"Then it's a job well done, Lili. You may go and rest if you want." the headmistress smiled at Lili and waved goodbye.As Aria found herself alone with Erine in her office, her mind wrestled with the decision to reveal or keep the half-torn scroll. She understood that divulging this information also meant exposing the existence of the powerful relic weapons—something she wouldn't want to happen.Erine's gaze was patient yet expectant, waiting for Aria to speak. "Is there something on your mind, Aria?" she inquired softly.Aria took a deep breath, the weight of the scroll heavy in her pocket. "No, Erine," she replied, her voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. "There's nothing".Erine studied her for a moment, her expression thoughtful. "Very well," she said with a nod.Aria nodded and quietly slipped out of the office, the half-torn scroll burning a hole in her pocket.Aria returned to Lorenzo's shop, and Lorenzo's warm smile greeted her. However, her demeanor was distant, her thoughts consumed by the events of the day and the weight of the half-torn scroll hidden away in her pocket.Lorenzo's gaze fell upon the fabric bandage wrapped around Aria's right arm, a furrow appearing on his brow. "Aria, what happened to your arm?" he inquired, gently pointing to it.Aria gazed at her right arm and sighed. "It's nothing, Lorenzo," she replied with a forced smile. "I just tied it so Lili wouldn't notice." She removed the piece of fabric as she said it and threw it.Lorenzo was shocked to learn that Aria had a companion on her last job. It's one thing Aria always avoids. Lorenzo knew about Aria's fast healing. Whenever she bleeds, her wounds close so quickly. So, working alone is the best option for Aria to conceal it.Lorenzo studied her for a moment. He could sense that Aria was holding something back. He chose not to press her further. "Alright then," he said with a nod, his voice filled with understanding.Aria nodded and headed straight to her room, the weight of the scroll pressing against her hip with each step. She closed the door behind her and sank onto the edge of her bed, the day's events replaying in her mind like a relentless storm.Feeling overwhelmed, Aria sought refuge in the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her body as she tried to clear her mind. But no matter how hard she tried to push the thoughts away, the image of the past replayed in her mind.Aria's mind raced with questions and uncertainties as she stood beneath the steady stream of water. Why is someone after the relic weapons? Who are these people? What are they trying to achieve?Lost in thought, Aria remained in the shower for hours. Eventually, with a heavy sigh, she turned off the water and wrapped herself in a towel. In her mind, she needed to find whoever was responsible for this and know the truth.Standing in front of the request board in Sedease, Aria allowed her gaze to wander over various job postings, each representing a unique challenge.Despite her best efforts to focus solely on the present moment, Aria couldn't shake the lingering weight of the thought of relic weapons. Determined to distract herself from that, she delved deeper into selecting a job. With a practiced eye, she skimmed the various requests.Finally, one particular posting caught her attention. It was a plea for help from a small, remote town nestled in the foothills of the nearby mountains. According to the request, the village of Daeka had been plagued by a series of mysterious disappearances of young girls, leaving its residents gripped by fear and uncertainty. And the job request for a particular person to find.She reached out and plucked the parchment from the board. She chose this job. With her job request selected in hand, Aria made her way to seek approval from headmistress Erine. Entering Erine's office, she found that Erine was poring over a stack of scrolls, her expression focused yet approachable."Erine," Aria began, her voice steady as she approached the desk, "I'm doing this." and placed the parchment paper on the desk.Erine looked up from her work, her eyes meeting Aria's without emotion. "What job?" she asked without looking at the parchment paper on her desk."The disappearance at Daeko,"Erine paused momentarily, her brows furrowing slightly as she processed the news Aria intended to take on the disappearance case at Daeko."Aria," Erine began. "No, no, just go on," she said, waving her hands and gesturing for Aria to do it, and went back to what she was doing.Aria nodded in acknowledgment before taking her leave. Erine glanced at Aria's back as she went out.Aria took a carriage for her journey at Daeka. As the carriage rumbled along the winding roads. The half-torn scroll still weighed heavily on her mind, she would ensure that no one would ever see or know a thing about this weapon.Aria drew closer to the troubled town with each passing mile and wondered what