Outside the Black Forest
(Veyrath (West Continent)
That golden-colored light soared upward like a spear of the heavens. It illuminated the battlefield, its brilliance too pure for the eye to fully grasp. Within moments it vanished into the sky, streaking away at the speed of light until nothing remained but a faint afterglow and the stunned silence of those who had witnessed it.
Every Noblesse turned at once toward Taylor. A collective gasp rippled through the group. His body-broken, lifeless only minutes ago-was now whole again. His skin bore no trace of wounds, his chest rose and fell with calm rhythm, yet his eyes remained shut. He was alive, though still unconscious.
The young Noblesse stared, their shock so heavy not even whispers dared disturb the air. None of them had ever seen, nor even heard in legends, of such a miracle.
Elina, though equally shaken, gathered herself. Her face was pale but her voice rang out, firm.
Elina: "Everyone, back to the Academy. Now."
Ozzy, the strongest among them, stepped forward. He bent and carefully lifted Taylor into his arms, his expression uncharacteristically grave.
His usual confidence was replaced by a heavy respect-as if Taylor were no longer just a comrade, but something sacred. Without further hesitation, the others fell in line.
Their boots crunched softly against the forest floor as they began the long walk back.
But one did not rise.
Brock, the B-Rank wizard, sat slumped against a large rock. His robes were torn, his breath shallow, his eyes dim with exhaustion. He did not move, as if the earth itself held him fast.
Elina noticed. She slowed, then finally stopped, turning toward him. Concern filled her features as she approached.
Elina: "Brock, are you okay? Should I call someone to help you?"
Her voice carried genuine worry. Brock had fought harder than anyone else despite his rank.
He lifted one trembling hand, palm outward, bidding her to halt. His lips curled into a weary smile.
Brock: "I'm fine... Don't trouble yourself. We Noblesse... our bodies are stronger than ordinary humans. I did use a portion of my soul and spirit power, yes. Because of that... I can't cast any powerful spells for some time. But I can still manage the small ones. Physically-"
He inhaled shakily, bracing himself on the rock before forcing his weary body upright.
Brock: "-physically, I now have the strength of a D-Rank Noblesse."
Elina bit her lip. She wanted to argue, to tell him to rest, but she could see the stubborn fire in his eyes. She exhaled softly.
Then Brock turned away, his gaze distant, drawn toward something deeper in the woods.
Without a word, he began walking.
Elina followed, uneasy.
Elina: "Brock... what are you trying to do?"
He didn't answer. His silence was answer enough.
At last, they reached the place where the Oxag Wolf had fallen.
Brock froze. His body stiffened, then staggered back several steps. His face went pale, his eyes wide with dread.
Elina's gaze followed his... and she too fell silent, her breath catching.
Before them lay not the beast that had moments ago ravaged the battlefield, but something grotesque and unnatural.
The Oxag Wolf's massive body had been reduced to little more than bones wrapped in shriveled skin. Its blood, its flesh, all gone. What remained looked ancient, decayed-like the husk of a creature that had died and rotted away many months ago.
Brock: (hoarse, trembling) "Impossible... Didn't this just die? Where is its blood? Its flesh? This... this is only skin clinging to bone. As though... as though this wolf has been dead for years." This .. This is like Curse of Hollowing" phenomenon tied to forbidden powers...
Elina swallowed, fighting back a surge of unease. She steadied her voice.
Elina: "Brock. Let's get out of here. It's not good to stay here any longer."She can feels Brock's whole body was trembling.
Her words pulled him back from his shock. He gave one last glance at the desiccated corpse, then nodded faintly. Together, they turned and left the scene, following after the others.
______________
In the Official Operation room ,
Myrrhvale :Capital of
Veyrath (West Continent)
The opulent hall of President residence was hushed, heavy with tension.
David sat rigidly before a massive crystal-screen, its surface now dark. His face was unreadable, but his fingers tapped against his leg in restless thought.
What he had seen-no, what the entire world might soon know-gnawed at his mind.
Operator: "Sir... are you okay?"
David didn't answer immediately. His hand slipped into his jacket, retrieving a sleek black mana-drive. His tone, when he spoke, was clipped and stern.
David: "Transfer the recorded data to this drive. Then pack up. Collect everything. We're going back."
The operators scrambled, fingers flying across glowing runes.
Then David's crystal-comm buzzed sharply against the desk. The sigil displayed: W.N Headquarters. With a controlled breath, he answered.
David: "Hello."W.N H.Q.: "The request you made for an AA-Rank Noblesse has been approved-"
David: (cutting in, voice cold) "Yes, yes. I know you're busy. But there's no need for them here now. Bye. "He ended the call without hesitation, sliding the crystal away.
Across the table, the president sat with hands folded, exhaustion carved into his features. David turned to him, extending a firm hand.
David: "Mr.President . I couldn't do much for you today. What happened was unexpected-not just for me, but for the entire world. Only the gods could have intervened like this.
Without that... countless lives would have been lost. But I can assure you, Veyrath finest Noblesse will be included in the International Clan."
Mr.President met his eyes, then clasped his hand firmly.
