Ethan stepped into the dimly lit interior of the Merary Guild, the air thick with the st of sweat and ambition. The walls were adorned with flickering holographic dispys showg an array of tracts, each promising adventure and danger. Rugged figures lounged in shadowy ers, trading tales of past missions that glimmered with both heroism and horror.

  At the front desk sat a robust veteran, his face weathered by time and flict. Scars crisscrossed his forearms like a map of battles fought and survived. He regarded Ethan with a blend of skepticism and curiosity, arms crossed over a chest that hi decades of experience.

  "Wele to the Merary Guild," the veteran said, his voice gravelly and anding. "Name?"

  "Ethan," he replied, trying to muster fidence despite the pounding of his heart.

  "Ethan, huh? You a newbie?" The man leaned forward, eyes narrowing. "You got what it takes?"

  Ethan straightened, f down the hat threateo surface. "I want to sign up. What do I o do?"

  The veteran raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "First, you'll o fill out this registration form. But before you dive into that, let me give you the rundown."

  He slid a data pad across the desk, the s lighting up with various ses. "We have a rank system here, ranging from F to SSS. F is for rookies like you, S is for seasoned pros, and SSS? That's for the elite. Your rank dictates the kinds of jobs you take, your pay, and how others perceive you in this guild."

  Ethan nodded, abs the information. "What kind of jobs are avaible?"

  "Plenty. We take requests from civilians, corporations, and even the military. It be anything from simple prote details to high-stakes retrieval missions. But make no mistake, every job es with its risks."

  "Sounds... intense," Ethan replied, feeling a thrill course through him.

  "Intense is just the start. Now, let's get yistered. I'll ask the questions, and you answer. Ready?"

  "Sure," Ethan said, determination repg his nerves.

  "First off, any bat experience?" Kael inquired, his gaze sharp.

  "Not really," Ethan admitted. "I've never fought in a real flict."

  "Then you'll start at rank F. What's your background?"

  Ethaated, searg for the right words. "I want to learn and adapt to this new life."

  "Good attitude. Let's list your skills. You good with teology? Piloting?"

  "I've learned about ship systems. I'm no expert, but I'm eager to improve."

  "Ship systems, huh? Might e in handy. What else?"

  Ethan shared his limited skills, Kael dutifully filling out the form with easwer. As the questions flowed, he felt an increasing sense of belonging, a step closer to embrag his new identity.

  "Last question," Kael said, gng up from the data pad. "What kind of learning resources do you need? We offer training modules for rookies c everything from ons systems to ship bat."

  "Do you have resources for uanding ons systems and how to fight in space?" Ethan asked, his eagerness spilling over.

  "Absolutely. Once you're registered, you access the training modules. They're hands-on, so you'll learn fast."

  "Thanks, that would really help," Ethan replied, a surge of hope igniting within him.

  As Kael finalized the registratioha a transformation taking pce. This was a crucial step into the unknow determination surged through him. The path of a merary would not be easy, but it was one he was ready to walk.

  "Wele to the guild, rookie," Kael said, handing him a small identification badge. "This life? Anything but b."