The first rays of dawn filtered through the wooden shutters of Shunjiro’s modest room, casting long streaks of golden light across the simple furnishings. His heart raced with anticipation. Today’s the day. He had barely slept, his thoughts a chaotic whirlwind of excitement and nervous energy. Shunjiro threw off his blanket, leaping to his feet. He stood for a moment, letting the thrill of the moment wash over him, before a booming voice broke through the serenity. “Shunjiro!” Before he could react, the door slammed open, and his father, Jiro, stormed in with a mischievous grin. “Wha-” Shunjiro managed to get out before his father lunged, pulling him into a crushing headlock. “Not bad!” Jiro laughed, ruffling his son’s hair while tightening his grip. “But you’re still too slow!” “Dad!” Shunjiro wheezed, squirming. “I just woke up! What is wrong with you?!” Jiro laughed heartily, finally letting go. Shunjiro stumbled back, gasping for air as his father slapped him on the back with enough force to send him stumbling again. “I can’t let you head out there unprepared,” Jiro said, grinning as if he’d just imparted a life lesson. “You never know when someone will attack. You’ve got to be ready at all times!” Shunjiro glared up at his father, rubbing his sore neck. “Yeah, well, I didn’t think I’d be fighting for my life in my own house.” “That’s the spirit!” Jiro declared proudly, completely ignoring his son’s sarcasm. Before Shunjiro could retort, his mother, Ayla, appeared in the doorway. She crossed her arms and fixed Jiro with a sharp glare. “Jiro,” she said sternly, “stop messing with Shunjiro. Today is a big day for him, a big day for all of us. Don’t make it harder than it already is.” Jiro scratched the back of his head sheepishly as Ayla walked over to her son, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “We’re so proud of you, Shunjiro,” she said, her voice softening. “Today, our family will have not one but two adventurers.” Shunjiro smiled at his mother’s words, but a flicker of doubt crossed his mind. “That’s if I pass the exams,” he said quietly. Ayla gave him a knowing look, tilting her head as if daring him to doubt himself. “Oh, stop that. You and your brother are special. He passed easily, and you’ve got just as much, if not more, potential than he does. All those years of training your father put you through will pay off.” Jiro perked up at this, puffing out his chest. “You hear that, Shunjiro? All my hard work is finally being appreciated.” Ayla rolled her eyes, swatting Jiro lightly on the arm. “Don’t start,” she said, though her tone was fond. Shunjiro chuckled, the warmth of their banter easing his nerves. “Thanks, Mom. I’ll do my best.” Ayla’s expression softened further, her eyes glistening with pride. “When you see your brother, tell him to visit home more often. We miss him.” “I will,” Shunjiro promised, his heart swelling with affection for his family. A sudden sniff from Jiro broke the moment. His nose twitched as he lifted his head. “Do I smell something burning?” Ayla’s eyes widened in horror. “Oh no, breakfast!” she cried, spinning on her heel and rushing toward the kitchen. Jiro and Shunjiro burst into laughter as the sound of clattering pots and pans filled the air. After breakfast, a hearty meal slightly tinged with the taste of char, Shunjiro stood by the door, his small pack slung over his shoulder. He turned to find his parents standing behind him, their expressions a mixture of pride and melancholy. “Today’s the day, my boy,” Jiro said, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. His voice was uncharacteristically soft, and his usually playful eyes gleamed with emotion. Shunjiro looked up at his father, his heart tightening. For all of Jiro’s teasing and roughhousing, there was a depth of love and belief in him that Shunjiro could feel in this moment. I’ll make him proud. I have to. His mother stepped forward, her hands reaching up to adjust his collar as if he were still a child. “Oh, Shunjiro,” she said, her voice trembling. “Promise me you’ll be careful. And remember, no matter where this journey takes you, you’ll always have a home here.” Shunjiro swallowed hard, nodding. “I promise, Mother. I’ll make you both proud. And I’ll come back, I swear it.” Ayla hugged him tightly, her embrace warm and steadying. When she finally let go, Jiro stepped in, clapping him on the back one last time. “Don’t let them underestimate you, son,” Jiro said, grinning. “Show them what you’re made of.” “I will,” Shunjiro replied, his voice firm. With a final wave, Shunjiro turned and began his walk down the dirt path that led out of Suncrest Village. The familiar sights and sounds of his home, the laughter of children, the clinking of a blacksmith’s hammer, the gentle rustle of the trees, faded behind him as the open road stretched ahead. The path wound through rolling hills and lush fields, the morning sun climbing higher with each step. Shunjiro adjusted the straps of his pack, his thoughts racing. The Kingdom of Radiance… the capital… the adventurer’s exams. It all felt so surreal. As he walked, he couldn’t help but reflect on the world he was about to step into. Spiritual energy was the lifeblood of their existence, flowing through every living being and shaping their destinies. It was said that those who mastered it could bend the very fabric of reality, wielding powers that rivaled the gods themselves. Shunjiro had spent years training under his father, honing his body and spirit. Yet, despite his efforts, he had always felt like he was chasing the shadow of his older brother, a prodigy who had passed the exams with ease and carved a name for himself as an adventurer. Am I really ready for this? he wondered, his hand unconsciously gripping the small pendant around his neck, a gift from his brother before he left. But as doubt crept in, he felt a flicker of resolve. He had worked too hard, dreamed too big, to turn back now. This was his chance to prove himself, to step out of his brother’s shadow and forge his own path. The sun reached its zenith as the spires of the capital appeared on the horizon, their golden tips gleaming like beacons. Shunjiro’s heart swelled at the sight, a mixture of awe and determination coursing through him. This is it, he thought. The start of my journey. The start of everything. As Shunjiro neared the city gates, he felt the hum of spiritual energy in the air, a reminder of the world’s boundless potential. Adventurers of all shapes and sizes passed by him, their weapons gleaming and their auras vibrant with power. Shunjiro straightened his back, a newfound confidence surging through him. He was ready to step into this new world, to face whatever challenges awaited. The gates loomed before him, towering and imposing, but Shunjiro didn’t falter. With a deep breath, he stepped through, his heart pounding with excitement. And so began Shunjiro’s journey, one filled with danger and discovery, triumph and loss, and the unyielding promise of a boy determined to make his mark on the world.