The evening had settled into a comfortable rhythm, the quiet hum of the guild’s bustling common area a gentle backdrop to their laughter and conversation. Kalsei leaned forward, a gleam in his golden eyes as he spun one of his usual wild tales from their earlier quests. His hands gestured dramatically as he retold a particularly ridiculous moment involving a slippery rock, a misfire, and a nest of angry pixies.
Steph was laughing, trying to hide her smile behind her hand as Kalsei continued, barely pausing for breath. "And then—get this—I slide right off that rock and nearly fall headfirst into their nest! But don’t worry, I managed to grab the edge just in time, right as the whole horde of them swarmed over Darius here!"
Darius shook his head, a rare smile tugging at his usually stoic expression. “You make it sound like it was all fun and games. I’ll have you know I’m still finding glitter in my armor from that.”
Steph laughed, nudging Darius. “To be fair, the pixies were only trying to defend their territory. You were in their way.”
Kalsei grinned. “Details, details. I saved the day, and that’s all that matters.”
Seikan watched the exchange from his seat by the window, his eyes distant but a small, genuine smile on his lips. The camaraderie among them felt different tonight—warmer, more solid. They weren’t just a group of adventurers thrown together by chance. They had each other’s backs through thick and thin, and that bond had only strengthened over the past weeks.
When the conversation turned to their advancement test, Steph set her drink down and looked around the table thoughtfully. “Do you think we’re ready for Silver rank? I mean… there’s no going back from here. The risks are going to get much higher.”
Darius gave a curt nod, his expression serious. “If anything, tonight’s celebration proves you’re ready. It’s not about surviving a single test; it’s about adapting and coming out stronger. And you’ve all shown that tenfold.”
Kalsei leaned back, crossing his arms with a grin. “High stakes, high rewards, right? Besides, what’s the point of all these shiny new skills if we’re not using them to take on tougher foes?”
Seikan gave a slow nod, though his mind seemed to be working on another level entirely. “Silver rank means access to deeper levels of power and more intricate crafting options. We can create tools that would give us an edge in battle… things we’d only dreamt of before.”
Steph tilted her head, intrigued. “So it’s not just about the rank to you. It’s about the access. The resources.”
Seikan met her gaze, his eyes reflecting a steely resolve. “Exactly. There’s so much out there—knowledge, power, techniques that could change the way we fight. I’ve barely scratched the surface of what I can do. Silver rank opens doors.”
Kalsei raised his glass in agreement. “Then it’s settled! We climb the ranks, gather all the rare loot and skills, and show the guild just what we’re capable of. We’re going to be the best Silver rank team they’ve ever seen.”
A system alert pinged in Kalsei’s peripheral vision, and he opened it with a flick of his fingers.
System Alert: Advancement Test Scheduled Rank: Copper to Silver
Time: Tomorrow morning, 6:00 a.m.
Objective: Complete a series of challenges, each testing the team’s combat skills, strategy, and resilience
Rewards: Access to Silver Rank Missions, Advanced Crafting, and Trading Privileges
Kalsei looked up, grinning widely. “Well, looks like it’s official. Our test is scheduled for tomorrow at dawn.”
Steph arched an eyebrow. “Bright and early, huh? Guess they don’t want us having too much fun tonight.”
Darius chuckled. “Consider it a final test of endurance. If you can drag yourself out of bed after tonight’s celebration, you’ll be well on your way to Silver rank.”
They laughed, the ease of the moment comforting, and for the rest of the evening, they shared stories, dreams, and hopes for what lay ahead. Each of them held their own private motivations, the inner drive that pushed them forward, but they were united by something deeper now—a shared purpose, a sense of loyalty to each other.
As the hour grew late, Steph looked around at her friends, her gaze lingering on each of them. “You know, I never thought I’d find myself here. In a guild. Part of a team. I always thought I’d just be… well, wandering, maybe healing the odd person here or there. It’s strange how things work out.”
Kalsei nudged her playfully. “You just needed someone as ridiculously charming as me to drag you out of that shell.”
She rolled her eyes, a faint smile curving her lips. “Yeah, because your charm is so subtle, Kalsei.”
Seikan’s voice was quiet but held a rare warmth. “I understand what you mean, Steph. I wasn’t sure about joining a guild either. I preferred working alone, but… it’s been worth it.” His eyes met Kalsei’s for a brief moment, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
Darius raised his glass once more. “To new beginnings, then. And to facing whatever comes next together.”
