The golden glow faded as the platform beneath Solstice settled, signaling the transition to the next phase. A low, resonant hum filled the chamber, the air thickening with mana. The ruins around them shifted once more, stone and arcane energy weaving into new structures. This time it formed a war-torn battlefield.

  Crumbled buildings and scorched ground stretched out ahead, the illusion so intricate it felt as real as any battlefield I had seen before. And at the center of it all stood a figure clad in silver armor, a broad cape flowing behind them.

  Their escort target.

  A high-ranking guild official, or at least a construct meant to mimic one. They stood tall and impassive as the trial resumed.

  I crossed my arms, observing as the group adjusted to the new scenario. Bren leaned in slightly, her voice carrying a note of amusement.

  “You know, not just anyone gets chosen as a guild official for assessments like this,” she remarked.

  I raised a brow. “Oh? And yet they had you as a witness for my trial.”

  She scoffed, hazel eyes glinting. “Maybe they just needed someone pretty to make sure you didn’t run off.”

  I exhaled, tilting my head slightly as I glanced at her. “If running was an option, I doubt I’d have taken it.”

  Her smile deepened. “You do give off that lone-wolf vibe.”

  I kept my gaze on her for a second longer before shifting back to the battlefield. I had come to understand that the guild did encourage witnesses to these assessments to provide a natural talking point of the standards they set. Having Bren as my witness may have benefited me in selfish endeavors.

  Before we could continue, the trial commenced.

  Ozzy took the lead, his shield raised as he signaled for Jane to stay close to the official. Devin and Todd fanned out, taking opposite sides to guard their flank. Kell remained a step behind, his fingers already crackling with residual mana.

  Even with the ruins giving the illusion of an abandoned battlefield, the silence of the arena was too deliberate.

  The group took in their surroundings and moved forward.

  Todd notched an arrow.

  Devin and Jane had their weapons at ready while Kell had the tell tale signs of a spell ready to be released.

  It happened in an instant.

  The ground beneath them cracked as three massive constructs emerged from below, their plated forms gleaming with infused magic. From the ruins above, figures dropped down. Guild instructors, by their garb and badges, wielded dulled weapons and moved into position to surround the party.

  The battlefield came alive with chaos.

  Ozzy reacted by bringing his shield up as a construct swung at him with a jagged greatsword. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, but Ozzy held his ground, gritting his teeth as he pushed back with brute force.

  Jane pivoted, her spear flashing in an arc as she thrust into an instructor’s torso, forcing them to retreat. Todd’s arrows shot through the fray, each one hitting its mark and flashing with a dispersion of mana, disrupting enemy formations before they could fully engage.

  Devin moved, weaving between strikes around Ozzy and delivering attacks of her own to pressure or force retreats from their opponents. Ozzy took up most of the responsibility in keeping their escort secure freeing others to deliver more definitive attacks. Devin’s dagger flashed as she parried an attack, twisting to land a sharp counterstrike against an advancing construct’s core.

  Kell didn’t moved as much. He didn’t need to. The moment an enemy came within range, a surge of wind lashed out, sending them sprawling. He lifted a hand, electricity crackling to life before a bolt of lightning speared through one of the instructors, having them convulse as they fell back with a grunt.

  Despite their teamwork, the trial was far from over.

  The battlefield shifted again, rubble collapsing as a new threat emerged. More enemies swarming from the outskirts.

  And then came another decision.

  One of the instructors, moving too fast to track, blurred past the frontline and struck Todd hard in the ribs. He barely had time to react before a secondary force sent him flying, his form disappearing into the ruined structures beyond.

  A sharp chime echoed, signaling an alert from the trial’s system.

  "One of your own has been separated," a voice boomed across the battlefield. "Proceed with the mission or turn back for your fallen ally. Choose wisely."

  Ozzy looked back at Jane, who had her spear poised but eyes locked on the ruins where Todd had vanished. Devin tensed, fingers tightening around her weapons.

