The first light of dawn spilled across the sky as Alex emerged from the labyrinth's mouth, the cold air brushing his face like a whispered promise. He lifted his eyes to the glowing horizon, feeling time slip past him like sand through fingers.
"Wow… Dawn already?" Alex murmured, breath hanging in the chill morning air.
The morning sun cut through the lingering night like a blade. Still weighed down by fatigue, Alex decided to return to the inn nestled within Lumen's Reach. His steps quickened, craving the warmth and familiarity of a resting place. Upon arrival, he made his way toward a single door—the one that led to Aiko's room.
Alex knocked softly; the door creaked open.
"Oh! Alex, you're back," Aiko's gentle voice greeted him as she stepped aside. "Come in."
"I just made it out from the labyrinth," Alex replied, voice ragged but steadied with resolve.
Aiko's eyes widened. "You fought through all night?"
"Every moment," he admitted with a tired smile.
"That's incredible," she said, pride woven in her tone. "While you were gone, I spent time studying. I'm ready to learn from you now."
Alex gave a faint nod. "We'll get to that soon. But first—I need a nap. I'm completely drained."
Aiko's smile softened, understanding clear. "Rest well, then."
Three hours later, the two found themselves standing at the edge of the Royal Hunting Grounds. The dense, green wood stretched endlessly on the outskirts of Lumen's Reach, a perfect place for training beyond the suffocating walls of the city.
"Well, Aiko," Alex began, turning to her with a serious gaze. "Before we move forward, I need to know what you're capable of. Tell me: what skills do you have?"
Aiko shifted slightly, the morning light catching the edge of her blade. "Back in my village, my father taught me the basics of swordsmanship, but I never developed it fully. As for magic, I'm attuned to the wind element."
Alex's fingertips tapped thoughtfully against his chin. "A good element. Versatile and swift."
He stepped back, eyes narrowing as he considered. "Let's start with a simulated sword battle. I want to analyze your movements."
Aiko nodded, drawing her sword with a determined glint. Without hesitation, she charged.
Alex remained calm, one hand casually tucked behind his back, the other resting on the hilt of his own blade. The clash was swift and precise—Alex's experience far outmatched her fledgling skills. With a gentle tap of his sword's pommel against her helmet, the sparring ceased.
"I've seen enough," Alex said with a small smile. "From now on, we train together for one hour every day. And I want you to start casting your wind spells."
Aiko raised her hand, chanting softly:
"Storm Claws."
A faint magic circle shimmered beneath her palm, releasing three weak gusts of air slicing the air like a gentle breeze.
"Good start. We'll work on strengthening those gusts," Alex said. "But for that, you need to increase your internal mana volume."
Aiko tilted her head. "How do I do that?"
Alex's voice dropped to a low, reverent tone. "This was a technique my late grandfather passed down. Close your eyes—try to see a circle of mana inside you."
Aiko's lips parted in concentration. "I see it."
"Perfect. Now, imagine the wind gathering there with the mana."
Aiko's eyelids fluttered as the image formed. "I see it. Do I... merge them?"
Alex nodded. "Yes. Try to fuse them."
Aiko's brow furrowed, then relaxed. "It's done."
Good, Alex thought, She learns fast. I'm no master teacher, but she's picking up the threads.
"Do this every day. It will strengthen both your mana and your connection to the wind."
"I understand," Aiko said firmly.
As Alex reflected on their progress, the memory of the labyrinth surged forward—the eerie clash against those unnatural skeletons wielding shields and swords, summoned by the strange old man.
Extending his hand toward the ground, Alex whispered words forgotten by most, and a towering undead warrior clad in armor, bearing shield and blade, rose from the earth's depths.
"Well, Aiko," Alex said, eyes meeting hers. "This will be your new training partner for now."
Her eyes darted in surprise. "How did you summon that without an enchantment?"
"I'll tell you one day," he smiled faintly, then turned. "I'm going for a walk in the forest. Have fun sparring with the skeleton."
The wind howled softly through the woodland as Alex wandered deeper beneath the emerald canopy. The day was crisp and clear, the sun filtered high above. Suddenly, a low growl shattered the serenity.
Ahead, the massive black bear lumbered into view—a beast bristling with raw power, muscles rippling beneath dark fur. Its eyes locked onto Alex, filled with primal fury. With a great roar throttling the silence, the creature charged.
Alex drew his sword, stance steady, waiting for the onslaught.
The bear's claws slashed with lethal intent, the air crackling as purple mana flared around its massive form. Despite his skill, one vicious blow sent Alex staggering backward, his spine slamming against a tree. The ground rushed up to meet him.
Not satisfied, the bear advanced to finish the fight. But Alex's breath came hard as he rose swiftly, dodging the second swipe by mere inches.
A surge of power hummed through Alex's blade as he invoked his enchantment—black thunder sparking along its edge, quickening his speed.
Faster now, he closed the distance. The bear swung again, but Alex nimbly dodged, weaving through the creature's fury before delivering a precise blow to its chest—right where the heart would beat.
The creature staggered, a pained growl escaping before it collapsed.
Breathing heavily, Alex wiped sweat from his brow. "I'll take my leave for now," he muttered, eyes already shifting toward his next destination. "The Shaded Path Guild awaits."
The city's pulse thrummed sharper as Alex strode through winding streets. Suddenly, a surge of armored guards darted past, swords drawn, faces fierce.
Huh? Alex thought with a shrug. Let them chase shadows.
He pushed on toward the guild's doors. Inside, the receptionist's eyes lit up when he appeared.
