The Rank-Up Test (Part 1)

The adventurers guild buzzed with activity as we approached the familiar counter, where Elara, the receptionist, greeted us with her sparkling hazel eyes and saccharine sweetness. "Good morning, Rei. Are you three here for your rank-up test?"

Despite her seemingly friendly demeanor, an undercurrent of discomfort rippled through me. Elara's behavior had taken a turn over the past few months, becoming more intrusive and insistent. I had grown wary of her advances, keeping my emotions guarded.

"Yes, we are," I replied, my tone cautious.

Elara's smile widened, mischief dancing in her eyes. "I'm confident you'll breeze through the test, Rei. And just to sweeten the deal, if you pass, I'll grant any request you have. Anything you desire."

Her words hung in the air, weighted with implications that weren't lost on me. The envious glares of other adventurers in the vicinity only served to amplify my discomfort.

Glancing at Elara, I couldn't deny her physical appeal—long, cascading light brown hair, hazel eyes, and a face that exuded charm. But her overtures felt hollow, lacking the genuine connection I shared with Amy and Mai.

Unwanted memories from my past world resurfaced, warning bells ringing in my mind. I had been burned before by misplaced trust and superficial relationships. Those scars shaped my perception of others and made me cautious.

Amy's presence at my side broke through my thoughts. She positioned herself between Elara and me, her gaze firm and unwavering. Mai's fingers intertwined with mine, trembling with a mixture of concern and resolve.

"Amy, please give us some space," Amy's tone was assertive, a clear request for distance.

Elara's eyes narrowed slightly before she stepped back, a coy smile masking her intentions. "Of course, Amy. I didn't mean to intrude." Her sugary apology didn't quite ring true.

As Elara retreated, my eyes met Amy's and Mai's, and I felt a surge of gratitude for their unwavering support. Their shared understanding and united front reinforced the strength of our bond.

Amy's concern softened her glare as she turned to me. "Rei, are you all right?"

I nodded, appreciating her protective stance. "I'm fine, Amy. Just caught off guard, that's all."

Mai's grip on my hand tightened, her determination evident. "We're here for you, Rei. No matter what."

A small smile formed on my lips as I acknowledged their reassurances. The tension that had momentarily clouded our interactions began to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of camaraderie.

Elara cleared her throat, bringing our attention back to her. "Now, for the details of your rank-up test. Your task is to defeat five Rank C monsters—specifically orcs—in the forest outside Havenstone. Your objective is to bring back proof of your conquest to pass the test. Best of luck!"

With the details laid out, a sense of purpose enveloped us. We were ready to face this challenge as a team, to demonstrate our strength and unity. The uncertainty of the path ahead only fueled our determination.

As we left the guild, stepping into the warm embrace of sunlight, a mix of anticipation and excitement coursed through our veins. The forest loomed before us, a realm of untamed potential. With Amy and Mai by my side, we ventured toward the test that would solidify our rank and propel us further on our journey.

The forest's edge beckoned, its secrets waiting to be unraveled. And so, hand in hand, hearts united, we stepped forward, ready to confront whatever challenges lay ahead.

Little did we know, the forest held mysteries beyond our imagination, and the orcs were merely the first chapter.

As we ventured deeper into the forest, the atmosphere shifted from bustling town life to a serene wilderness. The rustling of leaves and the chirping of birds surrounded us, creating a soothing backdrop to our journey. Our footsteps were steady and synchronized, a testament to the harmony we had cultivated as a team.

The forest seemed to come alive with every step we took. Vibrant flowers painted the forest floor, their colors a stark contrast to the towering trees that reached for the sky. Shafts of sunlight filtered through the dense foliage above, creating patches of warmth that danced around us.

"We should keep our guard up," Amy whispered, her voice a gentle reminder. "The orcs could be anywhere."

Mai nodded in agreement, her eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement. "Agreed. Let's stay close and watch each other's backs."

As we pressed on, the forest gradually grew denser, and the air carried a sense of anticipation. The distant sounds of wildlife became muffled, replaced by an eerie silence that sent shivers down my spine. The path ahead narrowed, and the trees seemed to close in on us, casting elongated shadows that played tricks on our senses.

"Rei, do you sense anything unusual?" Mai asked, her grip on her weapon tightening.

I closed my eyes, focusing my senses on the energy around us. A faint, ominous aura lingered, like a whisper of danger brushing against my awareness. "There's something ahead," I replied, my voice low. "Stay alert."

With caution in our steps, we continued deeper into the forest. Suddenly, a guttural growl shattered the silence, sending an electrifying jolt through our veins. The ground trembled beneath us as a group of hulking figures emerged from the shadows.

"Orcs, Rei, Mai watch for their overpowering strength, don't let yourself get hit even once!" Amy yelled out, giving us a warning about the new enemy we haven't faced before.

I used my analysis skill to read the orc's abilities and stats, but when I looked at the largest of the 5, a shiver ran down my spine, for the last orc, was a orc general. A rank A monster.

"Amy, Mai, we got trouble, there is a orc general as well!" I yelled out.

"What is a rank A monster doing here?" Amy questioned.

"I don't know but I will fight the orc general and a couple of the others, you two are more suited for magic, so work together, and take out the rest," I reply.

"You are going the orc general alone, don't tell me you're going to use that skill," Amy questioned.

"Yeah, that's the plan, I want to test it since it evolved" I answer.

"Fine but be careful we don't know much about that skill," Mai replied with worry in her voice.

"I will, I promise." After I respond I start chanting the newly evolved version of the x999 skill, "x999 Evolved: Ascendant Apex!"