The guild hall buzzed with early excitement. Rookie adventurers gathered in clusters, some checking their gear, others whispering nervously. Arin and Ren stood near the center, calm but alert — they already knew about the contest and had arrived early to register for it.
Ren scanned the room, arms folded. "Looks like they weren't joking about the turnout," he said. "Half the rookies in the city must've shown up."
Arin grinned. "That just makes winning more satisfying."
Moments later, a cheerful voice broke through the noise.
"Ren! Arin!"
They turned as Nara and Niri hurried in, their robes swaying — one trimmed with lilac, the other with violet. The twins waved as they came closer, excitement practically glowing in their eyes.
"You two are early," Arin said, smiling.
"Of course," Niri replied. "You think we'd miss the rookie contest? We signed up the moment we heard."
Ren chuckled. "Yeah, we figured you'd show. We're already registered — Silver Dawn's going all in."
Nara clasped her hands together. "Perfect! Then we'll make this our first big show as a party."
As they talked, Lyssa appeared from the back, her steps lazy and confident, a half-empty bottle in her hand. She leaned against a pillar, watching them with her usual amused smirk.
"So you're all set for the contest?" she asked.
"Yeah!" Arin answered. "We're going to make Silver Dawn proud."
Lyssa chuckled, raising the bottle slightly. "Just don't get too full of yourselves. It's a rookie event — have fun, learn something, and don't die."
Niri pouted. "You're not joining us?"
Lyssa shook her head. "This one's for rookies. I'll be in the stands — cheering, if you make it interesting."
Ren grinned. "We'll make sure you do."
With that, the four rookies turned toward the training grounds as the guild receptionist's voice echoed across the hall, calling for participants to gather. The crowd surged forward, and Silver Dawn walked together — a little nervous, a little excited, but united.
The sun streamed through the high windows, and the contest to prove themselves as adventurers was about to begin.
---
The guild hall buzzed louder than usual. Rookies in fresh armor and shining robes filled the air with nervous chatter, and the scent of polish and steel hung thick like mist before rain.
Arin and Ren stood near the entrance, glancing at the large board where the words "Rookie Trials — Begins Today!" were painted in gold.
Ren smirked. "Looks like we made it just in time."
Arin nodded, butterflies fluttering in his chest. His palms felt damp despite the cool morning air. Around them, rookies of every kind—nervous, excited, overconfident—were gathering in lines.
A sudden chime echoed through the hall. From behind the counter, a woman stepped forward — the same receptionist who handled Arin's registration. Her uniform was crisp, her posture commanding.
"Attention, new recruits!" her voice carried over the crowd, calm but firm.
The murmuring died instantly.
"The Guild Rookie Trials are about to begin. This event is held every season to evaluate new adventurers, test their skill, and determine early rank potential. Think of it as your first real step into the adventuring world."
She scanned the faces before her, eyes sharp and assessing.
"You'll be tested in three rounds — combat ability, teamwork, and strategy. Every round will be monitored by guild examiners. Injury is possible, but our clerics are on standby, so do your best."
A few rookies exchanged uneasy looks; others straightened up with determination.
"Remember," she added, her tone softening just a bit, "these trials aren't about brute strength. They're about courage, cooperation, and wit. Prove you have what it takes to survive out there."
Then she smiled — the kind of smile that could both encourage and intimidate at once.
"Now… everyone, please move to the training grounds. The first round begins shortly."
A ripple of excitement spread through the rookies.
Ren turned to Arin, grinning. "Guess this is it."
Arin exhaled, the nerves turning into a steady fire in his chest. "Yeah. Our first real trial."
As they walked out into the sunlight, the guild doors closing behind them, the sound of clashing weapons and cheering adventurers already filled the air.
The trials had begun.
---
The guild's training grounds stretched wide beneath the morning sun — a vast arena of sand and stone, circled by iron railings. Dozens of rookies filled the field, some testing their weapons, others whispering strategies.
At the far end, several guild officials stood on raised platforms. Among them was a silver-haired man with a scar running across his cheek — Instructor Halden, the guild's veteran examiner.
"Alright, listen up!" his voice boomed like thunder. "This is your first test — Combat Assessment! You'll be paired up for duels. No killing blows. The goal is to test your ability, composure, and instincts in real battle!"
He pointed toward the racks of wooden swords, staffs, and spears set along the wall. "Choose your weapon and get ready!"
Arin and Ren exchanged a grin.
"Think they'll pair us together?" Ren asked.
"I hope not," Arin replied, half laughing. "You'd probably let me win."
"Yeah," Ren said, grinning wider. "Out of pity."
Before Arin could reply, a clerk shouted, "Pair 14 — Arin and Darek!"
A large boy with a broadsword turned around, cracking his knuckles. His muscles looked like coiled ropes under his armor. He smirked when he saw Arin — smaller, lighter, armed only with a wooden short sword.
"Try not to cry, rookie," Darek said, stepping into the ring.
Ren gave Arin a supportive pat. "You got this. Just stay calm."
The crowd gathered around as Halden raised his hand. "Combatants ready?"
Both nodded.
"Begin!"
Darek charged first — heavy, fast, brutal. His sword came down like an axe. Arin rolled to the side, dust exploding under his feet. The next swing came even faster.
But Arin was already moving — his footwork instinctive, precise. He ducked, sidestepped, then countered with a clean slash across Darek's chestplate.
The wooden sword struck true. Thud!
Darek staggered back, surprised. "Lucky hit!"
He swung again, harder this time, but Arin had already read his rhythm. He blocked low, spun, and used Darek's own momentum to trip him — the big boy crashed into the sand with a grunt.
Before he could rise, Arin's blade was at his throat.
"Match over!" Halden barked.
For a moment, there was only silence. Then the rookies erupted in cheers and whistles.
Ren laughed loudly from the sidelines. "That's my partner!"
Arin stepped back, helping Darek to his feet. "Good fight."
Darek stared at him, then smirked. "Not bad, kid. Not bad at all."
Halden nodded approvingly. "Good instincts, clean control. You've trained before, haven't you?"
Arin hesitated. "...A bit."
The instructor's eyes lingered on him a moment longer, curious, but he said nothing more.
As the next names were called, Arin stepped out of the ring, heart still pounding — a mix of fear, thrill, and something else entirely.
Ren slapped his back. "You're insane, you know that?"
Arin grinned. "Guess I just got lucky."
From the crowd, a familiar voice called, "Lucky or not, that was impressive."
They turned to see Lyssa, arms crossed, leaning against the fence. She'd come to watch.
"You didn't tell me you were entering," she said with a faint smile. "Seems my little rookies are making a name for themselves."
Ren laughed. "We figured you'd scold us for jumping in."
"I still might," she said, but there was pride in her tone.
Halden's voice boomed again. "Next! Pair 15 — Ren and Kira!"
Ren stretched his arms. "My turn. Watch closely, Arin — I'll make you look bad."
Arin laughed. "Good luck with that."