Under the shadow of a hero

The next day, Satsu went to the adventurers' headquarters, his eyes shining with a mixture of admiration and nervousness. The place was stunning, full of pomp and nobility. Every detail seemed meticulously planned, everything sparkled as if the place was made for heroes.

As he entered, Satsu was immediately engulfed in excitement. Reporters and civilians were running all over the place, talking excitedly, trying to get close to someone. What was going on?

— Is that really her? — an anxious voice cut through the air.

— What's she saying? — another shouted.

Satsu looked towards the center of the confusion and then saw her. Aiko Yamato.

She was there, with a presence that seemed to make time stand still. Aiko, one of the most prestigious S-Ranks in the country. Her golden hair shone in the light, her blue eyes sparkled like rare sapphires, and her slim figure of just over six feet emanated an overwhelming aura. She wore silver armor mixed with

 black and blue, a perfect fusion of medieval and modern design, with two medium- sized daggers hanging from his waist. But Satsu knew that her delicate appearance wasn't fooling anyone. She was immense, not in size, but in the power she radiated.

He found himself paralyzed, his eyes wide. He felt as if he were being crushed by an invisible pressure, like an ant in a storm. Aiko was there, and it seemed that her presence was enough to shake the very balance of the air around him.

— Are these people really not feeling this aura? — he thought, panting.

 — I'm like an ant next to so much power... And she's probably suppressing her own power so as not to make everyone faint.

Aiko made her way through the crowd surrounded by reporters, who tried hard to capture her every word and gesture. Her imposing presence left a trail of reverent silence, but also created chaos around her. Satsu, however, didn't even receive a glance from her.

He started to approach, trying to get through the crowd, but the commotion caused him to be knocked to the ground. He quickly tried to get back on his feet, but the mocking looks and smiles of the others soon .

— But who is that? - heard a reporter comment, laughing.

— That's the weakest F Rank in history! - another said, and the laughter spread.

Satsu felt even smaller. Shame swallowed him whole.

— F rank and stumbles? Hahaha! Good luck not dying on the first day, kid.

Satsu felt the heat of shame rise to his face, trying to ignore the laughter around him. He clenched his fists, ready to stand up on his own, when a firmgentle hand appeared in front of him.

—Hey, are you okay? Don't worry about those guys. They're not worth your

time.

Satsu looked up and saw a young man with black hair and sincere eyes. He was wearing a simple adventurer's uniform, but his swords had enchanted details, indicating combat experience. He had a serene, almost comforting smile that made Satsu involuntarily relax.

— My name is Haruto Ishida. Can I help you get out of this mess before there are more headlines around here? — he said with a light tone, referring to the reporters following Aiko.

Satsu hesitated for a moment, but accepted the outstretched hand.

— Thank you... I'm Satsu Arashi.

— Nice to meet you, Satsu. Let's get out of this mess before more people step on you.

Haruto guided Satsu deftly through the crowd, keeping the more curious excited adventurers at bay with his confident stance. When they finally found a quieter corner, Satsu breathed a sigh of relief.

— It's really worth it. I... was a bit lost.

— We were all like that on the first day.

— Haruto gave Satsu a friendly pat on the shoulder.

— But you know what? You have the courage to be here, and that's a start. And don't let rank define what you can and can't do.

Satsu smiled shyly.

— Have you been in the Brotherhood ?

— Five years. I'm not one of the greats, but I'm Rank D and I have nothing to complain about. My job is to protect people, and that's enough for me.

Haruto's simplicity and honesty impressed Satsu. There was something reassuring about this young man who seemed to carry a genuine sense of purpose.

— So, Satsu, have you got your equipment?

— No... I don't have a guild pass yet. Haruto scratched his chin thoughtfully.

— That's a problem. But I know the way. Come with me.

They walked together to room 2.1B, where a bored old employee was sitting, fiddling with a tablet. He barely looked up when Haruto and Satsu approached.

