The great hall of the Adventurers Guild was alive with noise and motion. Wooden banners bearing the guild's silver insignia hung proudly from the rafters, while sunlight poured through tall glass windows, scattering golden light across the polished floor. The air smelled faintly of parchment, leather, and steel — the scent of dreams just beginning.
Rookies filled every corner of the hall — some whispering nervously, others boasting loudly about their skills. The hum of voices was broken only by the steady clack of boots as a woman in a crisp red uniform walked onto the raised platform at the center of the room.
It was Guild Receptionist Elara, known for her calm composure and sharp tone. She carried a small stack of scrolls and a faint smile that carried both warmth and authority.
"Good morning, adventurers!" she called out, her voice echoing through the hall. "I'm happy to see so many brave faces today — our future heroes of Etruna."
A murmur of excitement ran through the crowd. Arin and his friends stood toward the middle, surrounded by other rookie parties. Ren was practically vibrating with excitement, while the twins fidgeted side by side.
Elara continued, "As many of you know, this is the second trial of the Rookie exhibition Tournament— a tradition that's stood since the founding of this guild. For those of you who advanced form the first stage, congratulations … it's your first step toward becoming recognized adventurers."
Her words carried weight. Even the loudest rookies quieted, eyes fixed on her.
Elara unrolled the first scroll. "Now, let's go over the structure."
She began pacing slowly, her heels clicking softly.
> "The trail is divided into three stages, each designed to test a different aspect of what it means to be an adventurer"
A magical projection shimmered behind her, forming a faint glowing map that rotated above the platform.
> "Stage One: The Hunt.
Each team will be transported to the Eastern Fields, where a pack of enchanted training beasts will be released. These creatures are harmless to civilians, but can still bruise your pride — and your ribs. Your task is to locate and subdue at least one target before time runs out. Teams that fail to cooperate will be immediately disqualified."
Arin glanced at Ren, who smirked confidently.
Elara's voice continued, clear and steady.
> "Stage Two: The Rescue.
A simulated hostage scenario. One of your members will be marked as the 'civilian.' Your goal is to retrieve them from a guarded area while avoiding traps and magical interference. Creativity will earn you points — so don't be afraid to think beyond brute strength."
Niri whispered under her breath, "Sounds like my kind of challenge." Nara smiled nervously but said nothing.
Elara's tone deepened slightly as she lifted the final scroll.
> "Stage Three: The Trial of Resolve.
You'll face a surprise challenge — one that changes every year. It's designed to test how you react under pressure, how well you trust your instincts and your teammates. Sometimes it's a riddle. Sometimes, a monster. Sometimes… both."
The rookies exchanged glances, a ripple of tension and curiosity running through them.
Elara rolled the scrolls back together. "Each stage will be scored by our veteran adventurers and instructors stationed nearby. Cheating, sabotage, or intentional harm to other teams will result in immediate disqualification and a temporary suspension of your guild license."
A few people groaned; others straightened up. Arin noticed Ren's hand unconsciously grip his sword hilt tighter.
"Now," Elara said with a brighter tone, "rewards!"
That got everyone's attention.
"The winning team will receive 300 silver coins, a set of mid-grade potions, and a one-month temporary upgrade to Copper Rank."
Gasps and cheers filled the hall. For many, that was enough to feed a family for weeks — and the rank upgrade meant better quests and more pay.
Elara smiled faintly, clearly used to the reaction. "But remember, this isn't just about the reward. Every one of you is being observed. Veteran adventurers, sponsors, and guild assessors are watching. Impress them, and your career may take off before you know it."
As she stepped down from the platform, another guild worker raised a gleaming bell.
"The contest will begin in one hour. Teams, prepare your gear and assemble at the East Gate!"
The hall erupted into motion again — chatter, footsteps, the clatter of weapons. Arin turned to Ren, excitement and nerves swirling in his chest.
Ren grinned, clapping him on the back. "Looks like it's showtime."
The twins stood shoulder to shoulder, smiling brightly. "Silver Dawn," Niri said, holding out her hand.
Arin placed his over hers. "Let's make our mark."
"Forever," Ren added.
They stacked their hands together — four palms pressed tight with shared resolve.
Across the room, Lyssa watched them quietly from a corner table, arms folded and eyes soft with pride. As the rookies marched out into the sunlight, her lips curved into a smile.
"Go on," she murmured under her breath. "Show them what Silver Dawn can do."
The sun hung low in the pale morning sky as the rookies gathered at the East Gate. Dozens of adventurer teams stood ready — a sea of steel, leather, and nervous anticipation. Some laughed to hide their fear; others tightened their grips on their weapons, eyes sharp and focused.
A faint hum filled the air as glowing circles of light appeared beneath each group — teleportation sigils drawn by the guild's mages. The air shimmered, carrying the faint scent of mana and earth.
Elara's voice echoed through a crystal amplifier, clear and resonant:
> "Teams, prepare for transport! Remember, this is a controlled hunt. The beasts are real, the danger is real — but your lives are not in jeopardy unless you act recklessly. Retrieve at least one confirmed target and signal for pickup before the time expires. You have two hours. Begin!"
The ground beneath Arin's feet pulsed once. A bright flash engulfed his vision — and suddenly, the noise of the guild was gone.
He landed on soft grass, the faint rustle of leaves surrounding him. They were in a dense forest clearing, morning mist curling around the tree trunks. The air was cool, damp, and alive with birdsong.
Ren steadied himself beside him, adjusting his sword belt. "Well, that was… something."
"Magic always feels weird," Niri muttered, brushing her robes. Her twin, Nara, was already scanning the area, her staff glowing faintly with detection magic.
Arin knelt, touching the dirt. "Fresh prints," he murmured. "Beasts passed through here not long ago."
Ren grinned. "Already tracking, huh? Guess Mira taught you well."
Arin smiled faintly but didn't reply. He pointed toward a line of broken shrubs. "They went that way."
The four began to move quietly through the trees, keeping low. The air grew heavier the deeper they went, the light dimming beneath the thick canopy.