The neon lights drenched the street corner in dazzling brilliance.
Red and blue reflections shimmered across rain-slick cobblestones, where puddles fractured and reformed the images of traffic and crowds—restless shadows swirling like a second world breathing beneath the water.
The glass curtain walls of the skyscrapers mirrored it all back: headlights tangled with neon, overlapping silhouettes moving as though another city spun alongside this one.
A low rumble swept overhead as a hovering advertisement pod drifted past, its fins stirring the air with oppressive force. A synthetic female voice rang out, slicing across the street:
"—Energy Blades, the new generation has arrived! Experience unmatched cutting power today!"
The mechanical tone echoed coldly in the neon haze before dissolving into the hawkers' cries and the roar of the crowd.
---
"Last skewer! Hurry before it's gone!"
The vendor's voice was hoarse yet full of vigor. Sparks leapt from the grill, smoke coiling upward, sweat streaming down his face as hope burned in his eyes.
"Me! I'll take it!" a young man shouted, laughter ringing out as a silver coin clinked into the metal box. The crowd erupted in cheerful noise.
The rich scent of grilled meat tangled with the frosty mist of chilled drinks, saturating the air. Children darted past chasing glowing candy sticks, their laughter threading through the crowd. On the corner, a street performer tossed holographic orbs that burst into rainbows, drawing applause and squeals of delight.
---
Luna stood still in the midst of it all.
The acrid traces of explosions and gunpowder still lingered in her nose—ghosts of the battle behind her. Yet here, beneath neon tides and human voices, the weight of that past was being washed away.
She drew in a long breath. Her steps lightened, her body moving as if to an unseen rhythm flowing through her veins.
Her long aqua-blue hair shimmered under the neon glow, tips bouncing with each step. Her lashes trembled, eyes sparkling with mischief and anticipation, lips curving upward.
—Cuteness and confidence radiated from her in equal measure.
---
The skeleton of the city stretched into view.
Distant towers glinted coldly, a suspended rail train roared past with a shudder, and above, an airship drifted slowly, trailing silver light like a river.
A voice stirred in Luna's heart:
—I could use magic just to survive, but wouldn't that be a waste? This world deserves to be savored with all my strength.
She pursed her lips, tapped her chin playfully, eyes flashing with mischief.
"Adventure should be enjoyed to the fullest… and the first thing I need is—money!"
Her laughter spilled out, clear as silver bells, carrying the weight of a proclamation.
She stepped beneath the city's great arch.
Prosperity surged to meet her.
Restaurants floated on suspended platforms, their aromas entwined with glowing menus in the air. Transparent holo-screens flickered, throwing shifting light across the crowd. In the distance, the arena rose like a beast, while the cathedral's spire gleamed like a shard of ice—technology and sanctity crowning the skyline together.
Cloaked travelers hurried past with veiled faces. Warriors in optical armor lingered at corners. Vendors pushed squealing carts. Patrol mechs stomped—thud, thud—their crimson eyes sweeping coldly, sending children diving into their mothers' arms. Above, airships and drone swarms cut precise trails, their humming drowning out marketplace chatter.
Luna's eyes glittered like diamonds.
She skipped through the streets like a child let loose in a carnival, breath quickening, desperate to capture every detail of the city into her heart.
---
Until—her eyes locked on it.
At the end of the street, a colossal building loomed.
A fusion of palace and space station, its towering arch glowed with flowing patterns, silver-steel walls meshed with translucent energy fields. Above, a floating emblem rotated slowly, its pressure so heavy that passersby instinctively slowed their steps.
"…This is insane." Luna gasped, eyes shining.
She licked her lips, heart hammering, a radiant grin spreading as she hurried toward the gates.
---
The doors slid open.
A blast of cold air struck her face, carrying the tang of metal and disinfectant.
The hall stretched vast as a plaza, obsidian floors reflecting ghostlike silhouettes. Holographic boards along the walls scrolled missions and maps, their lights flickering like galaxies in motion.
At the center, concentric blue-white rings hovered above a platform as mechanical arms busied themselves with documents. Receptionists in crisp uniforms worked in seamless rhythm beside them.
---
When Luna stepped inside, the air compressed.
Glasses froze midair, data cards slapped onto tables. Adventurers' gazes snapped toward her.
"A kid? Lost your way?"
"This isn't a daycare."
"Hah! What a joke!"
In the corner, an old adventurer narrowed his eyes. That look… not an ordinary brat.
Luna smirked inwardly. Soon enough, you'll know who I am.
---
She approached the counter.
The short-haired receptionist glanced up, her professional smile faltering in surprise.
