Katsuo and Taka stood before the imposing building that housed the Aegis Guild, the heart of adventurer activity in Rokatheryl.

The grand entrance was covered by towering marble columns, their surfaces made with intricate carvings of mythical creatures and ancient battles. Above the massive double doors was an emblem of a shield with wings, glinting in the sunlight. Deep blue and silver banners fluttered in the breeze, symbols of strength and unity, making it clear that the guild was a place of both prestige and power.

Katsuo took a moment to admire the architecture. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” he muttered, more to himself than to Taka.

“It’s almost like walking into a palace, not a guild.”

Taka grinned at Katsuo’s awe.

“You’re not wrong. The Aegis Guild is famous for blending old traditions with modern power. You’ll find adventurers here from every corner of the continent—some of the best and brightest warriors, scholars, and strategists. But don’t let the beauty fool you. Gosapor might be the jewel of Rokatheryl, but this guild? It’s where the sharpest blades meet the toughest challenges.”

Katsuo raised an eyebrow.

“So, not just a bunch of pretty buildings, huh?”

Taka chuckled, clapping Katsuo on the back.

“Exactly. You’ll see soon enough.”

The double doors opened with a soft creak, revealing the bustling interior of the guild. As they stepped inside, Katsuo felt a wave of energy wash over him. The place was alive with activity.

Adventurers of all ranks filled the hall—some gathered around large tables covered in maps, others sharpening their weapons, and a few engaged in hushed discussions about upcoming missions. The walls were lined with portraits of legendary warriors, each one a tribute to those who had carved their names into history.

The grand hall itself was a work of art. Vaulted ceilings stretched high above, with chandeliers hanging low, casting warm light across the room. Massive tapestries depicting great battles, while the marble floors shined. In the center of the room stood a large circular desk where several guild receptionists helped adventurers register for missions.

Katsuo’s eyes widened as he took it all in.

“This place… it’s incredible.”

Taka smirked.

“You’re not in Furashima anymore. This is where the real players gather.”

Before Katsuo could respond, a voice cut through the noise of the guild hall.

"Taka!"

A girl with short blonde hair, who had been chatting happily with a rookie adventurer at the counter, suddenly turned her attention to them. Her cheerful demeanor evaporated in an instant, replaced by an expression of pure fury. She vaulted over the desk with surprising speed and charged straight toward them.

Katsuo barely had time to process what was happening before she was standing directly in front of Taka, her fists clenched, her eyes blazing.

“Taka!” she began, her tone honeyed for a split second before turning into a full-blown roar.

“WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN!? You disappear for months without a word, and now you think you can just waltz back into the guild like nothing happened!? You have some nerve!”

Her voice echoed through the guild, drawing the attention of every adventurer nearby. Conversations died down as heads turned to watch the unfolding drama.

Taka’s face paled, and with a dramatic flair, he dropped to his knees, hands clasped together in a mock prayer.

“Monica, please! I can explain! I was on a spiritual journey of self-discovery… and uh… doing important training!”

Monica, unimpressed, crossed her arms and glared down at him.

“Training? Training for what, exactly? Avoiding responsibilities? You were supposed to take care of a stack of missions before you disappeared, and instead, you’ve left me to deal with the mess you made!”

Nearby adventurers exchanged amused glances, some stifling laughter. One particularly burly man with an axe strapped to his back shook his head.

“Taka’s done it again,” he muttered to his companion.

Katsuo, feeling secondhand embarrassment, cleared his throat and stepped forward, hoping to defuse the situation.

“Uh… I’m Katsuo Nakatsugawa. Taka’s… student,” he said, bowing politely.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Monica’s expression softened immediately. Her fiery glare disappeared, replaced by a warm smile.

“Nice to meet you, Katsuo!” she said brightly.

“I’m Monica Selnate, head receptionist of the Gosapor Branch of the Aegis Guild. Welcome!”

Katsuo blinked, taken aback by how quickly her demeanor changed.

“Thanks,” he replied, still a little uncertain.

“I’ve heard a lot about the Aegis Guild, but… Taka hasn’t exactly explained much about how things work here.”

Taka, still on the floor, gasped in mock offense.

“Katsuo! How could you betray me like this? I’ve taught you everything you know!”

Monica giggled, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, please. It sounds like Taka’s been up to his usual nonsense.” She turned back to Katsuo, her tone becoming more serious.

“I can explain everything. The Aegis Guild is a place where adventurers, mercenaries, and warriors can take on various missions to help people. In exchange, they earn rewards—money, gear, resources, and sometimes even prestige.”

Katsuo nodded, listening intently as she continued.

“We have a ranking system that determines your status in the guild. Everyone starts at D-Rank, which is for rookies and those still honing their skills. From there, you can move up to C, B, A, and the rare S-Rank. S-Rank Vanguards are legends—some of the strongest in the world.”

Monica paused for a moment, her eyes twinkling as she looked at Katsuo.

“There’s more to being a member of the Aegis Guild than just fighting. We maintain order in places that governments can’t reach, and we solve problems that regular authorities don’t have the resources to handle. It’s a responsibility we take seriously.”

Katsuo took it all in, feeling the weight of the guild’s role.

“And how do I join?” he asked, his voice filled with determination.

