Side: Mako
The day after delivering the first and seventh squads of the Alliance and Order to Rio, the Grand Hunter’s Master arrived at the Rio Hunter’s Guild.
“I apologize for gathering you all. Actually, we’ve decided to revise the Hunter’s Guild rank system. Alegria and Amister have already implemented it, and Torencia will follow starting tomorrow.”
A change to the rank system?
“Grand Hunter’s Master, why did this suddenly happen?”
Fariss asked, but I agreed.
The hunter rank is based on level, though a bad conduct can prevent promotion.
Other guilds can promote by taking exams or paying taxes, but I wonder if the Hunter’s Guild will also require exams?
“It may seem sudden, but I’ve been considering this for a long time. And now, with His Highness Manalease and Fariss evolving to the Ancient Class, the implementation has been moved up.”
Mana and Fariss, who hadn’t expected to hear their names mentioned, showed surprised expressions.
“Simply put, if you evolve, you’ll be promoted to the next rank. However, there are 10 rank levels, and in the case of the Hunter’s Guild, it’s determined by level, so adding more ranks was difficult.”
Right.
Since it’s determined in units of 10 levels, including evolution would mean at least two more ranks, High Class and Ancient Class.
The guild ranks are named after metals, following the precedent of the Smith Guild, the predecessor to the Crafter’s Guild. So, any new ranks would also need metal names.
It was a bit difficult to get used to, as they weren’t numbers or letters.
“However, with the development and public announcement of alloys called Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron, we can completely overhaul the rank system by incorporating these two into the ranks.”
I see.
The Grand Hunter’s Master apparently uses a sword made of Lapis Laz, but he understands the danger of alloys comparable to Divine Metal, so he doesn’t use them.
However, Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron have been publicized, and some countries like Torencia, Alegria, and Valentia have started using them, so incorporating them is not a problem.
Lapis Laz is also known as Lapis Light, Jade Silver as Emerald Light, and Blue-Gray Iron as Delight Light.
It’s not so much a different name as it is what they’re called in the language of the Helios Orb.
Incidentally, the legendary Japanese metal, Hihi’irokane, is apparently called Flare Light.
The new ranks are the same as the existing ones up to a certain point, but since Jade Silver and Blue-Gray Iron are alloys, they will be placed above A-rank and below O-rank.
So the new Hunter ranks will look like this.
T-rank: At registration, or levels 1 to 10
I-rank: Levels 11 to 20
C-rank: Levels 21 to 30
B-rank: Levels 31 to 40
S-rank: Levels 41 to 50
G-rank: High Class from levels 41 to 50
P-rank: Levels 51 to 60
M-rank: Levels 61 to 70
A-rank: Ancient Class from levels 61 to 70
E-rank: Levels 71 to 80
D-rank: Levels 81 to 90
O-rank: Levels 91 to 100
Having D and E above A feels strange, but I guess we’ll just have to get used to it.
“With this, most of us will be promoted from our current ranks.”
“Indeed. By promoting evolved individuals to the new ranks, it reduces our workload. Primarily in terms of compensation to the Alliance, you see.”
Ah, I see.
Even within the same S-rank, the hunting results of High Class and Normal Class can differ by nearly double.
Of course, High Class individuals can achieve such results, but Normal Class individuals can also do so if they try. This can lead to a sense of unfairness in some cases.
While it might not completely eliminate such issues, it does reduce the workload for the Hunter’s Guild.
“Under this new system, Mana and I, along with Mako, will all be A-rank.”
“I’ll be D-rank, and Prim will be E-rank. Going from A to D makes me feel like I’ve been demoted.”
Yamato said that, but I understand the feeling.
In games and novels, A-rank is usually the mark of a top-class individual, with S-rank above it.
“Is that so?”
“That must be how it is in the guests’ world.”
Unfortunately, I was the only one who understood the meaning of that.
In the Helios Orb, ranks are commonly named after minerals, so they don’t feel any discomfort.
Regardless, that means I’ll also be A-rank.
“Then, everyone, please hand over your licenses. We’ll process them here.”
Normally, processing would be done one by one. However, during a mass implementation like this, it’s a hassle. The Hunter’s Master has a magic spell that can only be used when the system is newly implemented to change licenses all at once.
The Rio Hunter’s Master should be the one to do it, but since Torencia’s implementation is tomorrow, he can’t use it yet.
However, since we are all hunters from Amister, it’s fine to do it today. That’s why the Grand Hunter’s Master came all the way to Rio.
“Then, let’s begin. ‘All Hunter’s Modification’.”
As we submitted our licenses, the Grand Hunter’s Master cast the hunter magic.
