The air within the testing room still hummed with the residual echo of magic, as if the entire building were still vibrating from the staggering energy Yggdrasil had just released.

  The evaluation officer furrowed his brow, his recording pen pausing several times. He clearly found it hard to believe that this dwarf could not only use magic but also possessed such incredible physical potential. He murmured to himself: "For a dwarf... to have such natural mana flow... and physical strength far beyond the norm..."

  Standing to the side, Balin was already beaming. He stood with his hands on his hips, his dense black beard swaying slightly with his smile. His rounded belly rose and fell with his hearty laughter, and his entire being radiated pride and joy.

  A short while later, a young female staff member approached, carrying a shimmering Adventurer Card. A look of irrepressible shock and respect was written across her face.

  "Mr. Yggdrasil, after the Guild’s review... although newly registered adventurers typically start at Rank F, the level you demonstrated during the capability test has far exceeded the standard. Therefore, we have decided to make an exception and allow you to start directly at Rank E."

  She respectfully presented the card with both hands. Yggdrasil took it gently. Surface-etched onto the card were his new name "Yggdrasil," his race "Dwarf," his rank "E," and his affiliation "Kagurem Guild." Faint patterns of light flowed along the card, symbolizing the Guild’s official recognition.

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  He looked at the card, silently sensing the subtle magical circuits, and then nodded. "My thanks."

  "You’re amazing!" Balin walked over excitedly, slamming a hand onto Yggdrasil’s back before unceremoniously slinging an arm around his shoulder. "I knew I picked a good one!"

  Yggdrasil let out a low chuckle, a soft smile appearing on his face. This warmth and recognition made a corner of his heart feel truly alive.

  "Hey, this is something worth celebrating!" Balin proudly puffed out his thick, full belly and patted it. "Dinner is on me tonight—don't even try to argue!"

  Yggdrasil turned to him, slightly surprised. "You’re really treating me?"

  "Of course!" Balin laughed heartily, reaching out to squeeze Yggdrasil’s arm with a boisterous tone. "Don't be a stranger. Your performance today has made this belly of mine get hungry even faster."

  "Well... then I won't be polite." A playful smirk curled on Yggdrasil’s lips, and he took the opportunity to lightly pat Balin’s belly. The warm, elastic texture left him wanting more. "This belly... it's truly perfect for a celebration."

  "Hmph, stop taking advantage of me!" Balin protested verbally, yet he didn't retreat in the slightest. Instead, he straightened his posture slightly, bringing his belly even closer to Yggdrasil.

  The moment they walked out of the Guild, the sunlight spilled perfectly over their retreating figures. The streets were bustling and the crowds surged, but under the sunset of this Dwarven town, Kagurem, they walked shoulder-to-shoulder, talking and interacting like old friends who had known each other for years.

  Perhaps the beginning of this relationship was just a test and a meal. But for Yggdrasil, it was the first time in his life he truly felt the warmth of being "accepted."