Wisdom and Destiny

Xero stepped out of the testing chamber, his official membership papers clutched in his hand like a trophy. Divine grade talent. The same level as the Human Emperor himself. The weight of that comparison sent electricity through his veins, and he couldn't suppress the grin that spread across his face. He'd done it—he'd actually proven himself worthy of joining the legendary Adventurers' Guild.

As he walked through the corridor, the memory of his battle with the Flame Imp replayed in his mind. The way the demon had moved with pure, savage instinct. The heat of his flames as they roared from his palms. The satisfaction of watching his enemy crumble to ash. His heart began to pound with renewed excitement, and he flexed his fingers, feeling the fire affinity humming beneath his skin.

But even as pride swelled in his chest, a sobering realization tempered his enthusiasm. That demon—terrifying as it had seemed in the moment—was just a First Step creature. A small fry. A training dummy for real adventurers. If he wanted to become truly powerful, the kind of person who could flick such creatures to death without breaking a sweat, he had a long way to go.

The thought of training, of growing stronger, of pushing his abilities to their absolute limits, sent another thrill through him. He wondered about the academy Garrett had mentioned. Where exactly was it located? How rigorous was their training program? Could someone with divine grade talent—

"XERO!"

The booming voice echoed through the corridor with such authority that conversations throughout the guild hall fell silent. The sound carried immense weight, the kind of presence that demanded immediate attention from anyone within earshot. Xero's enhanced senses picked up the subtle way other guild members straightened their postures and lowered their voices, as if showing instinctive respect for the source of that commanding tone.

He turned toward the sound, his eyes fixing on the massive double doors at the end of the hallway. The guild master's office. Of course—Mira had warned him that the guild master would want to speak with him about his results. The doors stood slightly ajar, revealing glimpses of rich furnishings and the warm glow of magical lighting within.

Xero made his way down the corridor, his footsteps echoing against the stone floor. As he approached the ornate entrance, he could feel the weight of authority emanating from within, like standing near a barely contained storm. He knocked once on the heavy oak door, then pushed it open when a gruff voice called for him to enter.

The guild master's office was a testament to both power and achievement. The chamber was spacious and well-appointed, with high ceilings supported by carved wooden beams that depicted scenes of legendary battles. At the center of the room sat a massive desk carved from a single piece of obsidian, its surface polished to mirror brightness. The black stone reflected the warm light from crystalline lamps, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere.

The desk's surface was covered with an impressive collection of trophies and medals, each one telling a story of conquest and achievement. Golden chalices sat alongside crystalline awards, while ribbons and badges were arranged in precise rows. Behind the desk, the wall displayed an even more impressive collection—mounted weapons, shields bearing various insignias, and medals of honor that seemed to gleam with their own inner light.

The adjacent walls were adorned with portraits that made Xero's breath catch. Massive beasts stared down at him from ornate frames—dragons with scales that seemed to shimmer even in paint, phoenixes wreathed in eternal flames, and creatures he'd never seen before. Some appeared to be sentient races with features both beautiful and alien, while others were clearly monsters of such power that their painted forms seemed to radiate menace.

But it was the man behind the desk who truly commanded attention.

The guild master looked surprisingly young—if Xero had encountered him on Earth, he would have guessed mid-thirties at most. His face was handsome but strong, with sharp features that spoke of both intelligence and determination. A thick, well-groomed beard framed his jaw, and his calm green eyes held depths that suggested wisdom far beyond his apparent years. His physique was clearly that of a warrior, with broad shoulders and muscled arms that spoke of countless battles.

He wore a set of light armor that managed to look both functional and ceremonial. The metal was polished to a bright sheen, and emblazoned across the entire chest was the guild's crest—a human figure standing tall with one foot planted on a hill, raising a sword toward the heavens. The image was enclosed in a circle, with the top showing a stylized sun that seemed to represent hope and aspiration.

Xero activated his All-Seeing Eye, curious about the man who commanded such respect. The information that flowed into his consciousness was both enlightening and humbling:

[Race: Half-Elf] [Strength: ???] [Agility: ???] [Health: ???/???] [Mana: ???/???] [Cultivation: ???]

The question marks told him everything he needed to know. The guild master's power was so far beyond his current level that his enhanced perception couldn't even begin to measure it. Given the dangerous location of Moonshire and the level of threats they faced, Xero estimated the man had to be at least a Seventh Step cultivator—what the system had mentioned was also known as a Half Step God.

The guild master studied him with those penetrating green eyes, and Xero felt as though he were being evaluated by forces far beyond his understanding. Just as he was about to introduce himself, the man spoke.

