《Guildright: Dark and Light》 Farmer鈥檚 First Steps Chapter 1: A Seed of Ambition The morning sun cast golden hues over the rolling fields of wheat as Kaito wiped the sweat from his brow. His hands, calloused from years of tilling the land, gripped the worn wooden handle of his hoe. Another day, another harvest. It was an honest life, but as he gazed toward the distant silhouette of Totsu City, a familiar ache stirred in his chest¡ªan ache for something more. For twenty years, Kaito had known nothing but the farm. He had been raised in the village of Shirogane, nestled on the outskirts of Totsu City, where farmers and craftsmen lived simple, unremarkable lives. Yet, the world beyond was anything but simple. Travelers passing through spoke of grand battles, mystical beasts, and legendary adventurers who wielded magic gifted by the gods themselves. Kaito had always listened intently, but he never thought someone like him¡ªa mere farmer¡ªcould become an adventurer. That was, until today. ¡°Kaito!¡± A voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see his younger sister, Hana, running toward him, her auburn hair swaying with each step. ¡°You need to come to the village square! There¡¯s a Guild recruiter here!¡± Kaito¡¯s heart skipped a beat. The Adventurer¡¯s Guild rarely visited small villages like Shirogane. He dropped his hoe and hurried after Hana, his mind racing. By the time they reached the square, a small crowd had gathered around a figure clad in silver armor, a massive sword strapped to his back. The recruiter stood tall, his presence commanding attention. His scarred face told stories of battles fought, his piercing gaze scanning the villagers before he spoke. ¡°I am Ryouma of the Totsu Adventurer¡¯s Guild,¡± his voice boomed. ¡°By decree of the Guild, I seek those willing and capable to take up the mantle of an adventurer. The road is perilous, but the rewards are great. If you believe you have the strength, the courage, or the wit to walk this path¡ªstep forward.¡± The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation. Silence. The villagers exchanged nervous glances. Kaito felt his heartbeat quicken. This was it¡ªhis chance. His moment. His hands clenched into fists, and before doubt could creep in, his feet moved on their own. ¡°I¡¯ll do it,¡± Kaito declared, stepping forward. Murmurs spread through the crowd. The village elder, an old man with a beard as white as snow, frowned. ¡°Kaito, lad, you are a farmer. The fields need you. This path is not for the faint of heart.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Kaito said, standing firm. ¡°But I damn refuse to let my life be decided by the soil beneath my feet. I want to see the world beyond these fields. I want to become something greater.¡± Ryouma studied him for a moment before nodding. ¡°I like your resolve, you little shit. So prove it.¡± He tossed a wooden training sword at Kaito¡¯s feet. ¡°If you can land a single strike on me, I will take you to Totsu City as a recruit.¡± The crowd gasped. Kaito¡¯s throat tightened, but he steeled himself. He picked up the training sword, feeling its unfamiliar weight in his hands. He had never held a weapon before¡ªonly a hoe and sickle. But deep within him, something ignited. A fire. Ryouma stood motionless, waiting. Kaito gripped the sword and lunged forward with all his might. A gust of wind. A blur of movement. In the blink of an eye, Kaito found himself face-first in the dirt. The sword had been knocked from his hands before he even realized what happened. He groaned, lifting his head as the crowd burst into laughter. ¡°Pathetic,¡± Ryouma muttered, turning away. ¡°Go back to your fields, boy.¡± Kaito gritted his teeth, pushing himself up. ¡°Shut the fuck up.¡± Ryouma was not offended, but impressed at the spirit of the boy. He grabbed the training sword again, his grip tightening. He charged once more, only to be knocked down just as easily. Again. And again. His body ached, bruises forming, but he refused to stop. Finally, after his tenth attempt, Ryouma sighed, rubbing his temples. ¡°Enough.¡± Kaito spat out dirt and stood, panting. He could barely feel his arms. But then¡ªRyouma smiled. ¡°You¡¯re reckless. You lack skill. But you have resolve.¡± He nodded. ¡°Fine. You¡¯ll come with me to Totsu.¡± Kaito¡¯s eyes widened. The villagers gasped. ¡°You¡¯re accepting him?¡± the elder asked, bewildered. Ryouma smirked. ¡°Skill can be taught. Strength can be built. But a spirit like his? Fuck, that¡¯s rare.¡± Kaito felt his knees nearly give out. He had done it. His journey had begun. Hana ran up, her eyes filled with worry and pride. ¡°You¡¯re really going, aren¡¯t you?¡± Kaito grinned despite his aching body. ¡°Yeah. I am.¡± As he stood beneath the vast sky, looking toward the horizon, he knew¡ªthis was only the beginning. Totsu City Chapter 2: Totsu City The dirt road stretched endlessly before Kaito, flanked by fields, forests, and distant rolling hills. His legs ached from the long trek, his back sore from the weight of his travel bag¡ªfilled with the meager belongings he had brought from home. But despite the discomfort, his heart pounded with anticipation. Totsu City lay just beyond the next hill. Beside him, Ryouma walked with the ease of a seasoned adventurer, his silver armor glinting in the mid-morning sun. The man barely seemed affected by the journey, his posture relaxed, yet his sharp eyes constantly scanned their surroundings. Kaito stole a glance at his new mentor, curiosity nagging at him. ¡°Ryouma¡­ what¡¯s Totsu like?¡± Ryouma didn¡¯t answer immediately. Instead, he let out a short chuckle. ¡°A city of opportunity¡ªand danger. It¡¯s not like your quiet little village, that¡¯s for sure. If you¡¯re not careful, you¡¯ll get chewed up and spat out before you even get the chance to make a name for yourself.¡± Kaito swallowed hard but nodded. He already knew this wouldn¡¯t be easy. As they reached the hill¡¯s crest, the city finally came into view, and Kaito¡¯s breath hitched. Totsu was massive. Its towering stone walls stretched far and wide, protecting the countless buildings crammed within. Smoke curled into the sky from chimneys, and even from here, he could hear the faint echoes of bustling life beyond the gates. The city¡¯s center was dominated by the grand structure of the Adventurer¡¯s Guild Headquarters¡ªa fortress-like building adorned with banners bearing the Guild¡¯s emblem. ¡°Come on,¡± Ryouma said, leading him down the hill. As they neared the gates, Kaito¡¯s excitement quickly turned to anxiety. The sheer number of people was overwhelming. Merchants shouted from their stalls, children weaved through the crowds, and armored adventurers strode confidently through the streets, weapons strapped to their backs. Beastmen with furred ears and tails, robed mages with staffs glowing faintly, and even towering lizardfolk¡ªhe had never seen so many different kinds of people in one place. This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°You look like a lost lamb.¡± Kaito turned to see a man leaning casually against a wooden post near the entrance. He was tall, clad in dark leather armor, his long black hair tied in a loose ponytail. His eyes, sharp and calculating, studied Kaito with mild amusement. ¡°Soka,¡± Ryouma greeted the man with a nod. ¡°I¡¯m leaving this one in your hands.¡± Soka sighed, pushing himself off the post. ¡°Another recruit, huh?¡± He gave Kaito a once-over. ¡°You don¡¯t look like much.¡± Kaito frowned. ¡°I¡¯ll prove myself.¡± Soka smirked. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± With that, he motioned for Kaito to follow, and they plunged into the depths of Totsu. The streets were a chaotic blend of wonder and confusion. Soka weaved through the crowds effortlessly, while Kaito struggled to keep up. They passed through the Marketplace, where merchants peddled everything from enchanted trinkets to freshly baked bread. The air was thick with the scent of spices, roasting meat, and the occasional whiff of something foul from a nearby alchemist¡¯s shop. Next was the Warrior¡¯s Plaza, a wide-open space where adventurers trained in combat. Swords clashed, magic spells burst against stone dummies, and archers practiced their aim on wooden targets. ¡°Most recruits spend time here before they take on serious quests,¡± Soka explained. ¡°You¡¯ll probably be no different.