Chapter 4:


    Shadows in the Firelight


    The tavern’s lively atmosphere dimmed as the cloaked figure strode inside. Their dark red robes swayed with each measured step, the hood casting a deep shadow over their face. A quiet tension settled in the room as some of the more seasoned adventurers instinctively shifted their hands toward their weapons.


    Kaito’s grip tightened around his mug. Something about this person felt… off. The air in The Rusty Griffin was always thick with the scent of ale and roasted meat, but now, there was something else—something cold and unnatural, like the calm before a storm.


    Before Kaito could even begin to process the stranger’s presence, a loud voice shattered the silence.


    “And who might you be?”


    A heavy wooden chair scraped against the floor as a towering man stood up from one of the corner tables. His sheer size was enough to command attention—broad shoulders, muscular arms lined with scars, and wild, unkempt hair that framed a face filled with battle-hardened confidence. A massive greataxe rested against the wall beside him, and the look in his eyes held the sharpness of a man who had fought and survived countless battles.


    A berserker.


    The cloaked figure paused but did not answer immediately. Instead, they tilted their head slightly, as if analyzing the berserker’s strength. The tension in the room thickened.


    The berserker narrowed his eyes, stepping forward. “Taverns like these don’t take kindly to quiet, hooded types who walk in like they own the damn place.” His voice was low but carried the weight of someone who had no patience for theatrics. “So, I’ll ask again. Who are you?”


    Kaito felt his pulse quicken. He could see it in the way the adventurers around the room subtly shifted—some adjusting their weapons, others leaning in with keen interest. If this conversation took a wrong turn, the night could end in bloodshed.


    The cloaked figure finally spoke.


    “I am merely a traveler,” their voice was smooth, neither deep nor high, laced with an unsettling calm. “And I have no quarrel with any of you.”


    The berserker scoffed, crossing his arms. “Is that so? You walk into a place like this, looking like the grim reaper, and expect people not to be suspicious?”


    A pause. Then, without warning, the figure turned their head—directly toward Kaito.


    “You.”


    Kaito stiffened.


    The firelight from the lanterns flickered across the stranger’s face, revealing a glimpse of pale skin and a sharp jawline. Though their eyes remained hidden beneath the hood, Kaito could feel their gaze on him, piercing and unwavering.


    “I did not expect to find you here so soon.”


    A chill ran down Kaito’s spine.


    The room went still. The berserker’s expression darkened. “You know this kid?”


    Kaito swallowed hard. His mind raced. “I—”


    The stranger slowly took a step forward. “No. But I know of him.”


    Murmurs rippled through the crowd.


    The beastman from earlier leaned toward his companions. “Interesting.”


    The red-haired mage tapped her fingers against the table, eyes narrowed. “Knew the kid had something about him.”


    The bartender, however, simply sighed and reached for a heavier mug, as if already expecting trouble.


    Kaito felt his breath quicken. Who was this person? And how—how did they know of him?


    The berserker let out a short, humorless laugh. “Hah! Well, ain’t that something.” He cracked his knuckles. “You’re either a liar, or you’ve got some explaining to do.”


    The cloaked figure didn’t flinch. “I am neither.”


    The berserker’s grin widened. “Then let’s see if you’re as mysterious as you want us to believe.”


    With that, the tension in the room finally snapped.


    The berserker lunged forward.


    It was fast—faster than Kaito expected for someone of his size. The air seemed to ripple as the massive adventurer reached for the stranger’s hood, intending to rip it back and expose their identity.


    But just before his fingers made contact—


    The stranger vanished.


    No sound. No flash of magic. Just… gone.


    The berserker staggered, blinking in shock. “What the—?”


    Gasps erupted around the tavern as people shot up from their seats, hands gripping weapons and staves. Kaito’s pulse pounded in his ears.


    Then, the stranger’s voice echoed once more, this time from the entrance.


    “We will meet again, Kaito.”


    Kaito turned sharply toward the door—only to see nothing but the cold night outside.


