"Then how do I become a ’Formal’ Sorcerer?"
"You need to prove your bloodline, but I can’t complete the Rating here. Only big cities like Frost Valley City have the facilities for that," Hiv replied.
"Thank you, Mr. Hiv," Lorin expressed his genuine gratitude.
Hiv’s words were an immense help to him. Not only did they clear up many of his doubts about Professionals, but he also learned a lot of secrets. Some of this knowledge couldn’t be bought with money. The man obviously had good intentions toward him, though Lorin had no idea where this goodwill came from.
His path forward was now very clear. Even the trashiest Magic Staff was absurdly expensive, and proving his bloodline was completely out of the question. If he wanted to get a title to access more of the Extraordinary World, the very first thing he needed to do was—learn a Warrior’s Martial Arts.
"Mr. Hiv, do you know how to learn a Warrior’s Martial Arts?" Lorin asked humbly.
Hiv set down his glass, squinting at him for a moment before saying, "Kid, a Sorcerer can’t become a Sword Singer."
Lorin scratched his head. He didn’t know how to explain his Magic, so he could only offer a weak excuse: "I just want a little more ability to protect myself."
"That’s true. After all, it’s not easy for a Sorcerer to improve their Power. There’s no harm in trying other paths." Hiv nodded, then teased, "You’re an eager learner, kid. Not bad."
"Hehe."
The young man’s humble request for guidance gave Hiv the joy of acting as a mentor, making him want to offer a bit more advice.
"Martial Arts come from a vast range of sources. It could be a journal of insights, a torn manuscript, or some people might even comprehend it on their own during combat." Hiv recalled for a moment before continuing. "But all of those depend on personal luck and fortune, which others can hardly replicate. The most practical way is to find a Professional who has already walked the path of a Warrior and ask for their guidance."
HISS... Lorin drew in a sharp breath. The only Warrior Professional he knew had been burned to ashes by him. Where was he supposed to find another one?
"Do you know any friends who are?" Lorin asked.
Hiv was clearly a seasoned veteran, and as the president of the Adventurer guild branch, he surely wouldn’t lack such connections.
Hiv chuckled, pointing at himself. "I am one."
Lorin’s eyes widened slightly; he genuinely hadn’t thought in that direction.
"Then could you..."
"But why should I teach you, young man? What can you bring me?" Hiv asked, looking him in the eyes. Enjoying the story? Read on at g.com.
"I can bring you an apprentice who respects his master, is well-educated and reasonable, bears hardship without complaint, never fights back when beaten, never talks back when scolded, is on call at all times, and has absolutely no complaints." Lorin swore he had thrown out every flattering idiom he could remember. He took two quick breaths and continued, "Along with a few insignificant Gold Coins to thank you for your guidance."
"HAHAHAHA! You kid, you really suit my taste!" Hiv laughed heartily, slapping his palm against the table with a heavy THUMP THUMP, completely ignoring the stares of the other patrons in the tavern.
After laughing for a good while, he straightened his expression and said seriously, "But kid, the path of a Warrior isn’t that easy to walk. Unlike the aloof Casters, this is destined to be a road full of hardships." He leaned on the bar with both hands, leaning in close to Lorin, and stared at him. "Are you... ready?"
Lorin took a deep breath, slowly nodded, and replied, "I am."
Unlike the smug confidence he felt when he first crossed over, after being tempered by blood and fire these past few days, he profoundly understood that if he wanted to gain a foothold in this world, his future would absolutely not lack hardships.
But... so what?!
If he didn’t have the resolve to face hardships, how could he explore this world and experience those wondrous things full of Magic Power? Since the heavens had given him a second chance at life, he would absolutely not live as mediocrely as in his previous life. Even if he were to die on this path, he would die in a blaze of glory!
Lorin felt his entire body trembling with excitement. He seemed to have grasped something, yet it was separated by a thin barrier, making it impossible to see clearly. Thus, all sorts of thoughts flashed through his mind, ultimately condensing into a single sentence.
"I have no regrets, even in death."
"Good... Good! Kid, you’re not bad. Perhaps you really can forge an unprecedented path." Hiv squeezed his shoulder tightly. "But this isn’t enough. You only have the qualifications to step onto this path. I will pick out a suitable mission for you. Go and prove your resolve!"
Hiv examined Lorin’s expression, noting his excited yet haggard look, and said softly, "For now, go get some rest. Come find me once you’re ready."
Lorin exhaled and nodded. At Hiv’s gesture, he gathered his equipment and headed to the guest room on the second floor.
"Huh... so I don’t need to pay now? I get to freeload a room? There’s actually such a good thing?" he realized belatedly.
It was a new day.
Lorin climbed out of bed full of energy, stretching deeply, feeling as though every cell in his body was jumping with joy. After days of healing from the Ring of the Flame Speaker, he felt that the hidden injuries he had sustained before crossing over were completely healed.
He brought up his interface to take a look.
[Name: Lorin]
[Race: Human]
[Power: 13]
[Agility: 11]
[Constitution: 9 -> 10]
[Intelligence: 12]
[Charm: 12]
[Perception: 10]
[Exploration Experience: 77]
[Exploration Area: Frost Valley City (31%), Mist Forest (1%), Shallow Beach Town (100%)]
[Magic: Lorin’s Burning Hand, Profanity Proficient, Fur Perception (Basic), Lorin’s Lightning Traction]
[Skills: Common Language (Mastery), Lock Picking (Skilled), Weight Carrying (Mastery), Climbing (Beginner), Street Fighting (Beginner), Stealth Action (Skilled), Longsword (Beginner)]
Sure enough, his Constitution had returned to normal. He clenched his fists tightly, feeling an abundant sense of power.
He wondered what kind of mission Hiv would pick for him. Speaking of which... he should be able to bring companions along, right? Lorin calculated the time. Today was the fifth day of Pip’s treatment. According to their previous agreement, he should have recovered his health by now.
He first went downstairs to confirm the matter of companions with Hiv.
"Of course! Finding trustworthy companions is a skill in itself, but you have to be careful not to be deceived," Hiv warned. He was currently focused on meticulously trimming his thick beard as he answered Lorin’s question.
"He is a Halfling," Lorin said.
Hiv then nodded in approval. "Halflings are generally pure-hearted. Bringing a Scout along will make things much safer. However, you’ll just have to keep an eye on your wallet."
Lorin smiled awkwardly. He really didn’t know how to explain to him that Pip’s combat style had absolutely nothing to do with being a Scout.