Chapter 11
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"Tamed… beast?" Xenith raised a brow in confusion but soon understood what the receptionist meant. 'Ah right— I do look like a tamer with this hatchling tagging along...'
'... Tsk, but I can't really do that, right? Leaving this beast unattended? Is that even an option?' Xenith pondered. Although rules are rules, Xenith could not just blindly follow it, even more so now. The hatchling Roc isn't really his "tamed beast" in the first place.
Seeing the aloof look of the receptionist, his situation somehow became harder to explain. 'I don't think he's the type to do favors…' Xenith thought. At the least, he could try and reason out.
"... What are you just standing there for? You better hurry along before the line piles up outside the testing room." The receptionist somehow noticed Xenith standing completely still across the counter.
'Yes, he finally took notice.' Xenith inwardly rejoiced. He was unsure as to how he would approach such a person. The indifferent atmosphere made the quirky Xenith anxious.
Xenith then tried his best to muster a nervous look. Of course, the receptionist wasn't even that busy to decline him in any way. It was morning and the number of registrants wasn't that much for the entire counter to be filled.
'Tss... Fine.'-- "What seems to be the problem?"
"Uhm… about leaving my tamed beast behind. Is it possible to make some sort of exception?" Xenith then forced a comically wide smile" I promise that this little one would not cause any trouble while I'm being tested."
The receptionist raised a brow back. Exemption? Who are you to ask for such a thing? Are you some big shot around here? You aren't even registered!
Of course, none of these words came out from his mouth, out of respect the young man's 'sincerity'. "I don't think that's possible. Just follow the rules. If it's any consolation for you; I'll take care of your tamed beast while you're in the testing room."
"... I don't think that's possible either." Xenith replied in a soft tone.
…
"Is there any problem here?" A deep voice suddenly resounded behind the receptionist accommodating Xenith. The receptionist turned to see who it was; as it felt like the voice had a tinge of familiarity, yet still alien.
A man who stood around 2 and a half meters in height overshadowed the aloof receptionist. The receptionist wasn't that short, to begin with; but in front of the man behind him, he looked extremely feeble and small, like an ant under a giant's boot.
He had a well-trimmed beard as well that grew across his square-shaped face. This giant of a man had a pressure in him that none could deny. Even Xenith, who was standing quite a distance away, immediately felt the bearded man's aura.
"Are you here to register, young man?" The man spoke once more.
"Ah!-- Director Erzel! W— What brings you here?"
It was no wonder why the aloof receptionist found the voice familiar. It was one of the directors of the association— Director Erzel Dorovan. Although an important figure to the association, he was not the type to visit, or even pay attention, to the Shen City branch.
It was what caught the receptionist off guard. What's with the sudden visit?
Director Erzel paid no heed to the shocked receptionist. He wasn't really concerned with anything other than what he was initially called here for. What caught his attention was the youth in front of him— A Tamer at such a young age.
Not that abilities aren't given at birth, but— it was still peculiar for him to see someone able to roam so freely with a beast obediently following behind without causing any ruckus. An amazing feat for such a young tamer indeed.
Xenith, who kept still up to now, got curious after hearing the man's name. 'A director, huh?'
"Yes, sir director. I am here to register. But, as you might have heard, I could not simply leave my tamed beast without supervision." Xenith turned to look at the hatchling Roc who seemingly understood the situation. The hatchling then clung tightly on Xenith's leg.
Erzel nodded. He then turned and gave a look at the receptionist, seemingly wanting the latter to just conform. "But— " The receptionist wanted to retort but simply couldn't.
"*Sigh*-- Proceed to the testing room."
Erzel smirked as he gave a big thumbs up towards Xenith.
Xenith bowed and thanked Erzel for the 'help'. However, he was unsure as to why a director would suddenly help him in the first place. Xenith wasn't really bothered by it though and proceeded to the testing room.
…
The receptionist gave a puzzled look at the smiling director.
'What was this guy thinking? Could he be here to cause trouble? Tsk… I should have known, those bastards from Saerom are nothing but bullies. Our director here is a lot better than this good for nothing giant.' The aloof receptionist inwardly rebuked.
