Yui approached the Explorer Association with nothing but determination in his eyes. The building loomed over him—tall, busy, and full of people who already looked stronger than he felt. Today was the day he finally planned to register.
Twelve years old, wearing patched clothes and worn shoes, Yui stood at the end of a long line of hopefuls. He tried to steady his breathing, but his hands felt empty and cold. He didn't even have a weapon.
The receptionist behind the counter glanced up as Yui approached. "Next," she said, her voice flat.
"I… I want to register as an Explorer," Yui said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Do you have a weapon?" she asked immediately.
Yui hesitated. "Weapon?"
"For registration," she said, tapping the rule displayed on the terminal. "You must bring a weapon corresponding to the class you intend to choose."
"I… I don't know which class to pick," he admitted.
The receptionist sighed. "Then you pick one. Warrior, Rogue, Ranger, Brawler, Tank, Element Mage, Cleric, or Summoner."
Yui rubbed his arm. "I've never used any weapon before. I thought I could decide later."
"You can't," she said firmly. "Explorers have strict entry requirements. If you don't even have a weapon, you cannot register."
The line behind Yui grew impatient. "Move already!" someone muttered. Another voice laughed. "Come back when you have a weapon, kid."
Yui clenched his fists. "I'll work hard. I'll do anything. Please!"
The receptionist softened slightly but remained professional. "I'm sure you would. But rules are rules. Without a class weapon, we can't process your application. Even basic trainees must have equipment."
Yui's voice dropped to a whisper. "…I don't have money to buy one."
The receptionist looked at him for a long moment, then shook her head. "I'm sorry. You need at least one proper weapon. Come back when you have one."
Yui stepped aside as the next applicant rushed forward. The world didn't change. People moved in and out. Some were accepted, some rejected.
He stood still. Rejected. Not because of skill, not because of desire, but because he had nothing.
After a moment, he walked out into the sunlight. He didn't know what class suited him. He didn't know what weapon he could even handle. He didn't know where to start.
But he knew one thing: he wasn't giving up. Not today. Not ever.