Chapter 54: Advancement (1)

The second the door opened to the fields the view again left them in awe. The guild really had an amazing training field. Spotting Barry was easy. He stood by the racks of weapons where walker had taken his own test.

Barry quickly noticed the party approaching " you all know you're already part of the guild and don't need to test right?" Barry chuckled at his own joke.

"Well duh! We came here for something else. Hmpf" Remey took Barry too seriously only increasing his laughter.

"We actually came across some potions we might think you're interested in." Walker took the lead before Remey could get more fired up at Barry's joking. "These potions are called rage potions, we came across them while cleaning out the mansion." Walker pulled the potions from his inventory setting them on a nearby table with a few daggers in it.

"Ooohh and you knew they were rage potions from their looks?" Barry's voice had some surprise within it not realizing they had knowledge of alchemy.

"Well after some research we were able to find notes. Apparently this potion is made from an obsidian rhino organ. It's will enhance strength but weaken the mind. Also it comes with drawbacks after it wears off." Walker wanted to showcase their knowledge to prove to Barry they didn't just use some skill but actually took the time to learn about the potions origin.

"Well well, I'm surprised you all found these. It's been some years since I've purchased any due to their rarity. Most people wouldn't buy these due to the drawbacks but luckily I have my ways to counteract them. Hmmm my stock has fallen to 12 rage potions so 6 more would be a nice boost." Barry was staring off in to the distance while figuring out what to say to them. He only ever used these potions in dire situations but as the vice guild leader he often was sent on dangerous quests. "I can take them off your hands. I'll find use for them in the future without doubts. I'll offer you..." he trailed off not sure what price would be fair.

Walker had a thought earlier and since Barry was the vice guild leader he felt it would be alright to ask this. "Actually it can be items and gold to make the difference. The reason I ask this is I've realized I don't have a short ranged weapon. I learned a weapon specific skill when I took my test to join the guild. So I have hopes you could give me that scythe over there as part of the payment?" Walker recalled his crescent moon skill and decided that the parties goal for advancement could put them in a situation where magic was not the best option.

"Haha perfect then you may take that weapon and I'll give you 400G. Also ask Clara to give you the core of the monster I killed last week. I have no use for its core but you might." Barry was happy to sneak in something mysterious. He had wanted to find a way to pass off the item to them curious of what they would do with it.

"Thank you!" Walker was happy to get what they needed but also intrigued by the other item Barry had given them.

"No take your stuff and hurry along, I should have another newbie coming any time now." Barry shooed them away while walker stored the gold and his new close combat weapon.

' razor scythe

+10atk

+5def'

Walker had used his skill on the scythe and didn't think the benefits were bad at all. Knowing his spatial magic could greatly assist his fighting style. He would not need to worry over an enemy becoming too close. After Barry's shooing they returned inside to the counter only to find Clara with three stacks of paperwork.

"Welcome back, I'm sure you found Barry alright by the smiles on your faces." Clara was about to start on the advancement explanation but walker was quick.

"Barry actually told us to ask you to give us the core of a monster he fought last week. I'm not sure what exactly he fought but it was part of our deal." Walker was worried he'd interrupted Clara and looked down in embarrassment.

"Well isn't that surprise, and here is bet he would just sell it like in the past, just one moment." Clara disappears in to the back of the building building only to return a few moments later.

"This is the steel golems core, he went to deal with one causing trouble in the mines. "I'll let you all figure out what to use it for." Clara smirked and handed over the small grey ball. Walker was curious what she meant but decided to worry over it at another time and stored it away.

"Now the advancement test is held over a minimum of one month and a maximum of two months. You will receive a location to travel and must bring back proof your party has defeated certain monsters known to live within the area. Depending on the area you may also be required to show proof of items, herbs, or knowledge obtained while there. Based off of what you bring back your results will be calculated. It has been heard that some parties jump two ranks higher but that is rare. If you proceed safely I fully expect your party to be able to rank up." Clara unloaded this information which walker memorized. They would have an advantage over others with walkers skill to store away monster bodies, herbs, items, etc.

Clara continued, "I've gathered three options as is the normal amount for each party that requests a test. First; the ancient ruins. The undead are rife in the area and need constant trimming. This area also has many ruins which are not mapped out and hold many secrets. Second; the March lands. There are many poisonous monsters and herbs here along with water dwelling creatures. This is a dangerous area full of things that can mess with a person senses. Many adventurers have become lost in the marsh lands leaving many things to be found. Third; the mountains. This area is tough terrain but filled with many crafting materials. The monsters there have very strong defenses and often the ability to fly or manipulate earth. Many caves and deep ravines hold secrets still. Please think these options over and decide as a party." Clara finished her explanation. She secretly had hopes they would not choose the marsh lands because the poisons there had claimed many young parties. But between the other two options she was unsure which was safer.