The morning after the Grand Tournament, golden sunlight filtered through the city windows, signaling a new day of trials. Novarion and Zayn walked toward the Guild Headquarters with calm but serious expressions; after the fierce battles of the tournament, they knew the path ahead would only grow more perilous. Near the mission board, they found Ray and Lina.
"What are you two doing here?" Novarion asked.
Ray offered a small smile, "We're joining the Guild. It's time we proved our worth."
Moments later, a guard summoned them to the Guild Leader's hall. The Leader sat behind a wide wooden desk, surrounded by maps and mission blueprints.
"I've summoned you for a special mission," he said gravely. "The city of Corinth is under siege by a ruthless gang known as the Blood Wolves. I chose you because you've proven your strength."
"We can leave immediately," Novarion replied firmly.
Accompanied by Ray and Lina, the group set off in a carriage drawn by powerful black horses. Hours into their journey through dense forests, a massive man with a rusted sword and a gang tattoo blocked their path.
"This land is ours," the man growled. "Pay the tax or turn back!"
Novarion stepped out with a cold smile. "The tax? Fine... I'll pay it with your blood."
"Ghost Step!" Novarion whispered.
He vanished, appearing instantly behind the man. A sharp whistle of air was followed by a muffled cry as a wind blade pierced the bandit.
[System: Opponent defeated. 50 XP gained.]
The remaining bandits fled into the woods, shouting, "Our leader won't let this slide!"
Upon reaching Corinth, they were met by the Mayor, whose face was pale with exhaustion. "They loot, kill, and burn everything," he choked out.
"Don't worry," Novarion reassured him. "Lina, tend to the wounded. Ray, guard the entrances. Zayn, stay with me on the walls."
That night, Novarion entered the System's Training Chamber. He fought simulated battles against haunting monsters until sweat poured down his face, emerging with a faint blue glow in his eyes—stronger and more focused.
By morning, news arrived: Kalykis, one of the gang's most brutal commanders, was approaching.
"This fight is mine," Zayn said, stepping forward. "No one interferes."
Kalykis arrived on a black stallion, his long spear gleaming. "You killed my men? You'll pay for that!"
Kalykis lunged with lightning speed, but Zayn was faster. He evaded with a slight tilt of his body and swung his dagger, cleaving the commander's spear in two. Before Kalykis could recover, a powerful kick sent him crashing to the ground. Zayn moved with inhuman velocity; within seconds, the ground shook under the weight of his relentless strikes. The fight ended before it truly began.
[System: A teammate has defeated an opponent. 500 XP added.]
Zayn stood calm, showing no signs of fatigue.
"I didn't think it would end that quickly," Novarion admitted with a smirk.
Ray whistled in disbelief, "Kalykis... fallen in less than a minute."
Novarion placed a hand on Zayn's shoulder. "Impressive. The Blood Wolves will think twice before attacking another city."
To be continued...