The Wolf's Challenge
The news of Argo's Gold-rank promotion test didn't reach Count Edenberg or Archduke Libertas right away. How could they possibly inform the two men who were fighting on the front lines? Sending word through a communication artifact risked interception, so the information had to be delivered in writing. They decided to entrust it to the next regular supply caravan and headed instead to the one person in the city who had the right to know.
"So you're saying you followed the hint left by Edenberg's founder, uncovered history tied to the ancient civilization, and found this book there?"
"Yes."
"And because the scale is too big and gives you a headache, you're planning to dump it on the nobles?"
"Yes!"
Vergo, who had been processing documents at his desk, rubbed his forehead and let out a pained groan at our shamelessly confident replies. The sudden flood of information seemed to be giving him a headache. After grumbling his way through understanding the situation, he looked at the book on his desk with weary eyes.
"I'm not particularly interested in ancient civilizations, so I don't know much about them, but I have a feeling the world is going to get very interesting once this comes to light."
"That's why we've decided to share this information only with the nobles."
"Because if the leadership falls into chaos, everything will go to hell?"
"Exactly."
Vergo, whose experience clearly hadn't gone to waste, grasped the core of the matter at once. He stared at the book with a troubled expression before shaking his head.
"Since I'm not a noble, let's just pretend I never heard about this problem."
"Are you sure that's all right?"
"If it bothers you that much, tell me to become a noble. I'm terrible at using my head, so even after retiring as an adventurer, all I got was this branch manager position. What could they possibly say?"
Then again, this was the man who had turned down an earldom. I stared at him in disbelief. He was one of the rare Master-class adventurers in the North, a living legend. His mere existence commanded respect from every Northerner, and countless adventurers across the region aspired to catch up to him. His achievements had long since spread across the continent through bards and songs. When he moved to another kingdom, neighboring kingdoms would raise emergency alarms. Who would dare object?
"I doubt the Archduke would sit idly by while you laze around, Branch Manager Vergo."
"Now that you mention it, there is the Archduke."
Vergo sighed as he recalled Archduke Libertas, the North's strongest warrior, guild master, and sole ruler. Being a branch manager meant obeying when your superior—who also happened to be the strongest—gave an order. His expression aged ten years in an instant. Scratching his head, he seemed desperate to change the subject and fixed his gaze on me.
"By the way, Argo, when are you planning to advance to Gold rank?"
"Why are you suddenly bringing up Gold rank?"
"Think about the power you possess."
Vergo's words didn't sound like a casual attempt to change the topic. I recalled the forces at my command: nearly fifty Ikelos I could now summon, ten Rune Golems, Umbra who copied my skills, the Lesser Dragon that had entered its cocoon, the Frost Giant I had recently contracted, my tamed monsters and companions, and my own strength that had reached the end of Silver rank. After carefully reviewing my forces, I opened my eyes and looked at Vergo.
"Are you thinking of promoting me to Gold-rank adventurer?"
"If you have that kind of power and still aren't Gold, wouldn't it be unfair to the Silvers?"
"...You have a point."
Adventurer ranks took far more than personal combat strength into account. The legendary Northern explorer Kol Radian had been recognized for mapping fifty percent of the ancient North's uncharted territories alone and had been promoted to Gold despite only being Bronze-class in strength. Summoners and spirit mages had their companions' strength factored into their rank as well. Naturally, my own rank should have been adjusted according to the evaluation criteria. It simply hadn't been updated because I kept traveling to other regions.
Logically, I understood, but my heart couldn't help feeling disappointed.
"That's a shame. I wanted to apply for promotion once my personal strength reached Gold rank."
"Look at that greed. From what I can see, you've only got one wall left before Gold. I'll help you with that, so hurry up and submit your application."
"Yes, sir!"
I nodded immediately at Vergo's words, which felt as though he had seen straight through my power. When a Master-class adventurer and living legend offered to help, of course I had to accept. Though I felt some regret, I had no intention of rebelling against the guild's system as a Northern adventurer, so I agreed to apply. Vergo looked satisfied.
"Thanks to you lot, I've gotten dragged into a headache. I might as well loosen up my stiff body. Luna, using my authority as branch manager, I'm making this promotion test a sparring match with me. Handle the procedures."
"Looks like we'll have an interesting event after a long time."
