"I told you to return within two hours," Remus said, circling me like a stalking wolf.
"I—I did come back within two hours!" I squeaked. "I just went out again!"
"And after stealing food," Remus pressed.
"Bentley said... said I could eat as much as I wanted!"
His fist slammed into my gut, knocking the breath from my lungs. I fought with every ounce of strength not to crumple to the ground.
"Hunters may take what they need, but do you think our supplies are endless? Every scrap of food we have was earned through blood and risk!" Remus barked.
"I—I came here for that very reason, sir!" I gasped, forcing myself upright. "I only wanted to get some food for my family, sir!"
"Then use the money we pay you for that, boy. And today's theft will be deducted from your first paycheck. Understood?"
"Understood, sir! I'm sorry, sir!"
My teammates stood in the courtyard—the same one where Remus had beaten me senseless for hours on end—watching awkwardly as he berated me again. Well, except Penelope. She merely looked bored.
As for me, I trembled with rage. All that food—all of it —was meant solely for the hunters? There were only thirty-three people in this entire building! The daily rations here could feed my family for weeks! It was absurd! Unfair! I didn't deserve this treatment. Maybe I deserved a beating, but not this , not when these hunters lived in such luxury. The disparity was so vast I couldn't even comprehend it.
Most people here would probably die before ever enjoying such luxuries for long. But I am different—I must survive. I shouldn't enjoy them because I might still die, but if I do, then I'll have been someone unworthy and failed all the same. Then everything would have been for nothing!
"Enough," Remus growled. "Today, we're discussing adding Vita to your squad. As I've said before, a formation is helpful when things go well, but a liability when they don't. The key is to make the monster fight your way, so I shouldn't need to tell you where Vita fits best."
"Right behind us," Nora immediately answered.
"Correct," Remus nodded. "She can reinforce your lackluster offense with her spear, but more importantly, she can be placed in the center of the formation to detect ambushes and offer rapid support wherever needed. Vita, as scout, your primary duty is reconnaissance. Second, assist any teammate who needs it. In battle, you are the weakest among you, but never useless. Interfere, support, strike as needed—but never stop watching for threats. Outside the walls, enemies can attack from any direction without warning. You are the team's first—and most important—line of defense. Don't let your squad be surrounded."
"Yes, sir!" I replied sharply.
"You others know your roles," he said. "Today, we'll conduct a mock battle. Treat me as the monster. Since this is a simulation, Penelope, you'll provide support and healing."
She clicked her tongue and glared but didn't argue. Remus wore full armor—massive overlapping scales from head to toe, including a helmet. My spear had no chance of piercing it unless I got lucky and hit a joint… which I knew would require pure luck. With my skill level, there was no way I could accurately strike a fast-moving target like Remus. So what exactly was I supposed to do?
Before I could dwell further, Remus lunged at Nora, and before I could react, his boot crashed against her shield with an explosion-like impact, reverberating across the courtyard as she slid backward. I thrust my spear at him, but he had already evaded, retreating past Bentley's furious charge.
"Penelope! Buff me!" Bentley shouted cheerfully.
"So soon?" she complained, but her hands deftly began weaving gestures.
This meant… she wasn't casting innately, but using learned spells? That made sense. Many mages possess both innate talent and formal magical training, enhancing their natural abilities. A naturally gifted biomancer learning spells beyond their instinctual range would certainly gain advantages. After all, there are magics far beyond what innate talents alone can achieve. I couldn't rely forever on instinct alone.
An arrow whistled over my head, reminding me this wasn't the time for reflection. Another enemy? No—it was Orville, clearly unconcerned about nearly taking off my head. Remus slapped the arrow aside, kicked at Nora's shield again, and retreated before I could strike. I tracked Remus with effort, though I could always sense his soul. If only I could predict where he'd go next! Perhaps his soul could give me a clue…? No, that was probably a cognitive mage's ability—one I certainly wouldn't be lucky enough to possess.
Still, even if I couldn't hit him, maybe I could force him into awkward dodges, giving my teammates breathing room. Remus kept attacking Nora, giving me repeated chances to stab at him. But why keep targeting her? Was he pretending to be a mindless beast? Any intelligent fighter with his speed advantage would bypass her and strike the rear. Why then…
My primary duty was reconnaissance.