    The berserker let out a curse, shaking his head. “Damn spooks and their tricks.”


    The bartender finally exhaled, placing his mug down. “Well, that was fun. Now, who’s paying for my damn broken chair?”


    Laughter returned, though slightly more uneasy than before. The tension slowly dissolved into murmurs and speculation, adventurers whispering about the sudden, eerie encounter.


    But Kaito remained frozen in place.


    He had barely been in Totsu for a day. He had no reputation, no standing, no history among adventurers. And yet… someone knew of him.


    Not just knew of him.


    Sought him out.


    His hands clenched into fists. The stories of his father, the whispers of a greater truth behind his past—was this connected?


    Kaito exhaled slowly, trying to steady his nerves. One thing was certain.


    This was only the beginning.


    The tavern still buzzed with murmurs and speculation long after the cloaked figure had vanished. Some adventurers dismissed it as just another weirdo passing through Totsu, while others—especially the more seasoned ones—remained wary. Kaito, however, couldn’t shake the eerie feeling that had settled over him.


    We will meet again, Kaito.


    He gritted his teeth. Whoever that was, they knew something about him—something he didn’t even know about himself.


    Just as his thoughts threatened to spiral, a voice snapped him back to reality.


    “Well, looks like we should introduce ourselves.”


    Kaito turned to see the adventurers he had spoken to earlier—the fiery-haired mage, the towering beastman, and the laid-back warrior—now all focused on him. Their expressions were no longer just amused curiosity. There was interest.


    “Our names are a bit of a secret, but we go by Black Star,” the mage said, offering a confident smirk. “A small but capable party that makes a living from the Guild Association’s high-difficulty quests.”


    Kaito’s brow furrowed. “Guild Association?”


    The beastman chuckled, folding his massive arms. “You really are fresh, huh? The Adventurer’s Guild isn’t just some random collection of mercenaries. The Guild Association manages everything—ranks, quests, payments. The tougher the job, the higher the risk—and the better the rewards.”


    The warrior leaned forward, grinning. “And we love high-risk, high-reward jobs.”


    Kaito blinked, realization setting in. “So, you only take on the hardest quests?”


    The mage gave a dramatic shrug. “More or less. It’s a good way to make money and a better way to build a name. Problem is, most adventurers don’t have the guts—or the skill—to handle the kind of work we do.”


    The beastman nodded. “That’s why we keep our party small. Too many weak links, and you’re dead weight.”


    Kaito hesitated, glancing at the three of them. They didn’t look like the strongest adventurers he had ever seen—especially not compared to someone like Ryouma—but the way they spoke, the way they carried themselves, was different. There was confidence, but it wasn’t just bravado. It was the confidence of people who had been through real danger and survived.


    “So, Kaito,” the warrior said, resting his chin on his knuckles. “That guy knew you. That means you’re either secretly famous, or there’s something very interesting about you.”


    Kaito shifted uncomfortably. “I… I don’t know anything about him.”


    The mage studied him closely. “Huh. If you’re telling the truth, that makes things even more interesting.”


    “Maybe he’s cursed,” the beastman said, grinning as he nudged the warrior. “Marked by a god or something.”


    Kaito stiffened slightly. The idea wasn’t entirely ridiculous.


    The warrior waved a hand dismissively. “Or maybe he just has the kind of face weirdos like.” He looked back at Kaito, eyes gleaming with curiosity. “Tell me, farm boy—what exactly are you trying to do here in Totsu?”


    Kaito clenched his fists. He could feel all three of them watching him closely, gauging his response.


    He thought back to everything that had brought him here—his life in the village, the endless cycle of farming, the stories of adventure he had dreamed of for years. He thought about Ryouma taking a chance on him, about the goblins that had attacked his home, about his father’s past that he was only just beginning to question.


    “I…” He exhaled. “I’m tired of being a farmer. I want to go out and see the world. I don’t want to live my whole life in the dirt. I will make a name for myself, and bring success to my village. ”


    A moment of silence passed.