"Welcome to the Adventurers' Guild. How may I assist you?"
Her eyes lingered on Luna's small frame, doubt flickering. So little… surely she's lost?
"Sweetheart, did you get separated from your family? Do you want me to help you find them?"
---
The hall erupted in laughter.
"Hah! You hear that? She's looking for her mom!"
"This isn't a playground!"
Some roared with amusement, palms slapping tables. Others shook their heads with disdain. Yet a few watched quietly, brows furrowed. She doesn't look like she's joking.
---
Luna heard every word but didn't flinch.
Her brow arched, lips curling in a sly grin. Her eyes gleamed as if to declare: Watch closely.
"No. I'm here to register as an adventurer."
The hall fell silent.
Glasses froze, throats bobbed, laughter caught mid-breath. Mockery flickered into doubt.
The receptionist's heart jolted. Meeting those eyes, she felt a pressure she couldn't explain. She's serious…
"You… truly want to register?" she asked, voice faltering.
Luna drew herself tall, breath steady, her nine-year-old frame exuding the bearing of a king.
"Yes. I want to register."
Her voice cracked like a hammer striking steel.
---
The silence deepened.
Adventurers exchanged uneasy glances. In the corner, an old veteran tapped his glass and muttered: "This brat… not simple."
The receptionist's hands trembled as she clutched her skirt. Nine years old… yet she carries this weight?
A burly adventurer slammed the table, ale splashing. "Brat! This isn't your dollhouse!"
"Go buy candy instead!" younger voices jeered.
"Hahaha!" Laughter rippled through the hall.
---
Luna raised her hand.
A twitch of her fingertip—
The air plummeted in temperature.
"…!" Adventurers nearby staggered back as the icy chill clawed at their skin.
Frost crept across a glass, freezing it solid, ale inside gleaming with eerie blue light.
The hall held its breath.
The burly man's face drained of color, sweat dripping down his temple. This brat…
Luna chuckled, her azure eyes glinting like ice.
"Is that proof enough?"
---
The receptionist stiffened; adventurers glanced uneasily at each other.
Luna stood tall at the counter, her aura blazing, as though the stage belonged to her alone.
I'm here to begin my adventure, not to beg for approval.
The frozen glass gleamed coldly on the table, its chill turning adventurers' breaths into mist.
The receptionist swallowed hard, forcing composure even as her mind raced. Nine years old, and with just a flick… If she truly enters the field, what storm will she unleash?
Her finger pressed the panel.
"…Very well. According to guild rules, you must pass the crystal test."
---
At once, the hall shifted.
"Heh, here it comes. The brat's about to embarrass herself."
"The crystal doesn't care about age. If she's weak, she's out."
But others stayed silent, their gazes locked on her. That frozen glass… it wasn't an illusion.
---
Luna's lips curved.
"A test? Perfect."
Her voice was clear, carrying like a blade through doubt.
The receptionist tapped. A translucent hexagonal crystal floated into place, glowing with pale blue light.
"Place your hand on the crystal. It will read your mana."
Her words shook despite her effort at calm.
---
Luna advanced, each step ringing sharply on the obsidian floor.
Her azure hair swayed, neon starlight flickering in her eyes.
She raised her hand.
The entire hall held its breath.
Her fingertip brushed the crystal.
BZZT—
The crystal erupted.
Blue-white light surged like a flood, blasting upward, scattering shards of brilliance across every face.
"Th-this is—!"
Eyes widened. Hearts thundered.
A young adventurer stared, dumbstruck. When I tested, it barely flickered… and she made it explode!
---
The receptionist's pupils shrank, her mind spinning. She… surpasses every standard. This power rivals high-rank adventurers.
The light ebbed like retreating tide. Luna withdrew her hand, exhaling softly.
Her lips curved, eyes gleaming with both childish mischief and regal calm.
"So… does that count as passing?"
The silence shattered.
"Impossible!"
"She's only nine!"
"What kind of monster is this?!"
Some cried out in panic; others paled, unable to meet her gaze.
Only the old adventurer chuckled, shaking his head.
"The bearing of a king… thrilling."
---
The receptionist inhaled deeply, fingers flying across her console.
"…Your mana far exceeds the novice standard. I'll issue you a formal license."
The holo-screen flickered. A silver adventurer's card materialized.
She handed it over with trembling fingers.
"This is your adventurer's license. From now on, you are officially registered."
---
Luna accepted it, tracing its cold edge. Her eyes burned with heat.
She lifted her head, sweeping the hall.
Every gaze still clung to her—wary, awestruck, disbelieving.