I extended my awareness beyond the courtyard. Just as feared, two figures were charging out of the guild building, aiming to flank us from behind…
"Enemy at the rear!" I shouted. "Four o'clock and eight o'clock doors! Five seconds… four… three… two…"
Two powerful, eager veteran hunters burst through the indicated doors, axes raised high, roaring like beasts. One charged Orville, the other Penelope—but thanks to my warning, Bentley was already moving to intercept.
"Don't know if I'll make it in time!" he called.
"You will," Penelope commanded, finishing her spell.
Bentley cheered and suddenly surged forward. His unexpected acceleration stunned the attacker heading for Penelope, allowing Bentley to overwhelm him. Meanwhile, Orville held his ground against the other assailant… but now it was just Nora and me facing Remus.
The instructor mercilessly battered Nora's shield. Though unbroken, it forced her steadily backward. I jabbed at him, but to him it was mere nuisance. When Remus turned to attack me, he forced Nora to scramble to protect me. This wouldn't last…
"Bentley!" I yelled. "We need you on Remus! Switch with me!"
"Aye, ma'am!" Bentley responded, sprinting toward me.
"Wait!" Penelope shouted. "Who protects me ?"
"I will! Run toward me!"
Already sprinting toward her, I readied my spear. Bentley's opponent was badly injured but still struggled—clearly stronger than me. Why was everyone stronger than me??? Even Orville performed better in this fight, yet his soul felt weaker than mine!
No time to complain. Exchanging positions with Penelope, I struck at her pursuer with maximum reach. He deflected my attack, forcing me to dodge his deadly axe swing. That blow could've killed me…! No time to linger—his boot smashed into my chest, nearly sending me sprawling.
"You're not helping much," Penelope complained.
"Then do something!" I snapped, jabbing again to drive him back.
"I am. Be quiet and don't resist."
I hated Penelope right then. Still, I obeyed—she was my teammate. She placed a hand on my back, and suddenly, everything became clear. Her magic enveloped me. I sensed Orville blocking an axe strike with his bow to my left. I felt Nora and Bentley flanking Remus behind me, though I already knew it wouldn't work. My foe lifted his axe again. I should jump back—no, wait, why retreat? Now everything was clear. Sidestep and counterattack. I did. My spear struck his arm.
"This spell is pretty good," I remarked, trembling slightly.
"Isn't it?" Penelope smirked, and while speaking, I jabbed twice more at the axe-wielder. Superficial wounds—he was skilled—but he feigned dropping his weapon and fled.
"Help Nora," I told Penelope, running toward Orville. Together, we drove off the remaining intruder, allowing the team to focus fully on Remus.
Nora looked exhausted, but Penelope cast a spell and she straightened up. With Orville's arrows flying, Remus actually began to retreat!
Good sign, right? I returned to position. With Penelope's magic, striking Remus became easier. Progress at last! He was being pushed back rapidly. Soon, he'd be cornered against the wall. We might win!
Wait—don't get cocky. Stay alert for reinforcements… None approaching. So then…
Suddenly, Bentley stumbled, his leg sinking into the earth up to his knee. A trap? Trapped like that, Remus spun and kicked Bentley's head, knocking out our melee anchor.
From there, everything unraveled.
Penelope's magic still tingled through me when the battle ended and Bentley revived. It felt surreal—everything happened so fast! Yet I couldn't stop thinking—Remus turned the tide with just a foot-deep pit. Damn it! We were so close to victory! Was he holding back all along? Was this his plan from the start?
Bentley was bruised badly, and I was hurt too. Remus kept fighting until we were all down and wounded… except Penelope. Was she spared because she was a biomancer, or something else…? Either way, it was unfair.
"I've seen worse performances from rookie squads," Remus announced. "But ultimately, it was your scout who dragged you down. In a real battle, you'd all be dead."
What??? That bastard… I wanted to rip his soul out!
…No, calm down. Calm. Why was he being such a bastard? Did he simply dislike me? Clearly, he liked Penelope just fine. No, no, no. Think. My lower lip trembled, tears forming, but I swallowed hard. I wouldn't cry here. I've endured worse. Compared to that, this humiliation was nothing.
