The sun rose slowly over the Kingdom of Solaris, painting the horizon in warm shades of gold and amber. The long daylight the kingdom was known for began its reign once again, pushing away the cool blue of night.

  Morning merchants opened their stalls, stretching awake as they arranged fruits, breads, and fabrics beneath the brightening sky. Farmers beyond the city walls were already at work, their fields shimmering under the early sunlight. The air felt fresh, crisp, and alive.

  Solaris in the morning felt hopeful.

  Lanterns from the night before were being extinguished, tavern doors closing after late laughter, and the city shifted back into its industrious rhythm.

  Inside the Wilds Guild, however, one person had not yet risen.

  ?

  Lars lay peacefully on his bed, the soft light of morning creeping across the wooden floor.

  Then—

  BOOM. BOOM. BOOM.

  A massive force slammed against his door. The wood shook violently.

  Lars shot upright in an instant, heart pounding.

  Another heavy knock followed, even louder than before.

  “Wake up, princess!” a deep voice roared from the other side.

  A familiar chuckle echoed.

  Osbin.

  “Osbin!” another voice snapped. “You’ll scare him!”

  Rin.

  Lars exhaled slowly, regaining composure. He ran a hand through his white hair and stood up, steadying his breath before walking to the door. He opened it.

  Standing there was Osbin, arms crossed, grinning like he had just conquered a battlefield. Beside him stood Rin, her expression warm and apologetic.

  For a brief second, Lars couldn’t help but admire her. The morning light caught her dark bluish hair perfectly. She looked almost like an older sister coming to wake her little brother.

  Osbin smirked. “Had enough beauty sleep, princess?”

  Lars chuckled softly.

  Rin sharply elbowed Osbin in the ribs. “Behave,” she said firmly.

  Osbin cleared his throat and straightened his posture immediately.

  Rin turned her attention to Lars. “Osbin told me you were looking for me last night.”

  Lars felt heat rush to his face. “That’s not— I mean, yes, but—” he stumbled slightly. Osbin had made it sound like he was desperate. “I just had a few questions,” Lars clarified quickly.

  Rin smiled. “That’s fine. After your training with Osbin, wait for me in the guild hall. We can talk then.”

  Before she could continue, Osbin cut in with a cheeky grin. “Alright, sunshine. Time to get serious. Follow me.”

  Lars blinked. “Private training room,” Osbin added.

  Private? Lars hadn’t known the guild had something like that.

  Rin gave Lars a small encouraging nod before dismissing herself down the hallway. Osbin turned and began walking toward the back of the guild. Lars followed without hesitation.

  ?

  They passed through a heavy wooden door at the rear of the building and stepped into an open area.

  Lars stopped for a moment.

  The space was wide and circular, surrounded by thick, towering stone walls. The ground was packed earth, firm and smooth from repeated use. It felt isolated. Private.

  “What do you think?” Osbin asked, glancing back at him.

  “It’s…” Lars searched for the right word. “Impressive.”

  Osbin grinned. “These walls aren’t just for privacy.” He walked over and knocked his knuckles against the stone. “They’re imbued with mana. Reinforced. Makes them durable enough to withstand serious impacts.”

  Lars’ eyes widened slightly. Mana-imbued walls?

  “That way,” Osbin continued, “when things get rough during training, we don’t accidentally bring the guild down.”

  Lars looked around again, taking it all in. The only thing it reminded him of were the barracks from his previous world — but this felt more intense. More focused.

  He felt a small spark of anticipation ignite in his chest. Today, he would finally begin understanding what kind of warrior he could become.

  Osbin cracked his knuckles. “Alright, kid,” he said. “Let’s see what you’re made of.”

  Osbin stepped a few paces back, folding his arms across his broad chest. “Alright,” he said. “Close your eyes.”

  Lars obeyed without question.

  “Don’t think about fighting,” Osbin continued. “Don’t think about winning. Just feel.”

