The morning sun stretched long, golden fingers across the valley as Arin made his way down the winding cobblestone path to Valen. The air still carried the sweetness of dawn — dew clinging to the wildflowers that lined the road, the soft hum of waking life echoing from the forest's edge.
Each step felt lighter than the last, though his heart thudded in his chest with a rhythm he couldn't quite control. Maybe it was excitement for another day at the guild — or maybe it was the warmth still lingering from Mira's soft touch, the memory of her gentle smile when she'd handed him that tonic.
He shook his head, trying to laugh it off. She's like family, he told himself — though the thought didn't sit as firmly as it used to.
The closer he got to the city gates, the busier the world became. Farmers led wagons of grain, merchants haggled before the day's rush, and a squad of armored knights passed by, their boots striking in perfect rhythm. He caught a reflection of himself in a merchant's window — the faint shimmer of the white bracelet and ring Mira had given him still glowing faintly in the sunlight.
A small, proud smile tugged at his lips.
The gates of Valen loomed ahead, tall and proud, carved with runes that shimmered like starlight. Beyond them, the city pulsed with life — banners flapping, laughter ringing, and the unmistakable clang of steel meeting steel from the guild's training yard.
He paused for a breath, feeling the flutter in his chest again. Not fear — something else. Something warm.
"Alright, Arin," he muttered to himself with a grin. "Let's make today count."
And with that, he stepped through the gates — the city of adventurers spread before him like a world waiting to be claimed.
---
The morning sun scattered gold across the cobblestone streets as Arin made his way toward the guild. His steps were light, almost uncertain — that quiet flutter in his chest hadn't faded since he left home. Mira's warmth still lingered on his skin, her scent faint but comforting, and the memory of her gentle voice echoed in his head.
The city was alive again, merchants shouting, carts rattling, children running past with baskets of fruit. Arin smiled absently as he passed them, his thoughts already on what awaited him.
When he reached the Adventurer's Guild, the air inside felt different — lively, charged. A crowd had gathered around the main hall. Some were whispering, others laughing, and a few were already betting coin over whatever was happening.
"Oi! Arin!"
Ren waved him over from near the notice board, grinning like always. "You're just in time. They're setting up for today's event!"
"Event?" Arin blinked, weaving through the crowd to join him.
Ren nodded toward a stage being built near the guild's front desk. "Guild's holding a rookie tournament — mock duels between F- and E-Rank adventurers. Winner gets a free D-Rank quest ticket and a reward from the guildmaster herself."
Arin's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
"Yeah. Lyssa told me about it last night — said it's good practice for new recruits."
He looked at the list of names being written down by the receptionist. There were already a dozen rookies registered.
Ren leaned closer, smirking. "What do you say? We enter? Silver Dawn could use the attention."
Arin hesitated. He could almost hear Mira's voice telling him to be careful. But then he remembered her smile, the way she'd said, 'Let me give you some pointers.'
He took a deep breath and grinned. "Alright. Let's do it."
"Now that's the spirit!" Ren clapped his back. "Loser buys dinner."
"You mean you buy dinner," Arin shot back.
They both laughed, unaware that from the second-floor railing above, Lyssa stood watching — arms folded, a faint smile on her lips and a bottle dangling lazily from her hand.
"Looks like our little party's about to make some noise," she murmured.
---
The murmur of the guild slowly dimmed as a young receptionist stepped forward onto the small wooden stage, a bright smile on her face and a clipboard in hand. Her auburn hair was tied neatly in a bun, and her crisp uniform somehow made her voice carry authority despite her soft tone.
"Alright, everyone! Thank you for gathering so quickly," she said, her cheerful voice echoing across the crowded hall. "As most of you have heard, today marks the beginning of our Rookie Exhibition Tournament!"
A cheer erupted from the younger adventurers. Some raised their training weapons, others simply grinned, eager to prove themselves.
The receptionist laughed lightly and continued, "The purpose of this event is simple — to give new adventurers an opportunity to showcase their skills and teamwork in a safe, controlled environment. Whether you win or lose, you'll gain experience, recognition, and maybe even a sponsor."
Arin glanced at Ren, who nodded in excitement.
"Now, for the rules," she said, lifting a finger. "Each match will be one-on-one. Weapons must be dulled, no lethal strikes are permitted, and any use of advanced magic that could cause serious injury will lead to immediate disqualification."
A few groans rose from the crowd, especially from overconfident mages.
She smiled knowingly. "Healing and defensive spells, however, are allowed. The judges — appointed by senior adventurers — will determine victory either by surrender, incapacitation, or when one participant is deemed unable to continue."
Her tone softened as she scanned the crowd. "Remember, this isn't about pride or fame. It's about learning. So fight fair, stay sharp, and don't forget — even the strongest heroes started here, in this hall."
That earned a round of applause, even from the veterans watching from the sidelines.
"Now then," she said, flipping her clipboard. "If you've already registered, please move to the right to receive your match numbers. The rest of you still thinking about joining…" — she gave a playful grin — "this is your last chance."
Ren elbowed Arin lightly. "No turning back now."
Arin smiled, feeling his pulse quicken. "Wouldn't dream of it."
As the crowd began to move, the sunlight streaming through the high windows caught the faint shimmer of Arin's ring — Mira's charm — and for a fleeting moment, he felt as though someone far away was watching and smiling down at him.