As Shunjiro finally arrived at the grand gates of the Kingdom of Radiance, his heart pounded with anticipation. Towering spires gleamed in the sunlight, and the hum of bustling activity filled the air. Dust swirled around the cobblestone path as streams of eager recruits practiced spells or performed last-minute drills, magical sparks crackling and flashing. This is it, he thought, excitement and nerves tangling within him. This is where it all begins. The culmination of years of dreaming and longing to follow in his brother Takeshi’s footsteps had led him here. He weaved through the throngs of people, some clad in shining armor, others in simple traveling robes, eyes darting from one face to another, searching for any sign of Takeshi. The crowd was massive, filled with hopeful recruits, adventurers, and spectators. Determination hung heavy in the air; laughter, anxious whispers, and excited chatter melded into a continuous roar. Shunjiro couldn’t shake the gnawing feeling of being out of place, like a small fish tossed into an endless ocean. “Where are you, Takeshi?” he whispered under his breath, imagining his brother’s proud smile welcoming him. Ahead, the line of recruits stretched endlessly toward a large pavilion where examiners waited, grim-faced and alert. Shunjiro joined the line, his hands fidgeting at his sides. The faces around him were intense, brimming with confidence and purpose. He couldn’t help but feel small. Do I really belong here? “Hello there!” a bright, cheerful voice broke through his thoughts, pulling him out of his growing spiral. Shunjiro turned to find a girl about his age standing beside him, her wide smile as warm as the sun overhead. She had lively eyes that sparkled with curiosity, and her energy was infectious. “I’m Itsuki,” she said, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him. “What’s your name?” “Uh, I’m Shunjiro,” he stammered, taken off guard. Why is she talking to me? “Nice to meet you, Shunjiro!” Itsuki said brightly. “What’s your power?” The question hit him like a cold gust of wind. His heart sank as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I… I don’t know,” he admitted after a pause, his voice barely audible. He stared at the ground, bracing himself for the judgment he was sure would follow. “I haven’t discovered my power yet.” He glanced up, expecting to see disappointment or ridicule. But Itsuki’s expression softened instead. Her warm smile didn’t waver as she reached out and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Hey, that’s okay,” she said gently, her voice full of understanding. “Everyone’s journey is different. You’ll find your power when the time is right.” Shunjiro blinked, startled by her kindness. Most people dismissed him outright when they learned he was powerless, but here she was, reassuring him without hesitation. His heart swelled with gratitude, and he managed a small, shy smile. “Thank you,” he said quietly, his voice filled with genuine appreciation. “I hope you’re right.” “I know I’m right!” she replied confidently, her grin widening. “You’ve got that look about you, like someone who’s going to surprise us all.” The line shuffled forward, and they moved together, now side by side. Any initial awkwardness quickly dissolved as they began to talk. Shunjiro found himself sharing more than he expected. Itsuki had a way of drawing out his thoughts, her easy going demeanor making him feel at ease. “So, what made you want to become an adventurer?” Itsuki asked as they walked. Her tone was light, but her eyes carried a genuine curiosity. Yet there was a flicker of something else there too, like a shadow briefly crossing her features. Shunjiro hesitated for a moment before answering, his gaze distant. “My brother,” he said softly. “Takeshi. He’s an adventurer here in the Kingdom of Radiance. We used to dream about this day together when we were kids.” Itsuki’s smile grew warmer. “That’s so sweet. It sounds like you really look up to him.” “I do,” Shunjiro admitted, his voice tinged with both pride and longing. “He’s… everything I’ve ever wanted to be. Brave, strong, and always there for me. When he left to become an adventurer, he promised we’d stand side by side one day, as equals.” “You must miss him,” Itsuki said, her voice soft with understanding. “I do,” Shunjiro said, his grip tightening on the small leather pouch that hung around his neck. Inside was the necklace Takeshi had given him before he left. He wore it every day, a reminder of the promise they’d made. Itsuki noticed his gesture and tilted her head. “What’s that?” she asked, gesturing toward the pouch. Shunjiro hesitated, then pulled out the necklace to show her. The charm caught the sunlight, gleaming faintly. “My brother gave this to me before he left,” Shunjiro explained, his voice soft. “He said it would keep me strong, no matter how far apart we were. It’s… kind of like my good luck charm.” Itsuki’s eyes lit up as she leaned closer to inspect it. “That’s beautiful,” she said sincerely. “And really special. I can tell how much it means to you.” Shunjiro nodded, tucking the necklace back into its pouch. “It’s like a piece of him is always with me.” They walked in silence for a moment, the weight of Shunjiro’s memories settling between them. Then Itsuki spoke again, her tone brighter. “You know, you’re not the only one with doubts,” she said, glancing at him. “I’m scared too.” Shunjiro looked at her, surprised. “You? But you seem so confident.” She laughed softly, shaking her head. “Trust me, I’ve got plenty of doubts. What if I’m not strong enough? What if I fail? It’s all I’ve been thinking about since I got here.” He frowned, the idea of Itsuki being anything less than capable feeling strange. “You seem really strong to me,” he said honestly. “I think you’ll do great.” Itsuki smiled at him, a flicker of vulnerability in her eyes. “Thanks, Shunjiro. That means a lot. And don’t worry, you’ll do great too. Whatever happens, we’ll face it together, okay?” Her words filled Shunjiro with a surprising sense of comfort. Together… It wasn’t something he’d considered before, but the idea made him feel less alone. He nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Okay.” “So,” Itsuki said, her tone brightening as she changed the subject, “what’s the first thing you’re going to do once you become an adventurer?” Shunjiro didn’t hesitate. “Find Takeshi. Stand beside him, just like we always dreamed.” Itsuki grinned. “Sounds like a plan. And who knows? Maybe I’ll tag along and meet this legendary brother of yours.” Shunjiro chuckled, the thought bringing a lightness to his chest. “He’d probably like you. You’re not as scary as most of the people here.” They both laughed, the tension of the moment easing as they continued talking. Shunjiro found himself opening up in ways he hadn’t expected, sharing stories of his childhood with Takeshi, his dreams of becoming an adventurer, and even his fears about not measuring up. Yet as Shunjiro spoke, he noticed moments where Itsuki would listen with a distant look in her eyes, as though she was remembering something, or someone. She would quickly blink it away and refocus on him with a smile, but beneath her cheerful exterior, there was a faint sadness. Once, he almost asked if something was on her mind, but the words died in his throat. By the time they reached the threshold of the entrance exams, Shunjiro felt a newfound confidence stirring within him. He glanced at Itsuki, who gave him an encouraging nod. In the background, magic flared in bright arcs, and the examiners called out names in booming voices. “This is it,” she said, her voice steady. “We’ve got this.” Shunjiro took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders as he stepped forward. No turning back now. With Itsuki by his side and Takeshi’s words in his heart, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. I’ll make you proud, Takeshi.