The Adventurers' Guild infirmary was a sanctuary of healing. Days blurred into a restful haze as the ten adventurers, the newest heroes of Astabal Dungeon, recuperated. Healers, their hands glowing with gentle energy, mended broken bones and soothed scorched skin. Nutritious, Guild-grade meals restored their strength, and long hours of uninterrupted sleep knitted together the frayed edges of their minds.
The constant hum of the Guild headquarters, once a distant background noise, became a comforting symphony of activity, a world away from the echoing horrors of the dungeon.
Adam, feeling the last vestiges of fatigue lift from his limbs, practiced a few energy forms with his meta pistols, their hum now strong and steady. Across the room, Panchenko was grumbling good-naturedly as a healer applied a final salve to a particularly stubborn burn. Astrid was meticulously cleaning her daggers, their blades gleaming. Julian, ever the swordsman, was engrossed in a Guild data-slate, undoubtedly reviewing dungeon monsters.
Then, the door to their recovery ward opened, and Natasha, the stern but ultimately fair Guild Proctor who had overseen their initial trial, stepped in. Her expression was less severe than usual, a hint of something akin to pride in her eyes.
"Alright, you ten," Natasha announced, her voice firm but not unkind. "Chairman Shakespeare is ready for you. Follow me."
A ripple of anticipation went through the group. This was it. The final step. The Adventurer's License.
They gathered their meager belongings, their well-worn gear feeling strangely light after the recent ordeal. Natasha led them through the bustling corridors of the Guild, past training halls echoing with the clang of steel and the sizzle of energy, past busy mission boards and the murmuring voices of other Adventurers. Finally, they arrived at a grand, imposing door.
Natasha pushed it open, revealing a spacious, elegantly appointed office. The room was dominated by a long, polished table in the center, and a smaller, round table to one side.
Seated at the side table, their expressions a mixture of gravitas and subtle amusement, were their examiners: the grim-faced Nietzsche, the enigmatic Fyodor, the quiet Kafka, the boisterous Fitzgerald, and the ever-impassive Twain. Their presence alone was a reminder of the immense journey they had just completed.
And in the middle of the long table, sitting with an air of profound authority and ancient wisdom, was Chairman Shakespeare. His silver hair and distinguished features commanded respect, and his eyes, though kind, held a depth of experience that spoke of countless challenges faced and overcome.
"Enter, young adventurers," Chairman Shakespeare's voice boomed, deep and resonant, filling the office with its warmth. "Welcome. Welcome."
Adam and his team entered, standing respectfully before the Chairman. The sight of their examiners, the very people who had put them through hell, now sitting in a more relaxed setting, felt surreal.
Chairman Shakespeare surveyed them, his gaze lingering on each face, a profound satisfaction in his eyes. "Adam Ashbourne. Panchenko. Astrid. Julian. Tom. Ronda. Roman. Mysterio. Mei Jing. And Edward Bloodrose."
He paused, a gentle smile gracing his lips. "The reports of your performance in Astabal Dungeon are... extraordinary. You faced overwhelming odds, demonstrated unparalleled teamwork, and proved your ingenuity and courage under the most dire circumstances. Your triumph over the Red Dragon, after surviving the Black Queen's lair and the insect swarms, is a testament to your collective potential."
His voice grew more formal, more ceremonial. "Therefore, on behalf of the Adventurers' Guild, and by the authority vested in me as its Chairman, I congratulate you all. As of this moment, you ten are official Adventurers."
A wave of profound relief and triumph washed over the group. A quiet murmur of "Yes!" and "Finally!" went through them. They had done it. They were Adventurers.
"However," Chairman Shakespeare continued, his voice still warm but now holding a note of instructional gravitas, "before I bestow upon you your full licenses, there is one crucial step remaining. A fundamental aspect of an Adventurer's life, especially in this era."
He gestured to two ornate, glowing crystal balls resting on the table before him. One pulsed with a soft, ethereal light, the other shimmered with swirling, multi-colored energies.
"You need to first master energy manipulation," Chairman Shakespeare stated, his gaze direct. "All Adventurers rely on their internal energy cores, and their ability to draw power from the environment.