— What is it, Haruto? Are you recruiting kids now? Haruto smiled sympathetically.

— Hey, no teasing. My friend here needs some equipment. Can you help? The employee snorted.

— Rank F? Hah, we don't usually release equipment for those. But since you you asked, Haruto... Let's just say I'm generous today.

He typed something into the screen, and the door creaked open.

— Go in. But don't expect anything impressive. Rank E equipment at most.

— Thanks, old friend," said Haruto, winking.

They entered the room illuminated by enchanted runes, which highlighted rows of equipment. Satsu marveled at the discreet glow of the magical inscriptions on the items.

— Well, choose something that suits you," Haruto encouraged.

His eyes soon landed on a black cape hanging from a stand that served as a set of leather pieces for the lower and upper limbs. The fabric seemed to absorb light rather than reflect it, as if it were made of condensed shadows. When he touched it, he felt a slight vibration, almost imperceptible, as if the cloak were alive in some way.

—This cover is... different. Satsu said

As light as silk, but as tough as reinforced leather, it fitted his body perfectly, covering him to below the knees. Small runic inscriptions inside indicated some hidden magical property, perhaps to reduce detection or improve mobility.

— A good choice. It looks like it's made for stealth — commented Haruto.

Next to it, a pair of gauntlets caught his eye. Unlike medieval armor, these were not simple pieces of metal. The design mixed black plates and

red gauntlets with built-in magic circuits, pulsing with a discreet reddish energy. When Satsu put his hands in them, the gauntlets automatically adjusted to the shape of his fingers, slightly activating the flow of mana inside them.

 They had the appearance of something between advanced technology and artisanal forging, as if they were designed to both protect and enhance the wearer. The structure seemed sturdy enough to block blows, but at the same time light enough not to compromise speed.

With a deep sigh, Satsu clenched his fists, feeling the weight of the cape and gauntlets. They weren't luxurious or pieces, but at that moment, they seemed tailor-made for him. A modest start, but one that carried much more meaning than just E Rank equipment.

— Looks like you've found your ideal kit, huh? — said Haruto with a

smile.

Satsu clenched his fists, feeling the energy flow.

— I think so.

In the corner of the room, there was a small table with a tablet displaying detailed descriptions of the items in the room.

— Read this before you leave— suggested Haruto. — Knowing what each item does could save your life.

Satsu approached and read carefully: Black Cloak - Shadow of the Wanderer

Passive Ability: Reduces magic detection and the mana signature of the wearer. Active Skill: "Dark Step" - Allows Satsu to move in absolute silence for a few seconds.

Technomagic gauntlets - Pioneer's grips

Passive Ability: Slightly amplifies the user's strength. Active Skill: "Adaptive Impact" - Absorbs kinetic energy from attacks and converts it into the next blow.

Agility Boots - Hunter's Steps

Passive Skill: Improves mobility. Active Skill: Lightning Dash - An extremely fast short dash.

Satsu was silent for a moment, taking in all the information.

— Not bad, huh? — commented Haruto.

— I think I'll manage.

As they left the room, the old clerk looked at them with a sarcastic smile.

— Now you're looking like an adventurer, kid. Good luck to you. Haruto smiled.

— He'll do well.

When they reached the main corridor, Haruto turned to Satsu.

—Good luck, Satsu. This is where we part ways for now. Remember: courage and persistence win over any rank.

Satsu nodded, feeling a genuine connection with Haruto.

— Thanks, Haruto. I hope I don't disappoint.

With a confident nod, Haruto walked away, leaving Satsu with a new sense of purpose.

It was then that a voice echoed through the headquarters' internal microphones:

— Attention! All new members must report to the gym for the standard recruit training activity.

Satsu froze.

— WHAT! Training?! - He blinked a few times, trying to process the information.

— Nobody told me about this!

His body acted before his mind. He shot through the corridors, almost tripping as he tried to find the right path. The sound of hurried footsteps and the voices of other recruits heading in the same direction only increased his anxiety.