Three days passed in a blur of field work and research.

  The morning after registration, Madam Rinne had caught me before breakfast. "Emily forgot to explain adventurer jobs—too excited about your stats." She'd proceeded to give me a crash course in the job system: how people could hold multiple jobs, how promotions worked, the history dating back to ancient times.

  Which led me to the city's only library that day, a cramped building near the administrative quarter. I'd spent hours cross-referencing job classifications, trying to understand why my appraisal result in the guild showed normal "Gladiator" instead of "Warlord."

  The answer came from an unexpected source while I was alone in my room, reviewing the notes.

  Fufu, let me explain~

  Freya's voice suddenly attracted my attention after three days of silence.

  Where have you been, Miss Freya?

  Our dimensions have different time flows! I can't talk constantly, you know~

  I see. What did you want to explain?

  Your job display, of course! I manipulated it because the world is not yet ready for some things; every tale has its own time to unfold. But don't worry—your actual class and its effects remain unchanged.

  Thank you, I guess? That's surprisingly thoughtful.

  Waaah! You complimented me! Her joy flooded through our link. I'm so happy! Usually you just tolerate me!

  I appreciate your help, Miss Freya. Now, don't you have other duties as a guardian?

  Fine, fine! But Yuki—call me when you're alone, okay? And if it's urgent during battle, I'll keep it short. Promise!

  The connection faded before I could respond.

  Handful guardian indeed.

  Knock knock knock.

  "Brother, your breakfast~"

  "Yes, Coming."

  I opened the door to find Manna holding a covered tray, her smile brighter than usual.

  "Morning! Today's menu is nightbird steak and buzzing-lettuce salad!" She set the tray down, then leaned closer conspiratorially. "Oh, and Mom said this is just for you." She slipped a small fruit cake onto the table.

  I blinked. "Why?"

  "I don't know, it's a favor from mother. Though her face was really red when she made it. I wonder if she's sick." Manna tilted her head, genuinely puzzled.

  The cake looked expertly made—light frosting, fresh fruit garnish. Madam Rinne's cooking was always excellent, but this felt... deliberate.

  "Brother, can I ask something?"

  "Hmm?"

  I bit into the cake. Delicious—layers of cream and berry that melted on the tongue.

  "That field work you did two days ago, the farm outside the south gate. Do you remember?"

  "The barren, ordinary farm? What about it?"

  "It's not ordinary! There are flower beds and fruit gardens that just started budding. Everyone says it has a beautiful view now." She twisted her fingers together. "I've been planning to visit, so if you're interested... could you go... with me?"

  "Don't you have friends your age for that?"

  "They're busy with their own work! I don't want to bother them. But if you don't want to—"

  "I don't mind. But I need to finish business at the guild first."

  "Really?!" Her face lit up. "Thank you, Brother! I'll be looking forward to it!"

  She left with a bright smile coming back to her face like usual. Now it's time to finish the rest of the cake at a slow pace. Better enjoyed this exceptional piece while i still had the chance to relax. Who knew what event would come after this fleeting peace.

  Madam Rinne was waiting in the common room, already dressed in her adventurer gear—practical clothing with light armor accents.

  "Ready for the guild, Yuki?"

  "You're coming again, ma'am?"

  "Just until you're settled." Her face flushed slightly. "It won't bother my schedule."

  "Thanks then. And thank you for the cake, it was delicio—." I said it quietly, but Madam Rinne still cut off my words with a panic on her face.

  "Shh! Don't mention it!" She glanced around to make sure no one heard. "Just... don't tell anyone."

  Why was her face red again? Was she actually sick? "Ma'am, are you feeling well? You've been flushed lately—"

  "I'm fine! Let's go before the guild gets crowded!" She practically dragged me out the door.

  Outside, Dawgian's party was waiting.

  "Oh, the kid's ready!"

  Ranngarf grinned, his dwarven features crinkling with amusement.

  "About time. I just finished eating." Myrian stretched her wings.

  "For a harpy, you're quite the glutton," Seilyn said sweetly. "You'll get too fat to fly."

  "What did you say, old snake?!"

  "Now, now." Dawgian stepped between them with practiced ease. "Yuki, we heard your registration results might surprise the guild. Mind if we accompany you?"

  I glanced at Madam Rinne. She nodded slightly. "I don't mind."

  "Excellent! Then let's go right away."

  "Wait!"

  Myrian and Seilyn were still glaring at each other.

  "Ladies, we'll be left behind," Ranngarf warned.

  "Coming!"

  They spoke in unison, then glared harder.

  As we walked, I noticed something odd. Pedestrians stared at our group—but not at Madam Rinne. Their eyes followed Dawgian's party with curiosity. Apparently only adventurers seemed to recognize and respect Madam Rinne.