  Kell, focused on the threats in front spoke. “Glad it wasn’t me this time.”

  Devin shook her head as she continued to defend.

  Ozzy glanced toward their target, then toward the ruins. "Devin move fast. Kell, you're with her. Jane, you and I will escort the target."

  Kell gave a lopsided grin. "Oh, good. I was worried things were slowing down."

  They split immediately.

  Devin and Kell pushed toward the ruins, their movements swift and coordinated. The wreckage loomed overhead, its narrow paths a trap waiting to be sprung.

  Kell lifted a hand, and with a sharp motion, wind surged ahead of them, scattering dust and revealing Todd struggling to his feet, an instructor looming over him.

  Devin rushed forward while Kell charged a lightning bolt. It streaked across the field, slamming into the opponent before they could strike again. The force sent them skidding backward, buying Todd time to regain his footing.

  “Nice of you to join me,” Todd said, rubbing his chest.

  Kell smirked. "Thought you’d appreciate the effort."

  With Todd back in formation, they pushed out of the ruins, Kell covering their retreat with bursts of lightning while Devin led the charge and eliminating any that dodged Kell’s initial assault.

  On the other end, Ozzy and Jane maneuvered, keeping their escort safe even as enemies pressed in. Jane’s spear kept their foes at bay, striking with the advantage of her reach. She never overextended emphasizing herself as a seasoned warrior.

  Ozzy, ever the bulwark, stayed firm, striking only when an enemy left themselves open.

  By the time Devin, Kell, and Todd rejoined them, they were already nearing the final checkpoint, a raised archway lined with glowing glyphs.

  The moment their escort stepped through, a brilliant light flashed, halting all enemy movement.

  The trial was over. It went by quicker, but the pressure was evidently more with the added element of protection thrown in.

  Bren let out a low whistle beside me. “That was exciting.”

  I nodded and turned to her. "How close is Golden Fang to ascension?"

  She smirked. “A few more missions and it should be our turn.”

  I gave her a look. "I’ll have to sit through another one so soon?"

  "’I get to sit through another one so soon’" she shot back, grinning.

  I shook my head and smiled but didn’t argue.

  I let the silence sit for a beat before glancing back at Solstice.

  They stood together, catching their breath as the battlefield illusion faded.

  * * *

  The battlefield illusion faded, leaving behind the grand chamber of the guild Assessment Hall. The air still hummed with residual magic, but the simulated war-torn ruins had vanished, replaced by the polished stone floor of the guild.

  Solstice stood, sweat beading on their foreheads, their breathing heavy but controlled. They awaited their coming ascension with avid assurance of their proven efforts.

  Tyus and the other proctors stood at the edge of the chamber. After a brief discussion, they made their way to the center of the floor, meeting the group.

  “Is there anything else to decide?” I asked Bren

  She tilted her head, thoughtful. “The assessments usually have the proctors offer points of improvement they see in the group. It’s obvious they’ve earned their new ranking but there’s a formality to the guild Tyus values for the identity of this branch.”

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  I glanced toward Solstice, noting how each member carried themselves even now. Todd adjusted his quiver and slung his bow over his shoulder while Devin seemed to prod him. The grin on Todd was not missed as she poured over his wellbeing. Jane moved her spear as well to her holder she kept on her back. Ozzy and Kell exchanged a few words, stopping as Tyus and proctors came close.

  “Have many other Silver ascensions have you watched?”

  “This makes my 4th. It’s been helpful to learn from others and what the Guild looks for.”

  “I take it completing the goals are the most objective path to rank?”

  Bren smirked. “The decision has a bit more nuance if the spur of the moment reaction provides positive results but goes against the…. grain of being part of the Guild. At least that’s the common ground. I’ve picked up on.”

  “Looked like a lot of scenarios forced party priority. Have you seen anyone pass when leaving a member?” I asked.

