From a distance, Blackmist Ravine looked like a city no one should live in. The buildings looked neglected, some crumbling. The streets were full of potholes and puddles of dirty water. The faint sounds of screams, drunken laughter, and the clanking of metal clattered in the air, creating a lawless chaos.
Behind the ancient stone ruins that towered over the hills outside the city, seven selected students from Zephyrus Academy stood with Instructor Drein. Their eyes were fixed on the dark city below, a place that welcomed nothing but death.
"This is the place," Instructor Drein muttered, staring at the trembling magic map in his hand. "Kyle is being held captive in the city center. An old building, a former armory. But... we have another problem," Instructor Drein said.
Rygar clenched his fists, a deep voice escaping his lips, "What?"
Instructor Drein scanned the faces of each of the students before him. His gaze was sharp and serious. "This mission is likely already known to the enemy. They have probably already prepared a strategy against us. They are awaiting our arrival."
The atmosphere immediately became tense. The wind stopped blowing.
"Last night, while we were resting, do you remember feeling like someone was watching us? That must have been them. They knew we were coming, so they made themselves look like they were watching us. They were indirectly telling us not to come to this city, like a gentle threat. We'll probably be fighting all the bandits and criminals in the city, because their movements seem directed, as if someone is organizing or leading them," said Instructor Drein.
Damian turned to Elric and whispered softly, "Are we really going to fight the entire city?"
Elric raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Yes. It sounds exciting."
Brakth kept his gaze forward, his tone cold and firm. "We should split into two teams. A diversionary team and a rescue team."
Instructor Drein nodded in agreement. "For the rescue team, I think I'll be enough, because you'll need a large force to fight all the criminals in this city. I'll sneak in through the eastern side of town, stealthily. The rest of you cause a major disturbance in the city center. Shout the academy's name if necessary to draw the attention of the criminals in this city. But make sure of one thing: don't die. Make sure we all return intact."
Kaelith, standing calmly, stared at the map showing the outline of Blackmist territory. "We'll start from this narrow path, and we'll make our way to the center of town and cause a disturbance there. We'll create a surprise effect."
Nero simply nodded once, coldly. Vellia lowered her hood, her hand also grasping the hilt of her weapon, twirling it in her hand.
Damian took a deep breath, then placed his hand on the hilt of the Setsu'ryū hanging from his waist. His gaze fixed on the city.
Blackmist Ravine stretched out like an open hellhole, and they all prepared to enter it.
Infiltration Begins
Team Zephyrus sneaked in from the north side of town. The muddy streets and narrow alleys were filled with dark shadows that seemed to cover every corner. Slowly, they began to make their way towards the city center.
And the first attack came sooner than expected.
In one of the hidden alleys, three mages and five bandits emerged from the shadows, blocking their path. One of the magicians stepped forward with a sly smile.
"Welcome, Zephyrus students," he said arrogantly. "Our boss says whoever brings you back will be rich for seven generations," he continued.
Before anyone could respond, Elric had already made his move. With full force, he lifted the large door that he had removed from one of the buildings and threw it straight at the enemy. The leading bandit was knocked into the wall.
Damian, Kaelith, and Brakth immediately ran around the side alley, ambushing from another angle.
Magical explosions erupted in the air. Wind and fire collided with metal and stone. The sound of clashing, shouting, and the clanking of weapons filled the narrow alley. Within minutes, all the enemies were down.
Their breaths were still ragged as silence returned.
They had won.
But everyone knew... this was just the beginning.
Evening – The City Begins to Stir
Amidst the small chaos they had created, Damian paused at the corner of an alley. The sounds of battle could still be heard behind him, but his focus was now ahead.
In the distance, through the thin mist and shadows of collapsed buildings, stood an old building that stood out among the ruins.
It was that building where Kyle was being held.
Damian sighed softly, his hand still gripping the hilt of his sword tightly.
"Hurry, Instructor Drein…" he muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, far from the bustle of Blackmist...
Zephyrus Academy was shrouded in a silent afternoon. There was no sound, only the gentle breeze passing between the majestic buildings.
But from the western forest, a black mist began to creep slowly, enveloping the trees and ground in a strange, cold aura.
A figure stood before the main gate of Zephyrus Academy.
His long robes swayed in the wind. His face was shrouded in shadow, but his eyes were sharp, and a faint smile formed at the corners of his lips.
Velgrin Nocturne.
He stared directly at the academy, as if he could see through the stone walls of the school.
"All the strong kids are gone, all for one kid, huh?" he muttered.
Then he stepped forward, laughing softly.
"Hahahaha, it's time... for the show to begin."