Chapter 135 - New Badges

The other piece of paper came out, the tension turned palpable. In no way was beating Clarise a possibility now.

Name of Participant: Staxius Haggard

[Paper One Medicine: A+]

[Paper Two Medicine: A+]

[Paper Three Medicine: A+]

[Paper One Magic: A+]

[Paper Two Magic: A+]

[Paper Three Magic: A+]

[Paper One Astronomy: A+]

[Paper Two Astronomy: A+]

[Paper One Botany: A+]

[Paper One Practical's: A+]                    

"WHAT IS THIS?" Clarise voiced, the master alchemist held no answer. Staxius watched with no care. "See, I did say there wasn't a thing to be worried about," he turned and face the now clueless wizard. "How can you… I mean did you study at a prestigious institution back in Arda or something?" Isorin's state remained in perpetual doubt. "Not really, I've just amassed all that knowledge from my father, the laboratory he had and other means. All the questions were mildly difficult. There's a pattern if one pays attention," he turned and looked at the master alchemist.

"The boy is right," the head lowered, Clarise could not believe it. "Little girl, you may be a genius or prodigy, however, to underestimate and judge people by your standards, that's worse than anything else," Staxius added with salt in the tone. He hated people like her, people who looked down upon others. "But how could you…" her face sunk down into the abyss. "It's simple, I was going to purposefully let you score the best score possible. However, the way your eyes felt during said exams could not be ignored – the arrogance in them, I was disgusted."

*Cough,* the small argument ended with the master coughing. "What is done is done, congratulations on getting a perfect score across all the papers. I must say I'm more than impressed. With knowledge and skill like that – nothing is out of reach. From an astronomer to a doctor and alchemist, the potential is infinite," the man sat and took out badges and other miscellaneous things from the drawer.

"Is it final then, I passed all the requirements to be known as an alchemist?" Staxius asked with no particular interest. "Yes, you're more than qualified," the table slowly filled with papers and other things. "Please take a seat," the man offered, Clarise still stood breathless and perplexed.

"This is the Alchemist badge and a few papers to get one started in said art, there's also a badge certifying your eligibility in the medical and astronomy field," the badge in question was of black and golden color. A pentagram with a few scribbles here and there, said was the crest; It looked simple though impressive. "I, Flein Reinhart, now welcome you, Staxius Haggard, into our ranks," they shook hands.

"Ahh, the prodigy is related to the master, hence her familiarity," Staxius stood, "-I better head out, there are more pressing matters to which my attention is needed. If my help is ever required, please drop by the shop," he explained the location.

"Thank you very much," the old man now used a humble voice. "No worries, I shall see you some other times," the paper the man gave was left behind. Only the badge counted, the faulty knowledge people had didn't interest the man in the least.

The walk lasted a few minutes till the ground floor came in view. "Isorin, the research is saved. Cheer up, there are things needed still, get that head back into reality," he poked the shrunken cheeks. "I'm at a loss for words, I didn't expect such a heavy upset. A perfect score in every single paper, that isn't possibly human now is it?" Isorin asked in a joyful tone. "Yeah…" the reply felt monotonous, Clarity came into mind – part of the reason all the questions were answered.

A few hours went by, Staxius's profile updated massively. The Magical guild worked hand in hand with the Fighter's Guild.

[Name: Staxius Haggard]

[Title: King of Arda, Alchemist, Trader]

[Ranking: Silver Adventurer with Platinum Potential]

[Important Deeds: Help in discovering the sadistic Noble]

[Credibility: Certified Potion maker, Authentic dealer in Magical Scrolls]

[Reputation: Honorable and Transparent]

"Not that impressive?" Staxius asked sarcastically. "Not impressive at all," the wizard added in jest. "Here are your badges, even if they are lost – no need to worry. We've already notified all the guilds and other necessary outlets of who you are. The title has been blurred as per request from some powerful people. Instead, it's Boron of Dorchester that is displayed. In researching who the name Staxius Haggard – it popped up many times in Dorchester. You hold a seat at the noble council, so many titles – definitely a freak of nature," Isorin finished.

"Thanks for all the help and sorry for all the trouble. To make up for the latter, do drop by later, I shall have some scrolls for the pleasures of knowledge," with a wink, the trip to the guild ended.

Seeing the other guild was just a few buildings away, Staxius walked over. Diane's unwelcoming face shone through the glass window. 'Great,' he stepped in, she noticed and snarled. "No need to look so happy," he spoke in jest.

"Good morning Staxius, are you here for the daily quest updates?" Melisa spoke. "Just the one I wanted to see, I'm here to put up a request," he walked over.

"Is that the case, then please fill out this form and state how much the reward is," a piece of paper was handed.  Rapidly, it filled, [Quest: Hunt for Medicinal Herbs] more of an errand, the rank given was Porcelain. "And the reward?" she asked. "How about 2 coppers per plant," he replied,  "-the more one brings, the more cash they get, no definite price range," he added nonchalantly.

The board came down, first, all the completed quests were shown.