    Then—


    The warrior grinned. “Good answer.”


    The beastman chuckled. “Not bad, farm boy.”


    The mage smirked. “Well, you’ve got the ambition. Let’s see if you have the ability.”


    Kaito frowned. “What do you mean?”


    The mage leaned forward, eyes glinting with mischief. “Tell me, Kaito—how do you feel about a little test?


    The air outside The Rusty Griffin was cool, a stark contrast to the warmth and lively chatter inside. The streets of Totsu at night still bustled with activity, but in the small open courtyard just beside the tavern, Kaito stood face to face with the members of Black Star.


    “You sure about this, farm boy?” the warrior asked, cracking his knuckles. “Most first-timers hesitate when they hear ‘sparring match.’”


    Kaito exhaled, pushing down his nerves. “If this is what it takes to prove myself, I’ll do it.”


    The fiery-haired mage, arms crossed, tilted her head. “Alright then, who do you want to fight?”


    Kaito hesitated, scanning the three of them. His instincts screamed that the beastman was out of the question—he looked strong enough to snap a man in half. The warrior, while slightly less intimidating, carried himself like someone who had fought a hundred battles.


    His eyes landed on the mage.


    “I’ll fight you.”


    The warrior barked out a laugh. “The mage? You sure? You think just because she’s got a pretty face, she’ll go easy on you?”


    Kaito gulped but nodded. “I figured… maybe magic would be easier to handle than brute strength.”


    The beastman snorted. “Oh, this’ll be fun.”


    The mage grinned, stepping forward and rolling her shoulders. “Alright then, farm boy. Let’s see what you’ve got.”


    Kaito took a stance—awkward, unsure, but determined. He remembered how Ryouma had wiped the floor with him back in the village, how outmatched he had been. But this time, he was ready.


    Or so he thought.


    “Come at me,” the mage said.


    Kaito lunged forward, gripping the wooden training sword they had given him. He swung with all his might, aiming for her shoulder—


    And in a blink, she was gone.


    His strike cut through nothing but air. Before he could even process it, a force slammed into his side, knocking him onto the ground.


    “Too slow.” The mage stood a few feet away, smirking.


    Gritting his teeth, Kaito pushed himself up and charged again. He tried to feint, to throw off her timing, but she sidestepped effortlessly. Another flick of her wrist sent a gust of wind his way, throwing him off balance just long enough for her to sweep his legs out from under him.


    Kaito hit the ground hard, coughing.


    The warrior let out a whistle. “Damn. I was hoping he’d last at least a minute.”


    The beastman shook his head. “Not bad for a first try, but yeah… that was embarrassing.”


    The mage knelt beside Kaito, offering a hand. “Hey, don’t feel too bad. Magic is all about control, and right now, you have none.”


    Kaito groaned but accepted her hand, pulling himself up. His entire body ached.


    “Well, now we know where you stand,” the warrior said. “Time for the real test.”


    Kaito raised an eyebrow. “Real test?”


    The beastman grinned, pulling out a small crystal orb. “Aptitude exam. We need to see if you have any magic potential.”


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow. “I thought only certain people could use magic?”


    The mage shrugged. “True, but you never know until you try. Some people are naturally gifted. Others train for years just to summon a spark.”


    She handed Kaito the orb. “Pour your energy into it. Just… focus.”


    Kaito took a deep breath, clutching the orb in his hands. He had no idea what he was doing, but he closed his eyes and concentrated.


    At first, nothing happened.


    Then—


    A flicker of light. A swirl of faint colors. The orb pulsed.


    The mage’s eyes widened slightly. “Whoa.”


    Kaito opened his eyes. “Did… did something happen?”


    The beastman leaned forward, inspecting the orb as it shimmered with multiple hues. “You’ve got an affinity for all basic elements. Fire, water, earth, wind… that’s rare.”


