Chapter 45 - Unionization (Announcement!)

Over the course of about an hour and a half, I explain the value of Pi, trigonometry, and the basics of pre-calculus to the extremely enthusiastic scholar.

I would teach him more, but there's not much else I know. I mean I kinda died right at the start of sophomore year so I only have two semesters under me.

However, based on the absolute glee contained within the man's face, I think this is more than enough.

"Young man, your name and clan shall go down in the annals of history. This is truly revolutionary knowledge. I can't even imagine the things that those who are smarter than you and I can do with formulas and things such as these. Truly it makes not only complicated calculations infinitely easier but also streamlines processes that could take certain scholars hours to complete." Severus said, his eyes still shining, this time not only with greed but also a deep appreciation. Did I go too far? Ehh what harm can a little bit of modern math do anyway?

However, there is one small correction I want to make.

"Before you report my findings, would you mind marking down my name as Antonio Icefield Decourville? That is my true name and if this knowledge truly is what you're claiming I want to be remembered correctly." I say as Severus responds with an excited grin as he writes something down.

"When can I expect my payment and acceptance into the Union?" I ask, standing up from the table and stretching.

"I'll have your payment of the storage bag and two oro brought here immediately, and after you agreed to share your knowledge with me I mentally told Vanessa to streamline your acceptance and rank you as highly as her clearance allowed. By the end of the day, you'll be a C-ranked union member, with both a mage's and advanced scholars license and certification. All certification fees are waived since it's not as if you were taught anything." Severus said, walking over to his bar and pouring himself a deep glass of what smells like whiskey.

"I keep hearing about this ranking system, mind telling me how it works?" I ask, causing Severus to nearly choking on his alcohol.

"I nearly forgot you came from a tribe of hermits. Yes, I can explain the Union ranking system. It's very simple, there are just about thirteen ranks within the Continental Union, starting with G, the lowest rank given to anyone who blindly signs the contract. The rank you'll start with based on your ability to wound an A-rank adventurer to such a degree, as well as your vast knowledge, is, unfortunately, C-rank." Severus continues, taking a large swig of liquor. "I wish our branch was able to place you at least into the rank of B, a rank that would allow you to live comfortably, yet no one in the office had that clearance."

"Each rank allows you to take missions up to two ranks above your own, so for instance you can take any quest of Piccolo Signore or below, as long as you have the certifications or qualifications necessary. Most quests don't require certifications, but some may. Basically, all you have to do to rank up is complete quests and pay your dues on time. Not dying on quests above your rank proves your strength well enough after all." Severus says, taking another drink as he continues to calm down. "Oh right, we've prepared a scholars contract for you, it removes most clauses outside of your need to pay a fee of around fifteen percent of any soldi you make from quests," Severus says, finishing his glass.

Good lord this sounds like a bureaucratic mess. Why does there have to be a license or a certification to be a scholar? Isn't a scholar just a person who studies? Whatever.

"Thank you, anything else you need from me?" I say, standing up and re-casting Alter Ego.

"Nothing, unless you're willing to say it for free," Severus says, walking over to the door to meet a servant holding a small silver chest. Without a word, he takes the chest from the servant and dismisses him.

Severus hands me the chest and as I open it, I can almost feel the magical craftsmanship flowing out of the bag within.

The bag forms what amounts to a mental connection with me, and by focusing on that thread of mana, I can almost feel what's within the bag.

No, I can feel it.

Two objects of note, of course, are the two illustrious-looking golden coins within the storage dimension. Perfect.

Severus breaks my train of thought with a cough, as a contract appears on the table between us, allowing with a feather pen. This contract instead, is both much shorter and not nearly as filled to the brim with scams.

I get to keep my own body after death, I don't have to reveal any knowledge I learn without choosing to and without proper compensation and credit, and also I only have to pay a max of fifteen percent of my solid to the union from any given job. Which in contract terms means I don't have to give up any loot I get on them.

After signing the contract, Severus smiles and stands up, his hand extended.

"I look forward to your bright future with the Union. If you choose to join a guild, make sure to state your credentials and certifications along with your rank, that way you'll have access to more specialized quests. It's rare to find a scholar with such rich battle aptitude, so I'm positive you'll be sought after." Releasing my hand, Severus gives me a wave as I make my way out of the Union Offices.

Walking back into the reception area, I can see an obviously agitated Teresa still sitting there.

Oh shit, it's been what, four hours?

"Well well well, you sure took your sweet time." She sounds mad. Arms crossed, scowling, yeah she may be a little mad.

"Sorry, there was a lot of testing and important conversations I needed to have. The good news is that I'm now registered with the Union as a C-rank adventurer and I've been rewarded this." I say, showing Teresa the bag of storage now strung to my waist.

"What!" Teresa yells, standing up and storming over to me.

What's the problem? Is that not good news?

"What's the problem? Is that not good news?" I say, staying true to my thoughts for once.

"It might be for you, but now I don't get to sponsor you!" Teresa yells, trying to get up in my face. Emphasis on trying.

"Why not? We can just go up and say you're my sponsor can't we?" It's like sponsoring an athlete, right? It doesn't matter if a brand didn't see a play start, all they care about is how they play now.

"It's nowhere near the same! A starting sponsorship would be equivalent to me scouting your talent, now it's as if I'm just sponsoring a promising adventurer, not finding and nurturing one!" Teresa says, not realizing she's saying the quiet part out loud.

I kind of assumed the whole sponsorship idea was for political gain, but to come out and say it is a different thing.

She's lucky that only Vanessa and I are in the room.

Actually, that's a good idea.

"Vanessa, would it be possible to list Teresa as my sponsor before I registered? Instead of her sponsoring me now, treating it as if she brought me here to sponsor me?" I ask as Vanessa turns to us with her ever-calm smile.

"Of course, but you realize that it's only recommended to be sponsored by a person of significant standing? No offense ma'am, but for an adventurer to be sponsored by someone is an act of significant importance." She said, not realizing she'd done exactly what Teresa's ego wanted her to do.

"Oh apologies, I didn't realize that I was still incognito. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my name is Teresa Delarus, heir to the throne of Elarus." Teresa said as her Alter Ego dropped nearly as fast as the color in Vanessa's face.

This is gonna be fun.