Her breath was steady, her lips curved with playful yet cutting poise.
"My adventure begins today."
Her voice rang like a bell, echoing through the hall.
The silver card gleamed beneath the neon glow, reflecting in her small hand. Though slender, she stood like a pivot bearing down the weight of the guild's gaze.
---
Whispers stirred first among young adventurers.
"Nine years old…" one muttered bitterly, nearly dropping his mug. I've struggled three years for mid-rank, and she crushes me so easily.
"Where did this brat even come from?" Another frowned, thoughts racing. If I recruit her, missions will be easy… but if rivals get her first…
Elsewhere, the burly man's face twisted pale, then green. His pride screamed she's just a brat!—yet the memory of that chill gnawed at him.
I'll find a chance to crush her. Otherwise this shame will haunt me forever.
A scarred veteran sipped ale quietly, eyes dark.
"This pressure… I've only felt it from rulers. If she remains, even this city may change."
---
The receptionist's hands still trembled.
She's nine, yet her gaze—like she's playing, yet judging us all… Her aura makes me want to step back.
She forced a smile, though worry gnawed at her.
Child, shining so brightly… too many eyes will fall on you.
---
Then a man in a black cloak rose slowly.
His movements were light, yet those nearby held their breath.
His snake-cold eyes fixed on Luna, lips curling in a thin smile.
"Interesting… truly interesting," he murmured, voice barely audible. If I can seize her secret… I'll strike gold.
Elsewhere, a gauntleted woman's eyes blazed with excitement.
This is the leader I've been waiting for! If I follow her… I can rise too!
Her breath quickened with visions of the future.
---
Luna stood calmly.
She felt their gazes—fiery, cold, malicious, yearning.
The air stank of smoke and liquor, yet a thrill stirred in her chest.
—She savored every moment.
From battlefield frost to guild neon, malice or curiosity—it was all just another adventure.
All eyes clung to the nine-year-old girl, yet no one spoke.
Only the holo-board scrolled on, its beep beep a reminder this had once been just another workplace.
---
Laughter returned.
Not the loud, mocking laughter from earlier, but hushed chuckles dripping with scorn.
"Hmph… little brat."
The burly man's face paled, then flushed. Sweat slid into his beard as his knuckles whitened on the table.
He forced a crooked smile, voice hoarse but straining for calm.
"Not bad… but adventuring isn't about scaring people."
A few companions added slyly, just loud enough for her to hear:
"He's right. Spooking folks proves nothing—steel on steel does."
"Haha! Wait till she meets a real monster. She'll run home bawling for her mama."
Their laughter rang hollow, eyes betraying guilt and envy.
---
Then, a tall female adventurer slammed the table and stood.
Iron gauntlets glinted on her fists, short hair framing fire-bright eyes.
"Enough nonsense."
Her voice rang sharp, barely containing her excitement.
She locked onto Luna. "Little sister, that move just now—brilliant."
She grinned, thrusting out a hand.
"Name's Sera. Join my party? I can tell—you're no ordinary girl."
The guild burst into commotion.
"Sera? First to recruit her?"
"No surprise—the 'Mad Fist' always had guts."
"If that kid joins her team… things will change."
Faces darkened with envy and scheming.
---
Behind the counter, the receptionist's chest tightened.
She's extraordinary… but flaunting like this will breed enemies.
Her eyes swept the restless adventurers, worry etching deeper lines on her brow.
"…Little one," she murmured, lowering her voice, "think carefully. An adventurer's life is not—"
A chilling laugh sliced her words apart.
---
A cloaked man stepped forward.
Each deliberate step pressed on hearts around him.
His narrow eyes glinted like a serpent's, lips curling.
"Brat," he hissed, voice low yet carrying clear, "since you claim to be an adventurer… prove it—with a test."
The hall froze.
"A test?" whispers rippled.
"Is he mad? That kid—"
"Shh. Watch."
The man advanced, eyes locking on Luna.
"The rules are simple."
He raised his hand, dark red energy pulsing like it might burst.
"Endure three moves from me—and I'll acknowledge you."
The guild exploded in uproar.
"He's insane! A Black Wing warrior!"
"Three moves? Hah—she's done for!"
"No… maybe… maybe she can…"
Once more, every eye turned to Luna.
She exhaled softly, aqua hair swaying in the chill.
Mischief gleamed in her eyes, lips curving upward—then her aura surged, sovereign and crushing.
Three moves? Hah… that's all you've got?
She did not answer at once.
Instead, she strode forward, each step outweighing the hall.
"Three moves?" Her voice rang clear, edged with frost. "You'd better not regret it."
---