The morning sun filtered through the trees surrounding Orleaf, casting golden rays across the quiet streets. Yoshiya adjusted the strap of his travel bag as he and Omina walked toward the guild. The cool breeze carried the scent of dew and fresh bread from nearby bakeries, mingling with the familiar clamor of merchants setting up for the day.
Omina walked beside him, her pace light and eager. "Tomorrow's the big day," she said with a grin, though the nervous energy in her eyes betrayed her excitement.
"Yeah," Yoshiya replied, smiling back. "You ready?"
She nodded. "I think so. I just don't want to mess up."
"You won't," he assured her. "Besides, you've worked hard for this. All that training will pay off."
They reached the Adventurer's Guild just as its doors opened. A crowd had already gathered inside—some groups taking on last-minute quests, others preparing for the upcoming class examinations in Korvath. The guild's request board was nearly full, but one particular posting caught Yoshiya's eye:
> Escort Mission: Small caravan returning to Korvath. Light cargo, looking for additional escorts. Payment: 4 silver per person.
"Perfect," Yoshiya murmured. "We were headed there anyway. Might as well make some extra coins."
Omina agreed immediately. "And it'll save us the caravan fee. Let's take it."
They approached the counter, quickly got the mission approved, and soon found themselves walking alongside a modest caravan of two wagons and a handful of merchants. The leader, a stout man with a friendly demeanor, welcomed them warmly.
"Good to have more adventurers on the road," he said. "Especially with all the examinees heading to Korvath this week. Makes the trip safer for everyone."
---
The road stretched long and winding through the countryside. Fields of golden wheat swayed in the wind, and distant forests framed the horizon. Along the way, they passed groups of armored adventurers—mostly fighters—marching confidently toward Korvath. The sheer number of travelers made the journey feel more like a parade than a dangerous trek.
Because of the heavy adventurer traffic, monster encounters were scarce. Hours passed with little more than casual conversation and the creak of wagon wheels. But just past a narrow bend, a rustle in the nearby bushes caught everyone's attention.
A lone wild wolf emerged, low growl rumbling as it crouched, ready to pounce.
"Looks like we've got company," Omina said, unsheathing her dagger with a grin.
"Let me handle the defense," Yoshiya replied, stepping forward.
The wolf lunged. Yoshiya thrust his hand forward, chanting under his breath. A shimmering Barrier flared into existence just in time—the creature's fangs clashed against the magical wall with a dull thud. The shield held firm.
"Nice," Omina whispered, and in a swift motion, she dashed forward, slipping past the edge of the barrier. Her blade found its mark, striking cleanly. The wolf collapsed without another sound.
The caravan members murmured in approval, some clapping lightly. One of the merchants gave Yoshiya a grateful nod. "That was clean work, healer."
Yoshiya just smiled. "Glad to help."
The rest of the trip was peaceful. With the wolf dispatched and the road bustling with adventurers, they made steady progress.
---
By late afternoon, the fortified walls of Korvath rose in the distance like a fortress carved from the earth itself. The city loomed high, its watchtowers and stone battlements gleaming faintly in the fading light. The rhythmic clang of metal echoed through the air—soldiers trained in the open grounds near the gates, their synchronized drills almost military in precision.
Omina slowed her steps, her eyes wide as she took it all in. "It's… so different from Orleaf," she whispered.
"Yeah," Yoshiya agreed. "This place is built for strength."
They passed through the gates after showing their guild tags and made their way to the Korvath Adventurer's Guild, which was buzzing with energy. The hall was filled with adventurers of all levels—some boasting loudly, others quietly studying or polishing weapons.
Omina approached the reception counter and confirmed her exam registration. The attendant handed her a parchment containing the exam details: time, location, and general instructions. Around them, other examinees were talking in hushed tones, mentally preparing for the tests ahead.
"This is it," Omina breathed, holding the parchment tightly.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the two found a modest inn near the guild. After a simple dinner, they retreated to their room, where the muffled sounds of distant training still drifted through the night.
Sitting by the window, Omina stared out at the darkened city, where torches illuminated the walls like stars.
"Tomorrow…" she whispered to herself, a determined spark in her eyes. "I'll give it everything I have."
Yoshiya watched her from across the room, quietly proud. They had come a long way since their early days.
As the silence settled, Omina leaned her head against the window frame, lost in thought. Her mind turned to the decision she still hadn't made—whether to pursue the path of a Blade Master, Archer, or Rogue. Each one called to her in a different way: the elegance of the blade, the precision of the bow, the cunning of the shadows.
She sighed softly. I'll decide tomorrow, she told herself. Whatever I choose… it has to be the path that feels right.
Tomorrow would mark another milestone—not just for her exam, but for the path her future would take.