Chapter 266 —Prelude— Exploration Arc.

Name：Akashic Records of the Bastard Child Engaged to a Goddess Author：
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266 —Prelude— Exploration Arc.

Prelude to the White Dragon Labyrinth Exploration Arc

Hoping to make it one of the best written arcs.

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(POV: Lumiere)

After spending 2 platinum, way more than I initially planned, I said my goodbyes to Anastasia and Ruri who were probably off to the academy to prepare for the labyrinth exploration test tomorrow. Now, I was on my way to help Lucilia with the interview. The streets were packed with people, but that wasn't necessarily going to be a hassle.

"Honestly, I'm so tired..."

I wasn't.

"Okay, I wish, I could get tired."

A sigh escaped my lips as I lowered my head slightly.

...

(POV: Akashic Records)

Meanwhile,

Genevieve, Velzar, Esta, Fanatio, Ress, and Garret finally arrived in Argentia of the Efistes Viscounty, the bustling city welcomed them with open arms.

Naturally, Esta remained slung over Velzar's right shoulder, resigned to her fate of being under his control for the foreseeable future.

She sighed and muttered under her breath, "I can't believe I'm stuck with this guy."

Genevieve glanced back for a moment and caught sight of someone in the distance with long black hair, his walk reminiscent of someone she'd been missing for a long time now.

"( He walks a lot like... And that black hair... )"

Curiosity tugged at her thoughts, but she quickly turned her attention back to the road ahead.

Fanatio, perceptive as ever, noticed Genevieve's momentary distraction and gently asked, "Is something bothering you, Genevieve?"

Genevieve forced a smile and shook her head, her voice carrying feigned cheerfulness. "Oh no, nothing at all. I'm perfectly fine, really."

Garret, never one to let things go easily, raised an eyebrow skeptically.

"Are you sure, Genevieve? You look kinda down."

Genevieve's smile wavered for a moment before she snapped, her irritation seeping through her voice. "I said I'm fine, okay? Just drop it!"

Everyone fell silent, startled by the sudden outburst.

As always, Fanatio remained calm and unsurprised.

While Garret and Ress, on the other hand, were shocked.

Velzar, completely focused on his task of teasing Esta by massaging her ass and hearing her moan, barely registered the tension in the air. He finally stopped and faced the group, giving everyone an expectant look.

"Alright, enough chit-chat. We should head to the Efistes Company. It's not far from here."

Garret chimed in eagerly.

"Alright, time for some ice cream after that!"

Ress, his hand clenched into a fist, nodded with excitement.

"I bet it'll taste amazing!"

Fanatio, the calm and composed soul among them all, shook her head gently.

"Actually, we're not going there. Something importantʼs come up."

Garret and Ress shared a puzzled look before nearly shouting in unison, "Why not?"

Velzar shrugged indifferently.

"Not that I care, but why?"

Fanatio locked eyes with Genevieve briefly before turning her attention back to Velzar.

"We heard that a Black Dungeon Gate recently opened up somewhere north of here," she announced.

Garret and Ress immediately perked up, their expressions turning serious.

"We should clear it before anyone else gets to it," Garret said.

Genevieve folded her arms and smiled at the prospect.

"That sounds like a plan," she agreed.

Velzar, seeming indifferent as always, let out a yawn.

"I'll go get some ice cream for me and Esta," he declared.

Esta, who was still perched on Velzar's shoulder, shook her head.

"I don't want any," she protested.

Velzar simply chuckled and smacked her playfully on her ass.

Esta bit her lip, a faint blush dusting her cheeks.

"I-I guess I'll have some, then," she mumbled in a soft voice.

"Good girl." Velzar smiled.

Garret turned back to Fanatio, his excitement palpable.

"What're we waiting for? Let's get to clearing that dungeon," he exclaimed eagerly.

Fanatio gently reminded him, "First, we need to register the dungeon clearing as a quest. Otherwise, we'll just be doing free work for the guild."

The Adventurersʼ Guild Association (AGA) strictly adhered to rules for handling quests. Fanatio and her party, after clearing the Vanryr Cave, did not register it as an official dungeon clearing quest beforehand. As a result, it was categorized as a free quest. As such, the AGA weren't obligated to pay them for their services. This system allowed the guild to assign a fixed price range to each quest, enabling them to control the amount of money paid to adventurers or parties.

A free quest meant the AGA didn't have any means to determine how much they'd like to place as a reward for the quest.

This rule was established about five years ago by the Grandmaster:

"Kevlas Dimtris".

Genevieve nodded in agreement.

"That's true. But do any guild branches exist around here?" she questioned.

Fanatio considered the question for a moment before responding, "Perhaps not in Argentia, but there should be one within the Efistes Viscounty as a whole."

"Maybe in Obsidia?" Garret suggested.

Ress chimed in with a nod.

"Obsidia is a likely place to find a guild branch," he added.

"Hmm, I suppose so..."

...

Ranking System for Dungeons:

1. Dark Dungeon Gate (Rank S+):

- Grade: Dark

- Description: The most dangerous and challenging dungeons, usually found in remote or hidden locations. Only the strongest and most experienced adventurers can handle these dungeons.

- Weapons: Legendary weapons, rare artifacts.

- Materials: Rare and valuable ores, gems, and magical substances.

- Magic Items: Powerful artifacts, enchanted equipment.

- Monsters: Rank A and S monsters with exceptional abilities and powers.

2. Black Dungeon Gate (Rank S):

- Grade: Black

- Description: Highly challenging dungeons with strong monsters and valuable rewards. These dungeons pose a significant threat to adventurers.

- Weapons: Rare weapons, enchanted equipment.

- Materials: Precious metals, exotic plants, and rare gems.

- Magic Items: Enchanted accessories, potions, and scrolls.

- Monsters: Rank A monsters with formidable combat skills.

3. Red Dungeon Gate (Rank A+):

- Grade: Red

- Description: Moderately difficult dungeons that pose a challenge to skilled adventurers. The rewards are valuable, attracting many seekers.

- Weapons: High-quality weapons, master-crafted equipment.

- Materials: Quality metals, valuable herbs, and rare crystals.

- Magic Items: Spellbooks, enchanted artifacts, minor relics.

- Monsters: Rank A monsters with notable abilities.

4. Orange Dungeon Gate (Rank A):

- Grade: Orange

- Description: Moderate difficulty dungeons suitable for experienced adventurers. The rewards are decent, attracting adventurers seeking progression.

- Weapons: Solid weapons and equipment.

- Materials: Standard ores, useful herbs, and crystals.

- Magic Items: Basic enchanted trinkets, scrolls, and potions.

- Monsters: Rank A monsters with average abilities.

5. Yellow Dungeon Gate (Rank B):

- Grade: Yellow

- Description: Lesser challenging dungeons suitable for entry-level to intermediate adventurers. The rewards are modest, appealing to those looking for a starting point.

- Weapons: Entry-level weapons and equipment.

- Materials: Common ores, basic plants, and crystals.

- Magic Items: Minor enchantments, simple magical tools.

- Monsters: Rank B-F monsters with abilities ranging from mid to lame.

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