The next morning arrived all too quickly, the dawn light creeping through the windows as the group made their way to the guild’s testing grounds. The air was crisp, filled with a nervous anticipation as other adventurers gathered to watch the advancement test.
The guild’s training grounds stretched out before them—a series of chambers, each one filled with traps, summoned beasts, and intricate puzzles designed to test every aspect of their skills.
The guild overseer, a stern-looking woman with sharp eyes, stepped forward, her gaze sweeping over the group. “This is a Silver rank advancement test. You will be tested in all areas: combat, strategy, resilience, and cooperation. The challenges will increase in difficulty as you progress. Are you ready?”
Kalsei gave a confident nod, his usual grin in place. “We were born ready.”
The overseer raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk appearing. “Then let the test begin.”
They stepped into the first chamber, which was dimly lit and echoing with the sounds of distant growls. Steph’s eyes scanned the shadows, her hand gripping her staff as she prepared for whatever lay ahead.
System Alert: First Test – Defeat the Wraith Pack Objective: Eliminate the pack of Wraith Wolves before advancing to the next chamber.
Enemy Information: Wraith Wolves – Spirit creatures that are resistant to physical attacks, requiring magical strikes to defeat.
The wolves emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing an eerie blue, their ghostly bodies shifting and swirling like smoke.
Seikan smirked, a familiar cold confidence in his gaze. “Perfect. I’ve been wanting to test out my new skills on something more… challenging.”
With a swift motion, he activated Adaptive Shackles, summoning tendrils of dark energy that shot out and ensnared two of the wolves, holding them in place. “Steph, now!”
Steph channeled Void Cascade, her staff pulsing with dark energy as she directed it at the restrained wolves. A torrent of shadowy magic struck them, tearing through their spectral forms and dissipating them into wisps of darkness.
Kalsei darted forward, activating Phantom Blink, his form splitting into shadowy images that confused the wolves. They lunged at the illusions, only to pass through them as Kalsei delivered a swift Temporal Slash to one of the wolves from behind, dispersing it with a shimmer of his reality-warping power.
Darius, meanwhile, had taken a defensive position, keeping any stray wolves from reaching Steph as she continued her assault. His sword danced in swift arcs, each strike precise and deliberate, wearing down the remaining wolves until they too faded into nothingness.
System Alert: Wraith Pack Defeated! Proceed to the next chamber. Experience Gained: 3000
They moved to the next chamber, their confidence bolstered but their guard still up. The second challenge was a puzzle, a series of platforms suspended over a pit, each one inscribed with a different rune. Kalsei stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he examined the symbols.
“Think this is a logic puzzle,” he said, tapping his chin thoughtfully. “We have to step on the runes in a specific order.”
Seikan observed the pattern closely, his mind working through the sequence. “It’s based on elemental balance. Fire, then water, followed by earth and air.”
They worked together, each taking turns crossing the platforms in the correct order until they reached the other side.
System Alert: Puzzle Solved! Proceed to the final chamber. Experience Gained: 2500
The final chamber was the most daunting. A towering elemental golem awaited them, its body crackling with electricity and surrounded by swirling debris. Its eyes locked onto them, glowing with an almost sentient intelligence.
System Alert: Final Challenge – Thunderstorm Golem Level: 25 Health: 8000
Abilities: Lightning Surge, Thunder Clap, Wind Blast Weakness: Disruption Magic, Physical Strikes
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Kalsei grinned, adrenaline surging. “Now we’re talking.”
Darius was all focus, his grip on his sword tightening. “Stay alert. This thing’s no joke.”
The golem raised its massive arm, lightning crackling as it released a powerful Thunder Clap that shook the ground, sending shockwaves toward them. Kalsei activated Reversal Blink, teleporting just out of reach before returning to his original position. He grinned, dodging the golem's follow-up strike. “You’ll have to be quicker than that!”
Steph raised her staff, casting Abyssal Shield around the team as they braced against the golem’s Wind Blast, which whipped dust and debris into a storm around them. The shield absorbed most of the damage, leaving them just enough time to prepare a counterattack.
