CHAPTER 43: THE TEST BEGAN

Agora, conforme solicitado, segue a **tradução profissional para o inglês**, preservando todo estilo, tom e originalidade:

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Together, like a procession of nobles, they passed through the Guild’s gates.

The first step, he knew... was only the beginning.

As they entered, every adventurer who had been ahead moved aside—not out of obligation, but out of respect...and awe. Lady Stella’s presence was unmistakable. She exuded authority. And, like a silent wave, her arrival reshaped the natural flow of the grand hall.

"By the gods... that’s Lady Stella herself," whispered a veteran dwarf, removing his helmet in an instinctive gesture of reverence.

"It’s Lady Stella...and Miss Sofia," murmured another, an elf with golden eyes, straightening his posture.

"Yes, and also Miss Sylvia...and Miss Zia," added a lizardfolk woman, stepping back discreetly to make room.

"I can see that...but I’m curious: are Miss Sofia and Miss Zia friends?" asked a young lioness-girl, her feline ears twitching as she watched the group.

"I...I think so," her friend replied, distracted, her eyes fixed on Aziz—who, as he passed, seemed to carry a presence that transcended his physical form. The young girl’s heart raced, as if she’d glimpsed more than a mere boy... but the protagonist of a story yet to be told.

Whispers, glances, and quiet questions began to ripple through the crowd. A growing murmur intensified with every step Aziz and the women took.

The reception hall buzzed with life. Adventurers of all races moved between mission boards, discussing rewards, forming parties, or waiting in long lines for the guild receptionists. Young novices mingled with seasoned veterans. The scent of leather, steel, sweat, and magic filled the air.

Aziz paused, taking it all in with bright eyes. He felt like a child stepping into a magical world—and in many ways, he was. He’d grown up on heroic tales, fantasy novels, and countless RPGs back on Earth. And now... he was about to live his own adventure.

The women around him noticed his rising excitement and sighed softly, each for different reasons. Pride, concern, affection... and a touch of nostalgia.

Even the most distracted adventurers began to take notice. Their gazes naturally turned toward him. It was like the arrival of a star at a convention—except that no one there truly knew who Aziz was... yet. But his presence spoke volumes, even without words.

Standing calm and composed beside Stella, Aziz turned to her and asked, "So... what now? Do we just wait here, or...?"

"No. We’ll be attended to shortly. Just wait a moment," Stella replied with her trademark serene assurance.

And, literally a moment later, a massive metal door at the back of the hall opened with a deep, echoing creak.

A middle-aged man emerged—imposing and weathered by time. His short blond hair was graying, and his beard was neatly trimmed. His face was serious, with an old scar slicing across his right cheek—a vivid reminder of his days on the front lines.

He wore a matte gray armor—simple yet functional. At his waist hung a similarly worn gray sword. His hand rested on the hilt with calm familiarity, as though the blade were an extension of himself.

He marched forward with firm, deliberate steps, his gaze fixed ahead like a soldier’s. When he stopped before them, he cast a brief glance at Aziz before focusing on Stella. A tense silence fell, as though wills were silently dueling.

But the moment didn’t last. The man bowed slightly, respect evident in his posture.

Straightening, he spoke in a deep, controlled voice:

"Lady Stella. To what do I owe the honor of your presence in my Guild today?"

A faint smile curved Stella’s lips—subtle and graceful, like a flower that blooms only for the perceptive few.

"I’ve come because of him," she said, placing her hand on Aziz’s shoulder. "He wishes to become an adventurer."

The man’s dark eyes shifted to Aziz, scrutinizing him from head to toe—studying his posture, attitude, presence.

Then he took a step forward, standing eye-to-eye with the young man. Aziz held his gaze unwaveringly, demonstrating strength. For an instant, the hall seemed suspended in time.

The man withdrew his hand from his sword’s hilt and extended it.

"Pleasure to meet you, lad. I am Edward, Guildmaster. And you are?"

"Aziz. My name is Aziz. I’m here to take the trial to become an adventurer," he replied with determination.

Edward nodded and shook Aziz’s hand firmly. The grip was solid—an unspoken test of mutual presence.

They released hands.

Edward glanced at Stella, then surveyed the rest of the group with a veteran’s discernment.

