[Intro] The hall was loud — clashing mugs, crackling fire, clattering boots. And yet, I felt every eye the moment I stepped through the door. They saw a stranger cloaked in travel dust… Not a daughter of kings. Not a name they’d bow to. Just another would-be adventurer with a sword and a story. I gave them neither. Only a name not my own. They asked for class, specialty, and rank. I answered: “Unranked. Tank.” They laughed. Then they pointed to the proving grounds. And I smiled — just a little. [Verse 1] No crown upon my head, no seal upon my name, Just boots with dust and armor plain. I signed the line, they raised a brow, “You sure, girl? You’re in it now.” Through stone-walled halls, they led me deep, Where swords and shields were forged in heat. A rankless soul with steady breath — I stepped into the ring of death. [Chorus] I don’t strike first, I hold the line, Let the storm break — I’ll be just fine. Through flame and fear, I plant my feet, The world may burn, but I won’t retreat. A name unknown, a past unclaimed — But still I rise, and stake my flame. [Verse 2] They called for steel, I raised my shield, A calm advance across the field. Their strikes came swift, I held my ground, Each clash a test, each word a sound. He laughed, “You hold back ‘cause you’ve got no bite. Run to your mama — you’re not built to fight.” My silence broke with magic’s flare — And lightning danced along my stare. [Pre-Chorus] A shimmer rose beneath my feet, The chamber hushed — a pressure deep. With whispered runes and tightened breath, I turned the jeers to silent dread. [Chorus] I don’t strike first, I hold the line, Let the storm break — I’ll be just fine. Through flame and fear, I plant my feet, The world may burn, but I won’t retreat. A name unknown, a past unclaimed — But still I rise, and stake my flame. [Verse 3] With every blow, my guard held fast, Magic shields shimmered, built to last. I danced between each crashing strike, A fortress clothed in storm and light. They watched the air distort and hum, Each parry timed, each motion done. Their smirks had vanished, eyes gone wide — A hush fell thick as shifting tide. [Bridge] The echoes stilled, no blades remained, Just scorched stone floor and silver flame. One judge stood up, his voice restrained: “B-rank… earned.” — no pride, no shame. A dozen eyes still locked on me, Not with scorn, but disbelief. No tales, no titles to my name — Just silence, and the weight of flame. [Chorus] I don’t strike first, I hold the line, Let the storm break — I’ll be just fine. Through flame and fear, I plant my feet, The world may burn, but I won’t retreat. A name unknown, a past unclaimed — But still I rise, and stake my flame. [Verse 4] I found a quiet place to read, Among the scrolls and dust and reeds. Old myths of tombs and buried gates, Of kings undone and shifting fates. I traced the sigils, learned each rune, Felt wonder stir beneath the moon. And when a party passed me by, I asked to join — just for a try. [Verse 5] They led me deep through shattered stone, Through whispering dark and ancient bone. I watched how veterans worked with care, Each step, each breath, a silent prayer. I held the rear and marked the signs, Raised shields when cursed glyphs aligned. And though the run was short and clean, I left with dirt… and purpose keen. [Final Chorus] I don’t strike first — I stand with grace, A shield of will in a ruthless place. Through flame and fear, I still remain, The storms may come — I won’t be swayed. They know me now, not for my name… But for the fire I chose to claim. [Outro] A name unknown… yet passed along, By word of mouth, in whispered song. “They say she stands when others flee — A wall of light, where dark should be.” So scrolls and ruin paths I tread, With tales of stars and ancient dead. Not for fame, nor coin, nor throne — But for the truth I seek alone.