  “Yeah. The assessment had the party choosing to stay with the downed member, protecting them until they were mobile. The objective took longer…closer to a battle of attrition. It’s enough of a time expense that the phase escalates to a timer winding down. They went over the time but Tyus, shared as much, he approved of the choice instead of rushing to the goal alone.”

  I nodded. “So, Golden Fang next?”

  She considered for a moment before replying, “A couple more missions and we’ll be eligible.”

  Before I could respond, Tyus stepped forward, the other proctors falling into place beside him.

  “The trial’s concluded,” Tyus declared, his voice carrying through the hall. His sharp gaze swept over Solstice, measuring each of them before continuing. “Your performance has been evaluated based on combat ability, tactical thinking, and decision-making.”

  A pause.

  “You fought with coordination and strength, adapting to each phase of the trial with the skill expected of the elite.” He folded his arms. “You maintained formation under pressure, executed split-second decisions, and overcame situational sacrifices for the mission’s success. And today, your team has proven itself.”

  Tyus’s lips curled into a small smirk.

  “Welcome to the Silver ranks.”

  As Tyus’s announcement settled over the chamber, the tension unraveled, replaced by the buzzing energy of victory. They had earned their place among the Tolany’s elite.

  Bren nudged my arm with a grin. “Told you they had it.”

  I exhaled, glancing at her with a smirk. “Did you Well I think it’s time we celebrate the success of my trainees below?”

  She snorted. “Right, Your ever growing instruction gave them the missing piece to their rise...”

  I gestured toward the freshly promoted Silver-rankers. “And yet, here they are, thinking they’re the stars of the show when clearly, the suspense was all on me.”

  Bren rolled her eyes. “Forget them. Let’s just get the guild to rank you for mentorship.”

  I stroked my chin, as if considering. “Platinum-tier, minimum.”

  She laughed, shaking her head. “Delusional.”

  I leaned slightly toward her. “It’s part of the charm.”

  She blinked, then scoffed. “More so the entertainment value.”

  I grinned. “Glad I keep things exciting for you.”

  Before she could retort, the members of Solstice began making their way toward us, their excitement barely contained. Todd reached us first, his usual confident smirk now carrying the weight of accomplishment.

  “Silver-ranked,” he said, as if testing out how it sounded.

  Kell threw an arm over his shoulder. “Feels good, doesn’t it?”

  Jane added. “Feels right.”

  “Try not to let it get to your heads.”

  Todd snorted. “No promises.”

  The celebration had only just begun, and something told me this was going to be a long night.

  * * *

  I stirred to the soft clatter of plates below and the slow press of sunlight through thin curtains. My tunic was half hanging off the chair, boots kicked beneath the bed. Signs of a celebration that had stretched too long but well worth it.

  The scent of spiced wine and hearth-roasted meat still lingered in the air. I sat up, worked a hand through my hair, and tied it into a loose tail. The ache in my shoulders was a reminder of some foolhardy escapades we shared.

  Now I’d turn my focus to some more missions to recoup my funds.

  I dressed in silence. The warmth of the inn offered a strange sort of calm after weeks of taking a back seat to the comings and goings. I could still hear faint echoes of laughter, Bren’s voice, especially. That sharper edge to her humor always cut through a room.

  The moment we’d shared lingered. After the toasts had quieted, after most of the celebration had bled into private corners and drowsy goodbyes, we’d stepped aside for air. She’d nudged me, eyes half-lidded and amused.

  “You smile more when you’re around the right people,” she said.

  “I’m finally keeping better company,” I’d replied.

  She It nudged me as we fell into easy conversation.

  I made my way downstairs, where Jack gave me a tired wave from behind the bar, counting coins like a man hungover but too proud to admit it. Ellie didn’t say a word. She just handed me a bowl of something hot, thick, and probably medicinal. I took it gratefully.

