After a week of restorative rest, Henry had fully recovered. With his accumulated achievements over the years, he had earned sufficient contribution points to request a Rank promotion.

  Sophia, his ever-present companion, was also being promoted in this cohort. The ascension ritual was held with solemn grandeur within the Estath Cathedral, presided over by Archbishop Ralph himself. Over ten individuals had gathered this time, awaiting the momentous occasion of their acknowledged advancement. Henry was the last to undergo the ceremony, stepping onto the dais with a heart filled with hopeful anticipation and a touch of nervous excitement.

  Henry stood resolute in the very center of an intricate magic circle, flawlessly inscribed upon the cold stone floor with a peculiar charcoal-purple powder. His gaze swept across the myriad of meticulously arranged items surrounding him, each radiating a distinct energy and unique fragrance, creating an atmosphere both mystical and subtly strange.

  Before him, small vials of black glass held a viscous fluid, reflecting streaks of dark crimson light like congealed blood. They emanated a pungent metallic scent, tinged with an indescribable sour spiciness that caused Henry’s nostrils to wrinkle slightly. Beside them, rough ceramic bowls contained a fine, greyish-white powder, ground from the bones and horns of beasts Henry had never before encountered. The powder exuded a strong, fishy odor, laced with a hint of damp earth, conjuring images of fallen, ferocious creatures.

  Particularly captivating Henry’s attention were the larger glass tubes filled with a shimmering amber liquid, radiating a sweet, almost intoxicating fragrance, intertwined with a stimulating musk. Henry surmised it was the blood of a high-ranking beast, a rare and potent material brimming with energy. Interspersed among the more familiar items, he also recognized peculiar herbs with unusual shapes and colors. One type of leaf possessed a lustrous sapphire blue hue, emitting a cool, minty fragrance. Another was a flower of pure black, its petals as thin as silk, yet it emanated an oddly sweet aroma.

  Henry paid closer attention to the arrangement of the materials. They were not placed haphazardly but followed a specific order, forming complex patterns within the confines of the magic circle.

  And what he found even more intriguing was that the various groups of individuals standing within similar formations around him displayed distinct differences in the materials utilized. Some groups employed numerous glittering mineral stones, others focused on bizarre anatomical parts of strange beasts, and still others prioritized rare and exotic herbs. Henry sensed that this Rank ascension ritual was not a rigid formula but rather a nuanced process, subtly adjusted to align with the inherent characteristics and latent potential of each individual. This meticulous and deeply personalized preparation stirred within Henry a sense of both fascination and burgeoning curiosity.

  Abruptly, a soft, silvery-white light emanated from the intricate lines etched beneath Henry’s feet. The ground vibrated gently, and the material items arranged around him began to tremble, then slowly dissolved into the ethereal glow. The glass vials fractured into shimmering dust motes, melting into the light. The powdered bones and horns of beasts dissipated like wisps of smoke. The amber blood tubes also lost their corporeal form, becoming warm, flowing streaks of light. Even the strange herbs gradually vanished, merging into the spreading energy.

  The light of the formation beneath Henry seemed to possess a strange and compelling allure, drawing in the very essence of the precious materials, then slowly channeling that vital energy deep within his body, a warm and powerful current surging through his veins. Henry closed his eyes, clearly perceiving the transformation taking place within, a profound awakening of dormant potential.

  As the ritual concluded, Henry and Sophia officially attained Rank 3. Jacobs, their dedicated mentor, was also elevated to Rank 4, a significant milestone in the career of a seasoned soldier.

  Henry distinctly felt a surge of abundant aether, more potent and vibrant than ever before, coursing through his very being. His Mystic Sense ability automatically expanded its reach, encompassing a full thirty meters around him. The world seemed to sharpen, becoming clearer and more defined, his senses astonishingly acute. He remained convinced that this heightened perception was a natural consequence of reaching a new echelon of power. But a warm, deep voice drew him back to the immediate reality.

  "Would you mind if I examined you for a moment, Henry?" Archbishop Ralph approached him, his gaze kind but imbued with a profound and discerning concern.

  "Not at all, Your Eminence. You may do whatever is necessary." Henry replied, completely relaxing his body, yielding to the Archbishop’s scrutiny.

  Archbishop Ralph gently placed his hand upon Henry’s forehead, his own pure and refined aether slowly spreading, enveloping Henry’s form, meticulously tracing every vein, every cell. Henry felt a comforting warmth suffusing his entire being. After a moment, Archbishop Ralph withdrew his hand, his brow slightly furrowed, a thoughtful expression clouding his features.

  "That is peculiar." he remarked, his voice contemplative, "The amount of aether within you is significantly greater than that of someone who has just ascended a Rank."

  "Significantly greater?" Henry exclaimed in surprise, unable to conceal his astonishment.

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  "Indeed," Archbishop Ralph explained, "An ordinary individual would require at least two to three years of diligent cultivation to accumulate the abundant aetheric energy you currently possess. But as you have never been recorded as belonging to the ranks of innate geniuses or possessing exceptional latent potential, this occurrence can only be classified as an anomaly."

