In the world of sorcery, breakthroughs were a daily occurrence. The World Association of Sorcerers (WAS) had revolutionized the field by integrating technology into sorcery. Sorcerers were now ranked in a hierarchical grading system:
- 1st-grade: The position reserved for the strongest sorcerers.
- 2nd to 8th grade
- 9th-grade: the least grade.
Typically, most sorcerers embark on their journey as 6th grade or 7th-grade. The ultimate aspiration for many is to attain the esteemed 1st-grade. However, the pinnacle of 1st-grade is often considered an unattainable goal, with many believing it's a realm reserved for the gods alone.
Unfortunately, only the weakest of sorcerers end up as 9th-grade. And, as fate would have it, one of them is Code Weber.
***
Hazen, Western Province, Eldrid region.
Code Weber, a 17-year-old 9th-grade sorcerer, stood in a dimly lit alley in Hazen. His eyes scanned the shadows, wary of potential threats. He'd been robbed twice that week, and his pockets were almost empty. His tattered clothes hung loosely on his body, as he staggered to move.
"Hey, Code Weber!" A voice called from afar, as a man in black armor approached him, and he had a 5th-grade sorcerer badge placed on his chest. He had a thick black hair which fell to his shoulders, and a simple, but slightly muscular build. "Hey, Code Weber!" he said with a smile.
Code expected trouble, as he had a lot of creditors, but the man's friendly smile calmed him.
"I'm Ran Cowell," the man said, extending his hand. Code shook it, his grip firm. Ran's smile never wavered. "I have a mission offer for you, Code. A mid-class demon has been detected in Sylva, and we need a team of 16 sorcerers to deal with it."
Code's eyes narrowed. 'Hmm, a mid-class demon? That should earn me a lot.' He thought to himself.
"What's in it for me?" Code finally replied.
Ran's tone turned serious. "We'll pay 1% of the mission's profit."
Code frowned at this reply.
'One percent?! That's too low! I can't go on a mid-class mission and take just one percent!' Code exclaimed in his mind.
Ran noticed Code's frown, and immediately, he smirked.
"Did you really expect a 9th-grade sorcerer like you to command a high price?" He exclaimed, almost drawing everyone's attentions.
"You should grab this opportunity. Who knows when another one like this will come," Ran added.
Code felt a sense of anger wash through him, but he knew Ran Cowell was right; a 9th-grade sorcerer like him couldn't command a high price.
Code sighed, resigned. "Alright, I'll take it."
Ran laughed and replied, "Tomorrow, 2 pm at Sylva."
However, as Ran left, his words kept resounding in Code's head, reminding him of his weakness.
***
The next day, Code boarded a train to Sylva, feeling uncertain about the mission. He had barely enough money for the fare, let alone food or unexpected expenses. As the train left Warsaw behind, Code wondered what lay ahead.
He thought back to his struggles as a 9th-grade sorcerer. The countless rejections, the humiliating encounters, and the label of failure that came with being a low-ranking sorcerer. But Ran's offer had given him a glimmer of hope – a chance to prove himself and turn his life around.
As the train rumbled on, Code gazed out the window, watching the cityscape give way to rolling hills and countryside. He took a deep breath, trying to push aside his doubts and focus on the mission ahead. He had to succeed – for himself, for his future, and for the chance to prove that even a 9th-grade sorcerer like him could make a difference.
Little did he know that things were about to get bad.
***
As Code stepped off the train, Sylva's nice air enveloped him like a slap in the face, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the scent of industrial smoke. He looked around, and saw the bustling crowds hurrying to their destinations with purpose. Code's mind, however, was already ahead, fixated on the mission.
He called a taxi and gave the driver directions to the forest, following Ran's exact instructions. The taxi wound its way through the city streets, passing by old buildings with worn facades and old shops that seemed frozen in time. Code watched the scenery unfold, his thoughts consumed by the task at hand – the nagging sense of uncertainty, the thrill of the unknown.
As they left the city behind, the scenery shifted to rolling hills and dense forests that seemed to swallow the road whole. The taxi driver chatted idly, but Code's responses were monosyllabic, his focus solely on the mission ahead. After what felt like an eternity – 30 minutes ticked by in a blur – the taxi dropped Code off in front of the forest.
He paid the driver, his eyes scanning the surroundings as he stepped out into the cool shade of the trees. The forest loomed before him, its towering trunks like warriors guarding a secret world. Code took a deep breath, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation coursing through his veins.
Ran and the other sorcerers were already gathered near the trees, their faces set with determination. Ran nodded curtly as Code approached. "Right on time," Ran said, his voice low and serious. "We've got a lot of ground to cover."
As Code approached the group, Ran nodded at him to join the circle. The other sorcerers turned to face him, their eyes sizing him up.
"Alright, let's get started," Ran said, his voice commanding attention. "We've got a diverse group here, each with their unique skills and strengths. Let's introduce ourselves and discuss our plan of action."
The sorcerers nodded in agreement, and Ran began the introductions.
"I'm Ran Cowell, mission leader," he said, his eyes scanning the group. "I've got expertise in demonology and combat sorcery."
Next to him stood a tall, imposing figure with piercing blue eyes.
"I'm Kael Jensen," he rumbled, his deep voice commanding respect. "I specialize in elemental tenzen and tactical strategy."
The group began to introduce themselves, each showcasing their unique skills and strengths. Code hesitated, feeling a surge of embarrassment wash over him. "I'm Code Weber," he muttered, trying to sound more confident than he felt. "I'm good with a dagger." The group's reaction was polite but skeptical – Kael's raised eyebrow said it all.
With the plan settled, the group began to prepare for their mission. The four sword users, including Kael and Ran, took their positions at the front, their blades at the ready.
The sorcery users, meanwhile, gathered at the rear, gleaming with tenzen energy.
The healers took their positions at the center, while Code stood awkwardly among the healers, feeling like an outcast.
Finally, the mission started, and they ventured into the forest. The trees seemed to close in around them, casting long, scary shadows that stretched and twisted in the fading light. Code walked alongside Elara, his eyes darting nervously between the trees. The group's formation remained tight, with sword users leading the way and sorcerers scanning the surroundings for any sign of danger.
The forest grew darker, the shadows deepening into ominous pools that seemed to writhe and twist on the ground. Code's heart pounded in his chest, his senses on high alert. Something was off – he couldn't quite put his finger on it, but his intuition was screaming at him to be cautious.
The group walked for a very long while, but they didn't encounter any demon or demonic activities, and the sun was already beginning to set.
After a very long while of walking, one of the sorcery users, Dane, a D-ranked sorcerer shouted from behind.
"I don't think I can go further," he exclaimed, the frustration in his voice evident.
Elara turned to him, her face etched with worry, and replied. "Why don't we go a little further, we might just find..."
Before Elara could finish her statement, the sorcerer next to Dane cut in. "Nonsense! There's no point, it's already sunset."
As the arguments escalated, Ran suddenly raised his hand up, his voice drawing everyone's attention.
"I sense it!" He exclaimed.
The group's attention snapped back to Ran, as they went back to their formations.
Ran's voice cut through the silence, his tone low and commanding. "Let's move." The group nodded, their faces set with determination. Code's anxiety spiked as they pressed on, the trees growing taller and the underbrush thicker, like nature itself was conspiring against them.
And then, suddenly, they emerged from the trees. A vast, open plain unfolded before them, stretching out to the horizon like an empty canvas. And in the center of that plain stood a mysterious figure.
It was a castle.
***
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