¡± They then reached the Temple District, where robed priests chanted prayers before towering statues of the gods. Kaito recognized a few¡ªJupiter, the God of the Sky, stood tall with a staff in hand; Athena, the Goddess of Wisdom, watched over the city with a knowing gaze; and Kratos, the God of War, loomed over the plaza, his stone-carved sword resting on his shoulder. ¡°Priests offer blessings to adventurers before dangerous quests,¡± Shiki said. ¡°If you ever feel like you need divine luck, this is the place to be.¡± Finally, they arrived at the Adventurer¡¯s Guild Headquarters. The building was even more imposing up close, with towering wooden doors and a massive hall bustling with adventurers. ¡°Welcome to your new life,¡± Shiki said, pushing the doors open. Later that evening, after settling his registration at the Guild, Kaito found himself wandering the streets of Totsu alone. The city had a different atmosphere at night¡ªlanterns flickered in the cool air, casting long shadows across the cobblestone roads. The once-busy marketplace had quieted, but the laughter and music of taverns filled the air. His feet carried him toward one such tavern, a lively establishment known as The Rusty Griffin. Stepping inside, he was met with a scene unlike anything he had ever witnessed. Wizards argued over spell theories at one table, while beastmen shared drinks with armored warriors at another. A bard strummed a lute in the corner, singing a ballad about a legendary hero who once fought a dragon. A group of priests, clearly off-duty, were deep in a drinking contest, laughing as one of their own collapsed onto the table. Kaito took a hesitant step inside, feeling both out of place and drawn in by the energy of the room. ¡°New face, huh?¡± A voice called out. He turned to see a grizzled dwarf behind the bar, polishing a mug. ¡°First drink¡¯s on the house if you can impress me with a story.¡± Kaito blinked, then grinned. A Tale of Heroes Chapter 3: A Tale of Heroes The tavern was warm, the flickering lanterns casting dancing shadows on the stone walls. Kaito sat at a rough-hewn wooden table, his hands wrapped around a mug of ale. It wasn¡¯t much, but the drink helped soothe his nerves. The laughter and chatter of the other patrons filled the air, a stark contrast to the silence he had known on the farm. As he sat there, nursing the drink, he felt an odd mixture of awe and unease. These people¡ªadventurers, mages, warriors¡ªwere nothing like the farmers, merchants, or priests he was used to. Their stories were wild, filled with battle, magic, and mysteries far beyond anything he had ever known. But despite the excitement of the day, Kaito¡¯s mind wandered back to the story he had shared earlier, the one about his father. ¡°Goblins attacking the village again, eh?¡± one of the old warriors sitting nearby asked, raising an eyebrow. He had the look of a seasoned fighter¡ªweathered face, strong arms, and eyes that seemed to see right through Kaito. ¡°Sounds like a good tale, lad, but you¡¯ve got a bit of a twist there, don¡¯t ya? The whole part about your father saving a Heavenly Knight, I mean.¡± Kaito leaned back, letting the weight of the story settle. ¡°Yeah, well¡­ that¡¯s the way it went. Ten years ago, when I was just a kid, the goblins came for the village like they always do. And my father¡­ he helped a Heavenly Knight escape. The knight had been injured, but my father managed to get him to safety.¡± The warrior chuckled, a rough sound that made Kaito uneasy. ¡°A farmer, eh? Seems a bit much for someone who spends his days in the dirt. Maybe your old man had a few more secrets than you realize.¡± Kaito¡¯s chest tightened. His father had never spoken of any great feats or heroic deeds. As far as he knew, his father had been nothing more than a quiet man who worked the land and told stories of his youth¡ªstories that didn¡¯t seem to match the reality of his life. ¡°More ale for the lad,¡± the warrior said, noticing Kaito¡¯s troubled expression. ¡°Tell you what, I¡¯d love to hear the rest of the story someday. Maybe we can find some of those goblins and give them a good fight. If your father could save a Heavenly Knight, maybe you¡¯ve got a bit of that fire in you too.¡± The words were meant to be comforting, but they only added to Kaito¡¯s uncertainty. He had always thought of himself as a simple farmer¡ªno more, no less. The idea that he might have inherited something more from his father felt both exhilarating and terrifying. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Just then, a group of adventurers entered the tavern. They were a motley crew¡ªmage with flowing robes, a great warrior with shining swords, and a large beastman with tusks curling from his lower jaw. They spoke in low voices, laughing and recounting stories of their latest adventures. One of the mages, a woman with fiery red hair, noticed Kaito sitting alone. She waved over to him, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. ¡°Hey, you! The one with the goblin story.¡± Kaito blinked, momentarily startled by the attention. He hadn¡¯t expected anyone to remember him, let alone approach him. ¡°Uh, yeah? That¡¯s me.¡± She grinned. ¡°What¡¯s a farm boy doing in Totsu? Not usually the type to see adventurers on the road, are you?¡± Kaito hesitated, unsure of how much to say. The truth was, he wasn¡¯t quite sure what he was doing in Totsu himself. But something about the mage¡¯s warmth made him feel more comfortable. ¡°I¡¯m here to join the Guild. Ryouma brought me in.¡± ¡°Aha, another recruit!¡± The woman¡¯s eyes twinkled with amusement. ¡°Well, let me give you some advice, then. If you¡¯re planning to make it here, you¡¯re going to need more than just goblin stories. You¡¯ll need real skill. Real strength.¡± Before Kaito could respond, one of the warriors in the group leaned in with a sly grin. ¡°If you¡¯re serious about being an adventurer, kid, you¡¯ve got to start thinking like one. A real adventurer doesn¡¯t just sit around telling stories¡ªhe goes out and makes them. But it¡¯s not all glory, mind you.¡± The beastman, who had been silently listening, suddenly spoke in a deep, rumbling voice. ¡°Glory is for those who survive. And the ones who do best are the ones who know when to fight and when to run.¡± The mage nodded thoughtfully. ¡°True. But no one becomes a legend by playing it safe.¡± Kaito couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight of their words. He had always been told that heroism came in the form of grand battles and epic deeds¡ªbut here, in this tavern full of seasoned adventurers, it seemed that everyone had their own idea of what it meant to be great. As the conversation continued, Kaito¡¯s thoughts drifted once more to his father. Was he really just a farmer who happened to be in the right place at the right time, or had he been more? The words of the warrior echoed in his mind: Maybe your old man had a few more secrets than you realize. Perhaps his father¡¯s past wasn¡¯t just a story¡ªperhaps there was more to it, something Kaito didn¡¯t understand yet. Just then, a chill swept through the tavern, and a strange voice echoed inside Kaito¡¯s mind. You are not just the son of a farmer. You are the child of something greater. Kaito froze. The voice was deep and ancient, reverberating in his chest like a distant thunderclap. He glanced around the tavern, but no one else seemed to notice. The mage who had spoken to him earlier glanced at him curiously. ¡°You okay there, kid?