Kathleen pulls a file from her coat and sets it on the coffee table.
"Her name's Vrynna. Former member of a guild disbanded after a scandal ten years ago. She vanished after being linked to a string of attacks on magical institutions. We thought she'd gone quiet, but recent reports say she's back. Rumors suggest she's planning a forbidden ritual."
I frown. "A forbidden ritual? Like what? Human sacrifices, demon summoning, that kind of thing?"
Kathleen shrugs. "No specifics yet. That's for you to find out. The Association wants you to take the lead: investigate, track down Vrynna, and, if possible, stop her before she acts."
My eyes linger on the name "Vrynna," and I can't help thinking how cliché it sounds for a villain.
"Great. Can't wait to meet the wicked witch," I say with sarcasm, finishing my coffee.
Kathleen raises a brow, her cold gaze locked on mine.
I flash her a sarcastic grin.
Kathleen narrows her eyes. "Don't forget, your position as guild master hinges on your cooperation here. You'd better take this mission seriously."
I roll my eyes dramatically. "Oh, I'll be the best little Warden the world's ever seen. Promise."
She sighs, clearly annoyed by my attitude. "You're impossible."
"That's my charm," I say, putting on an innocent face.
She shakes her head, standing to leave. "Do what you want, but don't forget you're not immune to being ousted, Magister Roskales."
I raise my mug in a mocking toast. "Till next time, Kathleen. May the magic be with you, or whatever."
She leaves with one last sigh, leaving me alone.
My day started with an alarm ringing too early, but now it's like someone hit the adventure mode button.
If only I could do this without leaving my couch…
---
Assembling a team to hunt a raider is like planning a picnic.
Aunt Libel played architect for this merry band, and I'm just watching it all with the nonchalance of a cat eyeing an empty box.
No way I'm going alone, so here's the team joining me.
First, a guy named Griffin, built like a tank. A walking mountain with shoulders that could carry tons. Aunt Libel says he's an expert in "reinforcement magic."
I'm sold on him already.
Second, Piper, a genius with elemental magic.
Third and last, Mira, a master of "psychic magic."
Pretty handy stuff.
Gathered in a briefing room, the team looks as confused as I feel.
I clear my throat, uneasy. Since taking on the guild master role—a title I inherited more than earned—I've never really dealt with active members. Besides Aunt Libel, the others look at me with that mix of hesitation and distance usually reserved for lobby statues: looks important, but no one's sure what it's for.
According to Aunt Libel, the three here are the guild's elite. A-rank elite, she specified. Not S-rank. Apparently, the Association vetoed that. What a bunch of paranoid bureaucrats. I almost sent them a snarky note, but Libel explained what that would entail. I gave up at step one.
So here we are. Me, a guild master with the drive of a mollusk, and three mages standing stiff as posts.
Aunt Libel shoots me a pointed look. The one that says: Speak, you idiot.
I sigh inwardly, adjust my posture vaguely, and clear my throat.
"Hey, I guess." I give them a small wave, like a teacher stepping into class for the first time. "You can sit. No need to play statues."
They comply, but the tension lingers. The awkwardness is thick, like everyone's trying to figure out if they can breathe normally around me.
Chill, guys, I'm as uncomfortable as you are, I swear.
I clear my throat again. "So… do you know who I am?"
What a dumb question. Nice one.
"For the mission," I say, ignoring my blunder. "We're gonna… do stuff. You know, catch the bad guy and all that. Questions? No? Good, over to you, Elder Libel."
Aunt Libel sighs, her gaze a mix of frustration. "Thank you, Magister. The raider we're after is named Vrynna. According to reports, she was last spotted near a village called Javal. We suspect she's planning something big, so our mission is to stop her before she causes havoc."
I lean back against the desk, crossing my arms, pretending to be deeply engaged.
Aunt Libel rolls her eyes but presses on. "The plan's simple. You'll infiltrate the village as travelers and investigate any traces of Vrynna. The primary goal, for now, is gathering intel, so avoid confrontation unless necessary."
The team nods.
I flash a carefree smile.
"Elder, don't you think there's an easier way? Like sending Vrynna a postcard asking her nicely to drop her evil plans?"
The team exchanges puzzled looks, clearly unsure if I'm serious.
I am. Who says villains can't be reasoned with? I know a guy who's a pro at converting baddies. Shame he's just a fictional character—I'd want him in my guild.
Aunt Libel presses her temples, like she's staving off a budding migraine. "Magister, please, a bit of seriousness. We have a mission to complete."
"Oh, right, the mission. Since she's planning something, she'll probably show herself sooner or later, no? Why not wait till then? Easier to nab her, right?"
Piper almost laughs but catches herself.
Aunt Libel shoots a desperate look at the team.
"Your objective is to locate Vrynna quickly and neutralize any threat. Understood?"
The team nods, but I can't resist adding.
With a resigned sigh, Aunt Libel signals the team to leave the briefing room, leaving behind an unreliable guild master and his advisor.
As the team shuts the door, Aunt Libel gives me a slightly stern look. "Zayn, can you be serious for one second?"
She shakes her head. "You know, Zayn, I get that you'd rather lounge on your couch sipping coffee than dive into a dangerous adventure. It's your father's fault for letting you get away with it. But you're a Magister now, with responsibilities. That means sometimes you have to set aside your laziness and do what's needed to protect our country. Can you grasp that?"
I raise a brow. "You know, dear aunt, I'm not sure I signed up for this. You promised I'd just sign papers and attend meetings, not go on missions. And honestly, don't I have subordinates for this? Why should I lift a finger?"
She sighs. "Listen, I thought so too. But things have changed—the Association's testing you. The sooner you complete this task, the sooner you can go back to your quiet life. So please, try to focus on this mission, okay?"
I pull an exaggerated pout, but I know she knows I know she knows I know… Okay, I'll stop.
I know she knows I get her point.
"Fine, fine. I guess I can make a small effort. But don't expect me to turn into a gung-ho Warden overnight. I'll do my best."
Aunt Libel smiles, knowing that's the most she'll get from me. "That's all I ask, Zayn. We need you, even if you don't realize how important you are."
I shrug nonchalantly. "Well, I guess it can't hurt to pitch in a bit."
She nods and rises from her chair. "Great. I'll handle the rest of the paperwork, and you can head out with your team. I know you'll find a way to handle this in your own style."
Aunt Libel gives me one last encouraging smile before leaving. I stay leaning against the desk, mulling over the mission ahead.
Who does Aunt Libel take me for? Of course I'll complete this mission, even if it's grudgingly. My slacker life's on the line!