Seikan, standing beside Kalsei, assessed the golem’s energy patterns, his eyes flickering with a cold calculation. “Its core is exposed when it attacks with electricity. We hit that, and we can disrupt its power flow.” He activated Arcane Devourer, absorbing the surrounding mana to prepare for a concentrated strike.
Darius took the lead, charging forward with Guardbreaker. His sword shone as he brought it down in a heavy strike against the golem’s torso, the impact causing visible cracks to spread across its rocky form. The golem reeled back, its electrical energy flickering as it struggled to recover.
“Now’s our chance!” Kalsei shouted, his blade glowing with Temporal Slash as he followed up on Darius’s strike, each hit reverberating through the golem’s body and deepening the fractures.
As the golem attempted to strike back, Seikan unleashed Adaptive Shackles to immobilize it. Dark tendrils erupted from the ground, anchoring the golem’s limbs and holding it in place. “Steph, finish it!” Seikan called.
With a focused expression, Steph raised her staff, charging Void Cascade. She directed the dark energy at the golem’s exposed core, and with a powerful surge, the cascade of magic shattered the golem’s inner structure. Its energy exploded outward in a brilliant display, the pieces of its body crumbling to the floor.
System Alert: Thunderstorm Golem Defeated! Test Completed. Experience Gained: 7500
The guild overseer approached, a pleased but stern look on her face. “Well done. Your teamwork, precision, and skill are impressive. As a team, you’ve earned your Silver Rank. However, each of you will need to complete an individual assessment to finalize your personal Silver Rank advancements. Report to the individual testing chambers after a short break.”
Kalsei was practically buzzing with energy as they left the test chamber. “Did you see that golem? I mean, we took that thing down like it was nothing! Silver Rank, here we come.”
Steph chuckled, shaking her head. “I’d hardly call that ‘nothing,’ but yes. It was impressive.”
Darius clapped Kalsei on the back, a rare, proud grin on his face. “Save some of that energy for your individual test. It’s bound to be just as tough.”
After a brief rest, they each reported to separate chambers for their individual tests. They knew that while their group had proven strong together, this was their chance to show the guild what they could accomplish alone
Kalsei’s Individual Test
As Kalsei stepped into his chamber, he noticed the flicker of movement in the shadows. The overseer’s voice echoed, “Your test is one of agility and creativity. Defeat the enemies while evading their strikes.”
A trio of shadowy doppelgangers emerged, each wielding copies of his own weapon and mirroring his movements. Kalsei grinned, excitement shining in his eyes. “Well, this is going to be fun.”
System Alert: Test Opponent – Shadow Doppelganger Class: Agility Construct Level: 21
Abilities: Mimic Strike, Shadow Fade, Quickstep
Kalsei activated Phantom Blink, splitting into multiple images. His doppelgangers followed suit, their forms splitting into shadowy copies, creating a chaotic dance of illusions. With a smirk, he used Warped Slash, swinging his blade in a wide arc. His original attack cut through two of the clones, sending them dissipating into wisps of shadow.
The last doppelganger dodged, using Quickstep to appear behind him. But Kalsei was ready. He activated Reversal Blink, instantly teleporting back to his previous position, leaving the doppelganger slashing through empty air.
Kalsei followed up with Temporal Slash, striking the final doppelganger with a powerful blow that fractured its form, leaving only a faint shimmer as it vanished.
System Alert: Individual Test Completed. Experience Gained: 5000
Personal Advancement: Silver Rank Confirmed
Steph’s Individual Test
Steph’s chamber was dark, with only a single spotlight illuminating a circle in the middle. As she stepped into the light, a series of spectral figures emerged from the darkness, each one silently drifting toward her.
“Your test, Steph, is endurance and mastery over your healing and dark magic abilities,” the overseer’s voice explained. “Each specter will drain your mana with every touch.”
System Alert: Test Opponent – Mana-Draining Specters Class: Spirit Construct Level: 20
Abilities: Mana Drain, Energy Leech
Steph gripped her staff tightly, taking a steadying breath. She activated Abyssal Shield, creating a protective barrier as the specters advanced. Their touch drained her shield’s energy, but she held firm, casting Soul Mender to keep herself balanced.
As the shield waned, Steph unleashed Void Cascade, directing her magic in a sweeping wave to strike the specters. The dark energy tore through several of them, their forms dissipating in soft bursts of shadow.