    Kaito blinked. “Wait, all of them?”


    The warrior nodded. “That’s not even the crazy part. Look closer.”


    The mage pointed at the orb. Among the swirling colors, two distinct glows—one of pure white, the other of deep black—flickered prominently.


    “Light and dark magic affinity,” she muttered. “Now that is rare.”


    The group exchanged glances, intrigued.


    Kaito, still trying to process, frowned. “Is that… good?”


    The warrior laughed. “Kid, if you can train that, you’ll be one hell of an adventurer.”


    The beastman grinned. “But first, we see if you’ve got any real strength.”


    He slammed a small wooden table in front of Kaito.


    Kaito frowned. “What’s this?”


    “Trial by arm wrestling,” the beastman said with a smirk.


    The warrior stepped up, rolling his shoulder. “I’ll be your opponent.”


    Kaito hesitated before sitting down and locking hands with him. The warrior’s grip was firm—like iron.


    “Don’t hold back,” the warrior said.


    Kaito took a deep breath and pushed with everything he had.


    The warrior’s arm barely moved at first… but then Kaito saw it—a slight shift. The warrior’s muscles tensed, his expression changing from amusement to mild surprise.


    The beastman’s eyes widened. “Oh? He’s making you try.”


    The mage grinned. “Not bad, farm boy.”


    The warrior smirked and finally pushed back, slamming Kaito’s arm down onto the table. “Hah! Sixty percent.”


    Kaito panted. “Sixty percent…?”


    The warrior flexed his fingers. “That’s how much effort I had to use to beat you. Most rookies don’t even make me go past thirty.”


    Kaito exhaled, his exhaustion mixing with excitement. He had something—raw, untamed, but it was there.


    The mage crossed her arms. “Well, farm boy, you may not have the skill yet, but you’ve got potential.”


    The beastman nodded. “Yeah. If you train right, you might just make a name for yourself.”


    The warrior grinned. “I like you, kid. You should consider joining Black Star someday.”


    Kaito, despite his aching body, couldn’t help but smile. He had a long way to go… but for the first time, he felt like he was truly taking his first steps into this world.


    Guildright Chronicles: The Farmer’s First Step


    Chapter 5: A Place to Call Home


    The streets of Totsu were quieter now, the lively chatter of the evening having faded into the hush of the late night. Kaito walked alone, the cool night air soothing his sore muscles as he made his way toward the inn he had spotted earlier that day.


    The Silver Hearth Inn stood tall beside the massive structure of the Adventurer’s Guild Headquarters. Unlike the rowdy atmosphere of The Rusty Griffin, this place seemed more refined, catering to adventurers looking for a proper rest rather than a night of drunken revelry. Warm lanterns glowed by the entrance, and through the windows, Kaito could see a few late-night guests sitting at tables, quietly enjoying their meals.


    He exhaled as he reached the door, rolling his shoulder. His body still ached from the sparring match and the arm-wrestling contest. Black Star had certainly put him through the wringer, but in the end, their acknowledgment made it all worth it.


    Pushing the door open, Kaito stepped inside.


    The interior was cozy—wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, and the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread lingered in the air. A stone fireplace crackled softly in the corner, casting a warm glow over the room. A few adventurers were scattered about, some polishing their weapons, others speaking in hushed tones over maps and mission scrolls.


    Kaito approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman stood, wiping down a glass. She had sharp, knowing eyes, as if she had seen all kinds of adventurers come and go.


    “New in town?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kaito nodded. “Yeah. Just signed up for the Guild today.”


    She smirked. “That so? You’ve got the look of a fresh recruit—worn out, but still standing. Name’s Maika. I run the Silver Hearth.” She set the glass down. “Looking for a room?”


    “Yes, please,” Kaito said, reaching for his coin pouch.


    Maika waved a hand. “First night’s half-price for newcomers. Consider it a Totsu tradition.”


    Kaito smiled. “Thank you.”