¡± Kaito didn¡¯t answer. His mind raced. Who¡­ was that? Before he could process the thought further, the tavern door slammed open. A tall figure, cloaked in dark red robes, stepped inside, their presence commanding the room¡¯s attention. The mysterious figure¡¯s eyes briefly met Kaito¡¯s before they moved toward the bar. A cold shiver ran down Kaito¡¯s spine. Something had changed. Something was stirring in the air, and for the first time since he arrived in Totsu, he felt as though the path ahead was far more complicated¡ªand far more dangerous¡ªthan he had ever imagined. Maybe, just maybe, the tales of his father were more than just stories after all. Shadows in The Firelight 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¡ªsomething 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¡ªbroad 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¡ªsome 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¡ªdirectly 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¡ª¡± 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¡ªhow 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¡ªfaster 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¡ª The stranger vanished. No sound. No flash of magic. Just¡­ gone. The berserker staggered, blinking in shock. ¡°What the¡ª?¡± 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¡ªonly 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¡ªwas 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¡ªespecially the more seasoned ones¡ªremained 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¡ªsomething 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¡ªthe fiery-haired mage, the towering beastman, and the laid-back warrior¡ªnow 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¡ªranks, quests, payments. The tougher the job, the higher the risk¡ªand 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¡ªor the skill¡ªto 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¡ªespecially not compared to someone like Ryouma¡ªbut 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¡ªwhat 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¡ªhis 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¡ª 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¡ªhow 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¡ªhe 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¡ªawkward, 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¡ª 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 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¡ªone of pure white, the other of deep black¡ªflickered 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¡ªlike 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¡ªa 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¡ªraw, 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¡ªwooden 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¡ªworn 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¡ªa 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¡ªwooden 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¡ªworn 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¡ªa 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¡ªsomething more dangerous¡ªbehind 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¡ªafter the calamity of Godfall.¡± Kaito listened intently, intrigued by the history. He had heard of Godfall before¡ªeveryone had¡ªbut 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¡ªa 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¡ªtry 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¡ª 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¡ªperhaps 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 ¨C lifting himself effortlessly off the ground before settling back down. ?Dash ¨C a sudden burst of speed, leaving a faint afterimage. ?Teleport ¨C vanishing and reappearing at another point in an instant. ?Lightning ¨C a crackling burst of electricity shooting from his fingers. ?Telekinesis ¨C 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¡ªmagic 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¡ªlike 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¡ªa grizzled, battle-scarred man clad in dark armor¡ªstood 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¡ªbe it physical or magical.¡± He gestured to the training dummies behind him. ¡°Before we begin, understand this¡ªhumans 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¡ªand 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¡ª 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¡ªthe 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¡ªcommand. 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 ¨C How warriors fought with dignity and respect, but also when honor must be abandoned in the face of true survival. ?Beast Encounters ¨C 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 ¨C 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¡ªa 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¡ªAthena, Raijin, Artemis. Some received cheers, while others stood stunned as unexpected deities marked them. Then, Kaito realized¡ªthe 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¡ª 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¡ªan 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¡ª ¡°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¡ªin an instant¡ªit 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¡ªhe 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. Call to Battle Chapter 5 The Call to Battle As Kaito walked down the steps of the altar, a rush of emotions surged through him¡ªexcitement, pride, and an underlying unease. He had been chosen by Thoth, God of Magic, a rare honor that few in history had ever received. He felt powerful, yet anxious. What did this mean for his future? As he approached the gathered trainees, his eyes instinctively landed on the Black Star party standing at the sidelines. The warrior grinned and raised a hand. ¡°Hey, Ki¡ª¡± Before he could finish, chaos erupted. Two swordsmen burst onto the training grounds, their armor battered, one of them soaked in blood. They stumbled forward, gasping for air. ¡°Help! It¡¯s an emergency!¡± one of them cried out. The other fell to his knees, clutching his side. ¡°Shirogane Village¡­ It¡¯s being massacred by monsters!¡± Kaito felt his entire body freeze. His home. His village. The place he had left behind not even two days ago. His heart pounded in his chest, his breath shaky as he took a step forward. ¡°What¡­ What did you just say?¡± His voice was barely above a whisper. The soldiers looked up, their faces pale. ¡°The forces of Tau, God of Chaos¡ªthey¡¯re attacking. The Heavenly Knight stationed there has been defeated. The entire village is¡ª¡± The soldier collapsed before he could finish. The training grounds fell deathly silent. Kaito¡¯s breath hitched. Then¡ª ¡°NO!¡± His scream echoed through the plaza, raw with desperation and rage. His fists clenched, his entire body trembling with fury. ¡°I won¡¯t let them destroy my home! I have to¡ª¡± Before he could bolt forward, the elf stepped in front of him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. ¡°You¡¯re out of your mind,¡± the elf said, voice steady but sharp. ¡°A Heavenly Knight just got taken down. What could you possibly do?¡± Kaito¡¯s eyes burned with frustration. ¡°I don¡¯t care! I already lost my parents. If I can¡¯t protect the only people I have left, then what was the point of coming here?!¡± The combat instructor stepped up. ¡°You¡¯re barely able to control your mana, Kaito. You¡¯d be throwing your life away.¡± The magic instructor crossed his arms. ¡°Charging in recklessly isn¡¯t bravery. It¡¯s suicide.¡± Kaito clenched his fists so tightly his nails dug into his palms. His breathing was ragged, but his eyes were sharp¡ªfocused. He suddenly stilled. Then, without a word, he vanished. A ripple of magic pulsed through the air as Kaito teleported, slipping right past the elf and the instructors. The elf barely had time to process before his expression shifted into a mixture of frustration and excitement. ¡°Tch. That idiot.¡± A smirk tugged at the elf¡¯s lips. ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯m going too.