Moments later, inside the grand hall of the Elders, an overwhelming aura filled the room—so heavy that even seasoned hunters found themselves trembling.
Warsen's presence alone was enough to make the air tense, and both Rawin and Valien could feel its pressure weighing down on them.
"If everyone is present," Warsen spoke with a firm tone, "then let us begin."
Darvish stepped forward, his voice steady yet filled with pride.
"Very well, I'll start. We, the Elders of Gondalwa, would like to extend our congratulations to Rawin and Valien for successfully passing the Hunter's Examination with an exceptional score of 800 points—a record unmatched in the last five years."
He paused, glancing at the two young hunters.
"Furthermore, Rawin has accomplished something extraordinary—slaying five Greater Glossy Beasts alone, a feat even veteran hunters rarely achieve. As recognition for your accomplishments, we will present you both with a special award: the Greever Achievement Badge."
Darvish raised his hand, revealing two shining emblems shaped like leaves.
"These badges can be advanced through your contributions to the village. Each of you will start with 100 contribution points. There are four phases of this badge, each representing a higher honor."
He began to explain each rank in turn:
1. Bronze Greever Leaf
Required Points: 100
Rarity: The most common Greever leaf, found around the outskirts of Gondalwa.
Special Privileges:
Eligible to train cadet hunters.
May accept low-level missions.
Free lodging at any inn within Gondalwa.
Equivalent Rank: Senior Hunter
2. Silver Greever Leaf
Required Points: 1,000
Rarity: Found only in the northern snowy regions of Gondalwa.
Special Privileges:
May lead low-rank hunting squads.
Eligible for mid-level missions.
Granted access to the upper section of the Village Archives.
Equivalent Rank: Professional Hunter
3. Golden Greever Leaf
Required Points: 10,000
Rarity: Appears once every five years during the Rite of Offering to Goddess Elvaria.
Special Privileges:
Authorized to lead mid and low-rank hunting teams.
Eligible for high-level missions.
Granted access to the middle and lower sections of the Archives.
Permitted to reside within the sacred White Greever Tree.
Equivalent Rank: Elite Hunter recognized by the Elders
4. White Greever Leaf
Required Points: 100,000
Rarity: Can only be obtained once every 250 years, after the Fiftieth Offering to Goddess Elvaria.
Special Privileges:
May command high-ranking hunting divisions.
Access to the Deep Archives, the most restricted knowledge vault.
Holds authority to make crucial decisions for the future of Gondalwa.
Can transfer contribution points to a chosen individual.
Equivalent Rank: Elder of the Village
Darvish lowered his hand. "That," he said with a faint smile, "is the reward we wish to bestow upon you."
Valien spoke up, his tone curious but serious.
"Is there any way to gain contribution points besides completing low-level missions?"
Darvish nodded. "Indeed. We call them Special Missions—assignments personally entrusted by the Elders or the Village Chief. They are rare, dangerous, and often shape the fate of Gondalwa itself."
Rawin folded his arms, eyes narrowing slightly.
"If we've been summoned here with every Elder present, then I assume… we're being given one of those missions, aren't we?"
Margel chuckled. "Ho, sharp as ever. He's got quite the intuition, doesn't he, Kaelith?"
Kaelith nodded. "Indeed. His senses are growing keener."
Warsen smiled faintly. "It seems your perception has improved, Rawin."
"Your praise is too much, sir," Rawin replied modestly.
Then Warsen raised a hand, signaling for silence.
"In that case," he said, "allow me to explain personally."
The air shifted—everyone in the hall turned their attention to him.
"As Rawin has correctly guessed," Warsen continued, "the council has decided to entrust you with a Special Mission: to eliminate one Alp Beast, ten Greater Beasts, and one hundred Norma Beasts in the southern region. You may refuse if you deem it beyond your capability."
Margel smirked. "A true hunter never backs down from a challenge, right, young ones?"
Kaelith added calmly, "We'll assign a Golden Leaf scout to accompany you. Should danger arise, they will ensure your safety and deliver your results to us."
Merinel stepped forward. "As stated by Chief Warsen, you're free to decline. No shame will fall upon you if you choose so."
Darvish glanced at the two young hunters. "So, what do you think, Rawin, Valien?"
Rawin looked at Valien. "Do you think we can handle it?"
Valien smiled faintly. "We won't know unless we try."
They turned back toward the Elders.
"Yes," they said together, "we accept the mission."
Warsen laughed heartily. "Just as I expected! Very well, then. Complete it successfully, and you'll each receive 2,000 contribution points. You have one week to prepare. Use your time wisely. Does anyone else have anything to add?"
"No, Chief," Darvish replied.
"Good. Then the meeting is adjourned."
After the ceremony, the two young hunters stepped outside the White Greever Tree.
"Hey, you two!" a familiar voice called out.
They turned to see Merinel, smiling warmly.
"Good afternoon, Elder Merinel," they greeted politely in unison.
"Come now," she laughed softly, "no need to be so formal. The meeting's over—this is just a casual talk."
Both nodded quickly. "Understood, Elder Merinel."
"That's better," she said, amused. "So, what are your plans for the week ahead?"
Rawin replied, "We'll probably spend our time training and preparing supplies for the southern expedition."
"In that case," Merinel said, her tone gentle yet firm, "tell me what you need. I'll make sure you get the best support possible."
"Thank you, Elder Merinel," Rawin said sincerely.
That evening, the setting sun bathed the village in a soft golden glow.
The light of dusk danced across the white leaves of the Greever Tree—marking the end of one chapter, and the quiet beginning of another.