Exam of a Lifetime

The morning sun bathed the village in a golden glow, the air thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and damp earth. Lyrasia stretched lazily, her mind already buzzing with new ways to exploit—ahem, efficiently manage—her ever-growing workforce of ex-bandits. But her plans came to an abrupt halt when a grand carriage, far too lavish for their humble village, rolled into the square.

A small, well-dressed man with sharp eyes and a curled mustache stepped out, scanning the surroundings like a hawk searching for prey. The villagers murmured among themselves, eyeing the visitor warily.

"Greetings, citizens!" the man declared, spreading his arms theatrically. "I am Lucius Morvant, a traveling examiner from the Grand Merchant Guild! I am here to conduct a special test in search of promising young talents!"

Lyrasia tilted her head. A merchant exam? Here?