The three elite mages of the Royal Inner Court stood at the entrance of the mine, their pristine white robes fluttering in the wind. They looked at Kaelen, who was covered in dirt, wearing a ragged black tunic, and dragging a massive piece of unrefined iron.To them, he looked like a feral beast."You're the Null?" The leader, a Tier-3 Lightning Mage named Vane, scoffed in absolute disgust. "Lord Alistair gave this mine to a magicless peasant? House Vance has truly fallen."Kaelen didn't stop walking. The 2,500-pound Obsidian Slab scraped against the stone floor. SCREECH. It left a deep, pulverized trench in the solid rock with every step."The mine is mine," Kaelen said, his golden eyes locking onto the three mages. "Get off my property."The second mage, a massive man attuned to Earth Magic, burst out laughing. "A peasant giving orders to the Inner Court! Vane, let me crush this insect. It will only take a second.""Make it quick, Boros," Vane sighed, checking his pristine fingernai

The Ironblood Mercenary Guild was a massive, fortress-like building located in the chaotic Outer Ring of the Royal Capital. It was filled with scars, cheap ale, and dangerous men.Mages rarely came here. This was a place for warriors, berserkers, and rogues who lived and died by the sword.Kaelen walked through the massive iron double doors.The guild hall was deafeningly loud. Hundreds of heavily armed mercenaries were drinking, arguing over bounties, and arm-wrestling for gold.When Kaelen entered, a few heads turned. He was wearing a simple black tunic, but his terrifyingly muscular physique and the massive, canvas-wrapped pillar strapped to his back demanded attention.He ignored the stares and walked directly to the reception desk.Behind the enchanted glass counter stood a scarred, veteran receptionist named Elara. She looked up from her paperwork, her sharp eyes scanning Kaelen."Can I help you, giant?" Elara asked, her voice raspy."I want to register as a Mercenary," Kaelen s