The morning after the announcement of Cain's apprenticeship under Victoria, the atmosphere at the Silverblood estate was abuzz with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. Cain, now bearing the title of Victoria's apprentice, felt a mix of pride and the weight of expectation.
The day began with a private meeting between Cain and Victoria in the estate's library, a place filled with ancient tomes and the scent of history. The morning light filtered through the tall windows, casting a serene glow over the room.
In the quietude of the Silverblood estate's library, Victoria and Cain sat opposite each other, the early morning light casting a serene ambiance. Victoria initiated the conversation with a directness that Cain was beginning to appreciate.
"You know, Cain, a warrior's path is as much about the battles they've faced as it is about the lessons they've learned," Victoria began, her gaze steady and assessing. "For instance, there was a time I found myself up against not one, but three King Class beasts. It was a situation that demanded not just strength, but cunning and resilience."
Cain leaned in, captivated. "Three King Class beasts? That's... incredible. How did you manage to survive, let alone defeat them?"
Victoria's lips curled into a wry smile. "It wasn't easy. It required every bit of my skill and knowledge. Those beasts were relentless, but I learned to turn their aggression against them. It was about observing, adapting, and striking at the opportune moments."
She paused, her eyes reflecting the intensity of the memory. "That battle taught me the importance of understanding my enemies, of being three steps ahead. It's a lesson that's served me well, not just in combat, but in life."
Cain absorbed her words, understanding the depth of experience behind them. "It sounds like a true test of a warrior's mettle," he commented, a newfound respect for Victoria is evident in his tone.
"Indeed, it was," Victoria acknowledged. "But remember, Cain, every battle, every challenge you face is an opportunity to learn and grow. That's what I expect from you as my apprentice – to take each experience, good or bad, and use it to become stronger, smarter."
As they delved deeper into their discussion, Cain, with a furrowed brow, posed a question that had been lingering in his mind. "Victoria, you mentioned facing three King Class beasts. But how powerful is a King Class monster, exactly? I'm still trying to grasp the full extent of these classifications."
Victoria nodded, appreciating the question. "Understanding the ranks and classes is crucial, Cain. It's not just about the strength of your opponent, but about gauging your capabilities and strategies. Let me break it down for you," she said, her tone shifting to that of an instructor.
"First, we have the monster classes," Victoria began. "They range from the lowest, Soldier Class, which are formidable but generally manageable for trained warriors. Above them are the Captain Class monsters, which require more skill and often a group to take down."
"Then there's the General Class. These are the monsters that start to become a real threat. They're not only powerful but often possess unique abilities that can turn the tide of a battle. A single General Class monster can be a challenge for a small group of skilled fighters.
They also can command lower class monsters, a small army if they are old"
"King Class beasts, like the ones I faced, are on a whole different level. They're incredibly rare, and each one is a force to be reckoned with. They're immensely powerful, often with abilities that can decimate entire battalions. Facing one is dangerous; facing more than one is usually suicidal. They also have an army of monsters at their disposal and are often the elite or real generals in a Monarch or Emperor class monsters army"
Victoria paused, ensuring Cain was following along. "Then we have the Monarch Class, even rarer and more powerful than Kings. They're the stuff of legends, often surrounded by tales of destruction. And above all, the Emperor Class, almost mythical in their power. Encountering one is exceedingly rare, and surviving such an encounter is even rarer.
Monarch and Emperor class monsters already have an intelligence as good as any other humanoid being, or even higher for some older Emperors. One of these old Emperors is Vlad Tepes, the emperor of the Tepes Empire, a 2000-year-old vampire progenitor. He is classified as a monster because at first, he was a normal vampire beast, but he evolved, but he is still a monster at the core"
That doesn't make you also a vampiric monster that can be classified.
Well, if you want you can, I have a King Class core, but the same can be said for you. You also have a core inside you, but dormant, the difference between monsters and humanoids, is that monsters are born with their core awakened and when they evolve, they instinctual know how to fight better and use their skills, humans need to learn and can acquire power in different ways, also monster have their bodies stronger naturally.
"And finally, the Calamity Class and Apocalyptic Class, which are, thankfully, more myth than reality in our times. Their existence alone could signify the end of regions, if not the world."
