The guild hall was unusually quiet. Every eye was fixed on the strange procession of bodies Kael had brought through the doors, the severed and scorched forms of criminals and the once-feared Ravok dominating the room. The lingering blue sparks of residual lightning arched faintly along Kael’s wrist, drawing gasps and murmurs. Adventurers whispered nervously, glancing at one another as they tried to process what had just happened.

  The guildmaster, an imposing figure in his late sixties with white hair and deep-set eyes, stepped forward, his brow furrowed. His hands rested on the hilt of a ceremonial dagger at his belt.

  “Examiner,” the guildmaster said, his voice calm yet carrying authority that made even seasoned veterans in the hall stop mid-conversation. “I believe it’s time to reconsider this… candidate’s rank.”

  The examiner, a middle-aged woman with a sharp gaze and arms crossed over her chest, inclined her head slightly. “Guildmaster… this is highly irregular. He brought the Dark Fang leader’s body and the other criminals here alone? There are usually at least three people required for such a feat.”

  “I am aware,” the guildmaster replied. “However, the demonstration of skill, strategic thinking, and sheer execution warrants a rank reconsideration. Let us see what he has achieved as evidence.”

  Kael, standing near the front, stepped forward. His cloak was still singed in places, the faint smell of smoke clinging to his clothes. He reached into his satchel and withdrew a small, faintly glowing stone. Its core shimmered with a pale, pulsing light.

  “This,” he said calmly, placing it on the examiner’s desk, “is a Spirit Rat Core Stone. I recovered it after completing a G-rank mission. Consider it verification of my accomplishment.”

  The examiner’s eyes widened. She carefully picked up the stone, feeling its weight and the faint hum of residual energy. Her expression softened slightly, though suspicion lingered in the corners of her gaze.

  “Impressive,” she said. “The Spirit Rat Core is extremely rare, and recovering it demonstrates skill above the standard expectation for a G-rank mission. This… certainly warrants consideration.”

  The guildmaster nodded. “Very well. Examiner, adjust his rank accordingly. I see no reason to deny the potential this individual has displayed.”

  The examiner exhaled and straightened. “C-rank, then. Unorthodox, but justified.” She made a few quick notes, then looked up at Kael. “C-rank it is. You may proceed accordingly.”

  Kael inclined his head slightly. “Thank you. I would like a mission immediately.”

  The examiner’s sharp gaze flicked over him. “Missions require at least three members for safety and efficiency. You will need to return tomorrow, at which time we will assign a team and a mission suitable for your rank.”

  Kael nodded silently, turning to leave the hall. His stride was calm, deliberate, carrying the aura of someone who had already faced far greater danger than any guild novice.

  The following day, Kael arrived at the guild hall as instructed. The morning light fell through high windows, dust motes dancing in the sunbeams as adventurers moved about, laughing and preparing for assignments.

  He stepped past the main hall and into a smaller chamber where teams were being assigned. Two individuals awaited him.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  The first was a boy, slightly shorter than Kael, with sandy-brown hair tied back in a simple braid. His green eyes flicked to Kael with curiosity, and his stance carried confidence but not arrogance. He wore standard adventurer garb—reinforced leather tunic, light boots, and a utility belt with pouches.

  “Name’s Lorian,” the boy said with a grin. “Looks like we’re teammates.”

  The second was a girl, taller than Lorian, with long black hair braided down her back. Her eyes were sharp, a striking amber that seemed to analyze Kael’s every movement. She had a quiet presence, her posture upright and disciplined.

  “I’m Rachelle,” she said softly, her voice calm and measured. “I’ve been on several C-rank missions before. Let’s make this efficient.”

  Kael nodded once. “Understood.”

  The examiner handed him a small parchment, detailing the mission objectives. Kael read it carefully.

  “Excavation of a cave,” he murmured. “There’s a Dark Priest operating within. Necromancer abilities reported. Standard C-rank danger, but potentially lethal if underestimated.”

  Lorian’s grin widened. “Sounds fun enough. Necromancer, huh? Nothing we can’t handle.”

  Rachelle’s gaze stayed fixed on Kael. “We need to approach cautiously. Reports indicate multiple undead and traps. Coordination will be key.”

