Chapter 152 Conditions and Unforeseen Events

Class Holders.

To ordinary commoners who would never encounter transcendent power in their entire lives, they seemed indistinguishable from normal adventurers.

They wore the same heavy, expensive armor, fought the same dangerous monsters, and earned the same lucrative income that a commoner couldn't make in a lifetime.

Only when commoners occasionally saw those aloof adventurers—who acted as if even the knight lords in the castle were beneath their notice—reveal envy and awe at the mention of the title, did they faintly perceive the difference.

But when a person threw down their hoe to pick up a longsword, faced the hot breath of a roaring monster at close range, and felt the sticky slide of blood down their cheeks; when they watched the teammates they lived and fought alongside get torn to shreds, and spent their hard-earned gold on overpriced alcohol just to numb their nerves, they would finally understand what it truly meant to be a "Class Holder."

Compared to the uncertainty of bottom-tier adventurers, at least to the vast majority of organizations on the Aifala Continent, the increase in strength a person gained from a Class Level was its least significant aspect.

The more crucial point was achieving that breakthrough from "0" to "1" on the path to the transcendent.

To some extent, becoming a Class Holder, even at the foundational Level 1, represented a relatively stable and tangible bright future.

It meant they were genuinely worth cultivating.

The Adventurers' Association was a "behemoth" spanning the entire continent, its sphere of influence staggeringly vast. Its unique organizational nature naturally attracted oceans of adventurers.

For those individuals among them who had outstanding aptitude—or simply good luck—and obtained a Class Level, the Association provided a certain degree of encouragement and support.

"Practical and effective high-level combat techniques, high-quality and low-priced alchemical potions, secret intelligence that is generally hard to obtain, and even incredibly precious Magic Equipment—"

"After obtaining a Class Level as an Association member, corresponding exchange channels will be provided to you as a benefit," said Molly, the receptionist with short blonde hair, her expression completely serious.

The young woman, who was usually listless and looked utterly exhausted every second of her shift, had straightened her back and appeared incredibly energetic, without a trace of sleepiness to be seen.

It was as if she were a completely different person as she introduced Xia Nan to the generous perks the Adventurers' Association offered to Class Holders.

They were no longer in the crowded Association hall, but a quiet room inside the building that resembled a small conference room.

Her regular shift had already been taken over by another staff member called in temporarily.

Xia Nan sat across the table, his thoughts turning.

It was roughly what he had guessed.

For an adventurer like him who had just obtained a Class Level, the Association wouldn't directly provide a large amount of resources; instead, it offered a clear path for upward mobility.

It made sense.

Given the sheer scale of the Adventurers' Association, it wasn't in dire need of supplementary combat power like smaller organizations were. Naturally, it had no need to artificially inflate its appeal through welfare benefits.

The grand title of the "Adventurers' Association" and the meaning behind it were more than enough.

By the same token, although the Association wouldn't offer Class Holders much in the way of direct rewards, it didn't impose many restrictions either.

It didn't stipulate who you must be enemies with, what you couldn't do, or demand that you kneel and salute when meeting certain people.

To some extent, it acted more like a "platform."

Adventurers obtained gold coins, combat techniques, and a path for class advancement through quests issued by the Association; the Association, in turn, expanded its reach and influence through its countless affiliated adventurers.

"Please rest assured, it isn't the kind of deep binding that requires you to sign a contract or swear an oath," Molly hurriedly added, seeing Xia Nan sitting in silence and worrying she had caused a misunderstanding.

"The benefits I mentioned earlier are provided freely to Class Holders in the Association, as long as you meet the required exchange conditions."

After all, in the vast majority of cases, it was perfectly normal for a high-level Class Holder to simultaneously possess many identities across different factions.

A Legendary-rank adventurer of great renown on the continent might also be a zealot of some deity, holding an important position in the Church while simultaneously belonging to a fishing enthusiast club.

As the most famous neutral organization on the continent, the Adventurers' Association placed no restraints on its Class Holders. Often, it was just the most inconspicuous detail in a person's background profile.

The Association itself even maintained cooperative relationships with organizations from many different factions.

To give a simple example, during the Hunting Day that had just ended a few days ago, the bounty on Goblins being raised to five silver coins each had been funded exactly by the Servia Kingdom.

Many high-ranking officials within the kingdom had actually originated from the Association as well.

