Ethan stood in the Guild Hall, arms crossed as he and his team waited near the mission board. The news had spread fast.
And because of that— They were being promoted. But as Ethan stood there, listening to the murmurs of adventurers around them, he wasn’t sure if that was a reward… or a warning. Because their next mission? It was taking them farther than they had ever gone. Into a place even the System refused to acknowledge. And he had a sinking feeling that once they left, there would be no turning back. Guild Promotion Ceremony Elias stood before them, his usual composed expression unreadable. “The Guild rarely promotes teams this quickly,” he said. “But circumstances are… unusual.” Understatement of the year. Kara smirked, crossing her arms. “Just say it, Elias. We’re too good for our rank.” Elias sighed. “You’re just tolerable enough.” Leah rolled her eyes. Gareth, as usual, remained silent, but Ethan saw the tension in his posture. This wasn’t just a rank-up. It was a sign. The Guild was preparing for something. And they needed stronger adventurers—fast. Elias continued, “Effective immediately, you are promoted from C-Rank to B-Rank.” A few adventurers in the crowd muttered. Most teams took years to climb ranks. They had done it in weeks. Elias handed each of them a new identification card.
“Your access to higher-tier quests will be unlocked,” Elias continued. “You will also receive a bonus stipend.” Kara perked up. “Finally.” Elias shot her a look before turning back to Ethan. “But make no mistake,” he said. “This promotion isn’t a reward.” His gray eyes darkened. “It’s a necessity.” Because what was coming next… Was going to be far worse than anything they had faced before.
With the rank-up confirmed, they gathered in one of the private training halls to go over their updated stats.
Ethan Voss – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Shadowcaster (Hybrid Assassin-Mage)
Level: 14
Health: 390/390
Mana: 120/120
Strength: 30
Agility: 40
Endurance: 28
Perception: 32
Mana Control: 18
Available Stat Points: 5
Skills:
Shadow Step (Uncommon) – Short-range teleportation with momentary invisibility.
Silent Blade (Rare) – Coats melee weapons in shadow energy for increased damage.
Dark Grasp (Uncommon) – Summons shadow tendrils to bind enemies. Void Lance (Rare) – Fires a concentrated blast of dark energy.
Shadow Cloak (Passive – Rare) – Enhances stealth and reduces enemy perception.
Umbral Echo (Rare – Shadowcaster Exclusive) – Creates a temporary shadow clone that mimics Ethan’s last attack.
NEW: Abyssal Resilience (??? – System Unrecognized) – The mark on Ethan’s chest has strengthened his resistance against unknown energy types.
Ethan stared at the new skill. Abyssal Resilience. The System didn’t even recognize what it was. And that was the part that terrified him the most.
Checking Their Status
With the rank-up confirmed, they gathered in one of the private training halls to go over their updated stats.
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Ethan Voss – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Shadowcaster (Hybrid Assassin-Mage)
Level: 14
Health: 390/390
Mana: 120/120
Strength: 30
Agility: 40
Endurance: 28
Perception: 32
Mana Control: 18
Available Stat Points: 5
Skills:
?? Shadow Step (Uncommon) – Short-range teleportation with momentary invisibility.
?? Silent Blade (Rare) – Coats melee weapons in shadow energy for increased damage.
?? Dark Grasp (Uncommon) – Summons shadow tendrils to bind enemies.
?? Void Lance (Rare) – Fires a concentrated blast of dark energy.
?? Shadow Cloak (Passive – Rare) – Enhances stealth and reduces enemy perception.
?? Umbral Echo (Rare – Shadowcaster Exclusive) – Creates a temporary shadow clone that mimics Ethan’s last attack.
?? NEW: Abyssal Resilience (??? – System Unrecognized) – The mark on Ethan’s chest has strengthened his resistance against unknown energy types.
Ethan stared at the new skill.
Abyssal Resilience.
The System didn’t even recognize what it was.
And that was the part that terrified him the most.
Gareth Halloway – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Titan Vanguard (Frontline Tank & Spear Specialist)
Level: 16
Health: 540/540
Mana: 90/90
Strength: 44
Agility: 26
Endurance: 50
Perception: 20
Mana Control: 14
Available Stat Points: 5
Titan’s Rush (Uncommon) – Gains temporary damage resistance when charging into battle.
