After a few seconds, a gruff "Enter" sounded from beyond the oak door.
Ryder pushed it open, stepping into an office that felt like a commander's study.
Detailed maps covered one wall. Bookshelves laden with ledgers lined another. A few polished weapons hung on display, but they looked more like respected relics. The air held the faint scent of aged paper and oiled leather, with the rhythmic tick of a chronometer on the wall.
Behind a wide desk sat the Guild Master. His face showed experience, lines etched by thought. Captain Hessa's letter lay open before him. He looked up, his gaze assessing, as Ryder and Kaela entered.
"Mr. Vance, Ms. Rustspark," the Guild Master said, his voice calm. "The attendant mentioned Captain Hessa's commendation, and I've just reviewed her letter." He gestured towards two chairs opposite his desk. "Please, sit."
Ryder took a seat. Kaela, a little hesitant but still radiating determined energy, sat beside him.
"Guild Master," Ryder acknowledged with a nod.
The Guild Master tapped the letter on his desk. His eyes held a flicker of something unreadable – respect, perhaps, or concern. "Elara Hessa..." he murmured, almost to himself. "Always direct."
His gaze shifted from the letter to Ryder. "She speaks very highly of you, Mr. Vance."
Crowpoint, the Guild Master thought, a familiar unease stirring. The situation there sounds volatile. For Elara to send someone with this level of praise… this Vance bears watching.
"Well now, he surely knows her," Betsy's voice drawled in Ryder's mind, a hint of a mental smirk in her tone. "Or at least, knows of her. That 'Elara' he just let slip weren't no formal greetin'. Smells like old stories to me, sugar."
"Noted," Ryder thought back, his outward expression remaining unchanged.
The Guild Master leaned forward slightly. "Captain Hessa has mentioned that you were the only Anchor Bearer at the scene when the Primordial attacked, and that you were able to neutralize the threat with only support from her defense force. This is quite a significant accomplishment for a newly Bonded."
"It was a threat to the survivors in Crowpoint," Ryder replied. "I thought it was all over for me then, but luckily, my weapon somehow became an Anchor and Bonded with me. So, I dealt with it."
Kaela, eager to speak, leaned forward, her hands clasped.
"Guild Master, if I may!" she interjected, her voice earnest. "I didn't see what happened with the Primordial at Crowpoint, but on our journey here, Mr. Vance was incredible! He saved me from a pack of corrupted wolves, and then there were these awful deer-things – he was so fast, so decisive!"
She glanced at Ryder with admiration. "My magi-tech handgun helped a bit, I think, but he was the one truly handling them. If you are not the one that's saying it, I wouldn't believe Mr Ryder here is new to their Anchor! I've never seen anything like it! He protected me."
A slight smile touched the Guild Master's lips as he listened to Kaela's account. He gave her a nod.
"Your enthusiasm is noted, Ms. Rustspark." He turned his attention back to Ryder, the smile fading. "Impressive, to be able to deal with packs of corrupted animals all by yourselfs, and even debut against a Primordial alone."
The Guild Master steepled his fingers. "Mr. Vance, let's talk about where you fit in. Since you're not from a traditional Anchor Bearer family, and your Anchor bonded naturally, as it were, you're likely unfamiliar with our Guild structure and ranking system."
He paused, giving Ryder a moment to affirm or deny, though he seemed to expect the former. Ryder simply nodded once, indicating he was listening.
"New Hunters, especially those with 'Natural Anchors' like yours, usually start at the bottom," the Guild Master continued. "We offer up to six months of Guild training: monster identification, tactics, teamwork, Anchor synergy, local threats, and survival skills. After that, they test for F-Rank."
He continued, "F-Rank is the Guild's equivalent of a raw recruit – capable enough for minor threats like mutated squirrels or 'corrupted vermin,' as we often call them. It's a proving ground, a way to weed out those whose Anchors are more flash than substance, or who lack the nerve for the real work. The path upwards is a ladder built of experience and proven skill."
"D-Rank," the Guild Master explained, "is the first true step into a Hunter's boots. That's when you're expected to face Primordials, usually as part of a team, or handle dangerous corrupted."
