Flame Archon

Morning light streamed through the massive windows of Emberlight's guild hall, casting golden hues over the bustling interior. Wizards moved about, preparing for the day's missions, some discussing strategy while others practiced their spells in controlled bursts of flame, wind, and lightning.

Cynus, Lyric, and Ren sat at a long wooden table, still adjusting to their new reality. Yesterday, they had officially joined Emberlight, but their journey was only beginning. They needed to rise through the ranks—and that meant proving themselves.

Across from them, Elara stood with arms crossed, her sharp crimson eyes scanning the trio. She was more than just Emberlight's second-in-command—she was one of its Elite-ranked wizards, a force to be reckoned with.

"Now that you three are officially part of the guild, let's make one thing clear." Elara's voice was steady, authoritative. "This isn't just a place for power-hungry mages looking to make a name for themselves. Emberlight was built on strength, loyalty, and purpose. If you can't commit to that, you don't belong here."

Ren raised an eyebrow. "We literally just got here and you're already giving us the 'earn your place' speech?"

Elara smirked slightly but didn't waver. "Every guild has structure. You need to know where you stand before you start climbing."

She gestured toward a large board near the center of the hall, where names and rankings were etched into enchanted stone. The Mages Ranks of the Kingdom of August were displayed clearly:

The Rank System

Apprentice – New recruits, still in training. Lowest rank.

Adept – Trained members trusted with low-risk missions.

Master – The core of the guild, seasoned fighters and magic users.

Elite – Rare wizards who have proven themselves in power and leadership. Only a handful exist in any guild.

Archon – Above the guild system. The strongest wizards in the kingdom, ruling with absolute authority.

Elara went on to say, "The guild controls promotion up to the rank of Master; beyond that, the guild recommends the mage to the administrative department, where they must pass a trial to reach the next rank, which is Elite. The strongest Archon, the Commander-in-Chief of the kingdom's army, decides the promotion trial to the rank of Archon.

The Missing Guild Master

Cynus noticed that at the top of Emberlight's ranking board, one name remained unclaimed.

He pointed. "What about the Guild Master?"

Elara's expression darkened slightly. "He's missing."

Lyric's eyes flickered with interest. "Missing?"

Elara nodded. "Our Guild Master was an Elite-ranked wizard, one of the strongest I've ever seen. A few years ago, he left on a mission… and never returned."

Ren leaned back, intrigued. "And no one knows what happened to him?"

Dante, who had been leaning casually nearby, finally spoke, his voice unusually serious. "No body. No signs. Just gone."

Cynus frowned. "And no one tried to find him?"

Elara's lips pressed into a thin line. "We searched. But some paths are meant to remain hidden."

Ren whistled. "That's cryptic."

Elara didn't elaborate. Instead, she placed a firm hand on the ranking board. "Until he returns—or if he never does—I lead Emberlight as acting Guild Master."

Cynus exchanged glances with Lyric and Ren. The more they learned about this guild, the more mysteries seemed to surround it.

Dante stretched, breaking the tension. "So, now that you know our great leader's tragic disappearance, let's talk about the other Elite-ranked wizard in the guild."

Ren smirked. "Let me guess. You?"

Dante grinned, tilting his head in mock modesty. "Guilty."

Cynus studied him. There was something off about Dante—something hidden beneath the confidence. He was clearly powerful, but no one seemed to know his full story.

"How did you become an Elite?" Cynus asked.

Dante's grin widened. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Elara sighed. "Dante has his secrets, but don't underestimate him. He may act like an idiot, but he didn't reach Elite rank by accident."

Dante chuckled. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Elara."

The First Mission: Rising to Adept

Elara turned back to the trio. "Now, if you want to stop being Initiates and officially become Adepts, you need to complete your first mission."

She tapped a parchment on the mission board. The trio leaned in, reading the details carefully.

Mission: Lost Caravan

Objective: Investigate and recover a missing trade caravan en route to Ravenspire.

Risk Level: Low to Moderate.

Possible Threats: Bandits, rogue beasts, or magical interference.

Reward: Advancement to Adept Rank.

"Seems simple enough," Lyric said.

Elara gave her a sharp look. "Never assume a mission is 'simple.' The last time a caravan went missing, half the escort team didn't come back."

Ren tensed. "Alright. That's comforting."

Dante leaned forward, arms crossed. "This is the real test. Survive, adapt, and prove that you can handle the unknown. That's what separates real wizards from reckless fools."

Cynus felt the weight of the fragment in his satchel. Something told him this mission wouldn't be as straightforward as it seemed.

He met Elara's gaze and nodded. "We'll handle it."

Elara studied them for a moment, then nodded. "Then don't waste time. The last sighting of the caravan was two days ago near the Veilwood Forest."

Dante clapped his hands. "Perfect! A haunted forest, a missing caravan, and the possibility of mortal danger. You three are going to have a blast."

Ren sighed. "Great. And here I was hoping for a relaxing job."

Lyric adjusted her gloves. "Let's move. The longer we wait, the colder the trail gets."

Cynus took a deep breath. This was it. Their first real mission as members of Emberlight.

As they stepped toward the exit, Dante called out, his usual grin replaced by something more knowing.

"Try not to die."