WebNovels

Chapter 39 - The Wall of Rules

A heavy silence immediately enveloped the room after Rian admitted his true level. Naradipa did not respond right away. He only stared at Rian, his sharp eyes narrowing as if trying to dissect every word that had just been spoken. His professional smile had vanished, replaced by a cold, analytical expression. The air inside the grand office felt heavy, as if an invisible pressure weighed down on Rian and Catty's shoulders. Naradipa finally broke the silence, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable demand.

"Can you show your level status directly?" said Naradipa, his expression filled with serious curiosity. This was no longer small talk; this was verification.

Without hesitation, Rian did as he was told. He pricked the tip of his finger, smeared a bit of blood on the back of his hand, and muttered the keyword. A transparent holographic panel appeared above his arm, emitting a faint blue glow that displayed a row of numbers and letters.

Level: 81Tier: -Class: -Unique Skill: Unlimited Storage

It was true. Just as Rian had said, his level was 81. Naradipa's eyes widened at the number, but his gaze did not linger there for long. Quickly, his eyes locked on the line below, on one word that seemed out of place with such a high number: Storage.

"Show me your unique skill," ordered Naradipa, his tone now sounding more like a command than a request.

Rian also demonstrated the use of his unique skill. A pitch-black hole appeared in the air, its diameter adjustable at will, from the size of a coin up to a maximum of one meter. He pulled out a sword from within it, then placed it back in.

"This skill cannot be used to attack," Rian explained patiently, feeling Naradipa's sharp gaze dissecting his every move. "And I can only store a very large number of items, as long as their size does not exceed the maximum diameter of one meter." Rian widened the hole to its limit, then added, "My unique skill also cannot be used to store living beings."

After hearing Rian's full explanation and seeing his demonstration, Naradipa leaned back in his chair. He let out a long sigh, a sound that seemed to be a mixture of relief and deep disappointment.

"You have a support class," he finally judged. "And that role suits you best. However, guild tier promotion cannot be done without proof of a unique skill that is useful for direct combat. That is an absolute rule."

The words struck Rian like a hammer. The hope that had risen in his chest now shrank away. "Then… if this unique skill cannot be used to attack, does that mean I have no chance of reaching a higher tier?" Rian asked. He clenched his fists on his thighs, his knuckles turning white. Anxiety began to overwhelm him. The dream of becoming a hero he had built since reading comics in his past life now felt shattered.

"Correct," Naradipa answered, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "Since your level is already so high, you will receive the Master tier. The minimum level requirement for that tier is 30, and you are far above it. Considering you already have proven basic strength in the physical test, this tier suits you."

"Then how can I rise to a higher tier, Sir?" Rian asked again, his voice trembling slightly with worry. He could not accept this reality.

"You will not," Naradipa explained firmly, staring straight into Rian's eyes. "Because your skill—the foundation of an adventurer's power—cannot be used for combat. This rule was made to ensure that adventurers in the highest tiers are those who can be relied upon on the front lines. This is a wall you cannot pass."

After Rian was designated as Master Tier, he no longer asked questions. Naradipa's words felt final, like a sentence. All his spirit seemed drained from that room. He turned to Catty, his gaze saying everything. It was as if all his hopes and dreams of becoming a hero were now entrusted to the only person he believed in.

Naradipa then shifted his attention. "And you, Catty. What unique skill do you possess?" He asked her directly, wanting to verify the accuracy of the record on the parchment.

"I am Dark Shadow, Sir. But I haven't mastered it yet and will learn later," Catty said politely, sensing Rian's disappointment beside her.

"Very well," Naradipa said with a slow nod. "Your skill has great offensive potential. You can rise to Epic Tier, even higher. However, your current level does not meet the requirements. So, raise your level further. For now, you are given the Master tier, the same as Rian."

Naradipa showed a sliver of hope for Catty, a path that seemed tightly closed for Rian. After the tier designation and the signing of the guild contract, Rian and Catty were asked to leave the room and return to the receptionist.

At the front desk, Rian handed over the contract parchment that had been signed and stamped by Naradipa.

