With a weighty sigh, the guildmaster pronounced, "Summoned you are, magician. The king himself requests your presence in the grand hall. Your valor and cunning have earned you an award, for you alone have single-handedly tamed the wrath of a red dragon that plagued our kingdom. Your swift blades have silenced the bloodthirsty marauders and bandits and Orcs that once ravaged these lands. The realm owes you a debt of gratitude."At first, these words resonated like a triumphant symphony in the magician's ears. His heart swelled with pride at the realization of the magnitude of his team's achievements. But as the waves of such grandeur crashed against the shore of his consciousness, they were met with a solemn current of sorrow.In the silent chambers of his heart, the magician had long yearned for a different kind of recognition—one that transcended mortal rewards and celebrated his craft in its purest form. A life of solitude, grief and arcane wisdom had consumed him, leaving little room for tangential accolades or praise from temporal authorities.With a heaviness that bespoke of the days of contemplation behind it, he bowed his head and replied in a voice laced with melancholy, "I am deeply honored, guildmaster, by the king's appreciation and generosity. However, my heart lies intertwined with the labyrinths of magic. It is there that I find my true fulfillment, where the celestial forces dance with my soul. Regrettably, the path of glory beckons not to me anymore, for my heart craves only the serenity and introspection bestowed upon it by this sacred realm."The guildmaster stood in momentary shock, his steadfast gaze now softened with compassion. He recognized the words of a rare soul, one unyielding in his resolve to be true to his innermost desires. In those few seconds, a mutual understanding passed between them, both acknowledging paths that would forever diverge.Ben returned to his sanctuary, with the specter of worldly recognition replaced by the dulcet whispers of ancient incantations. The walls sighed in resignation, for even they comprehended the sacrifice of worldly praise in the pursuit of arcane wisdom hidden behind grief. The guild master slowly followed behind.And so, in the solace of his room, Ben defied the beckoning of kings and their glittering rewards, content in his choice to weave spells, unlock the secrets of the universe, and find solace in the companionship of his ethereal brethren. The magician's words still hung heavy in the air, his sorrowful decline of the king's invitation echoing through the room. The guildmaster, now standing still, listened intently, his eyes searching the magician's face for a glimmer of compromise.After a brief pause, the guildmaster let out a sigh laden with a mix of understanding and frustration. With a grave tone that brooked no argument, he turned back towards the magician and uttered words that carried a weight beyond measure. "Ben, whether you like it or not, your valor and achievements have elevated you far beyond the confines of a mere rank C magician. As a result, the king himself has bestowed upon you a special rank, one that carries immense expectations and responsibilities."The magician's brow furrowed, his eyes widening in surprise and disbelief. He had never anticipated this outcome, nor had he ever desired such recognition. The notion of being stripped of his freedom to choose, to roam the land as he pleased, clenched at his heart with an iron grip.Sensing the turmoil within the magician, the guildmaster continued, his voice firm yet compassionate. "While I understand your desire for solitude, Ben, the duties that come with this special rank cannot be evaded. The king's summons is an order, one that you must obey. You are bound to serve the kingdom, to put your skills and powers to use for the greater good. Resistance is futile."The magician's shoulders sagged as he absorbed the weight of the guildmaster's words. He knew deep down that the guildmaster spoke the truth, that he could not escape his newfound responsibilities. The dichotomy between his desire for seclusion and the expectations thrust upon him weighed heavily on his soul.Silence enveloped the room as Ben tried to process the inevitability of his situation. His eyes wandered across the shelves, filled with arcane knowledge collected over months of tireless study. A flicker of determination sparked within him, gradually overpowering the sorrow that had cloaked him moments ago.With a voice resolute, though tinged with a hint of resignation, Ben responded, "Very well, guildmaster. If it is the king's decree, then I shall submit to this special rank bestowed upon me. I understand the weight of duty that lies ahead, and though it goes against the whispers of my heart, I accept my role as a servant of the kingdom."As the guildmaster nodded in acknowledgement, the magician's thoughts churned with a bitter mix of conflict and duty. He knew that his days of quiet study and introspection were numbered, replaced by an uncertain journey where he would be propelled into the realm of kings and battles, becoming a guardian of his people.With a final lingering look at his beloved chamber, the magician steeled himself for the challenges that awaited him. Standing surrounded by a solemn atmosphere within the confines of the magician's room, the guildmaster prepared himself to disclose the burdensome truth that lingered in their midst. Straightening his shoulders and adjusting his robes, he exuded an air of authority befitting his position."Ben," the guildmaster began, his voice steady and authoritative, "it is vital that you understand the magnitude of the position to which you have been appointed. As a member of this special rank, you shall bear the weight of the kingdom's most pressing concerns, tasked with safeguarding our realm from catastrophic calamities."He paused for a moment, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. The magician's eyes widened with anticipation and trepidation, recognizing that the responsibility thrust upon him was far greater than he had ever imagined."First," the guildmaster continued, his voice resonating with the gravity of the situation, "you shall face the black dragon of calamity. This ancient creature has begun to stir, threatening the very foundations of our land. The king has selected you to confront this formidable foe, utilizing your magical prowess to protect our people."