I feel relieved as I look down and see solid ground beneath my feet. When I look up, the sun's rays are blinding. It seems like the world has not yet been destroyed.
"Hey, it's a dungeon returnee!"
"Someone has cleared this dungeon!"
I turn towards the source of the voices. Village-like people are gazing at me. What does it mean that I am a dungeon returnee?
"Oh!"
Looking down, I notice that I am standing on a pedestal, the one where the conqueror of the dungeon is supposed to stand. In my right hand, I am holding the reward for clearing the "Katarov Dungeon," the "Blazing Sword." It appears that I was transported immediately after stepping on the " Katarov Dungeon" teleportation array. However, Agetha is not beside me. It seems like I'm the only one who managed to exit the dungeon. I feel a strange sense of loss about that.
"Hey, what's your name?"
Suddenly, one of the villagers addresses me.
"Huh?"
I was taken aback by the question about my name. There shouldn't have been any villagers in Katarov Village who didn't know me. I had been discriminated against because of this annoying silver hair.
"I'm Kiska."
"Kiska, huh? Wow, we've had some incredible adventurers here!"
Saying that, the villager casually pats my shoulder. Their expression is cheerful, not the response typically given to a discriminated Alcus person. Suddenly, I recall the words of the observer: "Go back to a hundred years ago."
"Could it be that I've really come back to a hundred years ago?"
"Hey, did you say something just now?"
If I've truly been transported to a world a hundred years in the past, it must mean that the fate of this world now lies in my hands. However, even if I'm told to save the world, I have no idea what to do. Maybe I should set some more immediate goals.
"Oh, it's nothing. Instead, could you guide me to the Adventurer's Guild?"
"Oh, of course, no problem!"
"First, let's go see Agetha."
If it's a hundred years ago, she shouldn't be sealed yet. To do that, I should first go to the Adventurer's Guild and gather some information.
◆
"Alright, the Adventurer's Guild is here. Farewell, hero!"
The villager who guided me to the Adventurer's Guild says so and waves.
"Thank you for guiding me."
Calling me a hero is a bit exaggerated. With a wry smile, I express my gratitude.
The location of the Adventurer's Guild was the same as it was a hundred years ago, but the exterior of the building was different.
For now, I enter and approach the receptionist behind the counter.
"What can I help you with?"
"I have something I'd like to discuss."
I asked this at the guild's reception desk, thinking that the guild receptionist might know something about Agetha.
"A discussion, you say? Very well. However, before that, may I see your adventurer card?"
An adventurer card. I've heard that all adventurers have one, but since I have no achievements as an adventurer, I don't have one.
"I don't have one."
"So, are you saying you're planning to start working as an adventurer from now on?"
"Well, something like that."
"In that case, let's start by creating an adventurer card. Please fill out the necessary information here."
The receptionist hands me a document.
I start filling out the form as indicated on the document.
First, my name. Then, my occupation. I suppose my occupation would be a swordsman. Next, there's a section for rank.
"Um, how can I check my own rank?"
"In that case, you should check your own status screen. It's written below your name. If there's nothing written, you're a novice. Occasionally, even beginners start from bronze."
I wonder if it said that on the status screen. With that in mind, I display my own status.
▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽▽
〈Kiska〉
Rank: Platinum
△△△△△△△△△△△△△△△
It's true. It says "Platinum." I don't think this kind of notation was there before.
"It appears to be Platinum."
"What!? Platinum is impossible! Most beginners are novices at best, and some may start from bronze!"
"Even if you say that…"
In reality, it says "Platinum."
"If it's true, then please show me your status screen!"
"Well, alright."
With that, I tamper with my status screen so that only my name and rank are visible, and then I show it to the receptionist.
"I-It really says Platinum…"
She mutters as if she's seen something unbelievable.
"Is Platinum really that rare?"
"It's not just rare! Um, I'm sorry, but you really are a beginner adventurer, right?"
Certainly, I may be a beginner as an adventurer, but I do have some achievements.
"I have cleared the 'Katarov Dungeon' if that counts."
"What!? You cleared the uncharted ' Katarov Dungeon'!? In that case, it makes sense that you're Platinum."
Well, I don't think it's that impressive since I didn't conquer the dungeon all by myself.
"Is Platinum really that great to be surprised about?"
"What!? Could it be that you don't know!? Okay, about ranks…"
While feeling somewhat pressured by the enthusiastic receptionist, I listen to her explanation.
Apparently, there are eight ranks for adventurers, from lowest to highest: Novice, Iron, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Master. So, Platinum is considered to be a pretty high rank, ranking third from the top.
"Novices are those without combat abilities, so the vast majority of humanity are novices. If you have the power to defeat even a single monster, you can be promoted to Bronze. Therefore, generally speaking, you're not considered an adventurer unless you're at least Bronze or higher."
I see. Before I was exiled to the depths of the dungeon, I was just a farmer without combat abilities. At that time, my status probably said "Novice" since it had nothing written on it.
"Platinum rank means you're recognized as being in the top 0.1% or higher. By the way, this 0.1% includes Bronze through Master, excluding Novices. So, Platinum is really amazing. This is the first time I've ever seen someone with a Platinum rank."
With that explanation, it does sound quite impressive.
"But there are even higher ranks, Diamond and Master."
Platinum is just the third rank from the top. Hearing that, it doesn't sound all that special.
"No, no, Diamond is the strongest rank, and only the top 0.01% can achieve it. As for Master, it's a legendary rank where only the top 10 individuals in the world can hold it. Normal people can't achieve it."
I see, with that explanation, Platinum sounds impressive after all.
"Anyway, Platinum is incredibly impressive! Do you understand?"
"Well, kind of."
Honestly, even though I'm told that, I don't feel particularly strong.