Ashbreaker Hall – Guildmaster's Request
The Ashbreaker Guild Hall stood tall in the heart of Emberpoint—red stone pillars, burning braziers, and banners depicting a hammer smashing through the sun.
When Kael and Riven stepped through its wide, rune-marked doors, they expected to check the board and grab their next quest.
They didn't expect the armored man waiting for them.
He stood at the base of the central staircase, broad-shouldered and wrapped in crimson battle-cloth. A massive greathammer rested on his back. His beard was charred black at the tips, and his eyes glowed faintly with emberlight.
Guildmaster Durnan Flamecrest.
"You've drawn a lot of eyes," he said, voice deep as shifting stone. "Ravager kill. Clean escort run. Tower sweep. Most Ashbreakers don't survive their second trial, let alone three in a row."
Kael straightened up. "We're just getting started."
Durnan smiled. "Good. I'm giving you both a choice. You can finish the last two trials on your own… or I send you on a custom assignment—one that'll prove if you're truly ready for Tier 3."
Riven looked to Kael. "What kind of assignment?"
Durnan stepped aside and pointed to a sealed scroll on the mission table. Gold wax, double-stamped.
[SPECIAL TRIAL: Heart of the Ember Maw]
Objective: Investigate a collapsed forge site near Emberpoint. Rift activity suspected.
Status: Tier II Elite – Counts as two Trials if completed.
Reward: EXP, High Guild Favor, Tier 3 Unlock
"This one's off the books," Durnan said. "Dangerous. But it'll count for both remaining trials. Finish it, and you won't just unlock Tier 3—you'll earn my favor. And that's worth more than coin in this city."
Kael nodded slowly. "What's the catch?"
Durnan's emberlit eyes narrowed. "The forge below Emberpoint… woke up. Something old. Something burning."
Riven stepped forward and took the scroll. "We'll handle it."
[SPECIAL TRIAL ACCEPTED]
Heart of the Ember Maw – Tier II Elite
Location: Emberpoint Deepforge
Objective: Investigate the source of Riftfire reactivation
Enemies: Unknown
Reward: Tier 3 Unlock + Major Favor + Loot
As they left the hall, the flames of the torches flickered strangely behind them—as if they knew who was coming.
The last test had begun.