Chapter 86: Become An Adventurer

Words : 1077 Updated : Sep 21st, 2025

Regaining her composure, she addresses Alix with newfound respect. "Sir, which rank are you aiming for?" Alix meets her gaze steadily. "Gold rank would be ideal." The receptionist internally balks at his ambition, considering it audacious for someone who likely just reached Tier 4 to aim for Gold rank immediately. However, maintaining professionalism, she replies, "Sir, you'll need to wait a bit longer. Additionally, the guild master will personally oversee your evaluation." Alix nods, unfazed. "Understood. We'll await further instructions." The receptionist gestures to a seating area. "Please make yourselves comfortable. We'll notify you once everything is prepared." As Alix and Grixx move to the designated area, they notice several adventurers casting curious glances their way, undoubtedly intrigued. Shortly after Alix and Grixx take their seats, a hush falls over the bustling guild hall. Conversations cease, and all eyes turn toward the entrance as a tall, imposing figure steps inside. It's the guild master, a man whose rare appearances are typically reserved for significant missions or the evaluation of Gold rank aspirants. The adventurers exchange astonished glances, their gazes inevitably drifting toward the two newcomers. The guild master strides purposefully toward Alix and Grixx, his presence commanding respect. He stops before them, his eyes assessing. "You're the ones aiming for Gold rank?" he asks, his voice deep and authoritative. Alix rises, meeting the guild master's gaze without hesitation. "Yes, I'm Aiden Vale, and this is Garran." The guild master nods slowly, his expression unreadable. "A Level 400 swordsman and a Level 347 heavy combat specialist. Impressive." Grixx inclines his head slightly. "We've faced our share of challenges." Murmurs ripple through the gathered adventurers, disbelief evident in their whispers. "Level 400?" "So that's why the guild master is here." "Very well," he says. "We'll proceed with your evaluation. Follow me." As they move toward the assessment chambers, the weight of the guild's collective gaze follows them, a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and awe. After the guild master's arrival, Alix and Grixx are escorted to a secluded evaluation chamber, ensuring the assessments remain confidential. The room is spacious, its stone walls bearing the marks of countless trials. At its center lies a reinforced arena, designed to contain formidable beasts. The guild master addresses them with authority. "Your evaluations will be conducted individually. Garran, you're up first. Grixx nods, stepping into the arena with a composed demeanor. Moments later, a gate opposite him rises, revealing a Tier 3 beast—a hulking creature with matted fur and razor-sharp claws, its eyes gleaming with primal aggression. The beast charges, and Grixx meets its assault head-on. He parries its swipes with his greatsword, each clash echoing through the chamber. To the untrained eye, it appears as a fierce struggle; Grixx staggers under the beast's blows, his movements seemingly labored. Yet, beneath this facade, he's meticulously controlling the fight, ensuring he neither overpowers the creature too swiftly nor exposes his true prowess. After a tense exchange, Grixx delivers a decisive strike, his blade finding the beast's vital point. The creature collapses with a pained roar, and Grixx stands over it, breathing heavily as if exhausted. The guild master observes keenly, noting Grixx's performance. "Well fought, Garran. You may step down. Grixx exits the arena, offering Alix a subtle nod. Alix acknowledges it before stepping forward. The guild master turns his attention to Alix. "Aiden, your trial awaits. As per our protocol, you'll face a beast twenty levels higher than you levels—a Level 420 adversary. Alix inclines his head. He enters the arena, the atmosphere thick with anticipation. The gate creaks open once more, and a massive creature emerges—a serpentine beast with scales that shimmer like obsidian, its eyes burning with malevolent intelligence. The air crackles with energy as it hisses, revealing fangs dripping with venom. Without hesitation, the beast lunges, its movements a blur. Alix sidesteps gracefully, his sword already in motion. The clash is explosive; sparks fly as blade meets scale. Alix remains composed, his attacks precise, each movement calculated to exploit the creature's weaknesses. The beast retaliates fiercely, its tail whipping around to strike. Alix anticipates the move, ducking under the swing and countering with an upward slash that leaves a deep gash along the creature's side. The beast recoils, hissing in fury, and circles Alix, searching for an opening. Alix tightens his grip on his weapon. He decided to end this swiftly. Drawing upon his inner reserves, he channels his energy, feeling the familiar hum of power coursing through him. With a deep breath, Alix raises his sword high, the blade crackling as arcs of electricity dance along its edge. "Thunder Strike!" he calls out, his voice echoing through the chamber. He brings the sword down in a powerful arc, releasing a bolt of lightning that sears through the air, illuminating the room in a blinding flash. The lightning strikes the beast squarely, eliciting a deafening roar as the creature convulses, its muscles seizing under the electric assault. Smoke rises from its scorched scales, and for a moment, it teeters, its strength waning. Seizing the opportunity, Alix dashes forward, his movements a blur. He leaps into the air, bringing his sword down. The blade pierces the beast's skull, driving deep into its brain. The creature shudders once, then collapses to the ground, lifeless. Alix withdraws his sword. He watches as the beast's form begins to shimmer, its edges blurring. Within moments, the creature dissipates, vanishing like a mirage. The guild master steps forward, his expression unreadable. "Well done, Aiden," he says, his tone measured. "You've proven your skill against a formidable opponent." Alix nods. "Thank you, sir." The guild master gestures toward the now-empty arena. "As you may have noticed, the beast you faced was an illusion, conjured through advanced magic. We reserve real Tier 4 creatures for only the most critical evaluations, as they are rare and dangerous. Your performance against this simulated foe has been duly noted." Alix inclines his head in acknowledgment. "I understand." The guild master turns to address both Alix and Grixx. "Based on your performances, Garran I will grant you a silver rank, and Aiden I will grant you the Gold rank. However, be aware that this status comes with increased responsibilities and expectations. The challenges you will face henceforth will be perilous, and your conduct will reflect upon this guild."

Chapter 86: Become An Adventurer

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