The Ironclaw guildhall buzzed with activity. Members lounged in the main hall, polishing weapons, sharpening blades, or exchanging stories of their latest exploits. Kael sat alone at a far table, his hands busy cleaning his standard-issue dagger. The blade was unremarkable, much like how the rest of the guild seemed to view him.
"Still surprised he's lasted this long," Leoric muttered, his voice deliberately loud enough for Kael to hear. The burly tank leaned back in his chair, his steel-like arms crossed.
"Maybe he's just too stupid to quit," Callista replied, her voice sweet but dripping with venom.
Kael's grip tightened on the dagger. He forced himself to keep his head down, pretending not to hear.
"Elira, what do you think?" Leoric continued, grinning. "Think the rookie'll finally do something useful today?"
Elira didn't even glance up from restringing her bow. "Doubt it."
The room filled with laughter. Kael clenched his jaw, but before he could respond, Sera's voice cut through the noise.
"Enough," she said sharply, stepping into the room. Her fiery presence silenced the group. "We've got a mission, and I need everyone focused."
She tossed a rolled parchment onto the table. "The Verdant Hollow. Reports of a rogue dungeon core and increased monster activity. We're taking it out before it causes more trouble."
Kael's stomach churned at the mention of Verdant Hollow. His first mission with Ironclaw had been there, and the memories weren't pleasant.
The Verdant Hollow was darker than Kael remembered. The once-vibrant bioluminescent fungi that lined the walls had dimmed, their glow flickering like dying embers. A strange, oppressive energy hung in the air, making it harder to breathe.
"Stay alert," Sera commanded, drawing her twin flaming swords. The fiery blades cast an eerie light, their flames flickering in sync with her heartbeat.
The team moved in formation: Leoric took the lead, his skin shimmering with a metallic sheen as his Adamant Hide activated. Dray flitted from shadow to shadow, his Shadowmeld ability keeping him nearly invisible. Elira followed behind, her bow at the ready, her Hawk's Eye scanning for threats.
Kael trailed at the rear, his palms sweaty as he clutched his dagger.
"Don't slow us down, rookie," Brynn said, his voice barely audible over the crackle of his Stormcall. Sparks of lightning danced along his fingers, illuminating his scowl.
The corridor opened into a massive cavern, its ceiling lost in darkness. Pools of stagnant water dotted the floor, and a faint growling echoed from the shadows.
"Spread out," Sera ordered.
As the group fanned out, Kael felt a prickle of unease. Something was wrong.
A deafening roar shattered the silence. From the shadows emerged a massive Ravager Beast, its six glowing eyes locked onto the intruders. The creature's muscular frame was covered in jagged scales, and its claws glowed with a sickly green energy.
"Positions!" Sera shouted.
Leoric charged first, his Adamant Hide fully activated. The Ravager's claws swiped at him, but the blows glanced off his hardened skin.
"Come on, you overgrown lizard!" Leoric taunted, slamming his fists into the creature's leg. The impact echoed through the cavern.
Dray appeared behind the beast, his Shadowmeld dropping as he struck with twin daggers aimed at the Ravager's joints. The creature roared in pain, spinning to swipe at him, but Dray melted into the shadows just in time.
"Focus fire on the legs!" Sera commanded. She leapt into the fray, her flaming swords carving arcs of fire through the air. Each strike left trails of molten scorch marks on the Ravager's scales.
"Elira, now!"
From the edge of the cavern, Elira nocked an arrow and activated her Hawk's Eye. Her vision sharpened, pinpointing a weak spot in the creature's armor. She loosed an arrow, and it struck true, embedding itself in the Ravager's knee joint. The beast stumbled, howling in pain.
"Brynn!" Sera barked.
The quiet mage stepped forward, his hands crackling with energy. He thrust his palms forward, unleashing a torrent of lightning. The electricity danced across the Ravager's body, stunning it momentarily.
"Callista, keep us standing!" Sera called out.
Callista raised her staff, her Lifewave ability washing over the team. The soothing green energy mended minor wounds and revitalized their strength.
Kael watched in awe—and frustration. Every member of Ironclaw moved like a cog in a well-oiled machine. Except him.
"Kael, do something!" Sera snapped as the Ravager shook off the lightning and lunged at Leoric.
Kael's mind raced. He channeled energy from the cavern's dim glow, feeling it pool in his hands. With a shout, he released a burst of force aimed at the Ravager's side.
The attack hit, but it barely staggered the beast.
"Is that all you've got?" Brynn sneered, his lightning striking the creature again.
"Pathetic," Elira muttered, loosing another arrow.
Kael bit back his frustration. His Energy Channel ability was too weak to make a difference.
The Ravager roared, slamming its claws into the ground. A shockwave rippled through the cavern, knocking everyone off balance.
"Callista, shield us!" Sera shouted.
Callista's Lifewave flared, but it wasn't enough to block the full force. Kael was thrown back, slamming into the cavern wall. His vision blurred, and pain shot through his ribs.
"Focus, people!" Sera yelled, launching herself at the Ravager. Her flaming swords clashed against its claws, sending sparks flying.
Kael struggled to his feet, his body aching. He watched as the others fought with precision and power, their abilities lighting up the cavern. He felt like dead weight—a weak link in a chain of giants.
"We need more power!" Sera shouted. "Brynn, charge it up!"
Brynn stepped forward, summoning a massive storm of lightning and wind. The Ravager howled as the energy tore into its scales.
"Elira, finish it!"
Elira loosed a final arrow, her Hawk's Eye guiding it straight into the Ravager's exposed throat. The creature let out a gurgling roar before collapsing to the ground, its massive frame shaking the cavern.
The team stood in silence, their breaths heavy.
"Good work," Sera said, wiping sweat from her brow. "Let's collect the core and move out."
As the others began gathering materials, Leoric turned to Kael, smirking. "Glad you could make yourself useful... as a distraction."
"Enough, Leoric," Sera said, though there was little conviction in her voice.
Kael said nothing, his hands clenched into fists. The battle had proven one thing: he was out of his depth.
Back at the guildhall, Kael sat alone in the corner, replaying the fight in his mind. No matter how hard he tried, his efforts always fell short.
"You'll never be one of us."
Kael looked up to see Brynn standing over him, his expression cold.
"Do yourself a favor and quit before you get someone killed."
As Brynn walked away, Kael felt a fire ignite in his chest—not from anger, but from resolve. He would prove them wrong, no matter what it took.