In their youth, they had hacked at Goblins in the Misty Forest, earned their two or three gold coins, and bragged in the taverns of Rivervale Town.

Even so, it didn't prevent them from joining the kingdom's faction after growing through the Association's resources, nor did it stop them from turning around to argue endlessly with the Association's branch executives over terms of cooperation once their strength increased and their mindsets changed.

The more one wanted, the more restrictions there were, and the harsher the conditions became.

Naturally, the Adventurers' Association didn't only consist of free members from other factions.

Its internal core backbone also boasted considerable numbers; otherwise, it would be impossible to support such a massive organizational structure.

It was just that these matters were still very far removed from the current Xia Nan.

"Detailed information regarding this aspect... although I know a little, I'm restricted by regulations and truly cannot reveal too much. You will need to go upstairs and ask the corresponding staff members for specifics. I'm incredibly sorry," Molly explained cautiously, carefully weighing her words.

She stared unblinking at Xia Nan, seemingly observing his expression, terrified that he would be angry.

Xia Nan, however, didn't feel offended at all.

At this moment, his thoughts were focused on the fact that, according to what she had said earlier, if he wanted to gain a larger share of resources in the future—or even be absorbed into the organization's core—he would have to demonstrate his potential and value, signing relevant contracts to prove his loyalty.

But on one hand, he had been transmigrated to this world for less than two hundred days in total, and had interacted with far too few people and factions. He didn't want to tie himself to any particular camp too early.

On the other hand, he had only just obtained a Class Level and hadn't made any special contributions. He was likely still far from being proactively recruited by the Association, so there was no rush at all.

He nodded, signaling that he understood, and cut straight to the point. "So to speak, going up to the Association Second Floor doesn't require signing any contracts with you, right?"

"That's correct, Mr. Xia Nan!"

"Then..." His eyes shifting with a hint of confusion, Xia Nan swept his gaze across the conference room.

Seeing this, Molly's expression turned a bit awkward. She coughed dryly, and as her lips parted, she smoothly recited the pitch she had long since memorized: "Um, esteemed Class—Lord Xia Nan, the Adventurers' Association has always upheld the collaborative principle of 'Rights and Responsibilities Shining Together.' Just as a blade must be carefully measured to perfectly fit its scabbard, a practical test is a necessary procedure to ensure you understand the parity of a Class Holder's rights and responsibilities. It is not simply an assessment of authority, nor is it a questioning of your aptitude in the slightest. This is exactly—"

The intensely familiar corporate speak made Xia Nan's expression suddenly turn somewhat subtle.

Outwardly, he appeared exceedingly polite, listening carefully to the script she had clearly struggled to memorize, while inwardly he tuned out the useless embellishments and rapidly extracted the key information.

It wasn't until Molly had finished reciting the whole thing that he spoke up again. "To sum it up, you mean that before I can officially go up to the second floor as a Class Holder, I still need to complete a quest. Is that right?"

"Right, right!" Molly, who had been wondering if she should summarize and explain it again, looked surprised that Xia Nan had immediately understood. She nodded repeatedly.

"The difficulty generally won't be too high. Even Class Holders whose early-stage abilities are slightly lacking can easily complete it."

"It's just that due to a minor issue during the recent Hunting Day, the staff member responsible for issuing the relevant quests isn't in Rivervale Town, so you will likely need to wait for about three or four days."

Seeing Molly's apologetic look, Xia Nan waved his hand, signaling her not to worry.

Having just advanced to a Class Holder, he had intended to rest for a while anyway to gain proficiency in his newly acquired combat techniques.

Three or four days was actually a bit short for him.

However, since she had said it was a quest even the most ordinary Class Holder could accomplish, with his obviously "over-tuned" attributes, it shouldn't be much of a problem.

"Then I will come by again in five days," Xia Nan said, standing up to leave.

Seeing how agreeable he was, Molly's previously tense heart relaxed.

Then, as if she had thought of something—even though there was no one else in the room—she guiltily looked left and right before leaning in to whisper a reminder. "Mr. Xia Nan, although the specific details of the quest are still unclear, according to the news I've heard over the past few days, the quest location has mostly been confirmed."

"Oh? Tell me."

"It should be... Nym."

Outside the Adventurers' Association, on the bustling street.

The time was already approaching evening.

Xia Nan walked along the road heading toward the White Chickadee Tavern, recalling his conversation with Molly.

"Five days... Nym."

