That morning, Rael awoke with mixed feelings—anxious yet excited. He sat for a moment on the edge of his bed, gazing out the window at the towering, imposing Aegis Wall. Today, he and his fellow students would cross that boundary, leaving the protection of Dominion's Elite Academy to venture into the outside world—a place he had only heard about in tales filled with peril.
Arriving at the Academy dining hall, Rael noticed an unusual atmosphere. The usual lively chatter among the Inferus students was more tense, faces reflecting a blend of apprehension and resolve. This was no longer a training exercise or simulation. This was their First Official Mission, a real test that would bring them face-to-face with threats they had only known in theory.
Instructor Lena Varis from Bellator stood in the centre of the main training hall, her sharp gaze reflecting the authority of a leader. She stood with a firm posture and a serious expression, making it clear that this mission was not something to be taken lightly. Her strong voice resonated throughout the hall, capturing the attention of every student standing respectfully before her.
"Today, you will undertake your first mission beyond the Aegis Wall, into the area known as the Green Zone," announced Lena, her words deliberate and emphatic. "This region borders Dominion and the outside world. Though considered relatively safe, never underestimate what you may encounter. Even the lowest-level Gloomspawn can become a deadly threat if you are not cautious."
Rael felt a slight shiver within. The Green Zone was considered safe only by comparison—to the notoriously lethal Yellow and Red Zones. Yet, it still held dangers. Instructor Lena's voice cut through his thoughts.
"Each of you will be placed in a small team of four, with members from different houses. This is a test to see how well you function as a team and how far you can go to protect each other out there." Lena continued, scanning each student with a steely gaze. "Your mission is to infiltrate designated points, gather intel, and ensure that the surveillance sensors in these areas are functioning correctly."
Rael took a deep breath, steeling himself. He was pleased with his team assignment, announced shortly after. His team comprised some familiar faces, though they had never worked together under real conditions.
Luca Valen from Bellator would serve as the team's defender and long-range attacker. Rael knew that with Luca's precision and skill as a sharpshooter, their team's safety was in dependable hands. Luca stood confidently, checking his weaponry with careful attention.
Mira Kasari from Auctoritas was appointed as the team's leader and strategist. Known for her decisiveness and leadership skills, Mira's attitude often intimidated other students, including Rael. But he knew they would have to work together for everyone's safety.
Kian Serel from Ingenium was their tech analyst, skilled in managing sensors and surveillance devices. Kian, with his thick-rimmed glasses and composed demeanour, appeared deeply focused on the monitoring equipment, as if already anticipating every potential technical glitch.
Lastly, Rael himself from Umbra, responsible for infiltration and ensuring the team remained undetected by threats. Rael felt the weight of this role on his shoulders. His skills in silent movement and environmental awareness would be thoroughly tested on this mission.
After brief introductions, Mira assumed her role as leader. "We'll move in pairs," she ordered firmly, looking at each member with a gaze that left no room for argument. "Luca, you're upfront with Kian to protect and support him with the tech. Rael, you're with me, securing the perimeter and keeping us concealed."
Rael nodded obediently, accepting his role. Although Mira was a dominant leader, he understood that cooperation was crucial to their success in this mission. It was no longer about ego or superiority; it was about ensuring they all returned safely.
As they made their way to the massive gate that would lead them out, the silence around them only intensified the tension. Rael's heart raced, though he hid his nerves behind a calm face. After a moment, the giant gate opened slowly, revealing the world outside Dominion that he had only seen from afar.
When the Academy gates opened gradually, the creaking sound echoed in Rael's ears, signalling the beginning of an adventure he had once only dreamed of. Rael stood tall, holding his breath as the fresh outside air brushed his skin, carrying a natural aroma he had never experienced within Dominion. There was the scent of damp leaves, wet earth, and faint traces of wildflowers mingling with the morning's moisture. The forest that loomed before them looked like a green sea filled with mysteries, shadows drifting slowly in the breeze.
As he stepped out, Rael couldn't help but marvel at the beauty before him. The morning sunlight filtered through the trees, casting golden rays and creating curved shadows across the ground. Despite his awe, he remained cautious; the shadows behind the trees could easily conceal danger.
"You look captivated," Mira's sharp voice interrupted his thoughts. She regarded him with a stern look, though her tone wasn't entirely harsh.
Rael offered a slight smile, holding back his wonder. "It's just… I've never seen the world up close like this."
"Remember, this world isn't just beautiful; it's dangerous too," Mira replied, then looked firmly at the team. "We have a mission. Focus."
After walking for several minutes, the team reached their first designated point. Kian immediately took out his analysis device, a small tool designed to detect and monitor Gloomspawn activity in the surrounding area. He bent over it seriously, his attention fixed on the dim blue-lit screen. Numbers and lines filled the display as Kian carefully adjusted the sensor on the ground, checking each reading thoroughly.
While Kian worked on the device, Luca took up position with his weapon, scanning the surroundings with a trained eye. His gaze was sharpened to catch even the smallest movement. He stood firmly, body taut and alert, as if ready for any threat that might emerge from the surrounding brush or trees.
