"Please come in."

The two entered the office.

Sherry recognized the visitors as that new professional who had piqued her interest last time, and couldn't help but take a few extra glances.

Whether man or woman, people instinctively appreciate good-looking members of the opposite sex.

And as a warlock influenced by supernatural factors in her bloodline, her desires in this regard were even stronger than average.

"Lady Sherry, adventurer Gauss has completed three assessment commissions. Please verify."

"So quickly?"

Sherry took the Mission Recorder and closed her eyes briefly before reopening her brown eyes with interest, looking at Gauss.

"Everything checks out."

"Congratulations, Adventurer Gauss. From this moment onward, you are officially a Bronze-rank adventurer."

Hearing the female warlock's words, Gauss suddenly felt relieved.

Contrary to expectations, he wasn't particularly excited.

His heart remained unexpectedly calm.

Gauss analyzed that this was probably because his abilities far surpassed those of ordinary new professionals, so he had always been confident about passing the assessment and being promoted to Bronze-rank.

Everything had proceeded naturally, leaving little room for excitement.

Still, he did feel happy.

"Gauss, come here for a moment." Sherry stood up, swaying her hips as she walked to an unremarkable small platform in the corner of the room.

"Place your hand on it."

"What is this?"

"Registering your information to receive your Bronze-rank identification badge," Sherry explained. "This is a special magical artifact that recognizes your mental wavelength and uploads it to the Adventurers Guild headquarters. Afterwards, no matter which branch you visit, presenting this badge will grant you corresponding benefits."

After listening, Gauss placed his hand on the surface.

The smooth platform flashed brightly upon contact with his palm before quickly returning to normal.

It didn't feel particularly special.

"Done," said Sherry.

Gauss lifted his hand, and in the next moment, an exquisite badge appeared on the platform.

It was about the size of an egg - round in shape with an indigo gradient hue, featuring a small hexagram star at its center surrounded by green phosphorescent flames.

A simple yet sophisticated identification badge.

Quite handsome-looking, was Gauss's first impression.

"This is your Bronze-rank adventurer badge. Please keep it safe - replacement costs 1 gold coin if lost."

"1 gold coin? That expensive?" Gauss immediately turned to Sherry.

How could such a small badge cost so much?

"Correct. This replacement fee applies at any branch."

After confirming he heard correctly, Gauss tightly gripped the badge - better keep something this valuable safe to avoid the painful replacement cost.

"The badge also records your complete mission history."

"Oh, and don't forget to collect your 1 gold and 30 silver commission fee from the completed mission."

"Thanks for the reminder."

"Additionally, the Adventurers Guild provides all Bronze-rank adventurers with a newcomer package. You're quite lucky, Gauss - this welfare policy only started being implemented in the past decade. We didn't have such benefits back in my day."

Under Gauss's unwavering gaze, Sherry plucked several items from thin air and placed them on the table, introducing them one by one.

"First, this is a 'Meditation Method' manual. While I don't know your exact profession, most spellcasting-related occupations require it. Meditation helps steadily consolidate and enhance your magic power."

The first item introduced was a book.

Gauss nodded.

Andni had mentioned meditation methods to him before - they were magical artifacts recording methods for cultivating magical power.

During the apprentice phase when mental stability is insufficient, ordinary people reading such material could suffer consequences ranging from dizziness to brain death, hence these resources rarely circulated on the market.

Only after reaching professional rank with substantially enhanced and stabilized mental power could one access meditation methods through official channels.

Andni had recommended he purchase one soon after being promoted to Bronze-rank adventurer, mentioning they weren't prohibitively expensive.

Perhaps having been away from frontline work too long, her information was somewhat outdated.

Who would have thought meditation methods would now be given freely as newcomer benefits?

Times had changed indeed - this more newcomer-friendly "version" saved him another expense.

"Next is a monster compendium compiled by the Adventurers Guild - an illustrated guide to common magical creatures. As an adventurer, you'll need to familiarize yourself with various monsters' habits and weaknesses so you won't be caught unprepared when encountering unfamiliar creatures."

"Also included is an 'Adventurer's Guide' addressing potential questions you might have - how to advance professional ranks, realm classifications, adventurer rank promotions, basic guild benefits and more."

"Lastly, a 5 gold coin cash reward."

"That's everything."

"Thank you very much." Gauss accepted the newcomer package, finally unable to suppress his joy.

Every reward met his needs perfectly - the meditation method would enhance his magic power, the monster compendium expanded his knowledge, the guidebook answered questions about future career development, and the 5 gold coins arrived just in time for imminent expenses.

Five gold coins was no small sum either - his total earnings from the three preliminary assessment missions combined hadn't reached that amount, yet here they were handed to him effortlessly.

A rare taste of unearned joy.

"Well then, I won't keep you - I'm sure you have much to attend to now." Having finished explaining everything, Sherry the mentor didn't detain Gauss for casual conversation like last time, though she remained quite interested.

She understood every newly promoted Bronze-rank adventurer entered a busy period.

"I'll take my leave then."

After brief thanks, Gauss and Petra eagerly exited the office.

"Off to the second floor now?" Petra clearly understood his hurried pace.

"Yes." Gauss nodded.

In the past, he'd only watched other Bronze-rank adventurers ascend to the second floor from among the crowds.

Now he could finally see it for himself.

Moreover, he had clear objectives there - something he'd been anticipating for ages.

Exiting the hall, noise immediately surrounded them.

"Let me collect your mission commission first."

Petra took Gauss's identification badge to the counter before returning with a money pouch.

Gauss counted the contents - exactly 1 gold and 30 silver coins - then nodded farewell to Petra before striding toward the grand staircase facing the main hall entrance.

Two armored guards flanked the stairs.

Presenting his Bronze-rank badge, the guards immediately saluted and granted passage.

Other low-ranking adventurers in the hall noted this scene, mentally filing away Gauss's appearance - young man, black hair with green eyes, rapier wielder, not to be trifled with casually.

Stepping onto the broad red-carpeted staircase, Gauss felt his heartbeat quicken.

The double-flight staircase allowed access to the second floor from either mirrored side after the first flight.

Step by step...

Finally, the second floor's scenery came into view.

The vastly more spacious ceiling height momentarily made Gauss feel like this was actually the first floor, and the previous one merely a basement.

Unlike the first floor's cramped conditions, this environment was bright and sunny.

Upon entering the second floor area, all noise from below seemed muted, not a single sound remaining audible.

At the center stood a skylight of transparent glass, the azure sky uplifting spirits.

Surrounding the central hall were various well-stocked shops and mission boards, with resting tables and chairs everywhere.

Small groups of adventurers in elite gear conversed quietly.

Each exuded an air of competence - at least, they appeared so in this environment.