The magic called Hunter’s Modification is said to alter guild regulations and rewrite Hunter’s Licenses, and All Hunter’s Modification is a spell that only the Grand Hunter’s Master can use.
It’s said to be able to change all acquired licenses to conform to the new regulations, but it’s apparently rarely used.
“That’s all. Everyone, please check your licenses.”
Let’s see.
Everyone is checking their licenses. Since it’s a promotion for most, many people are happy.
Ah, here’s how mine looks.
Yamato Hydrangea Mikami
17 years old
Lv. 82
Human Race – Ancient Human
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: D
Order’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float Outside
Order’s Rank: O
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: G-S
Primrose Hydrangea Mikami
17 years old
Lv. 77
Beast Race – Ancient Foxy
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: E
Trader’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Trader’s Rank: C
Manalease A. Mikami
18 years old
Lv. 67
Human Race – Ancient Elf
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float
Hunter’s Rank: A
Trader’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Trader’s Rank: C
Yuriana Reina Amister
14 years old
Lv. 42
Human Race – Human-Elf Half
Healer’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float
Healer’s Rank: P
Hildegard Minato Torencia
20 years old
Lv. 56
Yokai Race – High Vampire
Frederica Mikami Amatista
19 years old
Lv. 46
Human Race – High Elf
Union: Wing Crest
Order’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Memoria Outside
Order’s Rank: S
Meena F. Mikami
17 years old
Lv. 60
Human Race – High Human
Union: Wing Crest
Order’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float Outside
Order’s Rank: S
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: P
Flam Mikami
18 years old
Lv. 58
Yokai Race – High Undine
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: P
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: S
Lydia Highwind
16 years old
Lv. 62
Dragon Race – Hydragonewt (Ice Dragon)
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Valentia Dragon Kingdom, Dragunia
Hunter’s Rank: M
Trader’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Trader’s Rank: C
Ludia Highwind
16 years old
Lv. 62
Dragon Race – Hydragonewt (Fire Dragon)
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Valentia Dragon Kingdom, Dragunia
Hunter’s Rank: M
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: B
Athena Willness Silver Tomari
84 years old
Lv. 56
Dragon Race – Hydragonian
Dragon Name: Silver Dragonian
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Valentia Dragon Kingdom, Dragunia
Hunter’s Rank: P
Raus Woodlandlight
14 years old
Lv. 59
Beast Race – High Ulfy
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: P
Rebecca
14 years old
Lv. 55
Yokai Race – High Undine
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: P
Carol Bernstein
15 years old
Lv. 47
Human Race – High Elf
Union: Wing Crest
Healer’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Fielite
Healer’s Rank: P
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: G
Edward Albert
19 years old
Lv. 40
Human Race – Fairy-Dwarf Half
Union: Wing Crest
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: P-G
Marina Albert
19 years old
Lv. 42
Dragon Race – Fairy-Dragonewt Half
Union: Wing Crest
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: G-S
Trader’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Trader’s Rank: B
Fiana Albert
18 years old
Lv. 43
Yokai Race – High Harpy
Union: Wing Crest
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: P-G
Marisa
20 years old
Lv. 45
Yokai Race – High Vampire
Union: Wing Crest
Butler’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float
Butler’s Rank: S
Viola
15 years old
Lv. 40
Beast Race – Tigari
Union: Wing Crest
Butler’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float
Butler’s Rank: B
Yuria
14 years old
Lv. 39
Beast Race – Rabitry
Union: Wing Crest
Butler’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Float
Butler’s Rank: C
Eos Willness Green
117 years old
Lv. 62
Dragon Race – Hydragonian
Dragon Name: Green Dragonian
Union: Wing Crest
Butler’s Guild: Valentia Dragon Kingdom, Dragunia
Butler’s Rank: G
Hunter’s Guild: Valentia Dragon Kingdom, Dragunia
Hunter’s Rank: M
Fiana
15 years old
Lv. 26
Beast Race – Loxy
Union: Wing Crest
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: C
Reina
12 years old
Lv. 25
Yokai Race – Harpy
Union: Wing Crest
Crafter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Crafter’s Rank: C
Aria
15 years old
Lv. 27
Beast Race – Rabitry
Union: Wing Crest
Priest’s Guild: Bacion Theocracy, Esperanza
Priest’s Rank: P-B
Mako Katagiri
20 years old
Lv. 70
Human Race – Ancient Human
Union: Wing Crest
Hunter’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Hunter’s Rank: A
Healer’s Guild: Amister Kingdom, Feel
Healer’s Rank: A
The licenses of Rica and Ed, who were not present, were also displayed.