As the newer branch; The Shen City's Association of Grand Exterminator does not have enough resources and manpower to rival any of the other 6 branches, including the Saerom City's branch.
Simply put— The branch is only at its infancy and is still outsourcing for talents.
Even though they have the most favorable topography amongst the 6, being in the middle of old Mongolia and China, the amount of talent that has been currently recruited had only been average at best.
In contrast to the strength of the New Humans registered in Saerom branch— a branch located at the westmost part of old China, east of Zion Korea— The Shen City branch still has a long way to go.
"A young tamer huh… Hahaha, Saerom City branch would be excited with the news of a prodigy's appearance in this meek little city." Erzel boisterously laughed. It fascinated seeing young talent suddenly bloom appear from seemingly out of nowhere.
"-- My gut feeling had never failed me. Hmmm… now, how do I get that kid to join the other branch instead? Eh, that wouldn't be too hard, right? He's still at the stage of registering. Not like he officially joined or whatever." Erzel muttered to himself.
With a smile unbefitting of a gigantic person like him, he then went to the fourth floor to meet with the Shen City's branch director.
---
*Sneeze!*
"Damn, someone must have been thinking about me…" Xenith rubbed his nose off of the itchiness. "Surely, I'm not allergic to featherless birds, right? That would just be… dumb."
After pondering with random thoughts while walking, Xenith soon arrived at the testing location. The floors were just too wide that it took him more than a few big strides to reach a place that was "just around the corner".
'This place is really impressive.'
Around 5 more people were standing in line outside the testing room.
Even though the floor had other designated rooms, there was only a single room for testing new registrants. Reason being that the results might vary when using different rooms.
Maintenance-wise, it would be a lot easier to operate and repair a single big room than a dozen small ones. Budget-wise, the branch simply could not afford numerous equipment and additional manpower.
Xenith approached the end of the line and stood there, waiting for his turn.
He could not help but notice that the other five who came before him were all giving the same odd looks like the people from the first floor. "Is there something wrong with my face?" Xenith could not help but voice out his bewilderment.
"...Uhm, excuse me, but— Are you lining up for the test with that plain polo on? Do you have some sort of thin protective chainmail under it?" One of the registrants, a short girl with bright orange hair, suddenly voiced out.
Xenith did not expect that his question would be "answered" by another question.
His confused gaze suddenly landed on the other four. What chainmail? What's wrong with wearing a polo these days? Is it a bad omen to do so during registration? Questions piled up in his mind as he tried to muster a reply.
Not long after, another one of the registrants spoke,
"I guess he's some sort of a tank-type New Human? Although it may not look like it. Looks can sometimes be deceiving. I, myself, am a 3-star New Human who could cast wind magic." The guy that spoke also bore an aura similar to that of Director Erzel. One would think he's the type of guy to physically charge in a fight given his buff build.
Tanks? Armors? Types? A few more vague words popping out from the random talks soon became a completed puzzle. 'Wait, tanking? Is the registration exam an endurance test!?' Thoughts suddenly jolted out of his head.
A sudden realization came about.
The other five people lining up all wore gears suited for surviving harsh conditions and/or damaging attacks. Xenith, with a worried expression, pitifully looked at the thin polo he was currently wearing.
"Eh, don't worry too much little guy. The test would just be a simulation. They will tone down the pain you'd feel by around 90%. It's pretty lenient, right? That ten percent might be the gap between you surviving and you ending up crying, hahaha" The tank-like wind magic caster added.
"Not like any of us have experienced the test yet, so we couldn't really say either." The short girl with orange hair added. She brightly smiled as if to cheer the worried Xenith.
'90%!? — That doesn't sound any better at all…' Xenith inwardly rebuked.
*Creak*
The testing room's door opened, "Next!"
"Ah! It's my turn. I'll be going now. See you after the results!~ Good luck!" The short girl went towards the testing room while happily skipping around. She didn't seem bothered by the heavy plate mail she was wearing.
"*Sigh* How I envy a 4-star tank like her. Wish I could be as good." The buff looking wind magic caster sobbed.
'Wait, w— what? That little girl just now is a tank-type?' Xenith had his mind-blown. Surely, the world is such a vast place, especially when you enter the ranks of a New Human.
