Days passed since Helios had witnessed a glimpse of Shidan's true strength. The memory clung to him like a shadow, every time he trained his mana, that image flashed in his mind. He wanted to stand on that level one day, to wield power that could shake the earth. "Aye, Helios, focus," Malvek said sharply, breaking his thoughts. "When we leave Lightning City, you'll need to have mana skin mastered." Helios returned to his practice, recalling Malvek's instructions, to imagine wrapping himself in a transparent, unyielding blanket. Each session, he could hold the technique a little longer, feel the shield a little stronger. That night, as they ate around the campfire, Shidan's voice cut through the crackle of flames. "We'll reach the city in about two days," he said. "Helios, once we're there, I want you to keep mana skin active at all times, walking through the streets, sleeping, no exceptions. You need it second nature before we leave." He leaned forward, his expression serious. "The land outside Lightning City is unforgiving. Daytime heat can scorch you raw while you climb those hills. Mana skin will keep the sun from cooking you alive. And then there's the storms…" His gaze drifted toward the horizon. "Static electricity can build in the air until it finds a path to strike. On those hills, you'll be the highest point, a perfect target for lightning." Helios swallowed hard. This wasn't just training anymore. It was survival. As time flew by, Helios's mastery of mana skin improved drastically, aided by his growing ability to calm his thoughts and avoid distractions. When they reached the entrance to the city, two guards stood beside the gate. The guard on the left called out, "If you are visiting, you must be inspected for any harmful objects. Swords, staves, and daggers are permitted, as they fall under your right to self-defense. Passing through the gates, Helios was struck with awe. Dazzling lights illuminated the streets, and crowds bustled from one shop to another. It was a whole new world, people darted across the road to avoid carriages, and finely dressed nobles strolled past, their clothes gleaming in the lamplight. Helios couldn't help but stare at it all. "Helios, come on," Malvek called. "We're going to the guild hall. We have to check in." As the three of them waited in line, Shidan gripped Helios's shoulder.
"Alright, kid, here's how the guild works. When you're new, you take a drop of your blood and place it on this weird black stone. The stone will react, shape itself, and form your guild card. Your rank depends on how much mana you naturally hold." He leaned in a bit, making sure Helios was paying attention. "Now remember these ranks, because they decide what kind of quests you're even allowed to take for coin: Dormant, Spark, Flow, Core, Radiant, Ascendant, Mythic, and the highest… Eternal." Shidan's voice dropped to a whisper. "Malvek and I… we're Eternal rank. But we keep our real mana sealed, so our cards only show us as Radiant." Helios wasn't surprised. After seeing Shidan's terrifying display of power against the worm, there was no doubt in his mind, their strength went far beyond comprehension. The line moved, and soon Helios stood at the front desk. The receptionist, a woman with neat hair and sharp eyes, smiled politely. "Do you already have a guild card?" Helios shook his head. "Alright then," she said, producing a small silver needle. "Finger, please." She pricked his finger with precision, letting a single drop of blood fall onto the black stone. At once, the surface rippled like water, then solidified, reshaping itself into a smooth, rectangular card. Strange sigils burned briefly across its surface before fading. The woman studied it. "Oh, that's nice. You're Spark rank." She handed him the card with a warm smile. "Aye! That's not a bad start, Helios!" Shidan grinned. "That means the training didn't go to waste," Malvek added, yawning as if he'd already expected this result. Helios smiled. "At least I know I made progress. It might seem like a baby step to you, but for me… it feels like I just took a massive leap toward my goal of becoming stronger." Malvek smirked. "There you go, Helios. That's the mindset you need. Keep it." Shidan looked him up and down and snorted. "Alright, well… Helios, right now you look like a homeless guy who's been living in an alleyway. Let's take on a quick quest, Malvek, we need to get this guy fixed up." Malvek chuckled and nodded in agreement, picking out a quest alongside Shidan. "OH YEAH, HELIOS! FEEL FREE TO EXPLORE THE CITY! WE'LL COME FIND YOU!" Malvek shouted over the noise of the bustling guild hall. Helios waved them off and slipped out into the streets, ready to explore the city at his own pace. Helios wandered aimlessly through the winding streets, the cold cobblestones slick with evening rain. Lanterns flickered in the mist, their dim light dancing across signs painted with faded colors and suggestive symbols. Somewhere in the distance, a strange, lilting sound caught his ear, not music exactly, but a mix of laughter and low voices. Against his better judgment, he followed it, the noise drawing him down a narrow alley. A warm, perfumed scent wafted from the doorway ahead. The air inside was thick, heavy with smoke and perfume. He stepped in just far enough to see velvet curtains, candlelight, and painted smiles. A woman in a crimson dress slid up beside him, her fingers curling over his arm like a snake finding purchase. "Hey," she purred, her lips curling into a knowing smile. "You wanna have some fun? Just a few silver pieces, and I'm yours for the night." Helios's gaze hardened. His hand shot up, pushing hers away, his voice edged like a blade. "Don't touch me with those filthy hands. I may look dirty, but you're tainted with lust and sin. I won't let myself be stained by the likes of you." Her painted smile faltered, but he wasn't done. "I may be weak, poor, and hungry… but at least I'm not foolish enough to throw myself into such a trap." Without another glance, he turned and stepped back into the night, letting the door close on the perfume, the smoke, and the empty laughter. Helios wandered through the dimly lit streets, muttering to himself. He'd lost track of the direction to the guild, and the city seemed more twisted than usual tonight. Eventually, he found himself in a place he hadn't meant to enter, a smoky, rough-looking tavern, the kind frequented by bounty hunters and thugs. The air reeked of alcohol and sweat, dice clattering across a worn wooden table. He took a seat at the bar, hoping to blend in, when a group of rough-looking men sauntered over. "Hey, you! Yeah, you!" one called. "Looking for some work? We could use a man like you." "I'm good," Helios replied calmly, not even glancing at them. They laughed, circling him like predators. "C'mon, don't be shy. Could be fun." "I said no. Leave me alone," Helios said, his tone still quiet but firm. Their laughter grew louder. One of them, taller than Helios with a scar slicing across his lip, stepped closer. "You don't know who you're talking to, kid?" Helios didn't flinch. "I really don't care. I'm just waiting for my friends to find me." The man's eyes narrowed. "I'm Bow. Bow, the leader of this crew of bandits. You got that?" "Okay?" Helios replied flatly.. Bow's face darkened with frustration. "You're not scared? Not impressed?" Helios shook his head. "Nope." Fuming, Bow swung his fist at Helios's face. "I'm an Apex Gem user. Power Gem. I can put as much force as I want into every punch." "Back off," Helios said, raising his hands defensively. "I'm doing nothing but waiting." Bow sneered, stepping even closer. "That sword… is it for show, or is it garbage you found in a dumpster?" Something inside Helios snapped. "Okay… fine. You really wanna do this?" He rose from his stool, letting his fists fall into position. "I've been meaning to see how much I've improved." The room seemed to hold its breath as Helios lifted his stance, ready for the inevitable clash.