The grand hall of the Kingdom of Radiance glowed with a soft golden light as the twenty successful exam participants lined up, hearts pounding with anticipation. High banners of brilliant gold and scarlet draped the walls, and polished marble floors reflected flickering torchlight. Standing at the top of a wide dais was King Shadis, clad in regal robes woven with subtle threads of shimmering light. At his side stood the Gilded Blades, each wearing ceremonial attire that hinted at their formidable prowess. Shunjiro felt a ripple of exhilaration as he glanced around. He and his peers had endured grueling challenges over the past weeks to earn the right to stand here. Now, at last, they would be recognized as official adventurers, no more exams, no more questions of belonging or skill. King Shadis surveyed the assembled recruits with a knowing smile. His gaze held warmth, yet an unmistakable authority. When he spoke, his voice carried effortlessly through the hall. “Welcome, each of you, to the Adventurer’s Ceremony,” he began. “You have proven yourselves through our rigorous exams. From this day on, you are recognized as adventurers in service to the Kingdom of Radiance.” An undercurrent of excitement spread through the group. Some stood straighter; others exhaled in relief. Shadis lifted one hand, and the hall quieted further. “However, your journey has only begun. In the Kingdom of Radiance, new adventurers start at F rank. Through valor, service, and accomplishments, be they quests, missions, or contributions to our kingdom, you may rise to S rank and beyond.” A murmur rippled among the recruits. F rank seemed so lowly compared to the heights they aspired to. “Moreover,” Shadis continued, “until you achieve S rank, you must remain within the Light Continent. The world beyond is vast, with lands yet untamed and perils too great for beginners. But one day, if you show the necessary strength and resolve, you may earn the right to explore what lies beyond our borders.” Shunjiro’s heart thumped with mingled awe and frustration. He wanted to discover new horizons, yet King Shadis’s pronouncement made sense. They needed more time to grow before journeying into unknown lands. A gentle smile crossed Shadis’s face. “There are many ways to rise through the ranks. You may undertake guild quests, serve under the Gilded Blades, or perform missions to protect our people. It is a grand freedom, yet it also carries responsibilities.” He swept his gaze over them, eyes lingering on each face. “You may form your own guilds or join established ones. You might roam as independent adventurers, so long as you serve the kingdom’s interests. The choice is yours. But always remember: your actions reflect upon Radiance and upon yourselves.” A moment of stillness followed, then applause broke out, soft at first, growing in volume as the Gilded Blades themselves joined in. The newly recognized adventurers exchanged thrilled smiles, some letting out long-held breaths. Kaito, leader of the Gilded Blades, stepped forward. “You’ve all done well, survived intense trials and shown real promise.” His sharp eyes flicked to certain recruits, including Shunjiro, Sora, and others who had made an impression. “But don’t get cocky. Out there, the challenges won’t pull any punches.” Despite the cautionary tone, there was a grin on Kaito’s lips. “I’d like to see you all climb the ranks in record time. Maybe even hit SSS rank one day. So do your best, I’ll be watching.” Shunjiro felt a wave of determination. He might have started uncertain of his place, but he was leaving behind that shadow of doubt. I will get stronger. I have to. The Gilded Blades moved among the new adventurers in small, informal groups, offering words of advice and encouragement: Mei, her posture strict yet protective, advised a few recruits on mission strategy: “Don’t jump into conflicts blindly. Even an F-rank can survive if they think and plan.” Akira, relaxed and upbeat, recommended quest lines within Radiance: “Take on challenges that scare you a little, that’s how you grow.” Hiroto, ever-pragmatic, reminded them: “Strength alone isn’t enough, resourcefulness and cooperation will keep you alive.” Yumi, quiet yet reassuring, added: “Help those who can’t help themselves. Compassion can be your greatest power.” Here and there, newly minted adventurers stepped forward to ask about forming or joining guilds, while others expressed interest in training directly under certain Gilded Blades. At last, King Shadis motioned for quiet. The new adventurers and the Gilded Blades turned to face him. A hush fell over the hall, the air charged with promise. “From this day forward,” he declared, “you are adventurers of the Kingdom of Radiance, recognized by the crown and bound in service to our people. You begin at F rank, but your potential is limitless. Uphold our values, protect our lands, and earn the right to explore beyond these borders.” Shunjiro felt goosebumps prickle his arms as Shadis lifted a scepter of shimmering crystal. Light refracted across the hall, dancing in prismatic arcs. Cheers erupted from both the newly ranked adventurers and the spectators gathered to witness the ceremony. With the formalities complete, the tension in the air shifted to celebration. The new adventurers exchanged handshakes, embraces, and friendly banter, some already discussing guild formations or planned quests for the upcoming week. Shunjiro gazed around, spotting Itsuki and Yoshinori in the crowd, laughing with new acquaintances. Sora and Ryota argued playfully about who would rank up faster. Meanwhile, Gilded Blades offered final pieces of advice to eager listeners. In his chest, Shunjiro felt a blazing sense of purpose. I made it, he thought. Now I just have to rise from F to S… and beyond. The promise of discovering new lands, forging alliances, and maybe, just maybe, finding Takeshi again fueled him. He clenched his fists, a determined grin on his face. And so began the next chapter of Shunjiro’s story, and the stories of all those who stood beside him, stepping forward as official adventurers sworn to the Kingdom of Radiance, ready to shape both their fates and the fate of a kingdom shining like a beacon in a vast, untamed world.