14 Chapter 14 (1/2)

”What're these ranks you're talking about?” Sumi asked.

Davis looked at her and scratched his stubbled chin, ”Ranks are kinda a strength rating for adventurers, adventurers below level ten have no rating, which includes us. Once you reach level ten you are automatically qualified to be an F rank adventurer. Between level ten and twenty-four the adventurers guild will give an adventurer or an adventurer party a quest for which they will get no payment, but if they are able to complete the quest they move up in rank to E. If you manage to get past the barrier and become level twenty-five you become rank D. The average adventurer is usually around rank D an adventurer will be slightly stronger than an average soldier who is generally still around the E rank in strength.”

Sumi nodded, ”And the other ranks?”

”The rank C process is similar to E, you receive a quest and if you complete it you move up a rank. A rank C adventurer means you are classified as a professional and capable adventurer. If you get past level fifty you become B ranked, a B ranked adventurer can fight on par with an elite knight from most kingdoms. If you complete another quest the adventurers guild issues you, you become the coveted Rank A adventurer. The cream of the crop, A ranked adventurers get rare quests, have extremely high-quality gear and can even be hired by nobles for jobs. If an A rank retires, he can be assured of a spot as a teacher in any warriors college, mages guild or hidden camp. If you reach level seventy-five, however, you become something else entirely. You become a named adventurer, the guild or your peers will give you a nickname. This name becomes an actual title and gives bonuses, the titles are also visible on your status plate. Named adventurers are famous across the continent, they are extremely powerful and well respected. A good measure of power would be the warlord of the giants of the red sands, they would be about that powerful.”

”So named adventurers are really strong, I wanna become one! What about the S rank Emmi mentioned?” Sumi said, glowing in excitement.

”S rank is someone who will go down in history becoming both myth and legend. There are currently only three S ranked individuals on the continent. S rank isn't just given to adventurers by the way, any individual deemed powerful enough is granted the honorary S rank by the combined guilds. The Frigid Herald, The Rusty Iron Knight, and The Devastator. The Frigid Herald is a mage and adventurer, The Rusty Iron Knight is a mercenary, The Devastator is a legendary criminal who takes whatever he wants and destroys those who get in his way.” Davis said, voice soft as he whispered the names in near worship.

”We will become S ranked, I believe we can reach that level of strength.” Emmi said, face drawn tight in determination.

Davis sighed, ”I honestly would be happy and proud of myself if we manage to reach B rank.”

Emmi straightened her posture, eyes gleaming. ”It would be quite an achievement yes but I will be aiming higher!”

Davis shrugged, ”We will see what the future holds.”

An aromatic smell halted their conversation, Talin smiled. ”Seems your mother is going the length today, that smells delicious.”

”Race ya to the house!” Davis yelled, going full sprint. Talin and Sumi followed shortly behind laughing in glee.

Emmi and Three exchanged a glance and shrugged, walking towards the house. Three opened the door for Emmi who gave him a smile as they stepped inside the house. The large oaken table that dominated the kitchen was set, an embroidered white cloth cover it. Seven plates and the accompanying silverware were placed around the table, A steaming pot of stew was the source of the wondrous aroma. Pieces of freshly-baked still warm bread were placed on each plate, some sausages, some eggs baked sunny-side up, even a few pieces of cheese decorated the table.

Everyone was muttering and thanking Emmi's mother for the food, already telling her it was delicious even though they had not tasted anything. Davis and Talin hurried to get a seat, Sumi following suit. Emmi sat down as well and gestured for Three to take the seat next to her. Three took one of the chairs and after carefully checking to see if it could hold his weight, sat down.

Captain Tulo entered the room, he hung his cloak on the wall, took his sword and sheath from his belt and hung them next to the cloak. He walked in, kissed his wife and spread his gaze across the table, ”It seems we have two more additions to dinner.” He smiled at the both of them, ”I'm glad the two of you are settling in.”

Emmi quickly spoke up, ”About settling in, can they stay here dad?”

Tulo blinked, then glanced at his wife. ”They really are wonderful children dear, we have enough room.” she smiled at him and gently folded her hands.

Tulo shrugged, ”Well I had offered the two scamps over there a place but they decided to get their own. A different two scamps wouldn't make that much of a difference.”

Emmi grinned and hugged her father, ”Guess you're part of the family now.” She said patting Three on the shoulder.

Three nodded politely and smiled, everyone sat around the table, drool almost noticeably dripping onto the table. ”Dig in!” Emmi's mother's words the igniting spark to the ensuing chaos.

Everyone started ravenously shoveling food into their mouths, Three watched them with his eyebrows raised. He watched carefully how Emmi put food on her fork and tried to imitate her, the first few times the food fell off his fork and he got frustrated. Finally, he succeeded and put the food in his mouth, then he looked at the others unsure what to do. The flavors surprised him but after a moment it just sat there uncomfortably.

”What are you doing?” Emmi said staring at him.

Three looked at her and shrugged, ”Well at least chew your food! Don't just keep it in your mouth.”

Three stared at her blankly, Emmi just stared back in disbelief. She put her hand on the bottom of his chin and pulled his mouth open, Three obediently complied. Then she pushed it shut again, pulled it open, then pushed it shut. ”Put the food between your teeth, the ones at the side of your mouth and do that.”

Three did as she told him, food spilling from his mouth as he opened it.

”Owh for the love of…” Emmi growled, ”Do it with your mouth closed.”

Three kept his mouth closed, and stretched his jaw. Then tightened it again. ”You look like a fish!”