The next few days passed quickly. Rayan stuck to his routine—gate duty in the morning, sword training in the afternoon, and helping Lina with chores in the evening. But this time, everything felt different.
Now that his Sword Crest had reached Level 1, the academy was within reach.
On the fourth day, Rayan received a message from the Academy's Public Office. It was a simple letter:
To Mr. Rayan Stormheart,
Your eligibility for admission to the Crest Academy has been verified.
You may attend the next enrollment orientation this coming weekend. Bring your identity documentation and proof of your active Crest.
— Crest Academy, Northern Branch
He held the letter tightly in his hand, heart pounding.
"I'm finally going back… to the academy," he murmured.
This time, though, it wouldn't be under the name Rayan Sunreign, the noble son of House Sunreign.
It would be as Rayan Stormheart—a boy who rose from the dirt, trained in secret, and fought for every scrap of strength he had.
That evening, as he showed the letter to Lina, her eyes sparkled with pride.
"You'll become even stronger now," she said. "And... maybe prove them all wrong."
Rayan nodded. "That's the plan."
But before the academy could begin, he still had one thing left to receive—his Adventurer License.
On the seventh day, as promised, the receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild handed over a small metal card engraved with his name and crest details.
Adventurer License – Rayan Stormheart
Crest: Sword Crest – Level 1
Skill: Crest Analysis – Level 2
Rank: Novice
"You're now an official adventurer," she said. "You can take beginner missions. Stick to things within your rank and don't get cocky."
"I won't," Rayan smiled. "Thank you."
And just like that, he had unlocked both paths—the sword, and the adventure.
That night, back in their room, he sat with Lina under the soft glow of a lantern, looking over beginner missions.
"Once I settle into the academy, I'll take on missions during breaks. I need to keep getting stronger," he said.
Lina poured him a warm cup of tea and sat beside him.
"You're doing amazing, Rayan. But promise me you won't push yourself too far."
He looked at her, softening. "I promise."
With their dinner shared and the future waiting, Rayan knew:
This was only the beginning.