Chapter 8: Guild of Dawnbreakers
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The air in the hidden chamber beneath the academy hummed with quiet intensity. Lanterns flickered against stone walls etched with ancient runes, casting long shadows that danced with an eerie grace. Rael stood still, his posture taut, senses heightened. Across from him stood five figures cloaked in deep azure, each bearing the silver insignia of a rising sun pierced by a sword: the mark of the Dawnbreakers.
He hadn't expected this.
A secret guild hidden within the academy itself—one not mentioned in any of the academy's formal records, not even in hushed whispers among the students.
The leader stepped forward, pulling down her hood.
"Welcome, Rael Verenth," said the woman with silver-white hair and eyes that glowed like starlight. She looked no older than twenty, but her aura exuded power far beyond her appearance.
"I am Seris Dawnveil, Captain of the Dawnbreakers."
Rael said nothing at first, studying her closely. Everything about her felt otherworldly, as if she walked between planes. The other members behind her kept silent, but he felt their eyes—sharp, measuring, waiting for any sign of weakness.
Seris offered a faint smile. "You're wondering why you're here."
"I'm used to surprises now," Rael muttered, arms crossed. "You said you were watching me."
Seris tilted her head. "You're more than just another student. You destroyed the Soul Cradle. You tamed a Fang Ghosthound in your first night. You've been hiding your class well... but you can't hide from us."
Rael's fingers twitched. He didn't know if she was a threat or a test.
"I didn't destroy anything," he lied.
"Lies are pointless down here," a new voice said—a man with dark bronze skin, braided hair, and a heavy black sword strapped to his back. "The chamber has truth-binding wards. We already know."
Rael stiffened.
Another figure stepped forward, this one younger—barely older than Rael, with a carefree smirk and eyes glowing faint green.
"Relax, newbie," the smirker said. "We're not here to kill you. If we wanted that, you'd be ashes by now."
Seris lifted a hand. "We're here to offer you something very few ever receive. A place among us. The Dawnbreakers."
Rael frowned. "Why me?"
"Because you're a paradox. A null… who awakened a class the system cannot register. Because your presence caused the Soul Cradle to shatter. Because… we sense something stirring in you—something the Empire must not yet know."
Rael took a step back. "Are you saying this guild goes against the Empire?"
"No," Seris said carefully. "But we don't bow blindly to its whims either. The Dawnbreakers were formed to protect the future… not politics."
Her words struck a chord deep within Rael. He recalled his father's broken legs—the price of refusing a noble's demand. He remembered his mother's calloused hands, her eyes hollow from years of back-breaking labor.
"What would you have me do?" he asked, voice low.
Seris gestured to a glowing panel on the wall. "Swear the Dawnbreaker Oath. You'll gain access to hidden knowledge, elite training, rare weapons… and the truth behind the Empire's darkest secrets."
A pause.
Then she added, "But understand this—once you enter, there is no turning back. You will be bound to us. To our cause. Betrayal means death."
Rael's heart thudded in his chest.
He thought of his father's vow. Of his own promise. I'll carry my family to the pinnacle.
He stepped forward.
"I accept."
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[System Notification: Hidden Guild Invitation Triggered] You have joined a secret faction: Dawnbreakers Guild Rank: Independent Access Granted: Elite Training Grounds | Hidden Archives | Dawnbreaker Missions New Title Gained: Shadow Initiate
Rewards: +50 EXP +2 STR +3 INT +Access to Guild Armory Unlocked
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A mark of light seared briefly on the back of Rael's left hand—a stylized dawnstar surrounded by a ring of blades—before vanishing.
The chamber pulsed once.
"Well then," said the green-eyed smirker. "Welcome to the mad house."
Seris nodded solemnly. "Your training begins now."
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Later That Night – Dawnbreaker Training Grounds
The hidden training facility lay beneath the academy's west wing, far beneath even the lowest dungeons. Here, magic permeated every stone, runes absorbing and amplifying ambient mana. Simulated monster cores floated in sealed cages; enchanted weapons lined the walls.
Rael stood at the center of a summoning circle, facing Seris and two other guild members. Sweat ran down his back from an hour of grueling drills.
Seris's voice rang sharp: "Again!"
Rael gritted his teeth and triggered his summon.
> [Summoning Spirit: Fang Ghosthound… Complete.] Integration Initiated.
Black mist enveloped him as the ghostly wolf's essence merged into his form. Claws extended slightly from his hands, his eyes sharpened, and his speed surged.
> +3 AGI Skill Acquired: Howl Slash (★☆☆☆☆)
He lunged forward, dodging a blast of wind magic from his sparring partner and retaliated with a slash that sent the air vibrating. His control over his spirit summon was improving—but not fast enough.
Seris raised a hand. Time froze. Literally.
Rael blinked, sweat turning cold.
> [Skill Detected: Chrono Sigil – Rank B – ★★★★☆]
She walked toward him as time resumed.
"You hesitate when integrating. That pause can cost you your life."
Rael exhaled. "I can't rush it. My spirit isn't strong enough yet."
"Then strengthen it," she snapped. "Devour more. Hunt stronger beasts. The academy won't stay peaceful for long."
She walked away, her robe trailing embers. "Tomorrow, we test your compatibility with a second spirit. And you'll face your first live guild mission."
Rael's eyes widened. "Already?"
"Yes. You're ready."
He wasn't so sure.
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Meanwhile – Imperial Palace, Capital City of Solariath
In the heart of the golden palace, a cloaked man knelt before a crystalline throne.
"My lord… we've confirmed it."
The Emperor leaned forward, half his face obscured by light.
"The Soul Cradle… destroyed?"
"Yes. And we have reason to believe the boy responsible now attends the Velaria Academy."
"Name?"
The cloaked man hesitated. "Unknown. He masked his class during the awakening."
The Emperor was silent for a moment. Then, with a whisper like thunder:
"Send the Hounds."
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Back at Velaria – Rael's Dormitory
Rael sat on his bed, breathing slowly. His body ached, his muscles screamed, but his mind buzzed with possibilities.
He pulled up his status panel:
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[Status – Rael Verenth] Class: Spirit Contractor (Legendary) Talent: Devour (Rare) Level: 4 [F-Rank | Novice] HP: 180 MP: 280 STR: 16 AGI: 18 INT: 27 TM: 531
Spirits:
Fang Ghosthound [Integrated]
Skills:
Spirit Bind (★★★☆☆)
Devour Essence (Passive)
Howl Slash (★☆☆☆☆)
Guild Affiliation: Dawnbreakers [Shadow Initiate]
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One spirit down…
He looked out the window, toward the moonlit forest beyond.
I need more.
Tomorrow, the hunt begins.
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