Everett nodded, pulling a wooden abacus from a shelf. "Fair enough. Let's see... that leaves us with 32 eyes of varying sizes. 16 small, 10 medium, and 6 large." He began clicking the beads across the rows with practiced speed. "At current market rates... that's 244 Gold coins for the eyes alone."
"Now, for the claws..."
...
After nearly an hour of clicking the abacus and verifying ledgers, Everett leaned back.
"The final total," Everett announced, "is 643 Gold coins. Based on the harvest, you've taken down three Bloody Tarantulas and five Wild Brown Bears. Those are all B-Rank threats, which carry a minimum of 100 points each."
He made a final calculation. "That's 400 ranking points. You've earned enough to clear Rank E and put you halfway through Rank D. May I see your card?"
Lucian pulled the steel-colored card from his pocket and handed it over. Everett pressed a specific sequence of runes on the card's surface; a soft hum filled the air as the metal shimmered, shifting from a dull steel to a polished, warm bronze.
"Congratulations," Everett said, handing it back. "You are now a Rank D adventurer."
Lucian admired the new weight and color of the card.
"As for the payment," Everett continued, "the guild doesn't keep that much physical gold on hand. I'll give you an initial tenth of the sum—sixty-three gold and forty silver—in Southern currency. The rest is tied to your card's account. You can cash it out at any guild branch on the continent."
He set a heavy, clinking leather pouch on the table.
"Is Southern currency accepted everywhere?" Lucian asked, tucking the pouch away.
"Only within the Southern Threshold," Everett explained. "If you travel to another kingdom, you'll need to visit a bank to exchange it. There's a branch in the eastern district—look for the large sign. I'd recommend opening an account there so you don't have to carry a king's ransom in your pockets."
Lucian stood up, feeling satisfied. "I'll do that. Thank you for the help, Master. It's been a pleasure."
"Wait," Everett said, his voice dropping an octave.
Lucian paused, his hand on the door handle. "Yes?"
"Are you busy?" Everett asked. "I have a request. It's a sensitive matter with a long time limit, so it won't interfere with your other plans."
Lucian considered it. "I was going to find an inn and start hunting tomorrow, but... I can make time."
Everett smiled, standing up. As he moved, his massive, battle-hardened frame cast a long shadow across the room. He walked over to a private board and pulled a specific piece of parchment, laying it on the desk.
Lucian leaned in to read the official notice:
ADVENTURERS' GUILD OFFICIAL QUEST NOTICE
Quest Title: Southern Gate Scam Investigation Rank: C Objective: Subjugate or Locate
Description: A group of rogue adventurers is preying on newcomers near the Southern Gate. They use an injured 'victim' to lure targets to a house, where a corrupt guard and a high priestess extort or rob them.
Complications: Their identities are unconfirmed; their hideout is hidden.
Proof of Completion: Capture the perpetrators alive and unconscious, or provide the exact location of their hideout.
Lucian stared at the paper, a slow smirk spreading across his face. I think I already know exactly what their faces look like.
"I know it's a C-Rank quest," Everett said, "but I need someone I can trust, someone who hasn't been in the city long enough to be recognized by them. Will you take it?"
"I accept," Lucian said, his tone confident. "What's the catch? Why not handle it yourself?"
"Paperwork," Everett sighed, gesturing to the stacks on his desk. "I'm buried in it. My assistants are already out on other assignments. I need a fresh pair of eyes." He took the paper back and signed it with a flourish. "I appreciate this, Lucian. You remind me of myself in my prime."
"I'll get it done," Lucian promised. "And without any casualties."
"I like your energy," Everett chuckled. "Now, get some rest. There's a good inn in the Western District—though I can't promise they'll have a room this late."
Lucian waved goodbye and headed downstairs. As he passed the counter, he caught Lykee's eye. "Thanks for the help, Lykee!"
"You're very welcome!" she sang out, waving a hand with a bright smile.
Lucian stepped out into the cool night air. The city was glowing with magical lamps, but the streets were beginning to quiet. He pulled his Time Artifact from his belt and tapped the crystal.
May 23, 1072: 8:00 PM
"Eight o'clock," he muttered, looking toward the Western District. "Time to see if my luck holds out for a bed."