kind of trouble awaited her. Upon arriving at the city, Aria wasted no time and found the requestor's whereabouts, but the requestor is currently at the chief's office.Entering the office, Aria found herself amidst a somber gathering. The requestor, a concerned individual with furrowed brows, stood before the chief, asking for help with the ongoing incidents of disappearances because her sister was a victim.The chief, a stern figure with a weathered face, listened intently, his expression grave as he absorbed the gravity of the situation."Chief, someone is looking for Miss Prea," a town resident interjected respectfully, his voice cutting through the tense atmosphere. All eyes turned towards her as she stepped forward. Prea, a wealthy and kind-hearted resident of Daeka, sends a job request seeking help because her sister has been abducted. Despite her status, she's apprehensive and seeks assistance from others in the town."I'm Aria," she paused, "from Viralinn," as she shows the parchment paper in her hands.Prea's eyes lit up with hope as she turned to face Aria. She walked towards her and grabbed her hands. "Thank you for coming, Aria," she said gratefully. "My sister, my younger sister, is missing," she said with teary eyes.Aria was taken aback when Prea reached out and clasped her hands tightly, her eyes brimming with tears. The unexpected display of emotion from Prea caught Aria off guard. Unsure of what to do, Aria slowly freed her hands from Prea's. She feels no sympathy or empathy for her."People have been vanishing without a trace, and we're at a loss as to what to do. We need all the help we can get to uncover the truth behind these incidents." the chief said.As Aria stood in the chief's office, her attention drawn to the chief detailing the disappearances, she was taken aback to see Elzid among those gathered. Surprise flickered across her features as she locked eyes with him—Aria cursed upon seeing Elzid.Erine must have known that Elzid is at Daeka too but decided to hide from her because she knew Aria didn't want to work with anyone. Despite the surprise, Aria remained focused on the job at hand. She listened intently as the chief outlined the details of the incidents, patterns, time, and similarities of the targets."They are all women," one resident said."All women are now terrified to go out at night.""No! My sister never leaves her bed at night, but she was taken!" Prea insisted.After the discussion, Aria found herself torn between her job at the village and her reluctance to work alongside Elzid despite the goal of their job at the disappearances. He sensed her reluctance to work with anyone.As she exited the chief's office, her thoughts whirled with uncertainty. As Aria deliberated on her next course of action, she felt a presence approach from behind. Turning, she found Elzid standing there. His face showed no expression."Sensing your hesitation, Aria," Elzid spoke softly, his tone gentle yet determined. "If you'd rather not work together, I understand. I can handle the job at hand on my own."Aria's temper flared at Elzid's assertion. Her eyes flashed with anger as she bristled at the implication that she could not complete the job herself. Aria walked past Elzid. He shrugged nonchalantly and let out a soft chuckle, his eyes twinkling mischievously as he deliberately commented to provoke Aria.As Aria and Elzid, accompanied by the village's wielder, set out to investigate the girls' disappearance in Daeko, a subtle tension hung in the air. While they appeared to be working together on the surface, Aria quietly conducted her inquiries, following her instincts and intuition. She moved discreetly, her senses alert for clues or anomalies that might lead her closer to the truth behind the disappearances.As the group of wielders, including Elzid, Aria, and the village's wielder, traversed the streets of Daeko, they approached a secluded corner of the town where Elzid halted abruptly. His keen eyes had caught sight of something unusual – strange markings etched into the stone wall of a dilapidated building."Look here," a wielder from Daeko called out, gesturing towards the markings Elzid found.Aria's gaze flickered towards the markings. Her curiosity piqued. She listened intently, and others continued to examine the symbols quietly."These markings could be significant," a wielder from Daeko explained."They might hold the key to understanding the mystery behind the disappearances in our village."Aria remained silent, absorbing their words as she considered the implications of his discovery. Sensing her silent apprehension, Elzid turned to Aria with a reassuring nod. "What do you think?" he asked, his voice steady.Aria was surprised when Elzid approached him. "It's your discovery, Elzid."Elzid nodded at Aria and gestured for others to follow the trail. Aria followed closely behind. Her senses are alert for any signs of danger or