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. 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. “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 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. Dust swirled around the cobblestone path as streams of eager recruits practiced spells or performed last-minute drills, magical sparks crackling and flashing. 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 radiated a kind of energy that made the air feel lighter just by being around her. A short girl, she barely reached his shoulder, but what she lacked in height she made up for with presence. Her long black hair flowed like silk down her back, swaying slightly with the breeze, and her wide, ocean-blue eyes sparkled with curiosity and kindness. Her cheeks held a soft natural blush, and a few strands of hair framed her face, giving her a youthful charm that was impossible to ignore. She clutched a slender, silver healing staff in her small hands, its crystal core glowing faintly, a gentle pulse of spiritual energy humming from within. “I’m Itsuki Nozomi,” she said, tilting her head slightly as she regarded him. “What’s your name?” “Uh, I’m Shunjiro… Shunjiro Tenzai,” 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 necklace hanging around his neck. 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 necklace. Shunjiro hesitated. 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 under his shirt. “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.