In the world of adventurers, ranks had been a sacred and immutable system for centuries. From the humble F-rank to the legendary AA-rank, each level represented an adventurer's strength, experience, and skill. However, today, that order was about to collapse.
"The highest rank recorded in history has been S-rank... but... this... this defies all logic... A rank higher than AA!"
The adventurers inside the guild watched in deathly silence as the receptionist held the parchment with trembling hands. In golden letters, the impossible designation shimmered: Rank Z.
Biel, who until now had remained relatively calm, felt his brain short-circuit. "Excuse me, could you repeat that?" Biel asked with a nervous smile, hoping he had misheard.
The receptionist, a young woman with brown hair tied in a ponytail and an expression of absolute panic, swallowed hard before speaking. "A-according to this official document... y-your rank is Z..."
A bead of sweat rolled down Biel’s temple as a general murmur took over the guild.
"Rank Z..." "That doesn't exist!" "Must be a system error." "Probably a special title for hopeless idiots..."
"Hey, don't overdo it," Biel protested, feeling increasingly cornered.
Suddenly, Charlotte gave him a playful nudge with a mischievous grin. "Little brother, it seems you are special in this world."
Biel made a sour face, scowling. "Sister, this is not a good thing. This will only bring me trouble!" he exclaimed, scratching his head. "Besides, this rank shouldn't even exist!"
The receptionist, trying to regain her composure, raised her voice over the murmurs. "Biel, please follow me to see the Guild Master. This is something that must be cleared up immediately."
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In the quiet guild office, the tension was palpable. Biel stood before an imposing desk where a rugged-looking man observed him with a mix of awe and curiosity.
"I am Niccolò, the Guild Master," the man said in a deep voice. "Can you explain this? A new rank! How is it possible for something like this to exist? And worse yet, that you are the one holding it! Who are you, really?"
Biel sighed; he knew this conversation would be complicated. "My name is Biel... and I come from another world."
Niccolò and the receptionist gaped at him. "What do you mean, another world!?" the receptionist exclaimed.
"That's right," Biel affirmed. "I touched a mysterious fragment and was transported here. Somehow, it granted me abilities, and I’ve made it this far thanks to them."
Niccolò leaned back in his chair, rubbing his chin. "Vaya, what a brutal story..." he murmured, a glint of interest in his eyes. "Tell me, is it true that you’ve already died once?"
Biel nodded. "Yes. I died in the Dark Lands, but I was resurrected by the Queen of Spirits."
Niccolò let out a whistle of amazement. "I see... So, besides being an adventurer of an unknown rank, you also possess the power of a Demon King."
"Yes," Biel confirmed. "His name is Monsfil."
Niccolò sat bolt upright, his eyes shining with excitement. "Did you say Monsfil?! The Demon King of Eternal Destruction! This is incredible!"
Biel arched an eyebrow. "Are you... excited?"
Niccolò laughed, slamming his desk with enthusiasm. "Of course! I’ve always been a fan of his. The stories told about Monsfil are fascinating. A powerful being, feared and admired in equal measure..."
Biel crossed his arms. "I see..."
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The receptionist cleared her throat, bringing Niccolò back to reality. "And what shall we do about this new rank? If we make it public, the city of Marciler or, worse, the Kingdom of Claiflor will find out. They will come looking for Biel."
Niccolò’s enthusiasm vanished instantly. "You're right. If the kingdom knew, it could be an advantage. But if Marciler finds out..."
"Why wouldn't that be good?" Biel asked.
Niccolò sighed. "That city is ruled by a woman named Domia. Rumor has it she is not what she appears to be."
Biel tensed. "Wait a minute! Domia? She’s the Empress!"
"That's right... Do you know her?"
Biel clenched his fists. "Yes. She was the one who sent me to the Dark Lands."
The receptionist gasped. Niccolò frowned. "Then that means she already knows of your existence."
"Yes. And if she knows I'm still alive, she’ll surely try to finish what she started."
Niccolò struck the table, deep in thought. "This is a problem... Moreover, in that city, most of the nobles are arrogant and corrupt. If Domia finds out about your power, she might try to manipulate you or, worse, eliminate you once and for all. For now, the best thing is to keep this a secret until we know how to handle it."
Biel nodded, though he didn't like the idea of hiding something so significant.
"I suppose it's for the best..."
