The Wandering Spire

Jeze's thoughts were scattered when she ran into Orn and the others. The large Frostsworn warriors had solemn faces, and it was hard for her to tell if they were here to admonish the Proven or celebrate them. A part of Jeze was eager to learn if they would promote her, but another part wanted to learn more about her brother and his team. Were his teammates still alive? Could she find them here at this Wandering Spire event?

"Friends, merchants, and fellow guild mates!" Orn boomed in a loud voice that gathered everyone's attention.

Miss Heng stepped forth. Her eyes never met with Jeze's. The Amber Guard announced, "We have an important occasion to share. A milestone has been met."

Irvin gently guided Jeze back to her teammates. She didn't realize she was standing still with her mouth agape like a lost fool. Jeze had a lot on her mind, and emotions had built up within her chest, but she pushed them aside for now. Orn and Miss Heng were both high-ranked Guild members, both of whom were Adepts. Were they going to promote her and the Proven? Jeze wondered. Excitement washed away the previous emotions within her. She scanned the crowd that had amassed and could not spot Rainbow and Swordslayer. But, Jeze saw an odd figure in a blood-red hooded cloak who stood just behind Orn and Miss Heng. He was an Amber Guard who wore a two-handed scythe with an onyx-colored blade on his back. The hooded cloak obscured most of his face, and Jeze could only see his pale chin and lips. Who was he? She wondered, and something about him gave Jeze pause. The other Amber Guard stood a distance away, but this one stood as if he was equal to the two Adept rank members.

Orn continued, "Very few are able to join our ranks. In my homeland, in the Frozen North, we call those who wish to become adventurers Pledglings. What you call Prospects. We have our own trials, and in order for a Pledgling to advance, they must run through the deep snow with the Dire Wolves. No easy feat, and most fail. Some even die in their pursuit of Glory."

The gathered Frostsworn let out a deep "Hurrah!" The sound reverberated outwards and Jeze imagined in times of war how it would inspire fear in the opposing army's hearts. The Frostsworn were mighty and proud warriors. She knew from firsthand experience and pride swelled in her chest.

"I present to you our Proven!" Orn waved his hand over toward Jeze and her team.

Miss Heng looked over at the gathered crowd with her dark, narrow eyes. Where Orn had passion clear on his face, Miss Heng's appearance was hard like a stone. Orn's voice was deep and filled with fire. Miss Heng's voice was sharp and cracked like a whip.

The Amber Guard spoke, "To be Initiated into the Guild one must not only demonstrate intense physical capability, they must also demonstrate significant skill. Our life is not an easy one. It is fraught with danger. There is a darkness that roams our world and only the most capable can defend against it." Miss Heng nodded toward the enormous Wandering Spire that loomed high into the red sky.

Orn continued seamlessly as if the two had rehearsed. "Even fewer achieve the next rank, where in the Frozen North we call Carl. A noble warrior and Protector of the people. In the Guild, the Adventurer ranked members represent its core and its strength. They are the foundation."

"It is no easy feat to achieve Adventurer rank. One must be able to scale high mountains and run fast for days through treacherous terrain. But that is not enough. They also need to demonstrate feats of heroism that are unmatched. Face challenges that dance on the sword's edge between life and death," Miss Heng added.

Orn spoke next, "That is the key to advancement. To all the Prospects and Initiates listening, if you wish to progress and grow stronger you need to push yourself to your limit where you face death with a grin. Us Frostsworn have a chant that we use to drive us forward. For Glory!"

"Hurrah!" The tall warriors from the Frozen North chanted back. A deep sound that resonated outwards like the thunder before a raging storm.

Orn roared louder, "For Glory!"

"Hurrah!" The Frostsworn responded louder. Jeze chanted back with the group, and a fire burned in her chest. Despite her battered Will and body, she was prepared to face ten Helldrakes!

Miss Heng opened her mouth to speak but stopped when the mysterious hooded man placed a pale hand on her shoulder. Miss Heng and Orn bowed and took a step back! Who was this mysterious man? Jeze wondered.

"I will say a few words," the pale man said softly. Though he was some distance from Jeze, his soft voice felt close to her. As if he was speaking directly in front of her. It gave Jeze the chills.

"Who is he?" She whispered to Irvin.

Jeze was shocked to see Irvin's lip quivering. The older man turned toward her with excitement in his wide eyes.

