The bard, who had been playing in the corner just a moment ago, cut off the melody mid-note. The guards along the walls exchanged watchful glances, and the adventurers fell silent — their conversations cut short by a sharp wave of silence.

A tall man stepped inside. His hair — long, blue, and gleaming like the current of an icy river—flowed freely down to his shoulders. His attire was wild and disheveled: leather, metal belts, and pieces of armor, worn not for protection but as adornment. The aura he exuded was heavy, suffocating, full of confidence and strength.

Then the rest of his team entered. There were four of them, each wearing a medallion of the highest rank, whose brilliance contrasted with the gleaming iron around the necks of Valdor and his companions. One of them carried a black scythe on his back, another had a two-handed blade at his belt, while the third was wrapped in an embroidered cloak and held a scepter in his hand

The atmosphere changed; everyone was whispering among themselves.

Fear, envy, and awe mingled in the eyes of those present.

The leader, a blue-haired man, swept his gaze across the room and fixed it on Valdor and his team. The smile that crept across his face was predatory.

"Well, well." — he said in a low, harsh voice.

"You've barely walked in, and you already think you're someone?" — He took a step forward, aiming his words like a blade.

"Iron… heh. It suits you. Hard, but brittle."

He fell silent for a moment, as if he wanted his words to sink in deeper, and then he smiled even wider.

"And since we're supposed to get to know each other… my name is Arok Deathwing. Remember that name, because you'll be hearing it more often than you'd like."

Noah reacted immediately. His hands shot up instinctively.

"You want to see how fragile they are?" — he snarled, ready to send flames flying at the arrogant leader.

Kael grabbed him by the arm, stopping him.

Noah." — His voice was calm but firm. — "This isn't the time."

The fire died down.

Arwen snorted in irritation; her golden eyes flashed.

"You sure talk a lot for people who apparently have nothing better to do." s — he said mockingly, crossing her arms over her chest.

Valdor stepped forward.

"I'm Valdor Kanami… Nice to meet you."

"I've heard that name somewhere before… but where…" — he whispered.

"Never mind, nice to meet you." — he added.

Mayuri remained silent. Her gaze rested on Arok. There was neither anger nor fear on her face—only cold analysis, as if she were assessing him as a piece of a puzzle.

Valdor stood calmly. He didn't say a word or make a single gesture. He looked straight ahead, confidently, without a tremor, and his silence spoke louder than the words of Noah or Arwen.

The only sounds in the room were the crackling of wood in the fireplace and the rapid breathing of a few seekers.

"Enough!" — the guild master's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

An elderly man was descending the stairs. He was slender, yet exuded authority. His beard was gray, and his eyes shone with a sharp light. He tapped his cane on the floor, and the echo silenced the entire hall.

"This is no place for fighting." — he said icily.

He walked slowly; his stride was steady. He stopped between the elite and Valdor.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Mitsugi Yujiro, the founder of this guild." — said the guild master.

"Newcomers must complete their first trial mission." He pulled out a scroll and unrolled it. "The nearby ruins, where monsters have taken up residence. A simple task, but mandatory."

Someone in the crowd snorted.

"Ruins? That's a job for kids, not warriors!"

The master ignored the comment and handed the scroll to Valdor.

"This is your first assignment. Prove that you're worthy of wearing the medallion."

Valdor accepted the document, nodded, and replied briefly:

"We'll do it."

Noah, though still seething with anger, turned toward the exit. Kael stayed close, ready to restrain him should he lose control. Arwen cast one last glance at the elite; her smile was full of defiance.

Mayuri remained silent, but for a moment her gaze met Arok's. That look was like the clash of two blades — silent, yet piercing.

Valdor's team left, leaving a heavy silence in their wake.

The elite team exchanged glances. One of them, a warrior in full armor, cleared his throat.

"Newbies… they won't last long."

Arok leaned against the doorframe and smiled mockingly.

"We'll see how far they get before they break."

Valdor and his team left the guild. Whispers hung in the air; stares followed them all the way to the door. Resting on their shoulders were not only the Iron medallions, but also the weight of the entire hall's gaze.