In the days that followed, Ethan's life settled into a surprisingly... normal routine. Or at least, as normal as it could be for someone carrying the title of Herald of Aurelia.
He was staying in a private residence owned by the Church, and it was absolutely worthy of a herald. Honestly, it reminded him of the five-star hotels he had stayed in back in his previous life.
The entire place seemed crafted from flawless white marble, while the furniture was made from a wood that closely resembled rosewood or dalbergia. Everything radiated wealth.
Time in the city passed faster than he expected. In the mornings, he focused on understanding his role within the Church itself, with Seraphina and the rest of the council personally guiding him.
He learned that within the Cult of Aurelia, his authority was absolute. As Aurelia's Herald, his word was the word of the Goddess. He wasn't just a symbolic figure, he was the right hand of a literal deity.
Afternoons were spent on something far more practical, the Adventurers' Guild. Outside the sacred walls, the world still didn't know his name. And that needed to change.
Becoming an adventurer was essential. Not just for fame or freedom of movement, but also to avoid raising suspicions about his origins and activities. After all, nothing was more convenient than being able to legally travel across any territory... with just a guild badge.
His goal was simple: reach Rank A as fast as possible.
The Great Crimson Rift was known across the entire continent, a colossal abyss, as old as the kingdoms themselves. A place where high-ranked monsters lurked... and where mediocre adventurers went simply to never return.
But there was something nobody knew. Not even the most renowned adventurers had ever realized it.
At the heart of the Rift, there was a barrier. Invisible to the naked eye. A magical wall so dense that, to the world, it simply didn't exist. And beyond that wall... a forgotten realm. The ruins of a lost civilization, filled with artifacts, knowledge, and power that couldn't be found anywhere else.
Ethan knew this. He knew because... he had read it in the original novel.
But to gain access to the Rift's depths, one needed to be at least Rank A. No guild, no city allowed lower-ranked adventurers to approach the deeper zones.
Many naive rookies had entered the Rift trying to prove themselves... and never came back. Pathetic fools who couldn't even perceive their own limits.
That's why, without Aeris or Sylfie, who reluctantly stayed behind in the city, Ethan threw himself into the hardest missions available to someone of his rank.
Subjugating high-level monsters, clearing monster dens, wiping out entire bands of criminals. Everything. No rest. No breaks.
Every mission completed was a step closer to his goal.
And it didn't take long for his name to spread. Adventurers whispered about him in taverns. Merchants gossiped about the rookie far stronger than his rank suggested. Even nobles began paying attention.
His performance was downright absurd. But then again... he was Level 60. And he made damn sure everyone noticed.
Until, after weeks of nonstop work, a letter from the guild arrived. It had been left at his residence, waiting for him after his latest mission.
"Ethan Blake, report immediately to the Adventurers' Guild headquarters. You have been summoned for the Rank A Promotion Test."
Ethan's golden eyes gleamed with excitement.
A slow, sharp smile curved his lips.
"Finally."
Wasting no time, Ethan headed straight to Aurelia's temple. His strides were confident, quick, and his face carried that cocky smile Aeris had come to know far too well. The moment he crossed through the temple doors, the elf, who was sorting documents beside Seraphina, looked up, immediately sensing something was... different.
"By the Goddess... What did you do?" Aeris asked, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, though her posture remained as perfect as ever.
Ethan crossed his arms, golden pupils shining with satisfaction. "I've been summoned for the promotion test. Rank A."
For a brief moment, Aeris's composed expression shattered. "W-What?!" She blinked several times. "That was... incredibly fast, my lord!"
Aeris wasn't an adventurer, not because she lacked the ability, but because her sole purpose in life was to serve Aurelia. Even so, she'd known plenty of adventurers... and she knew just how long it normally took to reach Rank A.
Ethan chuckled softly. "Yeah. I also know that no matter how well I did on those missions... there's no way they would've called me this early..." He paused, eyes gleaming. "...Unless someone very influential pushed my name onto the table."
Ethan glanced at Seraphina, who stood beside Aeris. "And I know this wasn't the church's doing... otherwise it would've happened even faster."
Seraphina simply smiled while continuing to sort through the documents. It wasn't something she needed to involve herself with, nor something Ethan wanted her or the church involved in.
Aeris crossed her arms, thinking for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Sylfie..."
"Exactly." Ethan shot her a wink, flashing that smug grin. "Knew you'd catch on quick."
"Makes sense. She's pretty well known in the guild... she's been an adventurer for years. Her word carries a lot of weight here." Aeris lightly squeezed her own arms, averting her gaze as though reluctant to admit it. "She... probably saved you a lot of time."
Ethan stepped closer, placing a hand on the elf's shoulder, making her look directly at him. "That's exactly why I want you to go get her. I want her there when I pass that test. Seems only fair."
