The receptionist carefully lifted a crystalline orb from a velvet-lined case and placed it atop the counter. Its surface shimmered faintly, like a pool of still water that reflected hidden colors.
“This,” she said, her voice formal, “is the Mana Assessment Orb. By placing your hand upon it, we can measure both your current mana level and your future potential. Please proceed.”
Riki scratched his head, looking uncertain.
“Ugh… well, guess I gotta do it, huh?”
Aria clenched her fists and leaned closer, her voice eager and bright.
“Go ahead, Master! You can do it!”
Ruby’s crimson eyes gleamed as she crossed her arms, a smile tugging at her lips.
“Yes… do it, boy. I want to see with my own eyes.”
Feeling the pressure of their stares, Riki awkwardly pressed his hand against the orb.
For a heartbeat, nothing happened. Then—
FLASH!
The orb glowed brilliantly, flooding the hall with dazzling light. Adventurers shielded their eyes, gasps echoing everywhere. But just as quickly as it had flared, the glow vanished, returning to its dull, clear surface.
Everyone stared in confusion.
The receptionist froze, her face pale as she examined the orb. A faint gasp escaped her lips.
Riki pulled his hand back nervously.
“Eh? What’s wrong? Did I… break it?”
All around, adventurers leaned forward in anticipation, whispers rising.
The receptionist steadied her expression, though her tone was firm and cold.
“…Your measured rank is F. Mana level: 109. Your most suitable potential jobs… are gathering materials or working as a carrier for stronger families or adventuring parties. I… am sorry.”
Laughter erupted throughout the guild hall.
“F-Rank?!”
“Hah! As special as a fly!”
“He had us scared for a moment, but he’s nothing!”
Mocking voices filled the air. Riki stared down at his trembling hand, his chest hollowing.
“…Was all my training… pointless?” he whispered. “People used to say I had potential… Was it all a lie?”
His shoulders sagged as he sank onto a nearby bench. The voices of the crowd pressed down like iron chains.
“Master…” Aria’s voice trembled, her crimson eyes full of sorrow. She knelt beside him, clutching his arm. “Don’t listen to them. You are powerful—you have so much more than they realize.”
Her words brought little comfort to Riki, who continued to stare at his palm as though searching for answers.
“Aria.”
The receptionist’s voice broke the silence. She gestured toward the orb. “It is your turn.”
Aria rose reluctantly, casting one last worried look at Riki before stepping forward. She placed her hand gently on the orb.
WHOOSH!
The crystal erupted in light, brighter and sharper than before. Gasps rang out as the glow spiraled, filling the hall with blazing crimson.
Riki looked up in stunned silence. Aria…
When the light faded, the receptionist bowed her head respectfully.
“Aria… Rank B.”
The hall erupted into chatter, many eyes wide with respect.
Riki’s heart sank further, though he forced a weak smile.
“Congratulations, Aria…” he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness.
Aria, however, only clenched her fists, her expression full of frustration. Then—
“AAAHHHHHH!”
Her scream tore through the guild as she threw her head back, her voice echoing against the high rafters. The crowd went silent, stunned by the sudden outburst.
Riki blinked in shock.
“A-Aria?!”
She turned, storming toward him. In one swift motion, she grabbed his face in her hands, pulling him close until their eyes locked.
“Master Riki!” she cried, her voice shaking but fierce. “You are not a normal person! You shouldn’t need some stupid orb to tell you your worth! You’ve protected me—time and time again! Your strength isn’t bound to numbers!”
Riki’s eyes widened, stunned by her words.
Aria’s grip tightened as tears welled in her eyes. “To me, you are more than this guild will ever see. You are already stronger than they can imagine. Please… believe that.”
For the first time since the test, Riki’s chest loosened. Her words seeped deep into him, breaking through the doubts clawing at his heart. Slowly, he smiled—genuinely.
“…I understand now,” he whispered. His arms wrapped around her gently, pulling her into an embrace. “Thank you, Aria. Your words… freed me.”
Aria buried her face against him, smiling despite the tears. “Good, Master. Then let’s do this—together.”
Riki squeezed her hand firmly, his eyes regaining their light.
“Right!”