Unsure of what to expect from the test, besides the pure ass-beating, Xenith clasped his hands together. '... I should have read a few pamphlets before coming here.'
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"Tamed… beast?" Xenith raised a brow in confusion but soon understood what the receptionist meant. 'Ah right— I do look like a tamer with this hatchling tagging along...'
'... Tsk, but I can't really do that, right? Leaving this beast unattended? Is that even an option?' Xenith pondered. Although rules are rules, Xenith could not just blindly follow it, even more so now. The hatchling Roc isn't really his "tamed beast" in the first place.
Seeing the aloof look of the receptionist, his situation somehow became harder to explain. 'I don't think he's the type to do favors…' Xenith thought. At the least, he could try and reason out.
"... What are you just standing there for? You better hurry along before the line piles up outside the testing room." The receptionist somehow noticed Xenith standing completely still across the counter.
'Yes, he finally took notice.' Xenith inwardly rejoiced. He was unsure as to how he would approach such a person. The indifferent atmosphere made the quirky Xenith anxious.
Xenith then tried his best to muster a nervous look. Of course, the receptionist wasn't even that busy to decline him in any way. It was morning and the number of registrants wasn't that much for the entire counter to be filled.
'Tss... Fine.'-- "What seems to be the problem?"
"Uhm… about leaving my tamed beast behind. Is it possible to make some sort of exception?" Xenith then forced a comically wide smile" I promise that this little one would not cause any trouble while I'm being tested."
The receptionist raised a brow back. Exemption? Who are you to ask for such a thing? Are you some big shot around here? You aren't even registered!
Of course, none of these words came out from his mouth, out of respect the young man's 'sincerity'. "I don't think that's possible. Just follow the rules. If it's any consolation for you; I'll take care of your tamed beast while you're in the testing room."
"... I don't think that's possible either." Xenith replied in a soft tone.
…
"Is there any problem here?" A deep voice suddenly resounded behind the receptionist accommodating Xenith. The receptionist turned to see who it was; as it felt like the voice had a tinge of familiarity, yet still alien.
A man who stood around 2 and a half meters in height overshadowed the aloof receptionist. The receptionist wasn't that short, to begin with; but in front of the man behind him, he looked extremely feeble and small, like an ant under a giant's boot.
He had a well-trimmed beard as well that grew across his square-shaped face. This giant of a man had a pressure in him that none could deny. Even Xenith, who was standing quite a distance away, immediately felt the bearded man's aura.
"Are you here to register, young man?" The man spoke once more.
"Ah!-- Director Erzel! W— What brings you here?"
It was no wonder why the aloof receptionist found the voice familiar. It was one of the directors of the association— Director Erzel Dorovan. Although an important figure to the association, he was not the type to visit, or even pay attention, to the Shen City branch.
It was what caught the receptionist off guard. What's with the sudden visit?
Director Erzel paid no heed to the shocked receptionist. He wasn't really concerned with anything other than what he was initially called here for. What caught his attention was the youth in front of him— A Tamer at such a young age.
Not that abilities aren't given at birth, but— it was still peculiar for him to see someone able to roam so freely with a beast obediently following behind without causing any ruckus. An amazing feat for such a young tamer indeed.
Xenith, who kept still up to now, got curious after hearing the man's name. 'A director, huh?'
"Yes, sir director. I am here to register. But, as you might have heard, I could not simply leave my tamed beast without supervision." Xenith turned to look at the hatchling Roc who seemingly understood the situation. The hatchling then clung tightly on Xenith's leg.
Erzel nodded. He then turned and gave a look at the receptionist, seemingly wanting the latter to just conform. "But— " The receptionist wanted to retort but simply couldn't.
"*Sigh*-- Proceed to the testing room."
Erzel smirked as he gave a big thumbs up towards Xenith.
Xenith bowed and thanked Erzel for the 'help'. However, he was unsure as to why a director would suddenly help him in the first place. Xenith wasn't really bothered by it though and proceeded to the testing room.
…
The receptionist gave a puzzled look at the smiling director.
'What was this guy thinking? Could he be here to cause trouble? Tsk… I should have known, those bastards from Saerom are nothing but bullies. Our director here is a lot better than this good for nothing giant.' The aloof receptionist inwardly rebuked.
