Sudden Assessment

The receptionist, wearing a sly grin as he exited the office made his way back downstairs without even trying to hurry, taking his full time to make it to Vecna who didn't move for one bit from his previous spot.

As the receptionist descended the stairs and returned to the entrance, he scanned the bustling Guild Hall for the mysterious man with crimson eyes and his alluring companions. Spotting them near the quest board, he approached them with a mix of trepidation and awe, trying to fake out his emotions to match an inexperienced youngster.

"Sir, the Guild Leader requests your presence." the receptionist said, trying his best to keep his voice steady.

Vecna glanced at the young man and gave him a subtle nod. "Lead the way." he replied calmly, his crimson eyes betraying nothing of the power that lay within him.

Yet there was a short flash of darkness in them as he peered into young Yorn who wasn't aware that his faked expressions were caught by Vecna.

The receptionist led them through the Guild Hall, navigating the busy corridors until they reached a grand wooden door on the second floor. He knocked politely and then pushed it open, revealing a lavishly furnished office.

Vecna wasn't the type to be easily impressed or swayed, and Yorn's feeble attempts at deception only made him more suspicious.

'You think I haven't encountered fake sincerity before? I can see right through your act,' Vecna thought, his crimson eyes briefly flashing with an amused glint.

'It wasn't like how you did it the first time? You just rushed in and screamed at the Leader.'

'Are you trying to impress me? If so, it didn't work at all.'

Everything the youngster did was felt by Vecna's instincts as fake, forced, and it signaled him that something was up in the air. Resolving to keep his guard up, he stepped inside the office first, followed by Elysia and Maribel.

Next he positioned himself in a way that he could observe the entire room while keeping a close eye on Toric. His vampiric instincts heightened his senses, allowing him to pick up on subtle cues and emotions that others might miss.

Inside the opulent office, Toric exuded an air of elegance and wisdom. His silver hair and aristocratic attire added to his dignified appearance, reminding Vecna of his former manager at one of the supermarkets he worked at in the past.

Toric's warm smile and professional demeanor contrasted sharply with Yorn's forced act, earning him a measure of respect from Vecna.

"Welcome, honored guests," Toric greeted them with a warm smile, his demeanor completely different from the receptionist's earlier encounter.

He gestured for them to take a seat in the comfortable chairs across from him.

"I am Toric, leader of the Guild Hall inside Valoria Duchy. I received your letter, and I must say, it is quite intriguing," Toric said, glancing at Vecna with curiosity in his eyes.

Vecna nodded slightly, appreciating the Guild Leader's ability to play different roles. He remained cautious, knowing that Toric's friendly facade might conceal hidden motives.

The old man from the first moment Vecna and his entourage stepped foot in his office, he made the connections with the insights he got from Yorn and Alistar's message, regarding this "Interesting" individual.

Vecna remained composed, his indifferent mask firmly in place. "I appreciate your willingness to meet with us," he replied, his voice calm and steady.

"I'm going around with the name Vecna." he introduced himself, his words laced with an enigmatic edge.

Elysia and Maribel took their seats, and the former couldn't hide her discomfort in the presence of this human. Memories of her past enslavement resurfaced, and she couldn't help but be on alert, knowing that corruption could be lurking anywhere.

She knew one thing for sure, if this human were in the same scheme as the Corrupted Guards, Vecna would sense it and act accordingly.

Toric, had a calm appearance, with his hands folded together on the desk, pondering about something Elysia had no idea, less of Maribel.

Suddenly the atmosphere changed when Toric spoke with a cold tone. "You're not human. Do you understand the severity of your presence?" he asked, his eyes locked onto Vecna's crimson gaze.

"Human, Monster. I'm still a Citizen of the Saharan Empire. This is my token to prove it." Vecna retorted in an unyielding manner, revealing a small identification token that marked him as a player or how the NPCs knew them, Outlanders or Cursed Immortals.

[Identification Token: Vecna - Outlander]

Vecna took something he received from going to the Garrison of Valoria City after the basic instructions of the City Guards when the Game Launched, and it was a mass flood of players rushing in all sorts of directions. Akin to rats infesting a lavish barn full of cereals.

Toric's expression grew even more intriguing as he examined the token, thinking about something that Vecna could only speculate with his intellect.

The Vampire Player, unaffected, displayed only a hint of darkness in his crimson eyes, indicating that he was not one to be easily intimidated.

