The bustling city of Lancelot.
It was a haven for a particular group of experts often overlooked in rankers' society.
Often called support-type Rankers, these individuals were labeled as mere providers of potions, weapons, artifacts, and other essential supplies for the frontline warriors. However, their contributions did not go unnoticed, as the city of Lancelot offered them a paradise of opportunities and rewards.
They were generously compensated for their efforts and received exceptional benefits from the city administration. Lancelot also became their sanctuary during their Ranking Journeys, offering them access to rare resources that accelerated their progression through the ranks.
Walking through the streets of Lancelot was like stepping into a Ranker's dream. The city boasted wide, bustling streets adorned with magnificent architectural wonders and tall buildings infused with powerful space-element runes. The charming one and two-story residential houses doubled as artifact shops, giving the city a unique blend of functionality and beauty. Various top-notch inns and rest houses catered to the needs of temporary residents, providing both sophistication and affordability.
Lancelot had dedicated districts housing weapon smithy castles, potion labs, and other support-type professions. Its vibrant markets bustled with activity, attracting traders and craftsmen who knew the city was an ideal hub for buying and selling artifacts.
At the heart of the city stood the prestigious Lancelot Guild, a gathering place reserved for a select few high-ranking Rankers. The guild's administration building, a towering fortress of black iron, commanded attention from every corner of the city. Ordinary Rankers dared not venture into the central district, knowing it was the domain of powerful entities who preferred to keep their distance from the general populace.
In addition to its architectural marvels, Lancelot boasted towering protective walls and a formidable force of high-ranking guards. The city's significance in the eyes of the Edinburgh kingdom warranted exceptional security measures to ward off potential threats from foreign enemies.
On this particular day, the city of Lancelot hummed with more activity than ever before. Its streets teemed with a diverse array of people from various races and backgrounds.
Elves, dwarves, humans, and even a select group of monsters mingled together harmoniously. Masters of arrays, potion experts, skilled weapon smiths, and talented artifact makers of all genders and origins had converged upon the city over the past week, eagerly seeking employment under the city's administration.
The air was thick with anticipation as these experts showcased their talents, hoping to secure a place in the esteemed ranks of Lancelot's renowned support-type professionals.
The highly anticipated moment had arrived. Today marked the day when Baelin Stoneforge would unveil his chosen apprentice. For this purpose, a rigorous selection test had taken place in the esteemed city of Lancelot, meticulously narrowing down the pool of candidates.
The week-long test had attracted the attention of countless aspiring Rankers, but ultimately, only eight individuals from diverse backgrounds had made it to the final round. The city administration held the responsibility of announcing the name of the lucky contender who would have the honor of joining Baelin Stoneforge in his legendary weapon smithy.
A massive crowd had gathered at the expansive open space adorned with the grandeur of a weapon smithy castle. Among them were the participants of the test, anxiously awaiting the proclamation. Each contestant had endured a grueling seven-day trial, their minimum qualification being the esteemed C-Ranker status.
The crowd itself comprised a remarkable assembly of high-ranking individuals, ranging from Expert Rankers to esteemed Master Rankers. Even a few weathered Grandmaster Rankers had joined the throng, having exhausted their potential as Rankers in pursuit of ascending to the revered Sage rank.
Now, these Grandmasters' aspirations rested solely on being selected as Baelin's apprentice, hoping to spend the remainder of their lives in leisure while leaving a lasting legacy.
Alongside them stood the eight finalists, their hearts pounding with anticipation. The other unsuccessful participants awaited the results with bated breath, yearning to discover the identity of the contender who had bested them. It was a natural curiosity to seek closure after investing so much effort in a demanding test, only to face the disappointment of not being chosen.
The 8 finalists stood at the front of the castle's grand entrance with stoic faces, separated at an arm's distance from each other. The crowd that surrounded them from a distance started murmuring as it discussed the predictions of who would get selected.
The moment arrived, shrouded in anticipation. Emerging from the entrance of the weapon smithy castle, a B-Ranked Master Ranker stepped forward and stood before the group of eight finalists. The murmurs of the crowd gradually subsided as they eagerly awaited the words of the esteemed Master Ranker.
"Greetings, my name is Ravid, and I am a loyal disciple of Grandmaster Baelin," introduced the middle-aged Master Ranker, his words carrying a humble demeanor.
"First and foremost, let me commend each one of you for your remarkable talents. While only one shall be chosen as Grandmaster Baelin's apprentice, rest assured that we can explore alternative avenues of employment for the remaining seven.
The city of Lancelot continually seeks the presence of exceptional Rankers such as yourselves, so there is no need to despair over the outcome of this test." Ravid's tone was warm, seeking to alleviate any concerns among the finalists.
Yet, despite his offer, it was evident that none of them harbored any inclination to work under anyone other than Grandmaster Baelin. They exchanged glances, silently conveying their shared determination yet politely allowing Ravid to continue.
Observing the reactions of the finalists, Ravid sighed softly, recognizing their unwavering aspirations. Nonetheless, he proceeded to unveil the long-awaited result of the test.
"Having meticulously assessed the contestants' individual and collective performances throughout the rigorous evaluation, considering their elemental affinities, ranking prowess, unique abilities, specialized expertise, and backgrounds, we have arrived at our decision.
There is no room for questioning the selection process. Engaging in such inquiries would only diminish your prospects of securing employment within the city administration for other vacancies," Ravid's words resonated with a sense of authority, leaving a lingering impact on both the eight finalists and the remaining contestants in the crowd, who had long been eliminated from the race.
With a purposeful gaze, Ravid swept his eyes over each of the eight contenders, ultimately fixing his focus on a young array master. Intently narrowing his gaze, he addressed the chosen candidate with a voice that carried a hint of acknowledgment.
"Leo Longblade, you have been selected."
