LV 3 (guardian).

The training ground is the same deep in the woods, beside the cascading waterfall. Mist rises from the water, thick with mana, while the rhythmic roar of the falls drowns out all distractions. The ground is soft with moss, a calming contrast to the raw power hanging in the air.

Axel and Matias sit cross-legged, motionless, each clutching a power stone. Four days. That's all they have to push into Level 3 which is known as Guardian.

fingers wrap around the Dark Power Stone. The raw energy surges into his body, blood humming with dark force. He feels it pulse, like it's alive in his palm. Matias, eyes closed, holds the Metal Power Stone, focused on refining his speed and endurance.

The day passes quietly.

On the second day, Axel stirs first. His body crackles with dark energy, his senses sharpened. The power stone feels like it still has more to give. The urge to push further tugs at him, an intoxicating hunger for more power.

With a glance at Matias, still in his meditation, Axel opens his Soul Guide.

---

Soul Guide - Axel

Profession: Necromancer

Level: 2.5 (Knight in progress)

Skills:

Scythe Slash – A precise, powerful attack with the Grim Scythe.

Ghost Fire – Flames that burn souls, weakening foes internally.

Soul Shake – Induces fear and disrupts enemy focus.

Summoning Minions – Calls forth undead and creatures bound to his soul:

1. The summoned creatures have 80% to 90% the power of their master , abd it can progress as the master gets stronger.

2. If the revived body belongs to a creature much stronger than the summoner, it can only exert 100% of his own strength until the he surpassed his minions in strength, then it can only exert 90% of his power and gains the ability to progress.

3. Minions maintain their intelligence and memories while serving their master with 100% loyalty.

4. The summoner Can allow minions who are stronger than him to excert 100% their former power level by taking back his soul blood while leaving the ritual mark.

Advantage: increased strength.

Disadvantage: chance of betrayal : 99%.

Reading the content, Axel had to pause for a moment, "hahaha , this is exciting, even so, it sounds more loyal than regular relationships, I just need to be careful with these notes".

Minions:

Undead Ape (Strength scales with Axel)

Mutant Alpha Boar (Strength scales with Axel)

Goblin Champion (Fast, deadly warrior)

Goblin Shaman (Magic support, curses, enchantments)

Monstrous Goblin (Sheer brute force, overwhelming power)

---

Axel clenches his fist, feeling the Dark Power Stone pulse against his palm. Four days. It's not a lot of time, but it's enough.

He looks over at Matias, still unmoving then get back to meditation.

But only a few hours later, he soul seemed to have silently entered a new state.

Axel stood in the clearing, his body pulsing with dark energy from his breakthrough. Every nerve, every fiber of his being hummed with power. He had reached Guardian, Level 3, and he felt the shift deeply. It wasn't just a new level it was an entirely different state. His senses sharpened, and the air around him seemed to thrum with potential. His control over the energy was more precise, more solid.

He took a deep breath, feeling the force settle into his bones. The power was still raw, but it was his now, as natural as his own heartbeat.

After a few more moments in the clearing, Axel made his way home. The path was familiar, but today it felt different. More alive. His feet found their way through the woods almost without thought, his mind still buzzing with the aftereffects of his breakthrough.

Axel felt the power surge through him as he made his way back to the house. Reaching Guardian level felt different he could sense the change in his body, the new edge to his abilities. "So this is level 3, I feel like I can crash a hundred knights let's not even talk about warriors .

When he finally entered, he found Eliza in the kitchen, preparing dinner. But something was different about her. She turned and smiled. "Noticed anything?"

Axel raised an eyebrow. "You've got a new vibe. What happened?"

"I broke through to Protector," she replied. "Level 4, thanks to the power stone you gave me."

Axel's eyes widened. "Protector? That's a big leap."

She shrugged. "It's not the end, but it's progress. Closer to Father Damian's level."

Axel grinned. "You're going to make things tough for anyone who messes with you."

Eliza smiled back. "That's the idea."

Axel rubbed the back of his neck. "I hit Guardian, Level 3. It feels... different. There's a clear gap between Knight and Guardian. I can feel it."

