Continental Association

Known by its official name, The **Continental Mutual Aid Association** (大陸相互扶助協会(コンチネンタル), *Tairiku Sōgo Fujo Kyōkai*?) or more commonly referred to as **The Continental**, it is a private international mercenary organization founded by Giovanni Scafidoglou. It was founded to promote collaboration and protect the interest of guild members. They work closely with the Stellagrid Company and the Council of the East.

## Free Lancers

Formerly called Adventurers, Free Lancers are experts associated with each of three special divisions: harvesting, exploration, and subjugation. Some take on different types of tasks, but they are still largely referred to as adventurers. Fresh adventurers normally start at Wood rank, taking on low-rewarding jobs, but as they reach higher ranks, they can take on better-paying jobs, with their associated danger, of course, being higher. Free Lancers enjoy perks such as being able to change countries easily. While every Continental branch is affiliated with a specific country, its members can cross the borders to other countries far easier than normal people, with wartime being the only exception.

## Structure

To support the operations of the Free Lancer system, the Continental would require a range of contracted employees fulfilling various roles. These employees would contribute to the smooth functioning of the association and provide essential services. The most common job, and the job that all Continental employees do aside from their respective divisions, is reception. These receptionists are responsible for managing the registration process for aspiring Free Lancers. They serve as the initial point of contact for individuals seeking to join the Free Lancer system, providing them with information about the registration requirements, procedures, and guidelines. Receptionists assist applicants in filling out the necessary forms, verifying their qualifications, and answering any questions they may have. They ensure that the registration process is smooth and efficient, guiding applicants through the necessary steps and directing them to the appropriate resources or personnel as needed. The receptionists play a crucial role in ensuring that new individuals interested in becoming Free Lancers are properly informed and guided through the initial stages of joining the association.

### Bureau of Administration

The administrative staff within the Continental plays a crucial role in overseeing and managing various administrative tasks essential to the smooth operation of the association. They are responsible for coordinating mission assignments, managing schedules, maintaining comprehensive records, facilitating effective communication and information flow, handling financial management, coordinating with external entities, contributing to policy development, and conducting evaluations and reporting. With their attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to handle multiple tasks, the Administrative Staff ensures efficient communication, organization, and coordination among different divisions, branches, and personnel, contributing to the overall success and effectiveness of the Free Lancer system.

### Bureau of Mission Dispatch

Mission dispatchers act as a vital link between clients and Free Lancers. They receive job requests, assess their feasibility and requirements, and match them with suitable Free Lancers. Dispatchers have good organizational skills, communication abilities, and a solid understanding of the strengths and expertise of Free Lancers in different divisions. They prioritize missions, allocate resources, and collect feedback for continuous improvement. The Mission Dispatch division's efficient management ensures optimal mission assignments, effective communication, and successful outcomes within the Free Lancer system.

### Bureau of Logistics and Supply

These employees are responsible for managing the logistics and supplies required by Free Lancers. They are responsible for evaluating the performance and progress of Free Lancers. They assess the completion of missions, review reports and feedback, and evaluating the value of items collected by the Harvesting Division or obtained as spoils by the Subjugation Division. Logistics and supply personnel handle inventory management, procurement, and distribution. They work closely with suppliers, monitor stock levels, and coordinate timely delivery to Free Lancers in the field. Additionally, they may oversee the maintenance of vehicles and manage storage facilities for equipment and supplies. The division conducts item evaluations, market research, and appraisals to determine the worth of collected items, documenting and cataloging them accordingly. They may engage in negotiations and sales to maximize the value of these items for the association, generating revenue for resource allocation. The Logistics and Supply division's expertise in logistical operations, resource management, and appraisal contributes to the overall success, efficiency, and sustainability of the Continental

### Support Staff

Support staff members play a vital role in maintaining the facilities and infrastructure of the Continental branch. They handle tasks such as facility management, cleaning, maintenance, security, and general operations. the support staff ensures the smooth operation and security of the association's infrastructure by overseeing the maintenance of facilities, coordinating repairs and upgrades, and managing contracts with external service providers. The cleaning staff maintains a clean and hygienic environment, while maintenance personnel address malfunctions and infrastructure issues. Security personnel monitor access control, conduct patrols, and implement security protocols to safeguard the premises, assets, and personnel. Through their collective efforts, the support staff creates a safe and functional space that supports the missions and activities of the Free Lancers and other members of the association.

## Branch

### Headquarters

The headquarters of the Continental is located in the royal capital of Valmont. It's a large, gaudy building that can be seen from far away. The entryway to the building is covered in glass, and the doors open by themselves using a sensor that detects the presence of humans; however, only Free Lancers of Silver-rank and above can enter. The entrance scans the member's guild card, so people without proper identification cannot enter. Those below Silver-rank have to use the building near the entrance to the city. The library in the capital has a room containing magical tomes that only adventurers ranked Silver or higher are allowed access to. The forbidden tomes stored within the royal castle can be viewed only by Gold-rank adventurers who have been recognized as official state guests.

## Rank Progression

The Rank Progression system within the Free Lancer organization follows a hierarchical structure, with the ranks starting from Wood and advancing through Stone, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, and culminating in the prestigious rank of Orichalcum. Each rank signifies a Free Lancer's growth, competence, and achievements within their chosen division. As they ascend through the ranks, Free Lancers undertake increasingly challenging missions, acquire advanced skills, and assume greater responsibility and leadership roles. Reaching the higher ranks brings greater recognition, access to resources, and the opportunity to influence important decisions. The ultimate goal for many Free Lancers is to achieve the coveted rank of Orichalcum, which represents the pinnacle of expertise and excellence in their field.