As the newer branch; The Shen City's Association of Grand Exterminator does not have enough resources and manpower to rival any of the other 6 branches, including the Saerom City's branch.
Simply put— The branch is only at its infancy and is still outsourcing for talents.
Even though they have the most favorable topography amongst the 6, being in the middle of old Mongolia and China, the amount of talent that has been currently recruited had only been average at best.
In contrast to the strength of the New Humans registered in Saerom branch— a branch located at the westmost part of old China, east of Zion Korea— The Shen City branch still has a long way to go.
"A young tamer huh… Hahaha, Saerom City branch would be excited with the news of a prodigy's appearance in this meek little city." Erzel boisterously laughed. It fascinated seeing young talent suddenly bloom appear from seemingly out of nowhere.
"-- My gut feeling had never failed me. Hmmm… now, how do I get that kid to join the other branch instead? Eh, that wouldn't be too hard, right? He's still at the stage of registering. Not like he officially joined or whatever." Erzel muttered to himself.
With a smile unbefitting of a gigantic person like him, he then went to the fourth floor to meet with the Shen City's branch director.
---
*Sneeze!*
"Damn, someone must have been thinking about me…" Xenith rubbed his nose off of the itchiness. "Surely, I'm not allergic to featherless birds, right? That would just be… dumb."
After pondering with random thoughts while walking, Xenith soon arrived at the testing location. The floors were just too wide that it took him more than a few big strides to reach a place that was "just around the corner".
'This place is really impressive.'
Around 5 more people were standing in line outside the testing room.
Even though the floor had other designated rooms, there was only a single room for testing new registrants. Reason being that the results might vary when using different rooms.
Maintenance-wise, it would be a lot easier to operate and repair a single big room than a dozen small ones. Budget-wise, the branch simply could not afford numerous equipment and additional manpower.
Xenith approached the end of the line and stood there, waiting for his turn.
He could not help but notice that the other five who came before him were all giving the same odd looks like the people from the first floor. "Is there something wrong with my face?" Xenith could not help but voice out his bewilderment.
"...Uhm, excuse me, but— Are you lining up for the test with that plain polo on? Do you have some sort of thin protective chainmail under it?" One of the registrants, a short girl with bright orange hair, suddenly voiced out.
Xenith did not expect that his question would be "answered" by another question.
His confused gaze suddenly landed on the other four. What chainmail? What's wrong with wearing a polo these days? Is it a bad omen to do so during registration? Questions piled up in his mind as he tried to muster a reply.
Not long after, another one of the registrants spoke,
"I guess he's some sort of a tank-type New Human? Although it may not look like it. Looks can sometimes be deceiving. I, myself, am a 3-star New Human who could cast wind magic." The guy that spoke also bore an aura similar to that of Director Erzel. One would think he's the type of guy to physically charge in a fight given his buff build.
Tanks? Armors? Types? A few more vague words popping out from the random talks soon became a completed puzzle. 'Wait, tanking? Is the registration exam an endurance test!?' Thoughts suddenly jolted out of his head.
A sudden realization came about.
The other five people lining up all wore gears suited for surviving harsh conditions and/or damaging attacks. Xenith, with a worried expression, pitifully looked at the thin polo he was currently wearing.
"Eh, don't worry too much little guy. The test would just be a simulation. They will tone down the pain you'd feel by around 90%. It's pretty lenient, right? That ten percent might be the gap between you surviving and you ending up crying, hahaha" The tank-like wind magic caster added.
"Not like any of us have experienced the test yet, so we couldn't really say either." The short girl with orange hair added. She brightly smiled as if to cheer the worried Xenith.
'90%!? — That doesn't sound any better at all…' Xenith inwardly rebuked.
*Creak*
The testing room's door opened, "Next!"
"Ah! It's my turn. I'll be going now. See you after the results!~ Good luck!" The short girl went towards the testing room while happily skipping around. She didn't seem bothered by the heavy plate mail she was wearing.
"*Sigh* How I envy a 4-star tank like her. Wish I could be as good." The buff looking wind magic caster sobbed.
'Wait, w— what? That little girl just now is a tank-type?' Xenith had his mind-blown. Surely, the world is such a vast place, especially when you enter the ranks of a New Human.
