'Just as expected,' Adrian thought to himself calmly, lowering the smoking pistol.
He had anticipated they would provide him with a 1-star beast. From what he had extensively read, 1-star beasts typically possessed defenses similar to ordinary animals.
Their only uniqueness lies in their ability to manipulate an element to a certain degree, along with offensive traits heightened by magic.
That was precisely why Adrian had been fully confident his flintlock would do the job effectively.
He turned his attention to the notification hovering in his vision:
[Would you like to harvest its Magic Crystal?]
This made Adrian pause for a moment in intrigue. Would the Tech Core genuinely help him harvest the crystal?
Typically, Magic Crystals were embedded deeply in the beast's heart region, requiring precise cutting and extraction.
The Adventurer's Association was notoriously protective over these crystals, and the single gold coin paid for assessment certainly did not cover the value of such a crystal. So, applicants didn't get to keep it if they passed the trial.
Adrian wondered how exactly the Tech Core intended to harvest it without alerting the association. Was it worth the potential risk?
Before doubt could fully settle, the Tech Core seemed to sense his concern, quickly providing an explanation:
[The Magic Crystal can be extracted directly into your Inventory. This process leaves no physical trace or disturbance, hence no observers will be aware. Would you like to proceed?]
Adrian exhaled softly, relieved by this revelation.
'Yes,' he mentally accepted.
Immediately, he felt a subtle shift in his Inventory as the sensation of something new appeared within it.
Only after addressing the crystal did Adrian finally refocus on his immediate surroundings. Everyone present was staring; not at him though, but at the strange weapon he held, their expressions ranging from confusion to sheer terror.
"Uh, so did I pass?" Adrian asked to break the stunned silence.
The examiner jolted slightly, snapping out of his daze.
"Yes, of course, you passed!" he exclaimed, clearly astonished. Curiosity quickly overcame him, however.
"But... do you mind sharing how you got that incredible weapon of yours?"
Adrian barely considered it, quickly shaking his head politely but firmly.
"Sorry, I mind."
The examiner's jaw tightened in frustration, though, he quickly composed himself, understanding he had no real authority to question a participant about such matters.
After regaining his professional demeanor, the examiner offered another proposal:
"Would you like to pay 10 gold coins to upgrade to a 2-stroke test for better privileges?"
Adrian had previously learned that adventurer rankings were categorized by "Strokes," a measure parallel to the stars used for magical beasts.
A higher stroke meant greater privileges, but Adrian didn't need to deliberate. He quickly shook his head again, rejecting the offer.
He wasn't entirely confident his flintlock could reliably handle a 2-star beast just yet. It might, but Adrian wasn't prepared to gamble his safety.
Besides, spending ten gold coins seemed excessive merely for a higher rank right now. He was perfectly content starting as a 1-stroke adventurer.
Noting Adrian's second refusal, the examiner sighed resignedly. He signed the registration parchment and handed it to Adrian.
"Take this to the room down the corridor. They'll complete your registration," the examiner directed, gesturing towards a nearby door.
Adrian nodded appreciatively and walked through the indicated door.
The next room was notably grander, decorated lavishly with banners and emblems proudly displaying the Adventurer's Association's iconic crest.
The walls were adorned with polished shields and weapons, and the atmosphere held a sense of gravity and prestige.
Behind a large desk sat a stout, somewhat corpulent man dressed in official Association robes. His thick, gray mustache twitched slightly as he leafed through several documents spread before him.
Upon Adrian's entry, the man glanced up, clearly startled by Adrian's young age.
"Ah, young man," he began cautiously, scrutinizing Adrian carefully, clearly uncertain about the legitimacy of his presence. "Did you pass the test?"
"Yes," Adrian replied confidently, handing over the signed parchment.
The man eyed Adrian curiously, before slowly examining the paper. His eyes widened slightly, eyebrows arching in genuine surprise.
"Impressive," he murmured thoughtfully, more to himself than to Adrian.
"Well, young adventurer, tell me... do you understand exactly what it means to be an adventurer?"
Adrian nodded politely and began to speak from his knowledge. "Yes. Adventurers are individuals who venture into dangerous areas, particularly forests or wildlands, to combat magical beasts and collect valuable materials and Magic Crystals."
The man's thick eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Very good. And do you understand why the Adventurer's Association was created?"
"To regulate and organize these expeditions, protect adventurers by providing certain resources, and to ensure a fair and systematic distribution of the rewards," Adrian replied without hesitation.
A slow smile spread across the official's face. "Impressive, very impressive. Clearly, you've done your homework. But let's ensure we're absolutely clear on certain points."
Adrian straightened attentively as the official continued, adopting a more serious tone.
"When you venture into the forest, whatever you obtain, be it Magic Crystals, rare herbs, or any materials. You must surrender 50% of it to the Adventurer's Association. We always take the first pick."
Adrian's expression momentarily tightened at the steep demand. Half of everything? It seemed outrageous, nearly robbery in daylight.
Still, he kept his displeasure hidden, comforted by the knowledge that his [Inventory] skill would prevent any of that from happening.
"Do you understand?" the official pressed gently.
"Yes, sir," Adrian replied calmly.
"Good," he continued, satisfied. "Now, as an adventurer, you have unlimited passes. Do you know what those are?"
"Yes," Adrian answered confidently. "Passes allow entry into magical beast-infested forests. Each pass normally costs non-adventurers around 50 gold coins and permits them a 24-hour entry. They must pay extra if they exceed that time limit. However, registered adventurers can freely enter without time restrictions, as long as they honor the 50% share rule for any collected resources."
The official nodded approvingly. "Exactly right. And remember, this policy of sharing resources applies universally, regardless of who enters. Even those using paid passes must share 50% of their harvest."
He adjusted his robe and continued. "Furthermore, there are other perks. Once per month, adventurers receive free medical care from association-approved healers."
Adrian inwardly frowned at this. Just once per month? Given the high risks adventurers faced, he considered it inadequate. Nevertheless, he gave a small nod, indicating his understanding.
"Beyond these benefits, there are essential rules all adventurers must observe," the man continued seriously. "Foremost among these is that no adventurer may harm, steal from, or sabotage another."
The official paused, leaning forward slightly for emphasis. "Admittedly, these rules can be difficult to enforce strictly, but we rely on honor and mutual respect.
The forests and wildlands are dangerous enough without internal strife. Remember, your fellow adventurers are your allies, not your enemies. Our true adversaries are the magical beasts that threaten human life and settlements."
Adrian nodded sincerely. The thought of harming or stealing from other adventurers hadn't even crossed his mind; he had no intention of ever engaging in such acts unless required to do so.
"With all these understandings firmly established, I must have you officially swear your oath to the Adventurer's Association," the official declared, rising to his feet with formal dignity.
"Please, stand."
Adrian stood obediently.
"Repeat after me: I, Adrian, swear to uphold the honor, rules, and expectations of the Adventurer's Association. I promise never to harm, steal from, or betray my fellow adventurers, and to always act in the interest of humanity's safety and progress."
Adrian repeated the words clearly and confidently, and then with a pleased nod, the official smiled warmly, handing Adrian a polished bronze badge bearing the association's emblem — a dragon encircled by twin swords.
"Congratulations, Adventurer Adrian. From this moment onward, you are officially recognized as a 1-stroke adventurer. Welcome to the Adventurer's Association."