The Free Lancer Rank Progression system follows a credit-based structure. Starting from the Wood rank, Free Lancers earn credits by completing missions and tasks. This ensures that Free Lancers progressively gain experience, complete missions of increasing difficulty, and prove their competence through Rank Ascension Tests. Each advancement brings greater prestige, access to higher-paying jobs, and opportunities for further growth within the organization.

### Rank Ascension Test

Once a Free Lancers has met the credits required, they are able to advance ranks and the Rank Ascension Test that takes on a unique form.

For **Wood** to **Stone** tests, it involves a combat trial, pitting them against a seasoned opponent in a simulated battle, where their combat skills, strategic thinking, and decision-making abilities are scrutinized. Additionally, they face a comprehensive knowledge challenge that delves into advanced concepts, techniques, and tactics specific to their division. Furthermore, a task performance component assesses their practical aptitude, adaptability, and problem-solving capabilities as they undertake a challenging mission.

Transitioning from the lower ranks to the middle ranks of **Bronze** and **Silver** brings forth a different set of Rank Ascension Tests. Free Lancers face an exploration assessment, navigating treacherous terrains, locating hidden artifacts, and overcoming obstacles to showcase their expertise in exploration. Moreover, they undergo specialized evaluations tailored to their chosen specialization within their division, be it harvesting, exploration, or subjugation. These tests highlight their competence, proficiency, and mastery in their specific field. Additionally, a teamwork evaluation exercise or simulated mission emphasizes their collaborative skills, communication, and problem-solving abilities within a team dynamic.

As Free Lancers strive to ascend to **Gold** and **Platinum**, they encounter another set of unique challenges in the Rank Ascension Test. Leadership scenarios become central, placing Free Lancers in leadership roles during missions where they must demonstrate their decision-making prowess, resource management, and ability to lead a team effectively. Advanced combat trials, featuring complex scenarios and multiple opponents, test their combat prowess, strategic thinking, and adaptability under intense pressure. Additionally, tactical planning exercises require Free Lancers to devise comprehensive plans of action, showcasing their strategic acumen and analytical thinking.

As the highest possible rank, the ascent from **Platinum** to **Orichalcum** in the Free Lancer organization breaks away from standardized tests. Unlike the previous rank ascension tests that follow a structured format, the Final Ascension Test for Orichalcum is a deeply personalized and enigmatic challenge, uniquely designed for each individual Free Lancer attempting this monumental feat. The record of the sole Free Lancer who has achieved the rank of Orichalcum stands as the only known reference point for the nature of this ultimate test. The details surrounding the Final Ascension Test are veiled in secrecy, and speculation abounds regarding its true nature. Rumors persist that the test transcends the realm of human intervention. It is said that for this momentous occasion, the Free Lancer is called upon to face trials not conducted by mortal hands but rather by beings of immense power and wisdom. Whispers speak of Elemental Lords and Arch Dragons acting as proctors, guiding and assessing the Free Lancer's mettle in ways beyond human comprehension.

## Threat Levels

In the ranking system for monsters and phantasmals, their threat levels are categorized based on their capacity to cause widespread destruction. The monster ranking system helps to assess the magnitude of threats posed by various creatures, guiding the allocation of resources and the deployment of adventurers with the appropriate skills and power. As the threat level increases, the requirement for more highly ranked adventurers becomes vital to combat and overcome these extraordinary challenges.

* **Danger Class**: This refers any threat to a large number of people.
* **Hazard Class**: This refers to a threat that has the potential to cause significant damage to a single town or region. Silver-ranked Free Lancers, skilled and experienced combatants, are typically deployed to handle such threats. These phantasmals possess considerable power and pose a substantial risk to the local population.
* **Calamity Class**: This category encompasses phantasmals that have the potential to overthrow a country's government. Gold-ranked Free Lancers, among the highest-ranking combatants, are usually assigned to confront these formidable threats. Calamity Class monsters possess immense strength and possess the capability to bring chaos and devastation to entire nations.
* **Disaster Class**: The Disaster Class designation is reserved for threats that surpass the capabilities of small nations. Confronting such monsters would require the combined efforts of not only numerous Gold-ranked, but also Platinum-ranked Free Lancers. Even larger nations would need to mobilize their extensive resources to handle these incredibly dangerous creatures. The involvement of the Orichalcum-ranked adventurer, the most legendary and powerful, is often recommended to ensure the best chance of success.
* **Catastrophe Class**: This level is exclusive to extraordinarily powerful phantasmal species, representing a threat that no single nation can handle. It would necessitate international cooperation and coordination among various nations to even have a chance at survival. Catastrophe Class phantasmals are of unimaginable power, capable of wreaking havoc on a global scale, and their defeat requires the combined might of elite Free Lancers but other mercenaries, Aura-users, and mages from different regions.
* **Extinction Class**: The Extinction Class designation is utilized solely for the Devas, enigmatic beings that pose a threat to the survival of one or all of the Three Great Races. These races are at risk of complete annihilation by the Extinction Class monsters. The classification reflects the extreme danger and urgency, signifying that immediate action must be taken to safeguard the very existence of the affected races. Combating an Extinction Class threat requires the rare and extraordinary cooperation of all three races of Asura, Naraka, and Iman. The magnitude of this level of threat underlines the urgency and dire circumstances faced by the entire world.

# Trivia

* Going by regular Adventurer's Guild classification, a Wood rank would be something like E-rank, while Platinum rank would be an S-tank, with everything else in between. Orichalcum is a special rank and could be said as "EX-rank".