  Lars inhaled slowly.

  “Feel the energy around you. It’s always there. In the air. In the ground. In you. Find it.”

  The world faded into darkness behind his eyelids. At first, there was nothing but silence.

  Then he remembered. The feral gray. The moment before the final blow. The pressure in his chest. The surge in his fist. That strange current that had moved through him like a living thing.

  He focused on that memory.

  Little by little… his body responded. A faint sensation stirred beneath his skin. It was subtle. Like a current in still water.

  Osbin’s brows furrowed slightly as he observed. The air around Lars felt… different. Mana was beginning to move. Not wildly. Not explosively. But steadily.

  That’s unusual, Osbin thought. Most beginners struggled to sense mana at all. But Lars wasn’t searching blindly. He was drawing it in. Slowly. Naturally.

  Lars felt it now — like threads of invisible light drifting toward him. Flowing into his chest. His arms. His core. It didn’t feel foreign. It felt… familiar.

  Osbin stepped closer. “Good,” he said, voice lower now. “Now don’t just gather it.”

  Lars kept his eyes closed.

  “Give it direction.”

  Lars hesitated slightly.

  “Mana is wild,” Osbin continued. “Ki is controlled. If you can guide that energy — if you can compress it and circulate it inside your body — you can reinforce yourself.”

  Reinforce?

  “Think of it like armor,” Osbin said. “Not metal. Not leather. Energy.”

  Lars concentrated. The sensation in his chest pulsed.

  “Now,” Osbin instructed, “pull it inward. Don’t let it leak outward like a mage would. Keep it close. Wrap it around your muscles. Your bones.”

  Lars imagined it. Not as light. Not as threads. But as a thin layer beneath his skin.

  He felt resistance at first. The energy wanted to disperse, to flow outward like it had during the battle. But he forced it inward. Compressed. Focused.

  The air around him stilled.

  Osbin’s eyes widened slightly. A faint shimmer passed across Lars’ body — barely visible, like heat rising from stone. “There,” Osbin muttered. “That’s it.”

  Lars felt heavier… but stronger. His breathing deepened. The energy wasn’t chaotic anymore. It was circulating. Flowing through his arms. Down his legs. Wrapping around his torso like an invisible second skin.

  Osbin grinned slowly. “That’s Ki.”

  Lars’ eyes snapped open. He looked down at his hands. They felt… firm. Grounded. Dense.

  Osbin walked forward and suddenly threw a light punch toward Lars’ shoulder. Instinctively, Lars tensed. The impact landed — but instead of staggering backward, he barely moved. The force felt… absorbed.

  Osbin stepped back, impressed. “You didn’t flinch.”

  Lars blinked. “I… didn’t?”

  Osbin nodded. “Most beginners can’t control Ki on their first try. They either release mana outward like a mage… or they lose control and exhaust themselves.” He studied Lars carefully. “But you… you pulled it inward.”

  Lars looked at his hands again. “So I’m… not a mage?”

  Osbin smirked. “You’re definitely leaning toward a Ki user.” He cracked his knuckles again. “But that was just the beginning.”

  The air in the training yard felt heavier now.

  “Next,” Osbin said, stepping into stance, “we test how well you can keep it when someone hits back.”

  Osbin rolled his shoulders and began warming up. He wore no heavy armor. No weapon. Just simple training clothes that barely contained his broad frame. “I won’t use Ki,” he said. “Just natural strength.” He stepped into a loose stance. “You keep holding that state,” he instructed Lars. “Maintain your reinforcement. Avoid my attacks.”

  Lars nodded, keeping his breathing steady. The thin layer of Ki still wrapped around his body like invisible armor. It felt steady — circulating, controlled.

  “Don’t worry,” Osbin added with a grin. “If I hit you, it won’t be too bad.”

  That reassurance didn’t exactly comfort Lars.

  Suddenly — Osbin moved.