¡± The instructors turned to stop him, but he simply shrugged. ¡°I haven¡¯t found a good sparring partner in a long time. I¡¯ll be damned if I let him die before I can beat him properly.¡± Then, a loud thud echoed across the training grounds. The Black Star party landed on the dirt below, having jumped down from the raised platforms. The warrior cracked his neck. ¡°Hah! And here I thought today was going to be boring.¡± The beastman grinned. ¡°We¡¯ve grown fond of the kid already. No way we¡¯re missing out on this.¡± The fiery-haired mage sighed, shaking her head. ¡°And here I thought we were supposed to be professionals. Guess this is a good chance to recruit him into the party.¡± Kaito chuckled nervously, still catching his breath. ¡°I-I haven¡¯t exactly decided if I want to join yet¡­¡± The warrior smirked. ¡°Save the decision for after we save your village.¡± Then, Kaito¡¯s face twisted in urgency. ¡°No¡ªI can¡¯t wait for everyone to prepare. I¡¯ll meet you there.¡± The Black Star members exchanged confused glances. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®meet us there¡¯?¡± the mage asked. Kaito closed his eyes. His heart pounded. He had no idea what he was doing, but he focused all of his mana¡ªevery last ounce¡ªinto one spell. Teleportation. His vision blurred as he imagined Shirogane Village. The forests. The fields. The roads leading home. The fiery-haired mage¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Wait, don¡¯t! You don¡¯t have enough mana to¡ª¡± Before she could finish¡ª A great green light shimmered over Kaito. Then, he was gone. The Ruins of Shirogane Kaito hit the ground hard, his body convulsing as pain surged through him. He spat out a gulp of blood, his limbs trembling. He could barely breathe. I¡­ overdid it¡­ His vision blurred, his head spinning. His internal wounds burned, and he could feel his mana completely drained. Then¡ªsomething shifted inside him. A strange warmth spread through his body. His vision pulsed with color¡ªa rainbow shimmer danced at the edges of his sight. His wounds, while still painful, began to mend. And more importantly¡ªhis mana pool was restored. Kaito gasped, pushing himself up onto his hands. His fingers dug into the dirt, confusion racing through him. What just happened? He didn¡¯t know. And right now, he didn¡¯t care. Pushing aside the questions, he focused on the world around him. Even from the outskirts of Shirogane, the sight was horrifying. Smoke and fire filled the air. The village¡ªhis home¡ªwas burning. The distant echoes of screams and inhuman roars sent chills down his spine. He could see shadows moving between the flames, dark figures spreading destruction. Kaito gritted his teeth. I won¡¯t let them take everything from me. He activated Dash, his body surging forward at incredible speed. He bolted toward the village, making sure to pace himself¡ªhe couldn¡¯t afford to burn through his mana again. The closer he got, the clearer the destruction became. Bodies¡ªvillagers and soldiers alike¡ªlittered the ground. Homes collapsed in flames. The air reeked of blood and ash. Then, in the distance¡ªhe saw them. The Forces of Tau. Hulking, monstrous beings clad in chaotic, mismatched armor. Some were mutated beasts, others twisted humanoids, their eyes glowing with malevolent energy. And at the center of it all, standing atop a ruined cart¡ª Was a warrior cloaked in deep crimson armor, his presence alone radiating power. Kaito¡¯s breath hitched. The leader of the attack. The figure turned slightly, as if sensing Kaito¡¯s arrival. Even through the chaos, Kaito felt their eyes lock onto him. A sickening, amused chuckle filled the air. ¡°So¡­ the little heir arrives.¡± Kaito¡¯s heart pounded. What¡­ did he just call me? The moment the armored warrior locked eyes with him, Kaito felt an unnatural weight settle over his body. A force¡ªcold, oppressive, and suffocating¡ªradiated from the man standing atop the burning wreckage of the village cart. Even without speaking, his presence was overwhelming. Then came the words that sent ice through Kaito¡¯s veins. ¡°So¡­ the little heir arrives.¡± Kaito¡¯s body tensed. His mind raced. Heir? What was this man talking about? He had never seen this warrior before in his life, yet something about the way he spoke, the way he looked at him, felt as if he knew Kaito. A slow, deliberate chuckle echoed through the ruined village. The warrior¡¯s voice was deep, edged with amusement. ¡°I had a feeling we¡¯d meet sooner or later.¡± Kaito gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand firm. ¡°Who the hell are you?!¡± The warrior tilted his head. ¡°Ah¡­ you really don¡¯t know, do you?¡± He exhaled, shaking his head. ¡°Pathetic. Does your mother¡¯s blood run that thin in you?¡± The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Kaito¡¯s breath hitched. His mother? The man let out a low chuckle before stepping forward. The way he moved was unnervingly calm, as if Kaito wasn¡¯t even a threat¡ªjust an inevitability. Before Kaito could process the weight of his words, a deafening roar erupted from the village. Kaito turned just in time to see a massive, grotesque beast claw its way through the smoke. Its body was a writhing mass of dark, pulsating flesh, its limbs elongated, as if its form couldn¡¯t decide what shape it wanted to take. Its gaping maw dripped with blood¡ªthe blood of Kaito¡¯s people. Kaito¡¯s fingers twitched. His breath quickened. This was it. This was the moment he had dreamed about¡ªhis first real battle. But was he ready? The warrior watched with mild amusement as Kaito tensed, preparing himself for the fight. ¡°Let¡¯s see what Baldr¡¯s blood is worth these days.¡± Kaito¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. His body screamed at him to run, but he refused to give in to fear. His village was burning. His people were dying. He wouldn¡¯t stand by and do nothing. I can do this. Kaito tightened his grip, focusing on the mana within him. He had trained for this. He had studied spells. This was just another test¡ªone he couldn¡¯t afford to fail. The beast lunged. Kaito reacted on instinct. Dash. His body surged forward, narrowly avoiding the creature¡¯s massive claws as they tore into the ground where he had been standing moments before. He skidded to a stop, heart hammering. Fast. But not fast enough. He turned, summoning a Magic Bolt in his palm. He had to be smart¡ªattacking recklessly would only burn through his mana. He needed to aim for a weakness. The beast turned its malformed head toward him, its sunken, yellow eyes locking onto its next prey. It recognized him now. And then it charged. Kaito¡¯s instincts screamed at him to move, but before he could¡ª FWOOOM! A bolt of fire blazed past him, colliding with the beast¡¯s side and sending it crashing into a burning hut. Kaito turned sharply¡ªthe Black Star party had arrived. The fiery-haired mage twirled her staff, a smirk tugging at her lips. ¡°Told you he¡¯d be in over his head.¡± The warrior cracked his knuckles. ¡°Good thing we like lost causes.¡± The beastman let out a low chuckle. ¡°Kid, you better not die before we make you an official member.¡± Kaito¡¯s breath caught in his throat. They actually came. The elf stepped forward, drawing his blade. ¡°Hah. You¡¯re not dying until I get my rematch.¡± His fiery red aura flickered like embers, still bearing the mark of Tau¡¯s blessing. The warrior cracked his neck. ¡°Alright, no time for heartwarming reunions. Let¡¯s clean up this mess.¡± The monstrous beast, now enraged, let out a guttural, inhuman shriek. The ground trembled beneath its rage. Kaito exhaled sharply. His nerves were still on edge, but for the first time since arriving, he didn¡¯t feel alone. This wasn¡¯t just his fight anymore. This was war. The beast lurched forward, its grotesque form shifting unnaturally as it charged again, its massive claws tearing through the dirt. Kaito barely had time to react¡ªbut he wasn¡¯t alone anymore. ¡°Shred it!