Reborn In The Shadow

The guild's main hall was filled with hushed voices as Leon Diamond sat at the round table, surrounded by the senior members of the guild. They debated Michael's recruitment, questioning whether bringing in someone so unstable was a wise decision. Some saw potential in him, while others feared he was a danger waiting to unravel. Leon remained firm in his stance—Michael had power, and with guidance, he could become an asset rather than a threat.

Meanwhile, August took Michael aside, showing him around the guild and explaining how things worked. He told him that all guild members were called Paragons, meaning they were considered perfect beings in their own way. August then broke down the ranking system that determined their strength and abilities:

Base Rank – The lowest tier, where all new recruits start.

Knight Rank – A level above base, signifying progress and combat capability.

Empowered Knight Rank – A Paragon who has harnessed significant power and skill.

Dragon Rank – An elite warrior known for immense strength and mastery.

Warlord Rank – A rare and formidable Paragon who leads forces into battle.

Commander Rank – The highest level, reserved for the strongest guild members, including Leon himself.

Michael listened carefully but was taken aback when August revealed that both he and Scarlet were at the Empowered Knight Rank, while Ember held the Dragon Rank.

Michael's eyes widened. "Wait, Ember is a Dragon Rank?"

August smirked. "Yeah, don't let her nice attitude fool you. She's way stronger than she looks."

Michael frowned. "And me?"

August shrugged. "You're Base Rank for now. Gotta earn your way up."

Michael clenched his fists. He had a long way to go, but that only fueled his determination. If he was going to prove himself, he needed to climb those ranks—and fast.

Far from the guild, in the ruins of an abandoned city, Scarlet and Ember walked through the desolate streets. Broken buildings surrounded them, remnants of a forgotten battle. The wind howled through the wreckage, kicking up dust as they navigated the debris.

Scarlet scoffed, resting her hand on the hilt of her red sword. "Of all the missions, the commanders send us on this lame recon job? We should be out hunting something bigger, not wasting our time here."

Ember, walking beside her in her shimmering diamond outfit, glanced around calmly. "I think Michael is going to fit in perfectly," she said softly.

Scarlet shot her a look. "Tch. I don't like him. He's reckless, violent, and unpredictable. People like that are dangerous."

Ember smiled slightly. "That's why he fits in."

Before Scarlet could reply, the ground suddenly trembled beneath them. A deep, guttural growl echoed through the air as a massive Fallen Beast emerged from the shadows of a collapsed skyscraper. The creature's glowing red eyes locked onto them, its grotesque form towering over the ruined cityscape.

Scarlet grinned, drawing her sword. "Finally, something interesting."

Ember sighed, raising her hand as her diamond armor shimmered. "Let's finish this quickly."

As the beast lunged forward, the two Paragons prepared for battle.