  Lars’ eyes widened. For a man of Osbin’s size, the speed was shocking. His steps were quiet, precise, far lighter than his heavy build suggested.

  He’s fast…

  Osbin’s fist came toward him. Lars reacted on instinct. Just like the feral gray. His body shifted slightly to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. Another punch followed. Lars pivoted. A sweeping strike — he stepped back.

  He could track Osbin’s movements clearly, every shift of weight, every twitch of muscle.

  Osbin’s eyes sharpened. He’s reading me.

  Lars continued dodging, maintaining the flow of Ki through his body. He wasn’t panicking. He wasn’t stiff. He was adapting.

  Osbin began speaking between attacks. “Good so far, lad. But you can’t keep dodging forever.” Another strike. Lars ducked. “Eventually,” Osbin continued, “you’ll have to fight back.”

  Fight back? Lars hadn’t considered that part. He had been so focused on maintaining control that he forgot offense.

  His breathing steadied. Then… I’ll attack.

  He pulled Ki into his fist. Not nearly as much as against the feral gray. He remembered how that power had drained him. He didn’t want to lose consciousness again. But just enough.

  As he shifted his focus — he saw it.

  Small, glowing points on Osbin’s body. Subtle spheres of energy — like pressure points pulsing faintly beneath the surface.

  Lars didn’t understand what he was seeing. But his instincts told him those points mattered. Vital. Important.

  He continued dodging, waiting. Maintaining Ki. Watching.

  Osbin lunged forward again.

  There. One of the glowing points flared brighter.

  Now!

  Lars stepped in. His augmented fist shot forward toward that exact point.

  In that split second — Osbin’s body reacted before his mind did. Every instinct screamed. Danger.

  Without thinking, he flooded his entire body with Ki, hardening himself instantly.

  Lars’ punch landed.

  The impact exploded outward. A deep shockwave cracked through the training ground. Osbin’s body flew backward — slamming into the mana-imbued wall with tremendous force. The reinforced stone trembled. Dust fell from above. Even the mana barrier flickered faintly.

  Silence followed.

  Lars’ eyes widened in horror. His Ki dispersed instantly as his concentration shattered. What did I just do…?

  Osbin slid down from the wall and hit the ground hard. He coughed — but he was conscious. Alive. Injured, but standing.

  He pushed himself up slowly, rubbing his shoulder. His eyes were no longer playful. They were sharp. Calculating.

  What just happened?

  He had reinforced his body with Ki at the last second. And still — that punch had sent him flying. He glanced at the wall behind him. Even the mana-imbued stone showed faint cracks.

  Was I too easy on him? Was that a fluke?

  Osbin replayed the moment in his mind — the timing, the precision, the force. That wasn’t random. That was targeted.

  Before he could speak — the door burst open.

  Rin rushed in first, followed by Tobi and several guild members. “What happened?!” Rin shouted. She ran straight to Lars. “Are you hurt?!”

  Lars shook his head, still stunned. “I… I didn’t mean—” His Ki was completely gone.

  Rin checked him carefully, making sure Osbin hadn’t injured him. Meanwhile, Osbin stood upright, cracking his neck slowly as if nothing major had happened.

  “He’s fine,” Osbin said casually, though there was a different tone in his voice now. “Kid’s a Ki user.”

  He didn’t say anything more. Not about the speed. Not about the precision. Not about the force.

  ?

  The scene shifted.

  Lars and Rin sat at a table in the main hall, plates of food in front of them. The noise of the guild filled the background, though a few curious glances still lingered in Lars’ direction.

  Lars didn’t speak first. He didn’t want to seem overeager.

  Rin watched him quietly. Then she smiled. “You really are a mystery,” she said softly.

  Lars blinked. “Is that… a bad thing?”

  Rin shook her head gently. “I’ve met a lot of people. Adventurers, nobles, warriors, mages.” She leaned her chin on her hand. “You’re the first one I can’t read.”

