The team emerged from the Garrison Ruins and rendezvoused at a neutral, high-security location: the local Guild Headquarters.
Ms. Serena Chen, the Guild Master, was waiting for them. Ms. Chen was a composed woman with a sharp gaze, a Rank 7 Master herself, specializing in Shadow Protocol resource management and infiltration.
She looked at Kenji, Elara, Mateo, Zola, Priya, and Bjorn a strange, mismatched group of Ranks 2 through 5.
"You've been busy, Tanaka," Ms. Chen said, her voice dry. "You provoked a Rank 6 Elite, disabled two of his Rank 7 bodyguards, and stole an Epic Scrap from a protected Rank B zone. You realize the Obsidian Conglomerate is petitioning the Central Authority for your execution?"
"It was necessary for survival," Kenji stated, presenting the shimmering golden Epic Scrap. "And I didn't steal it. I earned it by solving the Bastion Golem puzzle, which was set by the System."
Ms. Chen examined the Epic Scrap with a rare spark of curiosity. "The Scrap of Absolute Defense. A very dangerous piece of power. You successfully integrated it. Tell me, Scrapsmith, what is your plan for it? You can't forge a high-level skill yet."
"I'm not forging it yet," Kenji replied, the knowledge of the Scrap's true potential running through his veins. "I'm using it as a catalyst to unlock the next level of my power. My second permanent skill slot is open. But the requirement is to prove my worth as a Rank 3, by leading a successful, high-value mission for the Guild."
Ms. Chen smiled, a genuine, if brief, expression of approval. "The System is indeed pushing you. Very well. The Guild cannot officially sanction a fugitive, but we are also in need of field operatives capable of specialized disruption."
She pulled up a holographic map displaying the city's complex subterranean network.
"We have a problem. A newly designated C-Rank D-H just opened near the main city power grid. It's infested with Thermal Vipers creatures that use residual heat to accelerate their metabolism and poison. They are too fast and too hot for most mid-rankers. We need a team that can contain them without causing collateral damage to the grid."
Ms. Chen looked pointedly at Kenji, then at Elara. "Thermal Vipers are weak to extreme cold. Elara, you are the best containment specialist we have. But you need to conserve your core. Tanaka, your Scrapsmith power has a new assignment."
"The Vipers use heat residue," Kenji realized instantly. "I can absorb and neutralize the ambient thermal scrap, slowing them down before they hit their peak speed. It's perfect."
"Exactly," Ms. Chen agreed. "You are no longer a scraper, Kenji. You are a Regulator. Complete this mission cleanly, and I will use my Guild Authority to stall the Central Authority's warrant on your head."
The team was tense, but united. They had a new mission, new stakes, and a new identity thrust upon them by their reluctant leader.