"Sir," I said, standing as tall as I could, "I relied too much on my ability. I still need to learn about undetectable threats, like traps."
Remus removed his helmet. Perhaps it was my imagination, but I thought he almost smiled.
"Correct," he said. "Vita, you performed your role well before the battle's end. But if even one person fails during combat, the whole team dies."
I nodded slowly.
"Sir, how… how should I improve?" I asked. "None of us saw the pit either. I want to ask why you singled me out."
Remus nodded.
"Naturally, one could say it was Bentley's fault. But Vita—if Nora hadn't protected you at the start, what would've happened?"
I frowned. Obviously, I'd have been destroyed.
"Your teammates compensate for your weaknesses—that is their duty," Remus continued, reading my expression. "Your duty is detecting threats. Shouldn't you excel there, so when they falter, you can cover for them? That's what teamwork means. Vita, do you have any talent that could help you grow faster as a warrior?"
Strictly speaking, I did. Devouring souls could strengthen my body indefinitely. But revealing that seemed unwise.
"No, sir," I lied. "But I can become stronger through training—even without special gifts!"
He nodded.
"That's true. You can, and you will. But your teammates will train too, and they have the advantage—better physique, and talents you lack. Physically, they'll always cover for you. But you saw…"
He kicked the edge of the pit.
"Muscle and weapons aren't enough to survive. You observe keenly and act decisively. Focus on those strengths, and you'll become indispensable to your team."
He turned away.
"Orville, you act too independently. Communicate more with the team. Penelope, talk less. Focus on your spells instead of arguing with teammates. Nora, increase your aggression. Don't rely so much on that shield. Bentley, you're still reckless. Learn to anticipate opponents, not just strike where they stand. Dismissed."
Remus left swiftly, leaving us to digest our defeat. Nora shook her head and headed to the mess hall, drenched in sweat. Penelope returned to our dorm, and the two boys remained. I stood with them, too drained for anything else. I was utterly spent, and Orville looked the same. Only Bentley seemed unaffected—probably because he'd slept through the worst of it.
"Anticipate where they'll go, then strike there? Orville, are you sure that's what Instructor Remus meant? What if I guess wrong?"
"Then you miss," Orville replied flatly.
"Exactly!" Bentley exclaimed. "It makes more sense to strike where they are ! If I miss, I'll just swing faster!"
"Hmm. How many times did you actually hit Instructor Remus?"
Bentley scratched his cheek, avoiding Orville's gaze.
"Well, then I need to swing much faster."
"Has anyone ever told you you're an idiot, Bentley?"
I turned toward the dorm. I wanted to chat, but I lacked the energy. Unfortunately, as I walked away, Bentley ran up and patted my shoulder.
"Hey! Vita! I just wanted to say—it wasn't your fault I stepped into that trap! I think Remus is strict with you because you're new. He treated us the same when we joined."
"Yeah," I agreed. "Thanks, Bentley."
I used to think that, but knowing didn't make it feel any better.
"And!" he continued, "I think it was really cool how you took food for others! Never crossed my mind, but it was a great idea! I bet my mom would love their bread! Too bad we can't bring food home, huh?"
"Yeah," I repeated, shrugging his hand off. "See you later, Bentley. I'm going to nap."
"Oh, of course! Sorry! I'll be super quiet."
He waved with a grin. I managed a faint smile in return. Dragging my feet up the stairs, I opened the dorm door. I already knew Penelope was inside—soul perception was useful for that.
"Ah, the great strategist returns," she said blandly, not looking up from her desk.
Like turning on a faucet, I rushed in and grabbed Roscoe before she noticed, then slipped out again. I wouldn't cry here. Not in front of her. Never. Ever. Ever.
Guided by instinct, I found an empty room—an old dusty storage closet. Perfect. I shut the door, hugged my friend tightly, and let the tears fall. Quietly. Very quietly. These tears were wasted, but I had enough water now to spare. Back when dehydration made crying difficult, I couldn't afford this luxury.
Damn it! Why was this so hard? Why did it hurt so much? It shouldn't be this painful. I've endured worse than Remus, Penelope, and simulated bruises that don't kill you. I tried so hard to win. Things were going well, and then...
