The night passed quickly...Was it merely coincidence???Or do moments of safety, rest… and shared warmth with others always slip away far too fast???
(Raym) woke up startled—as usual...But this time, he found (Lunz) waiting beside him, holding a cup of water.A faint sense of unease crept into Raym's chest… as if he had been watched.He dismissed the thought and spoke calmly:
"Good morning, Sir (Lunz). I hope I didn't disturb you."
Lunz smiled gently..."Oh, not at all, my boy. I happened to pass by and heard you screaming in your sleep. I didn't want to wake you."
Raym froze for a brief moment, lost in thought, but Lunz continued:
"Come now. Get up quickly. The Vice Commander has an important announcement today—and he was very insistent on your presence."
Raym felt a flicker of surprise.He had barely rested since the last mission.
When he arrived, a massive crowd had already gathered.He spotted (Vail) and the other leaders among them.At the front stood the Vice Commander (Leo), walking slowly—confidently.
Whispers rose from the back:
"Isn't that the Vice Commander???""He's incredibly handsome…""But he looks dangerous...""I wish I were closer to him…"
Leo glanced around—and noticed Raym.He smiled and gave him a brief nod.
Several girls shot Raym irritated looks...(Lyra) was among them...
Leo raised his hand.Silence fell instantly.
"Welcome, everyone," he began."I'm glad you're all here. As you've heard, I have an important announcement."
He paused.
"But first, there is something you must understand.I will not be taking questions."
The "Legendary Weapons".
"They are not mere tools of war," Leo continued..."They are the most dangerous and powerful weapons in existence.In the wrong hands, they are disasters capable of reshaping the world."
He lowered his gaze slightly.
"We already possess one.""The spear I wield."
A murmur spread through the crowd...
"There are six others," Leo continued,"their locations unknown..."
The soldiers whispered excitedly, but Leo raised his voice:
"Yes, I know what you're thinking...But one weapon alone will not tip the scales—especially against an enemy like ours."
He straightened...
"That is why I have gathered you here today.We have received reports of another legendary weapon."
Shock spread across every face.
"It lies far from here," Leo added."And it is said that a beast guards it."
Silence.
"Therefore," Leo continued,"I will dispatch a tow battalion commanders this time."
He glanced around.
"However, I cannot leave the base undefended.I will remain here until one of the higher commanders returns."
Leo turned and pointed toward (Vail).
"You, Vail, will lead this mission.Take (Daniel) and those you trust."
A faint smile crossed Leo's lips...
"And try not to cause trouble. I've had enough of it lately."
Vail stood at attention."Yes, Sir Leo."
"But when do we depart?" Vail asked."And where is our destination?"
"This evening," Leo replied."And your destination is a hidden city known as {Lorenda}."
The wind howled...
No one spoke...
No one had ever heard of it.
Soon after, Vail assembled the team—(Zack), several hardened soldiers, and Daniel.
(Raym) insisted on joining.
Despite Vail's concern, Raym—and Zack—persisted.
"Please, Sir Vail," Raym said quietly..."I don't want to stay here alone… I'll get bored."
Perhaps it wasn't boredom he feared—but loneliness...
After all, Raym had never been fond of crowds.Especially after losing his only friend.
Unable to stand seeing Raym receive all the attention, (Lyra) demanded to join as well.And (Lunz) insisted on coming—his concern for Raym had grown lately.
The team was complete.
As Raym packed his belongings, he picked up his sword.
It was dirty—unusually so...
He hadn't polished it.
For the first time, he did not see his reflection upon its blade.
Raym felt a chill.
A bad omen.
He ignored it and left the room.
Elsewhere.
The mysterious man stood waiting.
Someone had arrived.
Still hidden, still unseen.
The man stepped forward and removed his hood.
He appeared to be in his late thirties.Sharp black hair.A pointed beard.Eyes filled with confidence—and cunning.
A veteran of countless battles.
"Is everything proceeding as planned?" he asked in a rough voice.
"Yes, sir," replied the unseen figure."Everything is going smoothly.Tomorrow… is our day."
The man smiled faintly—and laughed softly.
Back with the team, preparations were complete.
But someone was missing.
"Has anyone seen Sir (Lunz)???" Vail asked.
Raym volunteered to look for him.
As he searched, thoughts crept into his mind.
Sir Lunz has been different lately… ever since the Vice Commander announced this mission.Is he worried because this is his first mission in a long time?Or is it because of the so-called beast??!Probably just a giant bear…
Without realizing it, Raym approached the Vice Commander's quarters...
Then—
The door opened.
(Lunz) stepped out.
Their eyes met.
Lunz stiffened.
"Huh???" Raym blinked."Sir Lunz??? What are you doing here???"
"Oh—nothing," Lunz replied quickly, forcing a smile."I just wanted to make sure everything was in order.We're late. Let's go."
Raym felt it again.
That unease...
But he convinced himself it was nothing...
After all…It was Sir Lunz.
Finally, everyone gathered.
Now—
They awaited the Vice Commander's signal.