Chapter 415 Triumphant Entry
The journey back was smooth sailing for the group.
Sure, they were attacked by one or two Monsters, but none of them were a challenge for the fully realized Six Star Adventurers.
They even managed to capture one A-Tier Monster, courtesy of Lux's Wind Magic. As expected, it was a lot easier for her to handle one Monster than over forty.
The beast couldn't even move under the Wind Constraints.?It just helplessly remained still as the lady in white easily carried it with her winds as they exited the Dead Zone.
"With this A-Tier Monster, you should be able to organize the next Heroic Rank Test without needing to go to the Dead Zone." Jet finally broke the silence as he addressed Britta, who was gawking at the subjugated creature.
"A-ah, yes!"
Britta's clumsy response, and her flustered face was easy to read. Ever since she was saved by Jet, she had been acting rather strange.
Her face would turn red at certain instances, and she constantly felt her heart race anytime she heard his voice. Despite constantly being nervous to talk to Jet, for reasons she had no idea of, she also desired to talk to him a lot.
This paradoxical mix of emotions nearly caused steam to rise from her head as she covered her face with her hands.
"U-um… Are you really sure about giving the Guild this Monster?" After organizing her thoughts, Britta finally responded.
Before they left the forest, the group managed to harvest the Monster Corpses. They couldn't take all the parts, but they made sure to collect the most useful ones.
Thankfully, Jet had a Spatial Ring—same as Lux—so it they were able to lessen the load a little. Despite that, however, both Jet and Britta carried huge sacks that contained more Monster parts.
Lux was busy carrying the living A-Tier Monster, so no one really bothered her.
As for the leftover parts of the Monsters, the Adventurer Guild would announce their existence, and interested Adventurers popularly dubbed 'Scavengers' would venture out to retrieve them for themselves.
This wasn't the first time such a thing was happening—though it never occurred at such a big scale—so Britta knew just what to do.
When Jet asked about the safety of the Scavengers, considering how the territory they hunted in belonged to A-Tier Monsters, Britta reassured him. Scavengers were professionals who were experts in stealth and weren't the type to engage the enemy no matter what.
As long as they remained lowkey, they were bound to be fine.
"Besides, Adventurers risk their lives all the time. If they desire the spoils of other people's labor, then they had better work for it a little." She also added.
The current Britta wasn't as coldhearted as she was before this experience with Jet and Lux, so she indeed considered the safety of the Scavengers. However, considering how so many A-Tier Monsters were killed by them, other Monsters were bound to stay away from the clearing.
Even the bravest A-Tier Monsters had the instinct of self-preservation.
"The Guild will surely be able to make better use of it. Like I said… you can use it for the next test." Jet responded to Britta, bringing her mind back to the current conversation.
Once again, she yelped without realizing it.
'Why does his voice always startle me? What is this feeling in my chest?' She had no idea what to call it.
It almost felt like the kind of feeling she had when she was thrust into battle, or anytime she entered the 'zone' of fighting.
It was unsettling, invigorating—also mildly frightening.
Yet… she couldn't put a label on it.
Why…?
"I don't think any Heroic Rank Test will be held anytime soon." She brushed aside those thoughts and replied, hoping she didn't take too long to come up with a response.
"There aren't many people these days who are crazy—I mean, skilled enough—to attempt such a Test."
"Hmm… is that so?" Jet responded, a small smile forming on his face.
Britta didn't know what caused him such amusement. She wanted to know so badly.
'Was it something I said?!' Her thoughts rang.
"Do you disagree?" In the end, she had to continue the conversation as seamlessly as possible.
For a moment, Jet made no response. The three simply walked in silence, nearing the entrance of the City.
Then—
"I'm not sure, but… I have a feeling that someone crazy—I mean, skilled—enough will attempt this Test."
—He finally spoke in his calm, deep voice.
"R-really? Well… that would be quite the surprise."
Jet merely nodded at Britta's words, and he said nothing else for the rest of their journey.
