The great chamber dimmed slightly as the twelve-seated circle of Councilors turned inward, eyes fixed on the platform where six candidates now stood—each marked by a glowing glyph of Level 7 suspended behind them.
A shimmering table projection flickered to life in the center, each panel displaying names, deeds, and dates. Observers filled the upper balconies—commanders, guildmasters, historians, and nobility.
Councilor Marell stood.
"This assembly convenes to review potential advancement to Level 8."
"Six candidates stand before us. Each represents a unique path, with varying domains, alliances, and moral tenets. This hearing will weigh not only power, but judgment, legacy, and consequence."
—Councilor Marell
He gestured to the first name.
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1. Serrick of Glassmarch
A heavily armored knight-mage with a golden cloak.
Achievements: Led the Erenthi Siegefall, cleared two Level 8 dungeons with allied teams, and shattered the Blight Chain Circle, a cult operating for thirty years.
Reputation: Revered among northern cities. Known for discipline, but accused of excessive magical destruction.
Political overreach—often acts outside of Kingdom mandates.
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2. Ysarre Veln
Stoic, sword-bearing. Silent as her name is read.
Achievements: Cleared the Hollowspire, slew the Ruin-Wyrm of Grenthal Peaks solo; turned the tide in the Ravenn's Hold uprising.
Reputation: Feared and admired. Known to reject honors. Called 'the Blade Without Banner'.
Poor alliance record. Not affiliated with major guild factions.
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3. Halrin Dorr
A bald man with a stormcaster's mantle and iron staff.
Achievements: Eradicated the Scar Cult of Larkvale, led the Evacuation of Aldoria Kingdom during the dungeon outbreak, known for stabilizing arcane breaches in high-risk zones.
Reputation: Calm, precise, politically neutral.
Lacks major combat feats. Criticized for relying on support teams and constructs.
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4. Tenrin Volsh (Absent – Withdrawn)
Name and achievements shown, but platform empty.
Achievements: Subdued the Redgate Giants, brokered the peace accord between three rogue mercenary armies, slew Behemoth K'duhn after five other teams failed.
Reputation: Tactician. Cold. Feared for his battlefield calculation.
Status: Declined the review. Record stands for archive only.
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5. Liera Thorne
A desert-robed assassin with gold-threaded daggers.
Achievements: Infiltrated and dismantled the Silent Coil, a global network of slavers; cleared six corrupted city cores without triggering collapse.
Reputation: Operates in silence. Trusted by border lords.
Records are sealed. Some councilors suspect private agenda.
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6. Varric Domane
A bearded hunter with beastbone armor and quiet confidence.
Achievements: Cleared two major beast nests classified near Level 9, including the Verdant Abyss Reaping. Spearheaded the Eastern Wildlands mapping campaign.
Reputation: Loved by commoners, disdained by courts. Strong bond with regional tribes.
Refuses to serve central command. Declines nobility-based contracts.
---
Councilor Marell looked up again.
"Each of these six has shaped our realm. But not all are willing, and not all are suited, for the mantle of Level 8."
"Let the voting begin."
—Councilor Marell
The floor shimmered as a transparent ring of magic circled the council table. Above it floated the names of the five remaining candidates, one marked withdrawn.
Each councilor's sigil lit up in turn as they cast their vote—spoken aloud, public, and permanent.