Morning light spilled through the window.
Akari sat up in bed, her thoughts clear in a way they hadn't been before. No confusion. No fear. Just a quiet certainty.
Today… I begin.
She dressed carefully, fastening her red battle dress and checking the clasps on her twin swords. Solflare and Emberveil rested comfortably at her hips, their presence reassuring rather than heavy.
Downstairs, Elen was already awake.
"You're leaving early," Elen observed, pouring tea.
Akari nodded. "I'm going to the Adventurers' Guild."
Elen looked at her for a moment.
"Good. Do not underestimate the process. Ranking up is as much about judgment as it is strength."
"I know," Akari said. "I'll be careful."
Elen's gaze softened. "Come back safely."
Akari smiled. "I will."
The guild hall buzzed with its usual energy, clanking armor, raised voices, and the scent of parchment and steel.
But when Akari entered, something shifted.
A few heads turned.
Whispers followed.
"The red-clad one…"
"That's her, right?"
Akari swallowed but kept walking.
At the counter, Layla looked up and immediately smiled.
"Good morning, Akari!"
"G-good morning," Akari replied.
Layla leaned forward, lowering her voice just a little. "So what brings you in so early?"
Akari took a steady breath.
"I'd like to begin ranking up," she said clearly. "I want to move beyond E-rank."
Layla's eyes widened, then sparkled.
"Oh?" She straightened. "That's a big step."
Akari nodded. "I know. But I'm ready to start."
Layla studied her for a long moment, not just her equipment, but her posture.
Then she smiled.
"In that case, you'll need quests appropriate for advancement. Your performance, conduct, and success rate will all be evaluated."
"I understand."
Layla turned, pulling out a stack of parchment.
"For E-rank moving toward D-rank, we usually recommend subjugation or protection quests with minimal risk, but given your recent actions…"
She hesitated thoughtfully.
"…I think we can offer something a little more meaningful."
Layla slid a quest notice across the counter.
"Escort Request," she read. "A merchant caravan traveling between the inner districts and the outer gate. Increased bandit activity reported, but within kingdom territory."
Akari read the details carefully.
Protect. Observe. Respond only if necessary.
Her heart beat faster, but steadily.
"I'll take it," Akari said.
Layla smiled warmly. "Excellent. Complete this successfully, and we'll begin processing your advancement."
She stamped the parchment with a sharp thud.
"Good luck, Akari."
Akari bowed. "Thank you."
As she turned away from the counter, Solflare and Emberveil hummed faintly at her sides.
The journey upward had begun.