CHAPTER 123: CHAPTER 122: TEST

Then added, "Don’t worry—these are usually low-difficulty missions that help you get used to adventurer work. With this option, your first real quest will be around F-rank in difficulty. That means the tasks are often things like gathering herbs, helping a shop, or delivering messages to nearby areas."

Axelius remained still and attentive, listening carefully.

The receptionist then lifted the second form and said in a firmer voice, "However, if you choose the practical-only test, then you will not have to do any writing or answering theory questions. Instead, you will be given a more difficult quest that tests your skills and instinct. These quests usually fall under E-rank to C-rank level, and are meant for those who already have some experience or confidence in their abilities."

She leaned a little closer, her eyes serious now. "This path is faster, yes, but it is not easier.Failing this kind of test can be dangerous, and you will not be allowed to retry immediately."

Millie looked at Axelius as if waiting for him to make a decision. The receptionist patiently placed both papers down in front of him, side by side.

"You must choose now," she said. "Once the test begins, there is no going back. The guild needs to know how to handle your application, and what kind of adventurer you want to be."

Axelius hand slowly reaching out to the second page placed on the table—the one labeled for the practical-only test and push it forward.

"I choose Option Two," he said, "The practical-only test."

The woman behind the counter blinked in surprise. She stared at Axelius for a moment, almost expecting him to take his words back. But when she saw the serious look on his face, her eyebrows raised in concern.

"Are you sure?" she asked, leaning in a little closer. "Option Two is no easy path, That test is usually chosen by adventurers who already have battlefield experience or those who have trained for years example is those who lost their Guild cards."

She gave a kind but worried smile, trying to be polite. "The theory questions may seem boring, but they’re safer, and the quests are easier. You’ll still learn everything you need, and there’s no shame in starting that way."

Millie glanced at Axelius, unsure if he would change his mind. But he only shook his head once, slowly and firmly.

"I understand," Axelius said. "But I still choose the practical-only test."

The woman hesitated. She looked again at the boy, at the way he stood without flinching.

The receptionist finally nodded, though her expression was still unsure. "I’ll inform the examiner. You’ll be given a quest suitable for your chosen test... but remember, this will be D to C-rank difficulty, not a simple task. Please be careful, Young Lord"

Axelius gave a small bow. "I will."

The woman stood up and disappeared into the hallway behind the counter, taking his form with her.

It didn’t take long before the receptionist returned, and this time she wasn’t alone. Walking beside her was a tall man with a thick gray cloak, wide shoulders, and a deep scar running down his left cheek.

His steps were heavy but steady, and he wore the badge of a certified guild examiner on the front of his chest armor. His eyes landed on Axelius at once, sharp and calculating like a hawk studying its prey.

"This is the one? The Grand Duke’s son?" the man asked in a low, serious voice, looking down at the boy.

"Yes," the receptionist replied softly. "He chose Option Two."

The man grunted. "Hmph. Brave or foolish, we’ll see."

He crossed his arms and looked at Axelius from head to toe. "You look too clean for an adventurer, Young Lord. I hope you’ve at least held a blade before."

Axelius didn’t respond to the insult. He simply grin a little and shrug.

The examiner gave a short chuckle and turned to the desk and now held the sealed parchment for a moment longer, then glanced at Axelius with a look that was both doubtful. He broke the red wax seal and opened the scroll slowly, his eyes moving across the lines before speaking.

"Alright, Young Lord," he said in a serious voice. "Your C-rank test quest has been assigned."

Axelius stood calmly, waiting.

The examiner read aloud, "Several days ago, a nest belonging to a Skyclaw Serpent was disturbed in the cliffs near the eastern ridge. It is known for guarding its eggs with terrifying ferocity. You do know what it looks like right?"

"It has wings like a wyvern and the body of a snake," Axelius answered,

The examiner nodded and continue, "The nest was attacked by poachers who stole three of its eggs. Two eggs were recovered by local guards, but the third one was taken deeper into the forest, likely by a beast drawn by the egg’s mana scent."

He looked at Axelius carefully.

"Your task is to retrieve the third Skyclaw egg, believed to be in the possession of a monster known as a Fellfang Grizzly that absorbs mana and uses it to strengthen itself. It’s extremely territorial and aggressive."

The receptionist let out a soft gasp, then leaned toward Axelius. "This quest was only posted yesterday. No one’s accepted it yet... because no one dared."

The examiner handed over the parchment with a map attached to it, then gave Axelius a silver badge marked with the letter C.

"This token will prove you’re on official guild business. If you survive and bring back the egg safely—unbroken—you pass. Any damage to the egg, or failure to return, means you fail. Understand?"

Axelius nodded. "I understand."

Millie turned to look at him, worry in her eyes, but she didn’t speak. Instead, she gently bowed, and Axelius gave her a small nod in return.

"Wait here," he said softly.

"Yes, Young Master" Millie corrected herself and gave a respectful curtsy before walking away to the waiting area nearby, where guild staff and companions waited for adventurers who were currently undertaking exams.

Axelius turned fully toward the gate now, but just before taking his first step forward, he paused and glanced back over his shoulder.

"What about the time limit?" he asked,

The examiner, who was watching him closely, let out a short chuckle and grinned under his thick beard. "Don’t worry, kid. You have the whole day. No need to rush,"