  The guild was already bustling. Adventurers parted for Madam Rinne with respectful nods and morning greetings.

  "Yo, Madam! Been a while!"

  A weathered man with a scar across his jaw approached.

  "Gandurn. How's the hunt been?"

  "Thanks to your advice three months ago, it's going smoothly." He looked at me appraisingly. "Is this the rumored newbie? Good build. Not bad, Madam—you've still got an eye for talent."

  If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

  "Obviously." Madam Rinne smirked.

  "Let me know your results, kid. I'm curious." Gandurn waved as he headed for the quest board.

  Madam Rinne really did have connections throughout the guild.

  As we arrived at the front desk, The receptionist immediately directed us to the Special Room—the same luxurious space from three days ago. Ten meters by seven, first floor, filled with quality furniture that reminded me painfully of home.

  Was I homesick?

  BAAM!

  The door burst open.

  "Morning, Mrs. Rinne~!"

  Miss Emily rushed in with her characteristic enthusiasm.

  "Emily, you need to change that rough entrance habit."

  "Teehee! I'm just excited." Miss Emily's eyes sparkled. "The Guild Master himself is coming to announce the results!"

  "He what?!" Madam Rinne's expression darkened. "Why is that old man—"

  "Yo! Been a while, Rinne!"

  A booming voice preceded a stocky figure through the doorway.

  An old man came in and filled the whole room with his presence alone. Mixed human and dwarf heritage showed in his build—body was packed with muscle and a thick beard almost left no room on his face. It's distinctive dwarf's features, but how he got huge and tall body then?

  My Appraiser activated automatically:

  Herald Magrave | Human/Dwarf | Age 40 Warrior Lv.81 | S-Rank Adventurer Title: Raging Bulnoros | Class: Guild Master, Baron

  "Old man Herald! Why are you here instead of doing Guild Master's work?!"

  "Hahahaha! It's Guild Master's privilege, Rinne. So where's our prodigy?" His sharp eyes found me, assessing my whole existence. I felt it, even though it lasted only a second. "Ooh, not bad! Not nervous at all? Good—you've still got excellent judgement, little Rinne."

  "I have a child already, damn old man!"

  CRACK!

  Madam Rinne's kick hit the wall. The entire building shook. Dust rained from the ceiling.

  "Waaaah! Rinne! My wall! There's a hole! Can't you control that destructive temper?!"

  "Your fault for touching a woman's sensitive topic."

  "I'll take it from Guild Master's wages to pay for the repairs," Miss Emily said cheerfully.

  "Don't decide on your own! You're my assistant, not my supervisor!"

  "Would you prefer rumors that you touched Mrs. Rinne's womanly sensitive parts?"

  "...Take whatever you need from my wages."

  "Thanks, Emily. I owe you one."

  "We women must stick together. By the way, I heard about new cakes at your inn..."

  "I can arrange samples anytime, dear customer."

  "The pleasure is mine~"

  "When did you two form a rebellious alliance?!" Old man Herald looked genuinely betrayed.

  "Enough games, old man." Madam Rinne crossed her arms. "Don't embarrass yourself further."

  "Guh. Fine. Emily, continue the procedure."

  Miss Emily composed herself, though her smile remained. "This meeting is classified by the Guild Master's order. Consider carefully before sharing this information with anyone."

  "What's this about?" Madam Rinne frowned.

  "Please listen first." Old man Herald's expression turned serious.

  "Based on ability testing, Mr. Yuki achieved high B-rank—meaning with minimal additional training, he could reach A-rank. For experience testing, he needs to clear requisite quests for proper evaluation. For credibility testing, Mr. Yuki shows no criminal history. Once he completes necessary quests, he can achieve at least C-rank credibility." Miss Emily paused. "However, Guild Master requires personal confirmation before proceeding."

  "You're fast-tracking him to A-rank potential?" Madam Rinne's eyes widened then sharpened. "That's rare. It's suspicious even."

  "We urgently need quality rankers. After seeing Emily's evaluation, I had to verify him personally."

  "It's about my father, isn't it?" I spoke before Madam Rinne could intervene.

  She looked at me, clearly holding back emotions, trusting me to handle this.

  "Smart kid." Old man Herald grinned. "Not just strong, but perceptive. Emily, note that."

  "Already noted, sir."

  "You've got guts too. Another point. Ready for questions, son?"

  "My father taught me not to fear honest inquiry."

  Old man Herald's eyes gleamed. "Tell me about Huberg. Not the legend—the man. What was he like in the forest?"

  I hadn't expected that approach.

  "He was... particular. About everything." The memories Freya had given me felt oddly real. "His hair was always a mess—curly dark brown that stuck up no matter what. He had this motto: 'Never back down to a jerk.' Said it before morning session everyday."

  Old man Herald leaned forward slightly. His face was serious, but his eyes seemed anticipating.

