Kain had imagined all kinds of thods that they'd select the individuals to go from each departnt: a battle royale, a field assessnt, a grueling team challenge, or even using one of the relic simulations like the Pathfinders have.
But never in his wildest dreams did he think that the small elite team from each departnt that would take on this potentially extrely dangerous mission with little information would be decided by…interviews.
Now Kain sat before a middle-aged serious looking man from the Dawnbringers, the counterintelligence departnt of the Order. Their departnt, fittingly, was in charge of interviewing each applicant for the mission.
"Na?"
"Kain Newman"
"Departnt?"
"Pathfinders"
"Languages and Civilizations studied?"
Kain assud that he was talking about those other than were required in the most basic learning materials of Pathfinders, and so Kain listed all of the various languages and histories that he'd "learned."
"Elvish, Ancient Verdarian, Eldrathic, Myrthali…" Kain rattled off the list confidently, though he couldn't help but feel like he was being evaluated on every syllable.
The man's gaze flickered with a hint of approval. "You're fluent in Elvish?"
Kain hesitated slightly before responding in relatively fluent Elvish. "*Sowhat. I love to study and enrich my mind during my spare ti*"
'I wasn't expecting knowing Elvish to be considered so highly. Perhaps I should consider giving my assistants raises…'
The interviewer's expression softened ever so slightly.
The interview stretched on for close to an hour. The questions ranged from superficial—"What's your contract count?"—to almost disturbingly personal—"What is your relationship status?" "How often do you shower each week?"
The final question caught Kain off guard.
"Do you have an open contract position?"
"…Yes," Kain replied cautiously, unsure of its relevance.
Kain left the room feeling like he'd been through an interrogation rather than an interview. He rubbed his temples, shaking off the invasive questions as he rejoined the crowd in the waiting area.
"Open contract position? What does that have to do with anything?" Kain muttered, shaking his head as he rejoined the crowd in the waiting area. Even if they were going sowhere with rare spiritual creatures that they could contract, he doubted it'd apply to him—he doubted that this excursion would be related to the microscopic creatures most people in this world didn't even know existed.
The large hall had grown more subdued since the interviews began, with candidates exchanging hushed conversations.
Every so often, soone would erge from their interview with either a relieved grin or a pale, shaken expression.
Kain couldn't help but notice Cassian Lysander—the crown prince, captain of First Celestial Academy, and Soren's cousin— standing among the crowd. He'd already heard from Vice Chancellor Darrow that he was a mber of the Order, but he was still sowhat unprepared to see him.
It was disorienting to think that people they'd competed against a few months ago may end up teaming up in the Order.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, a high-ranking officer of the Eclipse Order stepped onto the platform, holding a list. The murmurs in the hall imdiately ceased as everyone's attention snapped to the front.
"We will now announce the selected individuals for the mission. Step forward when your na is called."
The officer began with the Dawnbringers, listing off ten nas with calm authority. Each departnt followed, their chosen representatives striding forward confidently.
"Cassian Lysander, Night Hunt." The announcent sent a ripple of surprise through the room.
"Night Hunt?" Kain whispered under his breath, bewildered. "I thought that departnt was only for 7-star beast tars and above."
The murmurs around him confird his confusion. It seed Cassian's inclusion in such an exclusive departnt was a surprise even to those who were familiar with him.
And unsurprisingly, Cassian's na was the only one called from the Night Hunt—likely because they didn't have anyone else that t the requirents of being a 6-star beast-tar with no contract at indigo-grade or above.
"Serena Storm, Starchasers."
Another wave of murmurs swept through the hall. After all, it was unusual for a newcor to beat out nurous veterans to snag a spot.
Kain blinked in surprise. Starchasers specialized in wilderness exploration and acquiring rare resources—it wasn't the departnt Kain would have imdiately associated with Serena, but considering the high degree of freedom the departnt allowed, he wasn't too surprised.
"Maybe this mission is favoring talented young people the order wants to invest in," Kain muttered as the nas continued. The fact that most of the nas called out were on the younger end and the last contract about an open contract position supported this idea. Discover exclusive tales at empire
One by one, the other Pathfinders were called, and Kain's nerves grew sharper with each passing na.
Finally, just when he was convinced he'd been passed over, the officer spoke again.
"Kain Newman, Pathfinders."
Kain exhaled sharply, relief washing over him. He could feel the weight of dozens of eyes turning toward him, and while so looks were rely curious, others carried an edge of incredulity.
"Didn't he just join in the last round? How did he finish the infamously thick learning materials of Pathfinders already?" soone whispered behind him.
"Two newbies made it in? Really? Didn't they say this mission could be dangerous and they had limited information. Wouldn't they just drag everyone else down?"
"Well, she's from the famous Storm family, so I can sowhat understand, but who's this guy?"
Kain ignored the muttering as he stepped forward to join the others, his expression calm despite the pounding of his heart.
Serena, already standing in the Starchasers' group, gave him a brief nod, her piercing blue eyes betraying no emotion.
Kain offered a small grin in return. "Didn't think we'd be teammates again so soon."
She didn't respond, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips.
Kain was the last na called and so those not called were unceremoniously kicked out of the conference room not long after.
Once the hall was cleared of those who hadn't been selected, the officer on the platform raised a hand for silence. The room, filled now with only the chosen representatives, grew still.
"First, congratulations," the officer began, his voice steady and commanding. "You are the most promising young mbers of the Eclipse Order. Your departnts have chosen you not just for your skills but for your potential. For this mission, that belief in your potential will be put to the test."
Kain glanced around. The air was thick with tension and anticipation. The mbers of each departnt stood in tight clusters, so whispering among themselves, while others stood rigid, their focus locked on the officer.
The officer continued, "The mission ahead is shrouded in uncertainty. Danger is a given, but with danger cos opportunity. Many of you have open contract positions, and I can assure you that the mission site is not without its rewards. Be prepared to seize every opportunity to strengthen yourselves."
Kain's eyebrows twitched. So that's why they asked about open contract positions. Are they really expecting us to contract sothing mid-mission?
The officer's gaze swept across the room. "So of you may be wondering why so many younger mbers were chosen. Let be clear. The Eclipse Order is not interested in keeping you safe. We are interested in sharpening you into the finest tools we have. You have been selected because you are the best of your generation, and this mission is your whetstone."
A ripple of murmurs ran through the room at the officer's blunt words.
"You will be briefed on the specifics of the mission shortly. Until then, prepare yourselves ntally and physically. Once we depart, there will be no turning back."
The officer stepped down, and a low hum of conversation filled the hall.
Kain found himself next to Serena, who was staring at the officer's retreating figure with her usual composed expression.
"Well, this should be interesting," Kain said, his tone light despite the heavy atmosphere. "Unfortunately, you were so quick to fill your fourth contract position, otherwise you may even get a better one in this mission" He added sowhat mockingly. However, he didn't strongly believe that there'd be a more suitable contract for her in this mission. He was just bitter that her contracting the Prismarin before the re-ranking had marred what should have been his first ti at Rank 1
She glanced at him, but didn't reply, simply rolling her eyes.
Nearby, Cassian Lysander caught their exchange. His piercing gaze lingered on Kain and Serena for a mont, likely recognizing that they were underclassn from a rival college and was surprised by them being able to enter at such young ages.
"Any idea what we're walking into?" Kain asked Serena in a quieter tone.
"No," she replied. "But it's clear the Order sees this as more than just a mission. It's a test for all of us."
Kain's grin faded slightly as he nodded. Whatever lay ahead, he had the sinking feeling it was going to be anything but straightforward.
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