  Lars chuckled nervously. He wasn’t sure whether that was comforting or concerning.

  Rin’s eyes softened. “So,” she asked, “what did you want to talk about?”

  Lars didn’t hesitate this time. Once Rin gave him the chance to speak, the questions came pouring out.

  “I went to the Adventurers Association yesterday,” he began. “I visited the archives.”

  Rin’s brows lifted slightly. “Oh?”

  “I read about mana. Ki. The continent. The kingdoms.” He paused. “And I got scammed.”

  Rin blinked. “…What?”

  Lars held up his right hand, showing her the ring. “There was an older woman selling summoner jewels. She told me it was a good deal. I bought it for one silver coin.”

  Rin stared at him for a second, then covered her mouth to hide a smile. “You paid one silver?”

  Lars nodded, defeated. “Osbin said they’re worth around fifty bronze.”

  Rin sighed softly, though she couldn’t fully suppress her amusement. “You really are new to this world.”

  He lowered his head slightly. “I’m sorry. You warned me not to spend everything at once.”

  Rin shook her head gently. “It’s alright. You learned something. That’s more valuable than the coin.”

  Lars wasn’t fully convinced — but he appreciated her kindness.

  “I also wanted to understand more,” he continued. “About Solaris. The king. The queen. How the economy works.”

  Rin leaned back in her chair. “Well,” she began, “the Kingdom of Solaris is ruled by King Sylvester. The late Queen Emerith passed years ago. Their only daughter is Princess Emilia.” Her tone softened slightly at the mention of the late queen. “The kingdom’s economy thrives on agriculture and trade. Long daylight means better harvests. That gives Solaris strong bargaining power with other nations.” She tapped the table lightly. “And because we’re stable and prosperous, merchants from other kingdoms often migrate here. It’s one of the reasons the city feels so alive.”

  The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

  Lars nodded, absorbing everything. Then another thought surfaced.

  “Individual ranks,” he said. “I know the Wilds Guild is S Rank as a guild… but what about you?”

  Rin tilted her head. “What about me?”

  “What’s your rank?” he asked honestly. “I never thought to ask before.”

  Rin smiled faintly. “I’m S Rank.”

  Lars’ eyes widened slightly.

  “Gallant and Osbin are S Rank as well,” she continued. “Tobi is A Rank.”

  Lars blinked. He had been training with an S Rank warrior that morning. And he had sent him flying. His mind briefly replayed the impact against the wall. He swallowed quietly.

  “Ranks go from D to S,” Rin explained. “But S Rank individuals are rare. That’s why S Rank guilds carry weight in political matters.”

  Lars nodded again.

  “Oh — and about the coins,” Rin added. She picked up a small bronze coin from the table and placed it between them. “One gold coin equals ten silver coins. And one silver equals one hundred bronze.”

  Lars’ brain did the math instantly. One silver… was one hundred bronze. He paid double the normal price. He closed his eyes briefly. The old woman’s smug face appeared in his mind again.

  Old hag…

  Rin watched his expression shift and chuckled softly. “Still thinking about it?”

  “I was definitely scammed,” he muttered.

  “Yes,” Rin said bluntly.

  Lars sighed, then looked back up at her. “So… S Rank,” he repeated thoughtfully. He studied her differently now. She didn’t act arrogant. Didn’t boast. But she was strong enough to be among the highest ranks. Solaris suddenly felt even larger than before.

  He leaned forward slightly. “Then… what does it take to reach S Rank?”

  Rin listened patiently as Lars finished his questions.

  “About ranks,” she began, folding her hands together on the table, “everyone has a base starting point. Some start at D. Some at C. Rare cases begin at B.” She paused thoughtfully. “But more important than your starting rank… is your ceiling.”

  “Ceiling?” Lars repeated.