Eliza's eyes softened. "We're both stronger now how about mat what's he up to?."

"Yeah, he is still stuck, I will check on him later on." Axel leaned against the counter. "Ready for whatever comes next."

Eliza set the food down and met his gaze. " don't get careless, there's always stronger enemies, this world is bound to collapse, it happened before and it will happen again and again ".

Axel smiled. " if the sky falls , there's always tall people who can support it, if there's none I will be the one."

Axel deep thoughts weren't different"my shitty life has ended, although there's still trouble everywhere but at least I'm fairly equipped to deal with it".

______

The morning air was thick with the faint scent of dew and fresh grass. Axel stood at the training area near the waterfall, his eyes scanning the space around him. The rhythmic roar of the falls usually brought a sense of calm, but today something felt off. He couldn't shake the feeling that the peace was a bit too quiet.

"Strange, Mat isn't here, where did he..?

He summoned his undead Shaman Goblin and Monstrous Goblin on the spot, their familiar forms materializing with a soft, eerie glow. The Shaman immediately began weaving a protective barrier around them. Axel's gaze narrowed as the barrier shimmered in place, the energy thick and steady.

the barrier was struck. The impact sent a sharp pulse of energy rippling through the air. Axel stood frozen for a moment, trying to place the familiar presence.

From behind the trees, a figure emerged, laughing. "Damn, how did this goblin know I was going to attack you?" Matias' voice cut through the tension, a smirk playing on his face as he approached, hands up in mock surrender.

Axel couldn't help but grin. "Nice try, but it's not that easy. Glad you're here, though. I was getting bored of this silent meditation."

Matias rolled his eyes, stepping closer. "You're just mad I didn't give you a warning, huh? So, how's the guardian life treating you, eh?" His tone was teasing, but there was a hint of genuine curiosity.

Axel chuckled, feeling the rush of energy from his breakthrough. "It's... interesting. I can feel the difference. There's this weird gap between Knight and Guardian levels. It's like crossing a threshold, you know?"

"Yeah, I know exactly what you mean," Matias said, crossing his arms, still eyeing Axel's summoned minions. "But your little army... don't tell me they got stronger, too?"

Axel raised an eyebrow, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Oh, you noticed, huh? Yeah, they can grow with me. Just like me."

Matias paused, rubbing the back of his head. "I figured the minions were useful, but now they're practically on your level. How does that even work?"

Axel shrugged, enjoying the moment. "It's all part of the fun. These guys stick with me, grow with me, and stay loyal. If anything, they're like... my backup plan. And since we're talking about strength, I'm guessing you've made some progress too?"

Matias' eyes flashed with a hint of pride, but he quickly masked it with a scoff. "Of course I have. Don't expect me to let you get too far ahead."

Axel laughed. "Please, I'm not worried. But hey, now that we're both in this new phase, we should probably kick it up a notch. What do you say? Let's see who can really push the limits."

Matias' smile returned, and for a moment, they stood there, two old friends in a quiet standoff, both ready to go at it, the kind of rivalry that fueled their training.

"So, this isn't a real fight then?" Matias asked, half-teasing.

"Not unless you want it to be," Axel replied with a shrug. "I'm just here for a warm-up. You've got a lot of catching up to do."

Matias snorted, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Let's see who can last longer then. No holding back."

And just like that, the atmosphere shifted, from friendly banter to the familiar edge of a challenge. They squared off, Axel's Scythe glowing faintly in the light, while Matias' body tensed, ready to move with blinding speed.

The two charged, but it wasn't a fight. It was a test of their abilities, an exchange of power and skill that ended with a playful chuckle and a few well-placed jabs. Neither one took it too seriously, but both were pushing each other to their limits.

As the training came to an end, Axel wiped the sweat from his brow and looked over at Matias. "Still think you can catch up?"

Matias wiped his face with his sleeve, grinning. "Hmph..Just you wait. This isn't over."

The two of them settled down, catching their breath. Axel glanced over at the waterfall, "You know, it's pretty crazy how much we've changed."

Matias nodded, his gaze distant. "Yeah. But we're not done yet. We've got a long way to go, have heard what father Damian said? We saw how strong he is but he's still vulnerable. Against saints and grand priests."

