The private verification room wasn't what Kaelen expected. Plain walls painted in brown and gray. A chandelier hung from the ceiling, its embedded crystals casting everything in whitish-blue light. Ten meters across, fifteen wide, and ten high. It was nothing fancy.
Kaelen sat on the sofa in the middle, waiting. May had stepped out to fetch an appraiser, leaving him alone with the steady hum of the ventilation system and his own thoughts.
The door clicked open, with two sets of footsteps entering.
The appraiser was old. Maybe eighty, judging by the lines on his face and the slight stoop to his shoulders. But something about the way he carried himself suggested thirty. Sharp eyes. Confident stride. He wore a suit without a tie, the collar open casually.
He sat across from Kaelen. May stood beside him, her professional expression firmly in place.
"Hello, Mr. Kaelen," the man said, not commenting on the dried black blood coating Kaelen's features. "I am Viktor Navik. You may address me as such." He smiled. "I'm informed you have some crystals to appraise. We can get to it when you're ready."
Kaelen heard Viktor, but something caught his attention. It made him stare without meaning to.
It was Viktor's hair.
Black, mostly. But the strands streaming down at the front were gray. Deliberately gray, like someone had stopped mid-dye.
"Why not dye the whole thing?" Kaelen thought.
Viktor chuckled, noticing Kaelen's stare. "You're wondering, why not dye the whole thing?" He gestured to his hair.
Kaelen felt his face warm with embarrassment at being caught. "Sorry."
"As you may be aware, abilities affect people's traits. Including physical ones." Viktor's smile was genuine. "While my hair looks dyed, it's the effect of my ability. The gray part is just what's left out."
"I'm sorry for staring," Kaelen said again.
"Don't be, Mr. Kaelen. As the saying goes, curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." Viktor paused. "While excessive meddling devours one, the reward of gaining knowledge could be worth it."
"Why 'could'?" Kaelen asked before he could stop himself.
"Not every curiosity is worth satisfying."
"While you're having this philosophical conversation," May said from the side, her tone carried professional patience, "could you get to appraising, sir Viktor?"
"Ah, yes. The crystals."
Kaelen activated his Oblivion Pouch. The materials spilled onto the table between them in an organized pile.
Fourteen F-rank Wire Weaver crystals. Silk glands. Chitin plates. Three wolf crystals. Hides. Fangs. Claws.
Viktor's expression didn't change, but his eyes sharpened. "Did you kill all of these yourself?"
"Yes," Kaelen replied.
"I heard from Miss May that this seems to be your first quest." Viktor's gaze was steady. "Am I correct?"
"Technically."
"Technically?" This time Viktor looked up from the materials, studying Kaelen's face through the dried blood.
"Yes, technically." Kaelen paused. "What does all of this have to do with the verification?"
"While this is your first quest," May said quietly, "you've managed to present this much."
"Though they're F-rank, Lesser Wire Weavers aren't for beginners." Viktor's voice was calm, but something beneath it suggested more than casual interest. "Yet you managed to hunt this much. Alone."
The temperature in the room shifted. It's subtle, but there.
"If you're implying that I'm a criminal, I don't want your service." Kaelen stood, gesturing toward the materials. His right hand moved, preparing to store everything back in the pouch.
"Pursuant to Code 121 of the Association Bureaucracy of Guilds," Viktor said, his friendly demeanor evaporating entirely, "any duly appointed guild official is authorized to detain and temporarily subjugate an adventurer who is reasonably suspected of committing a criminal offense, without regard to rank, affiliation, or status."
Viktor's tone was now professional and cold. "Mr. Kaelen, you are hereby ordered to remain on the premises. You are not permitted to depart while this investigation is ongoing. Effective immediately, your guild tag and identification card will be suspended pending investigation conclusion."
Kaelen retrieved the materials with efficient movements. He walked to the door, ignoring Viktor's warning completely.
The handle didn't turn.
It was locked.
"We could do this the easy way or the hard way," Viktor said calmly, his friendly demeanor completely gone.