Understanding your innate connection to this energy is paramount."
He gestured to the first crystal ball, the one with the ethereal glow. "This first crystal ball will reveal your core type. Place your hand upon it. If the ball glows white, you are an Enhancer. Enhancers primarily use the energy stored within their energy core to enhance their own bodies and close-range abilities. They are the warriors, the tanks, the physical powerhouses, focusing their inner strength outwards."
He then pointed to the second crystal ball. "If, however, this ball glows black, you are an Invoker. Invokers, by contrast, absorb energy from the environment and shape it into spells or external effects. They are the practitioners of the arcane arts. Invokers can be classified into specific types, known as Mages. There are four primary types: Wind Mage, Water Mage, Fire Mage, and Earth Mage."
"And then there are the rare cases," Chairman Shakespeare's eyes twinkled with ancient knowledge, "the Divergents. If an Invoker or Enhancer has two or more elements, they are called 'divergents'. Divergents can wield advanced forms like Lightning (from Fire), Ice (from Water), and so on, or possess unique abilities like healing, divination, or even causality manipulation, which are considered divergent forms of magic. These are truly exceptional talents."
He then gestured to the second, multi-colored crystal ball. "This other crystal ball will detect your elemental affinity, for both Enhancers and Invokers. Place your hand here. If the ball glows green, you have wind affinity. If it glows blue, you have water affinity. If it glows brown, you have earth affinity. If it glows red, you have fire affinity.
And if the ball glows two, three or four colors, you are a Divergent."
A ripple of excitement and curiosity went through the group. This was a deeper dive into their own innate abilities, something they hadn't truly explored amidst the relentless dangers of the dungeon.
"Adam," Chairman Shakespeare invited, gesturing to the first crystal ball. "You first."
Adam, feeling a surge of anticipation, stepped forward and placed his hand on the first crystal ball. A moment passed, then the crystal ball pulsed with a strong, pure white glow.
"An Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare declared. "As I suspected. Your ability to manifest energy through your meta pistols, and your direct combat style, are indicative of an Enhancer's core."
Adam then moved to the second crystal ball and placed his hand upon it. The ball immediately pulsed with a vibrant, clear green glow.
"Wind affinity," Chairman Shakespeare noted. "The element of swiftness, air manipulation, perhaps even sonic capabilities. An excellent complement to your combat style."
Next, Edward. He stepped forward, his ancient eyes fixed on the crystal balls with a detached curiosity. He placed his hand on the first ball. It immediately flared with a powerful, almost blinding white glow, far more intense than Adam's.
"An Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare confirmed, a rare note of genuine awe in his voice. "And one of immense, untapped power. Truly remarkable."
Edward then placed his other hand on the second crystal ball. The ball exploded with a dazzling display of color: a fierce red interwoven with a cool blue.
"And a Divergent!" Chairman Shakespeare exclaimed, clearly impressed. "Fire and Water affinities. The ability to manipulate both primal forces. This suggests potential for advanced energy forms like Steam or perhaps even the manipulation of states of matter. Truly fascinating, Edward Bloodrose. Your capabilities are far more vast than even I had surmised."
Next was Astrid. She placed her hand on the first crystal ball. It glowed a clear white.
"Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare stated. "Fitting for your agile and precise combat. And your affinity?"
Astrid moved to the second ball. It shone with a bright, consistent green glow.
"Wind affinity," Chairman Shakespeare confirmed. "Another swift and elusive combatant. Excellent."
Panchenko lumbered forward, a grin on his face. He placed his massive hand on the first crystal ball. It glowed a solid, unwavering white.
"Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare announced. "Unsurprising, given your sheer physical presence and defensive capabilities. And your affinity, Panchenko?"
Panchenko placed his hand on the second ball. It glowed a deep, rich brown.
"Earth affinity," Chairman Shakespeare nodded. "Strength, resilience, control over the ground. A formidable combination for a frontline warrior."
Julian stepped up, his expression thoughtful. He placed his hand on the first crystal ball. It pulsed with a confident white glow.