"Right. Follow me."

Without another word, he turned and walked back through the door he’d entered.

Aziz exchanged glances with the women and, together, they followed Edward through the doorway, which closed behind them. They proceeded down a corridor lit by floating magical lamps, reaching an imposing pair of double doors.

Edward halted, pressed a glowing blue rune, and the doors slid open.

Once everyone entered, they sealed shut, and Aziz felt a flutter in his stomach—as if they were being lifted upward.

’This is... literally an elevator,’ he thought, marveling at a magic that mimicked technology.

After a few seconds, the doors opened. Before them lay a vast chamber encased in reinforced magic-glass walls. Inside each section, people fought magical beasts under the watchful eyes of assessors ready to intervene.

Edward led them to one of these compartments.

"As you can see, this is where aspiring adventurers are tested. I hope you’re ready."

Aziz nodded firmly.

"I’m ready."

The glass wall slid open, and the group entered.

Within, a human woman of around twenty awaited the newcomers. Her slender yet defined physique contrasted with her rigid posture. Long golden hair cascaded down her back in ethereal waves that caught the ambient light, shimmering in hues of honey and wheat with each subtle turn of her head. Her vivid green eyes—like freshly cut emeralds—held a hypnotic calm, a wild grace tempered by control. They didn’t blink in nervousness; they observed, judged, measured.

Her form was harmonious, with well-defined curves forming an hourglass silhouette. Her breasts were moderate and firm under her snug attire. Her hips and rounded posterior were accentuated, even in her upright stance. Her fitted clothing wasn’t blatantly provocative, but it revealed a subtle strength—an inherent, natural authority.

She stood a few meters from the entrance, arms crossed under her chest, with an expression of neutral focus. Her demeanor conveyed seriousness and readiness, as though she expected whatever came next. Her gaze was locked on the newcomers—particularly Aziz—not with hostility, but with analytic intent, silently appraising his intentions, preparedness... or essence.

Aziz met her gaze for a brief moment. He recognized undeniable beauty and allowed himself a flicker of curiosity—and a spark of involuntary attraction. But in the same instant, he looked away with composed grace. He was trained to stay focused—and, as alluring as she was, she wasn’t his goal in that moment.

He took a steady breath and scanned the area for any sign of a magical beast.

Edward, observing his hesitation, explained:

"First, you’ll face her. Afterwards, we’ll evaluate you against a creature. Go to the armory and choose your weapon."

Aziz nodded and walked to the weapon rack. After testing a few, he selected a silver-bladed sword, swinging it in the air to calibrate its balance.

Then he approached the woman and extended his hand with a small, respectful smile.

"Hello, miss. My name is Aziz. Please guide me well in this test."

She arched an eyebrow, surprised by his courtesy.

"Selene. We’ll see if you have what it takes to become an adventurer," she replied, shaking his hand.

They parted and moved to the center of the testing area. Selene drew a silver spear from her spatial ring and held it firmly and confidently. Her stance was flawless.

Aziz’s companions stepped back, a mixture of anxiety and pride in their expressions.

Edward raised his hand like a referee and declared:

"Begin."

Aziz inhaled slowly, filling his lungs with calm focus. He cleared his mind of all distractions and concentrated exclusively on Selene. She stood poised, spear ready, her green eyes watching him with composed detachment—like this trial was merely procedural.

But Aziz wasn’t fooled.

Although her posture appeared relaxed, anyone versed in combat would immediately notice: her guard was steady. Her feet were rooted, her balance subtle yet perfect, her arm muscles slightly tensed. She was prepared, waiting for the right moment.

Aziz mirrored her patience. He refused to act hastily. His eyes examined every detail, every angle, yet he also respected the rhythm of the confrontation. He wouldn’t strike an unprepared opponent—not even during a test.

Then Selene smiled—a slight, knowing curve of her lips as if she appreciated his restraint. And without warning, she launched forward.

Her movement was swift, precise, direct. A rapid shove from her foot, the spear cutting through the air with fluid grace, her face composed and resolute. No hesitation—only intention.

Aziz barely had time to react. Instinct took over, muscles coiling, body shifting to meet the strike, senses aligned in an instant.

The test had begun.