Salzar.

  Rael's steps slowed as he reized the man immediately. Jet-bck hair, sharp features, and that same smirk that carried the weight of past frontations. A former enforcer of the Ravens. Not just some random pyer—Salzar had been part of one of the most notorious anizations ba the pro se.

  The Ravens. Ruthless, calg, and uing. Unlike most teams that pyed flory, they pyed for domiheir goal wasn't just to win—it was to make sure you lost. They specialized in psychological warfare, turning rivalries intes and breaking pyers before they ever set foot in a match. And in their prime, they had been one of the few groups that could go toe-to-toe with Remembrance of the Fallen (ROF)—Rael's former team.

  But Salzar wasn't alone.

  Two figures fnked him—both unfamiliar. One was a burly man with short-cropped hair and a deep scar running down his cheek, arms crossed as he observed silently. The other was leaner, with an unreadable expression, silver piergs lining his ears. Their presence was iional, standing just close enough to reinforce Salzar's presehout speaking.

  Salzar's gaze flicked over Leon before nding ohe smirk widened.

  "Well, well… Aureus."

  Rael didn't react, but inside, something clicked into pce. Solmora's avatars reflected real-life appearao a degree—an eerie design choice that made it harder to hide. Hair and eye color could be altered, but facial structure? Boructure? Posture? Those stayed. It wasn't a oo-one replica, but close enough that someoh a sharp eye—someone who had studied him before—could reize him.

  And Salzar was nothing if not observant.

  Leon tensed beside him. "Damn it. You again?"

  Salzar ignored him, stepping closer. His eyes lingered on Rael's face, as if firming his own suspis. "Didn't think I'd see you here of all pces. Thought you disappeared."

  Rael's expression remained unreadable. "You're mistaken. The name's Noctus."

  Salzar chuckled. "Right. And I'm the God-Emperor's chosen champion." He crossed his arms, tilting his head. "You know, I've been w where you ran off to after everything. No big annous, no farewell tour—just gone."

  Rael kept his to. "I moved on."

  Salzar studied him for a moment, then exhaled through his nose in amusement. "Heh. That so?" His smirk returned, but there was something colder beh it now. "You know… some people weren't too happy about that."

  Leon folded his arms, eyes narrowing. "Alright, what's your deal? You just here to stir shit, or are you actually up to something?"

  Salzar let out a shh befesturing to the two behind him. "You could say I'm rebuilding."

  Rael's brows furrowed slightly. "Rebuilding?"

  Salzar nodded. "The Ravens disbahree years ago. But things ge. You've heard the buzz, haven't you? About how Ast might bee the biggest game in petitive history? Full immersion, no skill ceiling, real-world stakes... It's going to redefine esports, and I io be at the top when it does."

  Leon scoffed. "So, what? You're putting the Ravens back together just to ruin another se?"

  Salzar's smirk deepened. "That's a crude way of putting it. Let's just say… I see an opportunity."

  He let the sileretch before finally gesturing to the two beside him. "Let me introduce you to my eammates," he said smoothly. "Silvershadow and Ragar."

  The leaner of the two, Silvershadow, gave a half-smirk, his silver piergs catg the dim city lights. His gaze lingered on Rael for a moment lohan necessary, like he was itting his faory. "So this is the infamous Aureus," he murmured. His voice was sharp, measured, like a bde beied before a duel.

  The bulkier ar—just snorted. His scarred face twisted into somethiween amusement and disdain. "Didn't expect to run into a fallen legend so soon," he muttered. His posture was rexed, but there was some edge to it.

  Rael didn't bother responding. Instead, he looked back to Salzar. "And?"

  Salzar chuckled, shaking his head. "And nothing. Just thought you'd like to meet some of the people who'll be shaping the future."

  Leon scoffed. "Shaping the future? You mean ruining it."

  Salzar ignored him. "Noctus, let's be real here. You and I both know where this is heading. This game isn't just some casual MMO. It's going to be the proving ground. The battlefield. And those whhat early will be the ones who e out on top."

  Rael kept his expression unreadable.

  Salzar spread his arms. "Look, I'm not here to dig up old wounds. I get it—ROF had its moment, and you walked away. Fine. But let's not pretend like you don't still have that hunger. A game like this? It's built for people like us."

  "People like us?" Rael echoed.

  "petitors," Salzar said simply. "The ones who don't just py to win—we py to domio leave a mark." His smirk returned, sharp and knowing. "And you, Noctus… you were one of the best at it."

  Rael didn't respond.

  Leon, however, had heard enough. "Alright, are we done here? Or do you have more bullshit to spew?"

  Salzar chuckled. "For now? I'll leave it at that. But something tells me we'll be seeing each ain soon." He turned on his heel, Silvershadow and Ragar falling into step behind him.

  As they disappeared into the crowd, Leo out a breath. "Yeah, that's gonna be a problem."

  Rael didn't disagree.

  Salzar and his group were dangerous—not just because of their skill but because they already uood how to navigate Solmora's world at a deeper level than most. If they were pnning something, it was only a matter of time before they cshed again.

