NOVPUB
Chapter 97: Eligible For Promotion
The morning sun cast a warm glow through the windows of the inn as Zayn descended the creaky wooden stairs of the inn.
The aroma of a hearty breakfast filled the air, making his stomach grumble in anticipation.
As he entered the dining area, he found his companions — Tobias, Kara, and Bran — already gathered around the wooden table, engaged in light conversation.
Elisse moved gracefully between them, serving steaming plates of food.
Noticing a smudge of oil on her cheek, likely from her culinary efforts, Zayn approached her with a soft smile.
"Hold still," he murmured, gently wiping the spot away with his thumb.
Elisse’s cheeks flushed slightly.
"Thank you, Zayn," she replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
He took his seat beside Bran, who appeared unusually subdued, his eyes fixed on the plate before him.
"Everything alright, Bran?" Zayn inquired, concern evident in his tone.
Bran sighed, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Let’s just say my wallet’s a lot lighter after last night’s... adventures."
Zayn smirked. "Maybe next time you’ll think twice before spending everything in the Brothel."
Elisse set a plate in front of Zayn, the contents steaming invitingly.
"I’ve been experimenting with a new recipe," she announced, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "It’s herb-crusted chicken with roasted root vegetables. I hope you all like it."
Zayn took a bite, the flavors dancing on his palate.
The chicken was tender, infused with a blend of what tasted like rosemary and thyme, while the vegetables were roasted to perfection, their natural sweetness enhanced by a hint of garlic.
The dish reminded him of something he’d read about in a culinary book, a recipe that combined hearty proteins with earthy vegetables for a balanced meal.
"This is incredible, Elisse," Zayn praised, prompting nods of agreement from the others.
Elisse’s eyes sparkled with relief and pride. "I’m so glad you think so. I wanted to create something nutritious and filling, especially with the mission ahead."
Tobias set down his fork, his demeanor shifting to one of authority. "Speaking of which, I’ve secured a raid mission for us today. We’ll be heading to a D-rank dungeon just outside Timberstead. The guild reports increased monster activity in the area, and it’s our job to clear it out."
Bran groaned, pushing his plate away. "D-rank? Sounds like grunt work."
Kara shot him a sharp look. "Every mission is important, Bran. We aren’t high ranking enough to go on B-rank or A-rank missions, the Dungeon in the sky was a one-time thing."
Bran grumbled but said no more.
Zayn leaned forward, curiosity piqued. "Do we have any intel on the dungeon’s layout or the creatures we might encounter?"
Tobias nodded. "The guild says it’s probably a cavern system, relatively straightforward. As for the inhabitants, expect goblins, possibly some larger beasts. Standard fare for a D-rank."
Elisse’s brow furrowed. "Even so, we’ll have to be cautious. Dungeons can be unpredictable."
Zayn reached across the table, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "We’ll be careful. Promise."
After finishing their meal, the group gathered their gear.
Zayn double-checked his sword, ensuring it was sharpened and ready.
Tobias adjusted his glasses as always, while Kara cleaned the gem on her staff.
Bran, despite his earlier complaints, seemed eager as he hefted his axe.
The walk to the guild was brisk, the streets of Timberstead bustling with merchants setting up their stalls and children darting about, their laughter echoing off the stone walls.
Upon arrival, they were met with the familiar scent of parchment and the low hum of conversations between adventurers discussing their latest exploits.
Zayn and the rest of the party walked in just as a dwarf nearly crashed into a pillar carrying a stack of spears twice his height.
"Ah, nothing like the smell of sweat and paperwork," Bran muttered, rubbing his eyes. "I missed this."
"I don’t think anyone’s ever said that before," Kara replied, her expression deadpan.
"Speak for yourself," Zayn yawned, stretching.
They reached the front counter where the half-elf receptionist stood — the one with the permanently arched brow and a tone that could slice through steel.
The rude half elf twin that usually ignored Zayn. Naturally, Zayn stood a bit further back this time.
But to everyone’s surprise, the receptionist smiled — an actual smile — and waved them over like they were old friends.
Zayn blinked. "Is she... happy to see us?"
Tobias approached the counter cautiously, like someone about to disarm a trap. "Good morning."
"Good morning, C-rank adventurers," she replied smoothly, her voice like honey over daggers.
She reached under the desk and pulled out several rolled parchments, each tied with a blue ribbon.
"The Guild Master passed down a notice. Due to your participation and contribution to the Sky Dungeon Raid, the guild is officially raising your rank."
There was a beat of silence before Bran said, "Wait, seriously?"
She gave him a look. "Yes. We keep track of these things, despite what you may think."
Bran raised his hands defensively. "Hey, I didn’t say anything insulting. This time."
The receptionist ignored him and placed the contracts on the counter. "Standard procedure. Sign, please."
They each took a quill and signed their names, one by one. As soon as Zayn finished the last curve of his signature, the parchment shimmered and pulsed with a soft blue light.
The light jumped from the paper and spread outward, wrapping around each of them like a gentle breeze.
The magic lingered for a moment, before fading out with a soft, musical hum.
"Congratulations," the receptionist said, finally offering a genuine smile — well, half of one but that was great considering her personality. "You are now officially C-rank adventurers."
Bran pumped his fist. "Hell yeah! Do we get a badge? A sticker? Some cake?"
"No," she deadpanned, sliding a parchment across the table toward Tobias. "But you do get this."
Tobias took the paper and unfurled it.
On it was the name and coordinates of a dungeon: "The Hollow Weald - D-Rank Gate, Located 7 kilometers east of Timberstead. Estimated completion reward: 10 gold."
"This is the D-rank gate you were talking about?" Kara asked, peering over his shoulder.
"Should be a decent warm-up," Tobias said. "Better than arranging a counter for an alchemist."
While the others talked, Zayn felt a set of eyes on him.
He glanced up to find the receptionist watching him with a curious expression, her eyes lingering just a second too long.
"...Something on my face?" he asked, wiping his mouth just in case.
She blinked and quickly looked away, clearing her throat. "Ahem. No. Just... don’t die. It would be unfortunate."
Zayn tilted his head. "Thanks?"