Niccolò gave him a serious look. "Listen, Biel. If Domia wanted you dead once, she’ll try again. But you aren't alone now. We will make sure she can't touch you either."
Biel was surprised by the Guild Master's resolve. For the first time in a long while, he felt he wouldn't have to carry the entire burden by himself. "Thank you, Niccolò. I appreciate it."
The Guild Master smiled. "Don't mention it. Now, go and get some rest. This is only the beginning."
Before Biel could leave, Niccolò spoke again. "To keep things simple and avoid unnecessary trouble, I’m officially designating you as C-rank. That way, you won't attract too much attention. If Domia finds out about your true rank, you'll be in for a world of trouble."
Biel nodded with resignation. "It makes sense... but vaya! It's not fair to be dropped from Rank Z to C. That’s a brutal downgrade!"
Niccolò smiled faintly and placed his hand over Biel’s data sheet. With a flash of blue light, his unique skill, "Modification," kicked in. The information on the sheet began to shift before Biel’s eyes, replacing the "Rank Z" designation with "Rank C."
Biel clicked his tongue, crossing his arms. "I see... so you can modify just about anything, huh?"
Niccolò nodded with an air of pride. "Indeed. It’s not something I use lightly, but in this case, it’s necessary. We don't want rumors spreading any further than they already have."
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Once the adjustment was finished, they stepped back into the main hall, where the adventurers were waiting expectantly. Niccolò raised his voice to address the crowd.
"I have a matter to clear up. This young man's evaluation showed a rank we had never seen before, but after verification, we have determined it was an error with the evaluation sphere. His actual rank is C."
Immediately, the guild erupted into murmurs. "I knew it! That sphere was glitching." "Pff, and here I thought we had a monster among us." "Haha, turns out he's just another one of us."
Among the crowd, one voice stood out. "As a C-rank, my master should have the highest possible standing!" Ylfur protested, indignant.
Biel placed a hand on the Dark Knight's helmet and gently pushed him back. "Easy, Ylfur. For now, this is better. I’ll explain everything later."
Niccolò looked at Biel with a raised eyebrow. "I hope when that 'later' arrives, we aren't all in trouble."
Biel gave a playful grin. "I can't guarantee that..."
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Biel and the others left the building, the murmurs of the adventurers still echoing behind them.
"Well, first things first: we need to find an inn," Biel said, stretching.
Xanthe and the others stopped dead and looked at each other, surprised. "But... do we have enough money for that?" Acalia asked, arching an eyebrow.
Biel blinked. "Oh..."
Charlotte sighed and crossed her arms. "Did you not think about that before proposing the idea?"
"Ehem... details, details," Biel replied with a nervous laugh. "Alright, new question: what do we do now!?"
Just then, a bluish glow lit up the air in front of them. Out of nowhere, an ethereal figure appeared—a man dressed in ceremonial robes, floating slightly above the ground. Everyone moved into a defensive stance, but the figure raised a hand calmly.
"Fear not, I come in peace," he said with a serene voice. "I am a guide from the Spiritual Plane, and I bring a gift for you, Lord Biel."
Biel processed the words. "Spiritual Plane? Wait, wait, wait! Did the Queen of Spirits send me something?"
The guide nodded solemnly. "Indeed. She also asked me to convey this message: 'Biel, thank you for everything you did for me. I reward you with some currency so you can settle in the city where you are now. Take it as a gift.' That was her message, my lord."
Charlotte whistled, impressed, and gave her brother a playful nudge. "Vaya, little brother, seems you have an admirer in the other world."
Biel crossed his arms, feigning a serious expression. "Obviously. My charisma transcends dimensions."
Acalia rolled her eyes. "Don't overdo it. But at least this solves our immediate problem."
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Biel nodded to the guide with a smile. "Of course. Please, give my regards to the Queen of Spirits and tell her I deeply appreciate her consideration."
The guide bowed his head. "I shall do so."
With that, his body began to fade in a vivid blue flash until it vanished completely. Charlotte looked at the bag of money he had left behind. "How much is in here? Enough for the inn, or do we have to sell Biel on the black market?"
Biel looked horrified. "Hey, don't even think about it!"
Acalia took the bag and examined it. "It looks like enough to stay for several days... without needing to sell anyone."
Biel sighed, relieved. "Thanks for not considering human trafficking as a viable option."
Charlotte smiled innocently. "Don't worry, little brother. I’d only sell you if the price was right."
