"Why did you change the potential rank on the card?" Roselia asked as they stepped out of the Ascender Association. Unlike Leon, she didn''t need a card, being his familiar.

    "This Ascender card provides some useful perks," Leon explained. "For example, we can access high-class inns and other exclusive services. It also works as a pass, so if we show it at certain places, they''ll open doors for us based on the points and rank displayed on it. Since I''ll have to use the card often, I made sure my real rating is protected from probing."

    "And S-rank potential?" Roselia inquired with a raised eyebrow.

    "It''s a safe middle ground—impressive but not too over-the-top. Just enough to avoid unwanted attention while still earning respect," Leon replied casually.

    Roselia glanced at his card and pointed at the displayed points. "Right now, we have zero points."

    Leon chuckled lightly. "Yes, we''ll need to complete our first quest soon. Can''t stay at zero points for more than a week; it''ll look bad."

    In this Tower, climbers didn''t need to conquer floors or complete grand quests immediately. Instead, the system functioned like a game, where points were essential for progress. Each floor had its own set of challenges, and climbers needed to accumulate points to advance. To reach the second floor, Leon needed 100 points. For the third floor, it would require 200 points, and so on.

    "My Ascender rank is also gray," Leon said, looking at the plain gray card in his hand.

    Ascenders had ranks, similar to a prestige system. New registrants started at Level Zero, or Gray Rank, and climbed the ladder by earning points and completing quests. Leon''s card would eventually evolve from Iron Gray to Bronze, then Silver, and so on.

    "I need 1,000 points to reach Bronze Rank," he mumbled, checking the rank-up requirements displayed on the card.

    Roselia smirked. "Well, better get to work then. No one likes a rookie."

    Leon sighed but couldn''t suppress a small smile. "Yeah, let''s start earning those points."

    "Let''s go and see what the first quest we can take is," Leon said as they approached the towering structure of the Quest Hall. Like the Ascender Association, it was a major institution tied to the Tower''s workings. The enormous dome-shaped building exuded authority and purpose, with streams of climbers entering and exiting its broad, arched doors.

    Inside, the atmosphere buzzed with energy. Adventurers of varying levels discussed strategies, haggled over quest details, and formed groups to tackle the challenges ahead. The hall was divided into sections, with boards designated for climbers of different ranks.

    Leon and Roselia made their way to the Gray Board, a section reserved for Gray Rank climbers—those just starting their journey. Regardless of their personal strength, climbers could only accept quests that matched their rank. The board was filled with papers detailing missions ranging from simple delivery tasks to minor monster hunts.

    "Hm, I think this one will do," Roselia said, reaching out to grab a quest sheet. Just as her fingers touched the paper, she bumped into someone.

    She frowned and stepped back, turning to see who it was. Her gaze met a tall, imposing figure. The man was bald, with four muscular arms and skin the color of cerulean, giving him an alien, almost otherworldly appearance. His grin was wide, but there was nothing friendly about it.

    "Ahhh! Now you''ve done it!" he bellowed, his anger boiling over as he attempted to close the gap between them. His movements were wild and aggressive, but Roselia''s precision and agility kept her out of reach.

    Before Derub could land another blow, Leon stepped in. In a single swift motion, he pulled Roselia into his arms and leaped away, creating distance between them and their enraged opponent.

    "What are you doing?" Roselia asked, slightly flustered by the sudden act, though she relaxed in his hold.

    "Let''s not cause too much of a commotion. For now, let it rest," Leon said firmly, his voice calm but decisive. He placed her gently on the ground, ensuring she was steady before stepping back.

    Roselia nodded, understanding his reasoning. She adjusted her cloak, brushing off the lingering tension, and walked with Leon to the receptionist''s desk to register their chosen quest.

    Behind them, Derub was still shouting, clutching at his face where the void flames had scorched his skin. Roselia had aimed carefully, ensuring the flames struck near his eyes, a calculated move to disorient and partially blind him.

    Leon glanced back momentarily at the raging man but decided against engaging further. "At our current level, he''s not worth wasting energy on," he said quietly to Roselia. "Unless we want to reveal our full power and attract unnecessary attention, it''s best to let him stew."

    Roselia nodded as Leon''s registration was completed.

    "But to think you would directly take an SSS-Rank quest," Leon sighed, glancing at the paper in her hand. "We''re supposed to keep a low profile for now, at least until we gain a few levels. Showing near-Level 50 strength while at Level 0 is outright painting a target on our backs. There are too many people on the 1st floor hunting for fame."

    Roselia shrugged nonchalantly as Leon picked up another quest. This time, it was an A-Rank. He glanced over the details and handed it to the receptionist for registration.

    "Are you sure?" Roselia asked, noticing two more A-Rank quests on the board. "You can only take three quests at a time, and if any of them aren''t completed, you won''t be able to accept others until the penalties are cleared."

    Leon nodded, unconcerned. "It''s fine. Just get them registered," he said.

    The receptionist, a bit skeptical, shrugged and began processing the requests.

    "Also," she added, "if you don''t complete the SSS-Rank quest within six months, you''ll be fined 10,000 Gold Coins."

    "Noted," Leon replied without hesitation, his calm demeanor unshaken.

    Once the receptionist finished registering all three quests, she handed back the updated Ascender Card, now reflecting the accepted tasks.

    "Let''s go," Leon said, turning to Roselia. "We''ll finish this first A-Rank quest first. Once that''s done, we can move on to the SSS-Rank. That way, no one will suspect anything."

    Roselia nodded at the strategy. "Works for me."