The Grand Hall of the Verdant Sky Sect buzzed with the energy of gathered disciples, both seasoned and new. The Sect Master stood at the front, flanked by stern-faced elders. Behind him, a massive wall displayed an array of glowing mission boards, each radiating different levels of urgency.
"Disciples," the Sect Master began, his deep voice silencing the crowd, "as members of the Verdant Sky Sect, you are expected to contribute to maintaining balance in the region. Missions are not just a means of earning merit but a test of your growth and adaptability. Today, all new disciples will undertake their first missions."
Excitement rippled through the crowd. For many, this was their first chance to prove themselves.
An elder stepped forward, holding a scroll. "Yohan Long, Elara Moonstone, Selene Ardentia, Kai Ren, and Darius Feng," he called, his gaze sweeping the group as they stepped forward.
Yohan stood with his usual cold indifference; arms crossed as he listened. Elara and Selene exchanged glances—Elara with thinly veiled irritation and Selene with a cheerful grin. Kai, a stocky boy with an earnest demeanor, nudged Darius, a lanky young man with sharp eyes who always seemed on edge.
"Your mission," the elder continued, "is to travel to the village of Green Willow, where reports of mid-tier spirit beasts attacking livestock and villagers have surfaced. Your task is to eliminate the threat and report back. This mission has been rated entry-level, but do not underestimate the dangers, there have been report of 3 kinds of beast including Crimson Fang Tigers, Thunderclaw Drakes, and Ironhide Serpents."
The elder's expression turned grave as he addressed the gathered disciples. "Remember this: the world beyond these walls is unforgiving. What may seem like a simple task can quickly turn deadly. Overconfidence is a swift path to ruin."
The warning hung heavily in the air, even as excitement bubbled in some of the newer disciples. Yohan's crimson eyes flicked to the elder briefly before he turned and began walking out of the hall, his team falling into step behind him.
"We leave at first light," he said flatly, his voice cutting through the murmur of their group.
Elara glanced at Selene, who seemed unbothered by the elder's warning, then back at Yohan. His calm demeanor was reassuring, but something about the elder's words made her uneasy.
As the team departed to prepare for their mission, the elder watched them go, his gaze lingering on Yohan. "Let us see how far this one will go," he murmured, almost to himself.
Later that day Yohan and his team gathered in their small house as the evening sun bathed the room in a warm glow. A simple wooden table stood between them; a hastily sketched map of Green Willow Village spread across its surface.
Yohan's sharp gaze swept over his teammates. "This mission is straightforward, but that doesn't mean we can afford to be careless," he said, his tone firm. "Kai, you'll handle the frontline. Your strength and endurance are suited for drawing attention away from the rest of us."
Kai nodded, pounding a fist into his palm. "Got it. I'll keep the beasts off your backs."
"Darius," Yohan continued, "you'll provide ranged support. Position yourself where you have a clear line of sight but can retreat if necessary."
Darius, ever watchful, smirked. "Sounds like my kind of role."
"Elara, you'll focus on defensive support and healing if needed. Keep an eye on everyone and be ready to adapt," Yohan instructed.
Elara nodded; her expression serious. "Understood."
Finally, his eyes turned to Selene, who was seated far too close to him. "Selene, you'll assist Darius. Your speed will be crucial for picking off stragglers or redirecting threats."
Selene leaned closer, a playful smirk on her lips. "Anything you say, Yohan."
Yohan ignored her tone and returned his attention to the map. "Stick to the plan, and we'll get through this."
Once the roles were assigned, Yohan stood and summoned his storage ring. A soft hum filled the air as he retrieved lightweight rations, healing pills, and a small bundle of basic camping supplies.
Elara watched with quiet admiration. His preparedness and efficiency stood in stark contrast to his aloof demeanor. "You're always so ready," she murmured, more to herself than to him.
Yohan glanced at her briefly, offering no response as he continued organizing the supplies.
"You're amazing, Yohan," Selene chimed in, sidling up next to him. "I feel so safe with you leading us."
Selene's words and proximity grated on Elara, who clenched her fists under the table. "Maybe give him some space," she said, forcing a calm tone.
Selene grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Why? He doesn't seem to mind."
Yohan sighed and stepped away, slinging a small satchel over his shoulder. "We leave at dawn. Get some rest," he said, his tone making it clear the discussion was over.
As Selene followed him, humming to herself, Elara muttered under her breath, "Clingy doesn't even begin to describe her."
Kai and Darius exchanged amused looks but wisely stayed out of the brewing tension.
As they headed out the next morning, The dawn sky painted the path in hues of gold and crimson as Yohan and his team set off toward Green Willow Village. The forest loomed thick and ancient around them, shadows shifting eerily with every step.
It wasn't long before Yohan's sharp senses picked up movement. "We're not alone," he said quietly, raising a hand to halt the group.
From the dense underbrush, three mid-tier spirit beasts leaped out—a pair of Shadow Panthers and a Eclipsed Flame viper. Their growls echoed through the forest, low and menacing.
"Positions!" Yohan barked, stepping forward with his daggers drawn.
Kai charged in first, his massive hammer colliding with the Flame Viper, forcing it back with sheer strength. Darius took position behind a tree, loosing arrows that narrowly missed one of the Shadow Panthers as it darted toward Selene.
Selene sidestepped gracefully, drawing her sword in a fluid motion. Her blade shimmered faintly with a pale light as she engaged the beast, her strikes quick and precise.
Elara stood her ground, her hands glowing as she prepared a defensive barrier. When one of the panthers lunged for Darius, she unleashed a pulse of energy that knocked it off course.
Yohan, calm and focused, dashed in with Shadow Step, his daggers a blur as they sliced through the flank of the second panther. The beast roared in pain before collapsing. "Kai, finish the wolf. Selene, regroup with Darius and cover the rear."
With coordinated precision, Kai delivered a crushing blow to the Flame Viper, ending the fight. The team regrouped as Yohan scanned the area for further threats.
Elara approached Selene, her brow furrowed. "Where did you learn to fight like that?"
Selene wiped her blade clean, a coy smile on her lips. "A girl has her secrets," she said, tilting her head toward Yohan. "But it's nice to be noticed, isn't it?"
Yohan nodded slightly. "Your form is impressive," he said, his tone neutral but genuine.
Elara's chest tightened at his rare compliment. She bit her lip, glancing away to hide her frustration.
As the group continued their journey, the sound of approaching voices drew their attention. Another team of disciples emerged from the forest, their matching uniforms identifying them as members of the Verdant Sky Sect.
"Well, if it isn't the trash team," one of the disciples sneered, a tall youth with an arrogant smirk.
Yohan met the gaze of the speaker, his expression cold. "We don't have time for this," he said, turning away.
"Run along then," another disciple mocked. "Don't get eaten before you even reach the village."
Elara bristled, but Yohan's calm demeanor kept her from retaliating. "Let's go," he said, leading the team forward without a second glance.
The other team's laughter echoed behind them, a bitter reminder of the challenges that awaited not just in the mission, but within the sect itself.