In a way, it was a relief to her. She could finally assess her thoughts in a calm, mature manner. However, she also couldn't get her mind off the Jet.
Ultimately, Britta was unable to process anything. She merely kept glancing at Jet, hoping he would say something else, for the rest of their journey.
'Arrgh! What the hell is happening to me!'
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To say the City was in an uproar afterseeing the triumphant entry of Jet and Lux would be a gross understatement.
Shock was evident on the faces of practically everyone who gazed upon them. Many cast their sights on the heavy sacks that both Jet and Britta carried, but the center of attention for most was the chained A-Tier Monster that floated above Lux's head.
Most couldn't tell what Tier the Monster was, but for those who did… they nearly passed out just from setting their eyes on such a dangerous entity so close to where they lived.
No one needed a confirmation as to whether they passed or failed.
The results spoke for themselves.
And so, as Jet and Lux proceeded into the doors of the Adventurers Guild, and eventually emerged from within it with their 6 Star Badges, no one could contest their competence.
They knew for a fact that the two were more than deserving of their positions.
The only role they had to play was to cheer as loudly as possible for the new Heroic Rank Adventurers of the City.
Jet and Lux—without the shadow of a doubt—had cemented themselves in the annals of history as the first Adventurers to climb up the ranks so quickly.
… The first to pass the Heroic Rank Test as mere candidates.
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Chapter 416 The Most Unexpected Confrontation
'Ahh, finally! We finally got everything sorted out!'
The evening clouds had already begun appearing over the city as Rey and Esme left the Adventurers Guild building.
The wind was soft, carrying a certain chill about it to prepare the denizens of the City for the night that was fast approaching.
Rey took in the air and smiled, his mask as Jet still intact. Beside him was Esme—or rather, Lux. He would have long discarded his disguise if it was just her with him.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case.
After all, behind him was a mob of Adventurers who were simply gawking at the two legends who were nothing short of superstars in the eyes of every single person who witnessed their grand return.
Merely judging by how they were gushing over him and Esme, Rey was certain that many were dying to get his autograph or even have a word with him.
'Some are probably wishing I was in their Party…' His thoughts trailed as he fought to hide his wry smile.
However, none of them approached him.
Perhaps they were scared of him, or maybe this was the least amount of courtesy they could offer him after his long and tiring Heroic Rank Test.
Well… not that it lasted very long, in all honesty.
'Well, I'm glad they're keeping their distance. I really have to lodge in the inn and return to the Royal Estate so I can bring everyone here.'
Rey was still pretty early, so he didn't consider himself behind schedule, but he was the type to ensure he had extra time to himself so he wasn't tardy.
'I have my reputation as Ralyks on the line, after all.'
Besides, this would be the first time in a few days since he interacted with his classmates as Ralyks. He had to make it perfect.
Thankfully, despite the parade that was occurring all around the both of them, Rey and Esme ended up making it to their Inn without any issue.
Rey really thought he was in the clear this time.
That is, until he saw the same group of six that confronted him the previous day.
'The idiot and his goons? What are they after this time?' Rey wondered to himself as he slowly halted.
They were practically at the entrance of the Inn, and judging by how their eyes were on him, it was clear who they were after.
'I thought one beating was enough, but it seems these guys never learn.' He sighed internally.
There was also the possibility that the group wanted to congratulate him—perhaps even apologize for their actions—but Rey wasn't the optimistic time.
It was better to expect the worst and be surprised by better.
"What do you want?" He asked, one hand in his pocket as the other firmly gripped his suitcase.
He posed in such a way that the 6 Star Badge on the left side of his chest would be undisputedly observed by the men. He even slightly puffed out his chest for maximum impact.
"W-well… about that…"
Sango, leader of the bunch looked a bit sweaty and nervous. He had lost all the confidence he displayed the other day.
Rey could sniff it—the smell of fear.
