Lars stepped out of the Adventurers Association, the large doors closing behind him with a dull echo.

  The sunlight greeted him once again, warm and steady, just like the kingdom itself. Yet his thoughts were elsewhere.

  He still couldn't quite understand what had happened with the evaluation orb. The shifting colors, the confusion among the staff, the strange tension in the air…

  Maybe no system is perfect, he told himself. It was probably just a malfunction.

  But that wasn't what stayed on his mind.

  It was something much simpler.

  One hundred gold coins…

  The number echoed in his thoughts.

  At the time, when he had asked Elira about creating a guild, he hadn't thought much of it. It was just a passing question. A joke, even.

  But now…

  The idea of building a guild of his own lingered in his heart. A guild meant companions, loyalty, family. And family was the one thing he had always wanted — but never truly had. In his previous life, he had been surrounded by wealth, servants, and prestige. Yet none of it had filled the emptiness inside him.

  If I build my own guild… maybe I can build the family I never had.

  The thought gave him a quiet sense of purpose. For the first time, he felt like he had a real goal.

  ?

  Lars reached into his pocket and pulled out his remaining coins.

  One silver coin. Six bronze coins.

  He stared at them in his palm. The realization hit him all at once.

  I'm… poor.

  A small, awkward smile formed on his face. This is going to be a long journey…

  He had never once worried about money in his previous life. Now, every coin felt important.

  I'll need to learn how to make money, he thought. And with how I look… I doubt anyone would take me seriously right now.

  He sighed quietly. I should ask Rin more questions when I get back.

  But before returning, he decided to explore a bit more. If he was going to live here, he needed to understand how much things cost. What people sold. What everyday life looked like.

  So he continued walking through the streets, glancing at different vendor stalls.

  ?

  One stall caught his attention.

  Small wooden stands displayed rows of rings, each set with different stones — red, blue, green, and clear gems that glinted under the sunlight.

  Lars' eyes widened slightly.

  Jewelry.

  Seeing something so familiar in this world made him feel strangely at ease. It reminded him of the noble halls he once walked through, filled with treasures and decorated ornaments. He hadn't cared much for riches back then. But he had grown used to seeing them. Almost numb to their value.

  As he admired the rings, the vendor — a middle-aged woman with sharp eyes and a knowing smile — spoke up.

  "Are you an up-and-coming mage, young man?"

  Lars blinked. "Why do you ask?" He quickly added, "Are these items something mages would need?"

  The woman gave a soft chuckle. "These aren't just decorations, boy. The jewels are used for summoning magic."

  "Summoning…?"

  She nodded. "They act as a bond. A link between the caster and the spirit or creature they summon. Without a proper focus, forming that connection becomes much harder."

  Lars' eyes widened. He hadn't known that. He had thought rings like these were mostly for nobles or wealthy merchants. Then he remembered one of the books in the archives mentioning summoning magic. So these are tools… not just ornaments.

  As his eyes scanned the display, one ring caught his attention. It was simple — a thin silver band with a small, pale-blue gem set into the center. No elaborate carvings. No flashy decorations. Just a clean, elegant design.

  Lars felt drawn to it. Something about it felt… familiar. Calm. Like a quiet reminder of the life he once had.

  The woman noticed his gaze and picked up the ring. "You've got a good eye," she said, holding it closer. "Here, take a look."

  Lars examined it more closely.

  "Tell you what," the woman continued. "I'll give you a sweet deal. One silver coin, and it's yours."

  Lars' thoughts froze. One silver coin…? His mind raced. That's almost all the money Rin gave me. If I spend it all at once, she might scold me like she does Osbin.

  He could already imagine her voice. "You spent all your money on a ring?!"

  He hesitated.

  The woman noticed the uncertainty on his face. "It's the best price you'll get," she said, leaning forward. "I'm being kind because you're young."

  Her words pushed him further.

  Lars looked at the ring again. He really did like it. Something about it felt important, even if he couldn't explain why.

  Maybe I should try to lower the price… But he didn't understand this world's economy yet. He didn't even know what a fair price was.

  After a moment of silence, he nodded. "I'll take it."

  He handed over the silver coin. The woman smiled and placed the ring into his hand. Lars slid it onto his right middle finger. It fit perfectly.

  "See?" she said. "Perfect match."

  Then, almost immediately, she began packing up her stall.

  Lars blinked. "Oh… are you closing?"

  But he didn't question it further. He simply bowed slightly. "Thank you."

  She gave a small wave as she continued gathering her things.

  Lars turned and walked away, glancing at his remaining coins. Six bronze. That's… not much.

  With a small sigh, he decided it was time to head back.

  ?

  The sun still hung high in the sky as Lars made his way back through the streets of Solaris.

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  He turned the ring on his finger, watching how the light reflected off the gem. I should talk to Rin, he thought. There was still so much he didn't understand — mana, Ki, guilds, money, the world itself. With only six bronze coins left in his pocket and a head full of questions, Lars began the walk back to the Wilds Guild.

  ?

