This is

Shiens gaze fell onto the hand Vivian extended toward him. As he took in the item in her hand, he showed a stunned expression.

The thing in Vivians hand was a black, iron looking, badge like medal.

Engraved on that medal was a sword and a flame.

It was the adventurers guilds coat of arms, representing their signature sword and sorcery.

Thus, Shien understood.

This is the adventurers medal, right?

Thats right. Its an adventurers medal. Something that the adventurers guild will give out to true adventurers.

What Vivian brought out was the medal given to the most beginner ranked adventurers the iron first grade medal.

Only with that medal will he be considered a real adventurer.

Of course, its only the lowest ranking first grade adventurer though.

This is yours. Vivian stated, I know that your level should be nowhere near that of a mere first grade adventurer, but since you only just passed the exam, you can only take the iron first grade medal. If you want to be promoted, then youll have to undergo the magic appraisal at the adventurers guild and confirm your level first.

As she said that, Vivian grabbed Shiens hand and placed the medal in it.

Shien accepted the medal, but only after that did he finally react.

Youre saying then, that Ive passed the adventurers exam?

Shien looked at Vivian in surprise.

Is it really that surprising? Vivian was the one to laugh now, Dont forget now, the newbie adventurers exam is for a month, and I had said it just now, didnt I? That its been about a month since weve met?

In other words, Shiens probationary period has ended.

Originally, this should have been given to you only after weve returned to Lamdrion. However, since youre planning to stay in the Capital for a month, then theres no way that we can make you wait yet another month for it. Vivian so explained, Thus, though my recommendation and Leilis own judgment, the Capitals adventurers guild headquarters have decided to just directly give the medal to you.

Thus, Vivian brought the medal back and handed it over to Shien.

Is that really fine though? Shien was a little embarrassed as he took the medal, Strictly speaking, I only did a single quest with you guys. Isnt it a bit sloppy to just let me pass like that?

Although its a bit embarrassing to say it, but Shien really had completely forgotten about the fact that he needed to pass the exam.

And during this month, the only real adventuring activity that Shien took part in was that one time to the Mangir mountain range. Other than that, he pretty much either spent the rest of his time holed up in the third floor of the adventurers guild, reading or on the road to the Capital with the rest of the prison transport group. Thus, he really did feel the medal in his hands to be a bit undeserved.

Vivian however just shook her head.

Thats not right at all. Vivian said, Dont forget now, the prisoner transport quest is our adventuring partys proper activity as well. Its a proper quest that the guildmaster personally gave us, you know.

That quest is of at least the platinum grade, maybe even mithril.

And you joined a quest of this grade during your probationary period. Plus, you didnt just follow along. Instead, you were the greatest contributor to completing this quest.

Now I ask you. How can we possibly fail to allow an adventurer like that to pass the exam?

Vivian smiled and slowly spoke.

Of course, an adventurer doesnt just need strength and achievement. They also needs enough knowledge and experience. Youre a bit lacking on the latter bits, but that part isnt as hard to replace as strength and achievements. Even among adventurers, there are people who dont know a thing about disassembling even the lowest leveled demonic beasts, but they have companions who can cover up that weak point of theirs, so they dont actually need to do it themselves. You can very well do as they do and work with companions who do have high amounts of knowledge and experience. Thats not a bay way to go about things either.

Shien understood after hearing Vivians words.

So Im basically independent now, huh?

Shien held the adventurers medal in his hands and asked Vivian.

Yes. Vivian nodded and spoke gently, The current you may take quests on your own, or join other parties. You can even make your own party and recruit your own members. From now on, you can decide what to do on your own.

That so Shien went quiet for a bit before giving a small smile, In that case, when were back in Lamdrion, Ill be able to properly leave the party then, right?

Technically speaking, thats true. Vivian looked at Shien before showing a meaningful expression, Although thats presupposed on the condition that someone wants you to leave, or if you yourself want to leave.

With those final words, Vivian turned about and left.

Thus leaving Shien alone as he stared at Vivian, stunned. It was only a bit after that he finally let out a difficult laugh.

Really Vivian. Does she have a scheming side to her after all?

Shien kept getting the feeling that Vivian seemed to have been teasing him. In other words, she seems to have some idea of what will be happening in the future.

I never thought you were like that, Vivian.

Shien could only laugh before looking down at the iron medal in his hand.

Then, Shien grinned.

From today on, Ill be a guy with status.

With that, Shien put the medal away and headed back to his room while humming and in an even more relaxed mood than he was when he got out of the baths.

The morning of the next day.

This day, Shien got up really early.

The various members of Vivians party all tend to get up early. Other than Airi, whos still sleeping and cannot be woken up no matter what, the rest of them were all gathered together while having breakfast.

Shien, as the only man among them, was the fastest eater.

As everyone watched Shien devour his food in a rush, they suddenly felt like they were full as well. Thus, they exchanged glances before letting out bitter chucks.

Eat slower, Mr. Shien. Melika was the first one who was unable to hold back her words, Be careful not to choke.

What is it? Diere also frowned, Do you have something that you need to hurry for?

In response, Shien nodded as he swallowed the food in his mouth.

Im going to be heading to the underground library below the palace today, and I cant wait. Shien stated, What about you guys? Do you have some kind of plans?

Yes. Vivian answered Shien with a smile, We plan to go take a look over at the adventurers guild. If there are some suitable quests, then well probably be restarting our adventuring activities for the next while.

Y-yes Lumia also nodded as she spoke quietly, After all, there are too many things in the Capital that we want to buy, so the costs are a bit

The meaning is that they need to start earning some money.

Shien instantly stopped eating.

Thats because he also thought of this cruel matter.

My money is also nearly spent.

Shiens face fell. He no longer have much gold left on him.

Should he go with Vivian and them on a quest and earn some money first?

A hard decision