Freedom Jumper-Chapter 126: Rags to Riches

Wet towels, food, and water were waiting for the caravan among returning to the Adventure Guild. Songa and Joffrey quickly conversed with Enida – the adventure guild attendant that dealt with organizing missions and check-ins – about Elijah and Niko passing the exam, but also began to talk to her about something private that led them up the grand stairs situated in the center of the grand foyer.

Shortly after replenishing their stomachs with good fruit and meat, Elijah and Niko were called into a small desk area where Enida and Songa appeared.

Privately, in the back corner the conversation began with a congratulations, then shifted to the rules of being an adventurer.

Based on Elijah and Niko's hunter rank – the lowest of the low – they would require fifty percent of all beast cores obtained. Elijah scoffed while Niko sat silently. It was fair, and probably wouldn't even affect them with their spatial storages. However, continuous missions without any harvested beast cores could result in an investigation, which forced this idea out of their minds. Secondly, missions are free to be chosen at the concierge in the center of the building alongside the choice to "roam". This meant Songa's reasoning for reporting us was invalid. There is no board, but a list of available missions that you can reserve or take on the morning of – held in the hands of your adventure supervisor. One major difference is how your core level did not determine the beasts you were allowed to face. Of course, the concierge will provide suggestions based on previous performances, but the decision is ultimately up to the adventurer. Thirdly, everything is tracked by your own "Adventure Agent" assigned to you. With there being at least a dozen people dressed exactly like Enida, it made sense as well as making it much easier for everything to be tracked.

Once the rank of Knight is reached, it opens you up for different career paths. Switching to a Protector, or even a Peace Keeper if you are skilled enough. However, no one under the age of eighteen is allowed to move up to the knight rank as education is the priority of the kingdom before solidifying one's career.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

The explanations were finished, and led to a star shaped contraption that removed the protection rune on the back of the bronze emblem. What was placed underneath the name and birthdate of Elijah and Niko, was a bold engraving of the word, "Adventurer - I - Hunter". Finally, Elijah had true freedom to enter and exit the walls as he pleased.

Unfortunately, the conversation was not over as Songa had dragged Elijah and Niko into a private room filled with an immense amount of beast cores they had contributed to.

"I need to make something very clear. You may have fooled everyone else, but you have not fooled me! I know you are an outsider, people not of this kingdom. I am not here to turn you in as it is very illegal to do so. But, since you have an emblem, I suppose either way... there is not a single thing I can do."

Elijah made sense of her previous adamant and angry behavior from her sneaky deduction. "If you know this, then wouldn't that make you an outsider too?"

"I came to this kingdom as a war refugee at the age of four years old. If anything I am a true citizen of this kingdom. If you two are spies from the neighboring kingdoms, you best believe I will be the one to slit your throat's!"

"What war?!" Niko and ELijah both asked the question at the same time. It looked like the opportunity had come earlier than expected.

"Don't give me that. The Kingdom's have been at war for thousands of years, and you are telling me you haven't heard anything? Please, grab 3 yellow cores, 5 orange cores, and 11 red cores and get on with your day. You two made quite the haul so I suggest getting new clothes. It's obvious based on the way you dress that you have not been here for very long..."

Songa was nothing more than right, but also could not even fathom the place Elijah and Niko had come from. This whole experience left a sour taste in their mouth alongside a taste of curiosity.

With Elijah's power, there is not a single place he could travel with the exception of now running out of mana...

Small puddles of water lay in between the cobblestone road of the Hunting District. The rain was rather short and only hit the central point of Tavenas while avoiding the southern side of Gion. Currently, in a black leather backpack Elijah and Niko had been given as a complimentary gift, were 3 yellow beast cores, 10 orange beast cores, and 12 red beast cores.

Bonwick immediately recognized them and asked about their lunch yesterday. Truly, this man was someone Elijah and Niko both loved talking to. The passion and positive energy in his voice made everything that had happened this morning feel null.

"I have to say... I am truly impressed with your haul from today. It has been a while since I have seen kids your age bringing in this many quality beast cores! Here is your 1,650 Genny!"

A total of 2,545 Genny was now split between Elijah and Niko with smiles that caused them to be exhilarated by their potential future. One fact they did find was that most adventurers did not hunt every day, but involved themselves in different activities that gave them more meaning to life. Adventuring was one daunting task filled with risks. With a wife and kid at home, no man would ever want to risk his life every day...

Elijah and Niko headed directly for the Market District that sat below the Spout of Orneas. There were a couple sets of steep stairs lined across the cliffside that allowed quick passage instead of walking all the way around the cliffside to the slope that slowly declined into the rest of Tavenas and Sefrah.

Below, in the very center of the market district stands a tall statue labeled as the Statue of Orneas. This statue was so grand and eloquent it split the very river the dead god had, "founded".

Two story buildings of all kinds were neatly organized around such a centerpiece with a bridge that connected both sides of the river. One of which was a clothing store meant for everyday outfits and hunting gear.

"So Elijah... What is the plan for tomorrow?"

"I prefer if we roam the jungle tomorrow in the search for beasts. Preferably staying close to the river. However, I think we should try out the hot springs... I just want to have a relaxing night full of rest." Said Elijah while carrying a tan cloth bag full of basic clothing and leather hunting equipment. "I also want to test out the pistol given to me by Banum, I need to know its limits in case I am put into a situation where I have no choice but to use it."

The rest of the day was secured alongside food and water that would be stored in the magical fridge.

Post dinner, Elijah and Niko took a long walk to the where they were told the entrance to the hot springs were, but took a different way in after finding out the steep price of 300 Genny per person! Questions of the nature of the spring arose in their minds as the price did not justify hot and steamy water.

Maybe, this place was just meant to be a cash cow.