In the dimly lit meeting room of the academy's main library, the atmosphere was somber. Four figures sat in silence around a polished wooden table—Lira, Alexander, Tomas, and Elara. Today was the day Alexander would leave for the ancient battlefield—the Lost Continent. His mission was clear: find fifty red crystals within three months. But the challenge ahead seemed monumental, even more for someone like Alexander.
"This is simply madness! Finding fifty red crystals in three months?" Elara, who had been tapping her fingers restlessly on the table, suddenly broke the silence with anger. "Do you have any idea how impossible this task is? My family only has a dozen red crystals, and they're considered heirlooms! "
"I don't have a choice, Elara," Alexander, sitting back in his chair, offered a helpless shrug, trying to keep his tone light. "I may not have killed Roderick directly, but he died because of our duel. The academy still holds me responsible, and this is the only way I can avoid worse punishment."
The room fell quiet again, Tomas, who had been sitting quietly for most of the conversation, hesitated for a moment before reaching into his coat. From within, he pulled out more than a dozen small bottles filled with glowing liquid—magic potions he had prepared himself. He handed them to Alexander with a shyness.
"I may not be able to help much with your mission, but take these," Tomas said, his voice soft but sincere. "I hope you won't need to use them, but if you do, they'll help keep you safe."
Alexander accepted the potions with a nod of gratitude, stowing them carefully in his pack. "Thank you, Tomas. I appreciate it."
Elara reached into her own bag and pulled out a pair of intricately designed bracers. She placed them on the table in front of Alexander. "These were from the Legacy of Fire, which aren't much use to me anymore," she explained, her expression softening slightly. "But you also use fire magic, so these will suit you better than they ever did me."
Alexander accepted the bracers, his heart swelling with appreciation. Before he could speak, Elara rummaged through her cloak again, this time pulling out a small, leather-bound notebook. "And this," she added, handing it to him with a roll of her eyes, "is from Selene. She said it was important and asked me to give it to you. I don't know what she's been up to lately—she's been acting so mysterious, hasn't even come to your farewell gathering. But she insisted you have this."
Alexander glanced at the notebook, flipping through the pages briefly, before slipping it into his satchel. "I'll check it out later. Thank you, Elara." He looked around at his friends, his heart full of gratitude. "You've all helped me more than you know."
The mood in the room shifted slightly, there was a palpable sadness. Breaking the silence, Alexander stood and clapped his hands together, trying to lighten the atmosphere. "It's getting late. I need to head out. But don't worry—I'll return victorious in three months. Just wait for me!"
...
The ancient battlefield, also known as the Lost Continent, was a dangerous and mysterious land. Connected to the current continent through several guarded entrances, one of those gates was located at the academy, under the watchful eyes of House Ignis. The other entrances, heavily secured by imperial troops, were equally perilous, with the surrounding areas routinely cleared of monsters and orcs. Except them, there was also the most dangerous existence-blood creatures and other unknown horrors. For example, blood creatures usually appeared in groups, they are extremely numerous and fearless of life and death. Once encountered, they can only be eliminated quickly, otherwise you will attract the next wave and eventually be exhausted to death.
The four of them walked together through the academy grounds, the morning sun casting long shadows over the cobblestones. As they approached the entrance to the ancient battlefield, they could see the students of House Ignis standing guard, their expressions serious.
"Look, the murderer's finally here," one of them muttered under his breath as they approached. "If it weren't for Mistress Seraphine's intervention, he would have met his end in the ancient battlefield two weeks ago."
"Yeah," another guard chimed in. "The ancient battlefield's going to eat him alive. He won't last long there."
When they reached the entrance, the guards straightened up, their whispers ceased and one of the guards stepped forward, his tone cold and formal. "Only Alexander is permitted to enter the ancient battlefield," he said, his voice firm. "No one else is allowed through without express permission. Step back."
"We'll send you off here, then," Elara and Tomas exchanged a look before turning toward Alexander. "Take care of yourself out there. We'll be waiting for you."
Tomas nodded in agreement. "Stay safe, Alexander."
Alexander returned their smiles, nodding in appreciation. "I'll see you both soon."
Then Tomas and Elara turned to leave. "Aren't we going to wait for Lira?" Tomas asked curiously, glancing back.
"You're still too inexperienced," Elara laughed, pulling Tomas along. "They need some private time together."
Her voice echoed in the distance as the two of them walked away, leaving Alexander and Lira alone by the gate. Lira looked at Alexander with a soft smile, then stepped forward, wrapping her arms around him in a tight embrace. The guards behind them rolled their eyes but said nothing, giving them the space they needed.
"You better come back," Lira's arms wrapped around him tightly, her face pressed against his chest. She whispered into his ear, her voice low and trembling slightly. "The ring I gave you—make sure you hide it well. There are four red crystals inside. Use them when you're in danger."
Alexander nodded, listening carefully. "And don't use the dark power unless you absolutely have to," she warned. "If you push yourself too far, I won't be able to save you."
"I know," Alexander said softly, holding her even tighter. "I'll be careful. Just wait for me."
Lira's eyes shimmered with unshed tears, but she smiled through them. "I will."
One of the House Ignis students, unable to contain his impatience any longer, called out. "Are you still leaving? What more is there for a murderer to do?"
Before he could continue, the sight of Lira's darkening expression silenced him immediately. The guard swallowed nervously, backing off under her icy stare. Alexander chuckled softly and patted Lira on the back. "It's time," he said gently, then pulled away from Lira and stepped toward the glowing gate. He didn't look back as he crossed the threshold, disappearing into the light that enveloped him.
For a moment, Lira stood there, staring at the spot where he had vanished. Then, with a sigh, she turned and left, her footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridor as the guard who had spoken earlier wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.