Vaelis stood before the guild counter, her adventurer card glowing softly.
— Rank C, the guild receptionist announced with a smile.
A quiet murmur spread through the hall.
Vaelis had been officially promoted.
From that day on, the nature of her missions changed. No more simple exterminations or supply escorts—she was now entrusted with arrest missions, dangerous assignments involving criminals and rogue adventurers.
And she excelled.
Her efficiency was frightening.
Her judgment was sharp.
Her flames were precise.
Before long, whispers followed her wherever she went.
— That's Vaelis…
— The one who took down Spori.
— Don't underestimate her. She's different.
Respect replaced doubt.
One afternoon, as Vaelis walked through the bustling city center, someone called out to her.
— Hey. You're Vaelis, right?
She turned to see a man with short ash-blond hair and a confident posture. His guild emblem shone clearly.
— Val. Rank C adventurer, he introduced himself.
— What do you want? Vaelis asked calmly.
Val crossed his arms.
— I've got a mission. An extermination request.
— Go on.
— Giant bats. Inside a dungeon not far from here. Officially, it's labeled as Rank C… but between us, it smells like a Rank B mission.
Vaelis narrowed her eyes.
— And you're telling me this because…?
Val smirked.
— Because with two Rank C adventurers, it should be manageable. Risky, sure—but worth it.
For a brief moment, Vaelis hesitated.
Then she nodded.
— Fine. I'm in.
Val's grin widened.
— Good. I was hoping you'd say that.
As the sun began to set, the two adventurers left the city together.
Their destination lay ahead.
A dungeon shrouded in darkness.
And a mission that would test Vaelis far more than she expected.