The forest of Naraheim gradually faded behind Seun-mi Ho as he quickened his pace toward the Adventurers’ Guild. The night was still young, but he could already see the city lights shimmering through the trees. The mission had been a success, and with his new silent dagger at his waist, he felt ready to face any challenge.

When he entered the guild's gates, the atmosphere in the main hall was lively. Adventurers from all backgrounds were sharing stories of their exploits, exchanging information, or resting after grueling days of combat. Seun-mi Ho headed to the main counter, where the guild administrator, a stern-faced man of middle age, greeted him with a nod.

"Seun-mi Ho, good to see you again," said the administrator with a slight smile. His eyes briefly scanned Seun-mi Ho’s armor, noting recent battle marks. "I heard you took down the Nocturnal Chiroptes. Impressive for someone at your level."

Seun-mi Ho nodded, humble despite the compliments. "The mission went as expected. The creatures were strong, but I managed without much trouble."

The administrator crossed his arms, looking thoughtful. "That's exactly what we expect from adventurers of your rank. By the way, congratulations on your level-up. You're progressing fast, and it seems you have a good instinct for combat."

He paused before adding, "Oh, and there’s something you should know. Caelum is back."

The name echoed in Seun-mi Ho's mind. Caelum, one of the guild’s most renowned adventurers. A rank-S warrior, known for his legendary feats. He was often on missions abroad, and his return always signaled something significant.

"Caelum..." Seun-mi Ho murmured, intrigued. "Where is he?"

The administrator smiled. "He's in the main hall. I'm sure he'd be interested in meeting you. You've already proven your worth, and he likes keeping an eye on promising talents."

Seun-mi Ho nodded in gratitude and made his way toward the center of the hall.

Seun-mi Ho didn’t have to search long. Caelum stood near the large fireplace in the hall, surrounded by a few members of his elite troupe. He was hard to miss: tall, muscular, and clad in black armor with golden motifs, exuding a powerful aura. His face, though marked by many battles, held a calm and thoughtful expression. A man who had seen far more than most adventurers combined.

Seun-mi Ho approached confidently, though respectful of Caelum’s reputation.

"Seun-mi Ho," Caelum called as soon as he spotted him, his deep voice resonating through the hall. "I’ve been expecting you."

The two men greeted each other with a simple nod. Caelum observed him closely, his piercing eyes evaluating every detail of Seun-mi Ho’s armor, his posture, his stance. He was a master at judging an adventurer’s skill just by observing.

"I've heard a lot about you," Caelum said after a moment, a faint smile forming. "You’re progressing fast, and your name is starting to circulate in the guild. Not many can claim to have defeated the Nocturnal Chiroptes at your level."

Seun-mi Ho remained modest. "I just do what it takes to complete my missions."

Caelum nodded, evidently satisfied with his response. "That’s the attitude I like to see. But tell me, what’s your current rank?"

Without hesitation, Seun-mi Ho replied, "I’m Elite rank, though I’m only level 21 at the moment."

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Hearing this, Caelum faltered slightly, surprised. "Elite rank... at your level?" His eyebrows furrowed momentarily as he tried to grasp how an adventurer at level 21 could already reach such a rank.

"Yes," Seun-mi Ho confirmed calmly. "My field experience and past missions allowed me to achieve this rank despite my current level."

Caelum remained silent for a moment, his eyes showing a mix of respect and puzzlement. It was rare to meet an adventurer capable of reaching such a high rank at a relatively low level. Elite rank was typically reserved for those who had not only proven their worth in combat but also demonstrated exceptional mastery of their skills. Seun-mi Ho seemed to have achieved this far ahead of others.

"Impressive," Caelum finally said, his expression turning serious again. "I didn’t expect that. Generally, adventurers who join my team are rank S or higher."

Seun-mi Ho nodded, understanding Caelum’s words. Rank S, a goal that few adventurers reached in their entire careers. Seun-mi Ho knew he still had a long way to go to reach that level, but he wasn’t the type to be discouraged.

"I understand," he said. "But I’m ready to prove that, even as an Elite, I can meet your expectations."

Caelum smiled at this declaration. "That's what I like to hear. It’s rare to see someone with so much determination at your level. But let me tell you this: joining my elite group is a massive responsibility. We don’t handle simple missions. We track creatures capable of destroying entire villages, intervening where even armies fail. Are you sure you’re ready to face this kind of danger?"

Seun-mi Ho looked him straight in the eye, his expression unwavering. "I’ve never sought the easy path. If I want to progress, I must push my limits. And I’m ready for that."

Caelum chuckled softly, a laugh that showed both amusement and admiration.

"Very well, Seun-mi Ho. I’ll give you a chance. But know this: until you reach rank S, you won’t officially join my team. However, if you keep up the pace, I’ll be watching you closely."

Seun-mi Ho nodded, grateful for the opportunity. He knew that reaching rank S would take time, but he was ready to do whatever it took.

"I’ll introduce you to my elite companions," Caelum added. "Even if you’re not yet part of our group, it’s important that you know them. They may teach you things that’ll be useful on your path to rank S."

Caelum motioned for Seun-mi Ho to follow. They crossed the guild hall and descended a staircase leading to a private room reserved for high-ranking adventurers. Caelum’s elite team was renowned as some of the kingdom’s most powerful adventurers.

As they entered the room, Seun-mi Ho saw several people seated around a large circular table. Each of them radiated a unique aura, but they all shared an undeniably powerful presence.

"These are my companions," Caelum said, introducing each member in turn.

Lyria, an exceptional mage, specialized in mind-control spells and elemental manipulation. Her eyes glowed with a supernatural light, and she acknowledged Seun-mi Ho with a slight nod.

Ragnar, a massive warrior wielding a sword twice his size. His imposing build contrasted with his friendly smile. "Welcome, kid," he laughed, though Seun-mi Ho sensed underlying respect in his words.

Kael, a silent archer sitting in the shadows. His features were concealed under a hood, but Seun-mi Ho could feel his piercing gaze. Kael was known never to miss his mark, and his reputation preceded him.

Finally, Mira, a rogue skilled in poisons and espionage, who looked at Seun-mi Ho curiously. "I assume you've heard of me," she said with a mysterious smile.

"Seun-mi Ho," Caelum said, placing a hand on the young adventurer’s shoulder, "these people represent some of the guild’s greatest talents. If they recognize you, it means you have potential."

Lyria spoke first. "If Caelum brought you here, it’s because you have something special. We’ll see if you have what it takes to truly advance."

Ragnar laughed heartily. "I bet this kid could become stronger than us if given time."

Mira nodded softly. "It’s up to him. He has potential, but only time will tell if he can harness it."

Seun-mi Ho listened attentively, aware that he was being judged not only by Caelum but by his entire group. The challenge was immense, but he was ready to face it.

Seun-mi Ho’s Determination

The meeting ended quickly, and Seun-mi Ho left the room with Caelum. Caelum turned to him before letting him go.

"If you keep this up, Seun-mi Ho, you’ll reach rank S sooner than you think. But remember, the road is long and full of obstacles. Never let down your guard."

Seun-mi Ho nodded, his eyes shining with determination. "I don’t intend to stop now. I’ll become stronger, and I’ll prove I belong among you."

Caelum smiled once more before letting him go. Seun-mi Ho left the guild with a new goal in mind: to reach rank S and stand among the best. But he knew it would require not only skills but also unwavering willpower.