    She handed him a key. “Room’s upstairs, second door on the right. Breakfast’s at sunrise. Just don’t bring any tavern brawls in here.”


    Kaito chuckled. “I’ll do my best.”


    Taking the key, he climbed the wooden staircase, his exhaustion finally catching up to him. He found his room and unlocked the door, stepping inside.


    It was simple but comfortable—a bed with a thick wool blanket, a wooden desk, and a small window overlooking the street below. Kaito set his bag down and collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.


    His mind raced with everything that had happened that day.


    Meeting Ryouma. Arriving in Totsu. Sparring with Black Star. The strange cloaked figure who had known his name. His unexpected affinity for magic.


    And, of course, the lingering mystery of his father’s past.


    He let out a deep breath, closing his eyes.


    For the first time in his life, he wasn’t just a farmer dreaming about adventure.


    He was living it.


    Tomorrow, his journey would continue. But for now, he had to find himself somewhere to rest.


    The streets of Totsu were quieter now, the lively chatter of the evening having faded into the hush of the late night. Kaito walked alone, the cool night air soothing his sore muscles as he made his way toward the inn he had spotted earlier that day.


    The Silver Hearth Inn stood tall beside the massive structure of the Adventurer’s Guild Headquarters. Unlike the rowdy atmosphere of The Rusty Griffin, this place seemed more refined, catering to adventurers looking for a proper rest rather than a night of drunken revelry. Warm lanterns glowed by the entrance, and through the windows, Kaito could see a few late-night guests sitting at tables, quietly enjoying their meals.


    He exhaled as he reached the door, rolling his shoulder. His body still ached from the sparring match and the arm-wrestling contest. Black Star had certainly put him through the wringer, but in the end, their acknowledgment made it all worth it.


    Pushing the door open, Kaito stepped inside.


    The interior was cozy—wooden beams stretched across the ceiling, and the scent of roasted meat and fresh bread lingered in the air. A stone fireplace crackled softly in the corner, casting a warm glow over the room. A few adventurers were scattered about, some polishing their weapons, others speaking in hushed tones over maps and mission scrolls.


    Kaito approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman stood, wiping down a glass. She had sharp, knowing eyes, as if she had seen all kinds of adventurers come and go.


    “New in town?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    Kaito nodded. “Yeah. Just signed up for the Guild today.”


    She smirked. “That so? You’ve got the look of a fresh recruit—worn out, but still standing. Name’s Maika. I run the Silver Hearth.” She set the glass down. “Looking for a room?”


    “Yes, please,” Kaito said, reaching for his coin pouch.


    Maika waved a hand. “First night’s half-price for newcomers. Consider it a Totsu tradition.”


    Kaito smiled. “Thank you.”


    She handed him a key. “Room’s upstairs, second door on the right. Breakfast’s at sunrise. Just don’t bring any tavern brawls in here.”


    Kaito chuckled. “I’ll do my best.”


    Taking the key, he climbed the wooden staircase, his exhaustion finally catching up to him. He found his room and unlocked the door, stepping inside.


    It was simple but comfortable—a bed with a thick wool blanket, a wooden desk, and a small window overlooking the street below. Kaito set his bag down and collapsed onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling.


    His mind raced with everything that had happened that day.


    Meeting Ryouma. Arriving in Totsu. Sparring with Black Star. The strange cloaked figure who had known his name. His unexpected affinity for magic.


    And, of course, the lingering mystery of his father’s past.


    He let out a deep breath, closing his eyes.


    For the first time in his life, he wasn’t just a farmer dreaming about adventure.


    He was living it.


    Tomorrow, his journey would continue. But for now, he allowed himself to rest.


    The revelation of his unique magic still buzzed in Kaito’s mind, filling him with equal parts excitement and apprehension. Light and dark magic… He clenched his hands, still feeling the remnants of energy coursing through him. What did this mean for him? Was it truly a gift, or was there something deeper—something more dangerous—behind it?


