While others rose through guild ranks, Kael became a porter , map reader and tactician
He knew monsters. Patterns,traps.
But power eluded him.
Riven soon became a renowned adventurer both his friend and girlfriend became known as the greatest B rank prodigies.
An SSS rank dungeon surfaced- an event meant only for legends. Guilds scrambled. Heroes gathered.
Kael wasn't invited.
But Elara insisted.
"You are our strategist", she said. " we need you".
Riven agreed, though hesitation flickered in his eyes.
As they entered the dungeon's shadowed gates, Kael felt uneasy, unaware that loyalty can rot silently, like a blade hidden beneath a cloak.