The Pyromancer’s Trial

Morning came with the scent of fresh bread and sizzling meat wafting through the inn. The group had eaten well the night before—Tomas, as expected, had nearly passed out in his food after gorging himself.

Now, though, they had business to take care of.

Mira stretched as she stood, adjusting the strap of her staff across her back. "Alright. First stop—the guild. We need to claim our basilisk reward."

Tomas groaned. "You mean you need to go to the guild for your trial. The rest of us could be enjoying a lazy morning."

Leila smirked. "I, for one, enjoy getting paid for nearly dying."

Beren cracked his knuckles. "Same."

Arlan adjusted his cloak, keeping his usual grin in place. "Well, let's get going before Tomas decides to crawl back into bed."

Tomas glared at him. "I will hurt you."

Arlan laughed, but inside, his mind wasn't at ease.

He hadn't picked his class yet.

He would have to make that choice soon.

The Guild Hall – Claiming Their Reward

The guild was busy, as usual. Adventurers crowded around the quest board, merchants haggled over rare monster parts, and a few exhausted parties slumped at tables, recovering from their latest hunts.

The group made their way to the counter, where the guild clerk, Ludwin, was sorting through stacks of parchment with his usual disinterested expression. His dark, tired eyes flicked up as they approached.

"You're back," he noted, setting his quill aside. "And alive. That's unexpected."

Tomas grinned. "Surprised we survived?"

Ludwin shrugged. "Basilisks aren't an easy fight. But since you're all standing, I assume you're here for your reward."

Leila tapped the bounty parchment on the counter. "Three confirmed kills—including a Matriarch."

Ludwin's expression didn't change, but his gaze sharpened. "A Matriarch? That's impressive."

Mira exhaled. "You have no idea."

Ludwin pulled out a ledger, flipping through the bounty records before nodding. "Alright. Your proof?"

Beren reached into his pack and pulled out a carefully wrapped bundle—three severed basilisk fangs, the Matriarch's being twice the size of the others.

Ludwin took them, inspected each one, then nodded. "Confirmed."

A moment later, he handed them a small pouch of coins. "Six silver per standard basilisk, fifteen for the Matriarch. Twentyseven silver total."

Tomas whistled. "Now that's a payout."

Leila quickly pocketed the money before Tomas could snatch it. "We're splitting this evenly."

Tomas pouted. "I just wanted to hold it."

Beren snorted. "We all know better than to let you touch the money."

Mira ignored them, turning to Ludwin. "I booked a trial?"

Ludwin flipped through another set of papers. "Ah, right. Pyromancer advancement."

He slid a parchment forward.

"The guild's Fire Mage Instructor is waiting outside the east gate. Your trial is a control test. Pass, and your class change will be approved."

Mira nodded, taking the paper. "Understood."

Tomas smirked. "Try not to burn the town down."

Mira gave him a pointed look. "If anyone's getting burned, it's you."

Tomas held up his hands. "Fair."

The Pyromancer's Trial

The east gate was quieter than the bustling town center. Just beyond the walls, a clearing had been set aside for combat training—wooden dummies stood in neat rows, and a stone fire pit had been carved into the ground for elemental training.

A middle-aged mage in crimson robes stood waiting, arms crossed. His sharp eyes immediately locked onto Mira as they approached.

"You're the Pyromancer candidate?" he asked.

Mira nodded. "Yes."

The mage—Instructor Valren—studied her for a moment before stepping back. "Pyromancy isn't just about destruction. It's about control. Any fool can conjure flames. A true Pyromancer commands them."

Mira tightened her grip on her staff. "I understand."

Valren gestured to the fire pit. "Your test is simple. Light the flames. Then, extinguish them—without losing control."

Mira blinked. "…That's it?"

Valren arched an eyebrow. "You'll see soon enough."

She stepped forward, steadying her breath.

Raising her staff, she channeled her magic—

A flicker of flame appeared in the pit, swirling gently.

Then—she pushed.

The fire roared to life, spiraling upward, heat licking against the air.

Valren didn't react, merely watching. "Now. Snuff it out."

Mira exhaled and pulled the magic back—

The flames twisted, resisting her call.

She gritted her teeth. It was fighting her.

The fire wasn't just an element. It was alive.

Mira narrowed her eyes, focusing harder, redirecting the heat—

The flames shrank.

Bit by bit.

Then—

The fire pit went dark.

Silence.

Valren studied her, then nodded. "Pass."

Mira exhaled sharply, her shoulders sagging.

"That was harder than I expected."

Valren smirked. "Fire does not yield easily. But you bent it to your will."

A chime echoed in her mind—

[ Class Advancement Complete! ]Pyromancer Acquired.

A rush of energy flooded her veins. The warmth of magic settled deeper in her core, as if the flames themselves now rested within her.

She smiled.

This was power.

This was hers.

Valren nodded. "You have talent. Train it well."

Mira turned back to the group.

Tomas grinned. "See? No town burned down."

Mira rolled her eyes. "Yet."

Leila smirked. "Congrats, Pyromancer."

Mira just smirked back.

She felt the difference.

And she was ready to use it.

Arlan's Decision

As they walked back to the inn, Arlan's mind churned.

They had all class-changed.

Except him.

That night, when the others rested, he would make his choice.

But once he did…

There would be no turning back.