  "He hated fancy food. Just salted meat and water. Said anything else was a distraction from training. And on his back..." I touched my own shoulder blade unconsciously. "A tattoo of a bear hugging its cub. He told me that...he made it the day he found me."

  The room had gone very quiet.

  "His...last words?" Old man Herald's voice was softer now. And curious.

  "He said..." I paused, feeling unexpected emotion. Even if it's not my own memories. "Go to the city. You'll meet our other family there."

  Silence stretched for several heartbeats.

  Miss Emily wiped her eyes discretely. Old man Herald's jaw clenched, face hardening as he stared at the ceiling. Madam Rinne turned away, and I couldn't see her expression.

  Then Old man Herald laughed—deep, genuine, with an edge of pain. "Gahahaha! You're really his son, aren't you? You pass! No more questions needed."

  "Congratulations, Mr. Yuki." Miss Emily's smile was watery but warm.

  "Work hard, kid. I expect great things." Old man Herald stood. "Emily, you can handle the rest?"

  "Of course, sir."

  "Take care, Rinne. I've got work." He paused at the door, glancing back at me. "Your old man would be proud, son."

  Then he was gone.

  Meanwhile Yuki and Madam Rinne were still in the Special Room, Herald strode down the corridor.

  His footsteps echoing in the empty hallway.

  You changed your promise, you bastard.

  That thought bugged him badly.

  He remembered it clearly—sitting around a campfire deep in the forest, drunk on cheap ale, making grandiose plans.

  'Once you become Guild Master, let's have a feast! Center of the forest—invite everyone! I'll find the perfect spot. It'll be the grandest party, just like old times!'

  Huberg's grin had been infectious even then.

  'I'll be waiting, dude.'

  Herald stopped walking, closing his eyes.

  "You didn't wait. You made a different promise instead." He smiled despite the tightness in his chest. "But it's not bad at all, old friend. Not bad at all."

  He continued his heavy steps toward his office, leaving the past behind where it belonged.

  "Here's your card."

  Miss Emily handed me a black rectangular piece—obsidian-colored with silver lettering that seemed to shimmer.

  "Your rank, job, and general information are encoded in the card. Show it to any authority during inspections. Your information updates automatically when we register changes—rank-ups, title acquisitions, that sort of thing. So don't lose it."

  "And if I do?"

  "Fifty silver for replacement." Miss Emily's smile was pure business. "The card material is expensive, and the ancient magic used in encoding is licensed to specific guilds only."

  "I know what you may think, boy—yes, it's expensive. Just be careful with it." Madam Rinne read my mind easily. Though I didn't change my expression.

  Finally, I became an adventurer officially. Everything was going as planned. The adventures and explorations I had dreamed of.

  But it wasn’t time to relax—more like time to prepare. The attention would certainly hunt me down later if I carried out my plan.

  "Thank you both for your help."

  "We're done here. I have an inn to run." Madam Rinne headed to the door.

  "Thanks again for the guidance, Miss Emily."

  "We'll see each other often now, Yuki. Welcome to the guild officially."

  "Ma'am, I'll stay a bit longer. I have something to sell."

  Madam Rinne raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Alright. Stay outta troubles, boy."

  After she left, I turned to Miss Emily. "Where can I sell hunt materials?"

  "Pardon?" Her disbelief was almost comical.

  "Yuki! How'd it go?" Dawgian's party appeared as Miss Emily led me toward the Valuation Room.

  "Quite tiring, honestly." I kept my card tucked away.

  "So? Can we hunt together?" Seilyn asked hopefully.

  "I'll teach you anything you need, Yuki~" Myrian puffed her chest out.

  "You? It should be this big sister." Seilyn's smile turned sharp. Her head was facing up arrogantly.

  "What did you say?!"

  "Calm down, Ladies." Dawgian's sharp eyes turned to me suspiciously. "So...can we know your rank, Yuki?"

  "If you can keep a secret..." I showed them my card carefully.

  Their eyes widened in perfect synchronization.

  Dead silence for some minutes, I presumed.

  "Is it... true, Madam Emily?" Dawgian finally managed.

  "Of course, Mr. Dawgian. You passed the same tests yourself."

  "But I've never heard of—no, never seen it with my own eyes." Myrian looked genuinely shaken.

  "B-rank on first registration," Ranngarf whistled low. "At your age? That's unprecedented."

  "Even ancient heroes didn't achieve this," Dawgian murmured. "No wonder the Guild Master classified it."

  "We'll keep your secret," Ranngarf said firmly. The others nodded.

  "Thank you. Now, Miss Emily and I have business in the Valuation Room."

  "Wait, What? Valuation Room??" Four voices echoed in confusion.

  Their expressions suggested they were reconsidering everything they thought about me.

  [Second Objective - Daydream Walk: In Progress]