The sun had barely risen when Jazz, Ford, and Prius stood outside the grand chamber where the Second Job Advancement Quest would take place. The air was crisp with anticipation, and their breaths came out in visible puffs. Their armor and robes were pristine, their weapons polished, and their minds sharpened for the challenge ahead.

Ford adjusted his gauntlets and smirked. "This is it. Jazz, once you pass this, you'll be a Second-Class Mage. Ready?"

Jazz rolled her shoulders. "I was born ready."

Prius chuckled. "Just don't burn the place down, Jazz."

They approached the entrance, where a tall, robed figure awaited them. His silver-trimmed cloak and the emblem of an open book on his chest signified his rank. The man had a composed yet commanding presence, and as they drew closer, he spoke.

"Welcome, Adventurers. I am Data, the 20th Floor Examiner and leader of the Clan of Wisdom. We are always seeking new members. With me is Techo, another member of our clan."

Ford's eyes gleamed with ambition. "Someday, I'm going to create my own clan alongside my siblings. But for now, we're in the third most powerful clan—Continental."

Data nodded as if assessing Ford's resolve. "A noble goal. But to lead a clan, one must first master themselves. That is why these trials exist—to forge warriors and wizards worthy of legend."

Jazz stepped forward, her voice unwavering. "I'm here for the Second Job Advancement. I will take on the Elemental Mirror General."

Data's sharp gaze met hers. "Do you understand the nature of your trial? The Mirror General does not simply copy your abilities. It reflects your skill, your magic, your very essence. A battle against it is a battle against yourself."

Jazz's fingers tightened into fists. "Then I'll just have to surpass myself."

Before the trial could begin, another adventurer arrived. The richest son of Burger Mall, Patty, stood there alongside four mercenaries—all Second-Class adventurers: two Knights, one Priest, and one Assassin. Patty himself was also a Mage.

Data sighed. "So this is what money can buy..."

He continued, "Before you proceed, there's one final step. Each of you must sign this waiver, acknowledging that this trial is voluntary—and that if you fall, it is by your own choice. No one is forcing you."

He handed each party a small remote with a single red button. "If you find yourselves in an impossible situation, press this button. A portal will open, allowing you to escape. This is the technology of the Wisdom Clan."

Data motioned toward the grand doors behind him. "Now, enter. Both parties will step inside, and you will face one Elemental Mirror General. May your strength and strategy guide you to victory."

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A gust of cold, ancient air rushed out as the massive doors creaked open. The dimly lit interior seemed to swallow the light from the outside world, and an eerie hum resonated through the chamber. The trial had begun.

Both parties declared, "Let's go!"

Ford reassured Jazz, "Don't worry. Prius and I have already done this before with the Continental Clan."

Patty laughed. "Ha! Just you two? I've got four Second-Class adventurers. Try to keep up!"

Data said, "Good luck. May your knowledge guide you."

As they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew dense with magical energy, and a strange static charge crackled around them. Shadows twisted unnaturally along the cavern walls, illuminated by the faint glow of enchanted torches. The stone beneath their feet pulsed with residual mana, as if alive with ancient power. A distant, hollow wind howled through unseen corridors, carrying whispers of past challengers who had fallen in this very place.

Ford looked around, impressed by the sheer scale of the dungeon. "Wow... The richest daughter of Burger Mall enters the dungeon. This should be interesting."

Patty scoffed. "Daughter? Can you see this majestic wand? It suits a grand wizard like me."

Ford smirked. "Grand wizard? You're just a Third-Class Mage."

Patty scowled. "I'll earn my Second-Class Job soon. I have my four Second-Class guards—all members of the Bloodhounds Clan."

Ford narrowed his eyes. "Bloodhounds... Elite mercenaries, loyal only to contracts and coin. Figures."

The leader of Patty's group stepped forward, his sharp eyes scanning the dungeon. "I'm Hanzo, the leader of this party. We'll be the ones to finish this quest."

Patty smirked. "We have all the references on this floor's monsters. The 20th Floor consists of SolemE—Mini Golems of Electric Rock, SolemF—Mini Golems of Fire, and SolemW—Mini Golems of Water. We will encounter them, dominate this area, and be the ones to kill the Elemental Mirror General. We can even take down the boss(Chieftain WarSword) if we want. That's how strong our party is. Hahaha!"

Ford exchanged glances with Jazz and Prius. Jazz raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, while Prius sighed and shook his head. They had heard boasts like this before—overconfidence was a common downfall in the dungeon.

Before Ford could reply, the ground trembled beneath them. A deep, guttural rumble echoed through the cavern as glowing cracks formed along the dungeon walls.

From the darkness ahead, the first of the SolemE golems emerged—its rocky body crackling with arcs of lightning.

Patty smirked. "That's a Thunder Mini Golem, I guess."

Before anyone could react, the golem suddenly unleashed a surge of electricity—only for Hanzo's figure to flicker and vanish. A moment later, Hanzo appeared behind it, slicing through the creature in one swift motion. The golem shattered into pieces, its core fizzling out.

Ford whistled. "So they're not just for display after all."

Just as they were about to move forward, a deep, earth-shaking growl filled the chamber. A massive figure emerged from the shadows. Unlike the smaller Solem golems, this one was monstrous—triple their size, its entire form radiating elemental energy. Thunder crackled across its stone body, fire pulsed from deep cracks, and water flowed like veins across its hardened exterior.

Jazz's eyes widened. "That's... That's not a Mini Golem. That's a Grock."

Prius paled. "But Grocks only appear on the 21st Floor... What is it doing here?"

Hanzo smirked. "We can still kill that. Our highest floor is the 25th. That's still like a mini-boss of the 18th Floor. So I need some buffs."

The adventurers stood frozen as the Grock let out a deafening roar, shaking the entire chamber. The battle was far from over.

Next: Chapter 14 – Elemental Mirror General.