Chapter 22: Ranking System: Garret's Plight

The rhythmic clatter of horse hooves echoed through the dense forest as Scholar Dwayne led the way, his serious demeanor unwavering.

Ruchir, Garret, and Alice followed closely behind, each mounted on a horse.

The cool morning air was filled with the scents of pine and earth, the forest alive with the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves.

As they rode, Ruchir broke the silence, curiosity evident in his tone. "Instructor, how difficult do you estimate this mission to be?"

Scholar Dwayne didn't turn his head, but his voice carried back to them, steady and informative.

"The difficulty of this mission is considerable. The criminal we are pursuing has broken his limits in the Mortal Realm, placing him at a rank that requires significant strength and strategy to apprehend."

Ruchir nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. "How does the ranking system work exactly, Instructor?"

Scholar Dwayne glanced briefly at Ruchir before focusing back on the path ahead.

"In this world, we use a guild system to assign quests and missions, each ranked based on the difficulty and the power of the adversaries involved."

"The academy follows the same ranking system."

He began to enumerate the ranks, his voice a steady guide through the complexities of the system. "Rank F corresponds to the weaker Mortal Realm individuals. These are typically new adventurers or those with minimal combat experience."

Alice interjected with a playful grin. "So, Garret, that would be you. Rank F, the beginner level."

Garret scowled. "Hey! I'm not that weak!"

Scholar Dwayne continued, ignoring the banter. "Rank E includes those who have broken their limits in the Mortal Realm. These individuals are significantly more powerful than Rank F and can pose a serious threat."

Alice chimed in again, her tone teasing. "Someone who can crush Garret into a swollen face."

Garret groaned, slumping in his saddle. "Why do I feel like this ranking system is designed to torment me?"

"Rank D," Scholar Dwayne said, his tone unchanging, "is close to a Supernatural Realm powerhouse but not quite there. They possess considerable strength and abilities."

Alice smirked. "Someone who could make Garret act like a licking dog."

Ruchir chuckled, shaking his head. "Come on, Alice, give him a break."

Garret's face reddened further, but he managed to muster a weak grin. "I'm starting to think this mission isn't the only challenge here."

"Rank C corresponds to those who have truly stepped into the Supernatural Realm," Scholar Dwayne continued. "These individuals are powerful and highly skilled."

Alice feigned a thoughtful look. "Someone who could have Garret doing their chores for a week."

Garret threw up his hands in mock despair. "I get it! I'm doomed at every rank."

Ruchir laughed, the tension easing a bit with the playful exchange. "Rank B?" he prompted, genuinely curious now.

"Rank B includes veterans of the Supernatural Realm," Scholar Dwayne explained. "These are seasoned fighters with extensive experience and formidable power."

Alice nodded sagely. "Someone who could have Garret washing their boots with a smile."

Garret sighed dramatically. "I'm starting to feel very underappreciated here."

"Ranks A to AAA correspond to those who have perfected their abilities in the Supernatural Realm," Scholar Dwayne continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "These individuals are elite, nearly unmatched in combat."

Alice's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Someone who could turn Garret into their personal butler."

Garret gave her a long-suffering look. "Is there any rank where I'm not a servant or punching bag?"

Scholar Dwayne ignored the comment, moving on to the final ranks. "Rank S and above correspond to the true powerhouses- Phenomenal Realm monsters of the world. These individuals are legends, possessing power and influence that few can match."

Alice looked thoughtful. "Someone who could make Garret their... well, I'm out of ideas, but you get the point."

Ruchir laughed, enjoying the banter. "Okay, enough teasing Garret. This ranking system really puts things into perspective. We need to be prepared for anything."

Garret managed a chuckle, shaking his head. "I'm glad one of us finds this amusing."

The forest around them was alive with sounds, the rustle of leaves and the calls of distant animals creating a backdrop to their conversation. Scholar Dwayne remained focused, his gaze never wavering from the path ahead.

As the horses continued their steady pace, the group fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their thoughts. The mission ahead was daunting, but the camaraderie between them provided a sense of reassurance. They were a team, and despite the teasing and banter, they knew they could rely on each other.

