Chapter 3: The adventurer's Guild Exam

The grand city of Velgrande—one of the largest in the kingdom—was bustling with adventurers, merchants, and travelers from all over the continent. This was where Reo and Lucia stood, gazing up at the massive Adventurer's Guild.

The guild hall was a towering structure, its entrance guarded by a pair of stone lion statues. A large crystal emblem floated above the door, glowing faintly with magical energy.

Reo smirked. This is it.

Lucia, standing beside him, clenched her fists. "Are you ready for this?"

Reo chuckled. "I was born ready."

She rolled her eyes but smiled. "Let's go, then!"

The two stepped inside.

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Inside the Guild

The guild hall was just as grand inside as it was outside.

Massive wooden pillars supported the ceiling, and hundreds of adventurers sat at long tables, drinking, eating, and discussing quests.

A large quest board dominated one side of the hall, filled with parchment requests from all over the kingdom.

At the front was a long marble counter, where receptionists assisted adventurers.

One of them, a beautiful elf woman with long blue hair and silver eyes, looked up as they approached.

"Welcome to the Velgrande Adventurer's Guild. How may I assist you?"

Lucia stepped forward. "We're here to take the adventurer's exam!"

The elf nodded. "Names?"

"Lucia Valentine."

"Reo Arcadia."

At the mention of Reo's family name, the elf paused.

"Arcadia... as in Darius Arcadia?" she asked, eyes widening slightly.

Reo sighed. He knew this would happen. His father's reputation was legendary.

Lucia smirked. "Yup. He's the son of that Darius Arcadia."

The elf studied Reo with new interest. "I see. Very well, the exam begins in an hour. Please proceed to the training grounds behind the guild."

Reo and Lucia exchanged a glance.

This is our chance.

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The Exam Begins

The training grounds behind the guild were a massive open field, surrounded by a magical barrier to contain stray attacks.

About 50 examinees had gathered, all young warriors, mages, and rogues hoping to become adventurers.

At the front stood a battle-scarred man, his arms crossed. He was bald, muscular, and had a scar running down his left eye.

His presence alone was enough to silence the crowd.

"Listen up, maggots!" he barked. "I am Garret the Crusher, A-Rank Adventurer! Your instructor for today!"

Some of the examinees gulped at his voice.

"To pass this test, you must complete three challenges!" Garret continued.

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The Three Challenges:

1. Combat Evaluation – A duel against an instructor to test combat skills.

2. Magic Control Test – For mages, an assessment of magic proficiency.

3. Monster Hunt – A real-life mission to hunt goblins in the nearby forest.

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Garret's eyes scanned the crowd. "Fail even one challenge, and you're OUT!"

"Now… who's first?"

Reo grinned. This is going to be fun.

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(To be continued…)