Ren rolled his shoulders as he stepped into the ring, wooden sword in hand. His opponent — Kira, a slim girl with short silver hair — spun a staff lazily, her expression calm and unreadable.
"Combatants ready?" Halden barked.
They nodded.
"Begin!"
Kira dashed forward, her staff sweeping low. Ren blocked — thwack! — the shock traveling up his arm. She was faster than he expected, every strike sharp and rhythmic like a song.
He countered with a feint, then a diagonal slash — she parried, spun, and knocked his sword wide. The crowd gasped.
Ren smirked. "Not bad. But I'm just getting warmed up."
He ducked another swing, rolled behind her, and aimed a jab at her ribs — but she turned, blocking it mid-motion. Their weapons locked, faces inches apart.
"Persistent," she said.
"Always."
He kicked off the sand, using his weight to twist the staff from her grip. Before she could recover, his sword's tip hovered near her chest.
Halden raised his hand. "Winner — Ren!"
The crowd burst into cheers again. Arin clapped, grinning wide.
Ren helped Kira up. "Good fight."
"You too," she said, smirking. "Maybe next time, I'll actually try."
Ren blinked, unsure if she was joking, but before he could reply, she was already walking off, her silver hair glinting in the sun.
Arin laughed as Ren returned. "You've got competition."
Ren shrugged, still flushed from the fight. "She's got skills. I'll give her that."
---
As the duels continued, the twins — Nara and Niri — were called to the stage together. The crowd murmured at the sight of them: one in sky-blue priestess robes, the other in soft lilac magewear. Their eyes glowed faintly — mirror images of each other.
"Wait," Ren said. "They're fighting together?"
Halden folded his arms. "Special exception. They're registered as a dual unit. The guild wants to test their coordination."
The opposing team — two male rookies armed with shields — squared up nervously.
"Begin!"
Instantly, the air shimmered. Niri's staff glowed, runes circling above her head as frost began forming on the ground.
"[Gale Freeze]," she whispered.
Ice shards shot across the field — not to hit, but to restrict movement. The opponents raised their shields, blocking the first wave.
Then Nara stepped forward, holding her staff high. "Blessing of Light!"
A radiant aura surrounded her sister — Niri's next spell burst brighter, faster. The synergy was perfect.
"[Frozen Bloom]!"
A swirl of petals and frost engulfed the two rookies, locking their legs in ice. Before they could react, a gentle pulse of holy light struck their chests, knocking them off balance.
Halden raised his hand. "Match over!"
The twins bowed in unison, hands clasped.
The arena erupted — cheers, whistles, even a few stunned looks from veteran adventurers watching nearby.
Ren blinked. "...Remind me never to make them mad."
Arin chuckled. "Agreed."
Lyssa, still leaning by the fence, smiled faintly. "Not bad at all. Seems Silver Dawn's got potential after all."
---
By the end of the round, the rookies were exhausted but thrilled. The guild officials began announcing the top performers for the next stage — Field Assessment, a small expedition outside the city walls.
Ren grinned at Arin. "You think we made it?"
Before Arin could answer, Halden's voice cut through the air:
"Next stage participants… Silver Dawn!"
The four of them froze — then burst out laughing.
Lyssa raised her mug from where she stood. "Looks like the dawn's shining brighter."
,---
Inside the guild hall, the air buzzed with excitement. Rookie adventurers filled the room, chatting in small groups as the morning sun streamed through the windows.
Arin, Ren, and the twins huddled around a wooden table near the quest board. A map lay spread out between them, weighted by Ren's dagger.
"So," Ren began, tapping the parchment, "we're up against other rookie teams. Three rounds — tracking, combat, and rescue. Points decide who wins."
Niri adjusted her gloves. "If we coordinate, we'll score high on teamwork. I can set traps while Nara supports with healing."
Nara nodded. "And Arin can handle close combat with Ren. You two push forward, we cover."
Arin smiled. "Simple enough."
Lyssa walked up behind them, folding her arms. "You four sure you're ready?"
Ren looked up and grinned. "Come on, Captain. You trained us for this."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "Don't call me Captain — I'm not joining this one. It's a rookie contest, remember?"
Arin frowned slightly. "You're not watching?"
Lyssa's eyes softened. "I'll be cheering from the crowd. You've got this. Remember — use your heads, not just your blades."
The four nodded, feeling that small spark of confidence ignite in their chests.
---
Arin tightened his cloak and joined the others outside the guild. The square was alive with rookie teams preparing to leave — chatter, laughter, the clink of weapons and armor.
Ren stretched his arms with a grin. "Perfect weather for a victory."
Niri smirked. "Let's just survive first."
Lyssa approached them, her silver hair catching the morning light. She handed Arin a small pouch. "Energy tonic — Mira's recipe. Drink it if you start feeling drained."
Arin smiled shyly. "Thanks, Lyssa."
She looked at all four of them, pride gleaming in her eyes. "Silver Dawn, huh? Let's see if you live up to the name."
Ren raised his sword in mock salute. "We won't let you down, Captain— I mean, Lyssa."
The group laughed. The guild bell rang in the distance — the signal for the contest to begin.
Lyssa stepped back, giving them a nod. "Go show them what you've learned."
Arin turned to the others. "You heard her. Silver Dawn, let's move!"
Their boots struck the cobblestone in rhythm as they marched toward the open gates. The sun rose higher, scattering gold across their path.
Behind them, Lyssa watched silently — the smallest smile on her lips as Silver Dawn set out for their first true test.
" If I knew this was how having a party felt I wouldn't have gone solo so long. They're like my little siblings, like family."
She thinks, remembering her real family, her father spends most days in the house getting to the bottom of each bottle and others at brothels she can't believe he was once an a rank adventurer