  “The peak you can reach,” she explained. “Everyone has one. Most adventurers reach their peak around their thirties. That’s when their body, experience, and control over mana or Ki fully mature.” She took a sip of her drink before continuing. “It’s recommended to re-evaluate your rank every five years. Some ambitious adventurers check every year.” She smiled slightly. “I don’t blame them. Higher rank means access to better-paying quests. So people push themselves to reach their ceiling as fast as they can.”

  Lars nodded slowly.

  “But,” Rin added, “that statistic mostly applies to humans.” She leaned back. “Sesilia isn’t just Solaris. There are other races — elves, dwarves, demi-humans, giants. Their growth rates and ceilings are different.”

  Lars remembered the books from the archives — the kingdoms, the different races, the wider world spread across those pages. He fell quiet for a moment.

  Then, almost as if something inside him had been building toward this —

  “I want to become an adventurer.”

  The words came out steady. Honest.

  Rin didn’t laugh. She didn’t dismiss him. Instead, her expression softened. Almost proud.

  “The world is a tough place for an adventurer,” she said. But her tone wasn’t discouraging. If anything, it sounded like a quiet challenge.

  Lars felt a strange pull in his chest. Her approval meant more than he expected. He smiled.

  “But first,” she added, “you need to be evaluated and get your badge.”

  Lars hesitated. “I… already did.”

  Rin blinked. “You did?”

  He nodded and explained what happened with the orb — the shifting colors, the confusion, the staff asking him to return another time.

  Rin listened carefully, her expression turning serious. “I’ve never heard of the orb malfunctioning,” she admitted. “That’s… unusual.”

  “I thought maybe it was just broken,” Lars said.

  Rin shook her head slowly. “The Association doesn’t use faulty equipment.” She leaned forward slightly. “I’ll ask around. Quietly. Maybe someone knows something.”

  Lars reached into his pocket and handed her his adventurer badge. She examined it. His name was engraved neatly. But the rest — Origin: Unknown. Rank: — Blank.

  She looked back at him but didn’t let any concern show on her face. “We’ll figure it out,” she said gently. “You’ll get officially ranked. And then you can start your journey properly.”

  Lars hesitated. There was something else he wanted to say. His heart began beating faster.

  Should I tell her?

  It sounded ridiculous. Far away. Almost impossible. But… he trusted her.

  “I don’t just want to become an adventurer,” he said quietly.

  Rin tilted her head.

  “I want to start my own guild.”

  For a split second, Rin froze. She didn’t laugh. She didn’t tease him. She simply studied him carefully, trying to see if he was joking. He wasn’t. So she smiled instead.

  “That’s… ambitious.”

  Lars quickly added, almost nervously, “I know it costs one hundred gold coins. I know it’s unrealistic right now. But I want to reach that point.” His voice steadied. “I want to build something. A place where people belong.”

  Rin’s eyes softened. “Do you have a name for this future guild?” she asked.

  Lars blinked. “…I haven’t thought that far ahead.”

  She nodded approvingly. “Tell me when you do.”

  He smiled faintly. “I will.”

  Heavy footsteps echoed across the guild hall. Both of them turned.

  Osbin entered. He was wrapped in bandages around his abdomen, though he carried himself like nothing had happened.

  Rin smirked. “Look who survived.”

  Osbin snorted. “Little lady’s got jokes now?”

  He approached their table and stopped in front of Lars. His demeanor was different. Less teasing. More serious.

  “Lars,” he said.

  Lars looked up.

  “I would like to train you.”

  Rin raised a brow. “Are you sure? Wouldn’t want to hurt yourself again.”

  Osbin ignored her. He kept his eyes locked on Lars. “Will you accept?”

  For a moment, Lars felt frozen. Then he snapped back to reality. “Yes,” he said humbly. “I would.”

  Osbin nodded once. “I’ll prepare everything. Meet me at the guild entrance tonight.” He turned and walked off without another word.

  Rin watched him leave. Then she leaned closer to Lars with a grin. “Did you knock some sense into him or what?”

