After the call ended, Ashen made his way to the location Griffin sent him.
"Ashen! Over here!" Griffin called out from a modest restaurant tucked within the bustling inner district of the Timber Kingdom.
Ashen approached and took a seat opposite him. The aroma of grilled meats and bread filled the air, but the buzz of excitement between them drowned out everything else.
"I still can't believe it," Griffin said, leaning forward with gleaming eyes. "You completed an S-rank mission! The entire world saw it—you've made history."
Ashen scratched his cheek, slightly embarrassed. "I guess… but it was more about timing and luck. I wasn't alone either. Pyro and the others carried a lot of the weight."
Griffin shook his head. "Luck? You're selling yourself short. You've appeared on the global announcement board multiple times already. That doesn't happen by accident. It takes skill."
He took a sip of his drink, then leaned in. "Which brings me to my real purpose. I came here to make you an offer. Join my guild. I'll give you a salary worthy of your caliber, complete freedom in-game, and the resources to grow however you want."
Ashen went quiet, fingers curling slightly around his glass.
He thought back to his earlier battles—his crushing defeat at the hands of Mento, the overwhelming presence of Pyro, and how powerless he felt in the face of true strength.
"I'm honored, Griffin, really," Ashen said after a thoughtful pause. "But I can't accept—at least not right now. I need to train. I need to be stronger before I think about joining anyone."
There was a fire in his voice, clear and unwavering.
Griffin smiled, not disappointed, but rather impressed. "I respect that. But the door's always open. Let's stay friends, yeah?"
"Of course. And if you ever need help, don't hesitate to call."
They parted ways shortly after. Ashen made his way toward Pyro's residence, located near the Royal Castle.
Despite being a Dark Knight, Pyro was the only one among his rank who didn't claim a noble territory. Rumor had it he chose to stay in the capital to protect its citizens personally, rather than rule over a far-off land.
Ashen presented the crest at the manor gate, and the guards immediately granted him entry.
Inside the quiet courtyard, Pyro sat cross-legged in meditation. His aura was calm, yet oppressive—like a still volcano waiting to erupt.
"Sir Pyro," Ashen called respectfully, "I've arrived."
Pyro opened his eyes slowly, locking onto Ashen with a steady gaze.
"Alex mentioned you had something to ask me. Go on."
Ashen took a deep breath. "It's about the Undefeated King. I found a clue about his legacy... I was hoping to inherit it."
Pyro's expression softened into a small smile. "So, you've stumbled upon that path. Unfortunately, that legacy already rests with me. I am his descendant."
Ashen's heart sank a little at that revelation. He'd dreamt of inheriting the legendary power.
"Don't be discouraged," Pyro continued. "I didn't call you here to leave empty-handed."
He stood and gestured for Ashen to follow. They entered the manor, descending into a hidden passage beneath a false floor. The air grew cold, filled with the scent of stone and sacred incense.
At the end of the stairway lay a circular chamber, lit by green crystal torches. In the center stood a stone platform surrounded by ancient runes.
"This," Pyro said solemnly, "is the Altar of Leonard. The final resting place of the Undefeated King's remaining power."
Ashen's breath caught in his throat.
"I am its guardian. I've never shown this to anyone. But you—" Pyro turned to face him— "you have potential. A heart willing to carry the weight of others. If anyone is worthy of receiving the blessing, it is you."
Ashen straightened his posture. "I accept. Please, help me become stronger."
Pyro nodded. "Then step onto the altar."
Ashen did as instructed. Pyro raised his hands and began chanting an ancient incantation. The runes lit up—first blue, then green, then searing white.
DING!
An immense amount of Force energy is entering your body…
A surge of wild power slammed into Ashen's core. His entire body trembled.
"Arghhh!!" he cried out, falling to his knees.
DING!
Force energy detected. Mana is being converted to Force…
More notifications flooded his vision. The mana within him twisted, reformed, and reshaped into something deeper, more primal.
Choose your class!
[ Deadly Force Blader ]
A sword-user who channels Force into unparalleled speed and technique. Specializes in overwhelming foes with dazzling strikes.
[ Elemental Force Wizard ]
Converts Force into elemental destruction. Capable of casting devastating magic while excelling in close combat.
[ Astral Force Archer ]
Manipulates Force-based space magic. A sniper-like class with spatial attacks and heavy burst damage.
[ Bloody Force Shielder ]
A hybrid tank-damage dealer using Force-imbued shields and swords. Excellent in crowd control and AoE defense.
[ Rage Force Gladiator ]
Controls rage-fueled Force to strike with devastating strength. Excels at both melee and ranged power attacks.
[ Berserk Force Warrior ] - (Locked)
An ancient class channeling the rawest form of Force. Requires extraordinary physical conditioning.
Pyro stepped closer. "This energy inside you is called Force—an advanced energy, superior to mana. Fewer than one in a million players have the potential to wield it. This altar has awakened your inner gate."
Ashen stared at the class options, his hands trembling with excitement and awe.
Each class called to him in a different way, but he could only choose one.
"Thank you, Sir Pyro… I swear I won't waste this chance."
Pyro gave a rare, proud smile. "Then choose wisely, Ashen. Your future begins now."