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Chapter 25 - Iron Rank and Unseen Paths
The Echo of Infinity: Chapter 25 - Iron Rank and Unseen Paths
Kael's successful solo reconnaissance of the Crystallin Quarry, combined with his performance on previous missions and consistent (if slow) 'progress' shown in training, finally pushed him over the threshold. A few days after his return, Elara summoned him to her office.
"Guildmaster Stonehand has reviewed your file and recent performance reports," she began, a hint of approval in her voice. "Taking into account your contributions during the Mirewood patrol and the successful, albeit hazardous, quarry investigation, your provisional status is ended. Congratulations, Kael. You've earned your Iron Rank."
She handed him a new Guild Plate, this one slightly larger and made of darker metal, etched with the Iron Rank insignia. Kael took it, feeling a genuine sense of accomplishment, separate from the secret thrill of his hidden power. This rank, at least, felt earned through navigating the system, deception and all.
"Thank you, Elara."
"Iron Rank opens up more challenging quests, better pay, and access to more Guild facilities, including restricted training areas and library sections," she continued. "It also means higher expectations. No more coasting on 'artifact surges'. You need to demonstrate consistent Tier 1 competency." Her gaze was sharp, reminding him the scrutiny wasn't over.
"I understand," Kael said. "I'll keep training." He consciously projected his fabricated status, which he had allowed to 'level up' to [Swift Blade Lv. 13] and [Shadow Scout Lv. 13] after the quarry mission. Believable progress.
His real levels, of course, were far higher after accumulating the EXP from the guardians: [Swift Blade Lv. 19], [Shadow Scout Lv. 18], [Mana Weaver Lv. 17]. He was rapidly approaching the upper limits of Tier 1 in multiple classes.
Achieving Iron Rank felt like closing a chapter. He was no longer the complete outsider, the charity case. He was a recognized, if unusual, member of the Guild. He celebrated quietly by treating himself to a decent meal at a non-dormitory tavern and spending extra time in the private training rooms, pushing his skills further.
He revisited the class evolution options. [Swift Blade Lv. 19] was almost ready for its next tier of skills. Evolving to [Duelist] felt like the logical step, focusing on the precision his high DEX and INT favored. But the name change... how to explain his class suddenly shifting from [Swift Blade] to [Duelist]? Maybe the 'artifact' could be blamed? *'The artifact settled, solidifying my connection into a Duelist path?'* It was flimsy.
He also considered [Shadow Scout Lv. 18]. Still two levels from the next threshold, but the [Nightblade] option remained tantalizing. He decided to visit Master Oog again.
The ancient Torton's shop was as dusty and cluttered as ever. "Ah, the young seeker returns," Oog rasped without looking up from a complex astrolabe he was adjusting. "Did the Resonance Stone whisper secrets to you?"
"It... reacted," Kael admitted cautiously. "Near a place with strong crystal energy. Got quite warm. Seemed to trigger things."
"As they sometimes do," Oog nodded slowly. "Resonance is a tricky thing. It can awaken, amplify, or merely observe. Depends on the source, the stone, and the wielder."
Kael hesitated, then plunged ahead. "Master Oog... artifacts. Can they... change a person's Class? Or how it develops?"
Oog paused, turning his sightless gaze towards Kael. "The Weave grants Classes, young one. Artifacts are tools, catalysts. They might awaken latent potential, grant access to skills one wouldn't normally learn, or even mimic the effects of a Class. Some legendary artifacts are said to bestow Classes directly, or merge with the host, fundamentally altering their Weave signature... but such items are the stuff of myths, tied to the very fabric of the Attunement." He tapped the astrolabe. "More commonly, an artifact might influence the *path* of development. Nudge a Warrior towards [Guardian] instead of [Berserker], perhaps. Or unlock access to a rare evolution if certain conditions are met."
Kael absorbed this. So, the artifact could plausibly influence Class *evolution*. That gave him a potential explanation for shifting from [Swift Blade] to [Duelist] eventually.
"You seem troubled by the paths ahead," Oog observed shrewdly. "Many choices branch before us. The Weave shows possibilities, artifacts might illuminate or obscure them, but the steps belong to the walker alone."
Kael thanked the Torton and left, feeling slightly more confident about managing his future class changes. The path of deception was complex, requiring careful justification for every 'milestone' his hidden power achieved.
Back at the Guild Hall, he checked the Iron Rank quest board. Patrols in more dangerous areas, guarding caravans heading towards perilous territories (including the foothills near Dragon's Tooth Peaks), investigating monster dens, retrieving lost relics... the challenges were steeper, the rewards greater.
He was Iron Rank now. He had survived, adapted, and grown stronger. But the mysteries of the quarry, the whispers of the Wyrm, and the ever-present weight of the Accumulator promised that his journey along unseen paths had only just begun.
Publishment Date: 8/4/2025
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