"Alex, just in time! The city is in chaos—last night there was an attempt to overthrow the crown. The captain of the royal army betrayed us, siding with the King's Shadows. The king barely escaped with his life."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "Any sign of where they fled?"
"East—toward the border of the Imperial Real. The captain and seventy-three Shadows, all on the run."
Alex's thoughts raced. Why head east? Is this part of the emperor's plan?
"Could the neighboring kingdom be behind this plot?"
"The king fears exactly that. If they combine forces, our eastern defenses are vulnerable."
"What's my part in all this?"
"We need trusted assassins," the receptionist said gravely. "Thirty in total. Nineteen have assembled. You'll be sub-leader of the second group."
Alex took a seat, ordering food and drink to steel himself for what was coming.
Two hours later, the receptionist smiled. "The thirty are gathered. We'll send out teams of ten every hour, each led by a leader and sub-leader. Your leader is Chucro—'Freezing Sword.' An S-rank assassin and the guild's pride."
Alex nodded, anticipation growing.
Meeting Chucro, Alex noted the short green hair, simple yet battle-ready garb, and a blue sword sheathed at his side. A mask concealed the lower half of Chucro's face, lending an air of mystery.
"Fifteen minutes until departure," Chucro said. "I'm counting on you."
As the sun dipped low, shadows grew long. The first team had left. Now, it was their turn.
"Gear on. Masks up," Chucro commanded. "This mission's rated A, but danger could push it to S."
Alex nodded.
"Destination is Vermilion Palisade," Chucro explained. "A fortress at the eastern border, held by Baron Jevran. If the deserters cross into the Imperial Real, it will be here. We must confirm the Baron's loyalty or stop the deserters."
Perfect, Alex thought. A disgruntled lord on the border—that could be my base for revenge...
Chucro's voice pulled him back. "Lost in thought?"
"Sorry," Alex smiled. "Let's move."
Night fell over the forest where the team camped. Alex climbed a towering tree, looking up as clouds thickened like a shroud.
Looks like rain's coming, he thought, the stillness allowing his solitude to settle in. Maybe I've grown used to being alone.
Dawn broke with Chucro's sharp voice stirring the camp. "Up, lazybones! We have miles to cover."
They left the forest, heading for the Ashen Ridge—steep, rocky mountains standing sentinel along the border road.
"Why take the ridge?" Alex asked.
"Main roads are watched," Chucro answered. "By patrols—and maybe deserters. Ridge is tougher, less obvious."
As they descended, rough stone giants—five stone golems—blocked their way.
Sword drawn, Alex leapt forward, cutting down the first with graceful ease. Chucro's sword glowed blue, the tip striking a golem's back. Frost bloomed along its form, encasing it. The rest of the team handled the others with practiced skill.
"We're nearly through," Chucro said, breath steady.
At the ridge base, they moved onto the border road toward Vermilion Palisade.
One assassin grumbled, "This whole thing bores me."
Chucro's gaze hardened. "A debt to the king keeps me moving. Had he fallen, I'd never have repaid it."
Vermilion Palisade rose before them like a fortress of fate.
"We split into five pairs," Chucro ordered. "No fighting—just scouting. Five rooms in an inn—common adventurer disguises. I'll pair with you, Alex."
Their path led them to the Baron's estate, where movement flickered—shadowed figures clad in black.
"I'll scout quietly," Alex whispered, voice barely a breath.
"Be cautious. If danger arises, warn me."
Alex cloaked himself in invisibility, slipping over the wall. Below, the yard teemed with armed men. He skirted past unnoticed and slipped inside.
Upstairs, muted voices floated through a door.
Person 1: "This place is no refuge. Thirty minutes from here lies a forest with the largest tree hiding an underground shelter."
Person 2: "I just want provisions—food, necessities. We'll remain hidden till the final plan."
Person 1: "Agreed. I'll do my part. Just do yours."
This could turn the tide, Alex thought.
But as he turned to leave, a door swung open.
"I knew it!" a voice hissed. "My instincts never fail."
Alex tensed.
"I'm Cidinei," the man said, stepping forward, armor gleaming—a silver mithril sword at his side. Green hair framed his battle-hardened face. "And you are?"
"Alex," he said, hand curling around his sword.
"And who are you, boy? What's your business here?" Jevran's voice cut from behind.
Alex's sword flashed. "I won't answer questions. You'll come with me."
Cidinei grinned, charging forward.
Steel clashed; Alex swung overhead but was met with a solid defense.
Calling forth dark thunder, Alex enhanced his speed and struck again, but Cidinei's armor absorbed the blow as if it were nothing.
Impossible, Alex thought. His armor's impervious.
Cidinei's white aura flared, and the duel grew fierce. Despite Alex's efforts, he was pressed back by the superior swordsman, caught off guard and hit in the arm.
Regaining distance, Alex watched Jevran's glance out the window—guards were dead below.
Suddenly, Chucro burst in, urgency in his voice.
"So the rat was here," Chucro said grimly.
"King's pawn," Cidinei sneered.
Chucro planted his sword firmly, chanting: "Water Dragon!"
A massive dragon form of shimmering water surged into the corridor, crashing toward Cidinei.
"Earth Wall!" Cidinei countered, shielding himself and the Baron.
The battle erupted fiercely; Alex severed a finger from Cidinei, then struck the wet floor with black thunder magic, sending a lethal discharge.
Grabbing the injured Chucro, Alex backpedaled.
"Hold on—I'm taking you back," Alex said sharply.
Chucro grimaced, clutching potions. "That'll help…but this pain…"
"Don't speak," Alex warned. "Rest now. You fought well."
The shadowed siege at Vermilion Palisade had only just begun.