The hall fell silent as the guildmaster's voice echoed across the stone chamber.
> "You've proven your strength in battle and your unity as a team. But now comes the hardest trial—the trial of the mind. A true adventurer must know when to fight, when to think… and when to choose."
The walls shimmered, and one by one, each participant was surrounded by a faint magical glow.
Arin looked around—Ren, Mira's friends, the twins—each of them was fading into a strange illusionary space, separated but still visible through veils of light.
A calm voice filled Arin's ears.
> "Arin, son of no house… your question is simple. You are in a burning village. Two people are trapped—a young boy you can save immediately, and a girl trapped deeper inside. You can only reach one before the flames collapse the house. Which do you choose, and why?"
Arin's heart tightened. He could almost hear the crackling of fire, smell the smoke. His hands shook—not from fear, but from the weight of choice.
---
Meanwhile, Ren stood frozen before a different illusion:
> "You're surrounded by monsters. Your team is wounded. You can either carry the injured to safety or stay behind to distract the beasts so they can escape. What is your decision?"
Ren clenched his fists, conflict burning in his eyes.
---
The twins faced their own riddles—tests of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice.
Each answer shaped the magic around them, glowing with either calm light or flickering shadows.
In the real world, the guildmasters and senior adventurers watched from an observation platform, whispering quietly.
> "Their choices will show their hearts,"
said one.
"Strength means nothing if their minds are weak."
---
The illusion burned brighter. Arin could feel the heat on his skin, his lungs tightening from the phantom smoke. The boy cried for help, trapped under a broken beam — while from deeper within, the faint sound of the girl's voice called out, desperate, weaker.
His hand gripped his dagger — though useless against flame — and his thoughts raced.
> "If I go for the girl, I might lose them both… but if I leave her…"
The guilt churned in his gut. The heat pressed closer. Then, suddenly, he saw the boy's terrified eyes — the same age as he was when Mira found him wandering alone.
His breath steadied.
> "Saving one life is better than losing both."
He tore the burning beam aside, hoisting the boy into his arms. As the flames roared, he turned toward the collapsing exit — but before escaping, he stopped and threw his dagger toward the girl's voice.
> "If there's a chance, I'll come back."
He ran through the fire. The world shimmered, breaking apart like glass.
---
Arin fell to his knees, gasping — back in the guild hall. The magical sigil on his wrist flared a soft gold, brighter than most.
Nearby, Ren stood pale but proud; he'd chosen to stay behind in his illusion to protect his team — earning him a deep crimson glow.
The twins blinked back tears — their marks faintly silver, showing restraint and logic over emotion.
When all illusions faded, the guildmaster stepped forward, his voice deep and steady.
> "Courage, wisdom, compassion — these are the pillars of every true adventurer. You've all shown pieces of each."
His gaze lingered on Arin.
> "Some decisions have no right answer, only heart. You, boy… you understand that."
Arin bowed slightly, unsure whether to feel proud or heavy.
Ren grinned and patted his shoulder.
> "Looks like we passed, huh?"
> "Barely," Arin said with a small laugh.
---
The crowd of recruits burst into chatter, some relieved, others teary-eyed. Lyssa, who had been watching quietly from the side, smiled faintly — proud, though she didn't say a word.
She whispered to herself,
> "He's growing fast… faster than any of us did."
---
The sun had already dipped low, casting a warm orange glow through the guild's tall windows as the rookies gathered again in the central hall. The banners of the guild fluttered gently overhead — Silver Dawn's emblem gleaming like molten silver in the light.
A crowd had formed — guild staff, adventurers, and even a few spectators who had stayed back to watch the results. The tension was thick, but the air buzzed with pride and laughter.
At the front stood Guildmaster Taren, flanked by two receptionists holding a glowing crystal slate that displayed each team's score.
He cleared his throat.
> "Listen up, rookies. You've shown bravery, spirit, and — in some cases — reckless determination."
A few chuckles echoed through the hall.
> "But that's what being an adventurer is all about — walking through fear, even when your knees shake. Now… let's see who among you shined brightest."
He gestured, and the crystal flickered to life — names glowing one after another.
Third place: Team Thornveil — applause broke out.
Second place: Team Iron Fang — loud cheers, one of the twins from that team threw his arms up.
Then, the crystal dimmed, and a new name blazed at the top in silver light.
> "And in first place… Team Silver Dawn!"
The hall erupted. Cheers, whistles, and laughter filled the air. Ren's jaw dropped; the twins screamed in disbelief; Arin just blinked, stunned.
> "Wait— we actually won!?"
Lyssa, standing near the corner, let out a proud, knowing smile — her eyes soft as she clapped slowly.
> "You earned it," she murmured under her breath.
The guildmaster nodded approvingly.
> "First place earns not only coin but also recognition. From today, Team Silver Dawn is officially registered as a certified adventuring party under the guild banner."
The receptionist approached, handing each of them their bronze adventurer badges, polished and gleaming under the hall's light.
Ren clenched his badge like a sacred treasure.
> "We're official, boys!"
The twins whooped, lifting him off the ground, and Arin laughed — for the first time in a long while, without any hesitation.
---
After the ceremony, Lyssa approached them at their table.
> "Congratulations. I told you not to slack, didn't I?"
> "We'd never dare," Ren said, half-laughing.
Lyssa smirked and handed Arin a small pouch.
> "A little something from me. Consider it an investment in your future."
Arin blinked, then opened it — five silver coins gleamed inside.
> "Lyssa, that's—"
> "Don't argue. You'll need gear and supplies. Besides, I'm proud of you. All of you."
Her tone softened for just a moment before she turned away.
As she walked off, Ren whispered,
> "She's totally proud but pretending not to be."
> "Yeah," Arin said, smiling faintly, "and we're just getting started."