Elemental Cats

The group had found a few places that looked like they could earn them a decent sum. One forest had been especially lively lately, and a lot of people had gone missing after entering it. Although Toz and the cats were too weak right now to explore it, if it still wasn't solved by the time the group reached the fourth level, the money they could receive from completing it as a request would be even greater.

They had also found a few other areas surrounding Sleepless Brights that, while slightly troublesome, could boost the group's economy a bit. But the places that seemed profitable enough to venture into were all at least fourth level danger zones. The forest would also be promoted to a fifth level one if people kept disappearing there.

After the group decided on the first thing they should do, they headed to the Explorers' Guild so Toz could get his fourth level badge.

Just like in Yellow Sparks, early mornings were the busiest times of the day for explorers since they wanted to get out of the city and get to work as soon as possible and many explorers tended to stop by the guild before heading out. Most did it out of habit and to socialize and create connections. In case they wanted to find a part or squad to join. Others do it to make sure they're the first to know if a new request has appeared or if the guild has a message, warning, or news of any kind that can be important for explorers heading out.

An important part of exploring isn't just finding things. Finding things before anyone else and making sure one can stay alive while doing that is at least as important as actually exploring and discovering things. That's why explorers with outstanding information-gathering skills have a better survival rate than ones who only excel at fighting.

After dropping by the guild, many explorers left pretty quickly unless there was something stopping them. But there are also many explorers who tend to relax at the guild if they have just returned from the wilderness. Since the guild is often connected to an affiliated bar or tavern, it isn't unusual to see explorers drinking at all times of the day.

And when Toz entered the building late in the morning, that was what he saw. Explorers, relaxing, drinking, chatting, or all three. He didn't see many explorers actively looking for information or talking with guild employees about any requests.

Since there weren't many explorers during this time of the day only two of the front desks were open for business, and one of them, was busy with a young woman. So Toz ended up in front of the desk that had an old gentleman behind it. Although the man was old and had grey air, his eyes were still full of life, and he greeted Toz with a friendly smile.

"What can I help you with?"

"I was looking to upgrade my Explorers the Badge to fourth level."

"Oho, new to Sleepless then?"

"Yeah, just arrived this morning."

The conversation continued naturally as the older man, Rick, as the nametag on his chest read, guided Toz to a door next to the reception.

"The Lightning Cloud can be pretty surprising at first, but how do you find the city otherwise so far?"

"It's pleasant. There are some nice shops."

Rick opened the door to reveal a cubical room several meters high and more than ten meters in width and length. There were traces of magic and weapons all over the walls and floor, though none of them too deep. There was even damage on the ceiling somehow.

"Although the room looks like this, it's sturdy and can handle most beatings.

"The promotion examination will be handled by me, Rick Besre, and will test if exam taker by the name Toz is eligible for the fourth level Explorers' Badge."

Unlike the examination that Toz had undergone in Yellow Sparks, the one he was about to take was a lot more formal. Although, it could also be due to Rick since he seemed to take formal procedures seriously.

The two men, one examiner, and one examinee, stood on opposing sides of the room.

Although Toz had only needed to show he was capable of actually surviving in some way during his test for the first level exploration badge, higher levels had higher demands on the explorer's capabilities. Mostly, in the general direction of, the best way to guarantee survival is to get rid of whatever threatens the explorer's life. As in, kill, or you will eventually end up killed, no matter how good at stealth or defense you are.

Although an explorer taking the promotion examination didn't need to kill the examiner to pass, they at least needed to show that they could survive in a sustainable manner, not just temporarily, during a single encounter with danger.

Since danger zones get progressively more dangerous the higher the level they are naturally, the demands for an explorer entering the zones rise correspondingly.

The exam also shows the explorer what amount of strength they can expect from the beasts they might encounter in the danger zones. Every examiner with the right to promote someone has to have been to several different danger zones of the level they want to be able to promote explorers to.

Since Rick has been to several fourth level danger zones and is familiar with the level of strength beasts in those zones can possess, he can adjust the strength he displays to match those beasts. And if the explorer taking the examination can survive against the skills that Rick displays, they get the promotion. Even if the explorer can only manage by the skin of their teeth, as long as they don't collapse, they pass.

Although the guild officially wants explorers to stay safe since they rely on those explorers. If the requirements for higher levels are too strict, no one is going to want to go through the exam. And no danger zone is the same, not even ones of the same level, so even if an explorer barely passes the exam, as long as they are careful and prudent in the exploration, they won't be in any danger.

So even if Toz won't be able to beat Rick, he can still get the fourth level badge.

He comforted himself with that fact as he brought out his sword and prepared to face off against Rick.