One of the specters lunged at her from the side, but Steph reacted swiftly, using Spectral Chains to immobilize it. She followed up with Reaper’s Touch, striking it with her staff and applying a debilitating curse that caused it to dissipate into nothingness.
System Alert: Individual Test Completed. Experience Gained: 5000
Personal Advancement: Silver Rank Confirmed
Seikan’s Individual Test
Seikan entered his chamber, the air thick with an oppressive energy. The overseer’s voice echoed around him, “Your test, Seikan, is one of strategy and power control. Use your runes and dark energy to control the battlefield.”
Two massive constructs appeared, their hulking forms covered in intricate armor that glowed with a faint magical aura.
System Alert: Test Opponents – Arcane Constructs Class: Elemental Golem Level: 23
Abilities: Mana Barrier, Power Surge
Seikan smirked, his mind already racing with possibilities. He traced a series of runes in the air, activating Rune of Voidstep to teleport behind one of the golems. With a swift motion, he summoned Eldritch Grasp, dark tendrils latching onto the golem and draining its mana.
The other golem retaliated with Power Surge, releasing a pulse of energy that sent Seikan stumbling back. But he regained his footing, eyes narrowing. He activated Arcane Devourer, absorbing the energy in the room, strengthening himself as he prepared for his next move.
With a swift movement, he cast Spectral Binding, ensnaring both golems with chains of dark energy. He channeled the magic into his hand and released Eldritch Grasp once more, drawing the remaining life force from the golems until they crumbled to dust.
System Alert: Individual Test Completed. Experience Gained: 5000
Personal Advancement: Silver Rank Confirmed
Darius’s Individual Test
Darius entered his chamber, his eyes steady as he sized up the opponent before him—a towering Minotaur equipped with a massive axe, each swing promising devastating force.
“Your test is resilience and control over the flow of combat,” the overseer’s voice instructed. “Demonstrate your tactical skill.”
System Alert: Test Opponent – Enraged Minotaur Class: Beast Warrior Level: 22
Abilities: Frenzy, Charge, War Cry
Darius held his ground as the Minotaur charged, waiting for the perfect moment. Just before it reached him, he sidestepped, using Gale’s Edge to strike it from the side with a flurry of wind-imbued slashes.
The Minotaur bellowed, swinging its axe in a wide arc, but Darius countered with Guardbreaker, a precise strike that weakened the Minotaur’s defenses. Taking advantage of the opening, he launched into Steel Tempest, his blade a whirlwind of rapid slashes that tore through the creature’s tough hide.
When the Minotaur raised its axe for a final swing, Darius stepped back, charging one final, powerful blow and driving his blade into its core.
System Alert: Individual Test Completed. Experience Gained: 5000
Personal Advancement: Silver Rank Confirmed
When the four of them reunited outside the testing chambers, each wore a look of quiet satisfaction. The overseer approached, her eyes sharp as she regarded them with approval.
“You’ve each proven yourselves individually as well as a team,” she said, handing them their official Silver Rank badges. “Welcome to Silver Rank. The guild will have new missions and opportunities available for you.”
Kalsei held his badge up to the light, grinning. “Look at that—Silver looks good on us, doesn’t it?”
Steph nodded, a rare smile on her face. “Feels like we earned it.”
Seikan held his badge with a hint of reverence, the weight of its significance settling over him. For him, this wasn’t just a new rank; it was a step closer to the power he had been seeking, the strength he knew he needed to feel safe. His time under the counsellor’s manipulation had left scars, and though he rarely spoke of it, each advancement, each boost in strength, felt like one more layer of protection he was building around himself.
Darius nodded, giving each of them an approving glance. “Silver Rank is an achievement, but it’s also a responsibility. We’re now in a tier where expectations are higher. You’re not just proving yourselves to the guild anymore. People will rely on us.”
Kalsei chuckled, clapping him on the shoulder. “Oh, come on, Darius. Don’t tell me we’re expected to be respectable now.”
Steph laughed softly. “Well, maybe some of us will try,” she teased, nudging Kalsei. “But I think we can leave ‘respectable’ to Darius.”
Darius rolled his eyes but smiled. “Very funny.”
They each pinned their new badges on their gear, a collective sense of pride settling over them. There was a new energy, a confidence that hadn’t been there before. They had come far, but they all knew this was just the beginning.