deception.As the group followed the trail deeper into the forest, the dense canopy above casting shadows over their path, the journey grew increasingly arduous. The rugged terrain and thick underbrush slowed their progress, and the wielders, weary from the long trek, began to lag, their steps faltering with exhaustion.Elzid glanced back at the group, concern etched upon his features as he noticed the weariness creeping into their movements. Sensing their need for rest, he called for a halt, signaling the group to take a much-needed break."We'll rest here for a moment," Elzid announced.But Aria pressed on alone. She didn't mind if others were left behind. After all, she received a private request.The difference in their job is that Elzid received a job to help other wielders in Daeka about the disappearance while she received a job request requesting to find a particular person.While Aria pressed on, she remained oblivious that Elzid was discreetly following her. Lost in her thoughts and focused on her job, she pushed deeper into the forest, her senses alert for any sign of the missing girls or their captors.Suddenly, an enemy emerged from the shadows without warning, launching a surprise attack on Aria. Startled, she barely had time to react as the assailant lunged towards her with deadly intent.Before Aria could defend herself, Elzid sprang into action, his presence revealing his discreet surveillance. He intercepted the attacker with swift and precise movements, deflecting her blows with expert skill without using any weapon. Aria's eyes widened in surprise as she watched Elzid's display of prowess, grateful for his timely intervention."Elzid," she mouthed and gritted her teeth.Aria's anger flared in the aftermath of the skirmish, her frustration boiling over as she rounded on Elzid. "I need no help!" she spat. Her voice was laced with anger. "I can handle myself just fine!"Elzid's expression remained calm, his eyes meeting hers with a steady gaze. "Aria," he replied evenly, his tone unwavering. "I know," he added.Aria's jaw clenched as she fought to contain her anger. "I don't need anyone's help," she insisted stubbornly, rigid and defiant.Floresa, the enemy, a sinister grin twisting her lips, couldn't resist the opportunity to mock Aria and Elzid as they stood locked in their heated exchange. "Oh, how touching," she jeered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "A lovers' quarrel during battle. How quaint."Aria's cheeks flushed with anger at the insinuation, her eyes narrowing into fiery slits as she turned her glare towards the enemy. "What did you say?" she snapped. Her voice was laced with venom.Elzid's lips quirked into a wry smile at the situation's absurdity, though his eyes remained sharp and focused on their adversary. "I'm afraid you're mistaken," he retorted coolly.Floresa's laughter echoed through the clearing, her amusement evident as she watched the two wielders bristle angrily. "How sad," she mused, her tone mocking. "You're both perfect for each other, though. And I must comment you. You really followed that markings I set up""Set up?""Yes" Floresa answered followed by a sinister laugh "Do you really think it has something to do anything? Crap wielders!"Floresa lunged forward, her blade flashing in the sunlight. Aria and Elzid, their momentary distraction forgotten, sprang into action again, as they prepared to face their adversary head-on.Floresa, cloaked in dark vines, watched with amusement as Aria and Elzid approached, her lips curling into a cruel smile. "No weapons?" she taunted, her voice dripping with scorn. "How brave of you."Ignoring the taunts, their fists and feet became their only weapons as they unleashed a flurry of strikes against Floresa. With each blow, they moved with precision and grace. Their movements synchronized as they fought like one.Floresa's sword swing, vines, and branches appeared to deflect Aria and Elzid's attacks. As she unleashed a barrage of wooden projectiles at them, Aria and Elzid moved with lightning speed, as they evaded the onslaught. Feeling the strain of the battle, Aria and Elzid stopped momentarily, and so did their enemy.Aria glanced at Elzid, her expression firm as she issued her command. "Elzid, back down. I can handle her alone."Elzid's remained silent, his gaze unwavering as he studied the enemy before them. "Aria, I think you forgot," Elzid finally spoke, calm but resolute. "This is my job too, remember?"Aria's jaw tightened, and irritation flashed over her face. She couldn't argue with Elzid since it was the truth.Floresa's voice cut through their conversation like a blade, her words dripping with malice. "Ah, how touching," she sneered, her gaze fixated on Aria. "But I much prefer to face you alone, the female one. After all, it would be such a shame to trample on his poor pride if I were to defeat him." pointing at Elzid.Elzid's eyes narrowed at the enemy's words, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Defeat me?" he muttered.Elzid's lips curled into a sly smirk as he fixed his intense gaze upon Floresa, his eyes ablaze with an unspoken challenge. A low, menacing chuckle escaped his lips, sending a shiver down Floresa's spine as she felt the weight of his power bearing down upon her.Fear flickered across Floresa's features for a fleeting moment, her confidence faltering in the face of Elzid. Though she tried to maintain her composure, she couldn't shake the unease that washed over her, a primal instinct warning her of the formidable opponent standing before her. But even as fear threatened to consume her, she squared her shoulders and hardened her resolve, refusing to show weakness in the face of Aria and Elzid.Elzid's expression remained impassive as he made his decision, his eyes betraying no emotion as he turned away from the impending confrontation. "I'll leave this to you, Aria," he said evenly, his voice devoid of any hesitation. "I have no desire to engage in combat with a female fallen wielder."Floresa's brow furrowed in confusion and anger at Elzid's refusal to engage in combat, her pride wounded by his apparent dismissal. "You dare to turn your back on me?" she spat, her voice dripping scornfully. "You insolent fool!"Elzid remained stoic in the face of her anger, his expression unchanged as he maintained his resolve. "I have no desire to fight someone like you," he repeated calmly, his tone unwavering.Floresa's fury only intensified at his words, her hands curling into fists as she glared at him with undisguised hatred. "You'll regret this," she snarled, her voice laced with venom. "I'll make you pay for your insolence."Elzid remained steadfast. His back turned to the enemy as she lunged forward in frustration. Aria intercepted the attack. Her gaze locked intensely on Floresa as she deflected the blow precisely.Floresa's eyes widened in surprise at Aria's swift reaction. Her momentum was disrupted as the unexpected defense thwarted her. Anger flared in her gaze as she recoiled from the failed strike, her frustration mounting with each passing moment.Aria held her ground, her stance unwavering as she met the enemy's glare with a steely resolve. "You'll have to do better than that," she taunted, her voice laced with confidence.Floresa seethed with fury at Aria's defiance, her rage boiling over as she prepared to launch another attack. But Aria remained unfazed, and with a steely gaze, Aria said, "Brace yourself."And Aria and Floresa's fight began.As Floresa unleashed her full power against Aria, the force of her attacks reverberated through the forest, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. Despite her formidable strength, Floresa struggled to gain the upper hand against Aria. Aria countered Floresa's blows with ease with each clash of their swords. It was as if she were anticipating every move before it even happened, her reflexes honed to perfection.Floresa's frustration grew with each passing moment, her attacks becoming more desperate as she sought to break Aria's defenses. But no matter how hard she tried, Aria remained steadfast, her resolve unshaken even as Floresa unleashed wave after wave of her power against her. Floresa didn't realize Aria hadn't even tapped into her power yet."You underestimated me," Aria stated, her tone unwavering as she stood tall before her fallen opponent. "I warned you to brace yourself."Floresa's breath caught in her throat as she realized the gravity of her mistake, her pride wounded by her defeat at the hands of someone she had dismissed as inferior."Damn you!" she spat. Her voice filled with venom as she glared at Aria.Refusing to accept defeat, Floresa gathered the remnants of her power, channeling it into a devastating attack that sent shockwaves rippling through the forest. With a primal scream of rage, she unleashed a torrent of energy aimed directly at Aria, her intent clear: to strike down her opponent no matter the cost.Aria remained surprisingly calm, her gaze steady as she watched her opponent's move. She focused her power, channeling it into her sword until it crackled with energy.When Floresa unleashed her attack, aiming to strike Aria down with all her might, Aria was ready. With a swift and decisive swing of her sword, she intercepted Floresa's onslaught, the clash of their energies reverberating through the forest.To Floresa's shock and disbelief, her attack was canceled out by Aria's power, and her power was rendered useless against Aria. "What?" Floresa muttered. "Who is this girl?"As Floresa's body slapped to the forest floor, Aria swiftly flung her sword toward Floresa's falling form. The blade soared through the air, spinning end over end until it deeply embedded into Floresa's body.As Floresa's body lay on the forest floor, the earth slowly absorbed her remains, merging her with the land. Aria watched silently.