The morning fog drifted between the trees as the Celestars packed their things. The campfire had died down to soft embers, and a few birds chirped above.
"Did you hear that owl last night?" Iuro said, yawning. "It hooted like… twelve times in a row."
"That was Rick snoring," Yuuv mumbled, still half-asleep under his blanket. "I count in my sleep."
"I knew it," Iuro said with a grin.
"eeh?" Rick said while pulling their hairs from behind.
They set off down the road, the forest growing thinner as the path curved downhill. By mid-morning, the trees opened up—and beyond a gentle slope stood Redvine City.
Tall walls surrounded the city, vines crawling up stone towers. Flags fluttered in the wind, and beyond the gates, rooftops, domes, and towers of all colors sparkled in the sunlight.
"Whoa…" Ishi murmured.
"It's so colorful," Rick said. "I can already smell fried food."
"Focus," Lui said, but even he smiled.
As they approached the gates, two armored guards looked them over.
"Names?"
"Celestars," Lui said.
The guards exchanged a look, then nodded. "Guild kids, huh? Go straight to the East Registration Hall. You're here for the event, right?"
"Yup!" Iuro said. "First rank-up."
"Good luck. Redvine likes bold ones."
The boys walked into the city with wide eyes.
Redvine buzzed with life. Street performers juggled glowing orbs. Floating carts carried potions and herbs. Mages practiced spells in open fields. Children ran around, giggling and waving paper swords.
Yuuv kept spinning around slowly. "Too much to look at…"
"Keep walking or we'll lose you," Izumi said, pulling his hood up.
Eventually, they reached the East Registration Hall—a huge dome-shaped building with a silver emblem on the front. Dozens of young mages and swordsmen were lining up at the entrance, chattering nervously.
"Looks like we're not the only ones here," Ishi said.
A woman with short grey hair and glowing gloves stood at the front. "Next!"
One by one, the Celestars registered.
"Welcome to Redvine's D-Novice Event," she said. "The trials will begin tomorrow. Today, participants are free to explore and train in the public fields. Lodging is provided in the East Dormitory. Curfew is sunset."
After registering, the boys were guided to their dorm. It wasn't fancy—just bunk beds, old rugs, and wooden lockers—but it was cozy.
Rick threw his bag on the top bunk. "Home sweet maybe-for-now."
"Let's check out the training grounds," Lui said. "We should be ready for anything tomorrow."
The training fields were wide open, with different sections: spell zones, sword areas, dummies, obstacle courses, and even a mini dueling ring.
As the Celestars arrived, they saw other kids practicing—some clumsily, others confidently. A girl was levitating three books while running. A boy was trying to make fire but kept summoning steam.
"Looks fun," Iuro said.
"Let's split up and train what we're weakest in," Lui said.
Everyone nodded.
Izumi headed to the obstacle course. Ishi chose the shadow dummies zone. Rick started tossing water orbs in the air. Iuro practiced staff swings while talking to a bush. Yuuv just stood under a tree, sleepy.
"Hey," Lui said, walking over to him. "You okay?"
"Just saving energy," Yuuv said. "I'll practice… watching others."
Lui chuckled. "Fine. But tomorrow, no slacking."
Yuuv gave a thumbs-up and went back to leaning against the tree.
Later that afternoon, a small crowd gathered near the dueling ring. A boy with silver hair and a red jacket was dueling a girl with glowing green boots.
"Hey… that guy's fast," Rick said, watching.
"He's using wind magic to boost his steps," Izumi observed.
The boy struck the dummy three times in one breath. Applause followed.
Someone whispered nearby, "He's from the Emberwall Guild. Top of the E-Novice chart last month."
The Celestars exchanged glances.
"Looks like we've got serious rivals," Lui said.
"I want to fight him," Ishi said calmly.
Yuuv blinked. "I want pudding."
As the sun dipped lower, they returned to the dorm, muscles sore but hearts fired up.
"I feel ready," Iuro said, lying flat on the bed.
"We're gonna do great," Rick said. "Right, Yuvi?"
Yuuv was already asleep.
Lui smiled. "Let's show them what Celestars can do."
The room slowly filled with quiet breathing and the golden warmth of dusk.
Tomorrow, they'd each face the world alone.
But tonight, they rested together.