Haruki's steps were measured and careful as Roderick guided him to the house where the medics resided. "Nice and easy, nice and easy, there we go," Roderick's voice was calm, a stark contrast to the intensity of the recent battle. "If Lila wasn't here, you could have felt more pain than this. But that trainee, was he even there the whole time?? Was he even a trainee?"

"I don't know," Haruki's brow furrowed in thought. "I never saw him once. When we fought, I couldn't see his face except his mouth, because of his hooded figure. Even when he zigzagged, his hood didn't even fly up a bit. It's just steady.

The medic, a person of swift and sure movements, arrived to assess Haruki's injuries. Meanwhile, Daisy, Kilin, and a tall blonde man approached. "I see that you are in good condition, Haruki. Good counter anyways," Daisy acknowledged, her tone carrying a mixture of pride and concern.

"Captain Daisy... I'm just lucky that I wasn't in a bad shape," Haruki replied, his voice tinged with relief. "That hooded man though, he was strong, have you noticed him from the beginning? Since you were watching from the start?"

"Oh? You mean Shozo?" Daisy gestured to the man beside her. "He's one of my students. Introduce yourself, Shozo."

Zakai Shozo, his demeanor composed yet exuding an air of confidence, stepped forward to address the trio. "Nice to meet the three of you. My name is Zakai Shozo. It was truly a good fight, Haruki-san. I was stunned that you managed to stop me, I wasn't even serious yet."

Haruki and Roderick exchanged surprised glances as Roderick was about to say something sharp. They were promptly halted by Daisy's stern gaze. "Huuhhhhhh!!?" they both exclaimed.

"You were the one!?? I'd like to take you on right here right now!" Roderick's voice held a mix of challenge and frustration.

"Interesting Roderick, I actually know your skills and weakness, and I'll accept that request of yours," Shozo responded evenly.

"Stand down, I don't want any mess right now. We have training later, Shozo. And Roderick, your attitude still remains," Daisy's voice brooked no argument.

Both men reluctantly withdrew, the tension in the room dissipating. Daisy turned her attention back to Haruki. "Haruki, I'm impressed by how you took down Shozo. Even though your hand is hurt, you still fight. I actually let Shozo test you and see how you deal with a stronger opponent, but he went a little far. Sorry for that."

"Sorry for going too far, Haruki-san," Shozo added, his tone contrite.

"No, no, I was actually prepared from the start, and I even expected it. By the way, Kilin, you actually knew this, didn't you?" Haruki inquired, his curiosity piqued.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"From the start, Haruki-boy. When we started the first stage, I was asked by Daisy to test the other worlders," Kilin explained matter-of-factly.

"I see, so it's a special training for people like me, right?" Haruki surmised.

"That's true, it's actually a rule from the king. When the king knew that the world was gonna end, he requested to summon other worlders for help, but if they are not experienced at battles like you, we must train them. But of course, we must know if that person is trustable or not, but you already passed that test," Daisy elaborated. Haruki turned to Seraphina, grateful for her insight.

"It's because of me, I actually used thought reader on you, but found no threats on you, just confusion on how you were summoned when we met that time," Seraphina confessed.

"Ohh, Garrick actually talked about your magic, I'm getting it. But I can't forgive Shozo on how harsh he tested me," Haruki admitted.

"I already told him before to go easy on you, but instead he has gone a a little far," Daisy scolded Shozo, her gaze unwavering. Shozo's nervousness was palpable, and he quickly exited the house, preparing for his punishment.

"Umm, is Daisy-san always that strict?" Haruki whispered to Kilin, slightly taken aback.

"Yes, she's actually way more strict than me, causing the army to be much stronger than I led them before," Kilin replied with a knowing smile.

Haruki was surprised, a newfound respect for Daisy settling in. Kilin congratulated Haruki, Roderick, and Lila on their success and extended a warm welcome to the SteelFury Guild. "Haruki, Roderick, and Lila, congratulations on passing the training. Me, Kilin, welcomes you to the SteelFury Guild. I look forward to working with you three. And I have special rewards for you three."

Haruki accepted the praise graciously, though the idea of leading gave him pause. "Thank you so much, Kilin, but leading may be a little too much for me."

Kilin's attention shifted to Roderick, acknowledging his transformation from gruff to a more compassionate fighter. Roderick's gratitude was evident in his response. "Thank you very much, Captain Kilin."

Lastly, Kilin turned to Lila, offering kind words of encouragement. "And lastly Lila, I don't know your background yet, but in the duels, I observed you on how you decided to fight a fellow elf. You hesitated, but Haruki and Roderick encouraged you and accepted it. You have a good heart on worrying about others, but there are times that make it hard for you, making you say no. You must accept it and move on."

"T- Thank you so much," Lila's voice wavered with emotion. Tears of joy glistened in her eyes as she embraced the heartfelt affirmation. "I said what I have to say, I look forward working with you three."

Seraphina, Elara, and Garrick beamed with pride, joining in the applause. Just as the trio began to settle into the moment, a knight materialized, his presence commanding attention. "Forgive my rudeness, You must be Haruki, right?"

"Y... Yes, I am Haruki, what do you want?" Haruki replied, curiosity mingling with wariness.

"The King wants to see you, you can bring your group mates if you want. Your Majesty has something to say," the knight informed.

"O... Ok, We'll be there," Haruki agreed, his heart pounding with a mix of apprehension and anticipation.