The Adventurer's Guild's bustling halls echoed with the clamor of adventurers, but in a quiet corridor, the air crackled with a different kind of tension. Renjiro's silver-and-white hair glinted under the torchlight, his eyes narrowed as he gripped Haruto's collar, his voice sharp with confusion and suspicion. "What the hell did you do to Reina?"
Haruto's face flushed a deep crimson, his usual confidence faltering. "N-nothing happened," he stammered, a small, nervous smile tugging at his lips.
Renjiro's grip tightened, his voice rising. "You bastard, I know you did something! That's why she was running like a beast!"
Haruto's blush deepened, his words tripping over each other. "We… we…"
Renjiro's patience snapped, and he shook Haruto, his voice a growl. "What do you mean, 'we'?"
Haruto took a deep breath, steeling himself. "Me and Reina… we kissed." His face was now a blazing red, his eyes darting away as if the confession might burn him.
Renjiro froze, his hands falling limp as he stood like a statue, his mind reeling. "You… you kissed her?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper, shock etching his features.
Haruto ruffled his hair, his embarrassment palpable. "Let me explain everything." He recounted the moment—the way he'd pinned Reina against the wall, driven by a sudden, overwhelming urge, and how she'd kissed him back, her lips soft and fleeting. His voice wavered, a mix of guilt and warmth, as he relived the memory.
Renjiro's jaw dropped, his mind blown. "I knew you liked Reina, but… kissing her before you even start dating? And Reina kissed you back? That's… hard to believe." He shook his head, still processing the revelation, his expression a mix of trauma and reluctant admiration.
Haruto's smile softened, a hint of pride breaking through his embarrassment. "I started it, but… in the end, she kissed me." His voice was warm, his eyes distant as he recalled Reina's boldness.
Renjiro's shock gave way to a mischievous grin. "Well, all the best for your marriage, then! Name your son after me, alright?"
Haruto's face flared with indignation, and he grabbed Renjiro's neck, squeezing playfully. "You bastard! I'm already in deep trouble wondering how to talk to Reina again, and you're imagining kids?"
Renjiro gasped, struggling to breathe as he flailed. "Alright, alright, I'm sorry! I won't say it again!" His voice was choked but laced with laughter.
Haruto released him, his expression shifting to something softer, more vulnerable. Tears glistened in his eyes, though he fought to keep them at bay. "Let's go to the battlefield," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "I need to talk to Reina."
Renjiro rubbed his neck, his teasing grin fading as he noticed Haruto's tears. "I see. You're crying, Haruto."
Haruto's voice was sharp, but his eyes betrayed his emotions. "Just shut up and let's go."
The two set off toward the practice battlefield, their footsteps echoing in the corridor, a mix of camaraderie and unresolved tension lingering between them.
The practice battlefield was a sprawling arena of packed earth and stone, alive with the cacophony of clashing blades, roaring spells, and the shouts of combatants. The air buzzed with energy, thick with the scent of sweat, steel, and scorched magic. Stands packed with adventurers and evaluators loomed above, their cheers and murmurs a constant hum. Mages cast destructive spells that lit the arena in bursts of flame and lightning, while swordsmen danced in deadly duels, their blades singing with each strike. The battlefield was a proving ground, where raw talent met scrutiny, and ranks were earned through blood and skill.
Himari stood near the stands, her arms folded, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "Where are those three? It's already late," she said, her tone laced with impatience.
Yuki, leaning against a railing, shrugged. "It's typical for Haruto and Renjiro to be late. But… where's Reina?"
As if summoned, Reina appeared, her red hair catching the arena's torchlight. "Hey, guys," she said, her voice bright but strained, her usual confidence dimmed by a subtle unease.
Himari's brow arched, her intuition flaring. "Reina, where are Renjiro and Haruto?"
"They're on their way," Reina replied, forcing a smile. "Let's head inside."
The group—Yuki, Takeshi, Himari, Selena, and Reina—made their way to the stands, weaving through the crowd of adventurers. Takeshi pointed to a row of seats with a clear view of the arena. "Let's sit there and watch the matches until our turn."
They settled in, their eyes drawn to the battles below. A swordsman parried a flurry of blows, his movements a blur, while a mage unleashed a torrent of ice that shattered the ground. The crowd roared, some cheering, others critiquing, as evaluators scribbled notes. Yuki's phone buzzed, and she answered, her voice casual. "Renjiro? Where are you guys?"
"We're close," Renjiro's voice crackled through the phone. "Where are you sitting?"