Mira turned to Rael and nodded, signalling him to check the perimeter. Without a word, Rael moved with steps almost devoid of sound. Each step was slow and calculated, using the stealth techniques he had honed in House Umbra. With steady breaths and cautious movements, he scanned every suspicious corner, ensuring no threats approached.
As he slipped between the massive trees, Rael heard the snap of a twig behind him. Instantly, he froze, holding his breath. Slowly, he turned and saw something move behind the bushes—a large creature with dark fur and glowing red eyes. A Vilehound, a type of Gloomspawn known for its speed and sharp hunting instincts.
Rael resisted the urge to move. Crouching behind a tree's shadow, he signalled Mira, who stood nearby. Mira's eyes narrowed, recognising the danger that lurked. She immediately raised her hand towards Luca and Kian, instructing them to stay still and alert.
Luca raised his weapon slowly, aiming carefully, prepared to shoot if the Vilehound advanced. His face remained calm, with no hint of doubt, despite the very real threat just metres away.
Before Luca could pull the trigger, the Vilehound suddenly sniffed the air and charged at the team with lightning speed. Luca fired immediately, his shot hitting the creature's leg, causing it to stumble but not enough to stop it.
"Attack!" Mira ordered, her voice steady and full of courage.
Luca fired again, this time aiming at the Vilehound's head. The shot hit its mark; the creature collapsed with a heavy thud, its body lying still on the ground.
Rael stepped forward to ensure the Vilehound was truly dead. Swiftly, he scanned the area again, then signalled to Mira that it was safe. Mira nodded, then turned to Kian, who was still engrossed with his analysis device.
"Kian, finish up quickly," Mira whispered, her face tense.
Kian nodded, speeding up his checks on the sensor, his fingers dancing across the screen. Rael glimpsed a hint of tension in Kian's expression, but he continued his work confidently, completing his task with skill. Shortly after, Kian stood and nodded to Mira, indicating they were ready to move on to the next point.
As they moved towards the second checkpoint, Rael sensed the atmosphere shifting. The trees grew closer together, allowing little light to penetrate. The air grew colder and damp, adding to the ominous feeling. The occasional ruins scattered around added an air of mystery to the area, as if a dark history lay behind every cracked and crumbling wall.
After carefully making their way through, they finally arrived at the second point. Kian once again took out his analysis device, setting up the sensor at the specified location. While Kian worked, Rael and Luca stood guard, watching for any other creatures approaching.
In the quiet, Rael suddenly heard a strange rustling from the trees to their left. He quickly signalled the others. From the same direction, he spotted two more Gloomspawn—two Vilehounds sniffing the air, seeming to search for a scent.
"Hurry up, Kian!" Mira whispered urgently, her eyes fixed on the two Vilehounds creeping closer.
Luca raised his rifle again, taking aim at one of the creatures. Rael kept his eyes on Luca, while Mira gripped her tactical hammer tightly, ready in case they had to engage in close combat.
Luca fired the first shot, hitting one of the Vilehounds, but the other one immediately bolted towards them. Rael, already on alert, moved to the side, drawing the creature's focus from behind. With swift movements, he drew his small blade, prepared to strike.
Mira stepped forward boldly, waiting for the right moment. As the Vilehound came within striking range, she swung her tactical hammer, landing a powerful blow that produced a sickening crunch. The Vilehound staggered back, giving Rael an opening to strike from the side. He thrust his blade into its weak spot, causing the creature to fall, lifeless.
They all panted heavily after the brief but intense battle. Once certain the area was secure, Rael glanced at Mira, who still held her hammer with a serious expression.
"Good tactics," Mira said briefly, her tone devoid of a smile but filled with respect.
Rael simply nodded, choosing to stay calm and focused. They still had one more point to cover before the mission was complete.
At the third checkpoint, they arrived at a small ruin. The surroundings felt even quieter, almost empty, though the tension remained thick in the air. Kian immediately set up the last surveillance sensor, while Luca and Mira kept watch around them.
Rael moved slightly ahead, scanning the perimeter one last time. The forest around him appeared so quiet and peaceful, but he couldn't forget the dangers that could strike at any moment.
When Kian finally finished, Mira signalled for them to return to the Academy. Rael felt a mixture of relief and pride. While the mission seemed straightforward, the pressure they had faced was intense. They had completed their first test without injury, an accomplishment they all deserved to feel proud of.
As they passed through the Academy's main gate and returned to safe territory, curious glances from other students greeted them. Though exhausted, Rael felt a sense of fulfilment from the mission's success. He realised that the outside world was no longer just a distant shadow or story, but a reality filled with challenges and mysteries.
On the way to the rest area, Mira patted Rael's shoulder with a small nod. "You did well, Rael. I like how you kept calm out there."
Rael nodded briefly. "Thank you, Mira. We all did well."
That evening, as he sat by his window, Rael looked out towards the dark silhouette of the Aegis Wall under the moonlight. The outside world, full of danger and beauty, was now something he had experienced firsthand. Within him, a new determination grew—to understand the secrets behind Dominion and the challenges awaiting him beyond.