The guild outpost in Orleaf thrummed with voices and the clink of coins. Sunlight streamed through the rafters, glinting off steel and brass as adventurers waited for the results of the raid. The smell of poultices and oil hung heavy in the air.
One by one, names were called. A clerk with a deep voice read from a long parchment.
"Sir Brant of the Iron Shield—advanced to **Three-Star Adventurer** for valorous defense and evacuation of wounded!"
The tall, armored man stood, helmet under one arm, and accepted his new badge with a short bow. Cheers rippled through the hall.
"Mariel, Silf and the Whispering Staff—advanced to **Three-Star Adventurers** for outstanding arcane support!" Three mages in blue robes exchanged delighted glances as their plaques were handed over.
A hush fell as another name echoed across the room.
"Seikaku of the Hidden Path—advanced to **Five-Star Adventurer** for decisive elimination of the hobgoblin chieftain and extraordinary leadership in the raid!"
Even the clerks paused to applaud. Seikaku, crossbow slung casually over one shoulder, only gave a small nod before pinning a new badge gleaming with five silver stars to his coat.
Finally, Lia's voice rang out:
"Yoshiya of the Verdant Wood and Omina of the Dawn—advanced to **Two-Star Adventurers** for their role in holding the line and preventing a flank collapse!"
Both of them stepped forward, the buzz of the crowd pressing close. A silver-star badge for each of them, warm and heavy in their palms. Lia smiled. "You've earned it. Use the experience well."
Then, in a quieter corner of the hall, Lia explained the **benefits of the new rank**: higher-paying contracts, access to guild support funds, and training resources usually restricted to veterans. She unrolled a parchment showing branching class paths.
"You've reached the point where you must choose," Lia said. "Your next growth depends on clarity of role."
"I'll take **Aid**," Yoshiya said without hesitation. "Support and healing fit me best."
"I'll take **Combatant**," Omina said, hand on her sword. "Attack and offense. I want to protect from the front."
Lia nodded. "Then hone those paths. The guild will watch."
Both felt a renewed sense of purpose as they pinned their badges to their cloaks—but also a weight. Two stars meant higher expectations.
When the last names had been called and the hall began to empty, Yoshiya and Omina quietly slipped away. The applause faded behind them, replaced by the gentle hush of the forest trail. They walked the familiar path to their little cabin tucked in the woods.
Outside, a rabbit darted across the clearing. Omina's eyes followed it; she grinned. "Lunch?"
Later, smoke curled from the cabin's chimney as they roasted the rabbit over a small fire. It was simple but filling, a quiet contrast to the chaos of the raid. For the first time in days, they could breathe.
After cleaning and repairing their gear, they started toward Orleaf again to register new jobs. Along the main street they spotted a familiar face—Mako, the man who had first guided them when they arrived in town.
"Hey!" he called, waving. "I heard about your rank-up. Congratulations."
"Thanks," Yoshiya said. "Feels surreal."
Mako leaned closer. "If you're serious about growing into your new class, visit the library at Reflynne. Good skill books there, especially for healers."
"That's good to know," Yoshiya said, eyes brightening.
They also swung by Bren's weapon shop to inquire about better gear. "Something lighter, better mobility for Omina," Yoshiya explained.
Bren wiped his hands on a rag. "Sold out. Big rush after the raid. If you want top-quality, head to Korvath—the City of Ores and Steel. That's where the real craftsmen are."
With no new equipment available, the pair signed up for a **mining quest** in the hills near Reflynne, clearing out burrowing pests and hauling ore as part of the payment. It was less glamorous than goblin-slaying but steady work.
At Reflynne's guild they turned in the ores, selling the low-grade pieces to Akira, a guild handler. "Three silver for the lot," she said, counting the coins into Yoshiya's hand.
Their total purse now sat at **41 silver**—more money than they'd ever had at once. Omina laughed, tucking the pouch into her belt. "We're not poor anymore."
With time before dusk, they headed to Reflynne's library. Inside, rows of leather-bound skill tomes lined the walls. Omina found one labeled "Guard Break & Aura Enhancement" and bought it for **two silver**, her fingers trembling at the expense. Yoshiya browsed the support section, already thinking about Cleanse and other spells.
Later, they sat at a small food stall near the square, munching on fried dumplings for **fifty copper**. The smell of spiced meat and fresh bread filled the air. Omina looked at Yoshiya over the rim of her cup. "Feels good, doesn't it? No more counting every copper."
"Feels like we're finally moving forward," Yoshiya said.
They finished their snack, the library's new books tucked safely into their packs. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting long shadows across Reflynne's cobbled streets. Their badges glinted silver in the fading light, a reminder of how far they'd come—and how far they still had to go.