Unsure of what to expect from the test, besides the pure ass-beating, Xenith clasped his hands together. '... I should have read a few pamphlets before coming here.'
"Tamed beast?" Xenith raised a brow in confusion but soon understood what the receptionist meant. 'Ah right I do look like a tamer with this hatchling tagging along...''... Tsk, but I can't really do that, right? Leaving this beast unattended? Is that even an option?' Xenith pondered. Although rules are rules, Xenith could not just blindly follow it, even more so now. The hatchling Roc isn't really his "tamed beast" in the first place.Seeing the aloof look of the receptionist, his situation somehow became harder to explain. 'I don't think he's the type to do favors' Xenith thought. At the least, he could try and reason out."... What are you just standing there for? You better hurry along before the line piles up outside the testing room." The receptionist somehow noticed Xenith standing completely still across the counter.'Yes, he finally took notice.' Xenith inwardly rejoiced. He was unsure as to how he would approach such a person. The indifferent atmosphere made the quirky Xenith anxious.Xenith then tried his best to muster a nervous look. Of course, the receptionist wasn't even that busy to decline him in any way. It was morning and the number of registrants wasn't that much for the entire counter to be filled.'Tss... Fine.'-- "What seems to be the problem?""Uhm about leaving my tamed beast behind. Is it possible to make some sort of exception?" Xenith then forced a comically wide smile" I promise that this little one would not cause any trouble while I'm being tested."The receptionist raised a brow back. Exemption? Who are you to ask for such a thing? Are you some big shot around here? You aren't even registered!Of course, none of these words came out from his mouth, out of respect the young man's 'sincerity'. "I don't think that's possible. Just follow the rules. If it's any consolation for you; I'll take care of your tamed beast while you're in the testing room.""... I don't think that's possible either." Xenith replied in a soft tone."Is there any problem here?" A deep voice suddenly resounded behind the receptionist accommodating Xenith. The receptionist turned to see who it was; as it felt like the voice had a tinge of familiarity, yet still alien.A man who stood around 2 and a half meters in height overshadowed the aloof receptionist. The receptionist wasn't that short, to begin with; but in front of the man behind him, he looked extremely feeble and small, like an ant under a giant's boot.He had a well-trimmed beard as well that grew across his square-shaped face. This giant of a man had a pressure in him that none could deny. Even Xenith, who was standing quite a distance away, immediately felt the bearded man's aura."Are you here to register, young man?" The man spoke once more."Ah!-- Director Erzel! W What brings you here?"It was no wonder why the aloof receptionist found the voice familiar. It was one of the directors of the association Director Erzel Dorovan. Although an important figure to the association, he was not the type to visit, or even pay attention, to the Shen City branch.It was what caught the receptionist off guard. What's with the sudden visit?Director Erzel paid no heed to the shocked receptionist. He wasn't really concerned with anything other than what he was initially called here for. What caught his attention was the youth in front of him A Tamer at such a young age.Not that abilities aren't given at birth, but it was still peculiar for him to see someone able to roam so freely with a beast obediently following behind without causing any ruckus. An amazing feat for such a young tamer indeed.Xenith, who kept still up to now, got curious after hearing the man's name. 'A director, huh?'"Yes, sir director. I am here to register. But, as you might have heard, I could not simply leave my tamed beast without supervision." Xenith turned to look at the hatchling Roc who seemingly understood the situation. The hatchling then clung tightly on Xenith's leg.Erzel nodded. He then turned and gave a look at the receptionist, seemingly wanting the latter to just conform. "But " The receptionist wanted to retort but simply couldn't."