    The instructor, however, didn’t linger on Kaito’s discovery for long. With a swift motion, he called the students to attention once more.


    “Now that you have taken your first steps in magic,” the coach began, “it is time you understand the origin of this power.”


    The air around the training ground seemed to settle as the instructor lifted his hand. “Magic is not something that has always existed within humanity. In the earliest days, it was wielded only by the divine. It was Thoth, the God of Magic, who gifted this power to mortals—after the calamity of Godfall.”


    Kaito listened intently, intrigued by the history. He had heard of Godfall before—everyone had—but he had never been taught the finer details of magic’s origins.


    “Thoth saw potential in mortals, but he also feared the recklessness of his divine kin. So, he devised a system—a way for humans to harness magic but not to wield it beyond their means. That is why spells require mana, and why some spells consume more than others. This limitation was not a flaw, but a safeguard.”


    The instructor then extended his hands again. A glow of blue light flickered between his palms before expanding outward in the shape of a hexagonal honeycomb shield.


    “This is Barrier, a basic defensive spell.” The translucent energy pulsed softly in front of him. “Barrier magic comes in many forms. Some are strong enough to block a blade, while others can withstand siege weaponry or even divine attacks. It is a versatile art, and one every adventurer should know.”


    With a flick of his wrist, the shield faded.


    “Now, all of you—try it.”


    Kaito took a deep breath, focusing on his mana once again. He extended his hand and imagined the structure of the spell, visualizing the honeycomb pattern of the barrier in front of him. He reached for the energy within himself, and—


    Fwoosh!


    A shimmering, translucent shield flickered into existence before him.


    Kaito stared, wide-eyed, as his own Barrier materialized. A few other students succeeded as well, though some struggled to maintain the form.


    One of them, standing to Kaito’s right, was a blonde-haired elf clad in fine training robes. His Barrier shimmered perfectly, almost identical to the instructor’s—perhaps even stronger.


    Kaito barely had time to admire it before he noticed the elf’s eyes narrowing at him.


    He wasn’t sure what he had done to offend the guy, but the mixture of anger and reluctant acknowledgment in the elf’s expression was clear. What’s his deal?


    The instructor didn’t seem to notice and continued with the lesson.


    “Magic extends far beyond offense and defense. There are spells that allow mobility, manipulation of the elements, and control over physical space.”


    With that, he moved on to demonstrate a series of spells:


    ?Flight – lifting himself effortlessly off the ground before settling back down.


    ?Dash – a sudden burst of speed, leaving a faint afterimage.


    ?Teleport – vanishing and reappearing at another point in an instant.


    ?Lightning – a crackling burst of electricity shooting from his fingers.


    ?Telekinesis – lifting a heavy training dummy off the ground with nothing but willpower.


    Kaito watched in amazement, his eyes lingering on the Teleport spell. The sheer potential of it captivated him. Instant movement… If I could master that, I’d never be caught off guard in battle.


    The students took turns attempting the spells. Some managed to cast simple versions, while others struggled. Kaito, to his surprise, was able to pull off Dash and Telekinesis without too much difficulty, though his attempt at Teleport resulted in nothing but a slight flicker of energy before the spell fizzled out.


    The instructor nodded approvingly. “Well done. But remember—magic is not limitless. Every spell draws from your mana pool. Some spells are efficient, while others drain your reserves in moments. This is why spellcasting must be strategic.”


    He turned to the class, raising a hand. “Magic in this world is ranked by its strength and complexity. The lowest tier, Fifth-Class Spells, are simple and practical—like Magic Bolt. They are easily learned and used.”


    He raised a single finger.


    “First-Class Spells, however… are miracles and catastrophes. The kind of magic that can shape the fate of nations. Only a handful of beings in history have wielded them.”


    Kaito swallowed hard. The sheer idea of spells that powerful was staggering.


    The instructor’s gaze swept across the students. “In time, you may rise through these ranks. But for now, focus on the basics. Learn, practice, and survive.”


