The sun hung low as I walked alongside Bren and the members of the Golden Fang, our steps in line with the gravel path leading back to Tolany. The morning air felt crisp, fresh with promise after our successful run in Renhold’s dungeon. I glanced over at Bren, who walked with an easy confidence, her hair catching the light like strands of spun gold.

  “So,” she said, her voice breaking through my thoughts, “what’s next for you? More dungeon runs?”

  “Maybe,” I replied, keeping my tone casual. “Depends on what the guild offers.”

  “Let me know if you need a partner.” She shot me a playful grin. “I’m always up for a challenge.”

  I chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through me at her words. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

  The journey unfolded smoothly; we encountered no threats along the way. Just the usual merchants and travelers passing by. By the time we reached the Adventurer's Guild in Tolany, a sense of accomplishment hung in the air around us.

  Inside, Bren, her party, and I stepped through to the verification room, where a clerk sat hunched over a desk, quill scratching across parchment. He barely glanced up, already reaching beneath the counter.

  “Floor clearances?” he asked, voice clipped with routine efficiency.

  Bren nodded, retrieving a pouch and setting it down. The clerk pulled out a compact metallic frame etched with runes, its edges worn smooth from years of use. With the precision of long practice, he placed it on the counter, the faint hum of magic filling the air as it activated.

  Bren and her party members presented their proof of clearance. There were a collection of monster cores, the Bronze Floor Stone, and the Silver Floor Stone. The clerk slid each stone into the device, watching as it pulsed with a confirming glow before marking their successful clearance in the guild's ledger.

  Then he turned to me.

  I pulled a handful of monster cores from the Forgotten Garden and placed them before him. Then, I retrieved the Silver Floor Stones I had collected, setting them down in neat succession. Finally, I produced one of my Gold Floor Stones, letting it rest on the counter.

  The clerk raised a brow but didn’t comment as he placed the stones into the device. The runes flickered in recognition before settling into a steady glow. He nodded, marking my clearances in the guild’s ledger.

  I kept my expression neutral as I decided against submitting the second Gold Floor Stone still resting in my [Pocket Space]. Best to hold onto it for if I returned to the Dungeon.

  “Everything checks out,” the clerk announced, setting his quill aside. He slid our remaining items back to us. “Your clearances have been recorded.”

  With the formalities complete, Bren turned to me while her party gathered their things. “Folly later?”

  I smirked. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Good,” she said, flashing a grin before rejoining her group.

  I lingered a moment, then turned toward the market. I still had business to take care of.

  * * *

  The market streets pulsed with energy, vendors calling out their wares as adventurers and merchants bartered over weapons, armor, and supplies. I moved through the shifting tide of bodies, my inventory stocked with dungeon spoils, ready to be turned into coin.

  My first stop, Grig’s Curios, the shop wedged between a blacksmith and a leatherworker. The wooden sign above the door was worn from time but still legible, marking it as a place where adventurers offloaded their findings and occasionally stumbled upon rare oddities. Inside, shelves buckled under the weight of trinkets, enchanted gear, and magical components stacked in what could only be described as organized chaos.

  Grig sat behind the counter, his sharp eyes locking onto me the moment I stepped inside. A slow grin stretched across his face.

  “Back so soon?” he mused. “Tell me, do you even rest between missions?”

  I ignored the jab and retrieved mana potions and mana crystals from my inventory, placing them on the counter. The crystals pulsed with faint luminescence, catching the flickering lantern light.

  Grig inspected each item with practiced skill, rolling a crystal in his palm before nodding. “Good quality. I’ll make you an offer.”

  We went through the usual back-and-forth, haggling until we settled on a price that was "reasonable" by Grig’s standards which meant slightly in his favor, but not enough to warrant an argument. Once the exchange was made, I pocketed the coins and made my way toward my next stop.

  Ironbrand Armory stood further down the market street, its heavy stone forge glowing hot at the entrance. It was where I had acquired my first set of armor in Eldon. A smith’s hammer rang against steel, the rhythmic clang echoing through the air. The shop was lined with armor of varying styles. Chainmail, plate, and enchanted leathers displayed on racks and mannequins, each crafted with expert precision.

  The armorer, a stocky man with grease-streaked arms and a beard singed at the tips, barely looked up from his workbench as I entered. Only when I pulled the Verdant Armor set from my inventory did I get his full attention.