Scholar Dwayne finally broke the silence, his voice calm and authoritative. "We will reach Tensura City by nightfall. Remember, our primary objective is to apprehend the criminal without causing undue harm to the civilians. Stay alert and follow my lead."

Ruchir nodded, determination in his eyes. "We won't let you down, Instructor."

Garret straightened in his saddle, trying to shake off his earlier apprehension. "Yeah, we'll do our best."

Alice smirked. "And I'll make sure Garret stays out of trouble."

Garret rolled his eyes. "Thanks, Alice. I feel so much better knowing you'll be there to mock me."

Ruchir laughed again, the tension easing further. "Alright, let's focus on the mission. We're in this together."

The group rode on, the sound of horse hooves a steady rhythm in the forest.

The path ahead was uncertain, but with Scholar Dwayne's guidance and their combined strength, they felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in Tensura City.

*********************************************************************************************************

The scene shifted from the vibrant forest to a large, imposing mansion painted a somber shade of blue.

The mansion stood in stark contrast to its surroundings, its atmosphere dull and oppressive. The name "Sayy" was inscribed in elegant yet fading letters on a grand plaque at the entrance, a testament to the once-glorious legacy of the family that resided within.

The mansion's appearance mirrored the fading grandeur of the Sayy family. Its tall, narrow windows seemed to peer down on passersby with a cold, scrutinizing gaze.

The garden, once lush and vibrant, was now overgrown with weeds, the flowers wilted and dying.

The air around the mansion was thick with a sense of despair, the weight of lost glory pressing down on anyone who approached.

Commoners who walked past the mansion did so with a sense of reverence and fear. They would bow their heads respectfully, quickening their pace to avoid lingering near the foreboding structure.

Stories of the Sayy family's fall from grace were whispered among the townspeople, their respect tinged with pity and apprehension.

Inside the mansion, the atmosphere was even more stifling. The corridors were dimly lit, the once grand tapestries now faded and fraying.

The air was heavy with the scent of dust and age, the silence only broken by the occasional creak of old wood.

In one of the rooms, an elderly woman sat behind a large wooden desk. Her hair, a light blue that matched the mansion's exterior, was pulled back in a severe bun.

Her face was etched with lines of worry and sorrow, her eyes filled with the weight of years of hardship.

This was the matriarch of the Sayy family, her once formidable presence now diminished by age and grief.

Kneeling in front of her was a young girl with a determined expression. Her eyes, a striking blue, mirrored the resolve that burned within her.

This was Anna Sayy, the family's last hope. Her posture was rigid, her head bowed in respect as she awaited the matriarch's words.

The old woman sighed heavily, her voice trembling with emotion. "Anna, my dear," she began, her tone filled with a mix of sorrow and desperation.

"Our family has fallen on hard times. There is no possibility of redemption ahead of us, no future... unless we rely on you."

Anna's heart ached at the sight of her grandmother's tears. The old woman's frailty was a stark reminder of the burdens Anna now carried. "Grandmother, please don't cry," Anna said softly, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "I will do everything in my power to restore our family's honor."

The old woman shook her head, tears streaming down her wrinkled cheeks. "All those bastards," she spat, her voice filled with bitterness, "they turned on our family when your father died. Your father and his three brothers... they gave their lives, and still, our family was betrayed."

Anna clenched her fists, her resolve hardening. "I will win the mandate, Grandmother. I will lead our house back to its former glory, no matter what it takes."

The old woman reached out a trembling hand, gently lifting Anna's chin to meet her gaze. "You are our last hope, Anna," she said, her voice breaking. "You are strong, but this burden is heavy. Do you truly believe you can carry it?"

Anna's eyes burned with determination. "I must, Grandmother. For Father, for our family, and for you. I will not fail."

The old woman nodded slowly, her expression a mix of pride and sorrow. "You remind me so much of your father," she whispered. "He, too, had that fire in his eyes. He believed in our family's legacy, just as you do."

