The auditorium was filled with a mixture of exhaustion and pride. The students of Silverleaf Academy sat in orderly rows, their uniforms torn, burned, or patched from the brutal forest survival exam that had lasted three relentless days. The air hummed with the faint energy of mana suppression fields, and even the walls bore faint scorch marks from the battles that had taken place.
At the center of the stage, Headmaster Rowan stood with a faint smile, his staff glowing faintly as he tapped it twice against the floor. The murmurs quieted instantly.
"Students," he began, his voice resonating through the hall, "the annual survival examination has ended. You have endured monsters, storms, and one another—and in doing so, you've proven what it means to stand as future protectors of this world."
The crowd erupted into applause. Even those who didn't place among the top ranks cheered; surviving that forest was an achievement in itself.
The Headmaster raised his hand. The room quieted again.
"This year's results have drawn attention beyond our walls. Representatives from many great guilds have gathered here today to observe your progress—and, perhaps, to extend their invitations."
A ripple of excitement passed through the students. Everyone knew what that meant. The Guild Invitations were rare, prestigious offers extended to only the most exceptional talents. For many, it was the gateway to becoming true adventurers.
---
Arlen sat quietly near the back, his white hair catching the light from the mana lamps above. His body still ached from the trials, but his mind was sharp. The System's faint blue interface hovered in his peripheral vision, silent for once.
> System: "Combat evaluation complete. Rank: B-Class Potential. Efficiency: 92%. Recommendation: Recruitment Eligible."
He had dismissed the message hours ago, but its words lingered in his thoughts.
His name was called among the top five performers. The crowd clapped politely, some murmuring his name as if still trying to place him.
"Arlen Frost… the white-haired kid from the Frostline dorms. Didn't he fight unarmed for most of the test?"
"Yeah. Heard he faced a Class-B Thunderbeast alone and still walked out."
He ignored the whispers, stepping forward to receive his certificate. His fingers brushed the emblem embossed with the academy's crest—silver leaves encircling a glowing flame. A fitting symbol for the quiet storm that was brewing inside him.
---
After the ceremony, several tables were set up at the edge of the hall. Banners of various guilds fluttered—each one representing a different faction: The Crimson Hounds, The Dawnlight Legion, The Veiled Star, and finally…
A banner of pure white, with a golden phoenix rising through blue fire.
The moment it unfurled, the atmosphere changed.
Even the teachers straightened their backs.
Whispers spread quickly.
> "That's—The Vale Guild!"
"They don't recruit here, do they?"
"Not unless someone extraordinary caught their eye…"
Standing beneath the banner was a tall man with shoulder-length black hair, streaked faintly with silver. His uniform bore the same phoenix insignia, outlined with runes that pulsed gently. His eyes—steel gray—scanned the crowd with calm precision.
---
He approached the Headmaster and bowed slightly. "Representative Seren Vale of The Vale Guild, requesting audience with student Arlen Frost."
Arlen froze. Dozens of heads turned toward him. For a moment, the entire hall felt silent.
Lira Vale, standing a few paces behind Seren, met his gaze with a knowing smile—small, subtle, but there. Arlen felt a strange pull in his chest; her presence alone reminded him of the final match, of her composure and the intensity in her eyes.
Headmaster Rowan nodded. "Permission granted."
Seren approached Arlen, each step measured, deliberate. His aura wasn't overpowering, but it carried weight—like a mountain that didn't need to move to be felt.
"You're Arlen Frost," Seren said simply, his voice quiet but resonant. "You fought with precision, not pride. That alone makes you rare."
"I just did what was necessary," Arlen replied evenly.
"Good answer," Seren said. Then he extended a sealed envelope bearing the golden crest of The Vale Guild. "Lord Vale extends an invitation for you to join our ranks. Your performance has been… noted."
A soft gasp rippled through the students.
Even the top-ranked contenders turned to look, disbelief flashing across their faces.
Arlen took the envelope carefully. The wax shimmered faintly, as if alive with mana. "I'm honored," he said, though the words felt heavier than he expected.
"You'll report to The Vale Guild headquarters tomorrow morning," Seren continued. "You will begin as a registered B-rank adventurer, under direct supervision of Lord Vale's command."
"B-rank?!" one of the students whispered aloud.
"That's impossible—everyone starts at F-rank!"
"Not if Lord Vale personally authorizes it…"
Lira stepped forward then, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You'll fit in fine," she said softly, just loud enough for him to hear. "Try not to get lost."
---
That evening, Arlen found himself standing before the towering structure of The Vale Guild. The building was magnificent—its design both regal and intimidating, with twin phoenix statues guarding the entrance and mana lights flickering along the edges of its walls.
Inside, the grand hall buzzed with activity. Armored warriors sharpened blades, mages studied floating glyphs, and hunters compared trophies of slain beasts.
The scent of ozone and steel filled the air.
"Welcome to The Vale Guild," Seren said beside him, his tone formal yet not unkind. "This place is built upon merit and fire. You'll find no comfort here—only purpose."
"That's fine by me," Arlen said, eyes tracing the endless murals of past heroes along the walls.
Seren led him to a chamber at the far end of the hall. The door was carved from blackwood, etched with the symbol of the phoenix.
"Lord Vale will see you now," Seren said quietly.
Arlen's pulse quickened.
---
Inside, the office was spacious, lined with old tomes, weapons sealed in display glass, and a panoramic view of the city below. Behind a sleek desk sat Lord Vale himself—tall, commanding, his silver-gray hair slicked back, and eyes like liquid steel that seemed to see through everything.
When Arlen entered, Lord Vale didn't speak immediately. He studied him for a long moment, then rose to his feet. "So, you're the one who stirred my daughter's curiosity."
Arlen bowed slightly. "Sir."
"Raise your head," Vale said. "I've seen your battles. You don't fight like a student. You fight like someone who's been at war with himself."
Arlen hesitated. "…Something like that."
A faint smile ghosted over Vale's lips. "Good. I have no use for those who seek fame. The guild needs strength, and strength comes from resolve. From today onward, you are a B-rank adventurer of The Vale Guild. You'll train under my daughter's supervision."
He turned to Seren. "Assign him to Vale Squad Three. They'll depart for a low-tier expedition at dawn."
"Yes, Guild Master."
Arlen exhaled, processing it all. "Thank you, sir. I won't disappoint."
"You'd better not," Vale said, his gaze sharpening. "The world doesn't reward weakness, Frost. It devours it."
---
As Arlen left the chamber, he found Lira waiting by the corridor. She leaned casually against the wall, her arms crossed.
"So, B-rank already?" she teased. "You must've made quite an impression."
"I'm not sure if that's a good thing," Arlen said, half-smiling.
Lira chuckled. "You'll find out soon enough. Training starts tomorrow at sunrise. Don't be late."
He nodded, glancing once more at the massive phoenix emblem gleaming on the wall. The fire in its eyes seemed almost alive, as if recognizing him.
The System flickered to life beside him.
> System Notification:
Guild Affiliation Updated — [The Vale Guild]
Assigned Rank: B-Class Adventurer
New Mission Unlocked — [First Assignment: Vale Squad 3]
Arlen smiled faintly.
---