But after much deliberation, we concluded that they must have been
Just like what happened many years ago in Serabourg.
So we said to the citizens that Master must have been on a quest that needed many
***
"So, how was Morata?"
"..."
"You didn't even have time to blink, huh."
"..."
"You should have listened to what the others were saying."
"...shut up, Cheol."
"So, what are you going to do now?"
"...I suppose I'll have to make a new character..."
The class gave a bitter smile at Hyun. Eun-byul caressed Hyun's hair as a way of consoling him.
***
His two weeks of confinement was almost up. Quartz, happy at this fact, finished the last of the log books given to him by Drummond. No longer bothering to check for any mistakes, he gave the log books to an open-mouthed Drummond.
Oh, nice. A new title and a new skill. The skill's pretty self-explanatory. But the title...
"Show earned titles"
Hm, the new title seems good.
"Equip Monster Accountant"
***
While Quartz was admiring his titles, Drummond, having already snapped from his shock, decided to convince Quartz to stay.
I know he said he'll only work for two weeks, but he might've changed his mind, he thought.
"Hey, young man, you sure you don't want to continue being my accountant?" Drummond asked Quartz.
With the quest window popping in front of him, Quartz shifted gears.
"I'm sorry, but I don't think being an accountant is the right path for me," he replied after collecting himself.
"Ugh, are you really, truly sure? I don't give offers this good to anyone."
Quartz just smiled. "Thank you sir, I appreciate the offer. However, I must leave this place. I need to go to a place as soon as possible."
"It has been a good two weeks with you, sir. If fate permits, let us meet again." With that, Quartz started to walk toward the door.
Drummond started to panic. Ugh! At this rate, he really would be gone for good! Tch, no choice but to use that then.
"Wait! How about becoming a merchant? You can apprentice under me! Besides, I've heard that there were Freedman merchants before. Why don't you become one too?"
After reading the system message, Quartz made the motions of deliberation, to show to Drummond that he was at least considering the offer.
But he already made up his mind.
A few moments after the message, Quartz shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't think being a merchant is the class for me."
"I-is that so? W-well, I suppose it can't be helped then." Sighing, Drummond gave up trying to persuade Quartz to stay.
"Since that's the case, all I can say then is, good luck and take care."
Quartz smiled. "Thank you, sir."
He left via the front door.
"Sigh, I hope can I find an accountant as good as that man," muttered Drummond.
***
After leaving Drummond's place, Quartz went to Hess Tiger's house.
Opening the door after his knocking was Lila.
"Oh my, it's you, Quartz! Good afternoon! It's been a long time since I've seen your face."
"Good afternoon, Ma'am Lila. I apologize for not visiting this past week."
"It's okay. I heard you were quite busy handling Drummond's log books. In fact, I've heard rumors saying you did most of the work this days."
Quartz just smiled. "Um, is Mister Hess around?"
Lila shook her head. "He and Sand are on a job. They're leading some of the Desert Warriors in thinning the monsters on the outskirts of the Oasis."
"Oh, is that so. Well, I'll just come back later then."
"Dear, no need to be polite. You can wait inside. I'm sure Theia would be ve~ry delighted to talk with you." After which, Lila made a light chuckle.
Quartz just made a bitter smile.
***
It was already dusk. For 4 hours, Quartz was recounting the events that happened in Royal Road to Theia.
Theia, being the curious young woman that she is, asked another question.
"Hoh, and? Was the Assassin able to kill the Great Emperor?"
Fortunately for him, Hess Tiger and Sand have returned from the monster subjugation.
"Let's continue another time, shall we?" Quartz evaded. "I'd like to ask your father something."
"...Fine." Saying those words with a sulking face, Theia left the room and went to the kitchen to help her mothers in cooking.
"Hahaha, if it isn't my future son-in-law! What brings you here? Finally willing to marry my beautiful daughter."
"...I appreciate the offer, but I must decline."
"Sigh. Oh well, I'll try again next time."
"..."
"So, what's your reason for coming here then," continued Hess.
"Do you know a mage who I can apprentice under?"
"..."
***
Apprenticeship.
In the 400 years since the Freedmen disappeared, the method for getting classes has evolved.
The concept of a professions guild was good, however, it had a severe flaw.
Anyone can choose his/her profession. And in a new world without the Freedmen, this is fatal.
Since anyone can choose, then that means even the those who don't have talent for that class can choose it.
Since anyone can choose, then that means everyone will choose those classes that don't require manual labor.
Since anyone can choose, students will outnumber the mentors.
Since anyone can choose, one guild will prosper while others will fall.
But the what is most headache inducing with the guild system is:
Since anyone can choose, there will be inexperienced people that, having chosen the class, think they are good enough already, which leads to them doing reckless actions.
Because of this, the guilds decided to disband themselves.
But how will the people gain a class then?
Apprenticeship!
By undergoing apprenticeship under a master, people without that talent for the class will be pruned off! This means that people will have to choose other masters to complete their apprenticeships. This way, the student population under each master would be manageable.
And if that fails, then they really have to choose another class!
Also, by undergoing apprenticeship under a master, people will at least gain some form of experience before setting off in the real world! This way, the student learns prudence and does not rush to his death.
But this system also has flaws, the most prominent being: the need to find a master!
So if you can't find a master, you can't have a class.
Of course, with the exception of hidden classes! (Author's Note: added this line, so as to complement a plot point later in the story.)
***
"..."
"..."
Quartz remained silent, looking only at the figure in front of him, an old, pale man, who was reading a letter.
After the letter was read, the old man raised his head and looked at Quartz.
"...Why did you not choose to become a Desert Warrior? If you would have asked, Hess Tiger would have taken you under his wing with gladness."
Quartz decided on what his reply would be. After a few moments, he chose his answer.
"...I don't have the necessary fundamentals to become a warrior." After which, he showed the old man his status and skills.
"Show status and skills"
"Hoh, so you're that accountant in Builes," muttered the old man. Not waiting for Quartz reply, the old man continued. "Your base Intelligence and Wisdom are quite high too. Hm, I see, so that's why you decided to become a mage?"
Quartz nodded.
"Hm, fine, I accept you as an apprentice."