¡± the warrior bellowed. Black Star moved as one. The beastman was the first to strike, his enormous frame moving with surprising speed. With a feral growl, he lunged at the creature, his clawed gauntlets ripping through its thick flesh, leaving behind deep, oozing wounds. The beast let out a piercing screech, but before it could retaliate¡ª ¡°Tighten up!¡± the fiery-haired mage shouted. She slammed her staff into the ground, a rune-circle igniting beneath her feet. ¡°Flamebind!¡± From the rune, chains of molten fire erupted from the ground, wrapping around the beast¡¯s legs, locking it in place. ¡°Kaito! Finish it!¡± He didn¡¯t hesitate. Dash. His body blurred as he surged forward. Mana crackled at his fingertips, the familiar sensation of a spell forming in his palm. But this time¡ªhe focused. He didn¡¯t just throw a Magic Bolt wildly. He concentrated, channeling his Light affinity into the energy. Instead of a single orb, the magic coalesced into a glowing, spear-like projectile. Kaito thrust his hand forward¡ª ¡°Light Lance!¡± The lance of pure radiant energy pierced through the beast¡¯s skull, the force of the impact sending shockwaves rippling outward. For a moment, the battlefield was silent. Then¡ª The creature let out one final, distorted howl before collapsing, its grotesque body shriveling as dark energy seeped from its form. The fire chains vanished, and the beast stopped moving. Dead. Kaito gasped for breath, sweat dripping from his brow. His hands trembled¡ªhis first true kill. ¡°Not bad, farm boy,¡± the warrior grinned, clapping a heavy hand on Kaito¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you had that in you.¡± The elf scoffed, sheathing his blade. ¡°That was sloppy. But effective. You¡¯re lucky we were here to pick up the slack.¡± Kaito let out a shaky chuckle. ¡°Yeah¡­ thanks for that.¡± The Black Star party regrouped quickly. ¡°This isn¡¯t over,¡± the mage muttered, her eyes flicking toward the armored warrior standing atop the cart¡ªthe real enemy. He was still watching them. Still amused. The warrior in crimson armor gave a slow, deliberate clap. ¡°Not bad. A little messy, but you work well together.¡± Kaito steeled himself. This man¡ªwho was he? Why did he know about him? ¡°We¡¯re not done until you¡¯re out of my village,¡± Kaito growled, raising his fists. The man tilted his head. ¡°Your village?¡± His smirk deepened. ¡°Interesting. You really don¡¯t know, do you?¡± ¡°Stop playing games!¡± Kaito snapped. The warrior sighed theatrically, resting a hand on the hilt of his sword. ¡°Very well. If you want answers¡­¡± With one smooth motion, he drew his weapon. The blade was jagged and serrated, pulsing with chaotic energy. The very air around it distorted, as if reality itself was rejecting its presence. ¡°¡­you¡¯ll have to survive.¡± The ground cracked beneath him as he vanished. Kaito¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°INCOMING!¡± the beastman roared. The Black Star party reacted instantly. The warrior dove forward, meeting the crimson-clad warrior head-on, blocking the incoming strike with his greatsword. Sparks erupted as steel met steel, the sheer force of the impact sending shockwaves outward. The mage jumped back, her hands weaving a new spell. ¡°Keep him occupied¡ªI¡¯m setting up a suppression field!¡± The beastman took a wide stance, his claws extending into hooked blades. ¡°I¡¯ll flank him¡ªKaito, support!¡± Kaito barely had time to think¡ªhe just moved. Dash. He zipped around to the side, lifting his hand and firing Magic Bolts toward their enemy. But the crimson warrior was fast. With a single fluid motion, he twisted his body, deflecting Kaito¡¯s bolts with his sword while still clashing blades with Black Star¡¯s warrior. His movement was seamless. No wasted energy. No hesitation. He¡¯s on a completely different level! The elf suddenly appeared behind the enemy, his sword engulfed in searing red energy. ¡°Let¡¯s see you block this¡ª!¡± He slashed with all his might. The warrior vanished. The elf¡¯s blade cut through empty air. Then¡ªa flash of red. Before anyone could react, the elf was hurled across the battlefield, crashing into a pile of rubble. Kaito barely registered his body moving¡ªhis instincts screamed at him to act. He threw everything he had into a Teleport. A bright green shimmer engulfed him as he reappeared just in time to catch the elf before he hit the ground. The impact still sent Kaito stumbling backward, but they avoided a fatal crash. The elf coughed, his face twisted in pain¡ªbut his eyes widened slightly when he realized what Kaito had just done. ¡°You¡­¡± He gritted his teeth. ¡°You teleported to catch me?¡± Kaito huffed. ¡°Couldn¡¯t let you die, right?¡± The elf clicked his tongue, but a small smirk played on his lips. ¡°Tch. Don¡¯t get cocky.¡± Their attention snapped back to the battlefield. The crimson warrior stood untouched, his blade resting lazily on his shoulder. ¡°Impressive teamwork,¡± he mused. ¡°But you¡¯re still far too slow.¡± Kaito¡¯s stomach twisted. How were they supposed to win this? Then¡ª BOOM! A massive pulse of mana erupted from the mage¡¯s position. The entire battlefield shimmered as a huge blue sigil spread across the ground. ¡°Done!¡± the mage shouted. ¡°Suppression field is up! He can¡¯t teleport or use chaos magic while inside!¡± Kaito¡¯s eyes widened. That¡¯s it! ¡°Push him in!¡± the warrior roared. Black Star moved in unison. The beastman lunged, forcing the crimson warrior backward. Kaito focused his mana, summoning another Light Lance. He aimed not at the enemy, but at the ground near his feet¡ªforcing him to dodge backward. The warrior sidestepped¡ªstraight into the sigil. BOOM. The moment his foot touched the field, chaotic energy surged around him¡ªlocking him in place. His smirk finally faltered. The mage¡¯s grin was triumphant. ¡°Got you.¡± Kaito¡¯s breath was ragged, his body aching, but his mind was clear. We can win this. Black Star wasn¡¯t just strong¡ªthey were coordinated. And now, fighting as part of them, Kaito was beginning to understand what it meant to truly be an adventurer. The battle wasn¡¯t over. But for the first time¡ªthey had a chance. Chapter 6 The Chains of Light and Shadow The crimson warrior¡¯s smirk vanished. For the first time since the battle began, he wasn¡¯t in control. The Suppression Field locked him in place, the swirling chaotic energy around his body sputtering like a flame being smothered. The Black Star party had trapped him, and now¡ª It was time to strike. ¡°Kaito! Hit him now!¡± the mage called, still holding the suppression sigil active beneath her feet. Kaito didn¡¯t hesitate. He could feel power surging within him¡ªThoth¡¯s blessing, his rare Light and Dark affinity, everything was guiding him forward. I need to use both. I need to use them in ways no one else would. His mind raced. Light magic was divine, radiant, pure¡ªit could cleanse and bind. Dark magic was insidious, consuming, adaptive¡ªit could seep into the cracks and take hold. An idea flashed through his mind. Kaito thrust out both hands, his left crackling with radiant white light, his right pulsing with dense black shadows. The light surged forward, twisting into chains of pure energy, wrapping around the enemy¡¯s arms and torso. But then¡ªthe shadows followed. The dark energy slithered into the gaps of the golden chains like inky tendrils, reinforcing the bindings with an unnatural strength. The result was a new spell¡ªa fusion of Light and Dark Magic, one that shouldn¡¯t even be possible. ¡°Chains of Twilight!¡± The chains tightened around the crimson warrior, constricting his movements even further. The beastman¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What the hell¡ª? That¡¯s not normal magic!¡± The mage¡¯s smirk returned. ¡°I like this kid.¡± The warrior didn¡¯t waste time marveling. He stepped forward, raising his greatsword overhead. ¡°Perfect. Hold him still.¡± Kaito pushed everything he had into maintaining the bindings, his arms trembling from the sheer force of the spell. The warrior swung. His blade came down like a meteor, aimed directly at the enemy¡¯s chest. It should have been a finishing blow. But then¡ª Something changed. The air shifted. A wave of red energy erupted from the warrior¡¯s body, breaking the chains in an instant. ¡°Tch¡ª!