Not long after, he released an aura that enveloped Vecna, and only him, ignoring the girls, pressured him down. But compared to Alistar, this one was manageable with only his Resilience and Stalwart Defense Skill that didn't give out much about his skills.

"Interesting. You didn't turn hostile on me for probing you. I guess old habits die hard. Don't take it personally, kid," Toric commented with a smirk.

"So what brings a Vampire inside Valoria?" Toric inquired further, curious about Vecna's motivations.

Vecna stared at the Elder without giving a hint of what he was contemplating. For Toric, it was impressive that this Vampire didn't react to the pressure he released with his Aura.

"No offense taken. It seems Elder Toric knows a bit about Vampires, but I doubt you know a lot. You might sense it too, but even a bug can be poisonous enough to kill you." Vecna replied cryptically, maintaining his vampiric persona.

"Ehh. Is that so? Unfortunately for you, I can even defeat that Sire of yours who turned you into a Vampire." Toric boasted confidently.

"Hmph. Elder, don't be foolish. You're just a human. Besides, I'm different from the Vampires you know. I'm an Outlander. Far more dangerous for people like you." Vecna remarked, his tone unapologetic.

"Why?" continued Vecna.

"Because you can't kill me."

"I can tell. You're not afflicted by the Curse and instead walk the streets of Valoria. You're behaving similar to an outlander." Toric observed, noting the peculiarities of Vecna's vampiric state.

"Pitiful. You actually abandoned your humanity." Toric remarked with a hint of disapproval.

"Is not as if humanity provided for my family. I'm willing to even sign a pact with the Devil if it means raising my family from poverty." Vecna stated darkly, embracing his new identity that actually improved his life.

"Hmm, you got a noble reason to turn into a monster. You got like this recently?" Toric probed further, curious about the timeline of Vecna's transformation.

"No comment." Vecna replied, withholding the details of his past, as some secrets were better kept hidden.

"Alright, keep to your secrets."

"Not that I care a lot, as long as you don't mess around Valoria feeding on the populace. Also, I kind of get how you got acquainted with that old foggy." Toric said, acknowledging the connection between Vecna and Alistar.

"Sure. If you do, it excuses me from further explanation. So, get going with assigning me the following task after delivering you the Letter. I'm not the type of guy to waste time on pleasantries." Vecna said, eager to get on with the real purpose of their meeting and be done with this Guild Hall, he was after all in Enemy Territory.

"Where's the rush? Didn't you say you're an immortal? You've got plenty of time." Toric remarked casually, mocking Vecna's state as an Outlander and Vampire, which did nothing but continue annoying Vecna deep down.

"Hmm, as a monster outlander, you're beyond what normal humans can reach. You got your basic training, but that's all you're about."

"Someone with more experience can take you down with ease." Toric stated with ridicule as if he had already grasped all of Vecna's ability just by looking at him.

This comment made Vecna smirk, finding it amusing that this old man NPC dared to talk down to him. While Toric might have a point, Vecna wasn't a pushover, especially when it came to dealing with potential foes.

"They can try, and we'll see how it ends." Vecna replied coolly, exuding an air of confidence that spoke volumes about his self-assured nature.

"Alright. I kind of like you, kid. You're not an idiot and can actually use your brains, unlike many kids I've seen so far complaining to me about how we're unfair inside our own World." Toric admitted, appreciating Vecna's intelligence.

"I can't blame them. From their perspective, you're nothing but puppets." Vecna responded, understanding the frustrations of the less experienced players.

"You share their thoughts about us?" Toric inquired, curious about Vecna's opinion of NPCs.

"Initially I did. But with my Awakening, I'm aware that there's more that meets the eye."

"I hold nothing against you people, but as a monster, it makes it easier for me to eliminate you if you stand in my path." Vecna stated with a cold, calculating gaze.

"Interesting." Toric mused, sensing the ruthlessness in Vecna's words.

"You know why Alistar told you to come to me with this letter?" Toric asked, explaining the true reason behind the task.

"He's too lazy to bother with mentoring me and pushed his responsibility on someone else," Vecna remarked, not surprised by Alistar's actions.

"That's how it might appear from your perspective. However, it is different. He wants rapid growth from you, and only I can offer this possibility." Toric explained, shedding light on Alistar's intentions.

"Also, the current you is too weak to be taught by Lord Siegfried." he added, referring to Vecna's so-called 'mentor' with slight respect, implying a connection between the two, which Vecna picked up from the letter.

"I see. Then what do you want me to do?" Vecna asked, ready to take on whatever challenge Toric had in store for him.