  His eyes flicked over the gear, hands moving to inspect the stitching and the subtle enchantments woven into the fabric. “Lightweight and reinforced,” he muttered, running a calloused thumb along the chest piece. “This not to your liking?”

  I shrugged. “Yet to be worn. Picked it up in the Renhold Dungeon. Solid enchantments, better than most Adept-tier gear.”

  He huffed a short laugh. “Good craftsmanship. I’ll give you sixty silver for the set.”

  I raised an eyebrow. “Sixty? You’d resell this for twice that.”

  We haggled for a bit, his stance firm, but not immovable. Eventually, we settled on seventy-five silver, and I left with a lighter inventory.

  With armor sold, my final stop was Stormedge Weapons, a shop renowned for its collection of enchanted arms. Inside, swords and daggers gleamed under oil lanterns, each displayed with care. The shopkeeper, an older man with silver-threaded hair, paused his sharpening work as I approached.

  I retrieved the Hellforged Twin Daggers from my inventory and set them on the counter.

  He picked one up, turning it in his hands with the eye of a man who knew quality. “These are dungeon spawn loot,” he noted, testing the weight.

  “That’s right,” I replied. “They’re dungeon drops from Renhold.”

  His eyes flicked up to mine, interest piqued. “From the Gold floors?”

  I nodded.

  He let out a low whistle. “Monsters down there don’t go down easy. You must be damn powerful.”

  I smirked. “I get by.”

  That earned a knowing chuckle. We struck a deal quickly, and once the exchange was complete, I stepped back into the crowded streets, my coin pouch significantly heavier than when I started.

  With business done, I made my way toward Adventurer’s Folly, the setting sun casting long shadows over the town. The moment I pushed open the inn’s doors, the warmth of firelight and the familiar hum of conversation greeted me. A welcome contrast to the hurried efficiency of the market.

  The tavern was lively, filled with the sounds of clinking tankards and the steady murmur of conversations. The hearth crackled, casting a flickering glow over the wooden beams and well-worn tables.

  Behind the counter, Jack leaned against the bar with a relaxed posture, wiping down a mug with the half-hearted effort of a man who took life at his own pace. His dark eyes flicked up as I approached, a slow, knowing grin tugging at his lips.

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  “Look to have had yourself a good start to the day,” he said, setting the mug down. “A stop before the next mission or a return?”

  I smirked and took a seat at the bar. “Return. You see Todd and Devin yet?”

  Jack raised a brow, curiosity creeping into his expression. “Not yet. Should I be worried?”

  “Not unless you’re worried about them getting stronger,” I replied, watching his expression carefully. “They both hit Adept.”

  For a moment, Jack just stared. Then, a slow chuckle rumbled in his chest. “No kidding?”

  “Noticed it back in Renhold,” I said, leaning an elbow on the counter. “Figured you’d want to know.”

  Jack let out a low whistle, shaking his head. “Ellie’s going to lose her mind.”

  “Lose my mind over what?” came Ellie’s voice as she emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.

  Jack glanced at me, clearly amused, before turning to his wife. “Todd and Devin. They ascended. To Adept.”

  Ellie froze for half a second before a broad grin split her face. “Oh, that’s wonderful!” She untied her apron and waved down one of the serving girls. “Take over for me, will you? I need to be present for this.”

  Jack chuckled, already reaching for a fresh round of drinks. “This calls for a celebration.”

  It wasn’t long before the doors swung open, and the familiar presence of Solstice filled the tavern. Todd, Devin, Ozzy, Jane, and Kell stepped inside, shaking off the chill from the evening air.

  “There they are,” I said, pushing off the bar.

  Todd spotted me first, his expression brightening as he strode forward. “Koa! Didn’t expect you back here so soon.”

  Devin nudged him playfully. “We thought you’d be buried in another mission.”

  “Thought about it,” I admitted. “But then I heard some Adepts were making their way through town.”

  Todd and Devin both grinned at that, their pride barely contained.

  Jack clapped a heavy hand on his son’s shoulder. “Adept, huh? Didn’t think you’d get there so soon. About 4 years ahead of schedule!”

  Todd rolled his eyes but looked pleased. “I learned from the best.”

  “Clearly,” Jack said with a smirk before pulling him into a quick, one-armed hug. He turned to Devin next, his expression softening just a bit. “And you. Looks like you’re stuck with my son for the long haul now.”