"That is Master Couzart! The Shadow Reaper! He is an Elite rank adventurer and head of the Amber Guard. Him being here is a major honor!" Irvin nearly cried.

Elite rank? Jeze wondered. She recalled from her brother's journal that in order to become an Elite, one must surpass the limits of the mortal body. There were only maybe two dozen Elites in the entire world, as it was close to impossible to achieve. Her brother wrote that It took secret knowledge and dark sacrifices in order for one to break out of their mortal limitations. Couzart's voice was soft and raspy, yet everyone was able to hear him clearly. How? Jeze wondered. Was it him using the Mind aspect? Or was this one of the supernatural abilities of an Elite?

Couzart removed his hood and showed a gaunt pale face with high cheekbones set above his narrow chin. His skin was pale and flawless like chiseled marble and his characteristic that drew the most attention were his pure yellow eyes that lacked pupils. They were such a color contrast to his pale skin that they nearly glowed.

The Elite spoke, "Initiate level allows you to join our ranks and partake in quests. It sets you on the path toward advancement by allowing you the opportunity to test your limits. Achieving Adventurer rank marks the first step toward passing our mortal limits. From here, the journey toward self-improvement gets exponentially harder, with each rank being magnitudes more difficult than the one prior. Adept rank adventurers are at the peak of mortal ability, and the Elite rank breaks those limits."

Couzart placed a pale hand on his chest and continued, "Even I share your journey and strive to break to the Hero rank." The Pale man looked at Jeze and her team with his yellow eyes and said, "Though we are at different levels, we are the same."

The Elite allowed his words to settle before he continued. "I have listened to and reviewed your achievements. As Miss Heng and Berserker Orn have shared. It takes tremendous skill and ability to be among our ranks within the Guild. I have heard tales of your willingness to face impossible odds. In the short time of this Wandering Spire Event, you, the Proven, have demonstrated courage, perseverance, and talent that was forged through discipline. You have established the first Safe Zone. You traversed the lava Chambers and battled a Floor Guardian. Such are the criteria needed to be among the Adventurer ranked."

Couzart moved closer to the Proven, and Jeze's heart stopped in her chest. The Elite stood before Dunar and was just a little taller. The Frostsworn stood proud.

"Dunar, the brave Leader. Skilled cartographer and a quick thinker under pressure. Brave warrior able to face a Goreraptor and live to tell about it," Couzart said and moved on to stand before Rolfe. The Elite was as tall as the giant Protector.

"Rolfe, the Protector and shield bearer. Fearless and dutiful. He is willing to take any blow for his team and is strong. Very strong, with power enough to pierce the thick scales of a Helldrake."

Rolfe beamed with pride. The Elite moved on next to Helga.

"Now to the team's Striker, Helga. Fierce and powerful! Able to deliver a single killing blow to a Rover and always eager to rush to the front line to face down any foe no matter the number or the size."

"Oh ya!" Helga loudly agreed.

Couzart next studied Mikal with his yellow eyes. "The Healer, extremely skilled and diligent. Mikal watches over his team and ensures that they are safe, but he is also willing to enter battle with his spear in hand."

Mikal bowed. Couzart moved on last to Jeze, towering over the small teenager.

"Last but not least. Jeze, the team's Scout. Skilled Rune caster and trap breaker. Trained by Raynor the Hunter in the way of the Wolf and the Bear. Resourceful and determined."

Jeze was dumbfounded, and all she could do was nod in agreement. Couzart nodded to the Proven and turned to the crowd.

"We are entering dark times. This Wandering Spire is looking to be more dangerous than the ones before it. Many brave Guild members have lost their lives, but do not despair. With great challenges come great opportunities for you to rise up to like the Proven. This team worked hard and distinguished themselves in Glory. That is why I have decided to promote the entire team to the rank of Adventurer!" Couzart exclaimed.

It took a moment for the news to hit the team, and they glanced at each other with wide eyes. The Elite turned to face them and in his hands were five golden certificates with their names on it. Jeze recognized the intricate Rune patterns along the documents that would protect them and prove without a doubt that they were authentic. Courzart handed each of them their document and directed them to place their thumb along the lower circular seal. When Jeze touched it the document glowed a golden light.

"This important document is attuned only to you and will prove without a doubt that you are at Adventurer rank," Couzart explained and turned once again to face the collective crowd. "Now join me in congratulating these fine young members on their advancement and their continued journey toward greatness!" The Elite announced in his loud, raspy voice.