The next morning, the group gathered in the heart of the bustling city. The air was filled with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares, children laughing, and the clatter of horse-drawn carriages. Despite the underlying tension of their mission, Akira felt a sense of anticipation.
Kael led them to the guild headquarters, a grand building that stood out even amidst the city's grandeur. Its stone walls were adorned with intricate carvings, and a large emblem of a phoenix—a symbol of rebirth and strength—was prominently displayed above the entrance.
"This is it," Kael said, his voice calm but filled with an undercurrent of emotion. "This guild will be our new base of operations. But first, we need to get you officially ranked."
Akira nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Blacky, in his human form, stood beside him, his usual gruff expression softened by curiosity.
As they entered the guild, they were greeted by a receptionist who guided them to the registration area. The room was bustling with adventurers of all ranks and backgrounds, each one eager to prove their worth.
Akira stepped up to the registration desk, where a stern-looking guild officer sat, his eyes sharp and assessing. "Name?" the officer asked.
"Akira," he replied, trying to keep his voice steady.
The officer scribbled something down and looked up. "Purpose of registration?"
"To obtain my rank," Akira said simply.
The officer nodded and handed Akira a form. "Fill this out. You'll need to take a test to determine your rank."
As Akira filled out the form, Kael stood nearby, offering silent support. Once the paperwork was completed, the officer motioned for Akira to follow him.
Blacky stepped forward as well. "I want to sign up too," he said, his voice gruff but determined.
The officer raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Very well. Name?"
"Blacky."
After Blacky completed his form, the officer led them both to a large arena behind the guild building. The arena was a massive space, filled with training equipment and surrounded by towering stone walls.
A crowd of guild members gathered to watch, their eyes filled with curiosity and excitement. Tests like these were a common spectacle, and new faces always drew attention.
The guild officer stood in the center of the arena and addressed the crowd. "Today, we have two new applicants: Akira and Blacky. They will undergo a series of tests to determine their ranks. Watch and learn, for this is how we measure strength and skill."
Akira and Blacky exchanged a glance, their determination clear. They knew that this was more than just a test—it was a chance to prove themselves and gain the recognition they needed to continue their mission.
The first test was a simple display of combat skills. Akira drew his swords and stepped forward, his movements fluid and precise. He demonstrated a series of techniques, each one more impressive than the last. The crowd murmured in approval, impressed by his prowess.
Blacky followed, his approach more brute force than finesse. He demonstrated his strength and resilience, smashing through targets and displaying his raw power. The crowd cheered, recognizing his formidable abilities.
The second test was a test of endurance. Akira and Blacky were required to complete an obstacle course, filled with challenging traps and difficult terrain. They moved through the course with determination, each obstacle a new challenge to overcome.
Akira's agility and quick thinking allowed him to navigate the course with ease, while Blacky's sheer strength helped him power through even the toughest obstacles. By the end of the course, both were exhausted but triumphant.
The final test was a combat simulation, where they faced off against skilled guild members. Akira fought with precision and strategy, his movements calculated and efficient. Blacky relied on his raw power, overwhelming his opponents with sheer force.
When the tests were complete, the guild officer gathered the results and conferred with his colleagues. After a tense few moments, he turned to address the crowd.
"Akira," he began, "your skills and abilities are extraordinary. Given the unique nature of your situation and the confirmation from our records, you are awarded the rank of SSS."
A murmur of astonishment rippled through the crowd. Achieving an SSS rank was almost unheard of, and it solidified Akira's status as a formidable force.
The officer then turned to Blacky. "Blacky, your strength and resilience are commendable. You are awarded the rank of A."
Blacky nodded, satisfied with the recognition. He knew that his journey was just beginning, and there was room for growth.
With the tests complete, the officer handed Akira a small card, the emblem of the guild shining brightly on its surface. "This is your guild card. It grants you access to all guild facilities and resources."
Akira took the card, feeling its weight in his hand. It was more than just a piece of identification—it was a symbol of his commitment to their mission and the recognition of his abilities.
As he looked up, ready to thank the officer, the ground beneath them suddenly trembled. The crowd gasped, and the air filled with an eerie silence. Akira's heart raced as he turned to Kael, who was already scanning the horizon, his expression tense.
"What is it?" Akira asked, his voice urgent.
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Something's coming. Something powerful."
The chapter ended with the ground trembling beneath their feet, a harbinger of the challenges yet to come.