The Dark Ascendant

Raj adjusted the strap of his satchel as he stepped into the bustling streets of Ravendale. The cool morning air carried the scent of fresh bread, wood smoke, and the metallic tang of the blacksmith's forge. The town was waking up, yet adventurers were already on the move—geared and ready for their daily tasks.

Today, he would become one of them.

He had spent days studying the town, memorizing key locations, and familiarizing himself with the guild's structure. Now, it was time to take action.

As he approached the Adventurer's Guild, he spotted a familiar figure leaning against a wooden post near the entrance—Dorean, the warrior who had given him some initial guidance.

Dorean smirked. "You look like a man finally making up his mind."

Raj matched his expression. "More like a man who needs money and experience."

Dorean chuckled, straightening up. "Good. Sitting around won't teach you how things work. Ready to pick a mission?"

Raj nodded, following Dorean inside.

The guild hall was as lively as ever. The scent of ale mixed with parchment and sweat, a strangely fitting combination for a place filled with adventurers of varying skill levels.

The mission board stood against the far wall, covered in requests—some written on parchment, others engraved on wooden plaques for permanent tasks. Each mission was categorized by rank, danger level, and requirements.

Raj scanned the board, his Scholar instincts kicking in. He wasn't looking for a mission that only paid well. He needed one that would serve as a stepping stone, something that would help him test his abilities and gain insight into the world's dangers.

Dorean crossed his arms beside him. "Most first-timers go for collection quests—gathering herbs, delivering letters, that sort of thing."

Raj hummed in thought. "Those are safe, but I need something hands-on. I want to study the creatures of this world, understand how they function."

Dorean raised an eyebrow. "You're serious about this Scholar thing, huh?"

"More than you think," Raj replied, his fingers tapping against a parchment pinned to the board.

> Mission: Rat Nest Extermination

Rank: F

Location: Southern Farmlands

Details: A large infestation of aggressive rodents is destroying crops. The town requests extermination. Eliminate at least 15 and bring proof.

Reward: 5 Silver Coins

Dorean grinned. "Good choice. Straightforward, pays decent, and lets you test your combat ability."

Raj wasn't just interested in combat.

Vermin mutations meant exposure to unusual energies, and that could tell him a lot about this world's ecosystem.

He turned to Elara, the guild receptionist. "I'll take this mission."

She gave him a once-over. "You have any combat experience?"

"Enough."

Dorean chuckled behind him. "He'll be fine."

Elara sighed and stamped the mission parchment. "Good luck, then."

Raj took the document and turned to Dorean. "Before we go, I need supplies."

Dorean smirked. "Knew you'd say that. Let's hit the market."

The market square was alive with activity. Merchants shouted prices, hawking everything from weapons and armor to potions and rations. The blend of scents—spices, leather, metal—created a sensory overload, but Raj focused on his priorities.

First, he needed a weapon.

They stopped at a blacksmith's stall, where a burly man with a soot-covered apron was hammering away at a blade. The selection of weapons was vast, ranging from greatswords and axes to daggers and short swords.

Raj wasn't looking for brute strength. He needed something precise.

He ran his fingers over a hunting dagger, testing its weight.

Dorean nodded approvingly. "Good choice. Light, sharp, and perfect for close combat."

The blacksmith grunted. "That one's steel-forged, balanced for quick strikes. One silver coin."

Raj flipped the dagger in his grip, testing its balance. "I'll take it."

After securing the weapon, he turned his attention to other essentials.

They stopped by an alchemist's shop, where he purchased antidotes, bandages, and a stamina potion. He also picked up a small leather pouch to store potential samples—he intended to analyze the Rat mutations later.

Dorean watched him with amusement. "You're preparing like you're going to war."

Raj smirked. "Preparation is the key to survival."

Dorean clapped his shoulder. "You're gonna do just fine."

Tactical Discussion – Understanding the Mission

With supplies in hand, they found a quiet spot near the town gates to go over the mission details.

Dorean leaned against a wooden post. "The Southern Farmlands aren't dangerous, but you should know—these Rats are fast, and they hunt in packs. You sure you can handle them?"

Raj unsheathed his dagger, examining the edge. "They rely on instincts and overwhelming numbers, right?"

Dorean nodded.

Raj's mind worked quickly, constructing a plan.

"If I can divide them, I can eliminate them one by one. I'll use bait—something that triggers their aggression."

Dorean grinned. "You really think like a Scholar, don't you?"

Raj smirked. "Observation and strategy win battles, not brute strength."

Dorean laughed. "You remind me of some old veterans—calculating and patient. Alright, we leave at dawn."

Raj nodded.

This mission wasn't just about money or experience. It was an experiment, a test of his Scholar abilities.

As Raj returned to the inn for the night, he laid out his supplies. The dagger, the potions, the parchment with the mission details—everything was in place.

He sat on the edge of his bed, rolling the dagger between his fingers.

This was his first step toward uncovering this world's mysteries.

If the Sunforged Path had already enhanced his body, then what other secrets lay dormant within him?

He smirked to himself.

And he would find out.