  But for now, there were other things to focus on.

  He turned his attention back to the streets of Vash'kar. The city buzzed with life, a mixture of knights, schors, and merts weaving through its cobbled roads. Uhe previous town where Rael started, Vash'kar had a raw energy to it. It was a frontier city, a pce where ambition and opportunity thrived in equal measure. The architecture blended practicality with revererong, fortified walls standing alongside t spires adorned with holy insignias.

  Leon nudged him. "Let's keep moving. There's still a lot to see."

  The two ventured deeper, taking in the sights. Bcksmiths hammered away at ented ons, the ring of steel filling the air. Alchemists peddled glowing elixirs that pulsed with energy. Spellcasters showcased are teiques fer onlookers, while wandering merts hawked exotic goods from distant nds.

  But amidst all the marvels, oructure stood out.

  The Church of Sonoros.

  It loomed above the city, a grand cathedral of ivory and gold, its stained-gss windows casting kaleidoscopic light onto the pza below. The air felt heavier here, as if the very ground pulsed with divine energy. Rows of statues lihe stairway leading up to the entra depis of saints and warriors radiant armor, their expressions solemn and watchful.

  Leo out a low whistle. "Subtle. Real subtle."

  Rael's gaze lingered ohedral. The Order's presence was undeniable, but there was something more to this pce. He could feel it.

  As they made their way toward the entrahey found themselves caught in the flow of robed priests and armored padins moving through the courtyard. Discussions of faith and duty filled the air, blending with the distant echoes of hymns from withihedral.

  A priest in embroidered white robes stepped forward, his eyes sharp with curiosity. "You walk the path of the divine, do you not?"

  Rael hesitated. He wasn't expeg to be singled out.

  Leon, however, smirked. "Oh, I don't know. What gave it away? The armor, the sword, or the general aura hteousness?"

  The priest chuckled. "A tempr's path is unmistakable." His gaze shifted between them. "And your panion?"

  "Not shteous," Leon said with a grin. "I'm a mage."

  The priest houghtfully. "Then your road lies elsewhere. But for you, tempr… this pce is more than just a house of worship." He gestured toward the cathedral. "The Church of Sonoros does not merely guide the faithful—it offers the devoted a path to assion."

  Rael's brow furrowed. "Assion?"

  "Those who dedicate themselves to Sonoros may traheir limits," the priest expined. "A warrior who proves their devotion may bee a holy warrior. A healer may asd to a holy priest. Even those of other disciplines who embrace the light may find their path transformed."

  Rael exged a gh Leon.

  "So this pce is more than just a religious hub," Rael muttered. "It's a progression system for holy-based csses."

  The priest nodded. "Those who walk the path of Sonoros may asd beyond their station. A warrior may bee a holy knight, a healer a blessed priest. Through faith aion, one may earn divine favor."

  Leon raised an eyebrow. "And what? Just anyone sign up a a fancy holy upgrade?"

  The priest smiled. "Faith is tested through trial. The Order watches closely, for only the worthy may asd."

  Rael remained silent, abs the implications. If the Church dictated progression for all holy csses, it meant they held signifit trol over aire branch of power in Solmora. Anyone seeking divirength would have to prove themselves on the Order's terms.

  That level of influence reminded him of the God-Emperor. If the Church trolled the path of the faithful, where did that leave him? A ruler? A figurehead? Or something more?

  "And the God-Emperor?" Rael asked.

  The priest's expression darkened slightly. "To the faithful, the God-Emperor of Holy Grace is not merely a ruler—he is the will of Sonoros made ma. His dominion is absolute because it is ordained by the heavens. To defy him is to defy divinity itself."

  Leo out a low breath. "That's a dangerous way of thinking."

  The priest's eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "Truth and faith are one and the same in Solmora. You will e to uand this in time."

  Rael exhaled. He wasn't here to debate theology.

  * * *

  As they stepped away from the t presence of the Church of Sonoros, Leon stretched his arms above his head, exhaling loudly. "Well, that was intense. I feel holier already."

  Rael smirked but said nothing. The church had given him a lot to think about, but right now, he was more ed with getting a better grasp of what else Vash'kar had to offer.

  Leon nudged him. "Hey, I saw an Adventurer's Guild on the way here. Might be worth cheg out. They usually handle quests, and I'd rather be doing something than standing around basking in divine glory."

  Rael nodded. "Lead the way."

  The guild was a rge stone hall, its entranked by banners depig crossed swords and a silver crest. Uhe structured discipline of the church, the atmosphere here was lively and chaotic—meraries, hunters, and swords-for-hire filled the space, drinking, ughing, and haggling over rewards. The air smelled of ale, part, and sweat.

  The receptionist, a kind-looking woman with auburn hair, greeted them as they approached the front desk.

  "Newers?" she asked, gng at their gear.

  "That obvious?" Leon grinned.

  She smirked. "If you're looking tister, it's five silver each. You'll start at E-rank and work your ."

  Rael fished out the s without pint. A small iment for future gains. Leon did the same, and within mihey were officially E-rank adventurers.