"Alright, both of your tiers have been set to Master," said the receptionist with the same friendly smile. "To receive missions, you can choose from the mission board over there." She politely pointed toward a large wooden board filled with various request papers.

Rian and Catty glanced at the board, then nodded in understanding.

"Each request has a tier limit and a difficulty level. Of course, the payment is also adjusted according to the difficulty of the mission itself," the receptionist explained again.

Rian and Catty nodded once more, showing they understood.

"Registration is complete. Welcome to the Kuningan City Guild. Is there anything else I can help you with?"

"No, that's enough. Thank you," Rian and Catty said together, then walked toward the exit.

After Catty and Rian left the guild building, the atmosphere between them felt different. They headed straight home to Fredd's place to discuss their next plan.

On the way, Rian noticed Catty's face filled with excitement at the sight of the city's main street. Her eyes sparkled as they passed the bustling stalls. The aroma of roasted boar skewers, the sweetness of honey cakes, and the colors of fruit syrups caught her attention. Catty looked as if she wanted to buy something, but both of them knew they didn't have a single coin.

"We need to earn money by taking missions at the guild," Rian said, breaking Catty's daydream. "How about tomorrow, after we prepare, we take our first mission?"

"Great idea, Rian! I really want to try that food," Catty replied, her eyes still full of longing for a stall selling skewered meat coated in thick, savory sauce.

"Yes, after we finish the mission and get money, we'll buy whatever you want," Rian said, a sincere promise meant to comfort Catty as well as himself.

"Really? Yay, awesome!" Catty cheered. Her black tail swayed happily, showing her joy. Her pure enthusiasm managed to lift a little of the burden in Rian's heart.

When they arrived home, the delicious smell of cooking greeted them from the kitchen. Fredd was preparing lunch for them.

"We're home!" Catty shouted cheerfully as they entered the house.

"Yo! I'm cooking for you two! Wait at the dining table, I'll prepare it!" Fredd called from the kitchen.

"Yay! It smells so good! I'll wait, thank you!" Catty replied, even more excited.

After Fredd finished cooking, he served the dishes on the dining table. A large bowl of thick golden-yellow broth was placed in the center, steaming with fragrance. Fredd joined them at the table and enjoyed the meal together.

"This is delicious. Thank you, Fredd," Rian said after the first spoonful. The flavor was rich and complex, far different from the simple food he usually ate.

"What dish is this, Fredd? It's so tasty!" Catty asked, her mouth full of food.

"Swallow your food first before speaking, Catty," Rian chided with a small smile, watching her behavior.

"Mmm… okay," Catty replied after gulping down her bite.

"This is boar opor," Fredd explained. "A mix of various local spices with coconut milk. That's why it tastes this savory."

"When we were in Cikubangsari Village, we ate boar meat every day, but it never tasted this good. You're amazing, Fredd!" Catty praised. Rian nodded, agreeing with her words.

"I'm glad you like it," Fredd said. "So, how was your guild registration?" he asked, steering the conversation to keep the warmth going.

"Our registration went smoothly, no real problems. We were both promoted to Master tier," Rian replied.

"That's good news, I'd say. It's rare for someone to be given Master rank right at the start," Fredd commented.

"But it seems there's no hope for me to rise to a higher tier," Rian admitted, disappointment clouding his face again. "Because Storage can't be used for direct combat."

"Yes, that is indeed the rule," Fredd said, trying to console him. "So, just accept it. In my opinion, Master tier is more than enough to sustain a good life. The missions pay well."

"Yes, I understand," Rian sighed. His gaze shifted to Catty, who was still eating heartily. "Maybe… I can entrust my wish to Catty."

"Me?" Catty stopped eating, looking at Rian in surprise. "What wish, Rian?" she asked further.

"To become a hero," Rian answered, his eyes staring straight into Catty's with deep sincerity. "And I will always be by your side to help you achieve it."

Catty fell silent for a moment, processing the weight of his request. Then her eyes sparkled with newfound determination. "Alright," she said with full confidence. "Leave it to me. I'll do my best to achieve your wish."

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