Cain listened intently, absorbing the information. "And what about the ranks for humans, elves, and others?" he asked.
"For our kind, we have a different set of ranks, starting from Rank 0 for those who are unawakened to any powers. Rank 1 is the Awakened level, where one starts to tap into their potential."
"Rank 2 is the Soldier level, somewhat equivalent to the Soldier Class monsters. Rank 3, the Adept level, is where things start getting serious. Adepts are more powerful than a Soldier Class monster but generally need a group to take on a General Class."
"Rank 4 individuals can handle a General Class one-on-one but would need support against a King Class. Rank 5, the Hero level, where I am, can take on a King Class alone and can challenge a Monarch Class depending on skill and power type."
"Rank 6 is the Sovereign level, where one becomes a true powerhouse, able to contend with a Monarch Class. Rank 7, the Demigod or Saint level, means you can face an Emperor Class and potentially a Calamity Class, depending on various factors."
"And at the top, Rank 8 – the God or Divine level. Here, one transcends mortal limits. A Divine can take on a Calamity Class and stand a chance against an Apocalyptic Class being."
Cain absorbed the information, his mind racing with the implications. "That's a lot to take in, but I understand the importance of knowing this. Thank you, Victoria."
Victoria nodded, pleased with his eagerness to learn. "Remember, Cain, knowledge is as powerful a weapon as any blade. Use this understanding to gauge your battles wisely."
As their conversation concluded, Cain felt a growing sense of clarity about the world's power dynamics and his place within it. The upcoming mission to the Shadows Forest seemed even more daunting now, but also more vital to his journey as a warrior.
"First, we need to get to know each other better," Victoria began, her tone serious yet open. "Understanding each other's strengths and weaknesses is crucial in a mentor-apprentice relationship."
Cain nodded, eager to learn from her. "I'm ready to learn and adapt, Master Victoria."
Victoria raised an eyebrow at the title but smiled slightly. "Just Victoria is fine. Now, tell me about your experiences, Cain. What drives you, and what do you hope to achieve?"
Cain shared his past experiences, his trials, and his aspirations. Victoria listened intently, occasionally asking probing questions that made Cain think deeper about his journey.
"In return," Victoria said after Cain finished, "you should know that I value discipline and resilience above all. My methods might be unconventional, but they are effective. I won't go easy on you, Cain. I expect commitment and hard work."
Cain's resolve was firmed. "I wouldn't expect anything less."
As the conversation progressed, Victoria revealed more about her journey – the battles she had fought, the lessons she had learned, and her philosophy on power and responsibility. Cain absorbed every word, recognizing the depth of knowledge and experience she offered.
Finally, Victoria leaned forward, her expression turning serious. "I have your first assignment – a trial, if you will. You are to go to the Shadows Forest and hunt a shadow wolf. They are elusive and dangerous creatures. This will test your skills, your survival instincts, and your ability to adapt."
Cain's eyes widened at the mention of the Shadows Forest, known for its perilous terrain and the deadly creatures that lurked within. "A shadow wolf," he repeated, aware of the challenge it represented.
"Yes. It's a solo mission. You need to rely on your skills and wit. This will be a true test of what you've learned and how you apply it," Victoria explained, her gaze unwavering.
Cain felt a surge of adrenaline mixed with a hint of apprehension. The mission was daunting, yet it was an opportunity to prove himself.
"When do I leave?" Cain asked, his voice steady.
"Tomorrow at dawn," Victoria replied. "Prepare well, Cain. This mission will be a significant step in your journey."
As Cain left the library, his mind was already racing with plans and strategies. The Shadows Forest was a place of legends and fears, but it was also where he could prove his worth, not just to Victoria, but to himself.
The rest of the day was spent in preparation. Cain gathered supplies, checked his equipment, and spent time with Lysara, discussing tactics and potential challenges. The Night's Whisper, ever a source of strength and guidance, felt more vital than ever.
That night, Cain lay in bed, the excitement of the upcoming mission mingling with a sense of solemnity. The journey ahead was his own – a path fraught with danger but filled with the promise of growth and discovery.