'If he's so nervous, why would he and his people corner me where I stay?' He raised an eyebrow, taking one step forward to test the waters.
As expected, Sango took a step back.
'I don't want to create a bad reputation of bullying Adventurers, even if they're deserving if it, which is why I'm being mild to this guy…' His eyes trailed to Sango's goons.
All of them also looked a bit on edge.
'The Conquest starts in about two days, but it'll officially be announced tomorrow. I don't want to draw any more attention than I already have.'
Judging from Sango's Stats, he was among the stronger humans in H'Trae. Rey had no doubt that he was among the strongest Adventurers in the Adventurers City.
'Rebal mentioned a Barbarian being in Top 10 rankings, so I guess it's him.'
Due to all of these factors, Rey had tried his best to be courteous to the man while also refusing to use any overt Skills that didn't suit his 'Jet' persona.
But… this was getting a bit annoying.
"I'm not sure why you're here, but does it have something to do with the guy who's hiding behind that wall and listening in?" As Rey said this, he glanced slightly to his left.
Anyone would see a mere wall of the tall and glamorous building that was the inn, but Rey knew someone watching him was behind the walls.
The moment they heard the question, the faces of Sango and his minions told Rey all he needed to know about his suspicion. The presence behind the wall was faint, so he wasn't sure if the guy was Sango's subordinate, or someone else.
—Perhaps a third party.
'But now, at least I know for sure that they're affiliated.' He smiled, taking one more step forward.
"Fine… you got me." A sudden voice pierced the air the instant Rey moved, causing him to stop dead in his tracks.
Almost like a ghost, a certain young boy walked out of the walls as if the whole building was nothing but a hologram.
No, that wasn't quite it.
It wasn't the building that seemed incorporeal—or rather, intangible—it was the boy that emerged from within it.
He was short for an Adventurer, about 5'6 ft tall, having a cute face that was not fitting for the rough profession that he was under.
The lad donned a black jacket, with blue and white stripes designing his casual outfit. He wasn't wearing any real gear, and the only Enchanted Item he really had on was a tiny katana-
looking blade that was worn like an ornamental necklace.
"Sorry for sneaking up on you like this. I just wanted to get a good look at you before introducing myself." He gave a confident, yet humble smile as he stretched out his hand for a handshake.
The 6 Star badge on his chest made it clear what his status was, and despite his short build, everyone who saw him had the same look of respect.
"My name is Sherlock. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Jet."
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Chapter 417 An Adventurer Called Sherlock [Pt 1]
Rey was speechless.
His jaw nearly fell as he looked at the boy in front of him with immense shock. He probably hadn't been this surprised in all his life.
'There's no doubt about it…'
The boy's dark brown hair, his small stature, his cute face, and his barely mature voice; they were all the same as someone he used to know.
'Noah…?!'
Adrien had told Rey that Noah became an Adventurer, and while he had the intention to search for Noah at some point, he didn't think it was a priority.
After all, judging by Noah's personality alone, he wasn't expecting him to be some sort of bigshot.
'Yet he's one of the 6 Star Adventurers in this city…?' Rey cast a glance at the badge.
To say he was shocked would be an understatement.
"My name is Sherlock. It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Jet." He stretched out a hand to greet Rey—or rather, Jet—which left the latter even more stupefied.
'He didn't hide his name? Well… I shouldn't be too surprised.'
Noah didn't hide his identity either. He looked like a kid, and he owned that fact.
'This is the biggest surprise I've ever received.' Despite having these thoughts, Rey remained stoic in his demeanor.
He merely gripped he handle of his suitcase harder and stretched out his hand to return the nice and considerate gesture that Noah sent his way.
It would be social suicide to delay or reject accepting a formal greeting given by a well-known Heroic Rank Adventurer—one who also happened to be his senior.
"Thank you." He managed to say, surprised by just how firm Noah's grip was.
In contrast to what his build and face depicted, it seemed like he had a more confident and strong side to himself.