Speaking of which, he had long heard of the largest city near Rivervale Town.

He had been wondering when he might go over and broaden his horizons, but with the endless stream of quests, he hadn't ever had the chance.

Taking advantage of this "business trip" could be considered fulfilling his little wish.

Amidst his thoughts, a sudden burst of commotion drifted over from the side of the road.

He subconsciously looked over.

He saw a slightly plump, curly-haired woman with Rimless Glasses resting on the bridge of her nose standing on the edge of the street with a look of pure fury on her face.

In her hand, she gripped a long soup ladle dripping with a thick liquid.

"Lady Edwina?"

Xia Nan naturally recognized the owner of the Green Grass Crucible at a glance.

He found it strange.

In his impression, although Lady Edwina liked strong liquor, her personality was famously gentle, and the various medicinal pastes and patches sold in her shop were much cheaper than those in the alchemist's shop at the Association.

She had a rather good reputation among the adventurers.

For her to be this angry now...

He followed the direction of her furious glare and immediately understood.

He saw that the middle-aged man who had been kicked out of the blacksmith shop by Barn of Rockhammer was currently standing in front of the lady, looking wretched and distressed. Carrying a small bundle on his back, he was continuously backing away.

Without a doubt, his scam attempt had failed again.

Having worked in the adventurer profession for nearly half a year, Xia Nan knew that bottom-tier adventurers were a motley mix of fish and dragons, containing all sorts of people.

But someone as fearless of death as the man before him was a first.

From Rockhammer to the Verdant Crucible, he had probably even gone and caused a scene at the Fey Wind.

With the speed at which information spread in Rivervale Town, the man's identity and features would likely reach every large and small shop in town before tomorrow night, landing him on their blacklists.

And without the supply of provisions, an adventurer fighting for survival in the gathering places of dangerous monsters would only find a dead end.

Shaking his head slightly, he hadn't intended to pay any more attention to it, but a young-looking, square-faced adventurer abruptly stepped out from the crowd.

As she was the owner of a famous herbal shop in town, there was no shortage of people who wanted to build a good relationship with Lady Edwina.

Never mind how much of a discount they might get on future purchases, a simple favor was enough to prompt many adventurers to step up "righteously."

When this clever, square-faced adventurer walked out with his sword drawn, the faces of quite a few bystanders in the crowd revealed expressions of annoyance, regretting that they hadn't thought of it first.

Naturally, it was impossible to kill someone in the street. The square-faced adventurer had only intended to take advantage of the large number of bystanders to show off, earn a favor, and dish out a few threats.

In front of him, however, the middle-aged man standing on the main street looked as if he had been provoked by something. His face was pale, his spirit crushed, and even his eyes seemed erratic and unfocused.

Facing the weapon-wielding square face, his scrawny body swayed as he actively walked right up to him.

"You dare!?"

Seeing the man's actions and assuming he had flown into a rage out of humiliation after his failed scam, the square-faced adventurer immediately slanted his one-handed sword upward from its downward guard. Assuming an attack stance, he planned to teach the guy a lesson.

"Squelch!"

Then came the heavy, sluggish sound of a sharp blade piercing flesh, followed by an uproar from the surrounding crowd after a moment of dead silence.

From Xia Nan's perspective, he saw it incredibly clearly.

Facing the square-faced adventurer who had slanted his sword and prepared for battle, the middle-aged man unexpectedly didn't dodge or evade. His entire body leaned into it like an embrace.

For some unknown reason, the square-faced adventurer seemed to have lost his ability to react in that short span of time, freezing in place.

He allowed the middle-aged man to step in and hold him tight.

Letting the sword blade pierce through his chest and abdomen.

The adventurers who had been gathered around watching instantly burst into a chaotic uproar.

Some shouted, some ran, and there was no lack of petty thieves among them taking advantage of the situation.

In just a few seconds, the dozens of onlookers, including the square-faced adventurer, had completely scattered and fled.

Only Lady Edwina was left standing by the street, at a loss as to what to do because of the sudden turn of events.

Along with the middle-aged man lying motionless on the cold ground, his expression in death bizarrely peaceful.

Too lazy to get involved, Xia Nan quickened his pace to leave.

He noticed a slight oddity, however.

After the commotion, the small bundle the middle-aged man had originally been carrying on his back had disappeared from his body.

"They've got some nerve. Wonder who swiped it," he muttered.