[ Experience Gained: 20000 ]
[ Drop Acquired: Recipe(unidentified) ]
As the final Recipe dropped, the entire team collapsed to the floor, overwhelmed by exhaustion. It was the fifth day of their relentless mission in The Lost Souls' Caverns, and this was their nineteenth delve. Although they had taken necessary breaks, the mental and physical strain was undeniable. Yet, amidst the fatigue, there was a palpable sense of relief and accomplishment.
"We actually did it... the fifth recipe," Diana panted, her voice laced with fatigue and satisfaction.
Hank, wiping sweat from his brow, let out a low whistle. "Nineteen runs, five recipes. That's some serious efficiency compared to the thirty delves average."
Shia, still catching her breath, added, "It's an incredible feat. We've made quite the team."
Orion, who played a crucial role in the mission's success, had advanced to level 16 due to his consistent final blows on the bosses. Sarah and Emma also celebrated their level-ups. After inspecting the last Recipe, Orion handed it over to Diana.
"Here's the final one," said Orion, his voice reflecting a mix of tiredness and pride.
Diana took the recipe, her eyes reflecting a sense of pride in their achievement. "You've all been incredible. Orion, your progress is remarkable. And congratulations to you too, Sarah and Emma, on leveling up."
Sarah smiled wearily. "Thanks, Diana. It's been a tough few days, but it was worth it."
Shia stood up, stretching her muscles. "Let's head back and report our success. We all deserve some rest after this."
Agreeing with a collective nod, the team gathered their remaining strength and prepared to leave the dungeon.
As the team exited the dungeon, they noticed several groups gathered near the portal. Among them was a familiar team from their own clan, the Keepers of the Void. Another group was easily identifiable by their distinctive uniforms – the team dispatched by the Global Awakener Registration Bureau (GARB), the very team for which they had worked so hard to acquire potion recipes.
A short distance away, a smaller group from the Azure Serpent Clan observed the scene. They stood aloof, clearly aware of their limitations in the presence of a GARB team. Despite the Azure Serpent Clan's notorious reputation and influence in Azure City, they dared not interfere with the government's representatives. They seemed to be there purely for gathering information, a silent acknowledgment of the complex power dynamics at play.
The presence of the Azure Serpent Clan members was a stark reminder of the recent espionage within the Keepers of the Void. Yet, at the moment, they were not engaging in any illegal activities, and neither the Keepers of the Void nor the GARB team had grounds to confront them directly.
Once they were clear of the dungeon portal, Diana wasted no time. She immediately contacted Lila Bright to report their successful completion of the mission.
"Diana here. The mission is complete, Lila. We've got the fifth recipe," she reported with a tone of satisfaction.
"Excellent work," came Lila's voice over the communicator, a hint of relief evident. "Return to the headquarters as soon as possible. We need to secure those recipes and debrief."
"Understood. We're on our way back now," Diana responded.
The team, though weary from their extensive delving, felt a renewed sense of purpose as they made their way back to the clan headquarters.
As the team entered the meeting room at the clan headquarters, a wave of surprise swept over them. Beside Lila Bright sat Ethan Blackwood, the rarely seen clan leader. His presence indicated the gravity of the situation and the importance of their mission's success.
Hank and Shia, recognizing the significance of Ethan's presence, immediately stepped forward. "Greetings, Young Master Ethan," they said in unison, showing respect to the heir of their main family.
Lila took the spatial ring containing all five recipe copies and other drops from Diana and gestured for everyone to take a seat. The atmosphere in the room was charged with a mix of tension and anticipation.
Ethan Blackwood, after everyone was seated, addressed the team. "I want to personally thank each of you for your exceptional efforts. The work you've done is invaluable to our clan. As a token of our appreciation, each of you will receive an additional 1000 Clan Contribution Points, aside from what you'll earn from the assessed value of the drops."
The team members exchanged glances, a sense of pride and accomplishment evident in their expressions.
Ethan then shifted his focus, his gaze landing on Orion and Diana. "I'd like the rest of you to leave for now. I need to speak with Orion and Diana privately."
There was a moment of silent understanding among the team. Hank, Shia, Emma, and Sarah stood up, offering nods of respect to Ethan and Lila before leaving the room.
Once they were alone with Ethan and Lila, Diana and Orion waited expectantly.
Ethan, with a discernible air of admiration, turned his attention to Diana and Orion. "I must say, I'm quite impressed with both of you. Your recent achievements have not gone unnoticed, and I believe it's time for appropriate recognition."
He first addressed Diana. "Diana, would you be interested in joining forces with Kara Reid, our combat strategy team leader, as her deputy? I understand it might seem like a step down from being a team leader, but it's quite the opposite. The combat strategy team is a key part of our clan's operations, involving higher-level decision-making, resource allocation, and direct interaction with the clan leadership. It's a significant role with substantial authority and impact."
Diana, understanding the weight and prestige of the offer, replied without hesitation, "I would be honored, Ethan. Working with Kara Reid and contributing at that level is an opportunity I gladly accept."
Ethan nodded, pleased with her response. He then turned to Orion. "Orion, your role in the team has been pivotal, and your leadership qualities have shone through. We'd like to promote you to the position of team leader, taking over the role Diana previously held. This position comes with a salary of 500 Clan Contribution Points a month, the responsibility of handling special missions, and the opportunity to form and lead your own team."
Orion, taken aback by the unexpected promotion, took a moment to process the offer. "Thank you, Ethan. I appreciate the trust and opportunity. I'll do my best to live up to the responsibilities of a team leader."
Ethan smiled, satisfied with their responses. "Excellent. I'm confident you both will excel in your new roles. We're always looking to nurture talent within the clan, and your promotions are a testament to your hard work and dedication."
After Orion and Diana left the meeting room, Ethan and Lila remained, a more private conversation unfolding between them.
Lila turned to Ethan, her tone inquisitive. "Did your Golden Eye work as expected?"
Ethan nodded confidently. "Of course, it's an advanced skill, after all."
"So, what's the result? Is Orion as strong as we hoped?" Lila asked, her interest evident.
Ethan's response carried a note of surprise. "He's not just strong, Lila; he's exceptionally strong. Despite being only level 16, his stats are comparable to level 30 awakeners."
Lila's eyebrows raised in disbelief. "Level 30? That's hard to believe."
Ethan elaborated, "His agility is above 50, and his strength is at 57 without any equipment bonuses. And he has an endurance of 45. It's unfortunate that I can't see a person's luck stat. Considering how he managed to get five recipes in less than twenty runs, it must be remarkably high."
Lila considered this for a moment. "I see. Well, I'll keep a close eye on him. We should design some tasks to test not just his combat abilities but his luck as well. If he's as fortunate as you say, he could be invaluable to our future operations."
Ethan nodded in agreement. "Keep me updated on his progress. Orion is proving to be an interesting and valuable member of our clan."
With their discussion concluded, Lila and Ethan left the meeting room, each with their own thoughts about Orion's potential and how best to utilize his unique abilities for the clan's benefit.