Yuki waved her hand high. "I'm waving—can you see me?"
"I see you," Renjiro replied, and moments later, he and Haruto joined the group, their arrival met with a mix of relief and curiosity.
Selena turned to Renjiro, her eyes bright. "Where's Sir Tetsuya?"
Renjiro grinned, holding up a worn parchment. "He had to head to the capital for work. But he gave us this—a treasure map." He unfolded it, revealing a crude sketch of winding paths and cryptic symbols, its edges frayed from age.
The group leaned in, their curiosity piqued. Himari frowned, her voice skeptical. "Wait, aren't we going to the dungeon after the rank evaluations?"
Renjiro exchanged a glance with Haruto, who nodded. "Haruto and I decided we'll follow the map," Renjiro said. "You all should head to the dungeon to gain experience."
Takeshi's eyes narrowed. "Why just you two?"
Haruto's voice was calm but firm. "It's better this way. You guys can build experience in the dungeon, and with your abilities, you'll pass the academy entrance exam easily. We'll handle the map."
Himari's brow furrowed. "What kind of items are in this place?"
"Tetsuya said there are daggers, swords, wands—useful stuff," Renjiro replied, his grin widening. "We'll bring back items for all of you."
Reina's gaze flicked to Haruto, but she quickly turned away, unable to meet his eyes. Her heart raced, the memory of their kiss burning in her mind. Haruto noticed, a pang of sadness tightening his chest as he saw her avoidance.
Yuki nodded, her tone decisive. "It's a good plan. Himari and I are already planning to take the academy exam, so the dungeon makes sense."
Haruto turned to Reina, his voice gentle but hesitant. "Reina, what about you? Have you decided?"
Reina's cheeks flushed, her words stumbling as she avoided his gaze. "I… haven't decided anything yet." Her voice was soft, her usual fire dimmed by the weight of their unspoken connection.
Before Haruto could press further, a booming voice echoed from the center of the battlefield. A man and a woman stepped forward, their presence commanding the arena's attention. The man, tall and imposing, wore a tailored coat that shimmered with subtle enchantments, his eyes sharp with authority. The woman beside him radiated a quieter strength, her staff pulsing with latent power. "Let's welcome Lucien Graves, head of the Adventurer's Guild!" the woman announced, gesturing to the VIP box where Lucien took his seat.
Lucien's voice carried over the crowd, deep and resonant. "I am Lucien Graves, and I will personally duel some candidates today." A wave of immense pressure rolled through the arena, a tangible force that pressed against every adventurer, evaluators and spectators alike trembling under its weight.
Murmurs erupted. "How are we supposed to fight him?" one adventurer shouted, panic in his voice. Others argued, their voices a chaotic hum.
The woman stepped forward, her voice cutting through the noise. "I am Lilith, a mage. This is Malric, a swordsman. Let the evaluations begin!"
Takeshi leaned forward, his eyes wide. "Is Lucien a mage or a swordsman? His aura… it's unreal."
Reina, her voice steadier now, replied, "He's a mage. Grand Magnus core level."
Renjiro studied Lucien, his expression a mix of admiration and caution. "He looks cool, but his power… it's beyond what we can imagine."
Selena's eyes gleamed with confidence. "Whoever my opponent is, I'll crush them."
Yuki shot her a warning look. "Overconfidence isn't good, Selena."
The evaluations began, adventurers showcasing their talents in a flurry of steel and magic. Takeshi watched, awe in his voice. "Everyone's so talented… and some are way older than us."
Lilith's voice rang out, clear and commanding. "Selena Ashford, to the battlefield!" She paused, then called again, "Selena Ashford!"
Renjiro grinned, nudging Selena. "Do well, sister. All the best."
Selena's eyes sparkled as she teased, "It's rare for you to call me sister." She stuck out her tongue, her smile playful.
Renjiro rolled his eyes. "Shut up and go."
Selena strode to the center of the battlefield, her petite frame drawing skeptical murmurs from the crowd. "A little girl's fighting?" someone muttered. But as her attributes flashed on the arena's display—Magnus core, all six elements, healing ability, divine energy level 15600, age 15—the crowd erupted in shock.
"She's a prodigy!" one spectator shouted. "All six elements? Mage and healer?"
Lilith's eyes gleamed with interest. "This is intriguing. Let's see what you're capable of."
Selena's smile was confident, her stance relaxed but ready. "We're both mages. Let's see who's better."
The two took their stances, the air between them crackling with anticipation. The crowd held its breath, the battlefield poised for a clash that promised to be nothing short of legendary.