The Chronomancer's Odyssey

Upon arriving at the Crimson Blade Mercenary Guild headquarters, Arion was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere. The building buzzed with energy, filled with a myriad of species, each showcasing their unique features and characteristics as they moved about, discussing quests and forming new alliances.

As he walked through the entrance, Arion felt a thrill of anticipation.

The lobby was beautifully designed, with sleek lines and futuristic decor.

Drones flitted about, displaying holograms of advertisements for upcoming missions, guild events, and new recruits.

Arion made his way to the registration lobby, where eager adventurers lined up to join the guild. He approached the desk, his heart racing with excitement.

"Hello! I'd like to register my name to join the mercenary guild," he said confidently.

The employee behind the counter smiled warmly and gestured for him to take a seat. "Please wait here until your name is called. It can take some time."

Arion nodded, settling into a chair and observing the bustling scene around him. Hours passed as various species continued to enter, each one eager to sign up and embark on their own adventures.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his name echoed through the lobby. "Arion! Please proceed to the assessment room."

A drone hovered nearby, guiding him through the corridors to a designated room where his abilities would be tested.

The first test was for strength. Arion stood before a device designed to measure physical power. Being a mage, he didn't expect to excel here, but he was determined to give it his all.

The technician monitored him closely, ensuring everything was calibrated correctly. With a deep breath, Arion gripped the device and focused his energy, managing to achieve an average score.

"Not bad," the technician noted with a hint of respect as he recorded the results.

Satisfied, Arion moved on to the next phase.

Next, he entered a cube-shaped room with only one window for the technician to observe from outside. The atmosphere felt intense as he prepared for the agility test.

"When you're ready, the walls will begin to shoot bouncing balls at you," the technician explained. "Your goal is to dodge them."

He quickly activated his [Bullet Time] skill, which heightened his perception, allowing him to see the balls' trajectories in slow motion.

Level 1: Arion easily dodged the first few balls with graceful movements.

Level 2: The balls began to come faster, but he still managed to evade them with precision.

Level 3: The intensity increased, and while it was more challenging, he continued to succeed.

Level 4: He felt the pressure mounting but remained focused, deftly avoiding the oncoming projectiles.

Level 5: As the balls flew at an incredible speed, Arion's reflexes were pushed to the limit. Despite his best efforts, he miscalculated his dodge and was hit, the impact knocking him back slightly.

The technician nodded, jotting down observations. "Good reflexes"

After the agility test, it was time for the speed assessment.

Arion prepared himself for a 100-meter sprint. The technician explained the rules and set the course.

Determined to excel, Arion activated his Accelerate skill, which boosted his overall speed.

With adrenaline pumping through his veins, he took his mark, ready to push himself to the limit. A beep sounded, signaling the start of the sprint.

A loud boom echoed as he launched forward, utilizing every ounce of his enhanced speed. The ground blurred beneath him, and he felt the wind whip past him like a torrent.

In just 4 seconds, he crossed the finish line, breathless and exhilarated. The technician observed with wide eyes, clearly impressed by Arion's feat.

After a brief evaluation, the technician presented Arion with his test results:

Name: Arion Chronos

Strength: E

Agility: A

Speed: A

"Impressive work!" the technician remarked, nodding appreciatively. "You have a good foundation to build upon. Please return to the lobby and wait for your name to be called for the next steps."

Returning to the lobby, Arion settled into a chair but soon began to feel pain coursing through his legs. The side effects of using Accelerate were setting in; his still-weak body struggled to handle the strain of such intense speed.

As he sat there, the discomfort gradually subsided, and he focused on the lively atmosphere around him. Other new recruits were chatting excitedly, sharing stories and strategies for their upcoming missions.

After a while, the lobby grew quieter as the employees began calling names for the final step in the registration process.

"Arion Chronos!" a voice echoed again, this time coming from the registration employee.

Arion sprang to his feet, heart racing with excitement. He approached the desk, where the employee was waiting with a warm smile.

"Congratulations on passing your assessments! Here's your mercenary badge and your rank badge," the employee said, handing him a sleek, metallic badge embossed with intricate designs. The rank badge read Astral Recruit, the lowest rank in the guild.

The employee continued, "As an Astral Recruit, you're just starting your journey here. Let me explain the ranks within our guild:"

Astral Recruit: The entry-level rank for all new members, focusing on training and basic missions.

Starlance Rank: The next step up, where recruits have proven their skills in minor missions and can assist in more complex tasks.

Eclipse Rank: A rank that signifies a deeper understanding of combat and strategy, granting access to mid-level missions.

Nova Rank: This rank is reserved for highly skilled mercenaries who have successfully completed significant quests and garnered respect among their peers.

Void Rank: A prestigious rank reflecting an elite status, often reserved for those who demonstrate exceptional skills and leadership.

Star Rank: The highest rank, reserved for the most legendary mercenaries who have made a name for themselves through extraordinary feats and contributions to the guild.

"Each rank comes with its own set of responsibilities and rewards. As you progress, you'll have the opportunity to take on more challenging missions and gain valuable experience," the employee explained.

Arion listened intently, feeling a sense of pride as he held his new badges. He was officially a part of something much bigger than himself.

"Now, go ahead and explore the guild. You'll find that there's a lot to learn and many people to meet. Your journey is just beginning, and there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you," the employee encouraged.

With a nod of gratitude, Arion turned to leave the registration area, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. As he stepped back into the lobby, he couldn't help but smile at the vibrant energy around him.

He took a moment to absorb the scene:

A group of experienced mercenaries were strategizing over a map, planning their next adventure. A healer was offering potions to recruits, discussing the importance of preparation for any mission. Nearby, a Technosmith displayed an array of energy weapons, boasting about their quality and durability.

Arion's heart raced with excitement as he realized he was now a part of this dynamic community. He felt eager to train, improve his skills, and eventually rise through the ranks.