The guild hall was still noisy, the shock from the duel lingering like embers in the air.
Adventurers gathered in small groups, whispering yet unable to keep their voices low.
"Was she really… nine?"
"You saw it too! That child raised her hand and forced Corvian to his knees!"
"No, that wasn't luck. That gaze… it was far too cold for a child."
Some whispered, some scoffed, and some looked pale, still unable to recover from the shock.
---
At the counter, Luna held a newly issued card in her hands.
The surface glowed faintly, cool against her palm. She lowered her gaze, lips curving into a light yet confident smile.
So this is my beginning…
Her eyes sparkled under the lamps, mischievous yet sharp.
In front of her stood Mira, the guild's receptionist.
She was young, her uniform neat, long golden-brown hair tied with a simple ribbon. Usually known for her patience and kindness, she was the "gentle guide" for rookie adventurers.
But now her hands trembled faintly, unable to calm after witnessing the terrifying duel.
Forcing herself upright, Mira placed her professional smile back on her face, though her voice still quivered.
"C-congratulations, Luna. From today, you are officially recognized as an adventurer."
Luna lifted her head.
Her long aqua-blue hair shimmered under the light, her crystal-clear eyes staring straight at Mira.
She smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Mira-sis."
Mira froze for a moment, her heart warming.
This girl had just defeated a warrior of the Black Wing… yet in this moment, she was still only a nine-year-old child.
"Don't… don't call me sis," Mira muttered shyly, though her gaze softened. "Just remember—being an adventurer isn't only glory. It means responsibility. Your power… will bring trouble."
Luna tilted her head, pretending to think. Then her lips curved mischievously.
"Trouble? Isn't that part of the adventure?"
Her smile was innocent yet carried an effortless confidence, as if every difficulty was nothing more than spice in her journey.
Mira could only sigh softly. She looked at the little figure before her, filled with both worry and a quiet hope—perhaps, this child really could change the world.
---
Not far away, Sera leaned against a pillar, arms folded, a grin tugging her lips.
This is the one I'll follow… even if she's just nine.
But in the corners of the hall, several dark gazes lingered on Luna.
Some filled with disdain.
Some with wariness.
Some with jealousy and hatred.
The trial had earned Luna her adventurer's title… but also drew unseen enemies from the shadows.
Luna didn't care.
She tucked the card close to her chest, her eyes shimmering with excitement.
---
Sera strode over, her gauntlets flashing under the light, her fiery gaze locked on Luna.
"Luna!" Her voice burst out, unable to contain her excitement.
The hall fell silent at once. Dozens of eyes turned to the two of them.
Sera stopped in front of her, fists clenched, breathing quick, as though afraid to miss the moment.
"That duel…"
She paused, eyes burning as they met Luna's. Then she broke into a wide grin.
"You were amazing! Will you… team up with me?"
The words hit the hall like a stone in a still pond, ripples spreading fast.
"Sera?! She…"
"The Mad Fist herself inviting a rookie?"
"No, not a rookie… not after what she just did."
Murmurs surged through the crowd.
Luna blinked, then smiled. Innocence and confidence mingled on her face.
"You really are direct, huh?"
She spun the card between her fingers, but didn't answer right away.
Team up? Maybe fun… but I won't follow just anyone.
Her eyes lingered on Sera's face, deliberately making the woman tense.
---
"Oi, brat."
A cold voice cut through the air.
From the crowd stepped out a bearded man with a thick-bladed sword on his hip. His smile was twisted, his eyes sharp with malice.
"That match? Just luck. Don't get cocky. This isn't a playground for children."
Low murmurs rippled.
"Yeah… she's only nine…"
"One fight doesn't make an adventurer…"
But most kept silent, waiting to see Luna's response.
She lifted her eyes to the man, blinking innocently at first—then her gaze tilted upward, a sly spark flashing.
"Luck?"
Her voice was light, but carried clear mockery.
"Then why don't you test it yourself?"
The hall froze.
A few gasped. Some stifled laughter. Sera's eyes gleamed, fists tightening with excitement.