  The guild’s mission board loomed at its usual position, untouched in the early hour. Paper listings fluttered in the breeze drifting through the cracked window. My hand skimmed across the notices until one stood out:

  Mission: Blood Price of the Fallen Legion Threat

  Mission Type: Reconnaissance

  Tier: Silver - High Level

  Objective: Survey Grim Vale battlefield ruins. Gauge undead activity. Return report.

  Issued by: Guildmaster Tyus Lark

  Clerk approval and Briefing mandatory.

  Grim Vale. I’d heard of it. One of the bloodiest clashes in the Blight Wars. Over two hundred died in a single night, and the necromancers lost control of their summonings. The battlefield burned for days, and the land had never healed.

  Now something threatened there again.

  It was listed as recon. But recon in cursed soil rarely stayed that way. Assignments from my time as a royal guard offered similar experiences with the ways of nobility. Espionage always unlocked something more.

  Still... surveying undead couldn’t hurt and a rather nice find for my goal of refining other elemental magics. The undead were weak to lightning magic. Their corrupted mana reacted violently to it. That made the Vale the perfect place for my next focus if it came down to it.

  I took the slip from the board and walked it to the front desk.

  The clerk looked up when I handed it over. “Here you go,” she muttered, stamping it. “Guildmaster Tyus is waiting.”

  She gestured to a door I hadn’t used before. An archway marked with reinforced sealwork. Seemed to have a bit more importance that the other rooms.

  Tyus didn’t look up as I stepped into the chamber. Mana glyphs hovered midair, shifting lazily above a set of old war maps. But the moment I crossed the threshold, I saw the slight tilt of his head. The pause of a man who’d just had something confirmed.

  “I noticed it during Solstice's Assessment,” he said without preamble. “Your signature felt heavier than it should’ve. Refined. Controlled. But I figured maybe you were holding something back.”

  His eyes met mine now, sharper.

  “Standing here, though… it’s clear. You’ve crossed into Expert.”

  I kept my stance relaxed. “I’ve made my gains. I’m a bit offended you only noticed now.”

  Tyus smirked. “No, I just wasn’t going to call it out in a crowd. Let the rest of the hall figure out what you’re hiding if they need to.”

  He studied me a second longer, then gave a quiet nod of approval. “You’ve layered it well. Compact and stable. Most people flare when they break through. You sealed it down instead.”

  “Not the attention type. Well, a bit more selective nowadays.”

  “Seems there’s more there than we need to get into.”

  He shifted, arms crossing over his cloak. “Tell me. How far have you taken your spatial work now? You teleporting or just doing clever blinks?”

  “Teleportation,” I said. “Clean over short and mid-range. I can hold an anchor and breach minor wards. Recovery time’s negligible.”

  “And the rifts?”

  “Sharp. Fast. I can bend angle and inertia, double-knot space around a strike. Redirect projectiles if I time it right.”

  “Spatial chaining?”

  “I can’t tell you all my secrets now can I?”

  That got a genuine breath of laughter out of him. “That’s fair. I appreciate the honesty when needed.”

  “I prefer the term agreeable when needed.”

  Tyus shook his head, still grinning. “You’re the first space-element user we’ve had in years who has been at this level.”

  Tyus let the moment breathe for half a beat before his expression shifted, tone sharpening with it.

  “Well, with that in mind, I take it Cera sent you over with for the Grim Vale mission. This requires walking into cursed ground.”

  He turned back toward the floating glyphs, dismissing them with a flick of his hand. The air dimmed slightly as the warding lights receded. On the table below, a detailed topographical map of the Grim Vale lay etched into dark parchment. An ugly scar of land, ringed in old burial runes and splintered ley lines.

  “The battlefield’s holding zone has thinned. Reports say the undead remnants are fewer and scattered. But the last time we thought the Blight Hosts were contained, two towns suffered for it before dawn.”

  I stepped closer, gaze tracking the warpath lines stitched in crimson ink. “What’s got your interest?”

  “Mana degradation. The bindings that sealed the Legion have started to fracture. Not a full breach yet but we’re seeing warped weather, twisted fauna, and necrotic anomalies pulling from the ley. Which suggests something is moving down there.”

