The walk back into Orleaf was calmer than the night before. Yoshiya's back still ached faintly, but thanks to his healing attempts, the pain was far less than he expected. Omina, on the other hand, carried her usual bundle of herbs, flowers, and a small sack of meat wrapped in leaves. Every now and then she shoved extra plants into Yoshiya's arms, leaving him juggling flowers, a shield, and a sword all at once.
Their first destination was Mako's home. Yoshiya wanted to ask him about mana control—perhaps even new skills. But when they explained their request, Mako shook his head.
"You'll need more than my guidance," he said seriously. "The skills you seek can only be taught in Reflynne. That's where the great library lies, where healers and support adventurers are trained."
"Then… how do we get there?" Yoshiya asked.
Mako leaned closer. "Not so simple. To even step foot inside the library, you must be recognized as at least a **One-Star Adventurer.** Before that, the gates of Reflynne will remain closed to you."
The words lit a fire in Yoshiya's chest. He finally had a direction. "So… what do we need to do?"
"Head to Lia at the outpost," Mako replied. "She handles registrations. There, you'll take an exam."
Without hesitation, the two made their way to the pub that doubled as Orleaf's guild outpost.
---
The pub smelled faintly of bread and ale, though it was still early in the day. A handful of men and women sat at tables, drinking, laughing, or checking the bulletin board. A couple of merchants displayed their wares on cloth mats spread across the floor.
But what caught Yoshiya's eye was a familiar figure leaning against the wall. A black hood shadowed his face, a quiver of arrows slung over his shoulder, and a crossbow resting at his side. The mysterious adventurer from last night.
Their eyes met. For a moment Yoshiya felt his chest tighten—but the man immediately looked away, pretending he hadn't noticed.
Omina nudged him. "Don't stare."
They approached the reception counter, where Lia greeted them with a bright smile. She wore her red-and-gold blouse and skirt, a pink ribbon tied neatly at her shoulder. The guild insignia shimmered on the other side.
"Welcome back! How can I help you today?"
Yoshiya bowed slightly. "Mako sent us. He said we need to take an exam before we can reach Reflynne."
Lia tilted her head. "Oh—you don't need an exam just to travel there. But if you're hoping to learn new skills, then yes, you must be at least **One-Star Adventurers** first. That's what Mako meant."
"Star?" Omina echoed.
Lia nodded. "Adventurers are ranked from one to ten stars. Normal villagers have no star. Newbies start at one star. Ten stars… those are legends. To gain your first star, you must pass the guild's exam and prove your contribution."
She gestured subtly to a table in the corner. "Those two are Two-Star Adventurers." Then her gaze flicked to the hooded man at the wall. "And him—he's a Four-Star Adventurer. His name is **Seikaku Enteki.** He's… always here. Not sure why."
Yoshiya's curiosity flared, but Lia pulled out a parchment. "Anyway—if you want to try the exam, it's fifty copper per person. Will you take it?"
"Yes. Both of us," Yoshiya answered firmly.
---
The exam was not at all what Yoshiya had imagined. No battles, no magical trials—just **questions**.
*General Knowledge*
* What kind of adventurer do you want to be?
* What skills do you already have?
* Do you have any fears?
*Skills & Abilities*
* Can you fight or defend yourself?
* Do you know how to treat wounds?
* Can you navigate unfamiliar terrain?
*Preparation & Planning*
* What equipment do you carry?
* Do you have an emergency plan?
* What food would you bring on a journey?
*Motivation & Goals*
* Why do you want to be an adventurer?
* What do you hope to achieve?
* Are you prepared to face danger?
It felt more like an interview than an exam. Still, they answered earnestly, then handed their parchments to Lia.
While waiting for the results, they bought some bread and sat at a corner table. Yoshiya's eyes kept drifting back to the hooded man.
At that moment, the pub door opened, and a young woman entered, carrying a heavy sack. She paid Lia at the counter, then sat and opened her bundle—revealing bundles of string, arrows, cloth, knives, gloves, and boots.
To Yoshiya's surprise, the crossbowman strode directly to her. He placed goblin daggers and beast hides on the table, exchanging them for arrows. The two spoke briefly, then he returned to his wall, silent as ever.
"…Strange," Yoshiya muttered. "There are plenty of merchants here. Why only her?"
Before Omina could reply, Lia returned with the exam papers—and caught Yoshiya staring.
"Interested in him?" she teased with a grin.
Yoshiya nodded. "He saved us last night."
"Ahh, so that's why. That's **Seikaku Enteki,** like I said. A Four-Star Adventurer. He's… famous, in a quiet way. Always buys arrows from that girl. Cute pair, don't you think?" She winked before skipping back to her counter.
Yoshiya felt heat rise to his face but quickly looked down at the parchment Lia had left behind.
Stamped across the top in bold letters:
**"APPROVED."**
Along with it were two bronze badges, each engraved with a single star.
Yoshiya's chest swelled with pride. "Omina… we did it. We're officially adventurers."
Omina held up her badge, unimpressed. "Those were just basic questions. Still… progress is progress."
As they stepped out of the pub, Yoshiya cast one more glance toward Seikaku. This time, the crossbowman's shoulders shifted—tense, almost trembling.
And for the briefest moment, Yoshiya swore he saw the man's face flush red.