So… is he here to submit a commission?
Petra wondered as she saw Gauss approach.
She was already getting ready to accept his quest materials and badge—but Gauss didn't hand anything over.
…?
She blinked, unsure what was going on.
Still, she quickly slipped into work mode, a professional smile on her face.
"How can I help you today?"
"I'm here to ask about the process for being promoted to Bronze-rank Adventurer." Gauss got straight to the point.
She had explained it to him once before: After completing 10 standard-level quests, an adventurer became eligible for beginner-tier commissions. Completing three beginner-tier quests would allow them to apply for Bronze rank, and once verified by the guild, they'd receive an official badge.
Petra was a little confused but assumed Gauss was planning ahead—so she patiently explained everything again.
"Then where do I go to get those beginner quests?" Gauss glanced around. The corkboard in the hall only displayed tasks for low-level adventurers.
"Beginner-level quests are assigned at the reception counter," Petra said. "But… have you finished your ten basic quests yet?" She gave him a small wink, voice tinged with doubt. "You'll need to present your badge so I can check your record."
Ten quests weren't a huge ask, but it was still something.
And her instincts were right—Gauss had only officially completed 8 standard quests so far.
The first was with Hailier's team, and the other seven were with Laevin's party.
Not quite enough.
But in Wormwood Town, he had technically "cheated" a little—he accepted two herb-gathering commissions and simply bought the required materials from Lawrence's family herb shop to fulfill them.
That brought his count to ten.
Technically, this wasn't against the rules. For gather-type quests, the guild only cared that the materials were submitted—whether you found or bought them didn't matter.
And most adventurers didn't bother cheesing this step, since finishing 10 low-level quests wasn't really a big milestone.
"Yeah."
Gauss placed his badge on the counter for Petra to check.
She took it, tapped a few commands on the interface below, then raised an eyebrow.
He really had completed ten.
The last two gather quests were a bit… suspiciously fast, but the first eight were legitimate combat quests. According to guild norms, if over 60% were combat-type, it was considered valid.
"You qualify for beginner-tier quests. But let me remind you—these are solo assignments. No teammates, no help. The guild will review your performance afterward."
"You get five attempts. Complete at least three, and you pass. But fail all five, and you'll enter a one-year cooldown."
"Are you aware of all this?"
"Yup, I'm ready."
Petra looked at him, still wearing that cheerful, clueless newbie smile, and started to worry.
To her, Gauss seemed like a sweet kid who didn't realize what he was getting into. Completing 10 basic quests just gave you the right to try the promotion test—it didn't mean you were ready.
Many low-tier adventurers played it safe, completing 20 or even 30 quests before attempting the exam. Beginner quests were dangerous. Deadly, even. Many new professionals hesitated to take them right after advancing.
"Gauss, I mean this seriously—beginner quests are designed to be cleared by professionals. Are you sure you're ready?"
She sighed and dropped the formal tone, gently trying to talk him down.
Too many overconfident newbies had died from rushing the exam.
Gauss, though, was sure.
His battle with the Thri-kreen Mantis proved that even as a trainee, he had enough power to hold his own against a Challenge 1 elite monster. And now that he was a full-fledged professional?
His strength had increased severalfold.
After sharpening his skills for days in Wormwood, Gauss was confident he could handle the exam.
If other new professionals could pass, why couldn't he?
"It's fine. Let's just go get the assignment."
But seeing Petra's still-worried expression, he couldn't help but smile and shake his head.
Petra hesitated. She still had doubts—but guild policy was clear: If the candidate understood the risks and insisted, she had to let them proceed.
"Garcia, cover my station for a bit!" she called to the lounge.
Once her replacement came, she waved Gauss forward and led him down the side corridor toward the assignment chamber.
Her footsteps were heavy.
She couldn't help thinking of the other newbies she'd once guided—bright-eyed, eager, and way too confident.
They never came back.
A pang of guilt weighed on her chest.
At the end of the hall was a quiet room, completely different from the bustling main hall.
"You'll come in with me, but don't speak unless I say so. The person inside is someone important."
Gauss nodded.
Petra knocked gently.
"Come in."
A mature woman's voice answered from within.
They stepped in.
Behind the desk sat a red-haired woman, strikingly beautiful, with sharp yet soft features. Her orange-amber eyes glimmered with an inner fire.
"Petra, what's up?"
"Lady Shirley, this adventurer wants to take the Bronze rank trial. I'd like to retrieve a one-star beginner quest stone." Petra was visibly respectful. Her tone was unusually formal.
"No need to go through all that," Shirley said, setting down her book and glancing at Gauss. "Just grab a quest stone from upstairs."
"Aren't those restricted to professionals only?" Petra asked quietly.
Shirley winked.
"Isn't he a professional?"
"Huh?"
Petra froze.
She turned to Gauss—who simply shrugged with a helpless smile.
"Petra, you really need to stop judging people by appearance," Shirley teased with a light laugh, but then her eyes lingered on Gauss.
"I'm Shirley. A warlock. And you, newly minted professional?"
There was something strange about the magical energy she sensed from him—familiar and unfamiliar at the same time. It made her take a longer look than usual.
"Gauss. Spellcaster." Gauss answered cautiously.
"A careful one, huh?" Shirley grinned.
"Good. A professional should always be wary of strangers."
She understood the cleverness in Gauss's answer. "Spellcaster" was an umbrella term—it could mean mage, warlock, sorcerer, or any number of niche subclasses. Even some long-lost ancient paths.
She had wanted to prod him a little, to tease a rookie. But he wasn't biting.
Instead of being annoyed, she was impressed.
Caution, after all, was a survival trait. Many adventurers died from letting their guard down.
"Then, Lady Shirley, we'll go process things in the VIP room." Petra bowed and tugged Gauss toward the door.
"Go ahead."
Once they'd left, Shirley blinked in amusement.
"What, we only chatted for a few minutes and you're already running away?"
Being assigned to such a remote town, she rarely saw anyone interesting. Now that someone with potential finally showed up, she wanted to talk more.
Oh well.
There'd be time later.
She shook her head and returned to her book.