Chereads / Ascension: The Path of the Reborn / Chapter 31 - Mission Briefing

Chapter 31 - Mission Briefing

The dimly lit hall of the Ascendants Guild buzzed with tension as members gathered around a long, polished table. Kael fidgeted in his seat, feeling the weight of their scrutiny pressing down on him. The murmurs of concern and disbelief about the recent surge in Darkspawn activity filled the air, drowning out the flickering torches lining the stone walls.

High Marshal Aldis stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding immediate attention. "Thank you all for coming," he said, his deep voice resonating through the chamber. "As you are all aware, the Darkspawn have been increasingly aggressive, and we must act swiftly to investigate the source of these attacks."

Kael leaned forward, his heart racing. This was the moment he had been waiting for—an opportunity to prove himself and help the guild. Yet, he could sense the skepticism among some of the guild members, their eyes narrowing as they glanced at him.

"While the rifts have been opening, we've also seen reports of a more powerful Darkspawn, the Void Reaver," Aldis continued, scanning the room. "This creature has been targeting specific areas, and we need to uncover why. Kael, I want you to lead the mission."

Gasps rippled through the crowd, and Kael's heart dropped. "Lead the mission? But—"

Before he could finish, a voice cut through the air. "Is this really wise, Marshal? Kael's growth has been... extraordinary, but can we trust him?" A tall, burly guild member, Serin, stood with arms crossed, his skeptical gaze fixed on Kael.

"Every member of this guild has the right to question," Aldis replied firmly, "but Kael's unique abilities may provide us with the edge we need." He turned to Kael. "Tell us about your encounter with the Void Reaver."

Taking a deep breath, Kael recounted his narrow escape, detailing the overwhelming power of the creature. "I barely managed to get away, but it showed me just how much I still have to learn. I know I'm not as experienced, but I want to help."

"Or do you want to chase glory?" Serin shot back, his voice dripping with disdain.

"Enough!" Lira's voice rang out, sharp and clear. She stood beside Kael, her fiery spirit glowing in her eyes. "Kael has faced more than any of us could handle. He's proven himself already. If anyone's in a position to understand the Darkspawn threat, it's him."

The room fell silent as all eyes turned to Lira. Kael felt a rush of warmth at her support, but he also noticed some members exchanging uncertain glances.

"Thank you, Lira," Aldis said, breaking the silence. "Kael, you will join Tarin and Lira on this mission. We need to gather intelligence on the rifts and the Void Reaver's activities. Stay vigilant and remember: the safety of Erendath relies on you."

Kael nodded, determination swelling within him. "I won't let you down."

As the meeting adjourned, Kael felt a mixture of excitement and anxiety. He needed to prepare himself for what lay ahead. He approached a secluded corner of the hall, where the guild's system interface flickered to life in response to his presence.

SYSTEM STATUS

Name: Kael Relan

Level: 5

Class: VoidBlade

Trait: Rebirth Core

HP: 180/ 180

MP: 200 / 200

EXP: 1000/1500

SP: 25

STR: 18 AGI: 18 INT: 14 WIL: 20 END: 16 CHA: 16 LCK: 13

Skills:

Aegis Protocol+:Enabled

Active Skill:

Sword Mastery:Level 3

Void Rend: Level 3

Void Spiral: Level 1

Void Breaker: Level 1

Rebirth Strike: Level 1

Enhanced Strike: Level 3

Guardian's Valor: Level 1

Shadow Rend: Level 1 (Legendary)

Shadow Slash: Level 1

Shadow's Fall: Level 1(Ultimate)

Passive Skill:

Aegis Shield: Level 1

Shadow Step: Level 2

Eclipse Empowerment: Level 2

Enhanced Agility: Level 2

Active Camouflage (Aegis Protocol+): Level 1

System Firewall (Aegis Protocol+): Level 1

Passive Reinforcement (Aegis Protocol+): Level 1

Weapon (Equipped):

Shadowblade (Legendary)

Artifact (Equipped):

Rebirth Gem (Rare)

Rebirth Gem Progress: 45%

Kael's eyes widened as he absorbed the information. He had made significant progress, but he could feel the weight of the challenges ahead. He reflected on his performance in battle, knowing he needed to balance his offense and defense to survive the encounter with the Void Reaver.

After some deliberation, he began reassigning his skill points, putting all 15 points into agility and endurance to enhance his mobility and endurance in battles.

UPGRADE SUCCESSFUL

New Stats:

AGI: 28

END: 21

Kael felt a surge of energy course through him as the changes settled. He was becoming a force to be reckoned with, and he was determined to prove that to the guild.

As he rejoined the others, Kael caught Lira's eye. She smiled at him, a mixture of admiration and trust evident in her gaze. He knew that with her support, he could face whatever challenges awaited them.

Before they set off, the Guide's voice echoed in his mind: "Every time you draw on the Rebirth Core, you invite danger, Kael. You must choose wisely." The weight of the warning settled over him, a reminder that with great power came great risk.

The weight of the task ahead hung over him, but Kael felt a flicker of hope ignite within. He was ready to embrace his destiny as a member of the Ascendants Guild and confront the darkness threatening Erendath.