  The sky above Solaris had begun to darken, painted in deep oranges and fading gold. Even in the Kingdom of the Sun, night still came. The difference was simply time — days stretched long and bright, while nights were shorter but lively.

  As the sun dipped lower, the streets began to change. Lanterns flickered to life along the roads. Tavern doors opened wide, laughter and music spilling out into the streets. The scent of roasted meat and strong drink drifted through the air. In certain districts, colored lights and loud voices hinted at the more indulgent sides of the city — red light alleys, gambling houses, and late-night entertainment.

  Solaris didn't sleep early. It simply changed its rhythm.

  Lars walked steadily toward the Wilds Guild, the ring on his finger catching bits of lantern light as he moved. His mind was still full of questions, but he felt calmer knowing he was returning somewhere familiar.

  As he reached the guild building, he pushed the door open.

  Immediately, he heard it. A loud commotion. It sounded like arguing — deep, rough voices clashing in the main hall.

  He recognized one of them instantly. Osbin.

  The other voice, however, was unfamiliar.

  Curious, Lars moved closer.

  In the center of the hall, a heavy wooden table had been cleared. Two large men sat across from each other, their hands locked in a firm grip.

  They were arm wrestling.

  The second man looked very similar to Osbin — broad-shouldered, rugged, and built like a wall. But he looked a bit younger, with no scars on his face. Instead of a beard, he wore a thick mustache that made him look both serious and oddly youthful at the same time.

  The two men grunted as their arms trembled.

  "You've gotten soft," the unfamiliar man taunted. "All that sleeping at the table must be catching up to you, old man."

  Osbin growled. "A real warrior stays well-rested at all times. Battles can break out any moment."

  "Sure, sure," the man smirked. "Next thing you'll say is snoring is part of your training."

  Osbin's eyes narrowed.

  With a sudden surge of strength, he slammed the man's arm down onto the table.

  THUD.

  The table rattled.

  "Ha!" Osbin laughed, raising his arm in victory. "Still got it!"

  The other man shook his hand and chuckled. "Alright, alright. I admit defeat."

  Osbin reached across the table and gave his shoulder a firm pat. "You've still got lots of training to do, little brother."

  The man grinned. "Next time, I'm winning."

  Lars blinked. Little brother…?

  He studied the two more closely. Same build. Same rough demeanor. Same sense of humor. Yup. Definitely brothers, he thought.

  At that moment, the mustached man noticed Lars standing near the edge of the hall. He leaned toward Osbin. "What's this? Did the guild open an adoption center while I was gone?"

  Osbin snorted. "Don't tempt them. They might start charging me for babysitting."

  Lars sighed internally as their brutal humor bounced back and forth. Yep. Definitely brothers.

  Osbin waved him over. "Come here, kid."

  Lars approached the table.

  "This is the boy I was telling you about," Osbin said. "The one we found in the forest."

  The mustached man's eyes widened slightly. "You're serious?"

  Osbin nodded. "Whole place looked like a battlefield. Feral gray dead, trees flattened, and this kid passed out nearby wearing leaves."

  The man looked genuinely surprised. He stood up and walked toward Lars, offering a friendly smile.

  "Name's Bronsten Durnhart," he said. "Younger brother of this old sack of meat — Osbin Durnhart."

  Osbin rolled his eyes. "Watch your mouth."

  Bronsten chuckled. "I just got back from a material-hunting quest. Some business put in a request through the Association. Figured I'd drop by the guild before heading out again."

  Lars looked up at him. Bronsten was heavily built, with more defined muscles than Osbin. The thick mustache under his nose gave him a unique look — almost like a younger version of Gallant, but with a bold patch of hair that made him stand out.

  Lars gave a polite bow. "My name is Lars… Silverwing. It's nice to meet you."

  Bronsten smiled. "Likewise, kid. Any friend of this guild is welcome around here."

  Behind him, Osbin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Just don't expect us to go easy on you."

  Lars let out a small chuckle. It was almost exactly what he expected Osbin to say.

  Osbin crossed his arms and looked him over. "You finally look more lively," he said. "Not like some lonely stray with nowhere to go."

  Lars puffed out his chest slightly, almost like a child being praised. The comment, though rough, felt warm in its own way.

  He glanced around the guild hall, scanning the tables and corners. "…Is Rin around?" he asked.

  Osbin followed his gaze and shook his head. "If you're looking for Rin, she's out right now."

  Lars' shoulders dropped slightly. He had been hoping to ask her more questions. There was still so much he didn't understand about this world.

  After a moment, he turned back to Osbin. "…How can I earn money?" he asked.

  Osbin's eyes widened. Then a wide grin spread across his face. "Now that," he said, slapping the table, "sounds like a real man talking."

  Bronsten chuckled at the reaction.

  Osbin leaned forward. "If you want to make money, you go to the Adventurers Association and pick up quests. Simple as that. Do the job, get paid."

  Lars frowned slightly. He had already been there earlier. The memory of the evaluation orb flashed through his mind — the shifting colors, the confusion, the whispers afterward. He thought about asking Osbin if he knew anything about it… but he hesitated. His brother was here for a short visit, and Lars didn't want to interrupt their time together.

