As the morning sun filtered through the windows of the guild, Seikan was already settled at his crafting station, examining the rune Steph had found during their recent mission. The small, polished stone was etched with an ancient symbol, its intricate lines gleaming faintly with hidden power. Seikan could feel the magic within it pulsing, almost like a heartbeat, waiting to be channeled into something greater.
“Alright,” he muttered to himself, tracing a finger along the rune’s markings. “Let’s see what you’re hiding.”
Meanwhile, Kalsei, Steph, and Darius stood nearby, watching as Seikan began setting up his materials. Kalsei smirked, nudging Steph with a playful grin. “He looks like he’s trying to unlock the secrets of the universe with that stone.”
Steph chuckled, shaking her head. “It’s fascinating to watch him work. There’s a precision to it—like he’s seeing details the rest of us miss.”
Seikan glanced up, giving them a cool look. “It’s a bit more complex than just ‘unlocking secrets.’ Crafting with runes requires focus… and peace.”
Kalsei shrugged, clearly unbothered by Seikan’s tone. “Alright, alright. We’ll leave you to your ‘peace.’ We’re heading to the training hall anyway. Steph, want to come?”
She nodded, glancing back at Seikan. “Don’t work too hard, alright? I’d hate to see you drain yourself over this.”
Seikan gave a slight nod, his eyes already back on the rune. “I’ll be fine. Go ahead.”
With that, the three of them left, making their way to the guild’s training hall. The spacious arena bustled with activity as adventurers sparred, practiced new techniques, and honed their skills. Kalsei, as always, was the first to dive into training, his grin wide as he stretched his arms, clearly eager to show off.
System Alert: Training Mode Activated! Objective: Practice Techniques to Increase Combat Efficiency
Kalsei activated Phantom Blink, creating a series of shadowy duplicates that darted around the hall, confusing the other adventurers. He laughed, taunting his opponents as he wove between his illusions. “Come on, you’re all getting slower! Or am I just too quick?”
One adventurer attempted to hit him but struck one of the duplicates instead, stumbling forward as Kalsei easily sidestepped. Darius shook his head, muttering to Steph, “He’s impossible sometimes, but you’ve got to admit, he’s effective.”
Steph laughed, raising her staff. “Let’s see how he likes my aim.” She activated Void Reflection, sending a wave of dark energy toward Kalsei’s real form. He barely managed to dodge, his grin widening as he spun around to face her.
“Oh, so we’re all trying to take me down today?” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.
She rolled her eyes, unable to hide a smile. “You make yourself an easy target.”
Meanwhile, back in his crafting station, Seikan focused intently on the rune, carefully channeling mana into it as he arranged materials around him. His hands moved with practiced precision, preparing the components for Steph’s new piece. He planned to create a pendant, something small but potent, that would amplify her healing abilities while also offering a bit of protection.
System Alert: Crafting in Progress Project: Rune-Infused Pendant
Effect: Enhances Healing Potency and Adds a Minor Protective Barrier Mana Cost: 500
Crafting Time: 30 minutes
As he continued working, Seikan felt a presence behind him. He paused, glancing over his shoulder, and his eyes narrowed as he recognized the cloaked figure standing in the doorway. It was a member of the League of Shadows, the dark cloak and insignia unmistakable. The intruder's expression was calm, almost amused, as they stepped into the room, hands clasped in front of them.
Seikan’s gaze hardened. “You’re a long way from the shadows. This guild doesn’t tolerate intruders.”
The League member chuckled, their voice low and unbothered. “The guild doesn’t know I’m here. Nor do they need to. I’m only here for the artifact you ‘dealt with’ in Emberfall.”
Seikan turned fully, keeping his tone icy. “It’s gone. Destroyed. You’ll find nothing of value here.”
The intruder’s eyes narrowed, clearly displeased. “That’s unfortunate—for you. The League doesn’t take well to thieves.”
Seikan’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Then you’ll be disappointed again. I’m no thief; I simply keep things out of the wrong hands.”
With a sudden, fluid motion, the League member lunged at him, hands crackling with dark energy. Seikan was prepared, activating Adaptive Shackles to ensnare them with dark tendrils. The intruder struggled against the bindings, but Seikan’s magic held firm.