¡± Kaito staggered backward, his body reeling from the force. The Suppression Field faltered, the mage letting out a pained gasp as the sigil cracked under the pressure. And then¡ªhe moved. The crimson warrior vanished. Kaito barely had time to react before he felt something cold press against his throat. He froze. The enemy was behind him. The Black Star party turned sharply, their faces shifting from triumph to sheer horror. The warrior¡¯s serrated blade rested lightly against Kaito¡¯s neck, just enough to send a sharp pain prickling against his skin. ¡°Impressive,¡± the crimson warrior murmured. ¡°You almost had me.¡± Kaito¡¯s breathing was shaky. His mind raced. Teleport! But the moment he reached for his mana, the enemy¡¯s blade pressed tighter, warning him that one wrong move would end him. ¡°Smart boy,¡± the warrior chuckled. The Black Star party was tense, watching, waiting. The warrior grinned, voice lowering. ¡°You fight well¡­ for a child of a traitor.¡± Kaito¡¯s heart stopped. He felt his stomach drop, his mind screaming. What? ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the warrior said, sensing the shock in Kaito¡¯s silence. ¡°You have his blood, don¡¯t you? That pathetic coward who thought he could escape the fate Tau gave him.¡± Kaito¡¯s vision blurred. What is he talking about?! The crimson warrior tilted his head, as if enjoying his reaction. ¡°Did they never tell you? Did your mother keep you sheltered in that quiet little village, pretending your blood wasn¡¯t soaked in Chaos?¡± Kaito¡¯s entire body shook. His father¡ªa traitor? A servant of Tau? The thoughts overwhelmed him. And in that moment¡ªhe hesitated. The crimson warrior took advantage of it. His blade flashed, slashing toward Kaito¡¯s throat¡ª But then¡ª A burst of light exploded outward. Not from Kaito. From the elf. ¡°NOT YET!¡± The elf¡¯s blade ignited in a brilliant mix of red and orange energy, his attack fueled by the blessing of Tau himself. He lunged, colliding blades with the crimson warrior just in time. The force of the impact knocked Kaito away, sending him rolling across the dirt. He coughed, gasping for air, his mind still reeling. The elf stood between him and the enemy, his stance firm, unyielding. ¡°You¡¯re not killing him,¡± the elf snarled. The crimson warrior laughed. ¡°Oh? Is that loyalty I hear from a child of Chaos?¡± The elf¡¯s eyes burned. ¡°Shut up and fight.¡± Kaito forced himself up, pushing down the storm of emotions flooding his mind. Not now. Focus. You can figure this out later. The battle resumed. The warrior and elf clashed, their blades sending shockwaves through the air. The Black Star party flanked¡ª The beastman barreled in, slashing low at the enemy¡¯s legs, forcing him to jump¡ª The mage, waiting above, unleashed ¡°Arcane Spears¡±, raining glowing energy lances from the sky¡ª The enemy twisted midair, dodging the worst of the impact, but¡ª Kaito was already there. He had teleported directly into the enemy¡¯s trajectory. His arms outstretched, mana surging through him, a spell forming instinctively. He didn¡¯t know what he was casting. He just let the magic flow. Dark tendrils coiled around his arms, while radiant symbols etched themselves into the air. And then¡ªthe two magics combined. ¡°Twin Collapse!¡± The spell exploded outward, a wave of light and darkness intertwined, forcing the enemy downward¡ªright back into the beastman¡¯s path. The warrior swung upward, his greatsword slamming into their target¡¯s midsection. The enemy was sent flying, crashing into the burning wreckage of a nearby hut. Silence. For a moment, no one moved. Kaito panted, his vision flickering. Did we¡ª? A low chuckle rumbled through the battlefield. From the wreckage, the crimson warrior rose, his body bloodied, his armor cracked¡ªbut he was still standing. He touched the wound on his side, glancing at the blood on his fingers. Then¡ªhe smiled. ¡°That was fun.¡± The air grew heavy. Kaito¡¯s stomach twisted. This wasn¡¯t over. The crimson warrior raised his blade, its chaotic energy crackling with power. ¡°But let¡¯s see how long you last¡­¡± Then¡ª A thunderous boom echoed across the battlefield. A new presence arrived. One that froze even the crimson warrior in place. Kaito turned sharply, his breath catching. A lone figure stood at the edge of the battlefield, his golden armor gleaming against the backdrop of fire and destruction. His aura was immense, radiating the unmistakable presence of divinity. Kaito¡¯s eyes widened. It was a Heavenly Knight. Chains of Light and Shadow Chapter 6 The Chains of Light and Shadow The crimson warrior¡¯s smirk vanished. For the first time since the battle began, he wasn¡¯t in control. The Suppression Field locked him in place, the swirling chaotic energy around his body sputtering like a flame being smothered. The Black Star party had trapped him, and now¡ª It was time to strike. ¡°Kaito! Hit him now!¡± the mage called, still holding the suppression sigil active beneath her feet. Kaito didn¡¯t hesitate. He could feel power surging within him¡ªThoth¡¯s blessing, his rare Light and Dark affinity, everything was guiding him forward. I need to use both. I need to use them in ways no one else would. His mind raced. Light magic was divine, radiant, pure¡ªit could cleanse and bind. Dark magic was insidious, consuming, adaptive¡ªit could seep into the cracks and take hold. An idea flashed through his mind. Kaito thrust out both hands, his left crackling with radiant white light, his right pulsing with dense black shadows. The light surged forward, twisting into chains of pure energy, wrapping around the enemy¡¯s arms and torso. But then¡ªthe shadows followed. The dark energy slithered into the gaps of the golden chains like inky tendrils, reinforcing the bindings with an unnatural strength. The result was a new spell¡ªa fusion of Light and Dark Magic, one that shouldn¡¯t even be possible. ¡°Chains of Twilight!¡± The chains tightened around the crimson warrior, constricting his movements even further. The beastman¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What the hell¡ª? That¡¯s not normal magic!¡± The mage¡¯s smirk returned. ¡°I like this kid.¡± The warrior didn¡¯t waste time marveling. He stepped forward, raising his greatsword overhead. ¡°Perfect. Hold him still.¡± Kaito pushed everything he had into maintaining the bindings, his arms trembling from the sheer force of the spell. The warrior swung. His blade came down like a meteor, aimed directly at the enemy¡¯s chest. It should have been a finishing blow. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. But then¡ª Something changed. The air shifted. A wave of red energy erupted from the warrior¡¯s body, breaking the chains in an instant. ¡°Tch¡ª!¡± Kaito staggered backward, his body reeling from the force. The Suppression Field faltered, the mage letting out a pained gasp as the sigil cracked under the pressure. And then¡ªhe moved. The crimson warrior vanished. Kaito barely had time to react before he felt something cold press against his throat. He froze. The enemy was behind him. The Black Star party turned sharply, their faces shifting from triumph to sheer horror. The warrior¡¯s serrated blade rested lightly against Kaito¡¯s neck, just enough to send a sharp pain prickling against his skin. ¡°Impressive,¡± the crimson warrior murmured. ¡°You almost had me.¡± Kaito¡¯s breathing was shaky. His mind raced. Teleport! But the moment he reached for his mana, the enemy¡¯s blade pressed tighter, warning him that one wrong move would end him. ¡°Smart boy,¡± the warrior chuckled. The Black Star party was tense, watching, waiting. The warrior grinned, voice lowering. ¡°You fight well¡­ for a child of a traitor.¡± Kaito¡¯s heart stopped. He felt his stomach drop, his mind screaming. What? ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± the warrior said, sensing the shock in Kaito¡¯s silence. ¡°You have his blood, don¡¯t you? That pathetic coward who thought he could escape the fate Tau gave him.