[Masked Murderer – Tier 2]

[Potential Dragon spotting – Tier X]

[Escort for Trading Routes – Tier 8]

[Missing Person – Tier 10(Completed)]

[Dark Guilds – Tier 4]

[Kill Quest: Goblins – Tier 10(Completed)]

[Kill Quest: Hob Goblins – Tier 9(Completed)]

[Kill Quest: Gritt - Tier 4(Completed)]

"I guess my party did kill Gritt," he mumbled whilst leaned on the counter. "Whatever do you mean? The adventurers set out yesterday, no one should have arrived…" she replied baffled. "I apologize for that; I was informed that Achilles dealt the final blow. With Viola by her side, nothing is impossible. However, don't let that cloud judgment, Achilles can handle just about anything on her own," deep down, having them as partners sufficed. A dragon, an ancient hero and a more than joyful spirit – a trio that helped to overshadow the shady and dark persona of his.

[Masked Murderer – Tier 2]

[Potential Dragon spotting – Tier X]

[Escort for Trading Routes – Tier 8]

[Dark Guilds – Tier 4]

[Hunt for Medicinal Herbs – Tier 10]

[Kill Quest: Hobgoblins – Tier 8]

[Kill Quest: Wolves – Tier 9]

"Don't you think that the dragon spotting quest should be removed?" Staxius asked before the crowds rushed. "In two days or so, if no one takes up on the offer then, sure, it's going to expire," she answered, the crowd ran – Staxius slipped through and headed to the shop.

'Teleportation sure would be convenient,' he wondered whilst strolling through town. From the business district, to now the commercial, Staxius walked. On the various television sets – Aceline's first concert at Claireville Academy was displayed. *The pride of Hidros,* it read below, she sure was popular. [Notice: Aceline is to go on tour in the main continent in the upcoming days]

That announcement was completely ignored for the countless bars and taverns Staxius frequented came in view. "Aye der Staxius, why don't ya come by some time?" the bartender of the shadier looking bars spoke or rather, yelled. He aired out some of the carpets onto which bloodstain was seen. "Maybe later, Timothy," Staxius waved back, the usual stoic face became familiar all across. A new owner, a nice partner and fearless whilst dealing with hoodlums. Though they ended up drinking most of the time, no care was given to appearances.

Even the leader of one of God's ale trafficking joined in once. As usual, he stepped inside and began brewing potions, writing scrolls and studying one of the relic class symbology.

Far, far away from the capital – in Plaustan. Near the southeast, on the beach, Aceline took in the view and sunbathed. "Lady Aceline," Scott spoke loudly. "Over here," she waved back – the beach was empty. "We should really get inside, there are plans for the next show to be made," without a care, he took her by hand and gently pulled. Her fair skin had grains of sand all over, the hair was tied in a lower-ponytail. "As you wish," she grudgingly headed inside.

"Now on the subject of protection," Scott voiced, the conversation had lasted a few hours – it reached the end. From planning songs to the stage and other things, everything was discussed. "Isn't the emperor going to send over guards?" she asked to which he replied with, "sadly not. Caution is advised, there's no telling to the unpredictability of rivals or enemies. First and foremost, you're the pride of Hidros – the only outlet we have to the outside world. Protection is more important than having a few exposing outfits to please the fans," the concern voiced, Scott asked for a suggestion.

"Why not hire an adventuring party, if we are going by the whole pride of Hidros things, then why not let the protectors of said continent serve as my bodyguards," she voiced. "That's a great idea," the excitement died down. "-I don't think the kingdom has many powerful adventurers. Even if there were a few chosen, all look large and have battle scars all over. It will be off-putting, we need a person that is inconspicuous and strong," the prerequisites fit a small demographic. "I've got a person in mind, the winner of the two-versus-two tournament," she suggested. "You mean the snow angel, Eira?" he asked. "No, her father, Staxius Haggard. I'm sure that I needn't speak about the strength the demon wields."

"I'll be frank, that guy freaks me out. The aura around him is definitely of a killer, I'd wager my life that the amount of blood on his hands could fill up a tank," Scott's tone changed to worrisome. "I've made up my mind, he shall be mine bodyguard, it's going to last only four days – nothing major is to happen anyways," the matter was settled. "We'll head for the capital in the coming week, I'll contact the guild beforehand." Scott ended the conversation.

Back on the roads leading into Rosespire, the victorious trio arrived. Before heading to the shop, a visit to the guild was in order. "Here's the note from guild leader, Justin." Undrar stared directly into the eyes of Melisa. "Good job," Diane interrupted, "-another quest added to Kniq's accomplishments.

[Adventuring Party: Kniq]

[Achievements: Uncovering the plot about dying Adventurers, Saviors of Riverwood, Slayer of Gritt.]

"A pretty good profile for a beginner, there's still a long way before them turning into a guild," Diane paused, "-I wish you well in the upcoming journeys," the party left.

"WE'RE BACK HOME MASTER," the door swung open, Staxius nearly fell off the chair. "Calm down," he tried warning the spirit who dashed and speared the master onto the ground. "Idiot," a chop to the head sufficed. "Welcome back Undrar and Achilles," he stood and brushed the dust away from the clothes. "We're back home," they both spoke with a smile.

"Glad to have you back," not knowing what to do as a reward, Staxius patted their head. "A job well done, you best head to the hotel and rest," to which they calmly left.

"Have you organized a party for them later tonight?" *Boing, boing,* "Could you not jump on the bed," Staxius requested before answering Avon's question. "Yes, a full-on drinking party – we're to get wasted tonight. There is cause for celebrations, you three defeated Gritt and I became an Alchemist. The main goal of making a guild isn't far off. We lack three things if I'm right, money, an actual headquarters, and reputation. The first two are my responsibilities," a white fume came from the brewing apparatus. "Oh shiii," he dashed.