A few days had passed since the royal summons.
Life at Solareth Academy slowly returned to normal, but everyone knew the peace was fragile. Security around the academy had doubled, professors remained alert, and rumors of strange incidents near the borders spread among the students.
The end of the first semester brought something every student had been waiting for—
Their first official mission.
Mission Assignment
Students gathered inside the academy's Grand Hall.
Professor Kaelthas stood before a large mission board covered with hundreds of requests from across the Kingdom of Valerion.
He spoke in a firm voice.
"From today onward, you are no longer students who only learn inside classrooms."
"You are mages of Solareth Academy."
"Every mission you complete will earn experience, contribution points, and the trust of the people."
One by one, teams stepped forward to receive their assignments.
Some were sent to escort merchant caravans.
Others were assigned to investigate monster sightings or protect nearby towns.
Finally...
Professor Kaelthas looked toward three familiar faces.
"Akira Kuroya."
"Rin Amane."
"Liliya."
The three stepped forward together.
Professor Kaelthas handed Akira a sealed scroll.
"This mission requires teamwork."
Akira broke the royal seal and read the contents aloud.
Mission Rank: C+Location: Ashenridge Village, near the Crimson Volcano on the eastern border of Valerion.Objective: Investigate the disappearance of villagers during the night.Details: Several villagers have vanished without leaving any traces. The village chief suspects monsters, but no evidence has been found.
The hall became quiet.
A border village...
So close to the frontier.
Professor Kaelthas looked at the three.
"Do not underestimate this mission."
"The recent Demon Noble attack has taught us that appearances can be deceiving."
"If the situation becomes dangerous..."
"Retreat immediately."
The three nodded.
"Yes, Professor."
Preparing for Departure
After receiving their supplies and travel permits, the students returned to their dormitories to pack.
Akira checked his equipment carefully.
His academy uniform.
His training sword.
A small pouch of healing herbs.
A cloak for traveling.
Everything was ready.
He quietly looked out the window.
"A border village..."
"I hope this is only a simple investigation."
Deep inside...
He had a bad feeling.
Farewell
Outside the academy gates, several families had gathered to send off their children.
Akira was surprised to see his own family waiting for him.
His father stood proudly with his arms crossed.
His younger sister waved excitedly from beside him.
His mother smiled warmly the moment she saw him.
"There you are."
Before Akira could say anything, she walked over and hugged him tightly.
"My little boy..."
She leaned close and whispered into his ear.
"Come back safely."
"And don't overdo it."
Akira smiled softly.
"I promise, Mom."
She stepped back and looked at him for a moment.
Then her eyes slowly shifted toward Rin and Liliya, who were standing nearby.
A mischievous smile appeared on her face.
"So..."
She folded her arms.
"Are you dating both girls, my boy?"
"..."
Silence.
Akira's eyes widened.
"M-Mom!"
Rin's face turned bright red.
"W-What are you saying?!"
Liliya's cheeks became just as red.
"N-No! We're just teammates!"
Akira covered his face in embarrassment.
"Please don't joke about things like that..."
His mother laughed happily.
"Oh, I was only teasing."
Rin looked away, still blushing.
Liliya hid behind her hair, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
Even Akira couldn't stop his ears from turning red.
His father chuckled quietly.
"Enough teasing. They'll miss their departure."
Akira sighed in relief.
"Thank you, Dad."
His mother gave him one final hug.
"Take care of your friends."
Akira nodded.
"I will."
The Journey Begins
The academy carriage waited outside the gates.
Students climbed aboard one after another, each headed toward a different destination.
Akira turned back one last time.
His family waved from the entrance.
He smiled and raised his hand.
"Goodbye."
"See you soon."
The carriage began to move.
Beside him, Rin looked out the window while Liliya admired the passing scenery.
None of them realized...
That the quiet village they were traveling to would become the place where their first true battle awaited.
Far beyond the borders of Valerion...
Something watched the road ahead.
And beneath the shadow of the Crimson Volcano...
Darkness was already waiting.