A New Rank

A man in formal attire and wearing a dark blue ascot sits at his office desk writing on several documents with a fountain pen. He had a middle part hair style and had smooth delicate skin. The door opens and the duo walks in. The man at the desk looks up and is pleased to see Roth. "Ah Mr. Malvikun it's a pleasure to see you again. I do hope the last time we'd meet would be a more pleasant discussion than the last." His monotone voice almost sounds robotic.

"Oh? And I see you also brought a friend with you as well. Mind introducing yourself little one?"

Mina confidently poses with her hands on her hips, " My name is Mina, and I'm the adorable little sister of my big brother!" as she points to herself with her thumb. Roth just squints at her as questioning her little act. "My, my, aren't you a little enthusiastic. My name is Aufnier, come, please sit. There's a matter I want to clear up just before I let you be on your way." Roth looks at him with no emotion analyzing what his intentions are. As both of them sit Infront of his desk the guild leader reaches under the table and pulls out a small lock box.

He then pulls out two small adventurer plates. One was silky white and the other was a bronze metal. "Most adventurers who start out are usually the lowest rank which is porcelain. But, in your case since you joined with a skilled party there was no need to put you through the ranks yet. We would've given you your porcelain rank after you came back naturally. Though after that tragedy you were the only one that came back unscathed with proof of the monster's death, which was no easy feat. So congratulations Mr. Malvikun, in defeating that horrendous monster your rank skyrocketed to the fourth highest rank, bronze." The guild leader gives a small smile with a slight monotone in his voice.

"Then tell me, what were my last party members ranks were." He gives no emotion right back to the guild leader.

"They were bronze ranks. It was only natural to give you a bronze rank as well given how dangerous the job was." He is unphased by Roth's question. The energy around Aufnier feels weird to Roth. He knows he's not a bad person to his knowledge but his friendliness and way he presents himself are very opposite. The monotone and quick responses to him and how confident he sounds puts Roth slightly uneasy. "Are there any more questions you like me to answer before you head out?" Aufnier happily replies.

" What's the highest rank we can achieve here?"

"Ah yes, that would be the osmium rank only a selected few have actually obtained these. Second comes platinum. Third would be your silver rank. Fourth, your current rank as of today, is bronze. Fifth is copper. Six is tin and lastly the beginners rank is porcelain which is what your little one has."

Mina shows a pouty face wanting the same rank as Roth. "Don't worry, your brother is the leader of your little party so you can still do the same jobs of bronze levels as any other adventurer. So long as you're with him." She looks up to him excitedly and gives back a determined smile. Roth on the other hand is still being cautious with him and doesn't react. "And that's all there is to it. I just wanted to give you your new rank personally if you ever decided to return to us. And my hunch was right, do come see me if you have any more questions you want me to answer." Roth nods and takes his new rank and wraps it around his neck. Roth and Mina excuse themselves out as Aufnier happily waves them goodbye.

As they both walk into the lobby they are met with a delightful screech. To no surprise it was Saudia. "My word! You're a bronze rank adventurer! This is wonderful!" As she flings to Roth giggling with joy.

"Again Saudia! Personal space, please!" As he struggles to say being smothered by her.

"Oh apologies Sweetie. I'm just so happy for you! You're moving so quickly in the guild Derian would be so proud of you." One of her eyes slowly tears up but she hides it. He is caught off guard but smiles to Saudia.

"My brother's the best! What are we going to do huh? Beat up some thugs or protect someone." As Mina puts her fists up and punches the air as in fighting someone.

"No we're not doing anything like that yet." Looking down on her as if he was about to scold her.

"Aww what for real? Then what will we be doing then?" saying in a disheartening tone.

"You said you'll follow me no matter what right?"

She looks up at him with curiosity, " I did... and I meant it too."

"Before we can do any sort of job even if it's a porcelain job we're going to have to condition you and get you up to standards. Even if it's only a little bit, that small difference can make all the difference." As Roth said with his arms crossed.

"Oh alright...I promise to work extra hard! I won't let you down big brother!" Raising her fist in the air.

"Hmph, that's good to know. Just know you better not quit on me got it? Cause I won't make it easy." As he gives off a devious smile. Mina's confident attitude now slowly turns to worry after hearing those words. And as usual Saudia is happy seeing how caring he is as a big brother to his little sister.