Piercing Strike (Rare) – A precise spear thrust that ignores partial armor.
Iron Guard (Uncommon) – Enhances defensive posture, reducing incoming damage.
Anchor Stance (Rare) – Cannot be forcibly moved for 5 seconds.
Earthshatter (Epic – One-Time Skill Drop) – A ground-breaking slam that stuns nearby enemies.
Gareth grunted, rolling his shoulders. “Solid enough,” he muttered. Ethan couldn’t help but think: If Gareth is worried about what’s next, we’re in trouble.
Kara Vale – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Stormblade Duelist (Speed-Focused Melee Fighter)
Level: 15
Health: 370/370
Mana: 100/100 S
trength: 35
Agility: 42
Endurance: 25
Perception: 28
Mana Control: 22
Available Stat Points: 5
Kara Vale – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Stormblade Duelist (Speed-Focused Melee Fighter)
Level: 15
Health: 370/370
Mana: 100/100
Strength: 35
Agility: 42
Endurance: 25
Perception: 28
Mana Control: 22
Available Stat Points: 5
Skills:
?? Wind Cutter (Uncommon) – Fires a high-speed blade of compressed air.
?? Blade Arc (Rare) – A rapid spinning slash that releases energy.
?? Storm Step (Uncommon) – Dashes in an unpredictable zigzag, increasing evasion.
?? Skyward Strike (Rare) – A rising slash that boosts into the air.
?? Thunderous Edge (Epic) – Temporarily coats weapon in lightning, increasing speed & impact.
Kara grinned.
“Oh, hell yes.”
Ethan smirked. “Try not to electrocute yourself.”
Kara rolled her eyes. “No promises.”
Leah Morrin – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Celestial Warden (Light Magic Healer & Barrier Specialist)
Level: 15
Health: 350/350
Mana: 210/210
Strength: 18
Agility: 24
Endurance: 28
Perception: 30
Mana Control: 50
Available Stat Points: 5
Skills:
Barrier Ward (Rare) – Generates a defensive shield against physical and magical attacks.
Healing Light (Uncommon) – A focused burst of healing energy.
Divine Sigil (Rare) – Places a magic seal that purifies minor corruption.
Light Lance (Uncommon) – Fires a concentrated spear of light energy.
Sanctuary Zone (Epic) – Creates a wide area where allies regenerate health and resist dark magic.
Kara grinned. “Oh, hell yes.” Ethan smirked. “Try not to electrocute yourself.” Kara rolled her eyes. “No promises.”
Kara Vale – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Stormblade Duelist (Speed-Focused Melee Fighter)
Level: 15
Health: 370/370
Mana: 100/100
Strength: 35
Agility: 42
Endurance: 25
Perception: 28
Mana Control: 22
Available Stat Points: 5
Skills:
?? Wind Cutter (Uncommon) – Fires a high-speed blade of compressed air.
?? Blade Arc (Rare) – A rapid spinning slash that releases energy.
?? Storm Step (Uncommon) – Dashes in an unpredictable zigzag, increasing evasion.
?? Skyward Strike (Rare) – A rising slash that boosts into the air.
?? Thunderous Edge (Epic) – Temporarily coats weapon in lightning, increasing speed & impact.
Kara grinned.
“Oh, hell yes.”
Ethan smirked. “Try not to electrocute yourself.”
Kara rolled her eyes. “No promises.”
Leah Morrin – B-Rank Adventurer
Class: Celestial Warden (Light Magic Healer & Barrier Specialist)
Level: 15
Health: 350/350
Mana: 210/210
Strength: 18
Agility: 24
Endurance: 28
Perception: 30
Mana Control: 50
Available Stat Points: 5
Skills:
Barrier Ward (Rare) – Generates a defensive shield against physical and magical attacks.
Healing Light (Uncommon) – A focused burst of healing energy.
Divine Sigil (Rare) – Places a magic seal that purifies minor corruption.
Light Lance (Uncommon) – Fires a concentrated spear of light energy.
Sanctuary Zone (Epic) – Creates a wide area where allies regenerate health and resist dark magic.
Leah sighed. “Looks like I’ll be working overtime.” Ethan smirked. “As always.” She nudged his arm, but the worry didn’t leave her eyes. Because this wasn’t just another rank-up. It was a step deeper into the unknown. And none of them knew if they’d come back from it.
