Morning sun spilled over the red-bricked roofs of Ashvalen's capital, painting the cobbled streets in hues of gold and amber. Birds chirped lazily in the trees lining the academy path, and a gentle breeze tugged at Kayden's short blonde hair as he strolled alongside Miya Solmere. The scent of fresh bread from nearby bakeries drifted through the air, mingling with the crisp scent of parchment and ink from students hurrying past with scrolls in hand.
It was the last day of class before the Adventurer's License Exam, and the academy grounds buzzed with a mix of nerves and excitement.
"I still can't believe you're finally taking it seriously," Miya said softly, her voice almost lost beneath the rustling trees. Her long blue hair shimmered like a ribbon in the morning light as she glanced at Kayden. "Your parents must be thrilled."
Kayden gave a short laugh, tilting his head to look at her. "They think I'm doing it to make them proud," he said with a smirk. "But with what I know, it'll only push them to expect more. 'You passed the exam? Wonderful. Now go unify the world.' Then maybe next week it'll be, 'Unify the realms too, son.'"
They both burst out laughing, the sound light and easy, like sunbeams through the leaves.
"But seriously," he said, his smile softening, "I'm not doing this for them. I'm doing it so I can get my license and start adventuring. I want to see the five regions, the highest mountains, the deepest seas, the strongest dragons. I want to be free—to go wherever I want, be whoever I want. My life won't be a painting already drawn by someone else. I'll choose what to paint, and when to paint it."
Miya looked at him, thoughtful. "Even though some say it's all just myths and stories, your parents always talk about how you're a descendant of Emin the Unifier and Leyana the Wise. That you're part of some ancient prophecy passed down through generations. Don't you at least believe they were real?"
Kayden slowed his steps. A breeze stirred fallen leaves along the path.
"It's not that I don't believe," he said quietly. "It's because I do. I've seen them… in visions. I don't know how or why, but it happens every time I touch the family's secret relic. And knowing they were real… knowing the prophecy might be too... it's heavy. I've lived my whole life with that weight pressing down on me. The license, the exam—it's not an end. It's my beginning. A chance to step away from all that and walk my own path."
He turned to her with a confident grin. "So don't worry. I won't fail. I'll pass with flying colors. Who knows? Maybe I'll even land an Initiate Tier One rank."
Miya smiled, a soft laugh escaping her lips as her cheeks warmed.
Kayden glanced at her. "You know, I've never actually asked—why do you want to be an adventurer? Aren't your family all scholars or something?"
She nodded slightly, her eyes fixed ahead. "They are… but I have my own reasons. I made a promise. One I have to keep. Getting that license—it's the first step. I need to train, to become stronger. That promise… it means everything to me."
Kayden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. But before he could ask more, Miya gave him a small, reassuring smile.
He smirked, nudging her with his elbow. "You know what? I think they got it all wrong. You should've been the Chosen One."
Miya rolled her eyes, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "You're impossible," she muttered, lightly swatting his arm.
They reached the front gate of the academy, its ironwork arching proudly overhead, banners fluttering in the breeze. Other students filtered in through the entrance, chatting nervously about spell formulas and sword drills.
Kayden paused for a second, eyes tracing the stone towers rising against the clear sky. He took a breath, the scent of dew and parchment mixing with the thrill in his chest.
One more day. Then the real journey would begin.
The hallways of the academy buzzed with energy as students funneled toward the large classroom at the end of the east wing. The morning sun poured through the high glass windows, casting golden streaks across the tiled floors. Conversations echoed off the stone walls—some filled with excitement, others tinged with nervous tension.
A pair of students leaned against a column near the doorway, whispering animatedly.
"Did you hear?" one of them said. "Only half the people who take the exam actually pass."
"No way!" the other whispered, wide-eyed. "I wonder what kind of magic affinity I'll get. Imagine getting something rare—like ice or lava magic."
"I'd be happy with wind or fire, even though those are a bit more common. As long as I get something strong enough to carry a proper weapon."
"Yeah, well I want one of the extremely rare types, like time or space magic." Said another with an anxious face.
Laughter and anticipation rippled through the crowd as Kayden and Miya stepped toward the door. Just as Kayden reached out to open it—
Thud.
He staggered slightly as someone bumped into him with the force of a boulder.
"Whoa, easy there," Kayden said, steadying himself.
Ren Duskveil stood on the other side, towering and smug, his arms crossed. "Oh, sorry, my bad" he said with exaggerated sarcasm, raising a brow. "Maybe if you weren't so small, I would've seen you."
He let out a short laugh.
Kayden narrowed his eyes and shot back, "Well, if it isn't all muscles but no brains."
Miya stifled a laugh behind her hand, her eyes flicking between them nervously.
Ren shrugged, grinning. "Well then, Mr. Genius, so far it seems adventurers are better off being strong than smart. Seeing where I've beaten you twice in our one-on-one combat practices…"
"Yeah," Kayden replied coolly, "because all we had were standard blades and no magic. Of course a brute like you would overpower me."
The tension simmered. Ren's grin turned sharp. "No worries, little man. When we both get our soul bond weapons and unlock our magic affinities, let's see how well you do then. That's if you even pass the exam. If you do, just know I'll be at the top waiting."
Kayden's lips curved slightly. "You better hope I'm not already there. You never know, I might just push you off the edge."
They locked eyes—not with hatred, but with a fierce, unspoken understanding. A rivalry not born from malice, but from the fire of ambition.
Miya looked between them, quietly amused but alert, as the air around them practically sparked with competitive energy.
Then the classroom bell rang out, cutting through the moment. Without another word, Kayden brushed past Ren, Miya following close behind, and stepped through the doors into their final class before the exam.