Blue energy wrapped around Kaelen's feet and arms like liquid light. The aether coating shimmered in the room's artificial glow.
"I try to avoid confrontations because of my mother," Kaelen said quietly. "But it seems I'll be apologizing to her tonight."
"Interesting," Viktor muttered.
"Let's all stay calm for a moment." May's voice cut through the tension. She'd been silent, but now she stepped forward slightly. "Rules are not meant to be broken but obeyed, Mr. Kaelen. But every registered adventurer and civilian has the right to explain their situation, sir Viktor. Until we get clear answers, we can't act on mere suspicions."
Silence filled the room.
Kaelen sighed. The blue energy faded from his arms and legs. He returned to the sofa, sitting across from Viktor once more.
"I'm a student of Veyra Academy," Kaelen said, meeting May's eyes. "This, Miss May is aware of."
May nodded once.
"The academy's curriculum involves joining clubs. Joining clubs means taking club missions. I belong to the combat division." Kaelen paused. "If those missions count, then no, this isn't my first mission."
Viktor studied him for a long moment. Then his friendly demeanor returned, like a switch being flipped. "While you may be annoyed and irritated, my actions are just." He smiled faintly. "But as an apology for your irritation, we'll throw in a little bonus."
Kaelen brought out the materials again, laying them across the table carefully.
Viktor examined each piece with efficiency. His hands moved quickly, assessing quality with practiced expertise.
"F-rank crystals are worth eighteen to sixty thousand on current market value." Viktor's tone was matter-of-fact. "Scourge Wolf crystals are eighteen thousand. Lesser Wire Weaver crystals are forty thousand. With materials included, forty-seven thousand per set."
He calculated silently for a moment. "Your total comes to seven hundred thirty thousand. Plus bonus, seven hundred fifty thousand. You'll be credited in two days."
Kaelen sighed but accepted it. What could he do?
Viktor's gaze sharpened again. "The mission was posted for a team."
"I wanted to hone my skills," Kaelen replied.
Viktor paused. Then gave a slight nod that might have been respect. "Not only are you impulsive, but also strength-aggravated."
Kaelen didn't reply. Just sighed again.
When they finished, Kaelen prepared to leave. May stopped him at the door.
"You should clean up," she offered once more.
"I'll do that at home."
"If you insist." May paused. "I almost forgot. Sir Davos came in today and asked you to meet with him when your schedule is free. Just inform me when you're available. I'll pass on the message."
"Thanks."
Kaelen stepped out into the lobby.
...
The Ash Guild's main floor was moderately busy. Adventurers clustered around mission boards or sat at tables discussing contracts. The atmosphere was professional and focused.
Then the doors burst open.
"We really could've died back there!" Jay's voice carried across the entire lobby, startling everyone.
Conversations stopped mid-sentence. Heads turned.
Two women stood in the entrance, both covered head to toe in blood. Not black like wire weavers blood. But gray.
"Probably. But don't sell it out," Lira cautioned, her voice lower but still audible.
Jay grinned. "Oh, is this about Kaelen?"
"Yes. No. Just keep quiet."
Every eye in the lobby was on them now. Adventurers stared openly. The receptionist's professional smile froze.
"Did they also take on Wire Weavers? But the blood on them isn't black...*
"What did they fight to end up like that?"
"Oh, I'm definitely telling Kaelen when I see him," Jay said cheerfully.
"Stop mentioning his name," Lira hissed.
"Kaelen. Kaelen. Kaelen." Jay drew out each repetition. "I will tell him."
"Tell me what?" Kaelen asked from directly behind them.
"Holy mother of—" Jay screamed, jumping backward.
"And you're...?" Kaelen asked.
"Jay," she replied, recovering quickly. "What happened—"
"Lira?" Kaelen cut Jay off mid-sentence. His voice carried immediate concern. "Are you okay? Why are you covered in that..."
"Hehe, hey Kaelen." Lira stepped out from behind Jay, trying for casual and failing. "Chances of meeting you here are..." She stopped mid-sentence, actually seeing him properly for the first time.
