The early morning sun cast long shadows across the grounds of OrionsHeart Guild, its rays filtering through the high windows of the training hall where Haruto, Bane, and Sylvie were gathered. The events of the past days still weighed heavily on their minds. The inquiry, the encounter with the Slordes, and the sinister revelations about Gram had left them all feeling on edge. But there was no time to dwell on the past—new challenges awaited them.
Haruto stood in the center of the training hall, his stance wide, hands extended as he focused on a small flame flickering between his palms. The flame danced and sputtered, changing colors as Haruto willed it to shift between elements. First fire, then lightning, then wind. His control over the elements was growing, but he knew he still had a long way to go.
Bane watched from the sidelines, his arms crossed over his chest. He had already completed his morning drills, his body ached from the intensity of his training. Yet, his eyes never left Haruto, studying every movement, every subtle shift in his posture.
"You're getting better," Bane remarked, breaking the silence.
Haruto grinned, the flame extinguishing in a puff of smoke. "Thanks. But I still have a lot to learn. I want to master more than just these three elements. Plus, I need to learn how to create the fire more efficiently without the use of this device."
Sylvie, who had been sitting cross-legged on the floor, reading through an ancient tome on hex magic, looked up with a wry smile. "You already control three elements, Haruto. Most Warlords would kill for that kind of power. Don't push yourself too hard. But have you tried Water and Earth? Also, any idea what your stone grade might be?
Haruto shook his head, but determination was burning in his eyes. "I can't afford to be satisfied with just this. I struggled with those Ifrits me and Sue ran into. I need to be able to have more crowd control abilities. So far, groups appear to be my weakness. Not after everything that's happened. Plus I need to be strong enough to protect us—to protect everyone." They both noticed a tone shift. 'What could have possibly happened?'
Bane nodded in agreement. "He's right, Sylvie. We've only seen a glimpse of what's out there. I have a feeling the mutated beasts is simply the beginning; we're just scratching the surface."
Sylvie sighed, closing her book with a thud. "I know. It's just... I've been thinking a lot about what happened. That look in Gram's eyes, the hatred he had for us—for commoners. It's more than just arrogance. There's something else eating at him."
The three fell silent, each lost in their thoughts. The air in the room felt heavier, as if the weight of the unknown was pressing down on them. They knew that the path ahead would not be easy, but they were bound together by a shared determination to uncover the truth and confront whatever darkness lay ahead.
Before they could dwell further on their thoughts, the door to the training hall creaked open, and a familiar figure stepped inside. It was Jack, the Guildmaster of OrionsHeart, his expression as serious as ever.
"Glad to see you three are already up and at it," Jack said, his voice a mix of gruffness and approval. "I've got news. There's been a request for a B-ranked mission, and it's come down specifically for the three of you."
Haruto, Bane, and Sylvie exchanged glances, a mix of curiosity and anticipation flickering in their eyes.
"What's the mission?" Bane asked, stepping forward.
Jack handed them a sealed scroll, the wax bearing the emblem of the Kingdom of Mordell. "It's a request from the palace. Something's stirring in the north, near the Ruins of Kahl.
Reports of strange occurrences—disappearances, sightings of unusual creatures, and the possibility of dark magic. The palace wants a team to investigate, and they've asked for you."
Sylvie's eyes widened. "The Ruins of Kahl? That place is ancient. There's a lot of history—and a lot of danger—associated with it."
Jack nodded. "Exactly. Which is why they want the three of you on this. You've proven yourselves capable, sort of and this mission will require a delicate balance of strength, strategy, and caution. Plus, they believe we can fly under the radar more. "He then looked at the three remembering how trouble followed them. "Wait they wanted you three? What were they thinking..." he said, smirking. The trio picking up on the playful shade immediately made fake sad faces. "GuildMaster whose side are you on" Sylvie said puffing her cheeks out. Bane dropped to his knee in an overzealous pose of despair. "I have failed my own GuildMaster. I have brought shame upon myself."
Jack chuckled at the display. He really did get some erratic members this time. He held his hands up in playful defeat. "Ok Ok, I apologize relax will ya."
Haruto clenched his fists, feeling a surge of excitement and determination. "When do we leave?"
Jack's lips curled into a small, approving smile. "As soon as you're ready. I suggest you gather supplies and prepare yourselves. This mission won't be easy and is quite the trip but I have faith in you three...Somewhat."
As Jack turned to leave, he paused and looked back at them, his expression unreadable. "And one more thing—be careful who you trust. The situation with Gram was major. The nobles will almost certainly take it as a slap in the face. Watch each other's backs, and don't take anything for granted."
With that, Jack left the room, leaving the trio alone once more.
Haruto looked down deep in thought. 'This is my chance to potentially collect some information and figure out some things for Dimitri. I can't let this opportunity slip by.'
Bane nodded We'll need to be ready for anything. The Ruins of Kahl… who knows what we'll find there." Sylvie stood; her expression thoughtful but resolute. "Whatever it is, I am sure if it's you two we should be ok."
The three of them shared a moment of silent understanding. They had been through much together already, but the journey ahead was only beginning. As they prepared for their mission, each of them knew that this would be a turning point—a moment that would shape their futures and the fate of the Kingdom itself.
Little did they know that in the shadows, another group was already aware of their mission. Watching, waiting, and preparing to make their move. They had their eyes set on Sylvie, and they would stop at nothing to ensure that she would be eliminated.
As the sun rose higher in the sky, casting its light across the land, Haruto, Bane, and Sylvie set out on their journey reeling with excitement.