Yes, it was normal for an adventurer to live surrounded by conflict—since that was often the only way to solve problems in the world.
But in this institution, things didn't feel normal anymore. It felt like every kind of trouble was specifically seeking him out. Maybe he really needed to find a Guild before the first Guilds Event arrived.
But how could he do that when everyone already despised him on his first day?
As he sank deeper into thought, an idea suddenly lit up in his mind.
He returned to class. Everyone was busy watching the duel and listening to their instructor's lecture. But Emrys's mind was elsewhere.
Later, in the Dining Hall, he sat quietly. He ignored all the mocking whispers around him. Rumors were spreading that he surrendered because he supposedly peed himself during the duel.
It was humiliating, but Emrys finished his food without reacting to anything around him.
At a nearby table, Heji chatted with his friends, though he kept glancing at Emrys. He knew his role as the boy's guide was over. But knowing Emrys returned to his dorm battered every day made Heji feel guilty.
Yet because he was ashamed to be seen with a loser, he no longer interfered. Besides, the institution had always been chaotic. He was used to keeping distance. And he would not risk his own safety just because of a little guilt or pity.
Afternoon came.
Students returned to their dorms. Some stayed near the sheds, gymnasium, or fields.
As usual, Emrys walked back alone—until he noticed the same group of students who always beat him up.
They spotted him too, grinning as they moved closer.
So Emrys quickly turned into a narrow alley. Two seconds later, the students followed—but to their shock, Emrys was gone.
No trace. No sign of where he went.
"How is that possible?" one asked while searching the entire alley. They reached the end, but there was no Emrys in sight.
Their leader clenched his fists, eyes blazing in fury. "That rat. He has the nerve to run from us now? Once I catch him, I'll beat him and break his bones until he can't walk again."
—
On a bench under a tree with blood-red leaves sat Desmond, legs crossed as he focused on his book.
Hardly anyone passed by this place. Few even knew it existed. But Desmond visited often whenever he had free time.
It was peaceful—until he suddenly sensed a shift in the air when Emrys appeared in front of him.
He didn't bother looking up. He chose to ignore the boy's presence and flipped a page.
A few seconds of silence passed before Emrys spoke. "I'm sorry if this is sudden, but… there's something I'd like to ask of you."
"Sorry as well, but I don't have time to speak with someone like you. I have things to do, boy, so leave."
"Please. Tell me how I can join a Guild in this institution."
Desmond paused for a moment at those words. But it wasn't enough for him to meet the boy's eyes.
"To make it clear, there's something you must understand about the Guilds here. You do not choose whether you join a Guild or not. The Guild Leaders pick you. You cannot refuse, even if you want to. So if no Guild has chosen you, that is no one's concern but your own. That's a question you should be asking yourself."
Emrys's fists tightened. "So only the strong matter to you? If someone is weak, they instantly have no worth, even if they still have a chance to grow stronger?"
"There is a big difference between someone who simply got lucky and someone who actually has the potential to grow," Desmond replied calmly, finally lifting his eyes toward Emrys. "And from what I've seen, you are just a child who happened to pass a test I gave you. When no Guild accepted you, that's when I lost hope that you would grow stronger. Because of that, I became convinced you are nothing more than a lucky boy who somehow got into this institution. So be grateful for what you have."
"Meaning, you really won't tell me how I can earn the trust of the Guild Leaders? Is that what you want to say?"
"Even if there were a way, I would never share it with you."
Emrys exhaled sharply and shoved both hands into his pockets. "Then I really have no choice. You pushed me to the edge. And as an adventurer who intends to fight back against any opposing wind, I'll cling on."
"What nonsense are you talking about now?"
"In the upcoming Guilds Event… I will force the headmaster to allow me to participate. I'll do everything—fight with everything I have—even if I have to do it alone. And you can't stop me."
Desmond snapped his book shut, eyes burning with intensity as he stared at Emrys.
The teacher stood, walked past him, and muttered:
"Try to fight. I will never stop you. Let's see how far that bravery of yours goes. You want to fight?
Then I challenge you, Emrys Valestron."