"Why are you covered in black?" She closed the distance between them in three quick steps, her hands finding his cheeks, checking for injuries before she realized what she was doing. But she didn't stop.
Everyone in the lobby was watching now.
"Aaahhmmm wokayyy!" Kaelen's voice was muffled by her hands.
"What?"
"I said I'm okay. This is the blood of Wire Weavers I fought."
Lira's hands didn't leave his face. "Is that why you didn't answer my messages? Are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, I am. But you're not." Kaelen's eyes tracked the way she leaned slightly to one side. "I can notice you leaning. Do you have an injury on your side? Why are you covered in this? Is this blood? Talk to me."
"Okay." Jay got between them physically, using her body to create space. "You lovers should get a room."
"JAY."
"I'm kidding. I'm kidding."
"Who is she?" Kaelen asked Lira.
"Okay, rude." Jay crossed her arms. "I'm right here. You could ask me."
"I'm sorry. Who are you?"
"Jay. The greatest earth manipulator."
"Please don't mind her, Kaelen," Lira said quickly.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Kaelen."
"Oh, I've heard a lot about you, Kaelen."
"Miss Lira? You too?" May's voice carried from the reception desk.
"Haha," Lira could only laugh nervously.
May sighed. "Let me attend to you."
"Kaelen, I'll just..."
"Don't bother. I'll wait."
"Thanks."
...
In the private verification room, Viktor sat across from Lira and Jay, watching as they laid materials on the table.
Fifty-seven total crystals. Fifty-three F-rank. Three E-rank betas. One D-rank alpha.
Plus hide, fangs, claws.
Viktor's professional mask slipped for the first time that day. "You two took down an entire den with a D-rank alpha?"
He caught himself quickly, but the surprise was genuine.
Jay leaned forward. "Are you implying we're weak, mister?"
"JAY," Lira said sharply.
Viktor raised a hand. "No, it's okay. Miss Jay, was it? I apologize. I was merely surprised."
He calculated quickly, his hands moving over the materials.
"F-rank crystals, fifty-three at bulk rate: nine hundred fifty-four thousand credits. E-rank beta crystals, three at seventy thousand each: two hundred ten thousand credits. D-rank alpha crystal, variant: four hundred fifty-three thousand credits." He paused. "Materials including hide, teeth, claws: four hundred twenty thousand credits. Total: two million, and thirty-seven thousand credits. We'll pay you in three days."
"Yeah baby. I'm getting rich," Jay exclaimed.
"JAY." Lira bowed slightly toward Viktor. "I'm so sorry."
"It's good to be young and healthy," Viktor muttered, a faint smile touching his lips despite himself.
"With this completion, you qualify for E-rank promotion, Miss Lira."
Lira blinked. "That quick?"
"Your effort matters. You can take the test anytime you want."
"Thank you, sir. We'll leave now." Lira stood, pulling Jay with her.
"I'm so happy for you," Jay said as they headed toward the door.
...
Kaelen was waiting when they emerged. He stood near the lobby entrance, somehow looking even more exhausted than before despite standing still.
"Ready?" Lira asked.
"Yeah."
They left the guild together, heading for the transit station.
...
"What were you thinking?" Lira's voice rose as the hover-tram descended toward the seventh tier.
Kaelen sighed. "I didn't know until I was in it."
Jay, pragmatic as always, asked the important question: "Okay, but did you win?"
"Well, I'm alive."
"Alive doesn't mean you won," Jay pointed out.
"Enough of me." Kaelen shifted the subject deliberately. "What happened to you two?"
Lira and Jay exchanged glances.
Jay spoke first. "Wolf den. With an evolved Scourge Wolf."
"A variant," Kaelen said.
"Yeah."
Long pause.
"You're both insane," Kaelen said finally.
"Says the person covered head to toe in arthropod blood," Lira shot back.
Jay started laughing. It was absurd. All three of them had gone on dangerous solo or duo missions. The laughter was part relief, part hysteria, part genuine amusement.
Lira tried to stay mad but couldn't. Even Kaelen cracked a smile despite his exhaustion.