'You've grown, Noah…'
Of course, that wasn't the only thing that made Rey think that to himself.
One peek at his Status Window was all he needed to know for a fact that the Noah that left back then wasn't the same one that stood in front of him.
They were like night and day.
[STATUS WINDOW]
- Name: Noah Sherlock.
- Race: Human (Otherworlder)
- Class: Great Thief (B-Tier)
- Level: 49 (75.13% EXP)
- Life Force: 47 (+10) [+70]
- Mana Level: 50 (+10) [+100]
- Combat Ability: 60 (+15) [+75]
- Stat Points: 0
- Skills (Exclusive): [Phase]. [Projection]. [Shadow Magic].
- Skills (Non-Exclusive): [Martial Control]. [Great Sense].
- Alignment: Neutral Good
[Additional Information]
One of the most revered Adventurers?in the city, but also an Otherworlder with a past relationship with Rey and Ralyks.
He now seeks to carve his own path.
[End Of Information]
'All his Stat Points are over a hundred, if I count his Class privileges and his Item contributions.'
Among the humans, having three-digit Stats made you incredibly powerful, so merely seeing Noah reach such a level proved to Rey that the guy had rightfully earned his position as a Heroic Rank Adventurer.
'He's slightly stronger than Britta…'
If you put Skills into account, then Britta had more destructive power, but ultimately Noah would win due to the problematic nature of his abilities.
'He can phase and use [Shadow Magic]. Not to talk of [Projection], which can be super annoying…'
All in all, these were incredible ability-sets to have.
The only complaint Rey had was about his incredibly low Level. Everyone else who stayed behind had at least twice Noah's Level at this point.
'I'm surprised he was able to Level Up so much, though. Especially considering how he is…'
But, perhaps it wasn't so strange when they were literally in the best Leveling Ground in the entire Alliance—the Adventurers City itself.
'He still has the Midnight Blade that I got for him from the KariBlanc Group, it seems…' Rey smiled.
There was no way a single Item was buffing him to this degree, so Rey assumed Noah had the rest of his Enchanted Items hidden somehow.
'Not bad. So even when you're casually dressed, you're still on guard.' Rey grinned and slowly nodded to himself.
He didn't feel any surge of emotions, unlike what he feared to have. Just by looking at Noah, he had a moment of satisfaction and mild happiness, but that was it.
'It doesn't seem like he recognizes me, though I can't be very sure yet…'
"If you don't mind, Sir Jet, I would like to speak with you and your partner for a moment. I promise, it won't take too long." Noah Sherlock said with a reassuring smile.
There was no malice behind his words, but Rey still found it a little strange hearing him speak.
'It seems like he's a lot more confident than before.'
That was most likely due to being recognized by the natives of H'Trae as someone who was strong.
'Considering how we Otherworlders get strong faster, even with one Level Up, I can see why he got some special treatment.'
He had a B-Tier Class, he had five Skills, two which were most likely B-Tier at this point. He had good gear—at least, the blade he had was of high quality.
Everything about him seemed special to the ordinary people of this world.
Of course, just the humans.
"Hm. What do you desire to speak about?" Rey answered in his standard Jet response, wondering if Noah indeed recognized him and was cryptically trying to pass that message across.
'He only knows my alter ego is Ralyks, and he isn't familiar with any of the Skills I have displayed. He also doesn't know about Esme, so he probably doesn't think I'm Rey.'
Once again, however, Rey couldn't be sure.
"Quite a few things, one of which is to apologize for the wrongdoings of my Party Members."
Rey smiled and shrugged upon seeing Noah bow a little to him.
'He's become a leader too, huh? Who would have expected such an outcome…' Despite not gushing with emotion, Rey felt a warm sensation that filled his chest as he looked at the boy.
"So what do you say? Would you like to join me for a drink?" One more look at Noah's friendly smile told Rey that he couldn't even refuse if he wanted to.
And he didn't want to refuse.
"Sure. Let's go."
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