There were many different types of status in the Divine World. Every player began as an adventurer--- the lowest status possible.
To rise up in status, players must not only rigorously complete missions requested by the NPCs, but they must also achieve some meritorious service to be eligible for a promotion.
However, the promotion from adventurers to the new status was not of noble rank, but merely that of a citizen status.
Nevertheless, citizen status was still more important than adventures, given that citizen status means that they have been acknowledged as a resident of the said area or region.
To simplify things, the ranks are listed from bottom to top: Adventurer, Citizen, Baron, Sub-Mayor, Mayor, Lord, Viscount, Earl, Marquess, and Duke.
Adventurer rank is universal, meaning it applies everywhere, but the rest of the status is dependent on the scope of limitation.
Thus, to be promoted to two status levels and granted the highest authority, Xu Feng was naturally pleased by the result.
His Baron status was directly under the jurisdiction of the Aetheria Empire, and not just some Towns.
"Receptionist Sandy, is this status also given to the other members who completed the raid along with me?" Xu Feng quickly asked, inquiring the details if he was the only recipient or if there were many more.
Sandy smiled lightly as she shook her head, "I'm afraid that's not the case, Adventurer— Baron Lin Feng. This reward is exclusive to you, having gained the recognition of Herbalist Elias."
Her addressment toward Xu Feng had subsequently changed as well, going as far as using a more polite tone now that Xu Feng was granted a Noble Status.
His nobility now could be said to have reached a new height, especially when it had gone over the scope of Riverwood Town. Even the Town Mayor would have to be respectful despite the actual rank being higher than a Baron by 2.
After all, a Town Mayor's jurisdiction was only within the town, but Xu Feng's status surpassed the town.
"That's quite unfortunate then," Xu Feng feigned a regrettable tone, showing a gloomy expression.
However, inwardly, he was cheering and laughing in joy. To be able to monopolize this noble status for himself was amazing.
"Herbalist Elias was indeed not wrong to have praised you highly. Although it's regrettable that only you have received this status, our Riverwood Town is happy to spread your achievement along with your guild members to other nearby towns." Sandy informed him.
As much as Xu Feng wanted to reject this suggestion, given it would expose his name further to other players, it was a little bit too late.
After all, the crowd outside the dungeon should have been rigorously posting on the Game Forum without pause.
Thus, he nodded his head in agreement with the suggestion and continued with his fake act of compassion and loyalty.
There was no hate between him and Gentle Wind, but there was also no way he would give them free benefits either. If they want something this great, then they must pay an equivalent price to obtain it.
'Herbalist Elias… I really want to give you a hug now if possible.' He was grateful to Elias for such an amazing gift. His unexpected gift helped nullify all the punishment that the System had imposed upon him.
Comparing temporary experience points losses versus the gain of a Noble Status, was simply too laughable.
Anyone in his shoes would choose to have their experience points debuffed in exchange for a Noble Status— even if it was only limited to a single town, they would still accept such a thing in a heartbeat.
"Anyway, Herbalist Elias looked forward to your progress and requested me to inform you to meet him in the Herbalist Association whenever you have the time." Sandy kindly said.
"I will, and thank you." Xu Feng nodded his head.
"Is there anything else that you'll need my assistance on?" He inquired, clearly expecting a mission to be brought forth at this moment.
Sure enough, Sandy's eyes lit up as she nodded her head.
"Indeed, there are some that our Town needs assistance with. There has been an insurgency lately with former mercenaries unsatisfied with the towns and have been causing trouble. If possible, please capture them and deliver them to the prison." She revealed, assigning him a mission.
System: Receptionist Sandy has informed Adventurer Lin Feng of an insurgence undergoing in the shadow. Would you be willing to assist her?
'An insurgence mission huh.' Xu Feng was amused. Insurgence doesn't happen often, but when it does, the rewards are usually quite amazing.
Not to mention, this kind of mission was to guarantee a reputation increase and possible rapport gain from unknown NPCs.
Of course, with great rewards naturally comes great risk. Insurgence was usually filled with enemies that were at least 2-5 levels above the normal players.
After all, the difficulty wouldn't be set in easy mode. If that was the case, then what was the point of hiring them to do the work when they could have handled it.
Pondering for a brief moment, Xu Feng readily accepted the mission without hesitation.
"It'll be my honor to assist the Riverwood Town in such a crisis." He responded, acting righteous as he clicked on the "yes" from the system prompt.
"Great, I'll look forward to your success, Baron Lin Feng." Sandy clasped her hands, seemingly grateful that he had accepted the mission.
"Given your noble status, you are allowed to take two items in our vault to assist you. The two items would be yours to keep if the mission is successful." She added, giving him some benefit already.
Feigning a shocked expression, Xu Feng smiled sheepishly and thanked Sandy sincerely.
'Heh, if it weren't for the Baron status, then I really wouldn't dare to accept an insurgence mission this quickly.' He exclaimed inwardly.
During those brief moments of thinking, he had already set up a plan in his mind. Otherwise, it would be foolish of him to accept a mission without thinking of the consequences.