The next day, I had come to the fourth floor of the Adventurer's Guild.

　Since this floor is an office, it is a place that is basically off-limits to everyone except the guild staff.

　I had come here once before, but that time it was to register as an adventurer for this adventurer's guild, Gekko no Kaze.

　And just like that time, I'm now sitting in a corner of the partitioned reception area, and in front of me is that red-haired beastman, Qualina Fasse, sitting in front of me.

''Marle-kun, you don't have to be nervous~''
Yes, sir.

　She smiled brightly, trying to ease our nerves.

　She placed some papers on the table in front of her, shaking her glossy ponytail.

'This one, this one and ... this one ... and the rest.'

　bang

　Finally, a magic ball about thirty centimeters in diameter was placed on the floor and made a heavy sound.

''Now, if you sign this pledge and other necessary documents and register with the magic sphere over here, Marle, you will be a 'White Seal' adventurer!

　Quarina looks happy for some reason.

'Yes.'

　I nod and do my best to write my name on the document.



　After writing many pages, the letters become more and more appropriate.

　I had to be careful.

　When I'd finished writing, Quarina would check each piece carefully.

　Meanwhile, I look around for some reason.

　This floor is full of guild employees, all working on paperwork - it's like the office of a company in a previous life.

　There are no telephones, so instead, documents are thrown on a box shelf with a destination.

(Will they deliver them later?)

　Other than that, there were a few young men and women who seemed to be newcomers at a remote seat with a divider, and some of them were registering adventurers.

　It's so nostalgic.

　It's only half a year, but I can't help but look at them with a bit of a smile.

''Yes, no problem.''

　Qualina's voice brought me back to myself.

　Tons.

　Once the documents are arranged and clipped in place.

Now, can you put your right hand on this magic ball?
Yes, sir.

　flattened

　The surface of the magic sphere was very smooth and a bit cold.

　Likewise, Qualina-san put her hand on the other side of the magic sphere.

'Guild employee Qualina Fasse of the 'Moonlight Wind' will see to it. I hereby acknowledge the brilliance of the New Wind.

　whistling sound

　The magic ball flashed.

　Qualina-san let go of her hand.

'Stay put.
Yes, sir.

　The light from the magic ball focuses on my right hand, which is touching it.

　I can see the light through my skin.

　On the back of my hand, the 'Red Adventurer's Seal' naturally appeared.

(.........Ah)

　The glow changed from red to blue and then to white.

　The light of the magic ball disappeared.

　But on the back of my hand, a magical emblem of pure white brilliance still shone.

''.........''

　It's mesmerizing.

　Crackle.

　Suddenly, I heard a lot of applause.

'Congratulations, Merle!　Now you're a 'White Marked Adventurer' now.

　Qualina laughed.

　No, that's not all.

　The guild staff members on this floor had all stopped working and were applauding us.

　................

　I wasn't that interested in the adventurer ranks.

　I wasn't, but when I was congratulated like this, I felt strangely proud.

''Oh, thank you.''

　I stand up and bow deeply to Quarina and the others.

　Then I stare at the glow of my new sigil in my hand.

(...yes, I'm still happy.)

　I just couldn't help but smile.


　◇ ◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇


　After that, Quarina gave me some notes on being a 'white mark'.

　First of all, the difficulty of the job must increase.

　The reward should also increase.

　But the more difficult the job is, the more responsibility it entails.

''In the eyes of the world, the work performance of a 'White Seal' will be the standard by which the adventurer's guild is judged.

　He said.

　Also, he said, you have to be careful about what you say and do in public.

(Gui, carrying a guild on your back, it makes me nervous.

　I am a petulant person.

''Also, you know, you'll be able to name your field of expertise from the 'white mark', Marle, which one do you want?

(Area of expertise?)

　I was surprised, but that was nothing.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're talking about.　

It's easy to explain to clients. The guild also registers that information and utilizes it when introducing them to each other.
Hmm?

　By the way, there are four fields.

Protector.

　An adventurer who focuses on city quests that are closely connected to people's daily lives, such as escorting and delivering goods.

Mahouka

　Treasure hunters are looking for dormant treasures in ruins and other places. Special skills such as map creation and trap disarming are required.

