Vasili held the freshly stamped guild badge like it might vanish if he blinked, its weight far greater than the metal suggested. Around him, seasoned adventurers laughed and argued, yet he felt no envy—only quiet resolve. This wasn’t glory in his hands, just permission to begin, and for Vasili, that was more than enough to step into a world larger than fear.

"Now, off to the first quest," he said as he headed to bulletin board.