"That's what makes it exciting," Axel replied with a smile. "Let's see where we end up, according what I've learned so far there was a powerful church somewhere in the east, it introduced the global Rankinngs and on top there is the lord, those have large territories that even we have never heard anything about the lords who is responsible for our continent".

Mat finally put on a serious look and then he tightened his grip.

"Then our goal is clear, but now the most urgent thing is the escort mission. That assassin seems hostile and we have to be careful."

Axel noded " I wonder who we are escorting, not everyone gets a chance to awaken powerful souls so the high classes still need to pay a lot to get escorted and protected, some Even get stuck and can't make progress".

"Yes" Mat agreed, " Damian said that the most important thing is our understanding og ourselves and our souls, even if meditate for years or have lots power stones, we can never make progress."

Axel dtood up "then let's see how far we can go, but for today let's gather some information ".

------

Axel and Matias sat at their usual spot in the guild, each sipping their tea while the hum of conversations filled the air around them. Adventurers across the room spoke louder to make themselves heard, and one nearby discussion caught their attention.

"You heard about Valorian?" A man leaned forward, his voice rising above the rest. "Paladins dying everywhere. The royal family and the church are throwing punches now. The three saints came out swinging, accusing the throne of murder!"

Matias snorted, glancing at Axel. "Well, that's a new twist. Can't say I'm surprised. Royal families don't exactly have the best track record, do they?"

Axel shook his head. "Nope. Always some dirty laundry hiding somewhere."

The adventurer continued, oblivious to the disinterested glances around him. "The throne's denying it all, of course. Playing the innocent victim. But, come on... saints don't make accusations like that for nothing."

Matias tapped the side of his cup thoughtfully. "Yeah, you'd think a throne would cover its tracks better than that. But hey, even saints have their limits, right?"

Axel raised an eyebrow. "Guess the throne didn't think their own knights would turn on them."

Matias leaned back with a grin. "Wouldn't be the first time. Paladins are supposed to be the embodiment of justice, but we all know how that ends up."

Axel grinned at his friend's sarcasm.

"The Lost Isles, though..." Another adventurer spoke up, his voice filled with awe. "Big battle there again. Even A rank adventurers at saint level died this time, fighting over the remains of a dead grand priest's gear. Can you believe that?"

Axel raised his cup slightly. "Grand Priests gear? Now that's a shocker."

Matias smirked. "And for what? Some old armor or trinkets? Ridiculous."

Axel leaned forward, lowering his voice. "They never learn, do they? Greed always gets the better of them."

Matias chuckled darkly. "It's not about the treasure. It's about who gets to call it theirs first. No one wants to lose that kind of power."

"Yeah, but dying for scraps?" Axel shook his head. "Even a A ranks should know better."

The conversation shifted again, as an elf across the room joined in with a slightly different topic. "So, the Elven Kingdom is locked down tight. No outsiders allowed," he said. "I hear the king finally broke through to Grand Priest level after being stuck at Saint level for... what, eighty years?"

Matias made a face. "Eighty years? What's the point? You get stuck that long, you're probably just wasting away. Must've been a real blow to his pride."

Axel smirked. "Yeah, I'd be pissed too. And now he finally gets his breakthrough? Doesn't change the fact that he probably almost ran out of time."

The elf leaned in, clearly enjoying the conversation. "But it's not just that. There's talk he nearly met his end. But in the end, he found a way to push through."

Matias laughed. "Of course. Lucky bastard. Some people just can't take a hint, can they?"

Axel shrugged. "Doesn't matter. He made it. Can't fault the guy for not giving up."

Matias rolled his eyes. "Maybe. But I bet he was sweating bullets, wondering if he'd make it."

Axel leaned back, considering. "Well, I guess that's one way to do it. Keep grinding, even when you're staring down the abyss."

"Better him than me," Matias said, shaking his head. "I wouldn't want to spend eighty years chasing something, only to barely catch it in the end."

Axel chuckled. "Fair enough."

The rumors kept flying around them, but the two only bought two daggers for some silver and moved back home, preparing for the mission.