The next day, Michael arrived at the Adventurer’s Guild.
“How may I help you?” the receptionist asked, flashing him a sweet smile.
“I’m here to register as an adventurer,” Michael replied.
“Oh.
What is your current rank?” she asked.
“I’m currently rankless, but I have a B-rank battle pet,” Michael informed her.
“I see.
So you’re a tamer or a summoner?”
“A little bit of both,” Michael replied awkwardly.
He suddenly realized one of the problems he would face going forward: how to properly explain his strength and abilities.
He shook his head, deciding not to overthink it for now.
“So you can both summon and tame?
That’s a rare class,” the receptionist said, nodding in understanding.
“Actually, just forget that.
I’m a dual-class Battle Mage and Summoner,” Michael explained.
It was the closest explanation he could come up with.
The receptionist dropped her pen in surprise, staring at him like he was a rare gem.
However, disbelief still lingered in her eyes.
“I’ll need proof before I can register you,” she said.
“Sure.
When does the test start?” Michael asked.
“I can sign you up now, but the test won’t begin until this afternoon.”
“Alright,” Michael nodded.
He had the entire week free anyway.
It would take the blacksmith that long to prepare the next batch of swords.
After finalizing the registration, Michael returned to his inn to rest.
“Oh, Michael.
Lucky running into you here,” a familiar voice called out as he entered.
By sheer coincidence, Cecil was having a meal inside.
She waved at him and invited him to sit.
Michael, with time to kill, accepted the invitation.
“What would you like to have?” she asked with a radiant smile.
“Nah, I’m fine,” Michael replied out of courtesy, but Cecil insisted until he ordered the same thing as her.
Taking a sip of the soup, Michael frowned.
It was a little too salty.
“What’s wrong?” Cecil asked, noticing his expression.
“It’s fine.
Mine is just a bit salty,” he explained.
“Oh.
Can I taste it?” she asked politely.
Michael nodded.
After tasting it, Cecil agreed.
“You’re right.
I’ll order you another bowl.”
“No, it’s okay,” Michael said, holding onto his bowl. You are reading on g.com, the official source.
Out of courtesy, he decided to finish it.
“Hmm.
I can try that,” he muttered.
Recalling his Ancient Broker class, he decided on a whim to test **Asset Conversion**.
He focused on changing the saltiness into spiciness.
Placing his hand on the bowl, a subtle glow appeared as mana coalesced around him.
About a minute later, the conversion was complete.
Michael tasted the soup again — it was now perfectly spiced.
Cecil had noticed the glow but said nothing.
There was an unspoken rule in this world: don’t pry into someone’s abilities unless invited.
Michael appreciated her restraint.
His opinion of Cecil rose slightly.
The two ate while exchanging basic questions, both carefully guarding their many secrets.
When noon arrived, they stood up at the same time.
“Hmm?
You’re leaving too?” Cecil asked, surprised by the coincidence.
“Yes.
I have an adventurer exam to take,” Michael replied.
“Wow, what a coincidence!
I’m taking the exam as well.
If it’s okay with you, can we go together?”
“Sure,” Michael nodded.
Together, they returned to the guild building.
“You’re both here for the exams?” the receptionist asked, still wearing her bright smile.
“Yes,” they answered in unison.
“Alright.
Follow me.”
The duo followed her to the examination grounds.
The Adventurer’s Guild held these tests once a month, mostly for newbies, though retired mercenaries and hermits occasionally participated as well.
About fifty people were already gathered at the training ground.
“So, what grade do you think you’ll reach?” Cecil asked.
“I’m not sure myself.
I’m something of a wildcard—even I haven’t fully figured myself out,” Michael admitted.
He had only recently become a killer, and he wasn’t sure he could have done it without his Sword Heart tempering his emotions.
“Alright.
Whatever happens, good luck,” Cecil encouraged.
“You too.”
While they were chatting, a young man with a cool demeanor, neat appearance, and confident stride approached them.
“Cecil, right?
A pretty girl like you shouldn’t stress over some exam.
How about I just give you a B-grade badge and you have a drink with me?” the young man offered with a charming smile.
“No thanks.
I want to know how strong I truly am,” Cecil replied politely.
“Oh, I see.
That’s admirable.
How about a drink after the exam to celebrate your passing?” he pressed, flashing another casual smile.
“Thank you, but I must decline that as well.”
“Don’t be like that.
I’m Jermaine, son of the Iron City Guild Master and currently acting Guild Master.
I’m also part of Prince Daniel’s adventure team,” he said, flaunting his connections.
Michael had remained silent beside Cecil, not interfering.
But the moment he heard “Prince Daniel”—the fifth prince of Maple Kingdom and one of the traitors from his previous life—killing intent unconsciously flared from him.
Jermaine, an A-rank archer with the rare Bullseye talent, immediately sensed it.
He turned to Michael with a frown.
“You.
How dare you release killing intent toward me?!” Jermaine snapped, reaching for Michael’s neck.
Before he could grab him, Flame and Ice merged together and forcefully exited Michael’s Inventory, positioning themselves protectively between the two.
Acting on instinct, Michael pressed his hand against the nearby wall and used **Asset Conversion**.
Two stone pillars erupted from the wall, creating a barrier between him and Jermaine.
The commotion drew everyone’s attention.
“Is this how the guild oppresses examinees?” Cecil spoke up sharply.
“I might have to report this to the main headquarters.”
Murmurs spread among the participants.
Even some veterans began paying close attention.
Jermaine, sensing the shifting mood, quickly backed down.
“Such nonsense.
I was simply testing my friend here—making sure he’s ready for sudden danger.
That’s a core skill for any adventurer.”
He smoothed things over with a brilliant smile.
“It seems he has the fundamentals right.
Alright, let’s begin the exam.
Sorry if my actions were misinterpreted and scared anyone.”
Michael retracted the pillars and left the merged Twin-Headed Wolf out of his Inventory for now.
At least the incident had given him a better practical understanding of his class.
“Are you okay?” Cecil asked with concern.
“Yes.
Thank you for stepping in,” Michael replied.
“Alright, let’s go take the exam.”
As they moved toward the testing area, Geldon’s whisper reached only Cecil’s ears: “Princess.
That guy is dangerous, unpredictable, and ominous.
I strongly advise you stay far away from him.”
“I don’t think so,” Cecil replied.
“I feel comfortable around him.
He’s the only outsider who doesn’t look at me with ulterior motives.”
“Besides, you can protect me if he truly is dangerous,” she added as they reached the examination site.