Denizens of the Labyrinth

The mood in Moxores Stronghold is tense with anticipation but also filled with a sense of accomplishment. Jazmel stands tall at the top of his dais, his eyes scanning the room with a quiet authority as the remaining members of the faction, having completed their respective trials, begin presenting their spoils. A low hum of excited chatter fills the grand hall, but it fades into the background as Jazmel focuses on the scene before him.

To his side, Sadé stands with his arms crossed, a smirk on his face, his gaze flicking between the new recruits. Baek, ever the silent observer, stands near Sadé, his sharp eyes missing nothing. The two of them are ever-present, a solid force by Jazmel's side, ready to back him if needed.

In front of the dais, Charme and Mary take their place at the forefront, the two of them now responsible for assessing the quality of the cores being presented. Charme moves with a deliberate grace, scrutinizing each one, while Mary's keen eye catches even the slightest discrepancy, ensuring that only the finest cores are accepted. Their roles are vital these cores determine not only the power and strength of the recruits but also the rewards they will receive.

Jazmel watches as the first individual steps forward, presenting their core with pride. The hall falls silent, all eyes on the item in question. A faint pulse of mana emanates from the core as the recruit places it before Charme and Mary. The faint glow shifts and flickers, revealing its quality to those who can perceive it. Charme nods approvingly, while Mary raises an eyebrow. They exchange a brief glance before nodding in unison, signalling approval.

Jazmel's gaze doesn't falter as the next individual steps forward. The rush of mana that each core exudes tells him much more than mere words ever could. He studies each recruit carefully, noting the subtle shifts in their mana, the nervous tension in their stances, and the way they hold their heads high, trying to hide any trace of uncertainty. Despite their nerves, he can see the spark of ambition in each of them. They've made it this far proving themselves in the trials of the labyrinth and the hunt.

With every core presented, Jazmel's mind sharpens. The hunt isn't over, after all. He watches the individuals, keenly aware of the ebb and flow of their mana. Some cores are impressive, glowing brightly with power, while others are lacklustre, their mana faint and unstable. He can tell, just from the way each recruit reacts when their core is inspected, who's proud of their accomplishments and who is hiding their disappointment.

It's not just the cores that matter, Jazmel knows. It's the spirit behind them. It's the resolve in their eyes. A strong core can be a fleeting gift, but the will to overcome is what truly sets someone apart.

Jazmel's eyes briefly flick to Vera and Calen, both of whom had impressed him greatly during their earlier trials. He nods slightly in their direction, a silent acknowledgment of their strength. They had brought back their cores quickly, without hesitation. But he knew they wouldn't stop there both of them would continue to push themselves, and he would be watching closely, seeing how far they would go.

After a few more presentations, Jazmel's attention is drawn to a final individual, one who steps forward with a core that practically hums with power. It glows faintly with a fiery aura, a clear indication of its strength. The recruit presents it with unwavering confidence, their chest puffed out slightly, but Jazmel senses a faint flicker of doubt. The mana surrounding the core is unstable, swirling in erratic patterns.

Charme raises an eyebrow, her sharp eyes narrowing in inspection, while Mary studies the core closely. For a moment, the hall holds its breath as the tension builds.

"Interesting," Charme mutters softly, not taking her gaze off the core. Mary, too, leans forward, her focus intense.

Jazmel steps forward slightly, his hand resting on the hilt of Yoru no Tsubasa, his eyes narrowing as he senses the fluctuations in the core's mana. His perception of the mana is flawless, and despite the initial appearance of strength, he can tell that the core holds a dangerous imbalance its power is raw, untamed, and if misused, could turn destructive.

Sadé looks over at him, sensing his thoughts, and leans in, voice low. "What do you think, Jazmel?"

Jazmel considers it for a moment, then turns his gaze back to the recruit, his face expressionless. "It's powerful, but unstable. If they can learn to control it, they will be formidable. But if they fail... it could cost them everything."

Charme and Mary exchange a glance before Charme speaks up, addressing the recruit directly. "This core... it's strong, yes. But you must learn to tame it. Do not let it consume you. If you cannot control it, you will be discarded."

