The tent slled of warm broth and roasted grain, a welco change from scorched air and beast blood.
They sat in a circle, bowls in hand, with a pot of stew set between them.
Nyra had managed to season it with dried herbs she always carried, while Rael insisted on slicing whatever leftover at he could find into the pot.
Arden didn't say much, but he appreciated the simple comfort of the al.
Even Zephyra lowered herself beside them, chewing slowly on a cut of at tossed her way, tail curling lazily against the ground.
They ate without hurry. Rael was already on his second bowl when Nyra's voice broke the quiet.
"The trial's over," she said softly, her gaze fixed on the bundle lying near Arden's pack. "But I can't stop thinking about that bloom. It feels wrong… like it doesn't belong here at all."
Arden smiled faintly, wiping the edge of his mouth with the back of his hand. "I knew you'd say that."
Rael leaned forward, stew still steaming in his bowl. "She's right. That thing didn't just grow out of nowhere. Could be the organization's hand at play. Wouldn't be their first trick, would it?"
Arden nodded. "I've been thinking the sa. We don't have proof, but… if this wasn't an accident, then more like it will surface. And when it does, we'll know for sure."
The three of them stared at the bundle, silent for a long mont. Even wrapped, the parasite bloom carried an edge, its corrupted energy pressing faintly against the air. Zephyra gave a low growl, not hostile, but wary.
Rael broke the silence. "Still can't believe you wanted to keep it. You've got sothing in mind, don't you?"
Arden rested his bowl on his knee, smirking slightly. "Instinct. Feels like I can make sothing out of it. Might be dangerous, but danger isn't always a curse."
Nyra's eyes softened. "Then we'll wait and see. You haven't failed us yet."
Rael chuckled. "One day he'll grow horns like that Juggernaut."
Arden shook his head. "Then you'll polish them for ."
Their laughter eased the weight in the air, and soon they were back to finishing their al.
Once the pot was empty and bowls set aside, each of them brought out a vial of refined herb.
They settled cross-legged on their mats, drawing their breaths steady as the flow of cultivation began. The tent fell into quiet hums of energy, the faint glow of channeling light flickering in the corners. Arden let his senses roam even while cultivating his own life energy, the bloom's presence still prickling against his awareness.
Hours passed before a voice outside the tent called for them. They rose, refreshed enough, and made their way to the largest tent where the envoys awaited.
The lead envoy stood as they entered. They began to bow out of habit, but he raised a hand sharply. "That's no longer necessary. You're colleagues now. Soon enough, your strength will surpass ours."
Rael blinked. "Colleagues?"
The envoy stepped forward, holding out four small insignias shaped like a winged crest, silver polished and etched with runes. "The insignia of the Explorers' Guild. Wear it, and you'll be recognized across the kingdom. In cities and towns, doors will open to you that stay shut to ordinary hunters."
Nyra accepted hers carefully, fingers tracing the grooves. "It's heavier than I expected."
"That's because it carries weight," the envoy said. "Status. Responsibility. Rank. Normally, new initiates begin at bronze tier, working up through missions. You four… skipped straight past silver. You now stand at gold, only one step below us as envoys at the platinum."
Rael whistled low. "That's… a leap."
"It is," the envoy agreed, "but you earned it.
Few parties ever rise so quickly. Continue taking high-ranked missions, and not only will your rank grow, but so will your influence within the kingdom. That is what the guild values most, strength, reliability, and reputation."
Arden turned the insignia over in his palm, the faint glint of silver catching the torchlight.
He didn't show much on his face, but the thought of recognition stirred sothing buried, sothing about his return to Caelum City.
The envoy's voice carried on. "We've already sent word to headquarters in Caelum.
Compensation will be prepared for you, as promised, but also a decision will be made regarding the crimson parasite bloom. Its danger is not sothing to take lightly." His gaze flickered once toward Arden.
Arden let out a quiet sigh, his lips quirking in the smallest smirk. "Figures. Guess my return is finally here. Caelum City… it's been waiting."
The envoy inclined his head. "Then prepare yourself. At dawn, we move. Rest well tonight. You've more than earned it."
As they stepped out of the tent, insignias hanging at their belts, Rael slapped Arden's shoulder. "Gold rank, huh? You know what this ans? Free drinks in half the taverns we step into."
Arden gave him a side glance. "And a bigger tab we'll have to cover."
Nyra smiled, quiet and thoughtful, while Zephyra padded along beside them, eyes fixed on Arden.
Arden rolled the insignia in his palm as they walked back, its edges pressing faintly against his skin.
The envoy's ntion of Caelum City hadn't been directed at him, yet the word clung like a weight. It wasn't his city, not truly but just the mories of the body he now carried.
mories he hadn't lived, yet they pressed against him all the sa, a quiet reminder that returning there ant stepping into soone else's shadow.
His steps slowed without him realizing. But not just Zephyra had noticed the change in his mood, the Nyra and Rael had too.
A/N:
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