The journey towards the capital of the first continent was long and filled with unexpected dangers. The road stretched across vast plains, bordered by thick forests and jagged mountains. Rodensky, Emmanuel, and Izabella kept their pace steady, determined to reach the city as quickly as possible. The villagers who had joined them in their escape from the ruins of the Black Snake Guild traveled with caution, hoping for safety but wary of the dangers that lurked beyond their small campfires.
As they ventured deeper into the wilds of the first continent, the tranquility of the journey was shattered when the distant rumble of thunder turned into a chilling, unnatural roar. Monsters began to emerge from the shadows of the trees—a pack of mutated direwolves, their glowing eyes reflecting hunger and malice. The pack surged toward them, their savage growls filling the air.
Rodensky's heart pounded as he summoned Rokura to his side. Emmanuel, with his trusty Abaddon at his back, stood firm. Izabella raised her hand, calling upon the divine light that swirled around her like a halo. She prepared herself for battle, her sword gleaming with holy energy.
The battle was fierce and fast. The direwolves, though fast and vicious, were no match for the trio's combined power. With every strike from Rodensky and Emmanuel, their strength and coordination grew, their battle instincts honed by the numerous fights they'd faced. Emmanuel's Abaddon tore through the wolves with brutal efficiency, while Rokura fought beside him, her claws ripping into their enemies with swift precision. Izabella's divine light shone bright, searing through the packs of wolves as they tried to close in.
After the dust settled, Rodensky wiped the sweat from his brow, noticing that both he and Emmanuel had leveled up. The system panel appeared, confirming their progress:
"Congratulations, Rodensky. You have reached level 60."
Congratulations, Emmanuel. You have reached level 60."
"Every 60 levels, you will be given a mission for your class's advancement," the system continued. "These missions must be completed alone, with only your beast companions. No other challengers will be allowed to assist."
The weight of the mission settled heavily on them. Both were eager to continue growing stronger, but the knowledge that they would be facing even more difficult challenges alone made them think. It was an opportunity, but also a heavy responsibility.
The following days passed in relative silence as they pushed forward, the weight of the upcoming trials pressing on them. They finally reached the capital of the first continent, Virelith, a grand city of towering spires and bustling marketplaces. The city was alive with activity, its streets teeming with challengers and civilians alike. It was here, amidst the blend of ancient architecture and new technology, that Rodensky and Emmanuel would find the answers they sought.
They first visited the Challenger's Association, where they would receive their official rankings. The machine that tested their potential was housed in a grand hall, its metallic surface gleaming under the high arches. As Rodensky and Emmanuel approached, they could feel the weight of the moment. Both had seen glimpses of their future strength, but now the system would confirm it.
Izabella, standing by them, watched with a quiet smile. "You two are going to surprise a lot of people with your rankings," she said, her tone filled with quiet pride.
When Rodensky stepped forward, the machine hummed to life, a light scanning his body before displaying his rank: A Rank. His heart skipped a beat. Emmanuel stepped up next, and the machine gave the same result: A Rank.
"Well done," the attendant at the counter said, handing them their official papers. "Your ranks have been confirmed. You'll be able to access high-level resources and quests now."
The rewards from the association were generous: potions, equipment, and access to more advanced training. They also received invitation from well know guilds to join, each giving more benefits than the previous. But despite the wealth of knowledge and resources at their disposal, their minds were elsewhere.
"What about our families?" Rodensky asked, his voice low but urgent.
Izabella nodded. "I'll investigate and try to find any information. I promise I'll keep you updated."
Rodensky and Emmanuel shared a brief, thankful glance before nodding. "Thank you," Rodensky said. "We're entrusting this to you for now. But we have to focus on our next mission."
With that, they turned to face the next chapter of their journey. The system had already marked their missions: for Rodensky, to advance from Beast Tamer to Beast Master, and for Emmanuel, to evolve from Dragon Tamer to Dragon Master. The trials would be difficult, but they were prepared to face them head-on, knowing that becoming stronger was their only path forward.
Before parting ways with Izabella, Rodensky held up the World Tree Seed they had received as a reward, though he hadn't yet decided where to plant it. "One day," he said, his gaze resolute, "we'll come back, and we'll make sure our families are safe. But first, we need to complete these missions."
With their resolve set, Rodensky and Emmanuel set off, their beasts by their sides, ready for the challenges ahead. They would return stronger, strong enough to protect those they love and make their way back home.