“You made a mistake coming here alone,” Seikan said coolly, stepping closer. He raised his hand, dark energy swirling around his fingers. “Now, let’s see how you like having your power drained.”
He activated Eldritch Grasp, his hand glowing with dark energy as he pressed it against the League member’s chest, drawing their mana and life force. The intruder gasped, struggling in vain against his hold.
“Tell me,” Seikan murmured, his voice a low hiss, “does the League know what it feels like to be at someone else’s mercy?”
The intruder glared, their strength waning. “You… have no idea… the forces you’re dealing with…”
“Perhaps,” Seikan replied, unphased, “but I know how to deal with threats.”
The intruder’s struggles grew weaker as Seikan continued to drain them, the dark energy pulsating through his fingers. Finally, with one last gasp, they slumped, their life force fully depleted. Seikan released them, watching as they crumpled to the floor, their cloak pooling around them like spilled ink.
He looked down at the lifeless figure, his expression unreadable. The encounter had been brief, but it left him feeling an unusual sense of satisfaction. The League had underestimated him, and he’d shown them the price of doing so.
System Alert: Hostile Target Neutralized Experience Gained: 3000
The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.
With the threat eliminated, Seikan turned back to his crafting project, his focus unwavering. The pendant was nearly complete, the rune now securely embedded within it, radiating a faint glow. He could feel the energy within it stabilizing, the magic merging with the protective and healing properties he’d woven into the piece.
Once he finished, he held it up, admiring his work. The pendant shimmered softly, the rune gleaming within its center, ready to enhance Steph’s powers. Satisfied, he wrapped it carefully and set it aside, waiting for the others to return.
Meanwhile, in the training hall, Kalsei was pushing his limits, testing a new technique he’d recently developed. He activated Reality Blink, warping between positions rapidly and disorienting his sparring partners.
Darius, who had been observing, called out, “Kalsei, you’re practically teleporting. Maybe slow down before someone actually gets hurt.”
Kalsei grinned, blinking to another spot in the room. “Where’s the fun in that? If they can’t keep up, they should train harder!”
Steph watched, shaking her head with a smile. “He’s going to give everyone motion sickness at this rate.”
As they continued training, Steph practiced enhancing her healing spells with the void magic she’d been working on, sending out waves of restorative energy that shimmered with dark undertones. Darius, meanwhile, worked on perfecting his defensive techniques, using Guardian’s Vigil to create a protective aura around him.
After an hour of intense training, they decided to head back to the guild hall, eager to see how Seikan’s project was coming along.
When they entered, they found Seikan seated at his crafting station, a small, wrapped item resting beside him. He looked up as they approached, a faint, satisfied smile on his lips.
“Finished?” Steph asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.
Seikan nodded, handing her the pendant. “It’s for you. I used the rune you found—it’ll amplify your healing spells and offer a bit of protection.”
Steph unwrapped the pendant, her eyes widening as she took in the intricate design and the subtle glow of the embedded rune. “Seikan… this is incredible. Thank you.”
Kalsei peered around from behind her, grinning. “Look at you, Seikan. Crafting like some mystical jeweler. I didn’t know you had it in you.”
Seikan rolled his eyes but didn’t hide his satisfaction. “Just try not to break it. Crafting isn’t something I do lightly.”
Steph put on the pendant, feeling the energy pulse gently against her skin. She could sense the power within it, the magic resonating with her own. “I’ll take good care of it,” she promised.
As they settled into the guild hall, Kalsei leaned back, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “So, Seikan, anything interesting happen while we were out?”
Seikan gave him a calm look. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.”
Darius raised an eyebrow, sensing something unspoken. “You sure? You seem a bit… more focused than usual.”
Seikan met his gaze, his expression unreadable. “Let’s just say I had a visitor. Someone who… underestimated me.”
Kalsei’s eyes lit up with intrigue, and he leaned forward, resting his chin on his hands with a grin. “Oh? A visitor, huh? Sounds like we missed out on some fun.”
Seikan merely smirked, his calm exterior hiding the satisfaction he’d felt in dealing with the intruder. “It was an unexpected opportunity to test some skills.”
Steph, sensing something in his tone, glanced at him with concern. “Are you sure you’re alright, Seikan? Was it The League of Shadows? They aren't exactly known for sending friendly visitors.”