    The Combat Trial


    After the magic session ended, Kaito made his way to the combat instructor, feeling a mix of confidence and wariness.


    The instructor—a grizzled, battle-scarred man clad in dark armor—stood before the recruits with arms crossed.


    “Magic is powerful, but steel and skill still rule the battlefield,” he declared. “Monsters don’t fall to wishes and theories. They fall to force—be it physical or magical.”


    He gestured to the training dummies behind him. “Before we begin, understand this—humans and monsters fight differently. Monsters don’t duel, they kill. They don’t care for honor, rules, or technique. They use claws, teeth, speed, and overwhelming numbers. If you hesitate, you die.”


    The recruits nodded, some gulping nervously.


    “Now, pair up!” the instructor barked.


    Kaito barely had a moment to react before he felt a presence step beside him. He turned—and locked eyes with the blonde elf from earlier.


    “Oh.”


    The elf smirked. “Looks like we’re partners.”


    Something about his tone told Kaito this wouldn’t be a simple spar.


    The two were handed wooden training swords and instructed to begin.


    The moment the signal was given, the elf moved.


    Fast.


    Kaito barely raised his sword in time before the elf’s strike slammed into his guard, sending a shock up his arms. The force of it nearly knocked him off balance.


    He’s strong.


    The battle quickly escalated, both fighters pushing themselves. Kaito’s lack of formal training was clear, but his instincts and sheer determination kept him standing. He blocked, dodged, and retaliated, but the elf met him at every turn, pressing the advantage.


    Their movements became sharper, faster, more intense. The clash of wood echoed across the training grounds as they pushed each other to the limit.


    Then—


    CRACK!


    Both of their wooden swords splintered upon impact, shattering in their hands.


    A stunned silence filled the area as the other recruits and instructors turned to stare.


    The elf panted, eyes glinting with something between frustration and respect.


    “…Not bad,” he muttered.


    Kaito, breathing heavily, smirked. “You too.”


    The instructor crossed his arms, nodding approvingly. “Good. You two have spirit.”


    Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow, realization dawning on him. This was only the beginning. If he wanted to become a true adventurer, he’d have to keep pushing, keep growing.


    And something told him that this elf wasn’t done with him yet.


    The training had been grueling, but Kaito and the rest of the recruits pressed on, moving to the next phase of their lessons—the Tactician’s Training.


    The instructor was an older man, dressed in a well-maintained but worn military uniform. Unlike the combat and magic instructors, who carried themselves with battle-hardened strength, this man radiated something different—command. His sharp eyes swept over the gathered adventurers like a general assessing his troops.


    “Strength and magic are only half the battle,” he began. “A fool with a sword will lose to a weaker opponent with a plan. And a mage with no strategy is just a glorified fireworks display.”


    A few chuckles rippled through the recruits, but Kaito remained focused.


    The instructor continued, his voice clear and authoritative. “Today, you will learn the ways of battle. How to anticipate an enemy’s movements. How to recognize terrain advantages. And how to survive when brute force isn’t enough.”


    Kaito listened intently as the instructor covered:


    ?The Code of Honor – How warriors fought with dignity and respect, but also when honor must be abandoned in the face of true survival.


    ?Beast Encounters – The different ways to approach combat against creatures of varying sizes. Some, like goblins and wolves, required speed and precision. Others, like ogres and wyverns, demanded patience and teamwork.


    ?Enemy Identification – Knowing when to engage and when to retreat. Recognizing different monster tribes, rogue adventurer factions, and even the tactics of other kingdoms.


    Kaito glanced at the elf, expecting the usual sharp glare or sneer. But to his surprise, the elf wasn’t focused on him at all.


    Instead, he was completely immersed in the lesson.


    He wasn’t taking notes, he wasn’t outwardly excited, but his eyes were locked onto the instructor with unwavering focus. Every word, every lesson, seemed to be absorbed with precision.


    So, he’s not just some arrogant noble… He actually cares about this.


