The caravan limped into Greenveil battered but intact. News of the ambush spread quickly, and soon the guild hall was buzzing with chatter.
"Did you hear? The rookie and the healer fought off thirty bandits!"
"They say the girl's healing never faltered, even when surrounded!"
"Impossible… unless…"
Suho ignored the gossip as he handed the mission report to the receptionist.
"Escort duty complete," he said.
The woman scanned the parchment, her brows rising. "…No casualties, despite such an ambush? Impressive. The guild recognizes your success. Your party rank will be adjusted accordingly."
Behind her, the guildmaster himself approached—a broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his cheek. His voice was like rolling thunder.
"You did well, boy. But don't get cocky. Bandits are one thing. True monsters are another."
Suho met his gaze evenly. "Then I'll be ready for them."
The guildmaster smirked faintly. "We'll see."
---
That night, outside the guild…
Suho and Lyra walked the quiet streets of Greenveil. The moon hung heavy in the sky, silver light spilling over rooftops.
"…You scare me sometimes," Lyra admitted softly. "You fight like someone who doesn't value his life."
Suho stopped, turning to face her. "I fight like someone who refuses to lose it."
Their eyes met in silence. Then, suddenly—
A shadow darted across the rooftops.
Suho reacted instantly, shoving Lyra aside as a throwing knife embedded itself in the cobblestone where she had stood.
"Assassins," Suho muttered, drawing his blade.
Figures in black cloaks leapt down, surrounding them. Their leader sneered. "Orders were clear. The boy dies tonight."
---
The fight was brutal.
Suho clashed with the assassins, steel flashing under moonlight. Every strike was precise, every dodge instinctive. Yet they were skilled—far more dangerous than mere bandits.
One slipped past his guard, slashing his side. Pain flared. He staggered—
"Suho!" Lyra cried. She raised her hands, summoning a barrier of shimmering light. The assassins hissed as their blades bounced off it.
"Run!" she shouted.
But Suho stood tall, blood dripping. His vision blurred. His heartbeat roared in his ears.
And then—it happened.
A surge of warmth exploded from his chest, flooding his limbs. His sword gleamed with radiant light. His eyes widened as the assassins faltered.
"…Light," he whispered.
He lunged, blade cutting through shadows like dawn breaking night. The assassins screamed as pure light scorched their flesh.
Within moments, the street was silent. The assassins lay defeated, their leader retreating into the darkness with a promise. "This isn't over, boy. You've drawn attention from powers beyond you."
Suho collapsed to one knee, gasping. The glow faded from his blade.
Lyra rushed to him, tears brimming in her eyes. "What was that? That light—"
Suho stared at his trembling hands. "I don't know… but I think… I finally found it."
---
Back at the guild, whispers spread.
"Did you hear? The rookie summoned light in battle."
"Impossible. Light hasn't been seen for two centuries."
"Maybe… he's the one the legends spoke of."
The guildmaster watched from the shadows, his expression unreadable.
So the boy awakens… the world will change again.
---