Rank F adventurers are novices with basic combat or magical ability—their physical prowess only slightly surpassing that of ordinary people.

Their assigned targets are the lowest-grade monsters. Earning 20 silvers per extermination mission is perfectly reasonable.

A heavy silence hung in the air.

But Lyasis paid it no mind. She opened her apprentice notebook and began studying quietly.

She trusted Suran to handle everything.

"Hmm… then we’ll have to take on higher-rank extermination missions," Suran murmured to herself before turning to the trio. "About your practical assessment—did you get an answer on whether helpers are allowed?"

"Uh… this morning at the guild, we meant to ask while checking bounties, but the officer wasn’t there," Hushang stammered, scratching his head. "Maid Sister, uh… it’s this and that… um… how do I put it…"

"I know what you're trying to say," Suran cut in gently. "You're worried that if we pass the assessment with help and earn a higher rank, it wouldn’t reflect our true ability."

"Many chase hollow glory, but your honesty is rare and precious."

"Being praised like this by Maid Sister… we feel a little shy," Ruby the elf murmured bashfully.

"Honestly, we only have Rank F skill. Even with a higher rank, we’d still take Rank F missions—and might end up competing with other Rank F adventurers, seeming like we’re bullying newcomers…"

"So that’s what you were weighing? Makes sense," Suran mused thoughtfully.

The situation stalled in awkward silence.

To buy the *Requiem of the Marionette*—priced at 200 silvers—they needed higher-bounty missions above Rank F. But that clashed with the trio’s principles.

Yet sticking to Rank F tasks? Saving 200 silvers could take ages.

*Should we find other work?*

*Or… set Lyasis aside for now? If I pass the Adventurers Guild assessment alone, I could take any mission freely…*

*But… I can’t just leave my young mistress.*

Just as Suran wrestled with this, a quiet voice spoke up.

"Hushang, Ruby—I think we should listen to Maid Sister."

Bati, the priest of the trio, had finally broken his silence.

Since their first meeting, he’d barely spoken, his presence nearly invisible. Now, his words carried weight.

*Taciturn, low-profile… Good traits for a priest, but honestly, he’d make a terrifying assassin,* Suran mused inwardly.

Bati continued steadily: "Maid Sister saved us. This is our chance to repay her. Let’s return to the guild and confirm if helpers are permitted. If yes, we take higher-rank missions—no matter what, we’ll help Maid Sister gather 200 silvers. Afterward, we’ll request a re-assessment, take proper Rank F missions, and earn the rank we deserve. I believe the guild will understand if we explain sincerely."

Hushang gaped. "Bati… I never thought you’d say so much at once!"

"Bati’s always quiet. Speaking this much means he’s thought deeply," Ruby declared. "I’ll follow his lead."

"Hmm… Bati’s right," Hushang added after a pause. "Tagging along with Maid Sister on tougher missions? We’d gain experience, see how high-rank adventurers work…" He clenched his fist and stood. "Decided! Let’s do it!"

"So… our cooperation is settled?" Suran asked.

"—Assuming the guild allows helpers," she added carefully.

"Then let’s go ask *now*!"

The trio moved without hesitation. Suran and Lyasis followed.

Just then, Clara emerged upstairs holding a menu—only to watch the five hurry downstairs and vanish. She blinked in confusion.

"I just got here… why are they leaving already?"

…………

The Adventurers Guild of Lobet City stood proudly at the city square’s heart.

Though only three stories tall, its sprawling structure commanded attention. Before it, a grand fountain served as both civic landmark and guild emblem.

Reaching the fountain, they saw adventurers streaming up the wide steps in tight-knit teams.

"So many people!" Hushang glanced around. "Not just assessment newcomers—plenty of seasoned adventurers too."

"Probably why the guild posted new extermination missions," Suran said. "We should hurry. If veterans snatch them first, we’re out of luck."

"Huh? But wouldn’t that mess with *our* assessments?" Ruby asked, puzzled.

"Earlier you mentioned—taking Rank F missions with a falsely earned rank feels like bullying newcomers," Suran replied. "‘Mission-snatching’ likely exists. This might be the guild’s unwritten test for newcomers."

"Oh! So it’s the *unwritten* part of the exam! Good thing Maid Sister warned us—let’s speed up!"

They quickened their pace up the steps.

But as they neared the entrance, guild guards blocked Suran and Lyasis.

"Halt. Show your adventurer emblems."

The trio wore Probationary Adventurer Tokens, granting entry. Suran and Lyasis had none.

"My apologies—we aren’t adventurers yet," Suran said politely.

"Are you here to post a private commission?" the guard pressed.

"No."

"Then I’m sorry—you must wait here."

Guild rules were clear. As a maid of grace and etiquette, Suran would never force entry. It would be crude. Unbecoming.

And in that moment—amidst the bustling crowd of armored adventurers—the poised, elegant maid barred from the guild became the most conspicuous figure of all.