Chapter 334: Chapter 334
"Haha, did you hear that? The Kraken has crossed Rank-9. I knew it. There are ranks beyond Rank-9. Do you know they call him a god now? What a ridiculous thing", a young boy muttered.
"Haha, you were right. There are ranks beyond what was known. Maybe one day we can reach those ranks", another young boy beside him started to dream.
"Yeah, that would be wonderful, but it won’t be easy", the first one muttered.
If anyone saw them, they would feel that they were very close, and indeed they were. The two boys were raised in adjacent houses. Their parents had been friends for a long time, which ultimately led to them becoming best friends.
Also, years ago, both lost their parents in a monster tide. Many in their town died that day. As they recuperated from their losses, they grew even closer to each other. Still, the most remarkable thing was that they developed professions that were neither similar nor complementary to each other.
One of them awakened Death Mage, while the other one awakened Paladin.
The first one’s profession dealt with the Death Element, while the second one dealt with the Light Element. They clash with each other, though not as much as Dark and Light, but they do.
Even though that was so, they grinded together, helped each other level up. In some scenarios, Light was needed, but in some scenarios, Death was required.
They grew well as Adventurers.
They started as Newbie Adventurers at Rank-0, but quickly rose to a stage where they stood toe to toe with many Veteran Adventurers. They have already crossed the most challenging division among awakeners, Rank-7.
They have crossed the threshold and only then understood why most can’t cross this threshold.
When they started out, many said that Rank-7 was unattainable, as there were fewer than twenty individuals in history who had achieved that rank at the time. By the time the two boys reached the rank, they were among the thirty who achieved such a thing.
They were considered geniuses and were thought to reach Rank-9 soon.
It was why the Alliance gave them access to restricted information. The news about Kraken crossing Rank-9 and reaching a new rank was something only a few knew about at the time.
They kept it a secret. He was their trump card after all. The best way to publicly declare was by letting Kraken take down a powerful monster, which would cement his reputation and also that of the Alliance.
When they watch how mighty Kraken is, they would trust the Alliance easily. It was a PR move on their front, which they felt was the best way to showcase themselves, Kraken and also catch their enemies by surprise.
---
"Do you think that since the Kraken has reached a rank beyond Rank-9, we would be safe?" the second boy asked.
The first one scoffed, "Safe? No one is safe unless they are strong enough to protect themselves. You have seen it. Our parents could have lived if not for those cowardly bastards, who instead of saving lives, ran away with the wealth, which they collected from families like us as taxes".
"No matter what, for us to be safe, we need to be strong", the first boy slammed the table, which almost caused their drinks to spill.
"I know, I know. It was why you kept away from any possible partners", the second one spoke, trying to lighten the mood.
"You should also have done the same. Please don’t take it the wrong way. I am happy for you and Lyla, but she is weak. What would happen to you if she found herself in a situation where you couldn’t lend any help? Do you think that the world is made of saints? Remember, your enemies would come after her", the first one said.
"Yeah, yeah, I know that. It was why I have been trying to make her strong as soon as possible", the second one muttered.
The first one signed in defeat. He tried to convince his friend not to start a relationship with the girl. He knew from the start what their goal was. Strong enough so that their future loved ones won’t face the same situation as their families did.
No matter how much he tried, he failed in the end. His friend entered into a relationship with the Lyla girl. They were even planning to get married soon.
Now, as his best friend, he had no choice but to help his friend prepare for the marriage.
When their families died, both took opposite approaches. The first one became cold and distant, as his personality said he had awakened the Death Mage profession. In contrast, the second one opted for a light-hearted personality. He buried his sorrow behind the fake laughs and awakened the Paladin profession.
---
"Lyla, Lyla.... no... this can’t be happening. Ah, god...why?" the young boy cried out in pain.
Behind him stood two young boys. One was consoling the crying one, while the other stood behind, unsure of what to do.
This third one joined the duo two years ago. At that time, he watched the duo advance Rank-8 from Rank-7. Their talent was the reason why he joined them in the first place. He wanted to grow as much as they did, but he acted as a servant rather than a friend to the duo. So, he has no idea what to say when one of the duo loses their love, but to stand in silence.
"We will make them pay. I give my word", the first one said.
The second boy, who was holding his dead love, stopped crying. He wiped his tears and looked at his friend. One can see anger still burning in his eyes. The light that was once present in the boy has totally disappeared.
"No, they will pay for what they did, and I’ll be the one who will deliver the justice", the second boy made a vow.