    Kaito couldn’t tell if that made him respect the elf more or made him more wary of him.


    The Godhood Ceremony


    After the lesson ended, the recruits were led toward a grand altar at the end of the training grounds. The Godhood Instructor stood before them, clad in ceremonial robes embroidered with symbols of the gods. He was younger than expected, but his presence was commanding.


    “All adventurers,” he began, “walk a path watched by the divine. Some gods choose their champions based on their personality, others based on exploits or magic affinity. Some may even claim you based on lineage—a reminder that our fates are often decided before we are even born.”


    He gazed over the recruits.


    “And some choices…” His voice lowered slightly. “Are beyond mortal comprehension.”


    Kaito felt his throat tighten.


    One by one, recruits stepped forward, standing before the altar. Each time, a divine light would appear, shimmering with the color of the god that chose them.


    The first recruit was bathed in golden light, illuminating the statue of Jupiter, God of the Sky.


    Others followed, each being chosen—Athena, Raijin, Artemis. Some received cheers, while others stood stunned as unexpected deities marked them.


    Then, Kaito realized—the elf was next.


    He watched carefully as the blonde-haired noble stepped up to the altar.


    At first, a fiery red light and an orange light appeared, clashing violently. The flames twisted and writhed, as if fighting for dominance. The tension in the room thickened.


    Then—


    FWOOM!


    The red light overtook the orange, descending into the altar. The statue of Tau, God of Chaos, erupted with energy.


    Gasps filled the hall.


    The God of Chaos had chosen him.


    The other recruits recoiled. Tau was a name feared across Guildright—an unpredictable force that could bring ruin or revolution. Those blessed by Tau were often bringers of upheaval, people whose fates were tied to great and terrible change.


    But amidst the murmurs of fear and horror, Kaito simply watched.


    The elf’s expression didn’t shift. He simply accepted the judgment with a small, knowing smirk. He turned away from the altar and walked back toward the recruits, unbothered by their reactions.


    Kaito clenched his fists. Would I be chosen by Tau too? He wasn’t sure why, but the idea made him anxious.


    Then—


    “Next,” the instructor called.


    Kaito swallowed and stepped forward.


    He stood before the altar, exhaling deeply. The moment his feet touched the stone, a brilliant light erupted from the heavens.


    But unlike the others, his wasn’t a single color.


    The light swirled chaotically, shifting between gold, blue, red, green, and every other hue imaginable. The entire hall fell silent, watching in awe as the lights separated, forming a swirling circle of pure mana around the altar.


    Then—in an instant—it was all sucked into the altar.


    A brilliant white and dark energy exploded outward, illuminating the statue of Thoth, God of Magic.


    The room held its breath.


    Even the Black Star party, standing among the spectators, muttered amongst themselves.


    The red-haired mage grinned. “Well, well… that explains a lot.”


    The beastman crossed his arms. “I figured it’d be something big, but Thoth? That’s legendary.”


    The warrior chuckled. “Kid’s full of surprises.”


    The instructor, usually composed, took a moment to regain his voice. “Thoth… the God of Magic himself has chosen you.”


    Kaito felt a shiver run down his spine. He had heard of Thoth before—he was the one who had gifted magic to mortals. But he rarely chose champions. Those marked by Thoth were said to be destined for immense magical potential… and immense responsibility.


    Kaito took a shaky breath. The whispers of the recruits around him barely registered.


    What does this mean for me?


    The instructor eventually nodded. “Step down. Your path is set.”


    Kaito did as he was told, his mind racing.


    He barely noticed the way the elf eyed him with renewed curiosity. The noble’s smirk had returned, but his gaze was more calculating now.


    He wasn’t the only one who had drawn attention today.


    As the ceremony concluded, Kaito exhaled, his thoughts tangled with uncertainty.


    Between his rare light and dark magic affinity, his strange connection to Thoth, and the presence of the Black Star party watching his every move…


    One thing was certain.


    His journey had only just begun.