Xanthe and Easton laughed while Biel buried his face in his hand.
"...I’m going to pretend I didn't hear that. Now, let’s get to the inn before you actually end up selling me!"
The group laughed and continued walking toward the city, ready to enjoy a night of rest in a comfortable inn, courtesy of the Queen of Spirits.
They arrived at the inn with the enthusiasm of thirsty travelers finding an oasis in the desert. The tavern on the ground floor was bursting with life: adventurers making toasts, bards playing lively melodies, and an aroma of hot food that made Biel’s stomach growl.
"Finally! A real bed!" Xanthe exclaimed, spinning around with her arms wide open.
"Let’s not celebrate just yet," Acalia said cautiously. "First, we need to make sure this inn isn't a bandits' nest."
Biel approached the counter with a confident smile. "Excuse me, we’d like rooms for the night. Something comfortable, with a nice view, and without the risk of being robbed in our sleep, if possible."
The innkeeper, a robust man with a mustache worthy of a nobleman, looked him up and down. "I have rooms. But I also have questions. Why do you have a Dark Knight following you around like a loyal puppy?" he asked, pointing at Ylfur.
Ylfur, with his imposing armor and an aura of certain death, bowed his head. "My master is worthy of respect and protection."
The innkeeper watched him in silence, then shrugged. "Well, as long as you pay and don't bring me trouble, I don't care if you bring a pet dragon. That’ll be ten silver coins for two rooms."
Biel handed over the money without complaint. "Well, at least we didn't have to sell me on the black market."
Charlotte snapped her fingers. "Pity. I already had interested buyers."
Biel rolled his eyes as he picked up the room keys.
They settled in, but just as Biel closed his eyes, he heard a murmur.
"Biel... wake up..."
He slowly opened one eye to see Charlotte with a mischievous grin. "What do you want now?"
"Nothing, just reminding you that in case of emergency, you'll be the distraction while we escape."
"That doesn't reassure me at all!"
And so ended their first night in the city: with a comfortable room, a suspicious sister, and the nagging feeling that peace wouldn't last long.
The sun was just beginning to peek through when Biel felt a weight on his chest. Something was crushing him. With a sleepy groan, he opened his eyes to find Charlotte sitting on top of him, a wide smile on her face.
"Good morning, little brother!"
Biel blinked in disbelief. "What the HELL are you doing on top of me?"
"Well, I tried to wake you up normally, but after shaking you and getting no results, I decided to take drastic measures."
"That’s not taking drastic measures, that’s attempted homicide!"
Charlotte shrugged. "You're exaggerating. Besides, we have to get downstairs before Xanthe eats all the breakfast."
As if it were a sign from fate, a triumphant shout echoed from the ground floor. "HA! The last piece of cake is mine!" Xanthe’s voice rang out.
Biel sat up quickly, sending Charlotte off the bed with a loud "thud."
"NOOOOOO, MY BREAKFAST!"
The boy shot out of the room with messy hair and boots half-on, flying down the inn's stairs like a lightning bolt. When he reached the dining room, he saw Xanthe with the last piece of cake on her fork, grinning from ear to ear.
"Looking for this?" she asked mockingly as she took a bite.
"That was mine by divine right!"
Xanthe shrugged while chewing with delight. "Divine right, right of the fastest... details, details."
Biel fell to his knees with an expression of absolute grief. "Curse you, Xanthe! You have destroyed my morning dreams!"
Acalia, who was quietly enjoying her tea, watched the scene with a raised eyebrow. "Are we really having a tragedy over a piece of cake?"
Easton nodded while sipping his coffee. "For Biel, breakfast is sacred."
The innkeeper let out a laugh from behind the counter. "Easy, lad. I'll make you another cake if you stop the drama."
Biel stood up with dignity, straightened his clothes, and looked at the innkeeper with shining eyes. "Do you mean it?"
"Sure, but only if you stop crying on my tavern floor. You're scaring the customers."
Charlotte finally came down the stairs, smiling with satisfaction. "Ah, it's always a show to see you in your peak state of despair."
Biel glared at her. "One day... one day I will have my revenge."
Charlotte patted him on the back. "Sure, sure, but eat something before you run out of bread too."
Biel turned his head and saw Ylfur mercilessly devouring the rolls from the basket.
"TRAITOR!"
And so began a new day, with a chaotic breakfast and a Biel more motivated than ever not to lose the food war again.
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