Luna smiled faintly and stood up.
"Leave the festival preparations to me. It's been a while since I've had something to get excited about."
"Then I'll spread the word among the adventurers. I'm sure they'll all be thrilled."
Veil and the knights who had followed along wore excited expressions. Neon, sensing the strange atmosphere, looked puzzled.
"Why does everyone look so happy about a promotion test? Is it because the North is getting another strong warrior?"
"That's part of it, but Gold-rank adventurers are extremely valuable forces even in the North."
At the front lines, where only elites gathered, Gold-rank adventurers were common enough to trip over, but that place was an irregularity. Across the entire North, Gold-rank adventurers were so rare they could be counted on one hand. That was why the birth of a new Gold-rank adventurer was celebrated, with everyone hoping they would achieve great things.
"The appearance of a warrior capable of subjugating high-ranking monsters alone is nothing short of a blessing for the North."
"It's the same with the colony. When a strong child is born, the queen rejoices and holds a festival."
"Just as Beatrice said, a small festival is held in the North whenever a Gold-rank adventurer takes their promotion test."
Neon, hearing information unknown to those who weren't Northerners or long-time residents, nodded with quiet admiration. Having stored the new fact in his mind, he tried to estimate the scale of the festival based on common sense.
"So a festival will be held in Edenberg?"
"Hmm, I don't think it'll end at just that scale."
"Huh?"
"Branch Manager Vergo is personally acting as examiner. Considering his reputation, the festival won't be limited to just Edenberg."
I smiled meaningfully and stood up, knowing more than Neon did. Having been granted the opportunity to receive guidance from a Master-class adventurer, I couldn't prepare half-heartedly. I needed to check my forces in their optimal state. Suppressing my excitement at the prospect of going all out after so long, I calmed my racing heart.
"I hope you wake up soon, friend."
[Krrrrr.]
I smiled at the cry echoing in my mind.
***
Recently, the city of Edenberg had been swept up in a strange fervor. Whenever two or more people gathered, they spoke of only one topic, and even the security forces patrolling the streets couldn't calm their excitement. Merchants doing business on the streets would suddenly fall into thought, and customers didn't point it out—a bizarre sight caused by a single reason.
'Edenberg's Summoner Argo has challenged the promotion test!'
'The examiner is Vergo!'
The news of Argo's promotion was enough to make people's hearts race. Argo had made a name for himself even on the front lines, and rumors of his skill had spread widely through adventurers. But what truly made people unable to focus on daily life was the news that Vergo would participate.
The Blue Fanged Wolf, Vergo. There were many titles associated with him. He was one of only seven Master-class adventurers in the North and one of the Thirteen Heroes who had repelled the Mountain Dragon Magranas. He was a wolf beastman who had single-handedly slaughtered over a thousand monsters in a wave and earned the recognition of the divine beast Fenrir. There was no one on the continent who didn't know of his exploits, and the number of adventurers and knights who admired him could form a mountain. Occasionally, Gold-rank adventurers served as examiners for promotion tests, but Vergo had never participated before. That was why people were so captivated by this unprecedented event.
"Was the Summoner such a great existence that even the Blue Fanged Wolf took interest?"
"Of course! If he's leading an expedition beyond the front lines among such distinguished adventurers, he must be extraordinary!"
"Maybe he's the Blue Fanged Wolf's disciple."
"Nah, that can't be right. Their fighting styles are completely different."
Like the saying about words traveling a thousand miles without feet, rumors spread in an instant. News of a Silver-rank adventurer's promotion test swept across the entire North, and brave souls who heard it began gathering in Edenberg to witness the truth. Some came from other cities just to watch, merchants from distant regions followed the scent of profit, and even nobles personally visited to verify the rumors. In the midst of this, the Edenberg count's family seized the opportunity and accelerated festival preparations, further heightening expectations.
After some time had passed and people's anticipation reached its peak, Veil Edenberg, the regent of the Edenberg count's family, made an announcement. All preparations were complete. The two warriors had finished their preparations, and the challenger would ascend to become a great warrior by overcoming the wall.
"""Waaaaaaaah!"""
At the regent's declaration, the crowd erupted in cheers loud enough to shake the city. It was the beginning of the moment when Argo's fame would spread across the entire continent.