The streets of Kagetsura thrummed with restless energy as Renjiro and his group wove through the crowded thoroughfare toward the adventurer's guild. The air was thick with the metallic tang of freshly forged steel and the earthy scent of leather, wafting from rows of weapon stores and artifact shops that flanked the uneven cobblestone path. Polished swords gleamed in racks beneath tattered awnings, their edges catching the midday sun, while intricately carved staves leaned against weathered barrels, their tips faintly glowing with embedded runes.
Small stalls glittered with artifacts—amulets pulsing with a soft divine hum, rings etched with ancient symbols, and cloaks dyed in deep hues of crimson and indigo—drawing adventurers like moths to a flame. Villagers and travelers darted between shops, their arms laden with supplies: bundles of herbs tied with coarse twine, glowing crystals wrapped in burlap, and sturdy leather packs slung over shoulders. The clamor of haggling voices rose and fell, mingling with the rhythmic clang of a blacksmith's hammer echoing from a nearby forge.
The occasional shout pierced the din: "Join our party! We're tackling a C-rank gate tomorrow!" Dust swirled in the breeze, kicked up by hurried feet, and the distant cry of a hawk circled overhead, its shadow flitting across the bustling street. Amid the bustle, a group of adventurers lingered near a stall piled high with enchanted daggers. One, a burly man with a jagged scar across his cheek, elbowed his companion, his voice low but eager. "Hey, that black-haired girl—she's on a different level than the others in that group, and she's also very beautiful. Why don't we recruit that girl to our guild?"
The other, a wiry figure with a crooked grin, cracked his knuckles. "I will deal with this." He stepped forward, planting himself squarely in the group's path, his stance brash and unyielding. "Hey, you—black-haired and red-eyed girl—why don't you join our Beast Strike Guild? You will not regret it."
Yuki, Reina, Himari, Takeshi, and Haruto halted, their breaths catching in unison. Renjiro's steps faltered, his silver-white hair glinting as he turned. The Beast Strike Guild was a legend—known across the Kingdom of Humans for conquering high-level gates, brimming with more talented people than most could dream of, and ranked among the top five guilds in all four kingdoms. The words landed like a thunderbolt, electrifying the air.
Selena's red eyes narrowed, her voice cold as frost. "Sorry, I can't. I am not an adventurer yet, and I need to get my adventurer license."
The stranger waved a dismissive hand, his tone cocksure. "It's not a problem. After you get your license, you will join our guild." As he spoke, his gaze shifted, catching Renjiro's intense stare—the boy's white and silver hair framing a face taut with quiet warning.
Unfazed, the stranger flashed a grin and extended a hand. "I am Kazuki. I am a Magnus Core mage. And what is your name, young lady?"
"Selena. It's mine," she replied, her words sharp and clipped.
Kazuki's fingers brushed Selena's hand, his voice smooth. "Young lady, join our guild—" His sentence broke off as Renjiro's restraint snapped. In a blur, Renjiro drew his sword, slashing it across Kazuki's outstretched hand. The mage recoiled, clutching his wrist, but Renjiro pivoted swiftly, redirecting the blade until its edge rested against Kazuki's neck, steady and unyielding.
Kazuki's eyes flared with indignation. "Who the hell are you, little boy?"
Renjiro's voice was low, a dangerous calm threading through it. "It doesn't concern you, and if you touch her hands again, you will not go alive."
"How dare you?" Kazuki growled. His hand ignited with a sudden, searing light, and without an incantation, he cast a fire spell—a blazing orb that roared toward Renjiro with ferocious speed.
Renjiro twisted aside, his movements fluid and precise, the spell grazing past him. It struck a nearby stall with a deafening crack, splintering wood into a shower of debris and igniting a plume of acrid smoke that billowed into the sky. The street erupted into chaos—vendors shouted in alarm, onlookers scrambled back, tripping over scattered crates, and the air grew heavy with the sharp scent of charred timber. Renjiro steadied himself, his mind racing—A spell without incantation, this much powerful?—and gripped his sword tighter, bracing for combat.
Kazuki smirked, his voice dripping with scorn. "You little kid, do you think you can win against me?"
Renjiro shot back, "No, but I can win with this bastard." Haruto stepped forward, his own blade drawn, his stance mirroring Renjiro's resolve.
Before steel could meet spell, a gruff voice sliced through the din. "Hey, what are you doing?" A soldier approached from a side alley, his boots crunching over scattered debris, his armor glinting dully under a sky now tinged with smoke. He paused, eyeing the scene with a frown—Do they not have brains, fighting in a public place?—and barked again, "What's happening here?"
An immense pressure rolled off him, a suffocating wave that pressed down on Renjiro and Haruto, their breaths hitching as they struggled to stand firm. Kazuki froze, his smirk faltering under the weight.
