**Early Morning, Medicine Hall Academy**
The morning mist still lingered when Rudra stepped into the grand Academic Mission Hall. Inside, rows of golden boards flickered with mission details. The mission board master, a gruff-looking man with a thick beard, leaned over the counter.
**Mission Hall Master:** "Which grade mission do you want, and what type?"
**Rudra:** "Can I check out all missions under Grade C?"
The man nodded and gestured toward a corner board. Rudra spent nearly an hour scanning every detail. Eventually, five mission scrolls stood out among the rest. He sealed them into his satchel and left.
Before returning, he made a stop—buying a new spiritual technique granths using his saved medicoins. A decision made with purpose.
---
**Rudra's Dormitory – Later That Day**
As he stepped inside, the scent of herbs filled the air. Naran lounged on the couch, casually tossing a small rock up and down, while Arie stood by the window, deep in thought.
**Arie (turning):** "Did you find anything good?"
**Rudra:** "Yes. I found five excellent missions."
He laid out the scrolls on the table, pointing to each one as he explained.
**Rudra:**
* **First Mission – Grade D:** Capture a pair of Tier-2 Shadow Cats. *Reward: 15,000 Medicoins.*
* **Second Mission – Grade D:** Hunt a Tier-3 Shadow Wolf pack. *Reward: 18,000 Medicoins.*
* **Third Mission – Grade C:** Deliver recovery and healing pills to a training camp in the Dark Dizzy Forest. *Reward: 28,000 Medicoins.*
* **Fourth Mission – Grade C:** Retrieve raw materials used in Granth-making from Huba Village.
* **Fifth Mission – Grade B:** Support mission. A backup team is needed for a squad already dispatched to retrieve the Icyflare Lily from Flare Mountain.
**Arie (frowning):** "Isn't that last one risky?"
**Rudra:** "Maybe. But the squad leader is at the 6th chakra gate of the Beast Vein rank. The rest are strong too. They'll protect us."
**Arie:** "Do you really think we can rely on others like that?"
Rudra fell silent.
A memory struck him—vivid and sudden.
> A gentle woman's voice: *"Be brave. Be strong."*
>
> Then… a horrible vision.
>
> A hand, blood-soaked, bursting through someone's chest—right in front of him.
He clenched his fists.
**Rudra (softly):** "Even for someone you know for just fifteen minutes... people can give their life."
Then he turned to her.
**Rudra (serious):** "Since you're coming with me... I, Rudra Yan, promise—no matter what happens, I will protect you. Even if it costs me my life."
Naran, watching quietly until now, raised an eyebrow.
**Naran:** "Flare Mountain is far. Can we really complete all these missions *and* reach there for the backup team?"
**Rudra:** "All the missions are located near each other. I'll draw a route map. We'll complete the hunting and delivery missions on the way."
He handed two granths to Arie.
**Rudra:** "Here, Arie. You're a 1st-rank Spiritual Master now. These are for you—one offensive technique, and one healing and boost scroll. They'll be useful."
He turned to Naran.
**Rudra:** "Go buy a tent, food for four days, and some explosive bombs. We leave tonight at 11. Arie, learn those techniques quickly."
Rudra and Naran walked out, leaving Arie alone.
---
**Arie's Room – Moments Later**
She sat down, lifting her sleeve slightly. The butterfly tattoo on her hand shimmered faintly. Her eyes darkened.
> *"This mission isn't just about pills or beasts…"*
---
**Flashback – Wan Empire, Shadow Hall**
Arie kneeled before a massive presence—the 9th-ranked monster, Lord Nu'Zar, cloaked in an aura of shadow flames.
**Nu'Zar:** "Arie, are you certain the second Granth is inside the Medicine Hall Academy?"
**Arie:** "Yes. When Lucy and I went to the Mist Mountain for a Beast Core, I saw a boy in battle. My Granth—*Knowledge Blade*—started glowing when I looked at him. Back then, I didn't understand. But after refining it, I'm sure... The second Granth must be with him. Or someone his Granth is linked to."
**Nu'Zar:** "Then what do you plan?"
**Arie:** "I'll join the academy. I'll get close to the boy. And then… I'll kill him and retrieve the Granth."
**Nu'Zar (sternly):** "No. That would expose our empire's secrets. Instead, use this."
He handed her a black mark.
**Nu'Zar:** "It's the Monster Seal. Plant it on the boy. If the Granth is with him, we'll handle the rest."
---
**Back to Present – Arie's Thoughts**
She looked at the seal hidden in her sleeve.
> *"This isn't just a mark. It's a Monster Seal—used to control knights and humans..."*
> *"But after the Water Element triangle mark appeared on my forehead… it seems I'm resisting the control."*
> *"I need to find a way to remove this seal."*
> *"Then… I will uncover the truth about my mother's death."*
> *"And the secret my empire is hiding. Why do monsters live with knights? What are they covering up?"*
A fire lit in her eyes.
---
**Night – Departure**
Rudra laid a hand-drawn map on the table. His route was drawn with multiple circles and lines.
**Rudra:** "Here's the plan. Understand anything?"
**Naran (blinking):** "Nope."
**Arie (shrugging):** "If *you* understand it, I'll just follow you."
**Naran:** "Same here."
**Rudra (facepalming):** "Bunch of idiots..."
He pointed at each path.
**Rudra:** "We start with the hunting missions. First Shadow Cats, then Shadow Wolves. After that, we'll deliver the pills to the training camp. That puts us close to Flare Mountain. Then, we head for the backup mission."
**Naran:** "Why are we leaving at night?"
**Rudra (smirking):** "I'll explain on the way.
Let's get ready."
The three packed in silence, but in each of their hearts—something far more serious was stirring.
[To Be Continued…]