  "Now what?" Rael muttered as they stepped away from the desk.

  Leon motiooward a massive woode board where adventurers crowded around, sing for jobs. Some were already being torn down by eager hands.

  "Now, we pick a job."

  Before Rael could answer, a ping sounded in his interface. He checked his messages.

  [Gale: You in-game yet? Thinking of expl.]

  Rael typed a quick reply.

  [Noctus: At Vash'kar. Catch up ter?]

  Gale's response came quickly.

  [Gale: Got it. It'll take a while to reach you.]

  Rael closed the interface.

  Leon raised an eyebrow. "Who's that?"

  "Gale, a guy I ran into earlier. Helped me train a bit," Rael replied. "We will catch up ter."

  Leon nodded. "More hands on deck. That works." He turned back to the board. "Alright, what's the py? Escort, bounty, or monster hunt?"

  Rael sed the postings. Most of the high-paying jobs were k her, locked out to newers. But there were a few E-rank quests avaible. One caught his eye:

  [Quest: Mert Escort]Raails: A traveling mert requires guards to escort his goods to a nearby outpost. Beware of potential goblin activity.Reward: 60 silver per person

  "Simple enough," Rael said, pointing at the listing. "We get some travel experiend maybe a fight."

  Leon grinned. "Sign me up."

  They took the quest slip to the receptionist, who nodded approvingly. "The mert is already waiting at the east gate. Better hurry."

  By the time they arrived at the eastern gates, a grizzled mert stood beside a wooden cart den with crates, tapping his foot impatiently. Two oxen were hitched to the cart, sn in the cold air.

  "You're the escorts?" the mert asked, eyeing them skeptically.

  Rael simply nodded.

  The man grunted. "Fine. We're headed to Outpost Varin, about an hour's walk from here. Should be simple—unless gobli any ideas."

  The journey began smoothly. The forest-lined road leading out of Vash'kar was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustling of leaves. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows through the trees.

  And then—movement.

  Rael's instincts fred. He grabbed Leon's shoulder, stopping him mid-step.

  A guttural chittering came from the underbrush.

  Leon exhaled. "And here I was hoping for a peaceful walk."

  The goblins rushed out from the treeline—small, wiry creatures with jagged ons, their yellow eyes gleaming with huhere were five of them, their crude bdes raised high.

  Rael didn't hesitate.

  Steel met flesh.

  His sword fshed, cutting down the first goblin before it could react. Leon followed up with a bst of fireball, iing another in an instant. The remaining three hesitated, snarling uainly.

  "e on," Leon tauwirling his staff. "Let's make this fun."

  The goblins lunged again. Rael parried, sidestepped, and sshed low, his bde cutting through sinew. Anoblin dropped.

  The st two turo flee.

  Leon didn't let them.

  A pulse of magic rippled through the air. Ied beh the goblins' feet, log them in pce. With a casual flick of his fingers, Leo a final firebolt through their skulls.

  The battle ended as quickly as it had begun.

  Rael g Leon, raising an eyebrow. "You also know ice magic?"

  Leon smirked, flexing his fingers as traces of frost faded from them. "What, you thought you were the only one expl?"

  The mert, who had been c behind the cart, peeked out. "Is… is it over?"

  Rael flicked the blood from his bde. "Yeah."

  Leon grinned. "Goblins arely a challenge."

  They looted what little and scraps the goblins had, then tinued on their way.

  Back at the outpost, the mert they had escorted greeted them with a relieved nod. "Well doravelers. I was worried we'd run into worse, but you handled yourselves well." He hahem a small pouch of s and a stamped part—proof of mission pletion.

  Rael checked the interface. [Quest plete: Mert Escort] fshed across his s, followed by the rewards being added to his iory.

  Leon stretched. "Easy money."

  As they left the outpost, Leon suddenly smirked. "You know… this reminds me of the old days."

  Rael g him. "How so?"

  Leon shrugged. "Just us, running quests, taking down mobs, splitting rewards. Feels familiar." His tone shifted slightly, more thoughtful. "Have you thought about it?"

  "About what?"

  Leon gave him a look. "Starting a guild again."

  Rael exhaled. The idea hadn't even crossed his mind—not yet, anyway.

  "I don't know," he admitted. "Things are different now."

  Leon raised an eyebrow but didn't push the topic. "If you say so."

  As they walked back toward Vash'kar, Rael's vision suddenly flickered.

  The game interface distorted for a fra of a sed—bd white static ripped across his s, symbols fshing too fast to prehend. A low, eerie whisper crawled through his ears, but before he could make sense of it—

  It was gone.

  Everything snapped back to normal.

  Rael slowed his pace, frowning. That… was weird.

  "Something wrong?" Leon asked.

  Rael hesitated, then shook his head. "No. Just thought I saw something."

  Leon shrugged. "Might be a fly. Anyway, I say we grab some food before taking another quest. You in?"

  Rael gave the game interfance, but nothing seemed out of pce.

  "Yeah," he said, pushing the thought aside. "Let's go."