Though it didn't sound as flashy as [Flame Demon], the new title carried a mysterious, understated quality that perfectly matched a true powerhouse's style. Fron was quite satisfied.
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After updating his attributes, the overwhelming sense of accomplishment filled Fron's body and mind with satisfaction.
That feeling of being able to gain visible rewards just by putting in effort, no matter how many times he experienced it, always left him addicted, filling him with joy.
After leaving the Lok's room, he bid farewell to his companions and went alone toward Northwest Avenue.
The Adventurer's Street was still bustling and lively as always, packed with people.
Shops lined up neatly on both sides of the road, with display windows showcasing all kinds of exquisite weapons, items, and potions, dazzling to the eyes.
Who knew how many adventurers had gone broke on impulse purchases, only to be sent off with merchants' wide smiles?
Blending into the crowded street, Fron stiffly touched his wallet and sighed inwardly.
'Sigh, who said first-tier adventurers aren't strapped for cash? One expedition drained all my savings. I don't even have the money to replace the magic crystal on my staff, this fine top-class staff has now fallen to the level of a mere "Durandal" spear...'
Thinking of this made his insides ache faintly.
Because the magic crystal shattered, the magical amplification ability of "Scholar · Argon" was basically defunct, leaving only basic mana conduction and mana-bearing ability.
"Well, it's enough for now anyway."
After consoling himself, Fron stepped into the hall of the Adventurers' Guild headquarters.
The first thing in sight was the spacious hall, filled with adventurers queuing in front of the counters, followed by the massive notice board on one side of the wall.
This time, Fron had come to select commissions.
He intended to go to the northern volcano near one of the three unknown regions, the [Great Tree Sea], to collect a large number of volcanic flowers to replenish his magic tools. On the way, he could take monster-clearing commissions to earn rewards.
When he arrived at the crowded notice board, he furrowed his brows slightly.
"Hey, look over there."
"Damn, that's the [Flame Demon], wait, no, it's the [Night Weaver]!"
"Holy crap, a first-tier adventurer, and his title got even cooler!"
"What are you jealous for? He's Lv.5. Look at yourself instead."
"Right in the heart, man."
As soon as the crowd saw Fron's face, they instantly recognized him.
There was no helping it. The moment he became Lv.5, both his name and face had spread throughout the city by the guild. No one could ignore such a powerhouse, a first-tier adventurer.
On top of that, his background: [Loki Familia].
So naturally, the people made way for him.
Faced with the trembling, polite, and respectful crowd, Fron raised his eyebrows, then smiled naturally.
Since they were already acting like this, why hesitate?
"Let me see what missions outside the city are available..."
The first thing to catch his eye was the list at the top left, the roster of Aliases granted by the gods this period.
Fron was fortunate to be ranked first.
[Loki Familia] Fron Argon, upgraded to Lv.5, with the new Alias [Night Weaver].
It was an official document, even bearing the seals of the gods and the guild.
Then came the sheepskin parchments that covered 90% of the board.
These were all adventurer commissions.
Of them, collecting dungeon materials and drop items took up 80%. Fron immediately passed on those since they weren't on his route.
After searching for quite a while among the sea of commissions, Fron finally found three that matched his path.
[Investigation: One of the Three Unknown Places, "The Great Tree Sea."]
Mission content: As stated, proceed to "The Great Tree Sea" at the far northeast end of Orario, investigate the cause of the monster outbreak and forest anomaly, and, if possible, eliminate them. Afterward, return to Orario Adventurers' Guild with the information and results.
Mission requirement: Individual Lv.2 minimum, no team restrictions.
Reward: To be discussed.
Client: The Guild.
"This one will do. A bit far, but it's on the way anyway, so no problem."
Memorizing the commission number, Fron turned and walked to the guild's front desk, leaning forward slightly and knocking on the marble counter with his knuckles.
"Misha, long time no see."
"Eh? Night Weaver? What wind blew such a hotshot over here?"
"..." Were the guild receptionists all born to be sarcastic?
Just one sentence and she already sounded like an experienced salary worker.
"Ahem, what hotshot? That's just what others say. I know my own limits." Misha narrowed her eyes, studying his strikingly handsome face, and pouted.
"A dignified first-tier adventurer, yet still humble. Fine, since you didn't turn into one of those lowly types, I won't tease you too much."
"..." Awkwardly touching his nose, Fron pointed toward the notice board.
"I want to take commission numbers 5215 and 5686. Could you help me with the paperwork?"
"5215 and 5686?"
Saying so, Misha pulled out the stack of commissions beside her and flipped through them, soon finding the two sheets.
She glanced at the contents, gave Fron a slightly curious look, then picked up the guild's seal to begin processing.
"Commissions starting with a 5 are usually outside-city missions. Things like escorting nobles, exterminating monsters in villages, or delivery work, but all of them require exit permits."
"Since both of these commissions are guild-issued, congratulations, you're spared the long review and paperwork."
"But I still have to remind you, missions have a time limit, not more than three months. If you haven't returned and submitted the results by then, it'll count as a failure. You won't get paid, and you'll even be blacklisted by the guild. You know how strict the guild is about managing the entry and exit of high-level adventurers and gods."
Fron had already known about this since his first day in Orario.
The gods descended into the lower world with only mortal bodies, their Arcanum sealed. With no means of self-protection, they were safest staying inside the city.
As for high-level adventurers, even more so. They were vital combat strength against the dungeon's monsters, so strict entry and exit controls were necessary.
"I understand. Since the client already handled the paperwork, things are easier for me."
"Here, this is the commission acknowledgement. Be sure to keep it safe. Without this parchment, we won't acknowledge the mission's completion, in other words, no payment."
"Got it, got it. With everything settled, I should get some rest. See you!"
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T/N: Bonus chaps for crossing 200 power stones; next one at 250 power stones~