Returning to Grayrock Town once more.
The familiar gray-white stone buildings brought an unconscious sense of security.
Perhaps this was the true meaning of a town.
When adventurers returning from long journeys through wind and rain, crossing mountains and valleys, finally arrive at such a place where they can sleep peacefully and enjoy good food and rest—that sudden surge of emotion is indescribable.
Gauss stood at the town entrance, loaded with various packs, following other adventurers into the main street amidst the crowd. Seeing children on the roadside looking at him with curiosity, he suddenly felt as if an entire era had passed.
In the blink of an eye, he had become a true adventurer—the kind of "dangerous person" that his original self's memories warned against provoking.
He shook his head and chuckled softly.
What kind of person was he, really?
Just a group of goblins and one slightly stronger goblin had pushed him to the brink of danger.
"Let's go submit the quest first."
Though his body was covered in grime from days without proper washing, reeking of sweat, Gauss decided to submit the quest first.
This was his personal habit.
He preferred to complete things properly from start to finish. Only after submitting this quest would he feel that matters were settled enough to rest properly.
Otherwise, even if he returned to the inn first to wash up and rest, his mind would keep dwelling on it, making proper relaxation impossible.
Walking along the central boulevard to the square.
The Adventurers Guild's banner still fluttered proudly in the wind above.
Since Hayley had previously registered at the guild's front desk, adding Gauss's information to the quest records.
Thus, even though she wasn't present, Gauss as one of the quest members could still receive the corresponding reward by presenting the quest documents.
Entering the Adventurers Guild hall.
This time the hall was even livelier than before.
Lines had formed at every service counter.
Gauss chose what appeared to be the shortest line and waited patiently.
After quite some time.
The slowly moving line finally reached him.
"Hello, I'm receptionist Petra, employee number E21051. How may I assist you?"
It happened to be Petra whom he'd met last time.
"I'm here to claim the quest reward." Gauss handed over the quest documents, a heavy bag of quest items, and his badge.
Having only been a few days, Petra seemed to recognize him.
"Thank you for your hard work."
Taking the documents and verifying the signatures, she opened the bag to inspect the goblin ears serving as proof.
"The quantity seems higher than expected?"
"That's because the quest information was incorrect. Our party didn't encounter 7-8 goblins as reported, but a full 20 goblins." Gauss sighed. "The village head described this unexpected situation in the quest documents."
"Ah! My apologies! This was our Adventurers Guild's oversight, and we're truly sorry for putting you at greater risk." After confirming the documents, Petra bowed formally. "I'll report this to our superiors immediately, and someone will follow up to verify."
"According to guild regulations, your reward will be doubled as compensation."
Hearing this, Gauss nodded.
Having compensation at least provided some closure.
It was an unfortunate reality—the Adventurers Guild was a colossal entity spanning multiple kingdoms in this world. While not exactly bullying the weak, ordinary adventurers, especially bottom-tier ones like himself, held no negotiating power against even a small town branch.
To be brutally honest.
Even if the guild's faulty intelligence directly caused adventurers' deaths, what could anyone do?
Low-ranking adventurers were like roadside weeds—when one batch died, new ones would quickly sprout to replace them.
This was the harsh reality lower-tier adventurers had to accept.
Only by becoming strong adventurers—at least professionals—could one control their own destiny.
Like those figures in his peripheral vision now: dressed in elite equipment, standing tall as they chatted and laughed while heading upstairs, where even the stern-faced stair guards would place a hand over their hearts and salute respectfully.
While adventurers like them were stuck crowding the first-floor hall, waiting in long lines.
Such distinctions were everywhere.
"Your reward for this quest is 9 silver coins. With our compensation, that totals 18 silver coins. Please take them."
Petra retrieved a money pouch from under the counter and placed it on the desk.
After some more activity below the desk, she returned Gauss's adventurer badge.
Gauss accepted the money pouch and badge.
A significant portion of these 18 silver coins belonged to Hayley's party, which he didn't intend to touch.
Though Hayley's group might not need these coins, Gauss planned to hold onto them temporarily, as per their pre-quest agreement.
Thus Gauss's personal share came to 4 silver and 50 copper coins.
His current funds now totaled 5 silver and 12 copper coins.
As for other spoils—considering his crucial role in the battle and his urgent need for money as a beginner adventurer—he didn't pretend to be modest.
Besides, he'd already discussed this with Hayley.
"Your quest completion has been registered in your adventurer badge."
"What's the purpose of registration?"
"After completing 10 ordinary-rank quests, you'll qualify for beginner-rank quests. Completing 3 beginner-rank quests allows you to apply for Bronze-rank adventurer status, granting more guild benefits and purchase privileges."
"However, beginner-rank quests often involve monsters requiring professional-level combatants. Even with ten ordinary quests completed, we strongly advise against accepting them without sufficient strength."
"Bronze-rank adventurer? Miss Petra, what's my current rank?"
"You're unranked currently—a no-rank adventurer. Above Bronze-rank are Iron-rank, Silver-rank, Gold-rank, and Platinum-title adventurers." Seeing his interest, Petra added more explanation.
"Platinum-title adventurers are extremely rare—only five have ever emerged in our entire Kingdom of Carlos. They stand at the absolute peak of all adventurers."
The adventurer ranking system was quite straightforward, though he was surprised by how few Platinum-rank adventurers existed—only five ever in an entire kingdom, meaning currently there would be even fewer.
"Miss Petra, how does one become a professional?" He wondered if he could gather information from Petra, who as a receptionist interacted with all kinds of adventurers daily.
"I'm sorry, but I can't answer that. I'm just an ordinary guild receptionist." Under Gauss's steady gaze, Petra shook her head helplessly, indicating she lacked such knowledge.
"Thank you." Gauss expressed his gratitude.
Turning to leave the line, the next waiting adventurer stepped forward.
If he didn't move soon, the spiky-haired blond man behind him might start physically pushing him out.
Walking toward the guild's exit, he continued pondering Petra's response.
Recalling her tone, he didn't truly believe Petra knew nothing about professionals—after years working at the guild, she must have picked up some relevant knowledge.
Most likely she chose not to share, or perhaps guild rules prevented her.
Or maybe with the long queue behind them, she'd tactfully declined to avoid lengthy explanations.
Not getting the answer he wanted didn't bother Gauss.
It had just been casual inquiry—no harm in no gain. He had better places to gather information.