"Magic is essential for adventurers like us, Finn. Whether you're a warrior, an archer, or even an explorer, it's essential to learn at least a little magic," explained the guild master, riding on his bear.
"But if we can all learn magic, what would be the point of mages existing? Wouldn't they be just another simple adventurer like us? Besides, what's the point of occupations themselves?" asked Finn curiously.
"Oh, no, don't get me wrong. There's a big difference in occupations, even if we all use magic," said the guild master, stroking his beard, trying to find the right words to explain to Finn the importance of occupations and their differences. "...how much do you know about magic?" asked the guild master.
"Hmm, not much… well, I don't know anything, to be honest," confessed Finn, embarrassed. Although the novel Finn read stated that the characters used magic, they never explained much about how to use it or its rules.
"I understand… so let's start from the beginning, natural magic. Natural magic is the energy found all around us. It represents control over the chaos of the universe and a force of the universe itself. It has always existed and always will. Natural magic allows us to control and affect the world around us, and although every living being is always in contact with it, there are only two ways to use natural magic as such…"
"Impe gems and magic cores, right?" Finn asked, as this had been explained in the novel.
"That's right, your only way to use natural magic is with Impe gems and magic cores. Then we have carrier magic. This magic is born when natural magic comes into contact with our spirit. When these two collide, they create a non-physical vessel inside us called an anima. The anima is responsible for gathering and storing the natural magic around us and transforming it into carrier magic. This magic allows us to enhance our bodies as well as create spells that directly affect other people or beings, do you understand?"
"I think so…" Finn said, unconvinced.
"Simply put, you use natural magic to exert an external force, like the elements or anything that directly affects our environment. Carrier magic is used to bestow specific qualities upon an individual, such as enhancing your body, putting people in illusions, or even the small possibility of gaining the perception of magic," Darwin clarified, and this time Finn fully understood.
"I see, but what is the perception of magic? Can people actually see magic?" Finn asked, and the teacher nodded.
"That's right, there are a small number of people around the world who can use this ability, although not all are the same," said the master, confusing Finn and even Darwin. "You see, this magic depends primarily on the wielder. Some gain an ability that allows them to sense the magic around them, like me, while others can see it directly, like Merlin does."
"I understand," said Finn, nodding.
"Okay, now that you know the different types of magic, let's move on to the topic of occupations…" The master wanted to continue speaking but was interrupted by Darwin.
"Wait, master, you still haven't explained true wielder magic!" Darwin said anxiously.
"Sigh, that's very complicated magic for you two. You'll have to master the other two first to be able to use that one…" the master said, closing his eyes and looking thoughtful before them. "…but well, in simple terms, true wielding magic is the combination of natural magic and wielding magic. This magic allows you to cast all sorts of extensive and complex spells, but as I said, it's too advanced for you."
The two adventurers nodded, disappointed.
"Well, let's continue. Occupations are important as they allow a guild master to know which mission to send each adventurer on if necessary. Warriors are sent on attack missions, either to attack a monster or enemy base; archers are usually sent on hunting or searching missions, and very rarely on reconnaissance missions. Mages also perform attack or support missions, depending on what type of magic they focus on, although they usually also work as historians due to their vast knowledge. Then there are the explorers, who are sent on reconnaissance missions. "Whether it's gaining information about certain monsters or exploring unexplored and dangerous places, such as dungeons, monster bases, or distant lands," Master Rohan clarified.
"Oh, I see, but what about paladins and bards then, and also sorcerers and warlocks?" Darwin asked curiously.
"Well, those are somewhat different. Sorcerers are considered similar to wizards, except they tend to use more combat spells and are considered magical prodigies, unlike mages, who spend their entire lives refining their magic. Warlocks, on the other hand, are not considered at all similar to a wizard or sorcerer, as they obtain their power through a pact with a higher entity, such as a god or demon. Paladins are not usually in a specific guild; they tend to travel around spreading their god's beliefs. And bards are somewhat similar. The only difference is that they register with a guild and then travel the world in search of stories to sing and spread."
"Wow... there are many occupations. What occupation do you have?" Finn asked, looking at Darwin.
"I haven't chosen one yet, but I think I'll choose wizard or archer," Darwin replied.
"Yeah, I think I'll choose wizard. I'd rather spend my time behind a book than keep fighting monsters," Finn said, and Darwin nodded in understanding.
"Oh, are you talking about your occupations? You're both explorers," the teacher said with a slight smile.
"What? Since when? I don't remember signing anything!" Darwin argued quickly.
"Since yesterday..." the teacher said, taking a notebook out of his backpack and showing them a page where several names were written with their respective occupations.
Finn - Class D Adventurer
Occupation: Explorer
Darwin - Class D Adventurer
Occupation: Explorer
Finn and Darwin quickly read the sheet, noticing something odd: they were the only explorers, at least on that sheet.
"Did you think I'd just let you go? No, something tells me you're perfect for this job... I can't pass up this opportunity," the Master thought with a malicious smile.
"Hey, why aren't there more explorers?! I only see Finn and me with that profession," Darwin asked.
"Why did you only choose to be explorers?" the Master replied.
"But we don't choose!" Finn replied quickly.
"HAHAHAHA," the Master laughed, patting the bear to make it move faster.
'God, I think I better become a farmer,' Finn thought.
—
After another long journey, the three arrived at the capital at midnight. Once they reached the guild, the master opened the guild doors with a great sigh, only to be met with a catastrophic scene.
The guild hall was stained with food everywhere. The floor, walls, and even every ceiling on every floor was stained. The master watched this speechlessly as he walked through the guild, ignoring the wet floor.
"What the hell happened here?" asked the excited master.
Amelia emerged from the dining room, almost naked, wearing only black underwear. In her hands, she held a mop and a bucket almost full of water. Amelia stood in front of the three with a tired and irritated look.
"Cristel and Silia, that's what happened..." Amelia explained.
"What? Why the hell did Silia come to the guild while I was gone? The Black Lions teacher knows they shouldn't be together unsupervised!" The teacher said, wanting to burst into tears at the disaster that had happened.
"Yes, but we never informed the teacher that you wouldn't be present," Amelia replied.
"Damn! I forgot to tell her you'd be out for a while," the teacher complained, clutching his head.
"Where did they get the bear?" Amelia asked, walking toward Finn and Darwin.
"The guild is the best thing in the world!" Finn thought, seeing Amelia's half-naked backside. "Staying in this guild is essential!"
"The teacher adopted you from the forest…" Darwin replied. "Why aren't you wearing clothes?"
"Are you kidding? The guild uniform is very expensive and delicate. I don't plan on staining it at all, and I think the others think the same…" Amelia said, pointing to the other receptionists who were cleaning the upper floors. They were just like Amelia. "Anyway, I have to keep working, so get out of the guild."
Amelia led Darwin, Finn, and the bear out of the guild. With nothing else to do, everyone went back to their respective homes, except for the bear, who fell asleep waiting by the door.
—
The next morning, Finn woke up to the constant knocking on his door. Checking the clock on the wall, he realized it was barely 5 a.m., wondering who he could be looking for so early. Finn slowly got up and walked to the door, still in his pajamas, and opened it only to see one of the guild's receptionists, also sleepy-eyed, holding what appeared to be a very heavy box. The receptionist set the box on the floor with a soft sigh.
"These are books sent by the master. Once you're done using them, you're asked to return them to the guild library," the receptionist said, before quickly leaving.