  She chuckled softly.

  Lars wasn’t sure what had changed in Osbin. But he felt something important had shifted. Respect. And that alone made his resolve burn brighter.

  Tonight… his real training would begin.

  ?

  The heavy wooden door of Guild Master Raiyo’s office shut with a muted thud.

  Inside, the room was dimly lit by slanting afternoon light filtering through narrow windows. Papers were stacked neatly across the large oak desk, maps of Sesilia pinned across the walls, red threads connecting kingdoms, trade routes, and monster territories. The air carried tension.

  Gallant stood straight, hands clasped behind his back.

  Raiyo did not look up immediately. “Report,” the Guild Master said calmly.

  Gallant obeyed without hesitation. “Since the boy’s arrival, he has been under discreet surveillance. No irregular contact. No suspicious meetings. Behavior consistent with confusion and curiosity.”

  Raiyo’s fingers brushed slowly through his red-and-gray beard. “Continue.”

  “He visited the Adventurers Association. Entered the archives. Studied materials regarding mana, Ki, and the continent. Proceeded to evaluation. Orb malfunction occurred.”

  Raiyo’s eyes narrowed slightly at the word malfunction.

  “He then purchased a summoner ring from a street vendor,” Gallant continued. “Overpaid. Demonstrates inexperience with currency. Returned to guild. Trained with Osbin.”

  Gallant paused briefly. “During training, Osbin was forcefully thrown into the mana-imbued walls. Structural cracks present. Osbin requested further training with the boy — outside guild premises.”

  Silence settled over the office.

  Raiyo leaned back slowly. “My word…” he muttered after a long pause. “What a mysterious individual we’ve taken under our wing.”

  Gallant continued, voice steady. “I accessed the Adventurers Association files.”

  Raiyo’s eyes shifted to him. “And?”

  “They are sealed.”

  Raiyo straightened. “Sealed?”

  “Yes. Access restricted at a higher administrative level.”

  The Guild Master’s gaze darkened. “Grandolf…” he muttered under his breath.

  He leaned forward, elbows resting on the desk. From the moment I saw him, Raiyo thought, there was something different about that boy — his posture, his composure, his eyes. Too observant. Too aware.

  Could he be a spy from the Holy State? The Holy State despised hybrid powers. Feared anomalies. Sent agents quietly when necessary. Or was something else at play? Why would the Adventurers Association hide information?

  Raiyo’s voice lowered. “Gallant.”

  “Yes, Guild Master.”

  “Continue monitoring him.” Gallant nodded. “Send someone highly skilled. Someone Osbin would not detect.”

  Gallant’s expression remained firm. “As you command.”

  Raiyo exhaled slowly. “I do not know who this Lars Silverwing truly is… but if he is dangerous, I intend to know before it is too late.”

  Gallant bowed and exited, closing the door behind him.

  The room returned to silence. Raiyo’s fingers tapped lightly against his desk. “What are you planning, Grandolf…?” he murmured.

  ?

  Lars walked through the golden streets of Solaris, sunlight casting long shadows between tall buildings. The city buzzed with energy — merchants negotiating loudly, blacksmiths hammering metal, children racing down alleyways with wooden swords in hand.

  He found himself unconsciously returning to the first shop he had visited upon entering the city.

  Brannik’s Armory.

  The familiar scent of oiled leather and forged steel greeted him as he stepped inside.

  Brannik looked up. “Well now,” the burly shopkeeper said. “Leo, was it?”

  Lars smiled politely. “It’s Lars Silverwing.”

  Brannik snapped his fingers. “Ah! That’s right. Forgive an old man. Memory isn’t what it used to be.”

  Lars chuckled softly. “Look around,” Brannik said. “See if anything catches your eye.”

  Lars did not hesitate. His gaze immediately searched for the gauntlets. They weren’t ornate. No shining jewels. No gold trim. Simple brown leather exterior, reinforced with layered metal beneath. The fingers partially exposed for dexterity.