  Archbishop Ralph paused for a moment, his gaze penetrating deeply into Henry’s eyes. "Presently, I will be compelled to report this unusual state of yours to both the church and the military. You will undoubtedly be subjected to a thorough investigation and rigorous questioning, as this manifestation of yours is truly most irregular. However, I hold faith in you, Henry, and I earnestly hope that you will successfully navigate these examinations."

  "Yes, I understand, Your Eminence," Henry replied, his voice calm despite a nascent unease stirring within him. "This is the inevitable course of events."

  Following his conversation with Archbishop Ralph, Henry departed with Sophia. They had arranged to meet the remaining members of their squad at the Dunlyr Tavern, a small celebratory gathering for their shared success in Rank promotion. Temporarily setting aside the perplexing events that had just transpired, Henry endeavored to immerse himself in the convivial atmosphere of the party.

  He had now attained Rank 3, which translated to a corresponding salary increase to a hundred crowns per month, a not insignificant sum. The same held true for Sophia. Their financial situation would undoubtedly be far more stable in the foreseeable future. Indulging in a bit of present merriment was hardly a transgression.

  Jacobs had thoughtfully pre-ordered the feast at Henry’s request. When he and Sophia arrived, everything was prepared. The rich and savory aroma of food permeated the air, stimulating the appetites of all present. The table groaned under the weight of various delicacies: herb-roasted lamb chops served with a rich and creamy yogurt sauce, hearty beef stew simmered in red wine accompanied by sweet and sour pickled onions, and golden-brown roasted potatoes. The centerpiece was a whole pig leg roasted over hot embers, sliced and served piping hot, preserving its succulent flavor.

  Alongside these were numerous fresh salads, soft white bread, fragrant sweet rolls, rich butter, along with shimmering red wine and chilled golden ale, and even a selection of sweet fruit beers. It was, indeed, a most lavish feast.

  "The master of the feast has finally arrived," Jacobs grinned broadly as he saw Henry and Sophia enter. "Did I manage to arrange everything to your liking?"

  "More than to my liking, Captain Jacobs," Henry replied with a smile, "but could you perhaps inquire with the innkeeper if they hire someone to stay and wash dishes and clean up? That way, I might just be able to afford this entire spread."

  "Don't worry about it, just put it on my tab," Jacobs chuckled heartily, clapping Henry on the shoulder. "The rewards from future missions will more than cover your share."

  About fifteen minutes later, the entire squad had assembled. Everyone was in high spirits, proactively approaching Henry to inquire about his well-being after the recent incident.

  Melly and Torsan also approached timidly to apologize for their perceived inadequacy, for not being strong enough to provide adequate support during that dangerous mission. Although the squad operated within the capital city of Aerion, where assignments often presented certain difficulties, they had always strived to avoid encounters with life-threatening situations.

  Henry’s near-death experience during the recent mission served as a stark wake-up call for everyone. They began to truly understand that danger lurked constantly and that death could claim anyone, at any time. Within this squad, perhaps Jacobs was the one who understood this feeling most acutely.

  From an ordinary soldier, he had gradually climbed the ranks, enduring seventeen years of relentless combat and countless perilous missions. He had personally witnessed numerous comrades fall, had personally buried fallen brothers-in-arms, and had attended countless somber funerals of those who had served alongside him.

  Sometimes, they were the very junior soldiers he had directly mentored. Despite experiencing it countless times, Jacobs could never truly become accustomed to the gnawing ache of loss. He still willingly shouldered the burden of grief, tormented by the fall of someone he knew. He refused to allow himself to become desensitized to the passing of his comrades.

  This was the youngest group of soldiers Jacobs had ever managed: Daniel was twenty-three, Lumos twenty-one, Henry and Sophia twenty-two, Torsan eighteen, and Melly seventeen.

  Throughout the three years of leading this team, Jacobs had always maintained a measured approach to accepting missions and taking action, prioritizing the safety of the entire squad above all else. Consequently, his mission completion rate might have been lower than in his earlier years, but in return, the members of his squad rarely had to face mortal danger on their own.

  The inherent difficulties of their assignments were skillfully distributed by Jacobs among everyone, and the level of risk was always carefully controlled within acceptable parameters. Henry’s recent brush with death was the first time they had faced such immediate peril, but nonetheless, it was also a valuable experience for their growth and maturation.

  The party unfolded in a warm and convivial atmosphere. Everyone joined in congratulating Henry on his recovery and celebrating his and Sophia’s successful Rank promotions. Every hardship overcome served to strengthen their bonds, the camaraderie within the squad deepened, and the affection of those who cared for them grew more profound.

  Occasionally, Henry would proactively take Sophia’s hand gently. They were fleeting moments, but he consistently sought opportunities to do so. Sophia also noticed this subtle shift in his demeanor.

  She knew Henry loved her deeply, but he rarely expressed it openly in crowded places. Only when they were alone together did he allow his affection to flow naturally.

  But since returning from their recent perilous mission, Henry had become noticeably more demonstrative, as if he no longer felt self-conscious about showing his love for her in front of others. Sophia repeatedly smiled secretly whenever Henry held her hand, a smile of pure happiness and contentment. Perhaps, their relationship had taken another significant step forward, becoming deeper, more profound, and more enduring.