"I understand. You tried your best. If, because of you, some of our Noblesse are accepted, that alone is enough for me."
He rose slowly, his body sagging beneath the weight of sleeplessness. As he walked toward his chambers, dawn broke outside, streaks of soft light spilling through the grand crystal windows.
He paused, gazing out.That purple light... whoever you are, you saved my people. For that, I thank you.
At last, he reached his room. He instructed his secretary to cancel all meetings.
Mr president: "I want to sleep peacefully today. Don't disturb me. You go and rest too."
Then, without changing clothes, without removing his shoes, he collapsed onto the bed. Sleep took him instantly.
Meanwhile, in the In the Operation room-Operator: (handing over the mana-drive) "Sir, the data transfer is complete. We're ready to move, awaiting your command."
David pocketed the device.
David: "Let's go back to G.P.F Headquarters in Eryndor."
Soon, black rune-carriages whisked them away to the military skyport, where a private airship waited.
Engines roared to life, the vessel sped down the aether-runway, and within moments they were airborne-headed for Arcanis.
Inside the cabin, silence lingered.
On one hand, excitement burned-this data could ignite the world. Proof of a power capable of killing an Osag Wolf so easily, destroying a portal, and reviving the dead in mere minutes.
On the other hand, fear gnawed.
If such a being becomes our enemy... what could stand against it?
David sat quietly by the window, his mind lost in turmoil.
In Ichihara Academy
(Veyrath,Myrrhvale)
Far from the battlefield, within Ichihara Academy, four Elders sat in the staff hall.
The 1st Elder - the retired Head of the Academy, once an S-Rank wizard.
The 2nd Elder - an AA-Rank Attacker.
The 3rd Elder - an AA-Rank Defender.
The 4th Elder - an S-Rank Medic.
They had little information about the Black Forest incident. All they knew: a Normal portal had opened, and thirty Noblesse from the academy had been dispatched.
So Due to some unavoidable reasons, these people could not pay much attention to this.
They sat in discussion when a teacher entered, bowing respectfully.
Teacher: "The team has returned, sirs. An A-Rank Noblesse was unconscious and is being treated at the hospital. Miss Elina is waiting for permission to report."
The 1st Elder raised a brow.
1st Elder: "Send her in quickly."
Moments later, Elina entered, bowing.
1st Elder: "So, Miss Elina. How was your mission?"
Elina took a breath and began recounting everything. She told them of the sudden attack of Bunny monsters, of how the team destroyed them all. The Elders listened with mild interest-until the story shifted.
Elina: "...But the portal did not close. Instead, an Oxag Wolf emerged."
The words hit like a thunderclap.
Elders: (in unison) "The portal didn't close-and an Osag Wolf?!"
Shock rippled across their faces.
Elina: "Yes, sirs. We attacked, but our attacks had no effect."
AA-Rank Elder (Attacker): (grim) "Of course they wouldn't."
Elina: "Then... the wolf struck. Taylor was killed."
The room erupted with gasps.
Elders: "What?!"
Elina: "But just as the wolf prepared for a second attack, a purple light erupted from the Black Forest. In two to three minutes, it destroyed both the wolf and the portal. And then... it vanished."
All four Elders leapt to their feet.
Elders: "What? Destroyed the portal?!"
Elina: "Yes. And after that, a golden light came from the same direction. It entered Taylor's body... and he revived."
The 4th Elder, sipping water, choked violently, coughing.
The others stared, mouths agape, like children hearing a ghost story. The 1st Elder wiped sweat from his brow.
1st Elder: "Is... is there more?"
Elina: "Yes, sir. On our way back, we passed the wolf's body. But its flesh and blood were gone. Only bones and old skin remained-as if it had been dead for months."
The Academy Head nearly fell from his chair, gulping down water like a dying man.
Elina hesitated. She wondered silently if she should have told them about the golden pearl she had kept. But she stayed quiet.
1st Elder: "Miss Elina. You may go and rest. Three days' leave."
Elina bowed.
Elina: "Thank you, sir."
She left.
Inside, the Elders sat in stunned silence.
4th Elder: "Bringing a dead person back to life is impossible. Headmaster, is there such a spell?"
The 1st Elder leaned back, closing his eyes.
1st Elder: "No wizard can resurrect the dead. The only rumor is of a 'Spell of Reincarnation,' said to place another's soul into a corpse. But it's myth. No records in the oldest libraries speak of it.
Even if it were true, why would anyone sacrifice something precious for a stranger? No... this wasn't reincarnation." What happened to Taylor will not be called Reincarnation its totally different.
He exhaled heavily.
1st Elder: "Whoever this being is... their power is beyond imagining.
Killing an Oxag Wolf, disintegrating its body, destroying a portal, reviving the dead... in minutes. None could even see them. Only Purple and golden light.
Even S-Rank Noblesse would be as children before them. Even I-former leader of the International Clan-feel this."
The Elders sat frozen, their minds reeling.
4th Elder: (slamming the table) "What is happening in this world?!"
________
Far above the earth, a lone figure cut across the sky-Lei Shan. He flew aimlessly, passing over country after country, his crimson hair whipping in the wind.
