The Ironclaw guildhall was alive with its usual clamor. Conversations overlapped, boots thudded against wooden floors, and the occasional clash of weapons sounded from the training grounds. Kael sat at a corner table, sharpening his dagger. His once-fresh uniform was now patched and stained, a testament to countless missions.
He had learned to keep his head down, his ears tuned to the room but his gaze focused on his task.
"Kael," a voice barked from across the hall.
Kael glanced up to see Leoric glaring at him.
"Supply run. Now."
Without a word, Kael rose and headed for the storeroom, ignoring the snickers from nearby guildmates. It wasn't worth arguing. Six months of ridicule had taught him that.
Out in the forest, Kael crouched behind a thick bush, his heart steady as he watched a group of low-level monsters—a trio of Hornbeasts, creatures with thick fur and sharp antlers.
"Okay," he murmured to himself, gripping his dagger. "Focus. Stay calm."
He tapped into the faint energy of the forest, his Energy Channel flaring to life. A soft glow surrounded his hands as he gathered power.
With practiced precision, Kael darted forward, using a burst of energy to propel himself faster. He struck the nearest Hornbeast in the flank, the enhanced blow causing it to stumble. Before it could recover, Kael rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding its antlers.
The other two charged at him, but Kael was ready. He unleashed a small shockwave of force, knocking them back just enough to create distance.
One by one, he took them down, his movements efficient and deliberate. By the time the last Hornbeast fell, Kael was breathing heavily but smiling faintly.
"I'm getting the hang of this," he muttered, wiping his brow.
Kael returned to the guildhall with the supply pack slung over his shoulder. As he entered, Brynn looked up from a corner table and smirked.
"Look who's back. I'm shocked you didn't get lost out there."
Kael ignored him, setting the supplies on the counter.
"Hey, rookie," Dray called out, his voice laced with mockery. "Next time, bring me back something nice. Maybe a shiny rock. It'd still be more useful than you."
The room erupted in laughter.
Kael felt the familiar sting but forced himself to shrug it off.
"Nice to see you're all so easily entertained," he shot back, his tone light.
The laughter turned to murmurs of surprise. It wasn't much, but it was the first time Kael had openly responded to their taunts.
Leoric scoffed. "Careful, rookie. Your mouth might get you in trouble."
Kael said nothing, returning to his corner.
Later that evening, Kael stood near the mission board, scanning for his next assignment.
"Kael," Sera's voice called out.
He turned to see her approaching, her fiery hair gleaming in the dim light.
"Got a request for you," she said, handing him a slip of parchment.
Kael read the note: another beginner dungeon sweep.
He looked up at her, hoping for something—encouragement, acknowledgement, anything. Instead, her expression was distant, almost bored.
"Don't screw it up," she said flatly before walking away.
Kael watched her go, the weight of her indifference settling over him like a heavy cloak. Six months ago, she had seen potential in him. Now, it seemed she barely cared whether he succeeded or failed.
That night, Kael sat at his small desk, a blank piece of parchment before him. It had been weeks since she last wrote to me . He dipped his quill into the ink and began to write.
Eryn,
It feels like it's been forever since your last letter. I know you're busy, and I get it—I really do. Things here are… about the same. Missions, training, more missions. The usual.
I've gotten better at dealing with monsters. Hornbeasts don't scare me anymore, and I've started learning to control my energy bursts. It's not much, but it's something.
How's Silverstar? How's Spiritbond? I bet you're doing amazing things. I wish I could see it. Maybe one day.
Write back when you can.
Kael
He set the letter aside, unsure if she would have time to read it.
The next morning, Sera gathered the team.
"Got a dungeon run for us," she announced, her tone clipped. "Low to mid-tier threats. Shouldn't be a problem if you all keep your heads on straight."
Kael braced himself for the usual wave of snide comments, but to his surprise, the guild was unusually focused.
"What's the target?" Leoric asked, cracking his knuckles.
"Ruinclaw Chimera," Sera replied. "Nasty piece of work. Three heads, venomous claws, tough hide. Don't get cocky."
The team suited up, their banter subdued. Even Kael felt a flicker of determination.
The dungeon was a series of crumbling stone halls, overgrown with glowing moss. The air was thick and damp, carrying the faint stench of decay.
The team moved in formation, their abilities lighting up the darkness.
Dray scouted ahead, his Shadowmeld cloaking him in near-invisibility.
"Two traps up ahead," he reported, his voice barely above a whisper.
Elira stepped forward, her Hawk's Eye scanning the area. With precise shots, she triggered the traps safely from a distance.
The group continued deeper, dispatching minor monsters with ease. Kael hung near the back, using his energy bursts to finish off stragglers.
"Keep up, rookie," Brynn muttered as he passed, electricity crackling in his hands.
The final chamber was massive, its high ceilings lost in shadow. At its center stood the Ruinclaw Chimera, a towering beast with the heads of a lion, serpent, and bird. Its claws dripped with venom that hissed as it hit the ground.
"Positions!" Sera barked.
Leoric charged first, his Adamant Hide absorbing the chimera's initial swipe.
"Over here, ugly!" he taunted, slamming his fists into its legs.
Sera followed, her flaming swords carving into the beast's side.
"Dray, go for the tail!"
Dray materialized from the shadows, his daggers flashing as he targeted the serpent head.
Elira loosed arrows from the backline, her Hawk's Eye guiding each shot to weak points.
"Brynn, hit it with everything you've got!"
Brynn raised his hands, summoning a storm of lightning that crackled across the chimera's body.
Kael watched, waiting for an opening. As the beast thrashed, he saw his chance.
He darted forward, channeling energy into his dagger. With a grunt, he struck at the bird head, the enhanced blow causing it to reel back.
"Not bad, rookie!" Sera called, though her tone lacked enthusiasm.
The fight raged on, the team working in uneasy tandem. When the chimera finally fell, the group stood victorious but exhausted.
Back at the guildhall, Kael sat alone, his body sore but his spirit strangely steady. He was getting better, bit by bit.
As the others celebrated, Kael pulled out a scrap of parchment and began to write another letter to Eryn.
Even if their worlds were drifting apart, he refused to let go of the one bond that still gave him hope