Assimilate All Talents

Chapter 77: Familiar Face

By the southern gate of the city, there was an open area commonly used as a meeting spot for merchants before heading out of the city. Sol and Amber arrived near the entrance, and Sol began to look around.

"The quest description said to meet here, but I think we’re early. No one is here."

Sol was looking for a good spot to sit down and wait, but then he heard a voice from behind him.

"Is that you, Sol?"

Sol turned around to see a chubby middle aged man accompanied by four guards driving a wagon to the meeting spot.

"Hughbert? What are you doing here?"

Hughbert was the exotic herbs merchant Sol saved when he was still new to the city. It was all thanks to him that Sol was able to buy his first real weapon, Warhawk’s Talon.

"I’m here to meet two adventurers that will accompany us to the capital. Don’t tell me that’s you two, what are the odds?!"

"That’s us. But I thought you already had personal guards. Why are you hiring adventurers now?"

"Ahh, that... After that bandit attack, one of them died and two quit. They quit two days ago when I already had this trip planned so I had no choice but to outsource some muscle from the Adventurers Guild. But boy am I glad I did that, I feel reassured knowing you’re coming along."

Sol laughed, "I’m just glad it’s someone I know. I’ll do my best to protect you."

"Likewise. And who is our other beautiful companion?"

"That’s Amber. Amber, say hi."

With her expressionless face, Amber nodded.

"...She’s not much of a talker, but I can guarantee she is an incredibly skilled fighter."

After swallowing a mouthful of food, Sol responded, "Yes, but it’s not the main reason. I plan to become a knight."

Sol had no intention to keep that fact secret as he needed to not only become a knight but one high ranked enough to be able to approach the saintess. If all went according to plan, he will have to make a name for himself in the capital.

"Hoh? Never took you for one loyal to the crown. Why become a knight?"

Hughbert was right; Sol wasn’t really loyal to the crown. He lived most of his life in a small town away from politics and influence, so at most he identified as someone of the same kingdom. Sol couldn’t say he was joining just to chase down his parents, so he made up an excuse on the spot.

"I heard they provide free training and have ample resources to nurture promising people. I think I qualify for that, so why not make use of it?"

"Good luck with that; you’ll need it."

"Huh? What do you mean?"

"The process to become a knight is much harder than that of a regular soldier."

Hughbert could tell Sol knew little of the process, and as someone who had been to the capital many times, he decided to share what he knew.

"To start, the minimum strength needed to apply is C-Rank. I heard that in other kingdoms they also require you to be a noble, but here strength is most important. While you don’t have to be an adventurer before applying, you need to be about as strong as a C-Ranker. To do this, they go through a few tests like checking your status page and a physical test. Though I don’t know what the physical test is as they change it every year.

"You’re lucky you decided to join now as I heard the tests begin in less than a month. That should give you time to research more and prepare."

Sol generally knew the same details but didn’t know they checked your status page. His Deceiver’s Earring should be enough to trick whatever item they use to see one’s status. Sol also had plenty of time to train and prepare to figure out how he will stand out in the exams to be given higher priority and jobs.

Sol thanked Hughbert for the information, and the group began to pack up to sleep for the night. Having a lot to think about, Sol didn’t want to sleep just yet and offered to take the first night watch. The guards appreciated the gesture, and all tucked into their tents to sleep.

"Amber, you should also get some sleep."

She shook her head before sitting down next to him. He wasn’t going to force her to sleep, and so they both stayed up as Sol thought of the future.