The soldier's gaze swept the trio. "What's happening here?"
Kazuki jabbed a finger at Renjiro. "This one attacked me without reason."
Renjiro stood his ground, unflinching. "He touched my elder sister without her permission. That's why I attacked."
Haruto nodded sharply. "He started this."
The soldier turned to Selena, his tone firm but even. "Is this true, girl?"
Selena met his gaze without hesitation. "Yes, it's true."
The soldier's eyes darkened as he glared at Kazuki. "How dare you lie to me?"
Kazuki puffed out his chest, defiance flaring. "I am from Beast Strike Guild."
The soldier's sternness wavered, a flicker of recognition crossing his face. He knew the guild's power—its influence was untouchable, even here. Still, he squared his shoulders and issued a clipped warning. "Watch yourself."
Kazuki's face twisted with irritation. Before stalking off, he shot Renjiro a venomous look. "One day, you will regret this."
Renjiro smirked, unruffled. "Well, we will see about that."
Kazuki vanished into the crowd, his steps heavy with suppressed fury. The soldier turned to the smoldering wreckage of the stall, then back to Renjiro, his brow creasing as he thought—How did this little boy dodge that spell? Renjiro sheathed his sword and dipped his head slightly. "Thanks for your help. Otherwise, it will be a big problem."
Haruto, still catching his breath, glanced at the soldier—What immense pressure. How strong is he?—his mind buzzing with awe.
The soldier waved a hand dismissively. "It's my duty." He fixed at Renjiro with a curious stare. "What is your name, boy?"
"Mine is Renjiro," he replied. "And yours?"
"Mine is Tetsuya," the soldier answered. "I am the commander of Kagetsura Village."
The group gasped, the revelation rippling through them. Haruto blinked, incredulous. "That means you are the head of the village army?"
The soldier replied, "Say yes."
Yuki's eyes sparkled with respect. "It's an honor," she said, then tilted her head. "Are you a mage or a swordsman?"
Tetsuya shook his head. "No, I am a summoner—not a beast summoner, just a normal summoner."
He turned to Renjiro, intrigue lighting his gaze. "Are you a swordsman?"
Tetsuya's eyes widened, his thoughts spinning—How did this boy without a core dodge a spell that powerful? A grin tugged at his lips. "How about a mock battle between us?"
Renjiro's interest flared. "Fine by me, but how will you fight? You are a summoner, and I don't have a core."
Selena stepped forward, her voice firm. "It's very risky to fight. You don't have a core."
Tetsuya chuckled, a warm, reassuring sound. "Don't worry, I will not hurt him. By the way, is he your brother?"
Selena nodded. "Yes, he's my brother."
"I see," Tetsuya said, his grin widening. "Let's go to the adventurer guild arena."
Renjiro turned to the others. "They need to evaluate."
Tetsuya glanced at the group. "Does anyone have problems?"
Everyone shook their heads, chorusing, "We don't."
Haruto smiled, a glint in his eye as he thought, Let's see.
The adventurer guild stood at the street's end, a rugged structure of dark stone and aged timber, its peaked roof casting a long shadow over the surrounding bustle. Beyond it lay the arena—a wide, circular expanse of packed dirt ringed by low wooden stands, weathered and splintered from years of use. The cliffs that cradled Kagetsura loomed behind, their jagged peaks piercing a sky streaked with faint wisps of smoke from the earlier blast. A cool breeze swept through, carrying the crisp scent of pine from the nearby forest and the distant, rhythmic rumble of a river carving through the valley below. The stands were already filling—adventurers in patched cloaks leaned forward, merchants clutched pouches of coin, and villagers whispered behind calloused hands, their murmurs rising like a tide as Tetsuya and Renjiro stepped into the ring.
"That boy thinks highly of himself," one muttered, his voice carrying over the murmur. "How can he fight the commander of the village?"
Renjiro stood at the arena's center, his sword gleaming in his left hand, its blade reflecting the sun's glare off the dusty ground. A faint wind stirred the air, tugging at his silver-white hair as he settled into a steady stance. Across from him, Tetsuya raised a hand, his voice cutting through the tension. "Let's start."
A pulse of energy flared, sharp and electric, and a summoned soldier materialized between them. Its aura blazed a dark red, a menacing haze that shimmered like heat over coals. Clad in jagged armor—blackened steel etched with faint cracks—it gripped a broadsword, its edge worn but wickedly sharp. The sheer presence of it pressed against the air, a low hum vibrating through the dirt, thrilling Renjiro.
He tightened his grip, a fierce grin breaking across his face. "Let's start."
Tetsuya gave a sharp nod, and the summoned soldier lunged, its speed a blur of crimson and steel, dust kicking up in its wake like a storm. Renjiro advanced to meet it, his blade flashing as a wild, eager smile lit his features.