At a beautiful sunset, the capital of Honoo was packed with people—mostly merchants and nobles, though some had come for another reason entirely: the entrance exam for Omuma Magical University would be held tomorrow.

  “Dan, this dagger is incredible. This crimson color, the edge—everything about it. I love it. I want it. And it even has a small compartment… hmm, what’s that for?”

  “Young man, this dagger comes from Stuzha, the northernmost kingdom on the continent,” replied the merchant selling it.

  “Oh? And what does that change?” Daike asked, confused.

  “Hah, hah, hah. Looks like you don’t know much geography, kid. You see, in Stuzha they’ve made great advances in using tarmo to manipulate temperature.”

  Daike listened, still unsure what that had to do with the dagger.

  “The compartment is usually filled with olive oil. If you can control temperature properly, you can create a flame and wield a ‘fire dagger.’ Only the finest mages in Stuzha know the technique,” the merchant explained.

  “Whaaat?! That sounds amazing. I want to learn that someday,” Daike said, eyes shining.

  “Well then, sir, how much for the dagger?” Dan asked.

  “One gold coin,” the merchant replied.

  Dan frowned. The price was steep for a dagger, but he reached into his pocket, took out a coin, and handed it over.

  Daike took the dagger and said excitedly, “Thank you so much, Dan. You’re the best.”

  “Don’t think I forgot you mentioned that tomorrow is your sixteenth birthday,” Dan replied.

  “Heh, you’re incredible, Dan. Let’s keep exploring the city. I’ve never been here before,” Daike said.

  They wandered through the city together. Even though Dan had already visited the capital of Honoo, he found himself once again amazed by its delicious local desserts and stunning architecture. As for Daike, he felt like he was living a dream. He had never imagined places this beautiful existed. The star-filled sky only deepened their shared sense of wonder.

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  The sun had barely risen, yet Daike and Dan were already awake, preparing for the day.

  “Well, I guess now I’ll head to the exam, and you… what will you do, Dan?” Daike asked.

  “I need to sell liquors from my homeland—shōchū and the like. I’m supposed to present them to the feudal lord. It’s meant to be a cultural exchange between Ozero and Honoo,” Dan replied.

  “Seriously?! I had no idea you were such an important guy,” Daike said in amazement.

  “What can I say? I’m a fairly well-known merchant back home.”

  Dan hesitated over whether to wish him a happy birthday. With the exam, it was obvious Daike wouldn’t be able to enjoy it anyway. Better not mention it, he decided.

  Daike wasn’t great at goodbyes. He was thinking about how to part ways. If he passed the exam, he would probably never see Dan again. Still, he wanted to say farewell properly to someone who had been so kind.

  “Our paths split here. We won’t see each other again, Dan,” Daike said.

  “That’s true, kid. I suppose this is our last conversation. It makes me sad, but I’ll keep enjoying the years I have left. I hope you achieve your goal—though you never did tell me what it was. I wish you success. You’re a good boy,” Dan replied, his tone calm and steady.

  “You’re right, Dan. This hurts a little, but we all have to walk our own paths. You inspired me. You helped me grow, even just a bit, and you showed me warmth,” Daike said, his eyes filled with melancholy.

  Dan took a deep breath and said, “I ask only one thing of you, Daike. Remember me. Remember this adventure. Don’t forget these moments. Treasure them in your heart.”

  At that moment, Daike thought of his late parents. Memories of the time he had spent with them surfaced unbidden. For some reason, the warmth of this man made him think of them. Before he realized it, a tear slipped down his cheek. All he said was, “Of course, Dan. Thank you… and goodbye.”

  Daike began walking toward the university, still thinking about his farewell with Dan. We should’ve talked a bit more… but maybe that would’ve felt forced, he thought.

  After a brief silence, he slapped his cheeks twice and told himself, “Focus. I’m going to the exam, and I’m going to pass. I can’t keep thinking about this.”

  Omuma University was enormous—imposing, even. A large crowd had gathered at the entrance, most of them between fifteen and twenty years old. To get a sense of what he was up against, Daike activated his tarmo detection. Most of the candidates had tarmo levels similar to his. But when he looked elsewhere… he detected someone with twice as much tarmo as him.

  Daike’s face twisted in disbelief. I’ve trained my tarmo my entire life. I get that some people are stronger, but double? How is that even possible? They’d have had to train every single day of their life like a madman, and even then they might not reach that level, he thought.

  Suddenly, someone stepped out of the university. His appearance was striking: a large scar across his face, completely gray hair, few wrinkles, and light armor like a warrior’s—despite not quite looking like one.

  He took a breath and spoke loudly, practically shouting, “Hello, little ones. Looks like there’s a lot of interest in this exam. I count about two hundred of you, but I’ll warn you now—only twenty-five will pass. I’ll spare you the rest. I am the director of this university, and I will now explain the rules of this exam.”