6 Months

The entrance to the main hall filled him with awe, standing as a testament to the grandeur of the largest door he had ever encountered. Upon arrival, the expansive hall echoed with the lively voices of numerous adventurers. Some were engrossed in hearty meals, while others engaged in animated conversations or diligently prepared for imminent endeavors. However, his purpose diverged from the usual routines; he wasn't there for a customary feast or preparations for the impending dungeon raid. Instead, his destination lay in discussions of paramount importance with the guild leader.

As he traversed the room, fellow adventurers paused in their activities, diverting their attention to observe the prominent figure. His reputation as a powerful and accomplished individual had swiftly permeated the city where he resided. All eyes followed him as he made his way toward a room prearranged for their private discourse. His fame preceded him, prompting admiration from those he passed.

Confusion lingered within him regarding the subject of their impending conversation. The guild leader was known for shrouding their ideas in secrecy, revealing them only to themselves. Attempting to discern the purpose of their meeting proved a futile task, given the leader's unpredictable nature. The room, slowly unveiled by another adventurer, housed the guild leader seated a few meters from the door.

"Quite an unassuming place for someone of your influence and power," remarked the guild leader as they gestured to the modest surroundings—a room crafted from a blend of wood and stone, with furnishings fashioned solely from wood. "Stop it; you know I'm indifferent to such matters. I heard the recent dungeon raid was successful, thanks to your efforts, Yotsuya," replied the visitor, his voice a harmonious blend of softness, seriousness, and compassion.

Encouraging Yotsuya to sheathe his sword and take a seat, Arthur initiated the dialogue, delving into the primary reason for their clandestine meeting. "Have you heard about the tournament?" Arthur queried, catching Yotsuya off guard. Stammering, Yotsuya responded, "Are you referring to the gaming event? Practically everyone is abuzz with it; I doubt there's anyone unaware." Arthur, with a smile, revealed their guild's participation, leaving Yotsuya dumbfounded.

His mind raced with concerns about the unfinished dungeon, the nascent village, and the logistical challenges of attending a tournament seemingly located far away. Seeking to allay Yotsuya's anxiety, Arthur displayed a peculiar pendant adorned with unreadable inscriptions. "Calm down, Yotsuya, we've got this," Arthur reassured him.

As the conversation unfolded, Arthur elucidated their guild's prestigious position and the invitation to scout for adventurers at the tournament. The weight of the revelation left Yotsuya stunned. Arthur, having shared the details, departed to inform the other adventurers, leaving Yotsuya in contemplation.

Yotsuya, still grappling with the impact of the revelation, dwelled on a traumatic event from six months prior. His newly acquired mana heightened his desire to revisit the past, armed with his newfound strength, and rectify the helplessness he once felt. Memories haunted him—precious yet burdensome—as he pondered what could have been.

In a heartfelt farewell, Arthur implored the guild members to continue their diligent efforts in his absence, expressing confidence in their ability to maintain and enhance the village's prosperity. Yotsuya, emotionally stirred, whispered to himself, "You little show-off," wiping away the remnants of tears before preparing for the journey.

Uncertain about the duration of their absence and the potential dangers they might encounter, Yotsuya's motivation to persevere emanated from a sense of duty to his seemingly departed friend, Velios. The time had come to prove the worth of the sacrifice and reshape the course of destiny.

Meanwhile, in a desolate desert, a disheveled young man lay unconscious, his long, unkempt hair framing his face. The harshness of the surroundings could not disturb his peaceful slumber, a rare respite after months of relentless training and mana depletion. His battered form bore witness to the toll of his intense regimen, marking a pause in his ceaseless pursuit of strength.

The desert landscape stretched endlessly, devoid of life except for this lone figure. The young man, known as Velios, had subjected himself to grueling training, pushing the limits of his physical and magical abilities. His torn clothes and unkempt appearance were a testament to the hardships he had endured. As he lay unconscious in the unforgiving desert, the scorching sun cast long shadows across the dunes.

Velios had chosen this desolate place for his training, seeking solitude and an environment that would test his resilience. He had honed his skills tirelessly, driven by a determination to become stronger. However, the toll on his body became evident, and exhaustion claimed him, rendering him unconscious in the vast expanse of the arid landscape.

Back in the guild hall, Yotsuya grappled with conflicting emotions. The revelation of the upcoming tournament stirred excitement, but the weight of responsibilities tugged at him. The unfinished dungeon, the burgeoning village, and the well-being of his fellow adventurers all vied for his attention. Arthur's departure only added to the complexities of the situation.

Yotsuya couldn't shake the memories of the past, especially the tragic events that had unfolded six months ago. Velios, his dear friend, had seemingly perished in the pursuit of their shared goals. Yotsuya couldn't help but feel a profound sense of loss and survivor's guilt. Each step he took, each victory he achieved, was a painful reminder of the friend he had lost.

The guild hall buzzed with activity as adventurers prepared for the journey ahead. The news of the tournament had ignited a spark of enthusiasm among them, but Yotsuya's thoughts lingered on the past. As he packed his belongings, he couldn't escape the haunting memories that surfaced with every item he stowed away.

In the room where Arthur had disclosed the news, Yotsuya found himself alone, reflecting on the journey that had brought him to this point. The mysterious pendant, the revelation of the tournament, and the weight of leadership all swirled in his mind. He longed for the guidance and camaraderie of Velios, the one who had been both mentor and friend.

As Yotsuya continued to grapple with his emotions, the guild hall resonated with Arthur's motivational speech. The call to action, the promise of a prosperous future, and the acknowledgment of each adventurer's contribution fueled a sense of unity among the guild members. Yotsuya, though moved by the words, couldn't entirely shake off the heaviness in his heart.

The departure for the tournament loomed, and Yotsuya couldn't escape the uncertainty of the path ahead. The responsibility entrusted to him, the legacy of Velios, and the expectations of his fellow adventurers weighed heavily on his shoulders. As he joined the preparations, he couldn't help but steal glances at the pendant Arthur had shown him—the enigmatic symbol of their upcoming journey.

Meanwhile, in a desolate desert, a disheveled young man lay unconscious, his long, unkempt hair framing his face. The harshness of the surroundings could not disturb his peaceful slumber, a rare respite after months of relentless training and mana depletion was the reason for the state he was in. His battered form bore witness to the toll of his intense regimen, marking a pause in his ceaseless pursuit of strength. It was undetermined for how long he would lay there unconscious. That was until a group of adventurers had seemed to catch glimpse of whatever was laying in the sand.