By the next week, the guildhall was abuzz with tension. Strange missions arrived from villages near the eastern frontier: reports of demonkin sightings and strange ruins glowing under the moonlight.
The guildmaster called for an expedition — silver- and bronze-ranked adventurers would investigate. To Suho's surprise, his name was listed.
"You sure you're ready?" Darius asked him as they gathered outside the gates.
Suho nodded. "I need to be."
The expedition set off, the group of twenty adventurers marching across rolling hills. Veterans laughed and shared old stories, while rookies whispered nervously.
Suho walked silently, absorbing every word, every detail.
Three days later, they reached the ruins.
Broken stone pillars jutted from the earth, covered in strange runes. The air shimmered faintly, carrying a weight that pressed on Suho's chest.
"This place…" he whispered.
Darius stepped beside him. "Ruins tied to something older than the four towers. Some say it was the foundation of a fifth — no, a sixth tower."
Before Suho could ask, a cry rang out.
"Demonkin!"
Shadows burst from the ruins, twisted figures with eyes burning red. Weapons clashed as adventurers scrambled into formation.
"Hold the line!" shouted the leader.
Suho fought desperately, dodging claws and striking where he could. His blade cut through one demonkin's arm, but another lunged at his back.
Instinct surged again — a burst of faint golden light flared, blinding the creature long enough for Suho to counter.
"You… what was that?" a nearby adventurer gasped.
Suho didn't answer. He couldn't. He didn't know himself.
When the battle ended, half the adventurers were injured but alive. The ruins glowed faintly, runes pulsing like a heartbeat.
Darius placed a heavy hand on Suho's shoulder. "You've got questions, don't you? About that light."
Suho nodded silently.
"Then listen well," Darius said. "These ruins… they may hold the path to the Lost Tower of Light. And you may be the one meant to find it."
The words sank into Suho's heart, heavier than any blade.
As the expedition turned back toward the capital, Suho looked over his shoulder one last time at the ruins.
And for the first time, he felt it — not just hope, but destiny.