"Easy. First, I want to see your capabilities. We have a Magical Device that scales down each individual's power and potential. Based on that, I will know what to do with you," Toric explained.

"Go to Yorn and have him take you to the Assessment Grounds. You have temporary rights to take the Assessment for an Adventurer," he instructed Vecna, providing him with the necessary information.

With that, in front of Vecna's eyes, the notification of the System sounded once again, presenting him with the Rewards of the quest Alistar granted him, followed up with the continuation of this Chain Quest.

[You have cleared the quest <Rapid Growth, The Adventurer's Calling (A) --1>]

[You will gain the following rewards: +25.000 EXP]

[Ding!]

[A new quest has been generated as completion of the previous quest]

[You have gained a new quest <Sudden Assessments(B)]

Vecna glanced at the contents of this new quest, and without giving the impression he was troubled by anything, he accepted that he would be required to take a test.

[Sudden Assessments (B)]

Rating: B

Seeking exceptional adventurers! The esteemed Guild Hall is in search of promising individuals with unique talents. Vecna, the mysterious Vampire, has caught the attention of Guild Leader Toric based on his recommendations and first impression.

To assess your true potential, undergo the Sudden Assessments using the Guild's specialized Magical Device. Show them the extent of your power and potential.

Completion grants insight into your abilities, allowing tailored training and future tasks. There's even a chance for additional privileges for an overwhelming achievement.

Find the receptionist, Yorn, to embark on this quest of self-discovery. Unleash your greatness and shine in Valoria!

Quest Clear Condition: Find Yorn and take the Assessment Test

Clear Rewards: +15.000 EXP; Identification Badge; Reputation with Valoria City; Privileges as Member'

"Should I be aware of anything while I'm at this Assessment Ground?" Vecna inquired, his voice as composed as ever.

"Don't cause trouble and keep your hands off my people." Toric replied with a stern expression, emphasizing the importance of staying in line.

"That would be easy. I don't intend to get into conflict with you humans," Vecna retorted with an air of superiority, his cold eyes meeting Toric's gaze without flinching.

[You have accepted the quest.]

The system notification confirmed Vecna's decision, and he turned to lead Elysia and Maribel to the receptionist station, where Yorn awaited.

The trio walked through the bustling guild hall, and though Elysia and Maribel remained quiet, they could sense the tension in the air. Vecna's interaction with Toric had left an impact on the atmosphere, and they wisely chose not to get involved.

Once they reached Yorn's receptionist station, Vecna handed him the identification badge Toric had given him for the assessment. He coldly instructed Yorn to lead the way to the Assessment Ground.

"Quit lazing and take me to this Assessment location."

"Why me? Can't you go to someone else?"

"I can't."

"Why?"

"Because the Guild Leader specifically mentioned that I go with you. Ask him why, not me. Now, stop wasting my time and get going before I dry you like a shriveled dog."

The boy frowned in the face of those threats but swiftly shifted his expression into one of being fearful and terribly sorry.

"Alright, sir. Don't get angry with me."

'Wait until I get the results. Probably you're barely Silver Ranked based on your Attire.' thought the youngster, already contemplating various schemes to hinder Vecna's progress with his quest.

Taking on from his station, keeping a shy gait as he passed past the Adventurers and Players, deep down he was cursing Vecna for taking out from his break-time.

Just when everything seemed to quiet down with those abominable outlanders bombarding him with all sorts of outrageous requests for quests, he had to deal with their Father, a Monster in the guise of a humanoid.

What the youngster failed to acknowledge was that Vecna's predatory eyes lightened up with a bloody crimson light as he watched his back, worrying Elysia that she extended her hand to grab his arm.

"Are you hungry, Vecna? It's been one week since you've drinked."

"It's alright. Don't worry. I just don't like this brat. He's too arrogant for no reason."

Elysia turned to glance at Yorn leading them, and she couldn't help but agree with Vecna. This youngster was exactly what she hated in Humans. Their arrogance, greed, and disgusting personality were what made her want to kill them for the sake of revenge on her Kin.

"I'll leave him alone since I was warned by that old man. Better to keep our relationship cordial so we could advance faster in power."

As Yorn led Vecna, Elysia, and Maribel into the Assessment Ground, they found themselves in a secluded chamber deep within the Guild Hall. The room had a dimly lit ambiance, with soft purple hues illuminating the walls, creating an eerie yet mystical atmosphere.

The air felt charged with energy, hinting at the powerful magic surrounding them.