  Devin laughed, shaking her head. “Could be worse.”

  Ellie stepped in then, gathering them both into a warm embrace. “We’re so proud of you two.”

  As the celebration kicked into full swing, drinks were poured, and stories were exchanged. The Folly felt more alive than usual, a buzz of excitement lingering in the air.

  Eventually, between bites of food and sips of ale, Jane leaned forward. “Koa, we’ve got some news.”

  I quirked a brow. “Good news, I hope.”

  Ozzy smirked. “We finished our last Bronze mission.”

  Kell grinned. “Which means Solstice is officially eligible to test for Silver.”

  I leaned back in my chair, nodding in approval. “What comes next?”

  Todd stretched his arms over his head. “We’re aiming to take the test in three days. Figured we’d spend the time preparing.”

  I met his gaze, my own excitement simmering beneath the surface. “You’ve put in the work. I’ll help with any preparation you need.”

  That was met with a round of cheers and raised tankards.

  Before long, the tavern doors swung open again, and Bren, Elara, Mira, and Verren strolled in. Bren’s gaze met mine first, a small smirk playing on her lips as she made her way over.

  “What did I miss?,” she said.

  I raised a brow. “You really like long-winded stories don't you?”

  She rolled her eyes but took the seat next to me anyway.

  Elara, Mira, and Verren joined the rest of Solstice, quickly catching onto the reason for the celebration. More drinks were poured, laughter filled the space, and as if sticking to a trend, everything felt easy.

  The night stretched on with stories, lighthearted jabs, and plans for the trials ahead. Eventually, as the hour grew late and the celebration wound down, I leaned back in my chair, content.

  A well-earned night of revelry and a reminder that there was still plenty more to come.

  * * *

  The training hall of the Adventurer’s Guild in Tolany was alive with the clash of steel, bursts of magic, and the rhythmic thuds of bodies hitting the stone floor. Training dummies lined one side of the hall, their surfaces scarred from years of practice. Sparring circles had been drawn in chalk, each one occupied by adventurers honing their skills. The air vibrated with residual magic, the occasional crackle of an errant spell punctuating the sounds of battle.

  I stood in one such ring, hopping in place as I faced the members of Solstice. They were catching their breath after their last attempt to bring me down, but despite their exhaustion, there was a spark in their eyes, determination fueled by progress.

  Ozzy shifted his stance, planting his shield into the ground with a solid thunk. His sword still crackled faintly with stored energy from an earlier enhancement spell. “I’m starting to think you don’t actually get tired, Koa.”

  Jane, standing beside him, leaned on her spear, its metal shaft still humming with residual mana from one of her infused strikes. “If he does, we sure as hell haven’t managed to prove it.”

  Devin, crouched low with a dagger in one hand and a short sword in the other, shot me a smirk. “Maybe we should stop fighting fair.”

  Todd, further back, adjusted his bowstring, his quiver nearly empty. “If you have a way to cheat, I’d love to hear it.”

  Kell, his fingertips still sparking faintly with lightning magic, exhaled through his nose. “I’m out of ideas. Koa, I swear you read our movements before we make them.”

  I smirked. “I’m backed with experience and I do recognize patterns.”

  They had improved, and it showed. A fully Adept squad in them made all their attacks powerful. Their movements had gained efficiency and there were less openings to exploit. Ozzy’s swings had the force of a battering ram, each impact rattling through my arms when I blocked. Jane’s spear thrusts had flexibility, her reach keeping me on my toes. Devin had become a blur of motion, a noticeable increase in speed, her blade flickering in and out of my guard like a viper’s fangs. Todd’s arrows were faster with a new additive impact, each shot carrying enough force to crater. Kell, though, was the most unpredictable. His spells chained into each other, forcing me to adjust on the fly. His comfort in both elements was evident.

  “Again,” I said, stepping into my stance.

  Ozzy lunged first, shield raised, sword poised for a crushing overhead blow. He swung, and the force behind it sent vibrations up my blade as I blocked. He followed up immediately, twisting his hips to drive his shield forward in a brutal bash. I sidestepped, but Jane was already moving, her spear whistling through the air toward my ribs.

  I twisted, letting the spear graze past, but Devin was already in my blind spot. She surged forward, dagger flashing toward my back. I caught her wrist, forcing her to pivot, but instead of retreating, she spun, using the momentum to slice upward with her short sword.