  Before he could say anything, Bronsten spoke. "You'll need to be evaluated first," he said calmly. "The Association won't let you take proper quests without a rank."

  Osbin laughed. "Well, from the looks of it, that orb might not even give the boy a rank."

  He chuckled as if it were just a joke.

  But Lars heard it. And for a moment, it sank into his chest.

  Maybe he's right… Maybe that's why the orb couldn't decide. Am I really that weak…?

  Bronsten immediately stepped in, his tone more serious. "Let's not discourage the boy," he said. "If he wants to provide for himself, that's something to respect." He looked at Lars. "If you want to become a warrior, we should guide you the right way."

  Osbin scratched his beard, then nodded. "Yeah… you're right." He turned back to Lars. "First thing we need to figure out is whether you're more suited to magic or Ki."

  He smirked. "Who knows? Maybe you'll end up like one of us and become a knight." He gave a short laugh, clearly amused by the idea.

  Lars stood quietly for a moment after Osbin's comment about magic and Ki. Mage… or Ki user? He wasn't sure.

  His thoughts drifted back to the fight with the feral gray. The moment before the final blow. The strange pressure in his fist. The way his body moved instinctively. It hadn't felt like chanting. It hadn't felt like using a tool. It had felt… raw. Direct.

  Was that Ki? he wondered.

  Before he could say anything, Osbin's eyes suddenly narrowed. "Hold on." He leaned forward and pointed at Lars' right hand. "That's no normal ring."

  Lars blinked. "Oh… this?"

  Osbin raised a brow. "Did you buy that?"

  Lars nodded. "There was an older woman selling jewelry in the market. She said it was used for summoning magic. I bought it for one silver coin."

  Silence.

  Then —

  "One silver coin?!" Osbin barked.

  He stared at Lars for a second, then burst into laughter. "Son," he said between chuckles, "it appears you've been outwitted."

  Lars frowned. "…What do you mean?"

  Bronsten crossed his arms, already suspecting the answer.

  Osbin shook his head. "Summoner jewels like that? Most go for around fifty bronze coins. Price changes depending on rarity, sure — but that one?" He leaned closer to inspect it. "That's average quality at best."

  Lars froze. Fifty bronze…?

  He replayed the scene in his mind. The woman's smug smile. The way no one else had been buying. The way she packed up immediately after the sale.

  Realization hit him. "I… got scammed."

  Osbin laughed again, not cruelly, but loudly enough to make the lesson stick. "First rule of the streets," he said. "Never look too impressed when you're buying something."

  Lars felt heat rise to his face. Not because of the money. But because he had allowed himself to be taken advantage of. He hated that feeling.

  Osbin leaned back. "Summoner artifacts are tools. They help create a link between a caster and a spirit or creature. But they're only useful if you can actually use summoning magic."

  Lars remembered the vendor's explanation. A bond… a link…

  Osbin eyed him again. "So what? You planning on becoming a mage?"

  Lars hesitated. "I… don't know." He looked at the ring. "I just thought it looked nice."

  Bronsten chuckled softly. "Well, you've learned something important today."

  Lars looked up.

  "Money doesn't care who you used to be," Bronsten said. "Out here, you either understand its value — or you pay for not understanding it."

  The words weren't harsh. They were honest.

  Bronsten gave Osbin a firm pat on the shoulder. "I've got to head out. That merchant won't wait forever." He turned toward Lars. "Don't let the mistake eat at you," he said with a grin. "Every warrior's first lesson costs something."

  With that, he adjusted his gear and made his way toward the guild exit.

  Osbin watched him leave, then glanced back at Lars. "So," he said, cracking his knuckles, "you want to make money and figure out if you're mage or Ki?"

  He smirked. "Then tomorrow morning, we'll find out."

  Lars felt a surge of excitement. Tomorrow would be his first real chance to learn more about himself — about what he could do in this world. He had hoped to wait for Rin to return, but rest felt more important. If Osbin was going to train him, he wanted to be ready.

  "I'll see you tomorrow," Lars said.

  Osbin nodded. "Get some sleep. You'll need it."

  Lars gave a small bow before heading down the hallway toward the room the Wilds Guild had lent him. He opened the door and stepped inside.

  The room was simple, just as before. The bed, the desk, the quiet stillness — it all felt strangely comforting now.

  He lay down, staring at the ceiling. So much had happened in a single day — the archives, the strange orb, the guild, the city, the ring, the lessons. And still… so many questions remained.

  His thoughts drifted to his old world. His parents. He wondered if they thought of him. If they missed him. If they ever knew what truly happened. Then his mind brushed against the memory of his younger brother. The betrayal. The poison.

  For a moment, his chest tightened.

  But instead of anger, a strange calm followed. Maybe… I can forgive him. This was a new world. A new life. And a new chance.

  Lars closed his eyes slowly. "This time… I'll decide my own fate," he whispered.

  His thoughts softened as sleep slowly took him. And before long, Lars drifted into a quiet, peaceful rest.