Demonologist

　A scholar or researcher on witchcraft. Some people are action-oriented, hiding in the ruins by themselves for research.　

Demon hunter.

　An adventurer who specializes in hunting demons. They have the highest rewards, but they also have the highest mortality rate.

　That's what I'm talking about.

(Come to think of it, I think I heard this story when I registered as an adventurer, too.

　I'd forgotten all about it.

　Qualina laughs at me.

'Which one do you want?'
"The Demon Hunter.

　I answered immediately.

　Because I've never done anything but slay demons.

''I see. Well, you're with Kilt-san, Illtimina-san and the others, so that's what you'll be doing~

　Yeah.

Okay. Okay, I'll put it in the register.

　Nodding in agreement, Qualina filled out the paperwork.

''If you don't think it's suitable, we can change it later.
Yes, sir.
Also, non-professional quests can be ordered as well. Of course, that's only if the guild decides to accept the order.
Okay, I see.

　I nodded, and Qualina laughed and nodded at me.

Well, now, Merle-kun's promotion to 'White Seal' has been successfully completed. Thank you for your hard work.
Yes, sir.
And I'm really happy for you, Merle!
Oh, thank you.

　I'm a little embarrassed by the bright, big smile on her face.

　She squinted her jade-green eyes at me and said

But it didn't take long for you to catch up. I didn't think it would be a white mark in six months.

　He laughs bitterly.

　Before retiring as an adventurer, Quarina was a 'white mark'.

''But I'm proud of you. The girl I was in charge of rose through the ranks so quickly. I can be proud of my peers.
Yeah?
Yeah. Second fastest by the way.
...and number one?
Yeah, four months of Mr. Quilt.

　Haha.....

(That guy is really substandard.)

　I was the one who let out a dry laugh.

　Then, Qualina also recommended a new insurance policy from the Insurance Guild, as it would also increase the rewards and risk level.

''I'm partnering with the Insurance Guild, so I have to introduce you to people who have moved up in rank~''

　He chuckled and told me.　

　I chuckled too, and honestly decided to take the insurance that Qualina recommended.

　I hoped that this would give me a little bit of a score with Mr. Qualina.

　Thus, all my procedures were completed.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


Welcome back, Merle!
You're back.
Welcome back.

　We moved from the fourth floor of the guild to its accommodations on the third floor, its quilt-san's room.

　There, we were greeted by three of our partymates with smiles on their faces.

(Wow, awesome food!)

　The table was crammed with extravagant dishes.

(I see, Solstice was also smiling because this put her in a good mood, didn't it?

　I was convinced.

　Ms. Illtimina hugged me tightly and immediately squatted on her knees on the floor in front of me.

"Did you finish the procedure?
Yes.

　I laughed.

　She lifted my right hand reverently.

May I see it?

　Of course.

　I nod and concentrate the magic power in my body to my right hand.

　Pooh.........

　A magical emblem, shining pure white, appears on the back of his hand.

''Well...''

　Illtimina's beauty, illuminated in white, widened her eyes as if impressed.

''Hohoho?''
Hmm?

　Before I knew it, Kilt-san and Solstice had come close and were peeking at my hands from either side of Illtimina-san.　

(Nch, that's a bit embarrassing.)

　Illtimina-san's beautiful fingers stroked my embarrassed right hand many times.

　Then her crimson eyes stare at my face.

Congratulations, Merle.

　............

　That happy smile made my heart clench in my chest.

''Yes.''

　This time I put my hands around Illtimina's neck and hugged her.

　She looked startled.

'Ma, mama, ma'am?'
..........
Oh, um?
Thank you, Miss Illtimina.

　I managed to say it as I squeezed it out.

'...........

　Illtimina-san looked surprised again, then gently hugged me back.

''Yes ... yes.''

　He smiles sweetly and strokes her hair with his white fingers.

　Kilt-san and Solstice look at each other and giggle.

'See, the food's getting cold, isn't it?
Why don't we eat?　

　Mr. Kilt's hands are popped on our backs, and Solstice hurries us along with her little hands on her hips.

'Yeah, I guess so.'
Yes, sir.

　Me and Ms. Illtimina laughed and held hands as we made our way to the table where the food was lined up.

　It was a very pleasant time.

　And so, from that day on, I became the "White Seal Demon Hunter" Marle.