  “And the Guild wants confirmation.”

  Tyus nodded. “We’ve kept eyes on it from a distance, but we need someone with enough sense not to trigger a larger flare and enough teeth to survive if it gets loud. That’s where you come in.”

  “And you trust a solo recon for that?”

  Tyus’s gaze held me for a moment longer, then he finally sighed, almost like a soft chuckle. “You’re the right type for this mission. A Spatial element user is exactly what we need for reconnaissance, especially with the state the Grim Vale is in now. Those undead aren’t something you want to engage head-on, but your Rifts and teleportation will let you stay several steps ahead.”

  Tyus’s gaze sharpened, his lips tightening for a brief second. He was assessing me, clearly trying to piece together how I fit into this mission. “We need someone with mobility, someone who can adapt quickly if things go wrong. You seem to fit the coin.”

  I didn’t say it out loud, but internally, I couldn’t help but think: I’m a lot beyond what this needs. This was a reconnaissance job, something that was far from dangerous to someone at my level. The undead weren’t a concern. What I was more interested in was pushing my Lightning Element mastery even further. The last few weeks had seen steady progress elsewhere, but this mission would serve as a more practical method.

  The Grim Vale wasn’t a trivial place, but I knew my abilities well enough to understand that I wasn’t walking into a life-threatening situation. If I needed to teleport out or tear space to my advantage, I could. And while the undead were a threat in numbers, I was hardly the type to underestimate any situation.

  Tyus nodded as though reading my thoughts, then gestured to the map of the Grim Vale. “You’ll be working alone. Your job is to observe the undead activity, gauge the mana stability, and report back. No engagement unless absolutely necessary. We need solid intel before we escalate.”

  I gave a small, almost absent smile as I glanced at the map. Not going to be a problem.

  “I’m not expecting a full sweep, just a clear report on the status of the undead forces and mana fluctuations,” Tyus continued. “The Vale has been unstable for a while now. The last thing we need is for something worse to emerge, but it’s still a threat.”

  “Understood,” I said, my voice calm but my mind already working through the possibilities.

  Tyus was staring at me now, his gaze weighing, assessing. He seemed to pick up on my nonchalance, but after a moment, he gave a small nod. “Just make sure you stick to the objective, Koa. Don’t chase trouble. We’re still dealing with necrotic energy down there. There’s no guarantee the undead are fully gone.”

  “I’ll be careful,” I said, the words coming out almost like an afterthought. The truth was, I’d been in far worse situations than this. And this was nothing I couldn’t handle. I was beyond being at risk.

  “What’s the biggest threat down there?” I asked, my voice still steady.

  “Necrotic storms,” Tyus replied, his face darkening for a moment. “And there are reports of something… intelligent. Something still moving beneath the surface.”

  I nodded. Intelligent undead. I could handle that, too. If they were smart enough to set traps or strategize, it would be an interesting challenge.

  “Get in. Observe. If you sense anything major, report back immediately,” Tyus repeated. “We need your report, Koa. This is important.”

  I stood a little straighter, conveying I understood what he required. “I’ll be back with the intel,” I said confidently. “You’ll get your report.”

  Tyus gave me one last, considering look. He placed his hand on the desk to his left, signaling a clerk to enter. Turning to the new presence he said. “Give him the recon kit. And make sure he gets those historical reports before he leaves.”

  As I turned, I could feel Tyus’s eyes on me, but he didn’t say anything more. I had everything I needed.

  “Remember, Destus. Stay sharp,” Tyus called out to me as I moved toward the door. “It’s still dangerous out there.”

  I smirked, feeling that familiar rush of adventure. “Don’t worry, Guildmaster. I’ve got it under control.”

  I stepped out the door, already thinking ahead, and the coming challenges of Grim Vale looming in my thoughts. But there was no doubt in my mind. No matter what waited there, I had everything I needed to handle it.