Kenji laid out the new System quest for Mateo and Elara.
[OBJECTIVE 3: RANK UP TO RANK 3 (LOW)]
Requirement: Acquire one Epic Scrap (Fragment of specialized defense magic) and successfully utilize [Sonic Disruptor] to defeat a C-Rank Boss with high defensive resistance.
"Damon knows our location, or he will soon," Kenji explained. "The Obsidian Conglomerate will put a bounty on my head. I need to complete this quest and get out of the Fledgling ranks fast. The Garrison Ruins are a Rank B D-H. We can't go in with just the three of us."
"A Rank B D-H?" Mateo whistled. "That's Veteran territory, man. Way above us. We need a proper team, a Tank and a Healer, at least."
Elara, who was currently examining the structural fractures in Finnian's wall caused by the sonic blasts, nodded reluctantly. "The Geomancy Golems in the Ruins have high resistance to both kinetic force and elemental magic like my ice. You need precise physical disruption and reliable support."
"Exactly," Kenji said. He looked at Elara, acknowledging her tactical mind. "That's why we need Zola and Priya."
Zola Mabaso (Geomancy), the grounded, skeptical Rank 5 Veteran, was a specialist in Earth and Stone magic. Priya Sharma (Kinetic Restoration), the calm, precise Rank 4 Adept, was the best support unit in their circle.
They found Zola at a quarry, practicing earth manipulation. She had heard the rumors about Kenji's recent stunt.
"A Rank 2 Scrapsmith wants to tackle a Rank B mission in the Garrison Ruins?" Zola crossed her powerful arms. "That's suicide, Kenji. My Geomancy is based on structural integrity. If that dungeon collapses, I can't hold it all."
"The Epic Scrap is specialized defense magic," Kenji countered. "It's exactly the core energy we need to stabilize a team. And my new skill, the Sonic Disruptor, targets structural weak points. I need you to lead the defense, Zola. I need you to show me where the Golems' weak points are so I can hit them with the Disruptor."
Zola paused. The idea of targeting the weaknesses rather than just overwhelming the defenses was intriguing.
Priya was easier to convince. As a Healer, she was driven by a powerful moral compass. "If you are going into a Rank B to save your life, Kenji, you need restoration. But I won't risk Bjorn unless we have a clear exit strategy."
Kenji nodded. He had his core team, but the challenge was immense, and the Clock of the Obsidian family was ticking.