Her Majesty Hildegard, until her abdication, was not registered with any guild and thus not part of Wing Crest, but despite her timid personality, her combat prowess is fierce.
Some are showing signs of evolving to the Ancient Class, and I believe it’s only a matter of time before Sir Yuri, Viola, and Yuria evolve to the High Class as well.
Fiana, Reina, and Aria have recently gained a lot of levels, so they’ll be taking a break from combat training to avoid acute mana fluctuation syndrome.
Also, Rebecca and Fiana celebrated their birthdays last week, and we all properly celebrated with them.
Incidentally, the Alliance, led by Fariss who was promoted to A-rank, saw its G-rank hunters promoted to P-rank. Sleight, Caesar, and Saya were promoted to M-rank.
Come to think of it, they were already around level 62 or 63.
Many of those promoted to P-rank are close to M-rank.
“It seems there are no problems with anyone. Then I shall return to headquarters.”
“Are you leaving already?”
“Indeed. Unfortunately, I have a packed schedule, and keeping Solemnne in check is also necessary. I wanted to hear about the Slume Lord subjugation, but for that reason, I cannot leave Alegria.”
The Grand Hunter’s Master looked genuinely disappointed.
Alegria is a small nation composed of about four islands floating in the Nadal Sea. However, since the Grand Hunter’s Master of the Ancient Ulfy resides there, Solemnne has never attacked.
Apparently, they learned their lesson from past attempts to tamper with the Ancient Class. Now, with them developing weapons like Steam Battleships, there’s a possibility they might attack with renewed confidence.
Information about the Steam Battleships has been jointly communicated to Alegria, Valentia, and Libertà by His Majesty Reinhardt and His Majesty Hildegard. However, it’s unknown what decision the Prince of Alegria has made.
I don’t know about Libertà either, but that country is neighbored by Solemnne, so there’s a high chance they’ve already been attacked.
Oh, and a letter has been sent to the Beast King of Valentia as well.
He’s apparently the man who killed Prim, but based on what I’ve heard, it seems more likely that the Southern Baron is suspicious rather than the Beast King being at fault.
However, Prince Leonas’s involvement has been confirmed, so Valentia cannot remain uninvolved.
That’s why I heard a letter was sent.
But without any reaction from the other party, they can’t take any action, so for now, they can only wait and see.
However, giving them too much time might not be a good idea.
If they have more time, they’ll likely be able to replace their lost Steam Battleships to some extent, and other problems could arise.
Worst of all, when spring arrives, Retisencia will surely dispatch troops, and Solemnne will become more active.
The Anti-Beast King Organization is also highly likely to align with Solemnne.
In the worst-case scenario, Amister could find itself surrounded by enemies.
Therefore, even if it’s a bit reckless, I believe at least one of them should be dealt with.
“Ah, this is related to information obtained by Alegria: the movements of the Anti-Beast King Organization are strange. Apparently, the Northern Baron was killed the other day.”
I thought so, and things have already started to move?
“The Northern Baron was killed!?”
The Northern Baron is reportedly a close friend of the Beast King Gymnos Basilious Valiente, but he has also maintained a stance of non-interference in the conflict with the Anti-Beast King Organization from the beginning.
I heard the Beast King acknowledged that, so why was the Northern Baron killed?
“It wouldn’t be strange if it was Solemnne or Leonas.”
“Indeed.”
“Um. The Northern Baron’s territory is the largest of the five baronial territories, and more importantly, beyond the Torrente Strait is Solemnne.”
That’s right.
Valentia and Solemnne are separated by the Torrente Strait, which is less than 2 kilometers wide.
The current is said to be strong, making it difficult to swim, but that also means there are few monsters. In the past, ships used to depart from there for trade.
“Either way, Valentia will be in turmoil soon.”
“Yes. I don’t know if my brother has this information, but if the Northern Baron was killed, Solemnne might make a move if things go poorly. No, if Solemnne killed the Northern Baron, then they’ve already made their move.”
That’s the biggest problem.
The central government of Valentia, Centro, is inland, so even Steam Battleships cannot attack it.
However, the Western Baron’s territory is along the coast, so it could be targeted.
Although they initially cooperated with the Anti-Beast King Organization, they seem to have cut ties after learning of Prim’s survival. However, they haven’t exactly sided with the Beast King either, so they’re likely an obstacle for both Leonas and Solemnne.
Furthermore, the Western Baron’s territory is said to have a gold mine, which is a sufficient reason for it to be targeted.
The Western Baron is apparently like an older sister to Prim, so depending on the circumstances, we might need to go to Ovest, the capital of the Western Baron’s territory.
In fact, I feel like we should go.
Whatever we do, it seems we should return to Amister first.
