Chapter 2261 Missions While all the acolytes were out on their respective missions, Emery settled into a lotus position within the rented building in Centauri City. The space, though simple, was filled with quiet tension as he prepared to monitor the progress of his teams. With Dillion, Ha Ron, and Kingrig leading separate groups, Emery utilized the Khaos hub to watch over them in real-time, ensuring their safety. Dillion's group had taken on a particularly dangerous mission, heading into a treacherous lava cave. His team consisted of Blaine, with his innate fire-resistant body, and Bellana, whose mastery of ice spells would prove crucial in such a fiery environment. Their task was to hunt down a mythical beast, a mission not for the faint of heart. [Mission: Hunt Mythical Beast - Chromaul] [Mission Difficulty: B] [Mission Rewards: 500,000 spirit stones] [Academy Rewards: 800 points] The target was a Tiger Drake, a fearsome creature of metal and fire that lurked deep within the burning caves. The mission was far from easy; the Tiger Drake was not just powerful but cunning, using the environment to its advantage. For four grueling days, they tracked the creature, engaging in fierce battles that tested their endurance and skill. Finally, after a particularly intense confrontation, Dillion's sword struck true, and the Tiger Drake let out a final, earth-shaking roar before collapsing. The team wasted no time in securing the massive corpse, their exhaustion outweighed by the sense of accomplishment. The town near the lava cave welcomed them as heroes when they delivered the body, and they were rewarded handsomely for their success. ##### Damo led a larger group of first-year acolytes, joined by King Rig and Ullong, on a mission that, while still challenging, posed slightly less danger compared to the others. [Mission: Collect Crystal Silk] [Mission Difficulty: B] [Mission Rewards: 50% of gathered material and 300,000 spirit stones] [Academy Rewards: 600 points] The objective was to harvest tier 4 Crystal Silk, a rare and highly sought-after material spun by the Crystal Spiders inhabiting the mysterious forest. These creatures were formidable, their webs strong enough to ensnare even the most seasoned of warriors. The group, however, was well-prepared. Ullong, with his towering transformation and impenetrable defense, led the way, clearing a path through the dense undergrowth and warding off any immediate threats. Damo's role as the support was vital. His skills allowed him to enhance the group's abilities, providing healing and buffs that kept the first-year acolytes focused and protected. He carefully orchestrated the group's movements, ensuring they remained cohesive and efficient as they navigated the forest's dangers. King Rig's contribution was equally crucial. His mastery of black lightning proved to be a powerful weapon against the Crystal Spiders. Whenever they were confronted by these arachnids, his lightning would strike with lethal precision, either killing the spiders outright or forcing them into retreat. The group's strategy was effective, and for the most part, they were able to gather the Crystal Silk with relative ease. However, the forest had one final challenge in store for them. As they ventured deeper into the heart of the spiders' domain, they unknowingly disturbed a creature far more dangerous than they had anticipated—the mythical Spider Queen. This massive, ancient beast emerged from the shadows, its eight glowing eyes fixed on the intruders. The battle that ensued was intense and unexpected. The Spider Queen's venomous attacks and overwhelming presence quickly turned the situation dire. Despite their best efforts, a few of the first-year acolytes sustained injuries, their inexperience showing in the face of such a powerful foe. The group had to adapt quickly, coordinating their attacks and defenses in a desperate attempt to survive. It was a harrowing fight, one that tested their resolve and teamwork to the fullest. In the end, after a prolonged and grueling battle, they managed to drive the Spider Queen back into the depths of the forest. Though they were victorious, the encounter cost them valuable time and energy, forcing them to extend their mission by an additional day to recover and gather the remaining materials. As they returned, tired but successful, the group reflected on the battle, understanding that it had been a crucial learning experience. #### Kat led a team of third-year senior acolytes, joined by Ha Ron and Hardy, on one of the more dangerous and challenging missions available. Their task was to eliminate a notorious group of mountain bandits that had been terrorizing nearby villages and travelers for years. [Mission: Eradicate Mountain Bandits] [Mission Difficulty: A] 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞 [Mission Rewards: Bandit treasures] [Academy Rewards: 1200 points] This mission was not for the faint-hearted. It involved taking the lives of other humans, a task that required not only strength but also the mental fortitude to face such a moral challenge. Hence the reason Emery chose the senior acolytes for this mission. Ha Ron, despite being young, had been an assassin since childhood, making him an anomaly among his peers. Hardy, though the weakest among the other, was wise beyond his years. the Kaleos noble was in fact the team's trump card. His calm and calculated approach made him the perfect tactician for such a high-stakes mission. The task ahead was daunting. They were a small group of nine, facing a formidable force of 300 bandits. These were not ordinary thugs—many of them were in the Sky realm, with several powerful leaders in the Saint realm. Kat was undeterred. With her leadership, the group stormed the mountain stronghold, breaking through the bandits' defenses and sowing chaos among their ranks. Meanwhile, Ha Ron used his skills in stealth to infiltrate the pirate base. His target was the bandit leader, which was executed flawlessly. Under the cover of darkness, he slipped past guards and traps, making his way to the bandit leader's quarters. With swift, lethal precision, he assassinated the leader, severing his head and placing it on a spike for all to see. The sight of their leader's head, coupled with the flames that began consuming their base, shattered the bandits' morale. Panic spread like wildfire through their ranks. Many bandits, seeing no hope of victory, fled the mountain in terror. Others were cut down as they tried to escape, and those who surrendered were swiftly captured. In the end, only a few managed to escape. Despite the overwhelming success of the mission, the group was met with a disappointing surprise. The mission's promise of treasure turned out to be little more than an empty chest. The bandits, it seemed, had either hidden their loot elsewhere or had been less wealthy than rumors suggested. However, the lack of material reward did little to diminish the sense of accomplishment among the team. They had completed the mission with a perfect score, showcasing their strength and unity.