Aeris stayed quiet for a few seconds before nodding, closing her eyes. "Of course. Leave it to me." She straightened her dress, regaining her usual poise. "When is it?"
"They told me to head there immediately." He rolled his shoulder, bones cracking slightly. "If it's what I think... it won't take long."
Aeris smiled, this time a proud, devoted smile. "You'll pass... without a doubt."
Ethan winked. "Obviously. How could I not?"
Without another word, Aeris raised her hands, activating a small communication circle. Golden runes floated in the air, spinning. She pressed her fingers to her lips, whispering a few words. Mana rippled outward, spreading across the city in search of Sylfie.
Meanwhile, Ethan strolled over to the church window, watching the bustling city below. Merchants haggling, adventurers hauling weapons, regular folks living their lives... all of them completely unaware that the herald of one of the world's greatest deities was walking among them.
But not for much longer.
It had practically become a habit for Ethan, watching these people go about their lives. A city so vibrant, so full of life. It always made him think the same thing, something that never failed to excite him.
"All of this... soon... will be beneath my feet."
The magic circle pulsed one last time before fading.
Aeris took a deep breath, turning back to Ethan. "She knows. Said she'll meet us at the guild headquarters."
"Perfect." Ethan grinned, satisfied.
The guild headquarters was busier than usual. Adventurers of all kinds and ranks packed the hall, some arguing over contracts, others drinking with comrades.
As Ethan and Aeris stepped inside, all eyes turned to them. Not just because of him, whose name had been spreading rapidly these past weeks, but mainly because of her. After all, she was the Priestess of the Goddess Aurelia.
"They're together again..."
"Is that really her... the Priestess of Aurelia?"
"Is it true they're dating?"
Whispers flew from every corner, filling the guild hall with speculation and curious stares.
As always, Ethan ignored them entirely. He walked in with that same confident smile, hands in his pockets, as if he were here purely for entertainment.
Then he saw her, Sylfie. Leaning casually against one of the columns, arms crossed, clearly waiting. And yet, she kept that classic posture of someone pretending to be absolutely disinterested... though her eyes subtly flicked toward them the moment they entered.
Ethan walked straight up to her, stopped just inches away, and with a mischievous grin, slapped one hand against the wall beside her, blocking her path.
"Long time no see." His smirk widened, golden eyes locking onto hers. "If I knew you were waiting for me like this... I'd have come faster."
Sylfie's eyes widened, her ears twitching as her face turned scarlet.
"W-Wha- Shut up, you idiot!" She tried to slip away, but Ethan leaned in just a little closer.
"I know a good way for you to shut me up..." His voice dropped as his gaze flicked to her lips.
Sylfie whipped her head to the side, but it didn't stop her cheeks from burning bright red. "B-Back off... before I regret coming here."
He chuckled, stepping back. "Always a pleasure seeing you."
Aeris, beside them, sighed, like she had fully expected this kind of provocation, though the slight pink at the tips of her own ears betrayed her composure.
Sylfie crossed her arms again, huffing, still trying to regain her cool. "Took you long enough. Hope you're ready, 'cause if you screw this up... it's gonna be embarrassing. For you."
"Glad to know you care." Ethan winked at her with that same teasing grin.
She pretended not to hear him, but the redness on her face was impossible to hide.
Aeris shifted her staff to the other hand, maintaining her usual flawless posture, but her voice was soft, filled with absolute devotion. "Our Lord would never fail at something this trivial."
At that moment, an attendant appeared, motioning for the three of them to follow. "The Rank A promotion test is about to begin. This way."
Ethan didn't hesitate. He walked ahead with confident steps, Nexus vibrating slightly, resonating with its master's excitement. The two elves followed right behind, one carrying the serene composure of someone who serves a god, and the other trying very hard to pretend she wasn't having a mental breakdown.
They passed through a narrow stone hallway and descended a spiral staircase until reaching an underground arena. Empty stands surrounded the area, while glowing magical runes shimmered on the floor, forming containment barriers.
At the center, three examiners awaited them, two men and one woman, all dressed in the formal robes of the guild's upper ranks.
"Ethan Blake." The man in the middle spoke. "You are here to take the promotion test for Rank A."
"Correct." Ethan crossed his arms, staring at them as if he were the one evaluating them.
"Your test is simple," the woman continued. "Survive for ten minutes against our summons."
Ethan grinned, his golden eyes lighting up. "Survive?" His smirk widened even further. "And what happens if I defeat them?"
The examiners exchanged quick glances. The man then traced runes into the air. Three magic portals opened, releasing imposing monsters: a Black Golem, a Drake, and a Wraith.
Aeris watched calmly, arms crossed, radiating confidence. Sylfie hugged herself, glancing away, as if trying not to show any concern.
Ethan rolled his neck, letting out a satisfying crack. Nexus pulsed even more eagerly in his grip.
"And here I was... thinking this was supposed to be a challenge."