The recruit nods, clearly intimidated but resolute. The core may not have been perfect, but the potential it held was undeniable. Jazmel watches them for a moment longer before turning his attention back to the hall.

The presentation of the cores continues, but Jazmel's mind is already moving forward. He is already thinking about the next trial, the next challenge that will push them all to their limits. He knows the strength of these recruits is only a reflection of their will to grow. Some will rise to the challenge. Others will falter. But for those who succeed, the rewards will be beyond measure.

As the last core is presented and Charme and Mary begin their final assessments, Jazmel glances at Sadé and Baek, both of whom meet his gaze. Sadé's grin flickers, a silent understanding passing between them. Baek, ever watchful, remains silent but his eyes speak volumes.

This trial was over. But the real test was just beginning.

To the surprise of them all, Calen was the winner. He brought out a tier V Venom Imoogi. Which was extremely valuable for medicinal purposes and alchemical potions. It was of the highest grade and very close to evolving into a tier VI monster.

Jazmel nodded and with a grin, Tango stepped forward.

"As the winner of this final trial. Calen Jorrin smiles and from within his ring he pulls out a single item. Jazmel cannot see it from where he was standing on the dais. But he knew Tango had been carrying many master tier items.

Calen smiled, inclining his head with a nod of respect. He then took the item into his own ring.

Jazmel stands tall at the top of the dais, his gaze sweeping across the remaining seven hundred recruits who now stand before him. The room, filled with those who have survived the trials, is a sea of determined faces. Some are exhausted, their bodies showing the wear of their struggles, but others stand taller, their pride evident as they hold their heads high. Each of them has endured hardship, pain, and loss to reach this point. Jazmel feels the weight of that effort, and he knows that the true test has only just begun.

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He takes a deep breath, his eyes narrowing as he steps forward, his boots echoing with each movement. The soft murmur of the crowd fades as his voice rings out, calm but powerful, reaching the furthest corners of the hall.

"Look at you," he begins, his voice steady, yet imbued with an undeniable pride. "You stand here today because you proved yourselves. You survived the trials, faced monsters that could have easily torn you apart, and you did not falter. You endured hardships that would have broken lesser souls, but not you. Not one of you here is weak. You are strong stronger than you may even realize."

A pause lingers in the air as Jazmel lets the words sink in. His eyes sweep over the crowd, taking in the faces that now carry a mixture of exhaustion and hope. He sees the glint of determination in their eyes, the hunger for more.

"You are here because you chose to be," Jazmel continues, his tone shifting ever so slightly to a more intense edge. "Every single one of you has the fire within you to reach the top. The trials? Just the beginning. What you face in the future will be even harder, more dangerous, and more demanding. But I know that each of you has what it takes to rise above. Because you chose to face the darkness, to walk into the unknown. And now, that darkness is no longer a thing to fear it is your ally."

He pauses again, taking in their reactions, making sure the weight of his words settles deeply in their minds.

"You are no longer just individuals. You are part of something greater. You are members of the Black Wing faction. The most powerful faction in this realm. The world outside these walls is vast and full of untold power, and we will claim it. You will claim it. It is your destiny. But remember strength does not come from just power alone. It comes from ambition, from determination, from the will to push beyond your limits. Your potential is limitless, but only if you dare to reach for it."

Jazmel's eyes narrow slightly, the intensity of his gaze sharpening. "There will be those who will try to stand in your way. There will be enemies, allies, and even moments when doubt will creep into your mind. When that time comes, remember this: you are chosen to be here. Your will, your ambition, will carry you further than any trial ever could. So I ask you will you rise? Will you prove that the Black Wing faction is not to be trifled with?"

A heavy silence falls over the room, and Jazmel steps forward once again, his presence towering over the remaining recruits. "The path ahead will test you but know this I believe in you. Every one of you. Now go. Become the warriors you were meant to be. And carve your place in history. The Black Wing awaits your triumphs."

The weight of his words hangs in the air, and for a moment, there is no sound. But then, slowly, a quiet murmur rises from the recruits, followed by a growing chorus of affirmations, of eagerness to prove themselves, to carry the weight of Jazmel's belief in them.