Tears flowed despite my efforts to stop them. I clutched Roscoe tighter, letting him soak up my despair. This was… too hard. Too awful. Why was I born different? Why did I have to be my family's hope? Why did I feel like everything I achieved could collapse anytime? I didn't deserve this. I was a screw-up, a failure, an accident. I didn't belong here. But I had no choice—I had to keep going. What else could I do?
After what felt like ages, the tears finally stopped. I wiped my face, gave Roscoe one final squeeze, and returned to the dorm. Penelope was still writing. I tucked my plush bird under the blanket, hoping she wouldn't look up. She didn't. I sat silently on my bed. Alone with her.
I hated her. But I had to get along with this healer. That's what Lynn said.
"...What are you writing?" I asked softly.
"Research notes," she replied briefly.
"What kind of research?"
She sighed heavily, exasperated.
"If you must know, I'm studying the brain. It's one of biology's greatest mysteries."
"...Why?"
She studied me for a moment before answering.
"The brain is enormous—disproportionately so. In almost every animal with a skeletal structure similar to humans, the brain is large. Often even in animals with vastly different structures. We understand some functions—like muscle control. But large parts seem… useless. Entirely useless. For years, theories suggested these seemingly idle sections might have undiscovered purposes. I study this by systematically disabling parts of mice brains. By observing behavioral changes post-surgery, we might uncover clues. But they seem truly… useless."
I frowned, pointing at the struggling mice.
"Those three are near death, though."
Penelope arched a brow.
"Yes. My surgeries were precise, but I failed with those three. My innate gift suits precise tissue removal, making me uniquely suited for this research compared to many experienced biomancers. Still, it's difficult. But this one…"
Gently, she retrieved the healthy mouse.
"I've disabled nearly thirty percent of its brain—almost the entire frontal lobe. Yet I see no change in health or behavior. Why? If it were just mice, maybe a quirk. But nearly all mammals show the same pattern. It's… strange. What purpose does this part serve?"
After a pause, I asked, "Is the brain connected to the soul?"
She rolled her eyes, responding in an unusually condescending tone.
"If you had even a passing interest in this field, you'd know the prevailing theory suggests the undefined brain regions form the communication bridge between body and soul. Which, obviously, relates to my research—it could disprove that theory. Now stop pretending you care or understand, and let me work."
Deep breath. Don't let her affect me.
"Penelope, please," I said calmly. "I've never heard this before, but that doesn't mean I don't care. I want to understand you, to get along. I'm trying to be nice! Why are you always so cruel to me?"
She sighed, eyes fixed on her notes.
"Because you're fake."
"What?"
"Vita, why do you want to get along with me?" Penelope asked. "Because you care about me as a person? Or because you know I'm your healer? Don't worry. I know I'm just a magical tool to you, and I'll fulfill that role—keeping you alive and healthy. You don't need to pretend to care just to receive treatment. Please stop faking it."
I swallowed hard, cheeks burning. Yes, I did want to befriend her because she could heal me. Was that really so bad?
"...Isn't that how relationships begin?" I asked softly. "Should I care about everyone from the start? I'm asking because I'm sure there's much more about you I want to know."
"Hmph. I wish I could say the same about you."
Tears threatened again, but I held firm. Forget it. To hell with this girl.
"Why does Remus treat you differently? Maybe we could start there."
"I suppose because I don't need beating," she said, returning the mouse to its cage. "If Remus didn't require me to heal you lot, I could kill him along with the rest of you."
She said it so calmly, so confidently, as if it were nothing. I frowned, considering. Bold claim. How did she plan to do it?
"With disease? Even if Remus is too strong to enchant directly, he still gets sick."
"Exactly," she replied, smiling slightly. "Your lungs would fill with blood in seconds. Imagine how frustrating it must be for such a powerful man—to fear a girl your age so much. Perhaps he doesn't know how to deal with that."
I stared, wondering if she truly believed this. I think she did. Too confident to be joking. It struck me as… strange. Her logic didn't quite hold.
"I don't understand. Our lungs fill with blood. Then what? I guess we die eventually. But would we die instantly?"