¡± Kaito¡¯s vision blurred. What is he talking about?! The crimson warrior tilted his head, as if enjoying his reaction. ¡°Did they never tell you? Did your mother keep you sheltered in that quiet little village, pretending your blood wasn¡¯t soaked in Chaos?¡± Kaito¡¯s entire body shook. His father¡ªa traitor? A servant of Tau? The thoughts overwhelmed him. And in that moment¡ªhe hesitated. The crimson warrior took advantage of it. His blade flashed, slashing toward Kaito¡¯s throat¡ª But then¡ª A burst of light exploded outward. Not from Kaito. From the elf. ¡°NOT YET!¡± The elf¡¯s blade ignited in a brilliant mix of red and orange energy, his attack fueled by the blessing of Tau himself. He lunged, colliding blades with the crimson warrior just in time. The force of the impact knocked Kaito away, sending him rolling across the dirt. He coughed, gasping for air, his mind still reeling. The elf stood between him and the enemy, his stance firm, unyielding. ¡°You¡¯re not killing him,¡± the elf snarled. The crimson warrior laughed. ¡°Oh? Is that loyalty I hear from a child of Chaos?¡± The elf¡¯s eyes burned. ¡°Shut up and fight.¡± Kaito forced himself up, pushing down the storm of emotions flooding his mind. Not now. Focus. You can figure this out later. The battle resumed. The warrior and elf clashed, their blades sending shockwaves through the air. The Black Star party flanked¡ª The beastman barreled in, slashing low at the enemy¡¯s legs, forcing him to jump¡ª The mage, waiting above, unleashed ¡°Arcane Spears¡±, raining glowing energy lances from the sky¡ª The enemy twisted midair, dodging the worst of the impact, but¡ª Kaito was already there. He had teleported directly into the enemy¡¯s trajectory. His arms outstretched, mana surging through him, a spell forming instinctively. He didn¡¯t know what he was casting. He just let the magic flow. Dark tendrils coiled around his arms, while radiant symbols etched themselves into the air. And then¡ªthe two magics combined. ¡°Twin Collapse!¡± The spell exploded outward, a wave of light and darkness intertwined, forcing the enemy downward¡ªright back into the beastman¡¯s path. The warrior swung upward, his greatsword slamming into their target¡¯s midsection. The enemy was sent flying, crashing into the burning wreckage of a nearby hut. Silence. For a moment, no one moved. Kaito panted, his vision flickering. Did we¡ª? A low chuckle rumbled through the battlefield. From the wreckage, the crimson warrior rose, his body bloodied, his armor cracked¡ªbut he was still standing. He touched the wound on his side, glancing at the blood on his fingers. Then¡ªhe smiled. ¡°That was fun.¡± The air grew heavy. Kaito¡¯s stomach twisted. This wasn¡¯t over. The crimson warrior raised his blade, its chaotic energy crackling with power. ¡°But let¡¯s see how long you last¡­¡± Then¡ª A thunderous boom echoed across the battlefield. A new presence arrived. One that froze even the crimson warrior in place. Kaito turned sharply, his breath catching. A lone figure stood at the edge of the battlefield, his golden armor gleaming against the backdrop of fire and destruction. His aura was immense, radiating the unmistakable presence of divinity. Kaito¡¯s eyes widened. It was a Heavenly Knight. The Will of The Heavens Chapter 7 : The Will of the Heavens The battlefield fell silent. Even the flames consuming the wreckage of Shirogane seemed distant compared to the presence that had just arrived. The Heavenly Knight stood tall at the edge of the village, his golden armor gleaming, untouched by the dirt and ash that filled the air. His white cape fluttered gently, even in the heat of battle, and in his hand, he wielded a massive, radiant greatsword¡ªone that hummed with divine energy. A heavy pressure settled over the battlefield. Even the crimson warrior, still smiling, hesitated for the first time. The Heavenly Knight stepped forward, his piercing gaze sweeping over the battlefield. His voice, when he spoke, was calm, powerful, and absolute. ¡°Enough.¡± It wasn¡¯t a threat. It wasn¡¯t a request. It was a command. And the battlefield listened. The Black Star party instinctively took a step back, their previous coordination dwarfed by the sheer presence of this new arrival. Kaito felt his mana stir, reacting to the knight¡¯s overwhelming aura¡ªit was like standing in the wake of a living legend. Even the crimson warrior tilted his head, studying the knight with curiosity. ¡°Interesting¡­ Didn¡¯t think the heavens would send someone so soon.¡± The knight didn¡¯t react to his words. Instead, he turned his gaze to Kaito. ¡°Kaito. Son of the fallen warrior.¡± Kaito¡¯s blood ran cold. He hadn¡¯t introduced himself. How did this man know his name? The knight¡¯s expression remained unreadable, but his next words sent a chill through Kaito¡¯s entire being. The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. ¡°Your father¡¯s final wish rests upon your shoulders.¡± Kaito froze. The weight of the words crushed him, pressing deep into his chest. His father¡­ his final wish? His mind flashed back to the stories¡ªthe ones he had only just started to uncover. His father had once been a legend, a warrior who had walked both paths of Chaos and Light. And now, standing before him, was a relic of that past. The crimson warrior let out a low laugh. ¡°Ah, so that¡¯s what this is about,¡± he mused, rolling his shoulders. ¡°The old man¡¯s debts still haunt the world.¡± His red eyes glowed with amusement. ¡°But you¡¯re mistaken, knight.¡± He raised his serrated, chaos-forged blade, pointing it directly at Kaito. ¡°This boy is no warrior.¡± His smirk widened. ¡°He¡¯s just a scared little heir running from a legacy too heavy for him to carry.¡± Kaito¡¯s fists clenched. The Heavenly Knight, however, didn¡¯t acknowledge the insult. His gaze remained steady, unwavering. Then¡ªhe did something unexpected. He knelt before Kaito. The entire battlefield stared in shock. The elf¡¯s eyes widened. The Black Star party stood frozen. Even the crimson warrior¡¯s grin faltered. A Heavenly Knight¡ªone of the greatest warriors in the world¡ªwas kneeling before a mere rookie adventurer. The knight bowed his head slightly, his voice steady. ¡°Your father¡¯s final words were clear. If I ever found you¡­ I was to train you.¡± Kaito¡¯s chest tightened. His father¡¯s final words¡­ ¡°If you ever find my son, train him¡­ and have him beat the hell out of Tau.¡± This was it. The truth. His father hadn¡¯t just been a simple warrior. He hadn¡¯t just been a man lost to time. He had left behind a legacy. A mission. And Kaito had just stepped into it. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t breathe. The crimson warrior, however, let out another low chuckle. ¡°Well, well. That changes things.¡± He ran a gloved hand through his bloodstained hair, looking amused. ¡°Seems we¡¯ve reached a crossroads, haven¡¯t we?¡± His blade lowered slightly, but his aura remained sharp. ¡°The gods have chosen their pieces.¡± He tilted his head. ¡°And I have what I came for.¡± Kaito¡¯s heart pounded. ¡°What do you mean?¡± he demanded. The crimson warrior smiled. ¡°You¡¯ll find out¡­ soon enough.¡± Then¡ª His entire body flickered. Chaos energy rippled outward, distorting reality itself. ¡°Wait!¡± Kaito shouted, but¡ª The crimson warrior vanished. Gone. The battlefield stilled. The fires still burned. The corpses still lay across the ground. But the battle¡­ was over. Kaito stood there, breathing heavily, his mind spinning. The Black Star party slowly regrouped around him, their expressions a mix of shock, exhaustion, and relief. The warrior let out a low whistle. ¡°So¡­ that just happened.¡± The beastman crossed his arms. ¡°That was the closest thing to death I¡¯ve felt in a long time.¡± The mage let out a long sigh, rubbing her temples. ¡°And of course, the farm boy gets wrapped up in divine prophecy nonsense. Great.