Chapter 21: A New Trial—Reo’s Power Evolves!

Chapter 21: A New Trial—Reo's Power Evolves!

Scene 1: Entering the Grand Capital of Velmoria

Reo and Lucia finally arrived at Velmoria, the grand capital of the new kingdom, after their last raid. The city was nothing like they had ever seen before—massive floating towers, magical airships soaring in the sky, and an elite guild known as "Divine Fang" ruling over all adventurers.

"This place is incredible," Lucia said, her emerald eyes wide with wonder. "It feels… different from our old kingdom."

Reo smirked. "Of course. This kingdom isn't for the weak. If we want to rise to the top, we have to prove ourselves again."

As they entered the Adventurer's Guild of Velmoria, all eyes turned toward them.

"Hey… isn't that Reo? The guy who cleared an A-rank dungeon at just 15?"

"No way! That's the same Lucia who took down the Blood Ogre?"

"They're monsters in human form…"

The entire guild was buzzing with rumors.

Scene 2: The Divine Rank Test—An Unseen Challenge

Reo and Lucia approached the guild's ranking officer, an elf named Alyssa, who was known for her strictness.

"You two wish to register in Velmoria?" Alyssa asked, her piercing blue eyes analyzing them.

"Yes," Reo replied confidently.

"Then you must take the Divine Rank Test. Only those who pass can register here. And let me warn you…" Alyssa leaned forward with a smirk. "No one has passed this test in the last three years."

Reo chuckled. "Sounds fun."

Lucia sighed. "Of course, you'd say that."

Alyssa snapped her fingers, and a portal opened, leading them to a mysterious battlefield—a floating island surrounded by thunderous clouds.

"Your challenge: Defeat the Guardian of Velmoria. Survive for ten minutes, and you pass."

Suddenly, a colossal knight, over twenty feet tall, materialized before them. Its armor was engraved with divine runes, and its sword radiated pure celestial energy.

[Divine Guardian of Velmoria – SSS-Rank]

Lucia's face paled. "That's not just an exam. That thing is meant to kill us."

Reo grinned. "Good. Let's see if it can."

Scene 3: Reo Unleashes a New S-Rank Spell!

The Divine Guardian moved at inhuman speed, swinging its massive celestial blade toward them.

Reo barely dodged as the shockwave shattered the ground beneath them.

Lucia fired an explosive flame spear, but the Guardian absorbed the attack like it was nothing.

"We need more firepower!" Lucia shouted.

Reo smirked. "Then let's create something new."

He opened his status screen, revealing unspent stat points. Celestia's voice echoed in his mind:

"You forgot about your stat points again, my baby? You should really use them~"

Reo rolled his eyes. "Fine. Let's max out my Arcane Control and Mana Output."

The moment he allocated his points, his entire body surged with a golden aura.

He raised his hand and activated his Creation Script ability.

[NEW SPELL CREATED: CELESTIAL OBLIVION]

(S-Rank) A spell that fuses light, shadow, and destruction magic, forming a blade that tears through existence itself.

A massive black-and-gold sword of energy appeared in Reo's hands. The moment it formed, the air trembled.

Lucia's breath caught. "That's… above S-rank…"

The Divine Guardian hesitated—as if sensing something it had never faced before.

Reo smirked. "Now, let's see what happens when I cut through fate itself."

---

Scene 4: A Battle That Shakes the Kingdom

The Guardian charged forward, its celestial sword blazing.

Reo vanished, appearing above it in an instant.

"Celestial Oblivion—Final Slash!"

With one swing, Reo's blade sliced through the Guardian's divine armor like butter. The entire battlefield trembled as an explosion of light and darkness erupted.

When the dust cleared…

The Divine Guardian stood frozen. A deep crack ran across its entire body.

Then—

BOOM!

It shattered into a million pieces.

---

Scene 5: The Aftermath and the Twist Ending

Lucia's knees buckled. "We… we actually won…"

The portal reappeared, transporting them back to the guild.

The entire hall fell silent.

Alyssa stared at Reo in disbelief. "You… you didn't just pass… You destroyed the test itself."

Reo yawned. "So, do we get our guild cards now?"

Alyssa gulped and handed them the highest-ranking guild cards available.

Reo Kisaragi – SSS-Rank Adventurer

Lucia Alford – SSS-Rank Adventurer

As Reo admired his new card, a cold voice echoed through the room.

"Impressive."

The crowd parted, revealing a mysterious figure with long silver hair and golden eyes.

Reo's heart skipped a beat. He recognized her instantly.

"…Celestia?"

The goddess smirked. "I told you I'd come to the mortal world one day, my baby. Now… I'm here."

[TO BE CONTINUED IN CHAPTER 22]