With the goal of becoming a Council Pillar firmly planted in his mind, Kael began studying the academy's ranking system.
He flipped through a thick book inside the classroom, scanning every detail about achievements, titles, and the requirements needed to challenge a Pillar.
The classroom door opened.
Julian, who had not seen Kael for quite some time, immediately perked up.
His eyes widened.
"KAEL!"
With exaggerated watery eyes, Julian sprinted toward him with his arms wide open, attempting to hug him dramatically.
But Kael stopped him instantly.
He intercepted Julian with one hand placed firmly against his face.
Julian froze.
His lips puckered into a pout.
"Where have you been, man?" he asked with a worried tone. "And what are you even doing?"
Kael continued flipping through the book calmly.
"I'm learning about the process of becoming one of the Council Pillars."
Julian blinked.
"But why though?"
Kael closed the book slightly and shrugged.
"Let's just say… it's a goal of mine."
Julian stared at him for a moment.
Then a grin slowly spread across his face.
'Hmm… a Pillar, huh?
That doesn't sound bad at all.'
He suddenly slapped Kael on the back.
"That's a cool goal, dude! I wanna be a Pillar too!"
Kael smirked slightly.
"Then let's go."
Julian tilted his head in confusion.
"Go where?"
"To get some achievements under our belts."
The two of them arrived at the Mission Assignment Department. According to what Kael had learned, becoming a Pillar was not simple.
Before anyone could even challenge a Pillar for their position, they needed to possess significant achievements and a title they had earned themselves. Every current Pillar possessed legendary accomplishments. And each one carried a title known throughout the academy.
Ragnar Valdric — "Bottomless Fighter"
He earned this title after fighting hordes of monsters for twelve days and thirteen nights straight. During that time, he also defeated thirteen knights who attempted to stop him out of concern. Witnesses claimed Ragnar never once appeared tired. Even after nearly two weeks of nonstop battle — he was still smiling. As if his strength and stamina had no bottom.
Sylvana Thornheart — "Mother of Beasts"
Her title came from her incredible mastery over magical creatures. She tamed and subdued countless magical beasts and spirits. Even those considered impossible to control.
Lyra Valecrest — "Violet Witch"
Her signature violet mana was known across entire nations. She possessed such overwhelming mana reserves and destructive power that even kingdoms feared her. Her title was earned when she single-handedly conquered the Cursed Forest..... A place where over one hundred and fifty soldiers and mages had died before her. The forest burned beneath her violet flames.
Viktor Voss — "The Law"
His fighting style was unlike anything others had seen. Using alchemy magic with terrifying precision, Viktor could manipulate the battlefield itself. Those who fought him often described it as if he controlled the very rules of the world. As though reality itself obeyed him.
Thus — He became known as The Law.
So if Kael wanted to stand among them, he needed a title that could rival theirs. And that meant achievements.
Real ones.....
Kael approached the mission desk and presented his badge.
Behind the counter sat a woman who examined it carefully. Normally, students were only allowed to take missions starting in their third year..But because Kael and Julian were Student Council members, they had special privileges.
They could take missions up to A+ rank.
And if they completed enough of those, they could even attempt up to S+ rank missions.
However....
Unique (U) missions and Exclusive (Ex) missions were reserved strictly for Council Pillars.
Julian leaned closer to the mission board.
"Let's take an A+ mission," he whispered excitedly.
But the woman behind the desk shook her head.
"You two should start with something smaller first."
She folded her arms.
"I want to see your capabilities before approving higher-rank missions."
Kael and Julian exchanged looks.
Reluctantly...
They agreed.
Their first mission was assigned.
=========================
B Rank Mission
Objective: Eliminate ten Dark Wolves.
Location: Village of Driftwood.
=========================
When they arrived at Driftwood, the air smelled faintly of pine and damp soil. Near the village entrance stood a man waiting for them.
He was older.
A patch of balding hair showed on the back of his head.
He had a noticeable beer belly,
But his arms and back were thick with muscles with callouses formed allover his palm. Tho, despite his rough appearance, he greeted them with a wide, friendly smile.
"Hello there, boys!"
He waved enthusiastically.
"I'm the local dungeon cleaner around here."
Julian blinked.
"Dungeon cleaner?"
The man nodded proudly.
"Yep! After adventurers clear dungeons, I clean up the leftovers. You know, remove evil residue and make sure nothing nasty crawls back out to haunt the town."
He rubbed the back of his neck.
"Sometimes though… I get my hands dirty myself and clear one or two dungeons."
He pointed toward the nearby forest.
"The mayor asked for about ten Dark Wolves to be taken care of."
"They've been attacking livestock and scaring the villagers."
He shrugged.
"They haven't killed anyone yet."
"But better safe than sorry."
He grinned warmly.
"I'll help you along the way."
Kael nodded respectfully.
"Thank you, sir. We appreciate your help."
He extended his hand.
"I'm Kael."
The man laughed heartily and shook his hand.
"No need for the formalities, kid."
"You can just call me Dorian."
He scratched his beard.
"Short for Dorian Grey."
Julian leaned closer to Kael and whispered quietly.
"Dungeon cleaner, huh…"
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly.
Something about the man felt…
Different.