...
They reached the seventh tier, walking toward their respective districts.
"You need to shower," Lira said.
"I'm getting to it," Kaelen replied.
"To be fair, we're not much better," Jay pointed out.
Lira noticed Jay favoring her ribs. Her own side ached with each step.
"We all need rest."
...
Jay was first to reach her district. She waved cheerfully, making a couple joke that made Lira groan before disappearing down her street.
The silence after Jay left was heavier.
Lira broke it first. "Fourteen Wire Weavers?"
"Fifty-seven wolves?" Kaelen countered.
Both shook their heads at the other's recklessness.
"You shouldn't be doing this," Lira said quietly.
"Taking quests?"
"Taking quests without a teammate."
Lira's fear surfaced, raw and undisguised. "When I saw you like that, I thought..."
"I'm sorry. I didn't think..."
"That's the problem. You never think about what it would do to me. To your mother. If you died."
Kaelen didn't have a good response. He opened his mouth, closed it.
"The same applies to you," he said finally.
"That's different."
"How?"
Lira opened her mouth. Closed it. Realized he was right.
"It's not," she admitted quietly.
...
They reached Lira's district. Time to part ways.
"Kaelen." Lira turned to face him properly. "Let's take on missions together from now on. Not what I said previously. I mean every time."
"Okay."
"Before you argue... wait, what?"
"I said okay."
Lira stared at him, genuinely surprised he didn't fight her on it.
"Stay safe," Kaelen said.
"You too."
They parted ways.
...
Upon reaching his district, people looked at Kaelen. Some with fear. Some with amusement.
"Isn't that the Burn boy?"
"Eww. What's he covered in?"
"I heard he changed after his return from the academy."
"Can the academy influence someone that much?"
He heard all of it but ignored.
When he reached home, he tried to sneak in quietly. His mother wouldn't see him if he was careful enough.
He opened the door as silently as possible.
"Aaahhh!" Seren screamed.
Kaelen sighed.
He got caught.
"Kaelen?" His mother's voice carried shock and concern in equal measure.
"Yes, Mother."
"It's you. What are you covered in? What happened?"
"Can I go and take a shower first?"
"Are you injured?"
"No, Mom."
Seren sighed before speaking. "You went on a quest." It wasn't a question. It was a statement of fact.
Kaelen couldn't speak. He knew his mother was aware he was an adventurer now, but she didn't press.
His mother came close, pulling him into a hug despite the dried blood. "You don't have to burden yourself with things. I got the receipt of the bill you cleared."
"That quick?" Kaelen thought.
"I'm not burdening myself, Mother. The academy will surely ask us to enroll in year two. I just did mine earlier."
"You don't have to lie. I'm your mother." She stopped hugging him and looked into his eyes. "I want you to know it's my responsibility to take care of you. Not the other way around."
"That's exactly why I can't listen to you, Mom." Kaelen met her gaze steadily. "It's also my responsibility to take care of you. After all your efforts."
Seren sighed. "Go and clean up."
...
After what felt like hours of scrubbing dried blood, Kaelen finally got to rest.
He pulled up his System notifications.
[Weekly Quest: Adaptive Trials]
[Requirements:]
- Complete 7 Daily Quests Consecutively (✓)
- Win 3 Sanctioned Sparring Matches (0/3)
- Complete 3 RP Missions (0/3)
- Kill 5 F-Rank Aetheric Beasts (✓)
- Cultivate for 10+ Hours Total (0/10)
- Complete 1 Club Mission (0/1)
- Allocate 5 Stat Points (✓)
[Basic Rewards: +300 XP (Base & System) | +3 Stat Points | +50 SP]
[Base Level: 13] (2410/4400 XP)
[System Level: 12] (3210/3600 XP)
[HP: 455/455]
[A.E.: 630/630]
[Stat Points: 3]
[SP: 5,875]
Kaelen was exhausted but satisfied. He'd made progress.
His eyes closed before he could review anything else.
Sleep claimed him completely.
[New Quest Available]