Chapter 360: Flowering Ginkons

It took them some time to all get situated, but they eventually got their cards. Julius held his card close to his chest protectively. The bronze metal felt cool against his fingertips, and there was a nice hefty weight that reminded him of one of those black credit cards. The ones that rich kids would show off to everyone and their mothers.

It didn’t have much on it. It was just his name, grade, and a single letter underneath. He recalled what Stephanie and her team had explained to him about adventurers’ ranks. Rank E, which he was currently placed at, was the beginning of the ranking.

Each increase in rank indicated how many completed jobs you have done and how reliable you were. This also meant that some jobs were only available to higher-ranked bronze adventurers. For example, more dangerous rifts or missions required a B-rank bronze adventurer. Much like the one Stephanie and her team had been on.

There was also an enchantment inlaid into the metal which would allow the guild to scan it and make sure it was real. This was also how they would track which missions and other such jobs assigned to him.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come with us?” Lily asked.

He nodded. “Yeah, I’m going to see what missions and stuff are posted. Maybe I even take one of them,” he said.

She sighed. “You do realize that the Stormcallers likely have some pretty nice rifts or missions specifically for you there, right?”

“Yeah, but I would rather do my own thing,” he said.

Edgar placed a hand on Lily’s shoulder. “Let him do what he wants, Lily. We can meet up with him later.”

She frowned but nodded. “Okay.”

Julius watched as they all left to go head off to the Stormcaller’s Guild and once they had left, he went over to a board that displayed all of the publicly offered jobs and missions.

There was a section specifically meant for bronze grade members. He browsed the board alongside a few dozen other people who were checking out the missions. He didn’t even bother to look at the higher-ranked missions. He knew he wouldn’t be allowed to go on them yet and would only serve to tease him.

For now, he wanted to work his way from E-rank so that he could apply for the more tantalizing jobs. Luckily for him, the receptionist informed him that making his way up from E-rank was quite easy. Most people could do it within a few days or so.

It was mainly there to serve as a rank for people who never did any missions and liked to register just to say they were an adventurer.

He eventually spotted a mission that didn’t have any requirements and seemed like it was somewhat interesting. Plus, it wouldn’t take too long, like some of the escorting missions he spotted.

The mission was just a simple gathering job. Some special herbs for potions were found just on the edge of the forest, but a warning on the mission stated that a dangerous plant nearby caused nausea if exposed to its scent, which was the reason why iron grades couldn’t take it.

However, he was curious what kind of plant this could be and went over to the counter to sign up for the mission. He didn’t see any harm in taking a look.

***

“Are you sure?” The receptionist asked him with doubt in her eyes.

“Yep, is there anything wrong with me taking it?” He asked, confused at her reaction.

“No, nothing wrong at all. Just surprised, most of the adventurers have been avoiding this particular area of the forest for a while.”

“Because of the other plant? What is it called by the way?” He asked.

She nodded. “Yeah, it’s called a Flowering Ginkon. It’s actually quite beautiful, but when it blooms, it releases a sickening scent that makes anyone who smells it nauseous and throw up. Apparently, it has grown pretty wild these past few weeks and is a slightly different variation than normal. We have already asked a silver grade adventurer to remove it before it worsens.”

Julius couldn’t help but think that Tia might be a good person to handle that situation. Her expertise in plant magic would likely solve all the issues. Too bad she wasn’t around to help.

“Are you sure you don’t want to choose something else? I see that you are brand new. But don’t try and rush to get to Rank D. I know the increased points are nice, but if you want, I can recommend some nice and easy missions that will raise your rank,” the woman said helpfully.

He shook his head firmly. No, this Flowering Ginkon seemed interesting and would make the otherwise boring gathering mission somewhat pleasing. If he couldn’t fight strong beasts yet, he would at least like to see some exciting stuff. Plus, he wanted to get an initial impression of the forest before he started to delve deeper into it.

The receptionist seemed skeptical of his refusal, but she couldn’t really do anything to stop him and sighed as she registered him for the mission.

***

He was walking out of the massive walls of the town, carefully examining the enchantments and protections laid across them. They were even more impressive up close.

Just outside the walls was a vast expanse of trees. The Endless Forest, like its name suggested, was a huge forest. However, it wasn’t all forest. There were large empty areas, much like you would see on the plains.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

With that being said, he spotted the huge tree line off in the distance. He wasn’t the only person who was heading toward the forest either. Dozens of other adventurers were all heading toward the forest. Most of them were with a team and had all sorts of gear on them.

Thankfully, he wouldn’t have to walk all the way to the forest. There were wagons running back and forth from the forest, carrying people and their gear.

He waited his turn and hopped onto a wagon with a dozen other people. It wasn’t too surprising since they signed up around the same time, but he did end up spotting the same girl he had seen at the guild before. It was the girl who had been signing up in front of him, the one Aubrey had scolded for being rude.

He noticed that she recognized him as well. Not seeing a reason to ignore her since they made eye contact, he gave her a small smile, one that the girl returned.

There was also another team of young adventurers next to him. They weren’t that strong, most of them at Tier 2 and only one of them at Tier 3. They seemed like a group of friends and were horsing around, joking with one another.

“What kind of mission did you choose?” A boy not much older than Julius asked him suddenly.