading to the administrative building.”
“Then let’s walk together partway.”
We left the reception counter. As we walked together, I recalled the conversation I overheard earlier.
“Ashley, was being the examiner for my exam also your final test for becoming a guild investigator?”
“Yes. Originally, the post-incident investigation in Myral Village was supposed to be my test. That didn’t go so well. So, I ended up retaking it as your examiner.”
“I see. I’m glad this time passed without any issues. We should celebrate our promotions! Why don’t we get dinner together soon?”
“Really? I can make time tomorrow, or the day after.”
“Perfect. I’ll be waiting in front of the main guild the evening after tomorrow.”
This D-rank promotion exam was the first time since the harpy extermination request that I acted as part of a group. The relief that it had been completed without incident emboldened me. So much, in fact, that I asked Ashley out on a date.
The life-and-death exchanges in this otherworld might have worn down my heart and spirit more than I realized. Subconsciously, I was seeking something to heal that. Reflecting on my actions, I strolled down the Balga main street, patting my subconscious self on the back for a job well done.