Zephyrus Academy – Two Days After the Incident
Since the Ragnar incident, the atmosphere at school has undergone drastic changes. The usual cheerful atmosphere among the students has been replaced by anxiety. A sense of wariness hangs over every corner of the hallway. Even the classrooms and cafeteria are no longer as busy as before.
Whispers are heard everywhere about one name that continues to haunt them.
Velgrin Nocturne
The name Ragnar shouted before exploding has now become the most talked-about mystery throughout the academy. No one knows who it is. However, everyone agrees that whoever it is, it is someone to be wary of.
And amidst all the commotion, while the students are still busy guessing, seven students receive a special summons, directly from Professor Limbert.
One by one, they are summoned to the principal's office. Without explanation. Without announcement.
Only one sentence in the letter they received:
"Come immediately to the principal's office. Secret Mission."
After a while, the seven students finally gathered in the principal's office.
Damian, Rygar, Brakth, Nero, Elric, Kaelith, and Vellia. These were the seven names currently considered the best students at Zephyrus.
They were gathered, but each of them carried a different pressure. Rygar, with a sharp and serious gaze. Brakth, silent but blazing with suppressed anger. Nero, with a blank expression. Elric looked calm, but his eyes were focused. Kaelith stood gracefully but warily. Vellia leaned against the wall, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. Damian, who seemed to simply listen intently.
Before them, Professor Limbert, Instructor Van, and several senior academy staff members were waiting.
Professor Limbert stepped forward, his voice calm but authoritative.
"From now on, the tournament is officially postponed," he said matter-of-factly. "Zephyrus is on full alert."
The statement caused the students to turn to each other.
"Ragnar is merely a pawn," Limbert continued. "Someone is controlling him. The name he shouted, Velgrin Nocturne, is not unfamiliar to this academy."
A serious look crossed the faces of everyone in the room.
"Velgrin is a former student of Zephyrus. he disappeared years ago after attempting to steal classified information from the academy. Since then, he has been a fugitive. And now he's back."
No one spoke. But the atmosphere grew tense.
Limbert raised his hand, and a magical map appeared in the air. A dark city was marked with red symbols.
"The location we're tracking: Blackmist Ravine. A lawless region, a gathering place for bandits, criminals, and outcast mages. No kingdom rules this region. We're currently in the east, and this region is to the south. It will take you approximately four days to travel there."
Rygar's hands clenched tightly. The muscles in his arms tensed as he stared at the map.
"The kidnapped victim is Kyle Ardent," Professor Limbert stated firmly. Rygar's younger brother. We suspect the group holding Kyle hostage is allied with Velgrin. This isn't just a kidnapping; it's a threat to the Zephyrus Kingdom."
Instructor Van continued seriously.
"We don't know the exact leader of that group. But Velgrin… is extremely dangerous. He's not just a traitor, he's a threat to all the kingdoms."
Professor Limbert took over again. "You seven were selected based on your strength, magical abilities, and the results of the tournament. This mission isn't just a personal rescue, but also a form of protection for the Zephyrus Kingdom."
Brakth, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. "What exactly is the purpose of this mission?"
Limbert answered without hesitation. "Rescue Kyle. Bring him back carefully. And more importantly… don't let this chaos spread beyond Blackmist territory. If this reaches the other kingdoms, it could lead to major unrest."
Kaelith glanced at the map. "Do they realize who they've kidnapped?"
Limbert nodded slowly. "They know. Kyle is Rygar's younger brother, a noble from the Ardent family. If he were to suffer any harm, it could spark a political conflict between the kingdoms. We must prevent that."
Silence filled the room.
In the academy's special equipment room, the seven students stood in a semicircle. Before them, a long table was filled with mission equipment, magical protective robes, communication artifacts, and a map of the area they were heading to, constantly moving in real time.
One by one, they received their equipment. An air of seriousness filled the air.
Elric broke the silence first, his tone characteristically relaxed.
"It's been a long time since I left the Zephyrus Kingdom. This is quite exciting."
No one laughed. But a few faint smiles appeared, especially from Damian and Kaelith.
Vellia stood straight, her eyes intently staring at the magic map screen.
"If there's a trap, I'll go first." Her voice was serious. No one objected.
In the corner of the room, Nero said nothing. He checked his weapons and made sure his communication formation was active. His expression was calm, but the aura around him was tense. Everyone knew he was preparing for the worst.
Rygar stood with his head bowed slightly, his hands clenched into fists. None of them questioned his expression. Everyone understood that this wasn't just a mission for Rygar; it was a family affair.
Kaelith and Brakth were busy rereading the itinerary. Each of them had understood their duties.
Finally, Professor Limbert stood before them. His voice was firm, but this time softer, as if he wanted to ensure every word resonated with them.
"You'll leave tomorrow morning. Rest well tonight. You'll be facing powerful figures in that region."
No one answered. But in that silence, their resolve hardened.
On the moonlit balcony of his dorm room, Damian sat quietly, staring at the night sky. A cool breeze blew gently, carrying the soft sound of rustling leaves. Beside him, Liam stood, pouring warm tea into a small cup.
"If I don't come, Master Damian, will you be okay?" Liam asked quietly, his eyes a little worried.
Damian smiled slightly. "Liam, I made it to the top four of the tournament, you know. I'm much stronger now than I was before. And I've got the strongest students in school with me, too. So don't worry." He glanced at his friend. "You focus on protecting the school, okay? I have a bad feeling about this mission. Like, I sense something is wrong. That's why you have to protect the school while I and the strongest kids in this school are away."
Liam raised his hand enthusiastically. "Yes, Master Damian!!"
Damian sighed with a small laugh. "Liam… we're friends, not master and assistant."
Liam just laughed softly, then handed the teacup to him. They were silent for a moment, enjoying the quiet night.
In his heart, Damian said softly, without a sound,
"Thank you, Liam."
The morning mist still hung in the air as eight figures stood in a row before the academy's main gate. The sun's rays had yet to fully reach the ground, leaving soft shadows covering the path leading to the outside world.
Damian, Rygar, Brakth, Elric, Nero, Kaelith, Vellia, and Instructor Van were all ready.
Before them, Professor Limbert stood tall with his hands behind his back. His gaze was sharp yet confident.
"Zephyrus believes in you," he said quietly, but clearly. "And Kyle is waiting to be rescued."
No one answered. There were no long goodbyes. Just a nod, and the first step.
With their gear on their backs, they walked through the gate toward Blackmist Ravine.
Toward a mission that would change everything.