"An Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare said. "Your precision and adaptability in combat were notable. Now, for your affinity."
Julian placed his hand on the second ball. It shimmered, then burst forth with intertwining threads of green and red.
"A Divergent Enhancer!" Chairman Shakespeare exclaimed, clearly intrigued. "Wind and Fire. An unusual but potent combination. Speed infused with destructive power. You have great potential, Julian."
Next, Tom. He approached the crystal balls with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. He placed his hand on the first one. It pulsed with a deep, unmistakable black glow.
"An Invoker!" Chairman Shakespeare declared, a genuine smile on his face. "Excellent! We always need more dedicated Invokers in the Guild."
Tom then placed his hand on the second crystal ball. It glowed a vibrant, consistent brown.
"Earth affinity," Chairman Shakespeare noted. "The power of stability, growth, elemental manipulation of the ground itself. A rare and valuable skill for tactical support."
Ronda stepped forward, her powerful frame radiating raw energy. She placed her hand on the first crystal ball. It immediately glowed a strong, steady white.
"An Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare stated. "Expected, given your direct and powerful combat style. And your affinity, Ronda?"
Ronda placed her hand on the second ball. It pulsed with a solid brown glow.
"Earth affinity," Chairman Shakespeare confirmed. "Unwavering strength and resilience. A perfect fit."
Roman followed, his stoic expression unchanged. He placed his hand on the first crystal ball. It glowed a brilliant white.
"Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare announced. "Your raw power in battle was undeniable. And your affinity, Roman?"
Roman placed his hand on the second ball. It shone with a fierce red glow.
"Fire affinity," Chairman Shakespeare nodded. "The power of raw offense and destructive force. A true warrior's element."
Finally, Mysterio and Mei Jing. They approached together, a silent, complementary duo.
Mysterio placed his hand on the first ball. It glowed white.
"An Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare confirmed. "Your agility and striking power are undeniable. And your affinity, Mysterio?"
Mysterio placed his hand on the second ball. It glowed a deep, calming blue.
"Water affinity," Chairman Shakespeare concluded. "Fluidity, adaptability, perhaps even subtle healing or disruptive properties. Very interesting."
Mei Jing then placed her hand on the first crystal ball. It too, glowed a pure white.
"An Enhancer," Chairman Shakespeare announced. "Your martial arts prowess is exceptional. And your affinity, Mei Jing?"
Mei Jing placed her hand on the second ball. It glowed a vibrant, clear blue.
"Water affinity," Chairman Shakespeare said, completing the assessment. "Adaptability, flow, graceful power. A formidable combination with your combat style."
When they finished assessing their affinities and their types, a complete picture of their inherent abilities lay before them: seven Enhancers, one Invoker, and two Divergents among the Enhancers.
Chairman Shakespeare surveyed the group, a look of profound satisfaction on his face. "Truly a remarkable group. A testament to Astabal Dungeon's unique ability to draw out latent potential."
He then leaned forward, his voice becoming serious once more. "However, as I said, before I give you your licenses, there is one final, crucial step. Knowledge of your type and affinity is merely the first step. You need to master energy manipulation. The raw power within your core, and the energy you draw from the environment, must be honed, controlled, and unleashed with precision."
He then turned his gaze directly to Twain, who had been observing the entire process with his usual inscrutable expression.
"For this crucial training," Chairman Shakespeare declared, "you will all train under Mr. Twain. He is not only an examiner but one of the Guild's most accomplished energy masters. He will guide you through the intricacies of your core types and elemental affinities, teaching you to truly harness the power that lies within you."
A murmur went through the group. Training under Twain. The man who had designed the Astabal Dungeon exam. The thought was both daunting and exhilarating.
Twain merely gave a subtle, almost imperceptible nod, acknowledging his new role.
"Only when Mr. Twain deems you proficient in the fundamental principles of energy manipulation," Chairman Shakespeare concluded, his voice resonating with finality, "will your Adventurer's Licenses be fully granted. This is not a test to fail, but a foundational requirement. Your journey has just begun, young Adventurers. Now go, learn, and truly master the power that will define your future."