  Kael’s lips pressed together. He didn’t comment on her tone, though internally he noted her awareness. She was observant, disciplined, not one to act recklessly—a valuable asset for what they would face.

  The examiner spoke, cutting through the conversation. “The cave is located near the western cliffs. Travel time is roughly six hours on foot from Ridgehall’s outer gates. Ensure all supplies are prepared. Communication with the guild via the standard signaling stones will be mandatory.”

  Kael inclined his head. “Acknowledged. We’ll leave immediately.”

  The guildmaster’s voice carried from the main hall, firm and measured. “Remember, this mission is not just a test of strength. It will also evaluate teamwork, adaptability, and judgment under pressure. Report all findings directly to the guild upon return.”

  Kael’s eyes flicked briefly toward the guildmaster. They didn’t know who he truly was. His name was written simply as Kain, masking the fact that he was the heir of Veyren. That would work to his advantage—for now.

  ---

  They left the guild hall, stepping onto the cobblestone streets of the city. The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of dew and smoke from the chimneys below. The streets were alive with merchants, travelers, and adventurers preparing for their own assignments.

  Kael moved ahead , the serpents coiled quietly beneath his cloak. Lorian and Selene walked alongside him, discussing their gear and the potential dangers of the cave.

  Kael remained silent, observing the city as they moved. The sun cast long shadows across the rooftops, highlighting the mixture of old stone and timber architecture. He noted the occasional alleyway where merchants’ stalls spilled into the street, the sound of blacksmith hammers echoing faintly in the distance.

  Selene glanced at him, noticing his quiet demeanor. “You’re… not saying much,” she remarked.

  Kael’s gaze stayed forward. “I prefer observation. Words are wasted if not necessary.”

  Lorian snorted. “Fair enough. I talk enough for all three of us, I guess.”

  Kael allowed a faint smirk to touch his lips. Observation, analysis, efficiency—these were far more valuable than idle chatter, especially when facing unknown dangers.

  ---

  Hours later, they reached the foothills outside the western cliffs. The cave mouth yawned before them, dark and ominous. Jagged stone framed the entrance, and faint traces of burned wood and ash littered the ground nearby.

  Kael’s eyes narrowed. “The entrance is lightly guarded. Not by men, but by wards—traps of some kind. Necromantic residue lingers.”

  Selene crouched, inspecting the edges of the cave. “Undead presence… likely summoned by the priest. We’ll need to move carefully. One wrong step could trigger multiple attacks at once.”

  Lorian checked his dagger and utility pouch, nodding. “Sounds like the perfect kind of challenge for a C-rank mission.”

  Kael studied the opening, his serpents stirring faintly beneath his cloak, sensing the residual energy of dark magic. He knew that this mission, though labeled C-rank, could test all their abilities if they weren’t careful.

  He adjusted the grip on his spear, fingers brushing along the smooth metal. “We’ll proceed in pairs. Lorian, stay slightly ahead and monitor for traps. Selene, maintain coverage behind me. I will handle any immediate threats inside.”

  Both nodded. Coordination was key. Mistakes here could be deadly.

  Kael stepped forward, leading the group into the cave’s darkness. The air grew cooler, heavier, carrying the faint metallic scent of blood and stone. Every step echoed, every footfall measured. The walls of the tunnel seemed to close in, shadows dancing as the faint light of torches or magic revealed jagged stone formations.

  Lorian muttered, whispering as they moved. “Feels… wrong. Something about this place feels… alive.”

  Kael’s eyes flicked toward him. “It is. The necromancer’s energy is strong here. Stay alert.”

  Rachelle held a small lantern, the flickering light throwing shadows that danced along the rough walls. Her eyes were sharp, scanning every corner, every stone crack. “We need to establish a perimeter once we advance further. He may have multiple undead and traps deeper in the cave.”

  Kael’s gaze swept the entrance once more. He had survived far worse than C-rank threats before, but the careful observation, the strategy, the patience—these were what made him dangerous.

  Ahead, the darkness yawned like a mouth waiting to swallow them whole. The faint glow of necromantic energy pulsed further inside, signaling the presence of the priest and his abominations.

  Kael exhaled, gripping his spear tightly. “Then let’s begin.”

  And with that, they stepped fully into the shadows.

  The cave swallowed them, its walls alive with whispers of the dead. The mission had begun.