After weeks of maintaining a constant routine between training and administration, it became clear to me that simply repeating the same pattern would not be enough. I needed something more. Something that would truly put me to the test.
And that "something" had always existed in the same place.
The guild.
That morning, I left the elven city before sunrise had fully arrived. The trip to Vailor had already become common, and the carriage followed a path I already knew well. The group was with me, as always.
Lyannis was leaning beside the window. "So you decided to raise the level."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna crossed her arms. "It was about time."
Scarlett commented: "Expected progression."
Elara stated: "Search for a greater challenge."
Vespera added: "Increased risk."
Liriel looked at me carefully. "Do you think you're ready already?"
"No."
She blinked, surprised.
"But I need to try."
The rest of the trip continued in silence. It wasn't tension. It was focus.
When we arrived in Vailor, the city was already active. People moving around, merchants opening shops, adventurers coming and going.
Nothing there seemed to have changed.
But I had.
We entered the guild.
The inside carried the same noise as always. Conversations, laughter, negotiations. But as soon as we crossed the door…
Some eyes turned toward us.
Lyannis smiled faintly. "They still haven't gotten used to it."
"It doesn't matter."
Rai'kanna said: "They recognize us."
Scarlett analyzed: "Reputation consolidated."
Elara stated: "Clear social impact."
Vespera added: "Growing influence."
Liriel stayed a little closer to me, as usual in moments like that.
I walked straight to the mission board.
I didn't waste time with low-level ones.
I passed right by them.
Rank A… ignored.
Rank S…
I stopped.
There they were.
Few options.
But all of them… dangerous.
Lyannis approached. "Now this is more like it."
Rai'kanna looked over my shoulder. "Which one is it going to be?"
Scarlett analyzed every detail of the papers. "High risk."
Elara added: "Proportional reward."
Vespera said: "Requires strategy."
Liriel read quietly. "These missions… aren't common."
I observed one in particular.
"Creature identified as 'Cavern Behemoth.' Location: mountainous region to the north. Threat level: extreme. Reward: 4,200 gold coins."
I stayed silent for a moment.
This was it.
Lyannis noticed. "You already chose."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna smiled faintly. "Good choice."
Scarlett commented: "High-level challenge."
Elara stated: "Suitable test."
Vespera added: "Significant risk."
Liriel took a deep breath. "Then let's go."
I grabbed the paper.
Without hesitation.
The receptionist looked at me for a second longer than normal when I handed over the mission.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
She nodded, registering it.
"Good luck."
We turned around without saying anything else.
The destination was already decided.
The trip to the mountainous region took a few hours. The terrain began to change as we advanced. The vegetation decreased, the air became drier, and rocky formations became more frequent.
When we finally arrived, the scene was clear.
Caves.
Many of them.
Lyannis looked around. "Perfect place for something huge to hide."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna commented: "Closed terrain."
Scarlett analyzed: "Low visibility."
Elara stated: "Hostile environment."
Vespera added: "High ambush risk."
Liriel looked at the cave entrances. "We're going to have to go inside."
"Yes."
There was no other way.
We advanced.
The inside of the cave was dark, but not completely. Small natural openings allowed enough light through to maintain visibility.
Even so, the environment was heavy.
The mana there… was dense.
Lyannis whispered: "It's here."
"Yes."
Rai'kanna adjusted her stance. "Ready."
Scarlett said: "Combat formation."
Elara added: "Strategic positioning."
Vespera stated: "Full attention."
Liriel kept her hands ready to cast.
We advanced a few more meters.
And then…
The sound.
A heavy impact.
Slow.
But strong.
The entire cave seemed to react.
Lyannis smiled. "We found it."
"Or it found us."
Rai'kanna stepped forward.
Another impact.
Closer.
The shadow appeared first.
Large.
Disproportionate.
And then…
It appeared.
The Behemoth.
Its body occupied almost the entire width of the cave. Thick skin, covered by natural plates. Eyes fixed on us.
Silence.
For a second.
Lyannis murmured: "Now this is more like it."
Rai'kanna said: "This one's different."
Scarlett analyzed: "High resistance."
Elara stated: "Extremely high brute strength."
Vespera added: "Real threat."
Liriel took a deep breath. "Let's do this."
I didn't wait.
I advanced first.
The Behemoth reacted instantly, raising one of its paws and slamming it down with force.
I dodged.
The impact against the ground made the cave tremble.
Lyannis moved in from the side, attacking with speed. Rai'kanna followed with a direct strike, testing its resistance.
Scarlett and Elara positioned themselves, coordinating the rhythm of the battle. Vespera secured the rear. Liriel began channeling magic.
I focused.
Not on strength.
But on the right point.
I observed the creature's movements.
Heavy.
But predictable.
I waited for the moment.
And then…
I struck.
The energy cut through the air, hitting directly one of its defensive plates.
The impact was strong.
But not enough to break it.
"Resistant."
Lyannis commented while retreating. "You'll need more."
"I know."
Rai'kanna said: "Then let's force it."
The battle continued.
Fast pace.
Total coordination.
Every attack from us had a purpose.
Every movement from it… a response.
But little by little…
The advantage began to shift.
Not because it was getting weaker.
But because we were getting better.
Faster.
More precise.
More coordinated.
I took a deep breath.
And channeled more energy.
"Now."
I advanced again.
This time…
Without hesitation.
And I knew.
This was exactly the kind of challenge I needed.