The man's face flushed red, veins bulging.
"You brat… you're asking for it!"
Mira's heart sank. She leapt to her feet, voice trembling but firm.
"Enough! This is the guild, not a pit fight! Anyone causing trouble—I'll call the Discipline Squad immediately!"
Her voice wasn't loud, but it cut through the noise.
The hall fell quiet again.
Luna glanced at her, lips curving into a small, reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Mira. I wasn't planning on breaking your desk."
Mira exhaled, forcing calm. She reached under the counter, pulling out a stack of parchment quest slips, spreading them on the table.
"Luna, since you're an adventurer now, you need to learn how to choose quests. These are beginner tasks. Pick one."
Luna's eyes lit up instantly. She leaned forward, hands on the table, staring at the papers like treats at a stall.
"Wow… it's like a menu!"
Mira rubbed her forehead.
This child really treats quests like games…
But then she remembered the duel, shivering slightly.
For her… maybe it really is a game.
"This one," Mira pointed, "clearing sewer rats. Reward: three silver coins."
"Ew… sounds smelly." Luna wrinkled her nose dramatically.
Mira tried not to laugh and flipped another slip.
"This one—escort an herb merchant to the village outskirts. Half-day trip."
Luna's eyes sparkled.
"That one! Herbs, merchants… way more fun than rats!"
But before she could grab it, a loud voice broke in.
"Hey, kid, quests aren't toys!"
Sera had walked over, arms crossed, smirking with challenge.
"These are meant to test if rookies can handle themselves. Don't just pick the easy ones."
Luna puffed her cheeks, smiling slyly.
"You mean… you want me to fight rats?"
"Better than babysitting herbs!" Sera grinned, fire in her gaze. Let's see what she picks…
Luna tapped her finger, thinking. Mira hoped she'd choose something simple. Sera wanted her to take something tougher.
Luna's grin widened.
"Alright, then… I'll pick this one!"
She snatched the herb escort quest.
"You—!" Sera froze, then burst into laughter.
"You really only do what you want, huh?"
"Of course!" Luna placed her fists on her hips.
"Adventure means fun! No matter the quest, I'll do it better than anyone!"
Mira finally laughed aloud, the tension breaking.
---
Just then, footsteps approached.
A modest man carrying a large pack of herbs entered. His plain clothes and nervous demeanor marked him as the client.
"This is your employer—Jorin, the herb merchant," Mira introduced.
Jorin blinked at Luna, disbelief plain on his face.
"She's… my escort?"
Luna puffed out her chest proudly.
"Yep! I'm Luna, your adventurer escort!"
Jorin frowned, muttering.
"Ridiculous. She's not even ten. If wolves come, I'll be protecting her!"
Sera stepped in, smirking.
"You underestimate her. Without her, half the guild would've lost face yesterday. Want a demonstration?"
Jorin hesitated, uneasy.
Luna smiled, lifting her finger. She tapped the table.
"Crack—" Frost spread instantly, covering the wood in white. Cold mist rolled across the counter.
Jorin stumbled back, eyes wide.
"This… this is real?!"
The frost vanished as quickly as it came. Luna winked playfully.
"Just saying hello."
The merchant swallowed hard, his doubts shaken.
"…Then I'll leave it to you."
Sera smirked. This girl… always breaking the rules. But damn if she doesn't make everyone admit her strength.
---
Soon, the three left the guild.
Luna walked at the front, her small bag bouncing, aqua hair swaying in the morning breeze.
"Wow~ Perfect weather for adventure!"
Jorin trudged behind, sweating under the herb bundle, though strangely, he felt… reassured.
Why do I feel safer… behind her?
Sera brought up the rear, scanning the path warily.
This escort job won't be that simple. If danger comes… I want to see how this brat handles it.
Beyond the city gates, the forest path stretched ahead.
And in the shadows of the trees, a pair of cold eyes glimmered.
A low whisper drifted with the wind:
"…The prey has left its cage."
It was the gaze of the Black Wing.