*Sigh*-- Proceed to the testing room."Erzel smirked as he gave a big thumbs up towards Xenith.Xenith bowed and thanked Erzel for the 'help'. However, he was unsure as to why a director would suddenly help him in the first place. Xenith wasn't really bothered by it though and proceeded to the testing room.The receptionist gave a puzzled look at the smiling director.'What was this guy thinking? Could he be here to cause trouble? Tsk I should have known, those bastards from Saerom are nothing but bullies. Our director here is a lot better than this good for nothing giant.' The aloof receptionist inwardly rebuked.As the newer branch; The Shen City's Association of Grand Exterminator does not have enough resources and manpower to rival any of the other 6 branches, including the Saerom City's branch.Simply put The branch is only at its infancy and is still outsourcing for talents.Even though they have the most favorable topography amongst the 6, being in the middle of old Mongolia and China, the amount of talent that has been currently recruited had only been average at best.In contrast to the strength of the New Humans registered in Saerom branch a branch located at the westmost part of old China, east of Zion Korea The Shen City branch still has a long way to go."A young tamer huh Hahaha, Saerom City branch would be excited with the news of a prodigy's appearance in this meek little city." Erzel boisterously laughed. It fascinated seeing young talent suddenly bloom appear from seemingly out of nowhere."-- My gut feeling had never failed me. Hmmm now, how do I get that kid to join the other branch instead? Eh, that wouldn't be too hard, right? He's still at the stage of registering. Not like he officially joined or whatever." Erzel muttered to himself.With a smile unbefitting of a gigantic person like him, he then went to the fourth floor to meet with the Shen City's branch director.---*Sneeze!*"Damn, someone must have been thinking about me" Xenith rubbed his nose off of the itchiness. "Surely, I'm not allergic to featherless birds, right? That would just be dumb."After pondering with random thoughts while walking, Xenith soon arrived at the testing location. The floors were just too wide that it took him more than a few big strides to reach a place that was "just around the corner".'This place is really impressive.'Around 5 more people were standing in line outside the testing room.Even though the floor had other designated rooms, there was only a single room for testing new registrants. Reason being that the results might vary when using different rooms.Maintenance-wise, it would be a lot easier to operate and repair a single big room than a dozen small ones. Budget-wise, the branch simply could not afford numerous equipment and additional manpower.Xenith approached the end of the line and stood there, waiting for his turn.He could not help but notice that the other five who came before him were all giving the same odd looks like the people from the first floor. "Is there something wrong with my face?" Xenith could not help but voice out his bewilderment."...Uhm, excuse me, but Are you lining up for the test with that plain polo on? Do you have some sort of thin protective chainmail under it?" One of the registrants, a short girl with bright orange hair, suddenly voiced out.Xenith did not expect that his question would be "answered" by another question.His confused gaze suddenly landed on the other four. What chainmail? What's wrong with wearing a polo these days? Is it a bad omen to do so during registration? Questions piled up in his mind as he tried to muster a reply.Not long after, another one of the registrants spoke,"I guess he's some sort of a tank-type New Human? Although it may not look like it. Looks can sometimes be deceiving. I, myself, am a 3-star New Human who could cast wind magic." The guy that spoke also bore an aura similar to that of Director Erzel. One would think he's the type of guy to physically charge in a fight given his buff build.Tanks? Armors? Types? A few more vague words popping out from the random talks soon became a completed puzzle. 'Wait, tanking? Is the registration exam an endurance test!?' Thoughts suddenly jolted out of his head.A sudden realization came about.The other five people lining up all wore gears suited for surviving harsh conditions and/or damaging attacks. Xenith, with a worried expression, pitifully looked at the thin polo he was currently wearing."Eh, don't worry too much little guy. The test would just be a simulation. They will tone down the pain you'd feel by around 90%. It's pretty lenient, right? That ten percent might be the gap between you surviving and you ending up crying, hahaha" The tank-like wind magic caster added."Not like any of us have experienced the test yet, so we couldn't really say either." The short girl with orange hair added. She brightly smiled as if to cheer the worried Xenith.'90%!? That doesn't sound any better at all' Xenith inwardly rebuked.*Creak*The testing room's door opened, "Next!""Ah! It's my turn. I'll be going now. See you after the results!~ Good luck!" The short girl went towards the testing room while happily skipping around. She didn't seem bothered by the heavy plate mail she was wearing."*Sigh* How I envy a 4-star tank like her. Wish I could be as good." The buff looking wind magic caster sobbed.'Wait, w what? That little girl just now is a tank-type?' Xenith had his mind-blown. Surely, the world is such a vast place, especially when you enter the ranks of a New Human.Unsure of what to expect from the test, besides the pure ass-beating, Xenith clasped his hands together. '... I should have read a few pamphlets before coming here.'
