The dungeon hall loomed ahead, massive and silent, with guild banners fluttering in the wind.
Kael stopped the group a few paces away, eyes sweeping over each of them.
"Listen carefully," he said, voice calm but commanding. "Your task is simple: pass the E-rank license test."
Riven's eyes sparkled. "That's it?"
Kael nodded. "Yes. No tricks, no complicated drills. Just pass the test. The guild evaluates you individually, so you'll each be scattered for the exam."
Lyra swallowed. "And… when do we meet again?"
"Two days from now," Kael said. "At the E-rank dungeon. That's where we regroup after everyone completes the test."
The four hunters exchanged tense glances, their hearts hammering at the thought of the evaluation.
Meanwhile, unseen by anyone else, Kael activated his system.
[Quest — Riven Holt]Objective: Pass the E-rank license testEffect: Skill enhancement upon completion
[Quest — Lyra Tane]Objective: Pass the E-rank license testEffect: Skill enhancement upon completion
[Quest — Taren Vale]Objective: Pass the E-rank license testEffect: Skill enhancement upon completion
[Quest — Calen Vire]Objective: Pass the E-rank license testEffect: Skill enhancement upon completion
[Quest — Kael Draven]Objective: Ensure all four F-ranks complete their tests successfullyEffect: Skill and leadership enhancement
No one could see these quests. Only Kael knew they existed, silently tracking their progress and growth as they faced the guild's evaluation.
Kael looked at them one last time. "Remember—just pass. Meet me in two days at the E-rank dungeon. Don't get distracted, and don't fail."
Riven clenched his fists, determination blazing.Lyra's eyes shone with excitement and nerves.Taren Vale adjusted his grip on his sword, ready.Calen Vire took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
"Good," Kael said. "Go. Make sure you're prepared. We regroup in two days."
One by one, the F-ranks turned and left, scattered across the guild hall and city to take their individual E-rank license tests.
Kael watched them go, lips twitching faintly. Inside his system, the quests quietly waited, ready to enhance each of them when the time came.
For now, they were alone. But in two days… they would reunite as hunters on the edge of real power.