As they made their way through the guild hall, they noticed other adventurers casting them glances, a few murmuring in approval or admiration. Silver Rank wasn’t something just anyone achieved, and it brought them a new level of respect. For Kalsei, that meant more opportunities to show off; for Steph, it meant more responsibility; for Seikan, it was one step closer to the power he sought; and for Darius, it was a chance to guide his new friends with his experience.
Kalsei, with a mischievous grin, leaned over to Steph. “So, Silver Rank—what do you think we’ll run into next? Golems? Rogue mages? Some grand treasure hidden in a cursed tomb?”
Steph gave him a skeptical look. “Probably all of the above, knowing you.”
Seikan, walking a step behind them, was deep in thought. “There are greater mysteries out there,” he said quietly, almost to himself. “Arcane secrets, artifacts of power… things the guild has barely touched. Silver Rank will give us access to missions that bring us closer to those things.”
Kalsei raised an eyebrow at Seikan’s tone, detecting a subtle intensity in his friend’s words. “You really want to dive into the arcane, don’t you, Seikan?”
Seikan met his gaze, and for a brief moment, Kalsei saw a flash of something fierce, almost desperate. But it was gone just as quickly, replaced by Seikan’s usual composure. “Power is necessary in a world like ours,” he replied simply.
Darius glanced between them, an unreadable expression on his face. He understood better than most the pull of power and the risks that came with it. “As long as we keep our priorities straight. This life… it’s a balance.”
Seikan gave a slow nod, his gaze distant. “Of course. Just… staying prepared.”
The atmosphere lightened as they continued toward the guild’s trade counters, where they could exchange some of their loot for supplies and gold. The vendor greeted them warmly, clearly noting their new rank badges with a nod of approval.
“You’ll be looking to upgrade your gear, I presume?” the vendor said, eyeing them with a discerning glance. “Silver Rank needs more than just skill—you need equipment that can handle the tougher challenges ahead.”
The group took turns selecting new items and enhancing their gear. They each browsed through various materials, weighing options for gear that would complement their abilities and strengths.
Kalsei, for one, picked out an upgraded cloak that would enhance his agility and amplify his Temporal Echo ability, allowing him to create even more convincing illusions in battle.
Steph opted for a staff upgrade, selecting one crafted with enchanted crystals that would amplify her void magic. It would make her healing abilities even more potent, a vital asset as they faced increasingly dangerous foes.
Seikan selected a rune-etched pendant, feeling a thrill of satisfaction as he watched it glow faintly when he touched it. “This will work perfectly with my runes,” he said quietly. “With the right combinations, it could increase the potency of my binding spells.”
Darius picked a lightweight, enchanted armor piece that would increase his mobility without sacrificing defense. “If we’re going up against stronger opponents, we’ll need to be ready for anything.”
After making their selections, they returned to the guild’s common room to discuss potential missions. Their Silver Rank now allowed them access to more complex and higher-stakes quests, each more enticing and challenging than the last.
One quest caught their eye—a mission deep within the Emberfall Highlands, where ancient ruins were said to contain an artifact with reality-warping powers. The description warned of the dangers, detailing the presence of high-level monsters, hostile terrain, and magical traps.
Kalsei’s eyes practically sparkled. “This is the one! It sounds incredible—and like something that would be way too risky for anyone else.”
Darius chuckled, though his gaze was steady and thoughtful. “It would be high stakes. But with Silver Rank, we’re finally in a position to take something like this on.”
Steph scanned the quest details with a slight frown. “It’s dangerous, but… there’s also a lot to learn. Artifacts, ruins, elemental magics… This could be a chance to really put our skills to the test.”
Seikan’s gaze was intense, his fingers absently tracing the edge of his new pendant. “The artifact… it’s described as a device that warps reality. If it exists, the potential… well, it’s something I’d want to understand.”
The others exchanged glances, each sensing Seikan’s barely contained fascination. They had all been drawn to adventuring for different reasons, but power, in all its forms, was always a lure.
Kalsei gave him a playful nudge. “Alright, Seikan. Looks like you’re pretty eager to dive into the unknown.”
Seikan’s expression softened, a rare smile breaking through his usual cold exterior. “Only if you’re all prepared to face what comes with it.”
Kalsei gave Seikan a cheeky grin as he snatched the contract. "Then it's settled. Get your game on."