Everyone arrived at Shinji's house exactly at 5:00 A.M.
The sky was still dark. Cold air hung heavy around them as they entered Shinji's house in silence.
Shino broke it first.
Shino:
So… what are we doing today, sensei?
Shinji looked at them one by one. His expression was calm—but serious in a way they hadn't seen before.
Shinji:
Today, we'll discuss the mission I'm assigning you for tomorrow.
The room instantly felt heavier.
Shizuku:
A mission…? What kind of mission?
Shinji took a slow breath.
Shinji:
You will enter a forbidden zone.
Everyone froze.
Shinji:
Your task is simple in words—but not in execution. You'll remain inside until 8:00 P.M., then return with a very specific fluid, stored in a special jar.
Akaimo's eyes lit up—half excitement, half nervous energy.
Akaimo:
That sounds… kind of fun!
Shinji raised a hand immediately.
Shinji:
Listen carefully.
The excitement vanished.
Shinji:
The forbidden zone I'm sending you to is considered weak—but don't misunderstand that word. I received special government permission to send you there.
He leaned forward.
Shinji:
Inside a forbidden zone, anything can happen.
Silence.
Shinji:
You may see things that aren't real. Time may feel distorted. You may hear random sounds…
(pause)
And the most dangerous part—people asking for help.
Akaimo swallowed.
Shinji:
It's all a trap.
Shino exhaled slowly.
Shino:
…That sounds terrifying. Are we really capable of surviving something like that?
I know Jeisuke is strong—our sword, our unbroken sword—but still… even a "weak" forbidden zone sounds dangerous as hell.
Akaimo clenched his fists.
Akaimo:
Sensei… do we really have to go?
Can I skip this mission… just this once?
Jeisuke glanced at him.
Jeisuke:
Sounds like someone's scared.
Akaimo didn't argue.
Akaimo:
Yeah. I am.
The way sensei described it—it's scary.
Jeisuke nodded once.
Jeisuke:
I won't lie. I feel it too.
But that doesn't mean we sit back and do nothing.
It's our duty to obey our sensei.
(firmly)
And if it comes to it… I'll sacrifice myself to protect you all.
The room went quiet.
Shinji finally spoke again.
Shinji:
Good.
Fear keeps you alive.
Just follow my instructions—and you'll be fine.
Shino frowned.
Shino:
If this is what a weak forbidden zone looks like…
I don't even want to imagine a strong one.
Shinji's eyes narrowed slightly.
Shinji:
When you grow strong enough… I'll take you to one.
But that's not today's topic.
Jeisuke straightened.
Jeisuke:
So… what are your instructions?
Shinji:
Come with me. To my lab.
They entered Shinji's laboratory.
The room was packed with machines, chemicals, blueprints, and an enormous world map—covered in markings that showed forbidden zones across the world.
Shino thought quietly:
(Nerd professor…)
Akaimo's eyes sparkled.
Akaimo:
This place is insane… It's like a treasure room.
Shinji:
I spend most of my life here.
Researching the origin of monsters.
They didn't exist centuries ago… and I want to know why.
He pointed at the map.
Shinji:
This is the Nation of Light.
Our beloved Nation.
My house is here.
You'll travel south until you reach a sign marked—
"Road No. 29."
Shinji:
Turn right. You'll enter a dense forest.
Only weak Merus monsters exist there. Jeisuke and Momoshimo can handle them.
Momoshimo nodded.
Shinji:
Then you'll find a blue sign:
"Do Not Approach – Forbidden Within Range."
Shinji:
That's the safe zone.
You're close—but not inside yet.
Shinji's voice hardened.
Shinji:
Never search alone.
Especially not you—Akaimo, Shizuku, Shino.
Without awakened eyes, even a Level-1 monster could kill all three of you.
Akaimo's face stiffened.
Shinji:
Watch for abnormalities.
Dead black flowers. Unknown fruits in tree.
He looked straight at Akaimo and Momoshimo.
Shinji:
Do. Not. Touch. Them.
Even if they look delicious.
Akaimo snapped to attention.
Akaimo:
Roger that, sensei!
Momoshimo:
If we find those abnormalities… that means we're close to the forbidden zone, right?
Shinji smiled faintly.
Shinji:
Exactly.
He placed a container on the table.
Shinji:
You'll find a small pond containing a dark purple liquid.
Use this special cup—never your hands.
That liquid has killed many people.
Shino raised a concern.
Shino:
What if we get lost?
Shinji crossed his arms.
Shinji:
Tell me. What would you do?
Shino thought.
Shino:
We'd leave signs—scratches on trees or soil.
Shinji:
Not bad.
But the forest is extremely dark.
Akaimo's mind screamed:
(WHAT?! DARK TOO?!)
Shino:
Then… we drop stones behind us using Momoshimo's eye... We can look at the
Shinji handed him a compass.
Shinji:
Use this only if everything fails.
Follow north, then west.
He paused.
Shinji:
An experienced Malius hero will accompany you.
He will protect—but not guide.
Shinji's tone turned deadly serious.
Shinji:
Final warning.
Do not play hero.
People crying for help are traps.
Ignore them—even if it hurts.
Silence.
Shinji:
Prepare yourselves. Mentally and physically.
You're dismissed.