In the center of the chamber stood the focal point of the Assessment Ground—an imposing Magic Sphere, easily ten feet in diameter. The sphere seemed to float mid-air, emitting a faint glow that intensified with each passing moment. Arcane symbols and runes adorned its surface, pulsating with an otherworldly light.

The Magic Sphere was encased in a transparent, shimmering barrier, preventing anyone from getting too close. Its presence was both alluring and intimidating, hinting at the formidable power it possessed.

"This is the screening device," Yorn explained, gesturing towards the Magic Sphere in a lazy fashion. "It measures your innate magical potential and evaluates your capabilities as an adventurer."

"This method is the easiest to kick out trash that try to take advantage of our generosity."

Vecna's eyes narrowed as he studied the sphere, his keen intellect processing the information. The Magic Sphere's purpose was clear to him—separate the worthy from the weak, the talented from the mediocre.

It was a test that would not only determine his future within the Guild but also expose his true potential to others.

'Interesting. To think there would be such a type of Magic Trinkets in Satisfy. Maybe I shouldn't look too much down on them for being placed in a Medieval Setting.' thought Vecna as he contemplated this device.

Elysia and Maribel observed the device with a mix of curiosity and calm. They had never seen anything like it before, and the mysterious aura surrounding the sphere left them feeling both fascinated and wary.

"Place your hand on the surface of the Magic Sphere." Yorn instructed Vecna, drawing their attention back to the assessment.

Vecna stepped forward, his crimson eyes unwavering as he extended his hand toward the barrier surrounding the sphere.

'I shouldn't use too much of my mana. Otherwise, it would get tricky if I get too much attention.'

'Potence.'

[You have activated the Skill: Potence]

From his body, a gust of crimson aura wrapped around his right arm, then later, with a serene movement, his fingers barely brushed the surface, and the transparent barrier rippled like water in response.

The moment his hand made contact, the room seemed to come alive with a surge of power.

The Magic Sphere reacted to Vecna's touch, and the arcane symbols on its surface glowed brighter, intertwining with his aura. The chamber resonated with an unseen force, and a soft hum filled the air, growing louder with each passing second.

As the assessment progressed, Vecna's vampiric powers and innate magical abilities were probed and analyzed. The Magic Sphere delved into the depths of his potential, seeking to uncover his true strength and capabilities.

"That would be enough! You can step back. This device is rather sensible, so we need to be careful of its longevity." shouted Yorn from the control desk, panicked that something might go haywire with the Ancient Artifact.

"..."

Vecna glances coldly at Yorn for disturbing his concentration, but he gives this brat some credit, it would be a shame if he would destroy this device.

Such that he canceled his Potence Skill and stepped back, watching the Magical Device at work as it began analyzing his power.

[Analysis ongoing…]

A mechanical voice resounded in the room, with a type of language that sounded rather strange to what the NPCs used. It was still the common tongue but an older dialect.

Elysia and Maribel watched in awe as the sphere's glow intensified, almost mesmerized by the display of power. It was as if the Magic Sphere itself recognized the significance of this particular adventurer, sparking whispers of curiosity among the guild members who monitored the assessment from afar.

For Vecna, the experience was both familiar and revealing.

As a Vampire Player with a long history of struggles to get to this point in Satisfy, he had encountered various magic-based challenges before. However, this was unlike anything he had faced. It was a direct evaluation of his essence as a "being" laying bare his potential and limitations.

The assessment concluded after what seemed like an eternity, though in reality, it was only a matter of minutes.

[Analysis has been completed.]

[The capability of the wielder are Gold]

As the Magic Sphere's assessment concluded, Yorn stared wide-eyed at the result displayed before him.

"Gold... you're rated Gold?" He stammered in disbelief, his hands shaking slightly as he pointed at the glowing words indicating Vecna's capability.

Vecna maintained his calm and collected demeanor, but a flicker of annoyance crossed his eyes at Yorn's apparent doubt. "Yes, that's the result. Is there a problem?" he replied, his voice measured and composed.

Yorn's panic was evident as he frantically tapped on the control desk, trying to recalibrate the Magic Sphere. "This can't be right. Gold is not just for anyone. It's reserved for the top elites of the Guild. There must be an error in the assessment. We need to redo it."

Vecna's face remained impassive, but a hint of amusement played at the corners of his lips. "You doubt the accuracy of the Magic Sphere?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"No, no, it's not that... It's just that... Well, this is unprecedented!" Yorn stammered, clearly flustered.