  I barely had time to deflect before Todd loosed an arrow. It was a missile of raw energy streaking toward me. I swung my blade, cutting through the projectile midair, the impact sending a minor shockwave outward.

  Kell raised a hand, and suddenly, I felt a pull and the air shifting around me. A vacuum formed, dragging me forward just as Ozzy’s shield came crashing down. I moved with it, rolling past the impact before kicking off the ground, dispersing the magical force.

  They were strong. Not strong enough to threaten me, but strong enough that I could feel the impact of their efforts

  It was time to push them further.

  I let my Mana Pressure roll out, keeping it controlled and limiting it to an Expert-tier presence. The air thickened, and the moment it hit them, their movements faltered. Ozzy gritted his teeth as his stance buckled for half a second. Jane’s spear wavered mid-thrust. Devin, already mid-dash, nearly stumbled. Todd’s next arrow flew just a fraction slower, and Kell let out a breathless laugh.

  “Oh, you’re the real deal,” he muttered, shaking off the pressure. “I hate it, but I love it.”

  I smirked. “Adjust to it.”

  And they did. They pushed forward, fighting against the weight pressing down on them. Their attacks became sharper, their footwork more precise. They were adapting, even under pressure.

  After another grueling round, I finally let them rest. They collapsed onto the floor, while I remained standing, watching them.

  As they caught their breath, I glanced at Ozzy. "How difficult do you expect the assessment to be?"

  Ozzy exhaled, stretching out his arms. “Hard enough that we’re not taking it lightly.”

  I raised a brow. “That vague, huh?”

  Todd answered. “The guild makes sure for these assessments, Silver rank holds its weight as the first of the elites. We’ve got to prove we’re not liabilities to that reputation.”

  I nodded, crossing my arms. “Hmm. My own assessment felt… tailored to see my strength and how I compared. A combat stage where elemental constructs attacked, progressively getting stronger, and a mock battle against Tristan.”

  Devin spoke next, shaking her head. “Tristan’s a veteran Silver ranker. From what Bren told us, you beat him no contest. That’s accomplishment enough.”

  Todd leaned forward, resting his arm on his bow. “I’ve heard solo assessments are completely different from party ones. Party missions scale harder. The assumption is that an adventurer at any given rank will eventually have to join a party to take on missions suited for their level. That’s why the guild is so brutal about party ascensions. If you’re claiming your team is Silver-tier, you need to be able to handle Silver-tier threats together.”

  Jane nodded, crossing her arms. “Solo adventurers don’t get a luxury either. If you’re going up the ranks alone, the guild requires the same mission completions. You’re treated as a party so any accomplishment gets the same progression. Either you join up with a party to cover weaknesses or you earn every progression on your own.”

  She paused before adding, “That’s why you don’t see many solo adventurers ranked Silver or higher. If they are, it means they can handle high-level missions or areas alone, something most parties struggle with together. So usually, the only way a solo adventurer progresses are by joining a party.”

  Todd gestured toward the group. “Same applies to the lower ranks. A Bronze or Iron adventurer might take a few easy missions on their own, but any higher levels of their rank? They’ll need a party. The guild structures it that way for a reason. Strength in numbers.”

  I mulled that over. My subterfuge may have been lacking. If a single adventurer reached Silver, they were leagues ahead of the average fighter. For most, climbing the ranks meant joining forces. Those who didn’t had to prove they could take on the kind of threats entire teams struggled against.

  I smirked. “I take it your test won’t be as direct as mine, then?”

  Ozzy grinned. “Not even close.”

  I gestured for him to elaborate. He straightened, cracking his knuckles. “It’s a two-part trial. First up is Tactical Skirmish. A battlefield scenario where we’re thrown into a shifting combat zone. We’ll face summoned enemies, changing terrain, and objectives that won’t stay static.”

  Devin added, “And at some point, one of us will be ‘downed’ at random. The guild wants to see how we adjust the moment we lose someone.”

  Todd nodded. “That’s just phase one. Phase two is The Final Mission. An escort job where we have to protect a VIP and get them to safety.”

  Devin sighed. “Which means an ambush. We’ll have to make split-second decisions. Do we focus on completing the mission, or do we turn back to save a fallen teammate?”

  I absorbed all of that. That brought up leadership, adaptability, and making the right calls under pressure.

  Ozzy smirked. “And before you say it, we’d love your help preparing.”

  I smirked back. “Then let’s get to work.”