Anna swallowed hard, the weight of her grandmother's words pressing down on her. "I will make him proud," she vowed. "I will make all of you proud."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the only sound the old woman's quiet sobs.

Anna remained kneeling, her heart aching for the pain her grandmother carried.

She knew that her path would be fraught with challenges, but she was determined to overcome them.

After a few moments, the old woman composed herself, wiping away her tears.

"You must be strong, Anna," she said, her voice regaining some of its former strength.

"You must be stronger than any of us have ever been."

Anna nodded, her resolve unwavering. "I will be, Grandmother. I promise."

The old woman reached out and took Anna's hand, squeezing it gently. "You carry our family's hopes and dreams, my dear. Do not let the weight of the past crush you."

Anna squeezed her grandmother's hand in return, her eyes filled with fierce determination. "I won't, Grandmother. I will carry our legacy forward, and I will restore our family's honor. No matter what it takes."

The old woman smiled weakly, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. "Then go, my dear. Go and show the world the strength of the Sayy family."

Anna rose to her feet, her heart heavy but her spirit unbroken.

She bowed deeply to her grandmother, a gesture of respect and love.

"I will not fail you," she vowed once more, her voice strong and resolute.

As she left the room, the weight of her family's legacy pressed down on her shoulders.

But she carried it with pride, her resolve unshakable.

She would restore the Sayy family to its former glory, no matter the cost.

The mansion, with all its faded grandeur and oppressive atmosphere, seemed to watch her go, its silent halls a testament to the challenges that lay ahead.

But Anna was ready.

She would face whatever trials came her way, and she would emerge victorious. For her family, for her father, and for the legacy of the Sayy name.

Meanwhile, the group of four rode in silence as they approached the entrance to Tensura City.

The towering gates loomed before them, casting long shadows in the afternoon sun.

The bustling sounds of city life echoed from beyond the walls, a stark contrast to the stillness of the forest they had just traversed.

Ruchir couldn't shake the growing sense of unease that gnawed at him.

His intuition, honed through countless battles and training sessions, screamed that something was amiss.

He glanced at Scholar Dwayne, whose stern face betrayed no emotion, then at Garret and Alice, who were still engaged in their usual bickering.

As they reached the city gates, Ruchir spoke up, his voice tinged with concern. "Instructor, I have a bad feeling about this mission. Something doesn't feel right."

Scholar Dwayne glanced at him, his eyes sharp. "Your instincts are not to be dismissed, Ruchir. Stay vigilant and be prepared for anything."

Garret, trying to lighten the mood, joked, "Come on, Ruchir. You're just nervous because this is our first big mission. We'll be fine!"

Alice rolled her eyes. "Garret, you couldn't even handle a Rank F opponent. Try not to get yourself killed, okay?"

Garret puffed up his chest in mock bravado. "I'll have you know I've been practicing! I'm ready for anything."

Scholar Dwayne cut through the banter with a serious tone. "Enough. We are here to complete a mission. Stay focused and follow my lead."

As they passed through the gates, the bustling streets of Tensura City opened up before them. Vendors shouted their wares, children laughed and played, and the aroma of street food filled the air. Despite the lively scene, Ruchir's sense of foreboding only grew stronger.

Alice noticed his tense expression and nudged him. "Hey, don't worry. We've got this. Just stick to the plan."

Ruchir nodded, though the unease in his heart remained. "I hope you're right, Alice. I really do."

Scholar Dwayne led them deeper into the city, his presence commanding respect as townsfolk stepped aside. "Stay alert," he reminded them. "The criminal we seek is dangerous and cunning. We must be prepared for anything."

Garret, despite his earlier bravado, looked around nervously. "Yeah, let's just hope we don't run into any surprises."

Alice smirked. "With our luck, Garret, surprises are guaranteed."

Ruchir forced a smile, trying to shake off his unease. "Let's stay sharp and watch each other's backs. We're in this together."

As they continued their journey through Tensura City, the weight of the mission pressed heavily on Ruchir's mind. He couldn't help but feel that this was only the beginning of a much larger and more dangerous ordeal.