Monica smiled again.

“To officially join, you’ll need to pass the Vanguard Exam. It’s a two-part test. The first part is a mission—you’ll need to complete a D-Rank assignment within the day. The second part is a combat test, where you’ll duel another D-Rank Vanguard to prove your skills.”

Katsuo nodded.

“I’ll take the exam.”

Taka, having fully recovered from his scolding, stood up with a grin.

“You know, Katsuo, since I’m a C-Rank Vanguard, I could just recommend you. You’d get to skip the exam altogether.”

Monica snorted, crossing her arms.

“I’m making an exception for you, Taka, since you barely count as a Vanguard. But no, Katsuo needs to earn it.”

Taka sighed dramatically, his shoulders slumping.

“Monica, you wound me.”

Katsuo chuckled at their banter but quickly refocused on the task at hand.

“I’ll take the exam,” he repeated, his resolve clear.

Just as Katsuo was about to fill out the application form, the heavy wooden doors of the guild creaked open, and the entire atmosphere shifted. Conversations quieted, and adventurers turned toward the entrance with a mixture of awe and tension. Katsuo’s heart skipped a beat as he turned to see who had entered.

It was him—the red-haired man from Habuya, Grant Russell. He strode into the room with an air of confidence and authority, his fiery hair catching the light. Beside him was a towering figure, even more imposing than Grant. The man was a giant, easily standing a foot taller than most of the adventurers, with broad shoulders and a muscular frame. A brown rat-tail braid hung down his back, and his presence seemed to fill the entire room.

Katsuo felt the same prickling sensation he had felt before. Grant’s aura was intimidating, but the other man radiated power on an entirely different level. Every step he took seemed to vibrate through the floor, as if the weight of his experience and strength was too much for the earth to bear.

Taka perked up immediately, his face breaking into a wide grin.

“Yo! Zin! Long time no see!” he called out, waving casually.

“And Grant! Always good to see you too.”

Zin’s deep, rumbling laugh filled the room.

“GAHAHAHA! Taka, you rogue! I haven’t seen you in ages. Three years, right?”

Katsuo stood frozen for a moment as Grant and Zin approached, feeling their presence like a tangible force. Grant’s cold blue eyes scanned the room, landing squarely on Katsuo. His expression twisted into a sneer.

"What is this weakling doing here?" Grant’s voice was low, his words laced with disdain.

“You think you belong here?”

Katsuo felt the sting of the insult, but this time, instead of flinching, he straightened his back and met Grant’s gaze. He stepped forward, his eyes burning with determination.

“I won’t make the same mistake again,” Katsuo said firmly, his voice unwavering.

“Next time, I’ll be ready.”

Grant’s lips curled into a smirk.

“Bold words for someone so far below me.”

The tension between them was thick, the air crackling with the unspoken challenge. Katsuo could feel his heart pounding, but he refused to back down. This wasn’t just about pride—it was about proving to himself that he could rise to the level of warriors like Grant.

Before things could escalate further, Zin clapped a heavy hand on Grant’s shoulder, grinning down at Katsuo.

“No need for all that, kid. We’re all here to grow stronger, aren’t we? What’s your name?”

“Katsuo Nakatsugawa,” he replied, bowing slightly.

Zin’s smile widened.

“Good to meet you, Katsuo. My name is Zin Mirallis, Keep that fire in your heart.”

As Grant and Zin moved toward the counter to speak with Monica, Taka leaned over, raising an eyebrow at Katsuo.

“You really have a grudge against Grant, huh? You know, he’s one of the top Vanguards I have worked with. You sure you’re ready for that?”

Katsuo sighed, his gaze focused on Grant’s back.

“It’s not a grudge,” he said quietly.

“He sees me as weak, and I get why. But I won’t let it stay that way. I’ll prove myself.”

Taka whistled, impressed.

“So you see him as a rival? Ambitious. I like it. But just so you know, Grant’s not just strong—he’s elite. He’s in a league of his own.”

“I don’t care,” Katsuo replied, a steely resolve in his voice.

“I’ll surpass him someday.”

Before Taka could respond, Monica returned with Katsuo’s application in hand.

“You’re all set! Your Vanguard Exam starts shortly. I’ve assigned you a D-Rank mission.”

Before Katsuo could even look at his mission details, Grant’s voice rang out across the room once more.

“No need for that, Monica. I’ll choose his mission,” Grant said, his tone sharp.

“And I’ll be the one to fight him in his combat exam. That is non-negotiable. If he refuses, I’ll use my rank to block his application to the guild.”

The room went silent. Adventurers exchanged glances, some of them murmuring in surprise. It was unusual for someone like Grant to take such a personal interest in a rookie’s test. But Katsuo couldn’t hide his excitement. His heart pounded with anticipation.

“Bring it on,” Katsuo said with a grin, his voice filled with determination.

Grant gave a sharp nod.

“Your mission is to catch a thief who’s been causing trouble in southern Gosapor. Let’s see if you’re up to the task.”

Katsuo’s mind immediately flashed to the girl from the alley—the one who had outwitted him days earlier. He felt a surge of both frustration and purpose. This time, he wouldn’t let her get away. He had a plan this time and nodded.

“I won’t fail.”