The Golden Knight of Valtheria

The sun hung low in the sky as Ryusei Kuriyami ventured beyond the outskirts of the Outer Districts, his sights set on the capital city of Valtheria. His long coat fluttered with each step as he approached the towering walls that enclosed the grand city, the heart of the kingdom. Here, adventurers, nobles, and commoners alike gathered in pursuit of fortune, fame, or survival.

His goal was clear—register as an adventurer. Though his primary duty lay with the Makai Order, blending in as an adventurer provided the perfect cover for his missions. More importantly, it gave him access to crucial resources, contacts, and income.

Upon reaching the Adventurer's Guild, a massive building adorned with banners depicting legendary warriors and beasts, Ryusei was greeted by the bustling energy of hunters, mages, swordsmen, and mercenaries. He stepped forward toward the registration desk, where a burly, scarred guild officer eyed him with mild amusement.

"Another young one aiming for riches? You sure you've got what it takes?" the man asked, crossing his arms.

"I wouldn't be here otherwise," Ryusei replied confidently.

The Entrance Exam

To become an adventurer, one had to pass the Guild's Entrance Exam, designed to ensure applicants had the skill to survive. Ryusei, despite his years of rigorous training, knew better than to underestimate the challenge. The exam was divided into three parts:

Combat Trial – A duel against a guild-appointed warrior.

Survival Challenge – A test of endurance and adaptability in a controlled wild environment.

Magical Aptitude – If applicable, an assessment of magical proficiency.

His combat trial pitted him against a C-rank adventurer, a grizzled veteran wielding a broadsword. The match was intense—Ryusei's agility and precision with his wakizashi allowed him to evade heavy strikes and counter with precise slashes, yet he refrained from revealing his full strength. With a final swift movement, he disarmed his opponent, proving his worth.

For the survival test, he was placed in a simulated wilderness and given minimal supplies. Using his training, he efficiently tracked food, avoided dangers, and demonstrated adaptability. His fire magic proved useful for both warmth and cooking, while his red lightning provided an additional edge against potential threats.

The magical aptitude test merely confirmed what he already knew—his affinity for Fire and Lightning was unusual, and his control over them was remarkable. His eerie green flames and crimson electricity left the examiners intrigued.

With his performance surpassing expectations, Ryusei was ranked as an E-Rank adventurer, the standard for new recruits. Though modest, it was a necessary step toward greater recognition.

First Quests & Earnings

Eager to make a name for himself, Ryusei accepted several low-level quests, including:

Eliminating small goblin nests threatening outlying farms. (Reward: 5 silver per nest)

Gathering rare herbs from a forest near the city. (Reward: 3 silver per batch)

Escorting merchants through bandit-prone roads. (Reward: 10 silver per journey)

Though simple, these tasks built his reputation and allowed him to accumulate gold. Every coin counted toward better gear, provisions, and the eventual pursuit of higher-ranked quests.

Missions from the Makai Order

Amidst his adventurer work, Ryusei remained loyal to the Makai Order, tasked with hunting Horrors lurking in the city and beyond. One such mission led him to an abandoned estate, where whispers of disappearances and eerie howls had spread fear among the populace.

Upon investigation, Zaruba, his Madou Ring, confirmed the presence of a Horror. The creature revealed itself—a grotesque, malformed beast hiding within the shadows of the manor. Ryusei engaged in battle, using his enchanted wakizashi to deliver swift, precise strikes, though the creature's resilience proved formidable.

Realizing the Horror was too powerful in its current state, Ryusei invoked his Garo Armor. Golden light engulfed him, and within moments, he stood clad in his legendary golden armor. The once-formidable foe now faced the full might of a Makai Knight.

With a powerful downward slash, Ryusei purified the Horror, its agonized howls fading into oblivion. As the battle concluded, he retrieved a Horror Core, a rare item with significant value to the Order. This mission earned him both recognition and additional funding, reinforcing his commitment to his dual path as a Makai Knight and an adventurer.

Growth & Future Prospects

Days turned into weeks as Ryusei continued his double life, steadily climbing the ranks of the Adventurer's Guild while fulfilling his duty as a Makai Knight. His name began to spread, and with each quest, his skills sharpened, his knowledge expanded, and his reputation flourished.

But greater dangers loomed on the horizon—challenges that would test the very limits of his strength, resolve, and the destiny carved for him as the Golden Knight of Valtheria.