Last night was a tough battle against the witches. It was frustrating that we failed to eliminate them and ended up being outsmarted.
I asked the Captain to drop me off at my apartment. Lately, I have been staying at Isaiah's place, and I feel a little ashamed about it.
While I was preparing my breakfast, my phone suddenly rang. I wiped my hands on a towel and checked the screen.
It was Captain.
"Hello, Captain?" I said, pressing the phone to my ear.
"You need to come to the office early. It's urgent."
"Alright. I just need to finish my breakfast."
The line went silent as he ended the call.
"What could be so important?" I murmured, staring at my phone screen.
After eating, I grabbed my jacket and hurried outside. I raised my hand to call a taxi, and soon one pulled over and drove me to the office.
---
I pushed the office door open. Inside, my companions were already there, standing beside Captain Edmund and someone I did not recognize.
"He finally arrived," Damian said, crossing his arms.
"Sorry. Traffic was bad," I replied, catching my breath.
My eyes shifted to the unfamiliar lady. She stood tall and calm, her presence steady.
"You must be the new one," she said, turning to face me.
The moment our eyes met, I felt it. Her aura was warm and reassuring. It felt safe, like nothing bad could reach us while she was there.
"This is Captain Seraphina," Captain Edmund said. "She's here to cast a purifying magic to remove any curses."
Captain Seraphina gave a small nod.
"Alright, stay close together," she instructed gently, raising one hand.
The four of us stepped closer, forming a small circle.
"Aren't you joining us, Captain?" I asked, glancing at Captain Edmund.
He leaned against the wall and slipped his hands into his pockets. "I'm fine. I don't need it."
Captain Seraphina stepped forward, and a radiant light began to gather around her, glowing gently like it was drawn to her presence.
"I will cast a holy light to make sure there are no curses or marks left on you. You have dealt with many witches, as your Captain told me," she said softly.
I felt drawn to her presence. It was comforting and filled me with quiet courage.
"She's my biggest idol among all the Captains, aside from Captain Edmund," Thea whispered to me with a small giggle.
Captain Seraphina closed her eyes. She pressed her palms together, then slowly lifted them as she began to chant in a calm, steady voice. A gentle light started to form around her hands.
She waved her hand, and a white dove emerged from the light. We watched in awe while it flew toward us, leaving golden trails in its wake.
We followed it with our eyes as it circled around us, the radiant trails wrapping us in a soft glow.
After completing its circle, the dove burst into a gentle light that poured over us, warm and soothing.
"Witches are known to curse their victims from afar," Captain Seraphina said, her gaze sweeping over each of us.
She raised a hand slightly, letting the faint glow from the dove linger between us.
"Even if you don't feel anything now, they might have already placed something on you. Dark magic has a way of clinging to a person without being noticed. They could try to recast a deadly curse at any moment."
"That's why it's so important to purify any lingering darkness before it grows. A curse left unattended can affect your body, your mind, and even your ability to fight. It can twist your thoughts or drain your strength without you realizing it."
"Don't hesitate to ask me or any of my squadmates for purification if you ever feel cursed or jinxed. It's not just a precaution. It's vital. There is no shame in asking for help. You only need to speak to your Captain, and he'll guide you to me. I will make sure every trace of darkness is removed safely."
"Thanks! You're always helping us with this," Captain Edmund said, a smile tugging at his lips.
"Anytime," Captain Seraphina replied, inclining her head. "I'll be off now." She turned and walked toward the door.
Before leaving, she glanced back at me, gave a respectful bow, and said softly, "It was nice to meet you." Then she exited.
"Ackk! I always feel so motivated whenever she casts her purifying holy light," Thea giggled, clapping her hands lightly.
"She and her squad are always there when we need them," Damian said, nodding.
[!] System Quest [!]
» Repair five damaged buildings and make them safe again. Fix the walls, floors, and structures so each building can stand strong. Use your Aeon Restore skill to mend broken parts and restore every damaged area.
Reward: 2 skills
Time Limit: 3 days
Progress: 0 / 5
A holographic notification suddenly appeared in front of me, hovering in midair.
"System Quest?" I muttered, raising an eyebrow as I leaned closer to read it.
Everyone turned to look at me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and surprise.
"Is something wrong?" Margaret asked, stepping a little closer.
"I got a System Quest," I said, pointing at the floating notification.
"So, what is it?" Damian asked, leaning closer with a curious look.
"It's about repairing five damaged buildings," I said, pointing toward the glowing text with a quick motion of my hand.
"You can't skip this one," Thea said, leaning forward eagerly. "It gives skills and abilities if you finish it."
"It will give me one ability and two skills," I added, glancing down at the notification. "And the time limit is three days."
"You should accept it," Captain said, standing straight with his hands on his hips. "For now, we should rest and not take on any new cases yet."
"Yay!" Damian shouted, pumping his fist in the air with a grin.
"I have some things to do as well," Captain continued, turning toward the door. He waved at us. "Enjoy the rest of your day and get some rest."
"Do you need someone to accompany you?" Margaret asked, stepping closer with a small smile.
"Yeah, take Margaret with you, Ezekiel," Damian said, nudging me lightly with his elbow.
"I have to do some laundry today, so I guess Margaret could help you with your quest," Thea added with a chuckle.
"I think I'm fine," I said, shaking my head slightly.
"I insist. You might not be able to complete it without someone guiding you," Margaret said, her tone serious but calm.
I hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
"Okay then… I guess it's my first time, so having someone with me would help," I admitted, scratching the back of my head.
"Let's go, I'll drive," Margaret marched toward the door with a confident smile.
I waved at Thea and Damian as I followed her outside, then hurried to catch up with Margaret as she led the way outside.
"You know how to drive?" I asked, keeping up with her as we walked down the hallway.
"Yeah," Margaret replied, glancing at me with a small nod. "Sometimes I take charge if Captain isn't around."
"How am I supposed to know where all the broken buildings in the city are?" I said, pressing the elevator button as we approached.
"We'll ask downstairs at the Client Reception Area," Margaret said.