Seikan gave a slight nod, keeping his tone even. “I’m fine, Steph. Nothing I couldn’t handle. And it was good practice. A reminder of why we’re doing all this.”
Darius crossed his arms, his brow furrowing. “The League of Shadows won’t let up if they think we’re in possession of something they want. They may try again, and next time it could be… less subtle.”
Kalsei shrugged, cracking a grin to lighten the mood. “Let them try. Between Seikan’s death stares, Steph’s healing, Darius’s guard-dog vibes, and my obviously superior dodging skills, we’ll be fine.”
Steph rolled her eyes, but her smile was genuine. “Well, good to know we have such confidence. But seriously, Seikan—thanks for the pendant. I can feel the energy from the rune already. It’s incredible.”
Seikan inclined his head, a rare flicker of warmth in his gaze. “Use it well. It’s meant to enhance your healing and shield you when you need it most.”
Kalsei clapped Seikan on the back, his grin wide. “Look at you, Mr. Sentimental. You’ll make us think you care.”
Seikan raised an eyebrow, his smirk cold but amused. “Think whatever you like. Just remember who’s keeping you from running face-first into every trap.”
“Fair,” Kalsei replied, chuckling. “You’re basically the ‘adventurer insurance’ at this point.”
System Alert: New Item Acquired! Item: Rune-Infused Pendant
Effect: Increases Healing Potency by 20% and adds a Protective Barrier for the wearer. Steph has equipped the Rune-Infused Pendant. Effects active.
After the exchange, the group spent the rest of the afternoon catching up, sharing recent battle techniques, and trading stories from their latest missions. The training session had left them tired but feeling more unified as a team. Each one of them had grown over the past few weeks, and with each new challenge, they were becoming more confident in their abilities—and in each other.
As they relaxed in the guild’s common room, Kalsei brought up a topic that had been on his mind since the encounter with the League. “So, what do we do if they come back? It’s clear they’re not going to let go of their little obsession with the artifact anytime soon.”
Darius took a sip of his drink, his expression thoughtful. “We need to be prepared. They’re persistent, and they’re not bound by the same rules as the guild. But we’re not defenseless. We’ve got skills, and we’re stronger together.”
Seikan nodded, his gaze steady. “We’re also more knowledgeable about their tactics now. If they come again, we’ll be ready. And this time, we’ll make sure they understand the consequences.”
Steph glanced at Seikan, noticing a fierceness in his expression she hadn’t seen before. “You’re not just talking about defending ourselves, are you?”
He met her gaze, his expression serious. “They tried to take what didn’t belong to them. And they nearly killed all of us in the process. I’m done playing games with the League.”
Kalsei raised his glass, grinning. “Here’s to making their lives miserable, then. Because if there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s annoying people.”
As the laughter faded and the group settled into a comfortable silence, the door to the guild’s common room creaked open, drawing their attention. Standing there, hesitating slightly as if unsure whether she should enter, was a young woman with shoulder-length silver hair, delicate features, and a nervous expression that quickly shifted as she noticed the group looking at her. Her gaze dropped, and she fidgeted with her staff, gripping it tightly as though it was her anchor.
Kalsei was the first to break the silence, flashing his signature grin. “Hey there! New face?”
The woman nodded, her eyes darting around the room before settling on a spot on the floor, clearly uncomfortable with the attention. Her voice, when she spoke, was soft, barely above a whisper. “Um… y-yes. I’m here to… to join the guild, if that’s okay.”
Seikan’s eyes narrowed slightly, appraising her with his usual calculating gaze. “Joining at Silver Rank?”
She nodded again, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “I… I completed the tests a while back at a different guild location, and they told me… they told me I’d be assigned here.”
Darius spoke up. “We’re always glad to have new members. What’s your specialty?”
She seemed to shrink under his direct question, her fingers fiddling nervously with the pendant around her neck. “Um… I’m… I’m an elemental mage. Mostly wind and water, but I know some advanced earth magic as well…”
Steph gave her a warm smile, trying to ease her nerves. “That’s amazing! We don’t have an elemental specialist in the team right now. I think you’ll be a great addition.”
The woman’s eyes flickered with a hint of surprise and relief, though her shyness kept her mostly quiet. Kalsei, sensing an opportunity to make her feel more at ease, gave her a playful wink. “So, what’s your name? Unless you want us to just call you ‘Mysterious Mage Girl’ for the rest of eternity.”
