In the bustling capital city of Valerion, warm sunlight bathed the streets, which were alive with the voices of merchants, adventurers, and travelers from distant lands.
It was a place where countless dreams had been tested—some shattered, some realized—etched deeply into the hearts of those who dared to seek adventure.
A young man clad in vivid red clothing stepped forward with a wide smile on his face. His crimson hair gleamed beneath the sunlight, and his red eyes reflected an intense, unwavering resolve.
This was Blade Lunaria.
Though many in the city knew him as "the boy who failed the adventurer examination four times," Blade carried himself forward cheerfully, without a trace of shame or hesitation.
As he pushed open the doors of the Adventurers Guild, voices immediately rose around him.
"Hey, isn't that the guy who failed before?"
"Four times, right? Hah!"
"How can he still smile after all that?"
Blade continued walking. His lips curved upward, his eyes gentle—he bore no resentment toward their laughter.
Laugh all you want… today is different.
Behind the counter stood a young female guild receptionist with long brown hair neatly tied back. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Blade-san… you're back again?"
Blade chuckled softly and scratched his cheek.
"Yes. I'd like to take the adventurer examination one more time."
She let out a sigh and pressed a hand to her forehead.
"This will be your fifth attempt. If you fail again, the Guild won't allow you to try anymore. Do you understand?"
"I understand," Blade replied, his voice steady and bright.
"But I believe this time will be different."
Seeing his familiar smile, the receptionist softened slightly.
"Alright… I'll make the arrangements."
---
The Trial
Inside the training grounds, a large man covered in scars across his chest stood waiting. He grinned mockingly.
"So you're that kid who always fails. Don't think I'll go easy on you."
Blade unsheathed his sword—a brilliant crimson blade strapped to his back beneath a cloth wrap. His eyes narrowed slightly.
"This time… I'll win."
The trial began.
The examiner charged forward with brutal force, but Blade's movements were sharper and faster than ever before. His sword ignited with crimson flames, each strike carrying overwhelming power.
As he was pushed back, the examiner's eyes widened.
"Impossible… you've gotten this strong?!"
Moments later, Blade's blade rested at the man's neck. The battle was over.
The burly man dropped his weapon and laughed in disbelief.
"You've won. There's no doubt about it."
Watching from the side, the guild receptionist blinked in shock.
"Blade-san… you really passed?"
---
Becoming an Adventurer
Soon after, she handed him a newly issued Adventurer's Card.
Name: Blade Lunaria
Rank: C
"Rank C," she explained.
"It's exceptionally high for a beginner, but it reflects Blade-san's swordsmanship and magic. Remember—adventurers can travel freely between kingdoms without paying taxes. Merchants can't do that, but adventurers are recognized everywhere."
Blade accepted the card with both hands and bowed slightly.
"Thank you. This means the world to me."
Nearby, voices erupted in astonishment.
"No way… he really became an adventurer?!"
"Rank C on his first success?!"
The entire guild buzzed with shock.
Curious, the receptionist asked softly,
"Um… Blade-san, why do you want to be an adventurer so badly, even after failing so many times?"
Blade smiled, his eyes shining with passion.
"Because I want to travel across the world of Velgrith. I want to see every kingdom, every mountain, every sea. I want to meet people, help them, and carry this smile with me wherever I go."
For a moment, the receptionist was speechless.
This man… he's truly different now.
---
The First Quest
"Then take your first quest, Blade-san.
A Rank-C extermination request—defeat the high-level Orc nest in the western forest."
Blade accepted without hesitation.
"I'll take it."
With his sword secured on his back and determination in his heart, he departed.
Deep within the forest, he discovered something unusual—a hidden Orc dungeon. The stench of beasts filled the air. Inside, countless orcs roared loudly, led by a massive Orc King.
Blade's sword burst into flames.
"Oh… so this is the beginning of my journey."
With swift movements, he leapt into the nest, cutting down orcs one after another with blazing swordsmanship and fire magic.
The battle with the Orc King was fierce, but Blade's burning blade pierced straight through the monster's heart, ending it in a violent blaze.
Unfortunately, there was no treasure inside the dungeon.
Still, Blade collected all the orc corpses and stored them in his magic bag.
---
Return in Victory
When Blade returned to the Adventurers Guild, silence fell.
He slammed the Orc King's body onto the floor. Every gaze turned toward him.
"The quest is complete."
Gasps echoed through the hall.
"That's… the Orc King!"
"He really defeated it?!"
The receptionist quickly appraised the remains.
"For the Orc King and its group… Blade-san's reward is over 5,000 gold coins."
Blade smiled.
"That's more than enough."
With his newfound wealth, he visited the market and found himself drawn to a brown horse and carriage.
"That horse?" the merchant warned.
"He's stubborn, unruly, and no one wants him. But…"
As he looked at Blade, the horse's eyes softened.
Blade gently stroked its neck.
"I think we'll get along just fine."
Seeing the Rank-C badge on Blade's chest, the merchant nodded.
"Alright. He's yours, kid."
---
Farewell to Family
Before leaving for the outside world, Blade returned home.
His small house was filled with warmth—his father, mother, and cheerful little sister.
"I finally became an adventurer," Blade said proudly.
"I'm an adventurer now, Father, Mother, little sister."
His parents exchanged glances and smiled.
"We're proud of you, Blade."
His little sister hugged him tightly.
"Onii-chan, don't forget us, okay? You promise you'll come back!"
Blade gently embraced her and stroked her hair.
"I promise. And I'll come back with stories from every corner of the world."
He handed part of his gold to his parents.
"Please use this for the house."
"Stay safe, Blade," his mother whispered, tears glistening in her eyes.
With a final embrace, Blade mounted his new carriage. As if sharing his excitement, the brown horse stamped proudly.
"Let's head to Silverwood Kingdom."
The carriage carrying the boy in red rolled forward—like a blazing dream, like the opening chapter of a legend.
And so began the journey of Blade Lunaria, the adventurer destined to face a fate far greater than himself.
---
End of Chapter 1