Jazmel steps back, his chest swelling with pride as he watches the faces of the new members. They have the fire. They have the potential. Now, it's time to see how far that fire can take them.

"Go now, and make your mark," he says, his voice softening for the final time, but no less powerful. "The Black Wing is yours to command."

With that, the room erupts into a renewed energy, the recruits now members of the Black Wing begin to stir with the excitement of what lies ahead. The next chapter begins.

DING!

YOU HAVE TAKEN ON MANY FACTION RETAINERS AT ONE TIME!

…

…

MANY HAVE JOINED THE BLACK WING FACTION!

CONGRATULATIONS!

AS A REWARD!

FOR 24 HOURS ALL EXP EARNED WILL BE INCREASED BY 10%

…

The screen popped up for Jazmel and then for everyone else. He watched as all members in the chamber were riddled with excitement and Jazmel nodded. They all turned back to the dais and Jazmel realised what they were waiting for.

"Mary." He bid and she stepped forward, shouting over the din of retainers.

"Alright you lot!" she yelled, drawing silence.

"First job for all retainers! Seekers your task should pop up on your system screen already. Hunt around the stronghold, we have many more mouths to feed! Timone, Gelth. Watch over them!" she yelled, five hundred seekers fled out of the room, following the two faction captains.

"Rankers!" she called, and they strode forward, just under two hundred ranker tier seekers had joined the flanks of the black wing faction.

"You are with me; we are going into the labyrinth again and we are going hunting. I need to see how you can all function. Tera Nema, bring your girls, I am going to need your support!" she pulled her rallying item, flag of the General.

They left out and Jazmel watched the remaining few. The master tier who had joined. One hundred solid new members. He was extremely pleased with their recruitment, excited by what they were going to be doing moving forward.

"Masters, you have hardest role and position in this faction now. You are the vanguard; we will always be looking towards you. To protect our home, to protect your home. To protect the weaker members of the faction at all times, while also pushing our advancement. We will always help, providing we can. But your job is hard, so is the life of those who walk the path of master tier." Jazmel explained to those who remained in front of him.

They stood silent, expectantly and Jazmel nodded. Before clicking on his interface screen, he brought up the faction leader system screen.

DING!

FACTION INTERFACE SCREEN

BASTION – BLACK WING FACTION

TIER IV BASE

63% BASTION STRENGTH

61% REGION MAP

FACTION LEADER SCREEN INTERFACE

FACTION LEADER – JAZMEL (MASTER TIER)

WAR COMMANDER – MARY (MASTER TIER)

FORGE MASTER – GORIN

SCHOLAR – BAEK (MASTER TIER)

PRIORESS – WENDY

ALCHEMIST – ELAI

FACTION CAPTAINS

BANNERMAN (MASTER TIER)

KATIE (MASTER TIER)

GILMORE

GELTH

ELAI

WENDY

LYSANDER

TERA NEMA

GRACE

MYN

MORWEN

SADÉ (MASTER TIER)

TANGO (MASTER TIER)

GALLANT (MASTER TIER)

CHARME (MASTER TIER)

FACTION RETAINERS (WELL KNOWN)

LENO

SERAFINA

SAIF

OUTPOST POPULATION

108 Master tier

217 Ranker tier

561 Seeker tier

GROUPS

CLAW

MOUNTAIN BREAKERS

BRADDON HILL DEFENDERS

ALLIES

KINGDOM OF OREVALOR

BRADDON HILL

NORTHERN MOON SECT

DING!

MASTER TIER TASK!

BIRTH OF THE BLACK WING FLAME!

GO INTO THE LABYRINTH AND RAISE THE RECOGNITION OF YOUR FACTION!

THE GREATER THE RECOGNITION, THE GREATER THE REWARD!

REWARDS CAN VARY!

MASTER TIER TRIBULATION ITEM

MASTER TIER DRAUGHT

MASTER TIER ELIXIR

Eyes widened at his created quest, and they all left, happy and smiling to begin their journey in the faction.

As they left, the chamber was suddenly bare, empty with all the faction members now gone. Jazmel, Sadé and Baek stood together while Melle stood off to the side.

"May I have a word?" Jazmel heard and turning to the side he saw Melle looking at him.