Chapter 23: A New City and the Secrets of Ranks

The group's journey brought them to the bustling city of Eronthall, a sprawling urban center nestled at the foot of snow-capped mountains. The city's high stone walls were adorned with intricate carvings that told the story of legendary Beasts and the tamers who had shaped Aetheria's history. Above the gates, a grand archway glittered with embedded Aether Crystals, their colors shifting as if alive.

Kael, Lyra, and Dax stood in awe as they entered. The city was alive with energy—merchants shouting their wares, tamers leading their Beasts through the streets, and craftsmen forging tools with flickering elemental flames. Even the air felt charged, a hum of activity and progress surrounding them.

"This place is incredible," Lyra said, her eyes scanning the bustling market stalls. "It feels… alive in a way that's completely different from Amber Hollow."

"It's a whole new world," Kael agreed, though he kept one hand close to his gear in case of pickpockets.

Dax grinned, his gaze darting to a group of tamers sparring in an open courtyard. "You can feel the strength here. Everyone's pushing to be better, stronger. This is where we're meant to be."

A Visit to the City Hall

Their first stop was the City Hall, a towering structure of polished stone and glass. Its massive doors opened into a grand hall filled with tamers, officials, and large displays of glowing maps and leaderboards.

A helpful attendant greeted them, a young man with a warm smile and a small, bird-like Beast perched on his shoulder. "Welcome to Eronthall City Hall! You must be new here. How can I assist you?"

"We're looking to understand how things work here—especially ranks and how tamers progress," Lyra explained, her tone polite but eager.

The attendant nodded. "Ah, ranks! You'll want to start by understanding the Tamer Guild system. Follow me."

He led them to a large mural on one wall, depicting a pyramid with various tiers.

The Ranks Explained

"There are five main ranks for tamers in Aetheria," the attendant began, pointing to the pyramid.

  Novice Rank (the base of the pyramid):

 "This is where everyone starts. At this level, tamers are learning the basics—how to work with their Beasts, navigate different ecosystems, and participate in low-level battles. Your licenses are issued here."

  Adept Rank:

 "Once you've proven your skill by completing specific challenges or quests, you move to Adept. This is where tamers start forming strategies and working as teams. Adept-level tamers often explore deeper into Aetheria and face stronger Beasts."

  Expert Rank:

 "Experts are recognized for their tactical brilliance and mastery of their Beasts. They're allowed to participate in regional tournaments and are often hired for specialized missions, such as handling dangerous Beasts or exploring uncharted areas."

 Elite Rank:

 "Elite tamers are legends in their own right. They've proven themselves in high-stakes battles and have formed bonds with rare and powerful Beasts. At this rank, tamers are often called upon to resolve major crises or represent their region in international competitions."

  Champion Rank (the pinnacle):

 "Champions are the best of the best. They're revered across Aetheria, often serving as mentors, protectors, or leaders. Very few reach this level, and those who do are remembered forever."

How to Progress

"Tamers advance through these ranks by completing guild-sanctioned quests, winning tournaments, and demonstrating their skills in various trials," the attendant explained. "The City Hall is your hub for registering for quests and tracking your progress. You'll also find training facilities, research labs, and battle arenas around the city to help you prepare."

Kael leaned closer, studying the mural with interest. "What kind of quests are we talking about?"

"They vary," the attendant replied. "From escorting caravans and gathering rare materials to subduing wild Beasts causing trouble in the region. Some quests even involve uncovering ancient ruins or studying Beast behavior."

Lyra's eyes lit up at the mention of research. "Are there resources for studying ecosystems and Beast interactions?"

"Absolutely. The Guild Library is just upstairs. It's one of the most comprehensive in Aetheria. Researchers, like yourself, often collaborate with tamers to study and protect the balance of the ecosystems."

Dax crossed his arms, his competitive spirit flaring. "And tournaments? When do those happen?"

"Eronthall hosts monthly tournaments for tamers of all ranks. Winning one not only earns you prestige but also valuable rewards to help on your journey."

Setting New Goals

As they left the City Hall, the group felt a renewed sense of purpose.

"We need to start working on quests," Kael said. "It's the best way to grow stronger and prepare for what's out there."

Lyra nodded. "And I want to explore the Guild Library. If we can understand more about Beast behavior and ecosystems, it'll give us an edge."

Dax smirked. "And I'll be signing up for that tournament. Let's see where we really stand."

Their plans set, the group headed into the city, ready to embrace this new chapter of their journey. As the sun set over Eronthall, they felt the weight of their ambitions, tempered by the bonds they had formed and the lessons they had learned. The road ahead would be long and challenging, but together, they were ready to take the first steps toward greatness