"And how does one progress from D-Rank upwards, Sir?" Ryder asked, his interest clear.
"Good question," the Guild Master acknowledged. "It's not just about kills, though effectiveness is paramount. To advance, a Hunter needs to complete a set number of quests at their current rank. This proves you can handle dangers typical for your rank."
He paused. "Then, you will need to take a 'Rank Advancement Trial.' You'll undertake a quest one rank higher, observed by a senior Guild official or an evaluator. Pass that, and you earn your new rank. The system is designed to ensure Hunters don't overreach, that their skills genuinely match the dangers they are authorized to face. It also means that simply being powerful isn't enough; consistent, verifiable success is key."
"Now, your situation, Mr. Vance..." The Guild Master leaned back, his gaze unwavering. He tapped Hessa's letter. "Captain Hessa's report of you taking down that Class-6 Primordial on your first day? That's not F-Rank material. Not even standard D-Rank."
He looked between Ryder and Kaela. "This report, and Ms. Rustspark's corroboration, speaks volumes."
The Guild Master reached into a drawer and pulled out a small object. He slid it across the desk. It was a bronze pin, shaped like a shield with a 'D' etched into it.
"Therefore, I'm granting you a provisional D-Rank, effective immediately, Mr. Vance."
Kaela gasped softly, a proud smile beaming at Ryder.
"Provisional D," Betsy quipped in Ryder's mind. "He's still testing you, Boss, but it beats starting from scratch. Grab the shiny."
"This isn't a gift," the Guild Master stated, his tone serious. "It's an acknowledgment of what you've achieved. The 'provisional' status is removed after your first successful D-Rank quest."
Ryder picked up the badge. It felt solid in his palm.
"Furthermore," the Guild Master continued, "consider some red tape... snipped. Your path to A-Rank, should your skills continue this pace, will be expedited. You can skip the quest requirement and request a trial anytime, provided quest you pick for your trial is challenging and your performance exemplary."
He held up a hand. "You are also authorized to accept quests one rank above your current standing in general as non trial quests. C-Rank assignments are open to you, though I advise caution."
This was significant.Ryder never liked all the hierarchies and the slow progression in organizations.
The Guild Master was giving him a fast track, removing hurdles that could take others years. It was considerable trust, likely influenced by Hessa and Kaela's family, or a calculated risk.
"A-Rank," the Guild Master said, his voice graver, "is where the elite of the Hunter Guild operate. To be considered, a Hunter must prove they can handle a Class 6 Primordial solo, or a higher-class threat with a team. Most Primordial hunts, especially Class 3 or higher, are group efforts, often requiring multiple A-Ranks, or even an S-Rank Hunter."
"S-Ranks," he elaborated, "are legends, defenders of cities, individuals who could turn the tide against great odds, threats to entire regions. And above S? Mostly myth. Whispers of an SSS-Rank Hunter from generations past, who could reportedly take down Class 2 Primordials alone, but such tales were more fiction than practical goals."
"I understand, Sir," Ryder said, his voice even. "That's… a significant allowance. I appreciate the opportunity."
The Guild Master nodded, satisfied. "Use it wisely, Mr. Vance. Oakhaven has no shortage of challenges. Familiarize yourself with the bounty boards. And advice – while you can take C-Rank quests, perhaps start with D-Rank team assignments. Learn the terrain, local threats, and how other Hunters operate. Teamwork, even for the powerful, is often the difference between success and failure."
He then turned to Kaela. "Ms. Rustspark, your desire to act as Mr. Vance's associate is noted. Workshop facilities and Guild associate credentials can be arranged. Speak to Quartermaster Thorne."
Kaela beamed. "Thank you, Guild Master! I will."
"Good." The Guild Master gave a curt nod. "Dismissed."
They exited the office, the door closing behind them with a soft thud. Ryder paused in the corridor, turning the bronze D-Rank badge over in his fingers before pocketing it.
Provisional D-Rank and an expedited path. The challenges and opportunities of Oakhaven were laid out before him, and a spark of anticipation lit within.