¡± Kaito barely heard them. His gaze was locked on the Heavenly Knight, still kneeling before him. His mind screamed with questions. His body ached from battle. And yet¡­ For the first time since leaving home, he felt like he had finally found his path. The knight stood, his golden armor shimmering beneath the light of the flames. Then¡ªhe extended a hand. ¡°Come, Kaito. Your real training begins now.¡± The Path Ahead Chapter 8: The Path Ahead The heat from the flames of Shirogane''s ruined village had long since begun to wane, but Kaito felt the weight of the destruction pressing on his chest. The once-thriving fields, the homes he had grown up in, and the people who had raised him¡ªall of it was reduced to smoldering ash. But it wasn¡¯t the land that caused the pain in his heart. It was the people who had been lost, their lives snuffed out by the monstrous forces of Tau, the God of Chaos. He''d seen the devastation firsthand¡ªfamilies torn apart, soldiers lying lifeless in the dirt, and the villagers who had once called him friend now reduced to mere corpses. His thoughts were interrupted as he turned back to the figure standing before him, the one who had arrived just in time to bring hope. The Heavenly Knight stood tall amidst the wreckage, his golden armor gleaming against the dark smoke. The aura surrounding him was overwhelming, like a beacon of divine light amidst the chaos, and Kaito could feel the weight of his presence¡ªa reminder of the power that lay beyond his own understanding. The knight¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Your sister and your people are safe,¡± the Heavenly Knight said, his voice as steady and calm as the very earth beneath their feet. He turned to face the surviving villagers, who had gathered in a safe area nearby, their eyes still filled with fear but now tempered with relief. ¡°I¡¯ve seen to the last of the attackers. The Chaos forces have retreated for now. You will be protected.¡± Kaito watched as the survivors slowly began to regain their composure, whispering words of thanks, their faces a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. The Heavenly Knight had kept his promise. Shirogane, though scarred, would not be lost. Kaito stood there, staring at the knight. His heart pounded, his mind racing. He had never expected to find himself here, in the midst of this divine encounter. This man¡ªthis warrior¡ªwas an embodiment of everything Kaito had ever wanted to be: strong, fearless, and righteous. But was he ready to walk that path? Did he even have a choice anymore? The knight turned his attention back to Kaito. ¡°I¡¯m here to train you,¡± he said, his words carrying a weight of authority and destiny. ¡°Your father¡¯s final wish was clear. He wanted me to train you so that you might be the one to stand against Tau¡¯s forces.¡± Kaito swallowed hard. The image of his father, the man who had once been a hero and now a distant memory, flickered in his mind. What had he left behind? What was the legacy that had been passed to him? He clenched his fists. ¡°I will come with you,¡± Kaito said, his voice firm despite the torrent of emotions swirling inside him. ¡°But there¡¯s one condition.¡± He took a deep breath. ¡°The Black Star party comes with me.¡± The Heavenly Knight¡¯s eyes narrowed, his gaze flickering to the group of adventurers standing just behind Kaito. The Black Star party, still recovering from the intense battle, was watching intently, their expressions unreadable. If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it. Kaito turned toward them, meeting their eyes one by one. Shiki, the mysterious swordsman with his piercing gaze; Rhea, the fiery-haired mage who had pulled Kaito out of harm''s way more times than he could count; and Vark, the beastman who had fought like a tempest beside them, all waiting for Kaito¡¯s decision. Where did the elf go? Kaito thought to himself. Doesn¡¯t matter, I can¡¯t ponder here too long. Thought Kaito. "I couldn''t have made it this far without them," Kaito continued, his voice steady but full of conviction. "They¡¯ve earned a place at my side. If I''m going to face whatever''s coming, then they will too." The Heavenly Knight hesitated, the silence stretching between them as the weight of Kaito¡¯s request hung in the air. There was a flicker of doubt in the knight¡¯s eyes¡ªcould these mortals, these adventurers, be trusted with such a sacred mission? But after a moment, he nodded. ¡°Very well,¡± the Heavenly Knight said, his voice echoing with an unspoken understanding. ¡°They may come, but know this: the trials ahead are not for the faint of heart. Only those truly dedicated to the cause will survive.¡± Kaito¡¯s heart raced, but he was resolute. He wasn¡¯t just fighting for himself anymore. He was fighting for his family, for his village, and for all the people who had fallen because of Tau¡¯s madness. And with Black Star at his back, he felt like maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªthey had a chance. The Black Star party stepped forward, each of them nodding in agreement. Kaito could see the gratitude in their eyes, though none of them spoke a word. They were adventurers, after all, and their loyalty was forged in battles that would make most mortals quiver. ¡°Thank you, kid,¡± Rhea said with a smirk, her fiery eyes glinting. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve got ourselves a ticket to something big.¡± Kaito smiled back, feeling a rare sense of camaraderie. ¡°Just don¡¯t slow me down.¡± The others chuckled, even Vark¡¯s low growl a rumbling sign of approval. The warrior, despite his rough exterior, was undoubtedly fond of Kaito. They had formed a bond over the last few days, one that went beyond mere adventurers fighting side by side. The Heavenly Knight stepped forward, drawing a glowing sigil in the air with a swift movement of his hand. His eyes locked onto Kaito¡¯s. ¡°Then let us begin,¡± he said, his voice commanding. ¡°We go to the Heavenly Knight Training Church in Totsu City. There, you will undergo training worthy of your father¡¯s legacy.¡± Kaito¡¯s stomach fluttered with anticipation. The path ahead would be long and fraught with danger, but there was no turning back now. Rhea raised her staff, the air crackling with the power of magic as she called out to Kaito, ¡°Let¡¯s move, farm boy. We don¡¯t have all day.¡± Kaito grinned. His heart surged with energy, and he turned to face the group. This was it¡ªthe moment that would shape the rest of their lives. He nodded to Rhea, and together, they began to weave the intricate spells needed for teleportation. Rhea¡¯s voice rose in chant, her staff glowing brighter, and Kaito mirrored her, pouring his magic into the ritual. The world around them seemed to warp, the edges of reality bending and twisting. A brilliant light surrounded them, and in an instant, they were gone. In the blink of an eye, the burning remains of Shirogane were replaced by the gleaming stone walls and towering spires of Totsu City. The air here was cleaner, fresher¡ªthe city alive with movement. This was where the path ahead would be carved. The Heavenly Knight Training Church, the towering edifice at the heart of Totsu, loomed ahead. It was a place of hallowed ground, where the strongest warriors trained, and the finest were molded into legendary figures. Kaito felt a rush of awe as they arrived at the entrance, the weight of the sacred building pressing down on him. He wasn¡¯t just entering a city¡ªhe was stepping into the heart of his destiny. The training that awaited him would forge him into the hero his father had hoped for. But would he be strong enough? The Heavenly Knight turned to him, his eyes unwavering. ¡°You¡¯ve come this far,¡± the knight said, his voice full of authority. ¡°But the real trial begins now. Prepare yourself.¡± Kaito took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± he said, feeling the fire in his chest. He looked at his friends¡ªthe Black Star party¡ªand gave them a determined nod. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± And with that, they crossed the threshold into the unknown, where magic, war, and fate would test them all.