Chapter 4-Trial by Magic and Steel

The Adventurers Guild towered over the bustling square, its polished stone walls engraved with the sigils of countless adventurers past and present. Kai’s footsteps were silent on the steps as he approached, black hood low, mask covering his face.He paused at the massive doors, adjusting the strap of his ninjatō, then stepped inside.The guild hall buzzed with activity — adventurers of every rank, from lowly F-ranked scouts to seasoned S-ranked warriors, moved purposefully. Mages in flowing robes practiced elemental control in one corner, swordsmen sparred in another, and clerics whispered prayers to saints in quiet alcoves.Kai’s emerald eyes scanned it all, cataloging every detail. He had read enough to know the rules, the ranks, and the politics. Today, he would step into their world — not for power, but survival.

“Look!” Lira whispered, pointing subtly to the back. “There he is — Kai.”Darius narrowed his eyes. “Finally. I figured he’d show up sooner or later, but… that’s sooner than I expected.”Lira stepped forward. “Receptionist! Kai Valenhart is here to become an adventurer, though he’s only thirteen. Please make an exception. He’ll wait at the table.”The receptionist, a composed young woman with short brown hair and sharp amber eyes, nodded. “I see. Very well. Name’s Mira Solvane. Take a seat, Kai. We’ll be right back.”Kai inclined his head slightly and slipped to a nearby table, keeping a watchful eye on the hall.

As Kai waited, a party of three B-rank adventurers came barreling past, their leader muttering.“Watch where you’re going, brat!”One of them, a broad-shouldered swordsman, shoved Kai lightly, expecting an apology.Kai didn’t flinch. His emerald eyes glinted. “…You bumped into me, not the other way around.”The swordsman’s expression twisted with disbelief. “I demand an apology!”Kai’s hand went to his ninjatō, subtly shifting it on his back. But he didn’t attack. Instead, he observed, calculating. The swordsman swung, aiming for intimidation.In a blink, Kai sidestepped, grabbed the man’s arm mid-swing, and used his own momentum to pin him to the floor, immobilizing him without harming him.The hall went silent. The other two adventurers gawked.Darius and Lira, standing nearby, exchanged a small grin. “He’s… exactly who we thought he was,” Lira whispered.

Mira Solvane approached, clipboard in hand. “Kai Valenhart. Time for your magic aptitude test.”Kai stood, emerald eyes calm, posture relaxed but alert. Mira explained the system:Most people are born with a single element.Rare exceptions can have two or three elements.Some gifted or sainted individuals receive Holy Magic from the Gods.Kai stepped forward, flexing fingers over his fists, already calculating. He self-taught five elements:Lightning – can coat weapons, form armor over boots or forearms.Water – concentrated “water bullets” that pack a punch.Fire – small fireballs or smoke for distraction.Air – enhanced movement, dodging, or speed boosts.Body Enhancement – increased reflexes and strength.No one knew his true capacity. Not even Darius or Lira… yet.

Mira held her hand out. “Demonstrate your elemental control. Lightning first.”Kai extended a hand, a faint spark running along his ninjatō’s edge. He coated the blade in a thin layer of lightning, testing conductivity. Small arcs danced harmlessly along the metal.“Water,” Mira prompted.Kai formed a tiny sphere in his palm. He launched it — a small projectile striking a distant target with a crisp impact, enough to impress but not injure anyone.“Air.” Kai exhaled sharply, moving forward with a speed that made his movements blur.“Fire.” Smoke spiraled from his fingers, forming a momentary wall between him and Mira.“Body enhancement,” he added, flipping into a combat stance, every muscle coiled and ready.Mira’s amber eyes widened. “This… this is unprecedented. Exceptional control for someone self-taught.”Kai bowed slightly. “…I do not seek recognition. Only survival.”

After the test, Mira made a rare exception. “Despite being thirteen, your aptitude is sufficient for adventuring.”Kai glanced at Darius and Lira. “…I will join you. Together.”Darius grinned. “Finally. Told you he’d agree.”Lira nodded. “Receptionist, please keep his abilities secret. He’s… special.”Mira agreed. “Very well. My name is Mira Solvane. I’ll make sure it stays confidential.”Kai’s emerald eyes met hers briefly, unreadable. “…Understood.”Darius clapped him on the shoulder. “Welcome to the team, Phantom.”Kai didn’t smile, but inside, a faint spark of anticipation flickered.He wasn’t here for glory. He wasn’t here for power. He was here for survival, allies, and steel.And maybe, just maybe, to carve his own path in this chaotic world.