Upon arriving at the guild, Zayne took a deep breath, feeling his heart beat faster. The atmosphere around the building seemed charged with anticipation. He approached the door, sensing the energy of those inside. After a brief moment of hesitation, he placed his hand on the handle and pushed it open. The door creaked slowly, revealing a grand hall illuminated by mana crystals suspended in the air, emitting a soft, pulsing glow.

  Inside, dozens of adventurers paused to look at him. Some recognized him immediately, whispering among themselves.

  "There he is... the rookie who took down the Bloodwolf King alone..."

  A group of warriors, standing tall and armed to the teeth, sized him up with interest. Among them was the guild’s strongest party, led by a tall man with scars across his face and an imposing black armor. His golden eyes gleamed with curiosity as he watched Zayne approach the main counter.

  Behind the counter, a man with a long beard and a blue robe gestured for him to step forward.

  "Zayne, right? You’re here for the practical trial."

  Zayne nodded, keeping a neutral expression.

  "That’s right. Who will I be fighting?"

  The old man gave a slight smile.

  "You’ll be tested by a Rank B of the guild. You must prove yourself worthy of promotion."

  A ripple of excitement spread through the hall. Some adventurers chuckled softly.

  "A Rank B? Let’s see if the rookie is really worth anything."

  Zayne clenched his fists, but not out of tension. A Rank B... interesting. This will be a good chance to test my new equipment. And maybe that strange ability will activate again...

  Following the guild master, he walked down a long stone corridor, illuminated by magical torches that emitted a bluish glow. The walls were adorned with banners displaying the guild’s insignias and trophies from past battles: shattered weapons, armor marked with deep gashes, helmets dented by devastating blows.

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  Behind him, several adventurers followed to witness the trial. Some watched him with skepticism, others with mild respect. Their murmurs filled the air as they descended toward the underground arena.

  The guild’s arena was a vast circular space, its stone floor scarred by countless battles. Magical torches on the walls cast an intense light, making the weapons and armor of the spectators gleam as they took their seats.

  In front of him, the Rank B opponent stepped forward. He was a burly man with short hair and cold eyes. He wielded a two-handed sword, his gaze that of a seasoned warrior used to tough fights.

  "Don’t hold back, rookie," the Rank B said with a predatory grin. "Show me if you’re really worthy of a higher rank."

  Zayne unsheathed his new sword, feeling its perfect balance. His heart quickened, but not out of fear. Let’s see what you’re capable of...

  The fight began with a devastating strike from the Rank B, making the ground tremble. Zayne barely dodged, feeling the wind of the blade brushing past his face. Swiftly, he counterattacked with a precise thrust, but his opponent blocked it with surprising agility and retaliated with a kick, forcing Zayne to step back.

  The adventurers in the stands roared with excitement.

  "Not bad, rookie!"

  Zayne didn’t waver. He advanced with a series of rapid strikes, aiming for exposed points. The Rank B parried most of them, but one slash grazed his forearm, leaving a shallow cut.

  The Rank B’s eyes gleamed with excitement.

  "Interesting..."

  Then, with unexpected speed, he lunged forward with a horizontal slash. Zayne barely blocked in time, but the sheer force sent him sliding backward. The ground beneath his feet cracked.

  He felt a familiar warmth surge up his arm. Again... that ability...

  Focusing, he let the energy flow. In a flash, his body moved faster. He dodged another strike and, in one fluid motion, landed a precise blow to his opponent’s side, making him stagger.

  A moment of silence.

  Then, the Rank B stopped, taking a deep breath. He raised a hand in surrender.

  "I yield. You win."

  The crowd erupted in a chorus of surprise and approval. Shouts of disbelief filled the arena as some adventurers exchanged stunned glances.

  "He made a Rank B surrender?!"

  "Who the hell is this guy?"

  In the stands, the guild’s strongest party watched the scene with interest. Their leader crossed his arms, a faint smile on his lips.

  "Interesting... he’s not just any rookie."

  Beside him, the Guild Master slowly nodded, her sharp eyes fixed on Zayne.

  "There’s potential in him. This boy might surprise us yet."

  Zayne lowered his sword, showing no arrogance. He gave a small bow.

  "Thank you for the fight."

  The Rank B studied him for a moment, then smiled.

  "You’ve got talent, kid. Don’t waste it."

  The guild master nodded approvingly.

  "Zayne, you have passed the trial. From today, you are officially Rank E. Welcome among the real adventurers."

  As he exited the arena, the gazes of the other adventurers had changed. Some looked at him with respect, others with envy.

  But one thing was certain: Zayne was no longer just a mere rookie.