The next morning, Lena left the villa early for the Heroes Guild.

No—she should be called Dorothy now.

She dispelled her magical disguise, transforming back into the Silver Blossom Sword Maiden. A black robe draped over her shoulders hid her identity from passersby.

But she’d overestimated her fame. With countless new Heroes flooding Vedona these days, the legend of Silverbloom had long faded into obscurity.

After walking several streets, she stood before the Heroes Guild.

The building dominated Vedona’s city center. Sunlight glinted sharply off its glass windows.

"Heroes Guild…"

Dorothy murmured the words, never imagining she’d return here.

After restarting her life, she’d thought she was done with being a Hero. Yet… life was full of surprises.

Shaking off the fleeting thought, she stepped inside.

Chattering voices hit her ears. The hall buzzed with people—Heroes mostly—returning from monster hunts. Their gear hung heavy with weapons, some blades still stained with blood. Vedona bordered the Silent Forest, where monsters often threatened travelers. Hunting them was routine work for Heroes, who traded carcasses for gold.

"Hello! How can I help you?"

The receptionist, Lise, flashed a practiced smile at the hooded figure.

Dorothy tugged her black hood lower. "I wish to apply as trainer for Celia’s squad."

"Celia?" Lise’s voice rose sharply, drawing curious glances from nearby Heroes.

Celia was infamous here. Many had sought to train her squad—until learning she belonged to the Fiona Clan. They’d all backed out instantly. Others hoping to climb the Fiona social ladder had been quietly "taught lessons." Now, everyone avoided Celia.

*This stranger still wants the job?*

Amused stares flickered across the hall.

"You’re certain about Celia’s squad?" Lise pressed.

"Certain."

Lise leaned in, lowering her voice. "Ahem… have you heard about her family? The Fionas. They don’t *want* her having a trainer." She winked pointedly.

Dorothy pretended not to notice. "I know."

"And you still want this?"

"Yes."

A burly Hero nearby slammed his forearm on the counter. "Kid, you’re new here, right? Training that squad means making enemies of the Fionas. They’ll come for you in the shadows."

"Don’t say we didn’t warn you."

Dorothy’s fingers tightened on her robe. The Fionas’ grip on Vedona’s Heroes was stronger than she’d thought. It only hardened her resolve.

She thanked the well-meaning man, then fixed her gaze on Lise.

Sighing, Lise held out her palm. "Show me your Hero insignia. For registration."

Ignoring the pitying looks from onlookers, Dorothy pulled a silver-white badge from her pocket.

"Will this work?"

Lise took it—and froze.

Ordinary insignias were copper-gold, stamped with standard emblems and rank numbers. This one gleamed silver, carved with an eight-petaled flower. No numbers. No official markings.

"I haven’t updated it in years. Is it still valid?"

"Sorry," Lise pushed it back. "This isn’t a recognized Guild insignia."

"Could President Sharin verify it? She might know this design." Dorothy’s eyes held quiet hope.

Lise opened her mouth to refuse—but those expectant eyes pinned her in place. She sighed, clutching the cold metal. "Fine."

Though skeptical this hooded girl was truly a Hero, Lise left her post and climbed to the second floor.

*Knock knock knock.*

"Enter."

Inside the office, President Sharin set down her documents. Gold chains on her glasses swayed as she looked up. "Lise? What is it?"

"A candidate wants to train Celia’s squad. She provided this… as her Hero insignia." Lise placed the badge on the desk.

At the mention of Celia, Sharin’s breath hitched. Then she saw the badge.

Silver. Eight petals.

A memory clawed its way up—

*Silverbloom’s insignia?!*

*She’s alive?!*

***BAM!***

Sharin shot upright, palms slamming the desk. Excitement blazed across her face.

"WHERE IS SHE?!"

Lise stumbled back, heart pounding.

Sharin cleared her throat, fist pressed to her lips. She forced her voice steady—but it still trembled. "Where… is she now?"

"S-she’s waiting in the hall—"

Sharin was already striding past her.

Lise’s mind reeled. *What makes this girl so special?*

If she’d defy the Fionas for Celia…

*Could she be a Titleholder Hero?*

*Sixth Rank?!*

Lise hurried after President Sharin. A Titleholder in Vedona was rare. She wouldn’t miss this chance to meet the mysterious figure in black.