She cracked a small smile, though it was fleeting. “I… I’m called Elyra.”
Kalsei clapped his hands together, nodding with enthusiasm. “Alright, Elyra, welcome to the team! Don’t worry, we’re all a little weird here. You’ll fit right in.”
Elyra’s nervous smile grew a little as she glanced at the others. “T-thank you. I just… I want to help. And if you all need an elemental mage, I’ll… I’ll do my best.”
Seikan studied her, his gaze softened by a rare touch of understanding. He remembered what it was like to be new, to feel uncertain in a world of seasoned adventurers. “We all had to start somewhere. Just focus on your strengths, and you’ll do fine.”
Elyra nodded, her posture relaxing a little. “Thank you… Seikan, right?”
Seikan gave a small nod, his eyes hinting at approval. “That’s right. And don’t worry; we’ll help you get settled in.”
System Alert: New Team Member Added! Name: Elyra Level: 16
Class: Elemental Mage
Specialties: Wind, Water, Earth Magic
After they’d welcomed her, Steph suggested they go to the training hall so that Elyra could get a feel for their fighting styles. Kalsei, of course, was eager to show off, and the others agreed it would be a good way to break the ice.
The training hall was filled with the sounds of clashing metal and bursts of magic as other guild members trained. Elyra stuck close to Steph as they entered, her gaze darting around nervously.
Steph leaned close, giving her a reassuring smile. “It’s a bit overwhelming, but you’ll get used to it. Just take it one step at a time.”
Elyra nodded, drawing in a deep breath as she tried to steady herself.
Kalsei, who had overheard, grinned at her. “And don’t worry, Elyra. We’ll make sure no one out there scares you off. That’s our job.”
Elyra gave a hesitant laugh, though her grip on her staff remained firm. Kalsei nudged her gently, flashing her a wink. “Come on, show us what you can do! How about a little elemental show?”
Elyra bit her lip, glancing around nervously. “O-okay… I can try.”
Taking a deep breath, she extended her hands, her fingers glowing with a soft light as she began to cast. A gentle breeze swept through the training hall, gathering dust and leaves into a swirling vortex in the center of the room. With a fluid motion, she raised her other hand, and water droplets from a nearby fountain rose, dancing in the air before merging with the vortex.
Kalsei’s eyes widened, impressed. “Whoa, that’s some finesse you’ve got there!”
Seikan observed with a nod, his eyes revealing a touch of admiration. “Impressive control. Elemental magic requires a steady hand and focus. You’ll be valuable in battle.”
Encouraged by their words, Elyra took it a step further, adding a small but solid stone into the vortex. She moved her hands in a circular motion, guiding the elements as they combined into a delicate but powerful display of elemental harmony.
Darius, nodding approvingly, clapped his hands. “You’ve got talent, Elyra. I think you’ll find your place with us.”
Kalsei grinned. “And once we’ve taught you how to dodge—without all that fancy elemental stuff—you’ll be unstoppable.”
Elyra laughed softly, a genuine smile breaking through her nerves. “Thank you. I… I think I’m going to like it here.”
As they spent the next hour in training, Elyra grew more comfortable, opening up slightly with each demonstration and sharing a few of her spells. It became clear she had a natural affinity for elemental magic, her control precise and her attacks strategically timed.
After the training session, the team returned to the common area, only to find a message waiting for them.
System Alert: New Mission Available! Mission: Elemental Infusion
Objective: Assist Elyra in integrating with the team by practicing combined attacks and defensive maneuvers. Rewards: Team Coordination Bonus, Improved Team Synergy
Kalsei, reading the alert, laughed. “Looks like even the system wants you to fit in with us, Elyra.”
Elyra glanced at him, her expression a mix of surprise and amusement. “I… I didn’t realize the system gave missions like this.”
Steph patted her shoulder. “It’s just giving us a nudge. Looks like we’re in for some serious practice sessions.”
Elyra nodded, a shy smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I… I’m looking forward to it.”
As they spent the rest of the day planning new techniques, discussing their abilities, and sharing stories, it became clear to everyone that Elyra was more than just an elemental mage—she was a valuable addition to their growing team, and each of them knew they’d be stronger with her by their side.