The sun had barely risen over the horizon, its golden rays spilling across the city of Magina. The streets were quieter than usual, with only a few early risers going about their routines. In the guildhall, JC stood in his room, packing a small bag with the essentials he'd need for his journey.
A sturdy cloak, reinforced for the cold northern winds, was folded neatly into the bag. A few days' worth of rations, a map of the northern region, and a compact mana crystal lamp followed. Lastly, he slipped in a small, polished stone—a keepsake from his sister Selene, inscribed with the Logia family crest.
---
A Final Glance
As JC strapped his sword to his back and slung the bag over his shoulder, he glanced around the room. It wasn't much—a plain bed, a desk cluttered with notes and sketches of monsters, and a window that overlooked the bustling city below.
He lingered for a moment, his red eyes scanning the familiar space. This room had been his refuge, a place where he strategized, rested, and prepared for countless missions with his team. Leaving it behind, even temporarily, carried a weight he couldn't entirely ignore.
With a deep breath, he turned and headed for the door.
---
Quiet Goodbyes
The guildhall was mostly empty at this hour, the usual crowd of adventurers still asleep or just beginning their day. As JC made his way to the exit, he encountered Lissy in the common room. She was seated on the couch, tinkering with her gauntlets as usual.
She looked up as he approached, her green eyes soft with concern. "Heading out already?"
JC nodded. "Yeah. Figured it's best to leave early."
Lissy stood, her expression a mix of worry and determination. "Just… don't do anything reckless, okay? You've got people waiting for you here."
JC gave her a faint smile. "I'll be fine. You focus on keeping the team together while I'm gone."
Lissy nodded, though her worry didn't entirely fade.
---
Near the entrance, he found Angel leaning against the wall, arms crossed. She raised an eyebrow as he approached.
"Didn't think you'd leave without saying goodbye," she said, her tone light but with an undercurrent of seriousness.
"I wasn't planning to," JC replied.
Angel stepped closer, her expression softening. "You better come back stronger. We're counting on you, you know."
"I will," JC said simply.
---
The Road Ahead
As JC stepped out of the guildhall, the crisp morning air hit him. He adjusted the strap of his bag and pulled his cloak tighter around him. The streets of Magina stretched out before him, but his destination lay far beyond the city's borders.
The northern mountains loomed in his mind—a harsh, unforgiving landscape where only the strongest dared to tread. But it was exactly what he needed.
Without looking back, JC set off, his boots echoing softly against the cobblestones. He didn't know exactly what awaited him in the north, but he was ready to face it.
This was his path—a journey not just to grow stronger, but to uncover the depths of his true potential.