"I am Guild Master Aldric Thornfield," he said, his voice carrying the same authority that had echoed through the corridor, though now it was tempered with warmth. "I have served this guild for one hundred and sixty-nine years, and in that time, I have seen many promising young adventurers walk through these doors."

His half-elven heritage explained his youthful appearance despite his advanced age. Xero found himself straightening unconsciously, responding to the man's natural leadership presence.

"I am impressed with your examination results," Aldric continued, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. "Both your combat performance and your talent assessment show exceptional promise. Tell me, what are your plans for the future?"

The question was simple, but Xero sensed layers of meaning beneath it. This wasn't just casual conversation—the guild master was evaluating him, trying to understand what kind of person he was and what he might become.

"I want to become as strong as I can," Xero replied honestly. "If fate allows it, I want to push my abilities to their absolute limits."

Aldric chuckled, a sound that held both amusement and recognition. "You remind me of another human who achieved great examination results many years ago. He too was focused solely on growing stronger, convinced that power was the answer to every problem."

The guild master's expression grew more serious. "But strength alone is not always so straightforward, young one. Power without wisdom is dangerous. Potential without preparation is useless. And talent without discretion..." He paused meaningfully. "Can be fatal."

Xero felt a chill run down his spine at the warning. "What do you mean?"

"I mean be wary of who you trust," Aldric said, his green eyes growing intense. "Your results are safe with me—I assure you of that. You are not the first member to have divine potential, and you will not be the last. But there are those who would seek to exploit such gifts, and others who would destroy them out of fear or jealousy."

The weight of those words settled over Xero like a heavy cloak. Divine grade talent was both a blessing and a curse, it seemed. The power to change the world came with the responsibility to survive long enough to use it.

"I understand," Xero said, though he suspected he only grasped the surface of what the guild master was telling him. "Thank you for the warning."

Aldric nodded approvingly. "Wisdom. Good. That quality will serve you well in the trials ahead."

As Xero turned to leave, a sudden thought struck him. He paused at the door and looked back. "Guild Master, could you tell me where the academy is located? I've heard it mentioned, but I don't know the way."

Aldric's laughter filled the office, rich and genuinely amused. "Ah, the ignorance of youth! Follow the main path through town until the very end—you literally cannot miss it. The academy sits on the hill overlooking all of Moonshire."

He opened a drawer in his obsidian desk and withdrew a small badge, sliding it across the polished surface. "Take this. It will serve as your introduction."

Xero picked up the badge, immediately struck by its weight and quality. It was crafted from silver and bore an intricate design—a stylized tree with roots that extended into mathematical equations and branches that held various symbols representing different schools of knowledge. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with each detail etched with precision that spoke of master artisans.

Using his All-Seeing Eye, he examined the badge more closely:

[Academy Introduction Badge - Elite Grade] [Function: Grants access to academy grounds and identifies bearer as guild-recommended] [Enchantment: Minor authentication magic prevents forgery] [Note: Given only to candidates deemed worthy by guild leadership]

"This is... quite valuable," Xero said, tucking the badge carefully into his pocket.

"It should be," Aldric replied with a slight smile. "That badge represents my personal recommendation. The academy will treat you accordingly."

Xero bowed respectfully, understanding that he had just received a significant advantage. "Thank you, Guild Master. I won't forget this kindness."

"See that you don't," Aldric said, his expression growing serious once more. "And remember—grow strong, but grow wise. The world has little use for powerful fools."

As Xero left the guild and stepped onto Moonshire's main thoroughfare, he felt the weight of destiny settling around him. The path ahead was clear, leading through the heart of the town toward the hill where the academy waited. But more than that, his future was beginning to take shape. Training, growth, the pursuit of power tempered by wisdom—these were the challenges that awaited him.

The main path stretched before him, lined with the same blend of Eastern and Western architecture that characterized the entire town. Buildings with curved rooflines sat alongside structures with imposing stone facades, creating a unique aesthetic that spoke of cultures merging and evolving together. The crystalline containers hanging from tree branches pulsed with their gentle light, and the vibrant grass seemed to whisper promises of growth and renewal.

As he walked, Xero's mind churned with possibilities. Divine grade talent. A personal recommendation from the guild master. Access to one of the most prestigious academies in the frontier regions. The tools for greatness were being placed in his hands, but it would be up to him to forge them into something worthy of the legendary figures who had walked this path before him.

His second life was truly beginning, and the academy on the hill awaited his arrival.