Chapter 156: Onyx

    Derek frowned at the mention of a drink. The ale he had drank didnt do it for him. Of course, he didnt actually need to drink it. He laughed. Sure, why not?

    Shae nodded and walked over to the wall with all the runes and activated one. In an instant, a glow washed over the room and all the dirt, grime, and blood was washed away with it. It was as if the two had never even been inside.

    Derek made sure he was properly clean before throwing his original clothes back on. Before leaving the room, Derek glanced at his gains. Physical Resistance increased to level 12, and he received a level in Greater Meditation earlier.

    Huh Getting organs destroyed by a level 200+ spear master seems to be the way to go if I want to increase my Physical Resistance skill. Derek unconsciously ran his hand over his abdomen. Unfortunately, if I want to increase my Unarmed Combat Mastery, Im going to need to do better than landing one punch. At least I got another level in Chain Lightning. He thought, as the skill was now at level 13.

    Derek sighed. I need to find a way to train my void abilities better. Looks like Im going to need to get a list of dungeons from Shae.

    Derek pat Shae, who was waiting by the door, on the back. Lets get this badge situation over with.

    When the door opened, Thomas jumped in front of the duo and heaved a heavy breath. Oh, good. Youre both okay. He muttered.

    Derek tussled the boys hair. Of course, were fine. We were only sparring. I was just using an area attack, so I didnt want it to hit you.

    Exactly. Shae agreed. Were not brutes.

    Both Shae and Derek cracked up at the joke while Thomas eyed them oddly.

    Soon, they were sitting in another room, Shae across a table from Derek. The Guild Master pulled a box out of his storage ring. After injecting some mana into the box, it clicked and opened, revealing three Onyx Badges inside.

    There arent many Onyx Ranked Adventurers. Shae said. So, we only carry a few at a time, and they have to be stored properly, as well. Shae took one of the badges and placed it on the table. Then, he closed the box and locked it with his mana, storing it afterward.

    Let me see your current badge. Shae said.

    Derek took the badge out of his storage ring. He hadnt put it back on after getting dressed. He then handed it to Shae.

    Shae held the Gold Badge in one hand and the Onyx Badge in his other. Then, both badges began to glow blue with mana. The glow lasted for more than a minute. Finally, the glow on the Gold Badge dulled until it vanished, and the glow on the Onyx Badge became more brilliant.

    Soon, the Gold Badge crumbled into dust before Shae retracted his mana from the Onyx one. Shae slid the newly imprinted Onyx Badge towards Derek. Ive transferred your mana signature from the Gold Badge to the Onyx Badge. He explained.

    Inject some mana into it to activate it. Shae said.

    Derek did as he was told. Instantly, the mana he injected was consumed, and he was linked to the badge.

    Congratulations. Shae said. You are now an Onyx Ranked Adventurer. I would suggest you always wear that badge. Youll end up with a lot of benefits, and there arent really any downsides. Its a great way to keep from being pestered by people, too. Who wants to risk offending someone with an Onyx Badge?

    Shae then pulled out a small stack of papers before filling them out and signing them. After a few minutes, he straightened the papers and stored them. I hate paperwork. He said. Judy usually does most of it, but I have to personally do it when its related to a new Onyx Ranked Adventurer.

    I see. Derek placed the badge on his upper arm, wearing it in the same fashion as Shae. I guess it wont hurt to keep this one on.

    With that, the trio left the room and walked back to the lobby of the Adventurers Guild. When they arrived back up front, the lobby was as full as ever.

    Judy noticed the trio coming out from where the door used to be. After giving them a quick scan, her eyes fell on the newly placed badge on Dereks upper arm. Her eyes widened in shock, then quickly resumed their normal appearance.

    Derek shrugged. It is what it is. Whats so special about her, anyway?

    Well Shes a Dukes daughter, the King of Indrias niece. Shae answered.

    So, shes a spoiled brat? Derek asked.

    Shae snorted. Isnt that exactly what I just said? Though shes much too old to be called a brat.

    You can be a brat no matter your age, race, or gender.

    True enough.

    Now, you wanted to have a drink? Where? Derek asked.

    Yup, I got just the place. Shae answered before turning to Thomas. Sorry, kid. Its not a place for kids.

    Ill see you back at the hotel later. Derek said.

    Thomas ducked his head, but eventually answered. I should check on Brandi and the others anyway. He replied.

    Derek nodded. Good idea. Im sure I wont be long.

    With that, the Onyx Ranked duo split off from Thomas. Derek followed silently behind Shae without making conversation.

    Eventually, Shae brought Derek to a run down looking building close to the edge of the city.

    Here we are. Shae said. Best drinks in the city. He led them inside.

    Derek scanned the room when they entered. It reminded him of an old-fashioned saloon. Its image was the exact opposite of something from the Crown. He ran his finger along one of the tables, and it came back covered in dust.

    In the back was two rough-looking men slugging it out while others bet coin on the winner. Derek shook his head.

    When you said the boy couldnt come with us, I was expecting something different. Derek said.

    Shae slapped Derek on the back. What do you mean? Im a happily married man. When I say I want a drink, I want a drink.

    And this place has good drinks? Derek asked with skepticism.

    The best. Shae answered. Now, let me show you.

    Shae led Derek to the bar, and they both sat on a stool. Derek looked around for someone to serve them, but no one came. Soon, a loud cheer came from the boxing match. Derek looked over to see one of the rough-looking men sprawled out on the ground, while the other had his arm up in victory.

    At that time, a short, stout man broke off from the crowd and made his way to the bar. Derek couldnt tell if the man was a tall dwarf or a short human. Maybe hes a half dwarf. He thought.

    About damn time, Roman. Shae said.

    Zip it, less I be out of your brew. Roman said. Now, who do we got here?