The Frugal Mage

There was a momentary sense of unease after being suddenly summoned by the Guildmaster.

Still, knowing that he did nothing wrong, he didn't feel too nervous about it.

'Is it because of the previous duel?' Rayven thought as he recalled that only a representative of the Adventurers Guild arrived at that time to watch his match against Cedric.

'Mhmm… Maybe he wanted to make sure I won't get recruited by the Mage Guild or something?' Rayve mused as no one at that level calls for someone like him without a reason.

There were only two possibilities. It was either it was danger… or an opportunity.

Rayven calmed his mind and met Calder's eyes. "Did the messenger say if I should go alone?"

Calder shook his head.

"No instructions on that. But if you want, I'll accompany you to the Guild's hall. At least until you're inside."

Calder was not a member of the Adventurers Guild but an escort warrior of the company. He wasn't really comfortable going inside the guild.

Rayven exhaled slowly and nodded... "Very well. Let's not keep them waiting. Whatever this is… I'll face it head on."

"Ahh… Don't worry. Based on the expression of the messenger, I don't think this is a bad thing." Calder said.

Thanks to those words, as they set off together toward the Adventurer's Guild, Rayven couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation. He didn't know what awaited him in this meeting, but he knew that this could be his opportunity to find a trustworthy craftsman, build his connection for his future business, and others.

Whatever it was, he would make sure not to waste this opportunity.

***

The Adventurer's Guild was as busy as ever. Its hall was still filled with the noise of adventurers, mostly from those who had already entered the 17th Dungeon.

Surprisingly, Rayven noticed a few merchants haggling with adventurers. They weren't normally entered in this place after all. Still, they seemed to be hiring some Silver Rank adventurers for protection.

It was an interesting sight to say the least.

Rayven's entrance didn't draw any attention at first.

After all, he just wore a typical newbie adventurer's clothes…

However, as soon as Stella, the receptionist, saw him, she immediately spoke.

"Rayven! Guildmaster Warren is waiting for you." As she said this, she gestured to the upper floor where the guildmaster's office was located.

Thanks to her calling out loud, the attention immediately shifted to him!

'Ahh… Seriously…' Rayven thought as he felt several gazes boring into his skin.

It was definitely not a common thing for someone to be summoned directly by the Guildmaster.

He guaranteed that these people would surely ask information about him, and there wouldn't be anything he could do about it.

'Whatever… As long as they're not super jealous or something, I can turn this into an opportunity.

This newbie receptionist was truly something else. Still, Rayven calmed down and nodded.

Just like that, Calder soon left him at the heavy double doors of the Guildmaster's office, giving a short nod.

"Go on, young master. I'll wait outside."

Rayven knocked and was soon allowed to enter.

As he pushed the doors open and stepped inside, he finally saw the Guildmaster.

To his surprise, the man was not the grizzled veteran or brawny warrior he had imagined. Instead, he looked like a young gentleman.

He sat behind a wide desk, and his clothing was closer to noble attire than that of a battlefield commander.

"Rayven, isn't it?" the man asked while setting aside the parchment he had been reading. "Welcome. I've been looking forward to meeting you."

Rayven nodded. "Guildmaster…?"

The man smiled faintly.

"Warren. No need for titles when we're alone."

The casual tone was disarming, but Rayven remained respectful. "You summoned me. May I ask why?"

He wanted to get to the point.

Warren liked this and replied.

"It's simple. You are wasted as a copper-rank."

Rayven froze. "What?"

The Guildmaster tapped his table and continued.

"Normally, an adventurer climbs step by step. Copper, Iron, Silver… each tested through missions. Their promotion must be earned by steady proof of ability. But your duel against Cedric? The entire city heard of it. Defeating a Mage at the Adept level, while only a copper-rank Adventurer and an Initiate Mage, cannot be ignored."

Rayven finally realized what was going on…

He hadn't realized how far the news had spread.

Warren smiled and explained further…

"You see… The Adventurer's Guild has a responsibility. If we allow someone of your caliber to remain listed as copper, it not only disrespects your achievements but makes the Guild look blind and incompetent. I cannot allow that."

Rayven immediately smiled as he realized that this was actually a good thing for him.

"So… you mean—"

"I am personally elevating you to Silver…" Warren said, his eyes never leaving Rayven's. "By my authority as Guildmaster."

Rayven wanted to celebrate immediately, but he had to be cautious. He felt that there was some catch to this.

Skipping not just one rank, but two… this was no small gift.

"Of course…" Warren added as he looked at Rayven seriously. "…with higher rank comes greater responsibility. Silver adventurers are not common adventurers. You'll be expected to act with discipline. No petty squabbles that tarnish the Guild's name. And above all—"

He paused for a moment as he wanted to emphasize this matter.

"You will now be eligible to be called for Dungeon Raids. They are not training grounds. They are the true callings of adventurers... It can be dangerous, so I have to let you know…"

Rayven listened intently.

"Silver is still beneath Gold, Platinum, Mythril, and others, of course… But you will find the eyes of others on you now, because of your status as an Initiate Mage. Still, more doors will open for you… Do you understand?"

Rayven "I do."

Finally, it seemed that his chance to earn extra money had opened up! The pen business that hadn't even officially started yet would still take months before he could even see some profit.

With that in consideration, he really had to work as an Adventurer... and being part of the dungeon raid was definitely the best part of it!

'I hope it's true that I can earn 10 or more gold coins in each raid...'