The Chronomancer's Odyssey

The atmosphere in the Crimson Blade Mercenary Guild lobby was electric with anticipation. Suddenly, a loud announcement echoed throughout the space, grabbing everyone's attention.

"Attention all recruits! Please proceed to the Training Hall for orientation! This is your chance to learn about your new roles and meet your fellow mercenaries!"

Arion felt a surge of excitement as he stood up, eager to join the throng of recruits moving toward the Training Hall. He followed the crowd, feeling a sense of camaraderie with those around him.

As they walked, Arion noticed the architecture of the guild headquarters was nothing short of spectacular.

The hallway opened up into a big open field that served as the training area, surrounded by tall, futuristic buildings. The field was well-maintained, with training dummies, obstacle courses, and various equipment scattered around.

The crowd continued to grow, and soon hundreds of recruits were gathering, each one buzzing with excitement and nervous energy. Arion took a moment to absorb the scene, feeling a mix of anticipation and determination.

After a few minutes, the crowd fell silent as a figure emerged at the front of the gathering.

A big, burly man stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate respect.

His scaly skin shimmered in the sunlight, revealing that he was a Draconian, a proud and fierce warrior race known for their strength and resilience. He wore full armor, leaving only his arms and face exposed, and a gigantic sword was strapped to his back, a testament to his combat prowess.

His face bore several battle scars, reminders of past conflicts and experiences that added to his intimidating presence. On his chest, a badge gleamed prominently, reading Void Rank, signifying his high status within the guild.

The Draconian raised his hand, and the crowd gradually quieted down, all eyes focused on him.

"Welcome, recruits, to the Crimson Blade Mercenary Guild!" he boomed, his voice deep and resonant. "You stand on the brink of a great journey, one filled with challenges, camaraderie, and glory!"

Arion felt a thrill run through him at the Draconian's words.

The man continued, "You have all passed the initial assessments, proving that you possess the potential to become great mercenaries. Here, you will learn, train, and grow."

He emphasized the importance of unity among the recruits, gesturing toward the diverse members of the guild.

"Remember, we are stronger together! Support one another, learn from each other, and strive to improve. The path ahead will not be easy, but with determination and teamwork, you can achieve greatness!"

The Draconian outlined the training programs available to recruits, which included:

"Every rank in our guild has its responsibilities," he stated. "As an Astral Recruit, your focus is on learning and assisting. Prove yourselves in training, and you will rise through the ranks!"

As the Draconian spoke, Arion felt inspired. His heart raced with the thought of potential adventures and the friends he would make along the way.

"Look around you," the Draconian continued, "these are your future allies. Forge bonds, share your strengths, and face the challenges together. The guild is not just a place to hone your skills; it is a family."

As the speech concluded, the recruits broke into applause, the sound echoing across the field

After the orientation, Arion felt a rush of energy as he set out to explore the Training Hall. The air was thick with excitement, and he couldn't wait to see what awaited him.

Feeling the pull of adventure, he decided to visit the Mission Hall next. He called for a drone to guide him. "Drone, please take me to the Mission Hall!"

The drone chirped in response, "Certainly! Follow me, Arion!" It led him back through the bustling halls of the headquarters, navigating through clusters of recruits engaged in animated discussions and training.

As Arion entered the Mission Hall, he was struck by the sheer scale of the space. It was a vast area filled with:

 Displays floated in mid-air, showcasing various missions available for the recruits. Hovering drones moved about, suggesting missions based on the recruits' skill levels and interests. The hall was alive with recruits searching for missions or teaming up with others, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.

The drone that guided him stopped near the entrance and politely stated, "You have arrived at the Mission Hall. Good luck finding your mission!" With that, it zipped away to assist another recruit.

Arion stepped further inside, his eyes scanning the myriad of holographic boards. He was determined to find an easy mission to test his skills.

Various boards displayed missions ranging from simple tasks like delivering messages to more complex challenges such as defending a village from creatures.

Each holographic mission showed details like difficulty level, required skills, and potential rewards.

While browsing, he stumbled upon a Monster Subjugation Mission that caught his eye. The mission required six members and was rated 2 stars for difficulty, with the maximum difficulty being 5 stars. The reward was enticing—20K UC—and all drops would belong to the mercenary who accepted the mission.

The mission description detailed that the target was located on Khorad-7, a planet characterized by vast deserts interspersed with some oasis. It was known for its intense heat, and the objective involved subjugating a monster in a newly discovered oasis that was slated for development as a city. Additionally, the travel fare would be covered by the king of Khorad-7.

After reading the mission details, Arion felt a surge of determination and accepted it.