Then, a voice echoed in his mind. His Master.
Master: "Tell me, Lei Shan. Why shouldn't I lock 3% of your remaining power? You can't even control 5% properly. And yet... you burned away 2% of your soul power to revive a human? Explain."
Lei Shan froze in the air, his heart tightening. He bowed his head, speaking softly.
Lei Shan: "Some humans are still loyal... still kind. I thought it was worth it. Forgive me, my Lord."
The Master laughed.
Master: "Scared now? You weren't scared breaking portals before everyone's eyes. You weren't scared reviving the dead. But now, you tremble?"
Lei Shan fell silent.
Master: "Don't sulk. I'm just joking. You did well. But you revealed too much. Storms are brewing in the power-houses of the world.
Ummmm I think... some changes are in order."
Lei Shan exhaled in relief.
Lei Shan: "Thank you, my Lord." (thinking to himself: Fufufu... I'm saved.)
Master: "I have a new mission. Live as a Noblesse. Take the test. Join the International Clan. And hide your remaining 3% from them all."
And You have to Earn what you have lost.
I will not help you with that. This is my law.
Lei Shan's eyes widened.
Lei Shan: (grimacing) "Command accepted, my Lord." (thinking: This isn't a mission. It's punishment.)
Master: "Good. Travel the world. Experience it. Now go."
With a resigned sigh, Lei Shan descended.His Appearance change completely hair had shifted to a fiery red.and his armor changed into Ancient warrior-style clothing and The String of purple beads disappeared.
Soon he walked a dusty road, Ahead lay a bustling city.
Velkara, Capital of Dravania
Vendors called out: "Herbal tea! Hot tea!" "Snake wine, only five coins! Money back if you don't like!" "Fresh crystalfruit water!"
It was a chaos Lei Shan had never known. It wasn't like it was three hundred years ago. Everything felt strange to him.
A vendor beckoned him.
Vendor: " Hello Sir, come have some flamefruit snacks!"
Lei Shan blinked.
He felt as if he had almost forgotten how to speak.
Lei Shan: "Brother... what place is this?"
Vendor: (staring) "You new here? This is Dravania (South Continent)
Capital: Velkara
Lei Shan tilted his head.۔
Lei Shan: "Where... is Ozythra?"
Vendor: "Ozythra? Hah! Never been, eh? Sit here. I'll send you in the evening when business is done."
Lei Shan sat, bewildered.
Later, as promised, the vendor-Anil-escorted him.
Anil: "Here's the skypier. This ship goes to Ozythra. Don't get off early. Understood? What's your name?"
Lei Shan hesitated, then forced a smile.
Lei Shan: "Lei.. My name is Lee Shan."
Anil: "Good. Mine's Anil. Don't forget. And hey-you don't even have money, do you?"
Lei Shan remained silent.
Anil: "Ha! Tongue tied as well as brainless.
Fine. Here, a ticket. And some coins. Next time, bring your own. Free snacks don't grow on trees!"
He clapped Lei Shan's back and left laughing.
Lei Shan sat near the skyship, Watching him go back
Master: "He was simple, wasn't he?"
Lei Shan: "Yes, my Lord. Kind-hearted."
Master: "Protect people like that. But remember-there are bad ones too."
Lei Shan: "Yes, my Lord."
Silence fell.
In Veyrath
(Elina and Rena) Morning light spilled into Elina's home. She slipped inside quietly, exhausted but alive. She saw her younger sister, Rena, asleep in bed.
Elina sat on a chair beside her, gently stroking her hair.
If I had died today... what would have happened to her?
Her thoughts wandered. To Taylor. No... just a friend. A good friend.
From her pocket, she withdrew the golden pearl. It pulsed faintly, glowing with a beauty that defied description.
She turned it over in her palm, baffled.
Whoever you are... I will find you one day.
She set the pearl on the bedside table and went for a bat but As soon as she left the room, the golden pearl slowly began to rise into the air.
After bathing, she returned to Rena's room-only to freeze at the doorway.
In a state of shock, she looks at the scene in front of her.
Rena stood upright, holding the pearl in her hands. Its glow had intensified, painting the room gold.
Elina's heart raced.She never even dreamed that something like this would happen.
Rena: "What is this? Why is it shining so much? Is it... some kind of Precious Light pearl?"
The glow faded, then suddenly blazed. The pearl shot out the window.
"Catch it!" Rena cried, running after it. But it vanished into the sky.
Rena turned to her sister, guilty.
Rena: "Sorry... I was just looking at it. I've never seen anything like it. It floated to me when I woke..."
Elina rushed forward, hugging her tightly.
Elina: "You fool. Pay attention to yourself! Don't you remember? You couldn't even move yesterday. The right side of your body was paralyzed."
Rena gasped, looking down at herself.
Rena: "Oh! You're right! But... I'm healed but how!"
Elina: (smiling through tears) "Yes. You're healed. its enough"
The two laughed, playfully striking each other with pillows, joy flooding the room.
At the window, Elina looked out where the pearl had vanished.
She murmured: What are you... and why did you choose us?
To be continue..