The Wrong Hero Has Been Summoned
Chapter 12: Ranks

Chapter 12: Ranks

Next day they moved slower than before, with no guarantee they will be allowed in, why rush.

No one had much to say after last night’s argument. Luna kept glancing at him with sad eyes, but he avoided her gaze. Vess walked ahead, her steps stiff and determined. Selene seemed to be the only one unbothered by the tension.

"The path gets steeper from here," she said, breaking the silence. "We should reach the border of Section B by nightfall if we keep a steady pace."

He adjusted his sword. The wounds still ached, but he could move without wincing now. "Let’s just get this over with."

They walked through the forest, following the path as it wound between tall trees. Birds sang overhead, and sunlight filtered through the leaves in golden patches. It would have been peaceful if not for the heaviness between them.

After a few hours, they stopped by a small stream to rest and drink. Luther sat apart from the others, staring at his reflection in the water.

Luna approached him cautiously. "How are your injuries feeling today?"

"Fine," he said, not looking up.

She sighed and sat down beside him. "I know you’re angry with us. You have every right to be."

He dipped his hand in the cool water. "I’m not just angry. I’m disappointed. I thought we were a team."

"We are," she insisted. "That’s why we need to stick together now, especially with the tournament coming up."

He finally looked at her. "And what happens if I lose this tournament? What’s the backup plan? Or is there even one this time?"

She looked away. "We... we haven’t thought that far ahead."

"Of course not," he said with a bitter laugh.

Vess called from up ahead. "We should keep moving."

"And I am not that angry with you, how could I when not long ago I was the one being harsh to you for no reason." He said as he walked off.

She looked at him and smiled.

They continued their journey in silence. The path gradually inclined upward, and the trees began to thin out. By midday, they could see the landscape spreading out below them—rolling hills, distant villages, and the faint line of Section C behind them.

"It’s actually quite beautiful from up here," Selene remarked, pausing to look back at the view.

Luther had to admit she was right. The realm stretched out like a painting, colors blending together in the distance. For a moment, he forgot his anger.

As the afternoon wore on, the path became rockier. They had to help each other climb over some particularly steep sections. Despite everything, Luther still reached out a hand to pull Luna up when she struggled with a difficult spot.

"Thanks," she said softly.

He nodded but said nothing.

By late afternoon, they spotted smoke rising in the distance.

"That’s the border checkpoint," Selene explained. "There’s usually an inn where travelers rest before attempting to enter Section B."

Vess shaded her eyes, looking ahead. "How strict is the security there?"

"Very," Selene replied. "But there’s always a way in if you know the right people or have the right skills."

"Or the right amount of money," he added.

Selene smiled slightly. "That too."

As the sun began to set, they reached the checkpoint. It was larger than he expected—a wall stretching across the path with a large gate in the center. Guards in polished armor stood watch, and travelers lined up waiting for inspection.

To the side of the checkpoint was a large inn, just as Selene said. Warm light spilled from its windows, and the sound of voices and music drifted toward them.

"We should get rooms for the night," Vess suggested. "Figure out our approach in the morning."

They headed toward the inn, but as they crossed the courtyard, Luther noticed several people watching them.

Inside, the inn was crowded and noisy. People of all kinds filled the tables—merchants, travelers, and what looked like fighters preparing for the tournament. A large board on one wall announced: "SUMMER CHALLENGE: THREE DAYS UNTIL QUALIFIERS."

He stared at the sign, feeling the weight of what lay ahead.

Selene managed to secure them two rooms upstairs while the others found a table in the corner. A serving girl brought them bowls of hot stew and mugs of ale.

"So," he said after taking a long drink, "how are people ranked exactly. I think its about time I learned about that."

Selene looked at the girls, "you didn’t tell him?" They didn’t reply, "wow." she shook her head in disbelief. "You’ve been traveling with him all this time and never explained the ranking system? That’s... quite an oversight."

Luther leaned forward, his irritation clear.

"Well," She began, taking a sip of her ale, "the standard ranking system goes from F to S, with F being the lowest and S being extremely rare and powerful."

"Most ordinary people are F or E rank," Vess added quietly. "Skilled fighters and merchants might reach D or C."

Selene nodded. "B rank is where things get serious. Those are expert fighters, accomplished mages, or people with special talents. Only about one in a thousand reaches that level."

"And A rank?" He asked.

"Very rare," Selene replied. "Maybe one in ten thousand. Those are the people who become famous across the realm - legendary warriors, master enchanters, royal advisors."

"Then S rank is the peak," Luna said. "Almost mythical."

Selene smiled. "Not quite. There’s more beyond S rank, though few people ever see someone ranked that high."

He raised an eyebrow. "More?"

"After S comes SS, then SSS, and so on up to SSSSS," she explained. "Each level represents power that’s exponentially greater than the one before."

"Those beyond S rank are practically like walking disasters," Vess said. "A single SSS-rank fighter could destroy an entire continent if they wanted to."

He sat back, processing this information. "And where do those Guardian things I fought rank?"

"The outdated models?" Selene considered. "Probably E rank. Maybe low D for the strongest ones."

"And where do I need to be to win this tournament?"

The table went quiet for a moment.

"Most competitors will be C rank," Selene finally said. "The finalists are typically high B or even A rank."

He stared into his ale. "And what rank am I, in your estimation?"

Luna and Vess looked uncomfortable, but Selene studied him thoughtfully.

"Based on what I’ve seen so far... probably mid to high D rank, though, that’s with your sword. Hands only you are like E rank," she said.

"So I’m going up against fighters who outclass me," he stated flatly.

"Yes," she admitted. "But rank isn’t everything. Strategy, adaptability, and sheer determination can overcome raw power differences."

He laughed without humor. "That’s what people say when they’re outmatched."

"It’s also true," Vess insisted. "We’ve seen you fight. You think differently than most warriors here."

A commotion near the entrance drew their attention. A group of well-dressed people entered, flanked by guards. The inn went quiet as they moved through the room.

"Nobles," Selene whispered. "From Section B, most likely here to watch the tournament."

One of them, a tall man with silver-streaked hair and elaborate clothing, scanned the room with a dismissive gaze. His eyes paused briefly on their table before he continued to a private room at the back.

"So those are nobles huh." He said, looking at them carefully. "Interesting."