Shunjiro trudged onward, his thoughts drifting back to cherished childhood memories as the sun climbed higher in the sky. Back when the world was just a big playground, he mused, a soft smile tugging at his lips. Every day had felt like an adventure waiting to unfold, and those adventures always had one constant: his older brother, Takeshi. In Shunjiro’s eyes, Takeshi had always been larger than life, a figure of boundless bravery and unshakable strength. Takeshi was not just his brother but also his greatest hero, someone who could conquer anything the world threw at him. Shunjiro could almost hear his brother’s voice now, full of excitement and a hint of mischief, as they raced through the fields surrounding their home. “Come on, little brother!” Takeshi’s words echoed in Shunjiro’s mind, stirring a pang of nostalgia. “There’s a whole world out there waiting to be discovered, and we’re going to explore every inch of it together!” Shunjiro laughed softly to himself at the memory. His brother had a way of making every moment feel larger than life. Whether it was climbing trees in the forest, skipping stones across the river, or lying under a canopy of stars while dreaming of the future, Takeshi’s laughter and encouragement were constant sources of joy. “You’ve got a fire in you, little brother,” Takeshi had told him once, the two of them sitting by the riverbank as the sun dipped low in the sky. His voice was serious but warm. “The world’s big, and sometimes it’s scary, but you’re stronger than you think. Don’t ever let that fire go out. Promise me.” Shunjiro had nodded fervently, his young heart swelling with determination. “I promise!” he’d said, his small hand clasped tightly in his brother’s larger one. Now, as Shunjiro walked, that promise burned in his chest like a steady flame. His gaze wandered to the horizon, but his mind was back in Suncrest Village, replaying the moment when everything had changed. It was a crisp autumn morning when Takeshi, at fifteen years old, had stood before their family, his shoulders squared and his voice brimming with resolve. He was leaving to take the adventurer’s entrance exams in the Kingdom of Radiance, a moment that had been both thrilling and heartbreaking for young Shunjiro. Shunjiro had clung to his brother’s arm, tears streaming down his face. “Do you have to go? Can’t you stay a little longer?” he’d pleaded, his voice trembling. Takeshi had knelt down, bringing himself to Shunjiro’s level. His eyes were misty, but his smile was unwavering. “I have to go, Shunjiro. This is my path, but it doesn’t mean goodbye. I’ll make you proud, little brother. And when you’re old enough, I’ll be waiting for you at the entrance exams. We’ll stand side by side as adventurers, just like we always dreamed.” Before he’d left, Takeshi had pulled something from his pocket, a simple necklace with a small pendant shaped like a sun. The pendant glimmered in the morning light, its rays etched with intricate detail. Shunjiro’s breath had caught as Takeshi looped the necklace around his neck. “This is for you,” Takeshi had said, his voice soft but steady. “Whenever you feel scared or alone, look at this and remember: the sun rises every day, no matter how dark the night. Just like you’ll always rise, no matter what challenges come your way.” Shunjiro had clutched the pendant tightly, its weight both comforting and grounding. “I’ll take care of it, Takeshi. I promise.” Takeshi had pulled him into a tight embrace, whispering in his ear, “And one more thing: keep smiling, little brother. Your smile is your strength. Don’t ever let it fade.” As the memory faded, Shunjiro’s fingers brushed against the pendant resting on his chest. Its warmth seemed to seep into his skin, filling him with a renewed sense of purpose. Takeshi’s words echoed in his heart: Don’t ever let the fire go out. The day Takeshi had left was etched into Shunjiro’s soul, a mixture of pride and longing that had only grown over the years. Takeshi had always written letters, regaling their family with tales of his adventures, but it wasn’t the same as having him there. Every word in those letters reminded Shunjiro of the bond they shared and the promise they had made. “I’ll see you again, Takeshi,” Shunjiro whispered to the empty road ahead, his voice carrying both determination and hope. “I’ll stand beside you in the Kingdom of Radiance, and we’ll be equals, just like we always dreamed.” The path stretched onward, framed by rolling hills and the occasional cluster of trees. Shunjiro’s resolve deepened with every step, the weight of his brother’s necklace grounding him. He could almost feel Takeshi walking beside him, their laughter ringing out across the fields. “The entrance exams, huh?” Shunjiro muttered to himself, his lips curving into a wry smile. “Bet Takeshi breezed through them. I’ll have to do the same. No way I’m letting him have all the bragging rights.” The road soon gave way to a clearing, where the golden light of the sun bathed everything in a warm glow. Shunjiro paused, tilting his head back to soak in the sunlight. It felt like a blessing, a sign that his brother was watching over him.The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden rays over the land, as if illuminating the path ahead. The Kingdom of Radiance was still far, but Shunjiro’s determination was unwavering. With Takeshi’s necklace resting against his chest and his brother’s words echoing in his heart, Shunjiro felt ready to face whatever lay ahead. The journey was just beginning, but Shunjiro knew one thing for certain: he would not falter. He would find Takeshi, fulfill their shared dream, and stand side by side with his brother once more. Together, they would rise, just like the sun. This was his promise.