  When he picked them up, they were surprisingly balanced — not too heavy.

  Brannik noticed. “Those,” he said, walking over, “are for Ki users. Monks tend to favor them.”

  “Monks…” Lars whispered. He hadn’t heard much about that class yet. Mostly knights. Mostly mages. Monks were close-combat specialists. Precision. Flow. Impact.

  His eyes lit up slightly. “How much?” Lars asked.

  Brannik studied him. “You know if you’re a mana user or Ki user?”

  “Ki,” Lars replied. “Osbin confirmed it today.”

  Brannik scoffed lightly. “That sack of muscle has time to train strangers but still owes me coin.”

  Lars laughed nervously and explained the morning’s training.

  Brannik nodded. “Twenty bronze coins,” he said.

  Lars’ heart sank. He had six. The ring’s memory burned again.

  Old hag…

  “I… only have six bronze left,” Lars admitted.

  Brannik rubbed his chin. “I’ll tell you what,” he said finally. “Give me the six. I’ll add the rest to Osbin’s tab.” He winked. “I doubt he even knows how much he owes.”

  Lars smiled widely and bowed respectfully. “Thank you.”

  Brannik waved him off awkwardly. As Lars left the shop, Brannik watched him thoughtfully. Polite. Composed. That’s not common in boys his age. Noble? He shook his head and returned to his counter.

  ?

  Lost in excitement, Lars didn’t watch where he was going.

  He collided with someone. A girl stumbled backward and nearly fell before catching herself.

  “I’m so sorry!” Lars immediately bowed deeply.

  The girl regained her footing, brushing off her dress. She was around his age. Dark black hair. Striking yellow eyes. A small mole under each eye, mirrored perfectly. Her clothing was elegant, finely tailored — clearly noble quality.

  “Watch where you’re going!” she snapped. “Do you know who I am?”

  Lars bowed again instinctively. “My apologies, my lady.”

  She blinked. She hadn’t expected that.

  “If you aren’t careful,” she huffed, “I’ll tell my big brother. You wouldn’t stand a chance.”

  Lars’ noble upbringing showed effortlessly in his posture and tone. “I meant no disrespect.”

  She studied him. White hair. Bright blue eyes. She had never seen him at noble gatherings.

  “Who are you?” she asked, pretending indifference.

  “My name is Lars Silverwing.”

  Silverwing? She searched her memory. Nothing.

  “I’ve never heard of that house,” she scoffed.

  “I’m currently under the guidance of the Wilds Guild,” he explained calmly.

  She didn’t believe him. So he revealed the golden crest. Her demeanor changed instantly.

  “My name is Fiora Whitecastle,” she declared proudly. She waited for awe. None came. Lars simply smiled politely. “I see.”

  Her face flushed red. How did he not react?

  She scolded him again for not knowing her name, but her heart beat strangely faster.

  “Lars Silverwing…” she murmured as he excused himself. She watched him disappear into the crowd.

  ?

  The sky turned orange and crimson as the sun dipped low.

  Lars rushed toward the guild entrance. He hadn’t even put the gauntlets on yet. He didn’t want Osbin waiting.

  Osbin stood near the gate, arms crossed, silhouetted by fading light.

  Lars approached cautiously. He expected scolding. Instead —

  “You ready?” Osbin asked simply.

  “Yes!” Lars answered immediately.

  Osbin’s eyes dropped to the gauntlets. A faint nod. “Good. Chosen your weapons.”

  He turned toward the trail leading beyond the city walls. “We head out.”

  Lars followed without hesitation. The gates of Solaris loomed behind them as they stepped onto the outer path. The evening air felt cooler. Different. More dangerous.

  Lars gripped his gauntlets tightly. This is the beginning, he thought. He would not waste this second life. Not again.

  The two figures disappeared into the fading light.