And that is the difference between a general and a marshal.
"Zinov." His voice is low, serious. "Do you think that monster came from another continent?"
Zinov's gaze flickers slightly, considering the possibility. He exhales through his nose, arms crossing over his broad chest. "It might have," he admits. "But it would be rare."
Zinov nods. "Yes. The stronger monsters—those that roam the great continents beyond ours—they have no reason to come here. This land holds nothing of value to them. No great treasures, no ancient artifacts, no resources worth fighting for." His eyes darken slightly. "For one to appear now… it's strange."
Rewalt's jaw tightens. He doesn't like unanswered questions. And right now, there are too many.
"Keep an eye on this, Zinov," he orders. "I want to know exactly what we're dealing with."
Zinov inclines his head. "As you command, Your Majesty."
The conversation ends, but the unease lingers.
Because if a anyone from another continent has come to Valgros—then it came for a reason.
The journey to the Ordeya Kingdom's capital is smooth, the roads well-maintained and patrolled by disciplined soldiers. The kingdom isn't as militaristic as Valgros, but it is wealthier, its capital a testament to its prosperity.
Alix and Grixx ride through the outer districts, passing through bustling trade streets filled with merchants hawking goods from across the continent. Spices, silk, enchanted trinkets—things one would never find in Raltheon in such abundance. The people are well-dressed, the buildings sturdier, and the roads paved with fine stone rather than packed dirt.
Their current disguises are simple but effective. Alix wears a reinforced leather coat over a dark tunic, with a longsword strapped to his waist. Grixx, towering beside him, looks every bit the seasoned adventurer in his heavy, travel-worn armor. Though he carries no kingdom's insignia, the way he moves—sharp-eyed and ever watchful—betrays his experience as a warrior.
The two blend in well enough. Ordeya's capital has no shortage of adventurers, and unlike in Valgros or Raltheon, where armies dominate military affairs, adventurers here hold real status. The kingdom relies on them heavily for subjugation missions, exploration, and even reinforcing their borders when needed.
They make their way to the Adventurers' Guild, a massive three-story structure near the heart of the city. Its design is sturdy yet elegant, built of reinforced stone and polished wood. A large banner hangs over the entrance, bearing Ordeya's guild emblem—a golden falcon clutching twin swords. The doors are wide open, and the lively sounds of conversation, clinking mugs, and sharpening steel spill onto the street.
As they step inside, the scent of alcohol, ink, and sweat fills the air. The guild hall is bustling. Dozens of adventurers crowd the area, some gathered around the mission board, others seated at long wooden tables sharing drinks and stories of their exploits. Some wear enchanted gear, while others sport battle scars as badges of honor.
Alix exhales, scanning the guild hall. "Lively place," he mutters under his breath.
They step further inside, weaving through the crowd. The adventurers here have a certain confidence—some from experience, others from sheer arrogance. Unlike in Raltheon, where adventurers are little more than mercenaries, or Valgros, where they are overshadowed by the military, Ordeya treats them with respect.
A few eyes linger on them, but most dismiss them quickly. New faces aren't uncommon here.
Alix approaches the long wooden counter where several guild receptionists are stationed, managing the constant flow of requests and reports. A young woman with chestnut-colored hair and sharp green eyes greets him with a professional smile.
"Welcome to the Ordeya Adventurers' Guild. Here to take a request, or are you looking to register?"
"Register," Alix says smoothly. "My partner and I just arrived in the capital."
She nods, already pulling out a parchment form. "Got it. First-time registration requires a basic assessment. Name and background?"
Alix doesn't hesitate. "Aiden Vale. Swordsman. Former mercenary."
Grixx, standing beside him, crosses his arms. "Garran. Heavy combat specialist."
The receptionist gives them both an appraising look. "Experience?"
Alix offers a relaxed shrug. "A few years in the field. Nothing fancy, but we get the job done."
She hums in thought before handing them the parchment. "Fill this out. After that, you'll need to complete an evaluation with one of our guild examiners. Standard procedure—nothing too difficult unless you're trying for a high rank right away."
The receptionist smiles, clearly accustomed to such questions. "It's simple. To rank up, you need to defeat a beast corresponding to the rank you're aiming for. Our ranks are structured as follows: Bronze for Tier 1, Iron for Tier 2, Silver for Tier 3, Gold for Tier 4, and Adamantite for Tier 5. But first, we need to evaluate your current levels."
She gestures to a side door. "If you'll follow me, we'll begin with your assessments."
They follow her into a smaller chamber adjacent to the main hall. The room is sparsely furnished, dominated by a large, intricate crystal mounted on a pedestal—the guild's appraisal artifact.
The receptionist motions to Grixx. "Garran, if you would, please place your hand on the crystal. It will read your current level and abilities."
Grixx steps forward, placing his hand on the cool surface. The crystal pulses with light, emitting a soft hum. After a moment, the light dims, and the receptionist consults a nearby gauge.
Her eyes widen slightly. "Level 347. Impressive. It's rare to see someone of Tier 3 strength registering for the first time."
Grixx nods curtly, stepping back to allow Alix his turn.
The receptionist turns her attention to Alix. "Aiden, your turn."
Alix steps forward, placing his hand on the crystal. It reacts similarly, glowing softly before dimming. The receptionist checks the gauge again.
Alix places his hand on the crystal, which emits a soft glow before dimming. The receptionist checks the gauge and her eyes widen in shock.
"Level 400," she murmurs, astonished. Tier 4 adventurers are highly valued in the Ordeya Kingdom; such individuals often receive invitations from nobles and even the royal family to work for them. While some accept these offers, many prefer the independence of adventuring. She assumes Alix has recently broken through to Tier 4, given his current level.