Chapter 50: Trials and Bonds

  The room was silent save for the measured breathing of the two men standing before the Grandmaster of Xenor’s Adventurer’s Guild, Fillia Kelcrest. She sat behind her polished mahogany desk, the flickering candlelight casting sharp shadows across the room. Her golden eyes—so similar to Thalron’s—were sharp, unreadable, and devoid of warmth.

  On the table between them, a single iron adventurer’s badge rested atop a small parchment bearing Thalron’s name.

  "You have fulfilled your duty," Fillia said, her voice composed but distant. "Despite your personal attachments, you did what was necessary. That is commendable."

  Thalron dipped his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, Master Fillia."

  Fillia barely looked at him before continuing. "This was meant to be awarded after your original promotion mission, but circumstances demanded adjustment. Time was of the essence. And I knew you wanted to ensure your friend’s safety."

  Marcus, who had remained silent until now, crossed his arms. "You could have just said, ‘I know you wanted to save Marcus.’ Would’ve been easier."

  Fillia spared him a glance but said nothing.

  Thalron picked up the iron badge, running his thumb over the engraved insignia. He had trained hard for this rank—harder than most—because of the expectations placed upon him. His mother had trained him to be precise, disciplined, elite. He had hoped his promotion would be tied to a mission of his own choosing.

  Instead, it had led him here.

  He exhaled. "I understand."

  Fillia leaned forward slightly. "Good. Because our problems do not end here."

  Her attention shifted to Marcus, her expression unreadable.

  "Marcus Elder," she said, tone colder than before. "In two days’ time, the Guild Leaders from across the region will arrive in Xenor. You are to be questioned about your involvement in the Acronian Sea Dungeon collapse."

  Marcus stiffened slightly at the mention of the Sirius Dungeon. He had been expecting this. But hearing it confirmed made his gut tighten.

  Fillia continued, undeterred. "Your recent unreported dungeon exploits won’t help your case. Some already suspect foul play. You were present at the collapse of a high-tier dungeon, then reemerged weeks later from a hidden one with newly acquired, weapons and magical items."

  Marcus sighed. "Well, when you put it like that, it does sound bad."

  "It is bad," Fillia said flatly. "You are to remain in Xenor until your questioning is complete."

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Marcus exhaled through his nose. "Fine."

  "Good." She stood, effectively dismissing them. "Enjoy your next two days. You won’t have much freedom after that."

  Despite the heavy meeting, Marcus, Thalron, Vira, Boruk, Ragn, and Arixa found themselves at The Shattered Blade Tavern later that evening.

  The warm glow of lanterns and the lively chatter of adventurers created an atmosphere starkly different from the cold formalities of the Guild Hall.

  Seated at a long wooden table, the group unwound with drinks in hand, reminiscing over past battles.

  "Alright," Ragn leaned back, mug in hand. "Tell us about you last Dungeon Delve, heard you two went through alot."

  Vira exhaled, swirling her drink. "It was brutal. Ten consecutive bosses, no breaks, no margin for error. Each one stronger than the last."

  Boruk raised an eyebrow. "Sounds fun."

  "Fun isn’t the word I’d use," Marcus muttered. "There were some monsters in there."

  Vira nodded. "The worst? Yurtrus."

  Boruk stiffened. "The Orc God of Death?"

  "Something like that," Marcus said. "A monstrous specter of decay—it nearly ended me. Its poison started rotting me from the inside out."

  Arixa scoffed. "And yet, you’re still breathing."

  "Because Vira lost her damn mind and turned the whole place into a mana explosion," Marcus said, smirking.

  Vira grinned. "I do what I must."

  Thalron, who had been listening intently, finally spoke. "And the unflinching masked one you mentioned?

  Marcus’ expression darkened slightly. "That one was… different, It reminded me of this serial murderer talked about in stories."

  The table quieted.

  Vira crossed her arms. "It had no presence. No intent. It was just… relentless. Unfeeling."

  Marcus nodded. "Every boss before it had something—rage, hunger, malice. But this one? Nothing. It was like fighting inevitability itself."

  Thalron hummed, his fingers drumming against the table. "Sounds like something far beyond a normal dungeon entity."

  "Yeah," Marcus admitted. "But let’s talk about something less existential. Like the tournament."

  Arixa huffed. "You bearly beat me, But—" she grinned, "—Id like to see how you fare now that I've completed training with Mythril-ranked adventurer Olé."

  Marcus smirked. "You? Taking orders from someone else?"

  Arixa scowled. "Shut up."

  Thalron sighed. "I was displeased with my placement, it made my parents proud however, Dad offered me additional training afterwards, it was… exhausting. My mother’s precision combat combined with my father’s weapon refinement techniques? Brutal."

  Marcus grinned. "Sounds like you’re actually dangerous now."

  "Funny," Thalron muttered.

  Then, after a brief lull, Thalron turned serious.

  "Marcus," he said, voice quieter. "What really happened in the Sirius Dungeon?"

  Marcus tensed slightly.

  Silence.

  He exhaled, tapping his fingers against the table. "It collapsed. That much is true. But it wasn’t us that did it."

  Thalron frowned. "Then what did?"

  Marcus glanced at Boruk, then back to Thalron. "I don’t know."

  Arixa narrowed her eyes. "You’re full of shit."

  Marcus smirked. "Maybe."

  Boruk chuckled, breaking the tension. "Well, whatever happened, we’ve got two days to kill. And I say we train. See how much you two have grown."

  Ragn grinned. "Now that is an idea I can get behind."

  Thalron nodded. "I wouldn’t mind testing my limits either."

  Arixa cracked her knuckles. "You better fight me, Marcus. I need to see if you actually got stronger, or if you just talk like it."

  Marcus grinned. "I’d hate to disappoint."

  Boruk stood, finishing his drink. "I know just the place."

  The group walked through Xenor’s winding streets, arriving at a sprawling training complex—Ralkar’s Grounds.

  A vast expanse of combat pits, enchanted sparring rings, and weapon-testing zones spread before them.

  Boruk smirked. "Alright. Let’s see what you newly-powered warriors can do."

  Marcus rolled his shoulders, glancing at Thalron and Arixa. "Hope you two are ready."

  Thalron smirked. "Are you?"

  Arixa cracked her knuckles. "I’ve been waiting for this."

  The air buzzed with anticipation.

  Marcus flexed his fingers.

  It was time to see just how far they had all come.