Humanity stood at a crossroads. Peace had reigned for years after the devastating war that claimed countless lives across races. Yet, the absence of conflict left humanity's guilds adrift. Guild activities dwindled, and stagnation crept through the kingdom.

In the capital city of Janma, political tensions rose. Guilds that had once stood as humanity's lifeline in its darkest hour now debated their place in this new, uncertain era.

Inside that grand chamber, he had felt powerless. The heavy weight of the world bore down on him as he sat among the leaders of the Silver Guard and the Royal Sanctuary Guild.

They don't understand, he thought bitterly. They can't see what the Golden Sun represents.

The guild wasn't just about power or prestige. It was humanity's last line of defense—a shield forged in the fires of war.

His hands tightened at the memory. He had fought relentlessly to protect the fragile peace humanity now enjoyed. Yet, within those chambers, that balance had felt as though it teetered on the edge of collapse.

He had been silent throughout most of the council's deliberations, his expression as impassive as always. The leaders bickered endlessly, their voices a cacophony of arguments and counterarguments.

But then, the discussion took a turn. The idea of disbanding the Golden Sun Guild had been put on the table.

Evan clenched his fists, the frustration in his chest barely contained.

How could they even suggest this? It wasn't just about the guild's future. It was about humanity's survival. Without the Golden Sun, the kingdom's defenses would crumble.

The council chambers were a grand and imposing room, adorned with banners of the royal family and the crests of the three primary guilds.

The long table at its center seated the leaders of the Royal Sanctuary, the Silver Guard, and the Golden Sun Guild. 

At the head of the table sat King Duren, his regal presence commanding the room. Every decision made here would shape the future of the kingdom, and the weight of that reality pressed heavily on everyone present.

Dyeva Als, the leader of the Golden Sun Guild and Archon of Humanity, sat with quiet composure. She was resolute, her gaze unwavering as the debate unfolded.

Her presence was a steadying force for Evan. He trusted her to speak for the guild, even as his own frustration simmered beneath the surface.

She knows what's at stake, Evan thought. She'll make them see reason.

The Royal Sanctuary—the elite guards responsible for protecting the royal family and their residences—were represented by High Commander Sir Alden.

His demeanor was calm but firm, as befitting someone entrusted with safeguarding the monarchy.

"The Golden Sun Guild's primary function was to secure humanity's borders during wartime. With peace reigning, their resources could be better utilized elsewhere. Perhaps in reinforcing the Silver Guard's patrols?" he suggested.

The Silver Guard Guild—tasked with city and capital defense and general law enforcement—was represented by Guildmaster Helena. She was known for her strategic mind and her pragmatic approach.

"We've already taken and secured most of the work. Maybe absorbing the Golden Sun's members would strengthen our patrols though," she argued, her tone measured but insistent.

Evan sat silently, his sharp gaze darting between the speakers. He noticed Dyeva Als, the Leader of the Golden Sun Guild and Archon of Humanity, remaining composed but resolute. Her voice broke through the noise.

"Disbanding the Golden Sun Guild is not a matter of reallocating resources. It's about dismantling a pillar of our kingdom's defense. The peace we enjoy now is fragile. If we are not prepared for external threats, we risk losing everything we've built."

Her words were met with murmurs. Some nodded in agreement, but others—notably Alden—appeared unconvinced.

"Preparation is one thing, Lady Als, but redundancy is wasteful. Peace is an opportunity to rebuild our economy and focus inward, not to keep living in the shadow of war."

Evan's hands tightened into fists under the table. He wanted to speak but held back. He trusted Dyeva to handle the situation, though he could feel the frustration radiating from her.

The debate continued for hours, ending without resolution. The guild's fate still hung in the balance, and as the leaders filed out, Evan could see the uncertainty in Dyeva's eyes. The moment they stepped into the hall, she turned toward him.

"Evan," Dyeva said, her voice even, but there was a glint of something else there—a silent plea for reassurance. "I need you to meet someone."

He didn't need to ask who she was referring to. The moment his gaze fell on the young woman standing just outside the council room, he knew exactly who it was. Runa Als. She was standing there, her posture uncertain, her eyes betraying the nervousness she was trying to hide.

She was younger than him, but the fire in her gaze told him she wasn't someone to underestimate.

Runa had come to the capital for reasons Evan wasn't entirely sure of, but he'd seen her earlier before the council meeting.

The look in her eyes as she watched Dyeva had been one of awe, almost like a reflection of the same feeling Evan had once had when he first laid eyes on the guild leader.

Dyeva moved toward her, speaking in soft tones that Evan couldn't quite hear, and the two of them exchanged a few words.

When Dyeva reached into her robe and pulled out a golden token, he understood immediately. This was the moment. Runa was being invited to join the Golden Sun Guild as a Main team member.

Dyeva's voice broke through his thoughts. "This is Evan," she said, introducing him as she handed the token to Runa. "He'll be your guardian while you're here. I trust him to guide you through the trials ahead."

Runa looked at him, a little startled. He didn't offer her a friendly handshake. That wasn't his way. Instead, he simply nodded and gave a humble smile, his gray eyes steady as they met hers.

His demeanor was calm but firm, a reflection of his practical nature. There was no arrogance in him, but neither was there room for unnecessary pleasantries.

"Welcome to the Golden Sun Guild," he said, his voice resolute. " You have a trial ahead of you. The real work starts now."

Runa hesitated, unsure whether she should respond or not, but eventually nodded, the token now in her hand like a tangible representation of her decision. Evan observed her reaction carefully.

He admired bravery, but he also valued humility and practicality. Those were qualities he lived by, qualities that had carried him through countless trials of his own. He was loyal to the guild and to the task at hand, and he expected the same dedication from anyone who joined their ranks.

Dyeva wasted no time in getting down to business. "You'll need to travel to Kubu Fort to begin your training. If you pass the trial, you'll officially become a member of the Golden Sun Guild. But first, we need to prepare you. I will meet you there."

Runa's uncertainty was palpable. She was taking her first steps into a world that was far more dangerous than anything she could have imagined. But Dyeva was right. The trial wasn't just about her magic skills—it was about what lay within her.

Evan could see it clearly. She was like him once: a young one with potential, but with doubts—doubts she would need to cast aside if she was to make it.

The Golden Sun Guild didn't take in just anyone. To survive here, she would have to prove herself, not only in strength but in character. And Evan would make sure she was ready for the challenges ahead, no matter how stubborn or unyielding she might be at first.