A strange excitement filled (Raym)'s chest this time...
This was no ordinary mission.He would be heading out alongside two Battalion Commanders—a responsibility far heavier than he was used to.
Dark clouds covered the sky above them, thick and heavy.Rain would fall sooner or later.Raym hoped it was a good omen...
The group waited for the Vice Commander.
Disappointment showed clearly on (Vail)'s face."Oh, that nuisance…" he muttered. "He's always late for the important moments."
(Daniel) laughed loudly."Hahaha! He truly is the Vice Commander.Oh—look. He's finally here."
(Leo) approached them slowly, his steps calm and deliberate.When he finally reached them, he spoke in his usual composed tone.
"My apologies for the delay. I was occupied with a few matters."
Vail was clearly irritated, but he said nothing.
Leo continued,"I know very well that you're not waiting for my signal.You're simply waiting for the destination."
He paused briefly...
"Very well. I'll tell you."
After Leo described the location, shock spread across several faces.
A hidden place like that???A city… in the heart of a cursed forest???
Regardless, the team finally set out toward their objective:
The hidden city of Lorinda.
As they walked, a question surfaced in Raym's mind—one he could no longer ignore.
"Sir (Vail)," Raym asked, "why does the Vice Commander know of a place like this?Actually… why does he know so many things???"
Vail and Daniel froze.
Both lowered their heads slightly.
After a moment, Vail spoke in a quiet voice, heavy with something unspoken.
"We're far enough now… and sooner or later, you were bound to learn."
He took a breath.
"As I heard from the Commander, Vice Commander (Leo) comes from a renowned family.Long ago—very long ago—they were historians.They recorded everything… and passed that knowledge down through generations."
Raym was stunned.A mix of admiration and awe filled his expression.
"Then…" Raym asked carefully,"why did you both seem sad when I asked???"
Vail exhaled slowly...
"Let's just say… the Vice Commander isn't fond of thinking about the past."
He hesitated.
"About fifteen years ago—when Commander (Seroh) had only just taken leadership—he found Leo… and another man with him.His name was (Silor), if I remember correctly."
"They were the only two survivors of a city that was completely annihilated."
Raym interrupted, unable to hold back."I'm sorry for interrupting again, but… where is Silor now?What happened to him???"
Vail's expression darkened...
"He was involved in an accident...He lost his ability to fight… and later died."
"That's why Vice Commander Leo often seems emotionless.Detached."
Vail looked at Raym carefully...
"And you, Raym…You have the same gaze.The same presence Silor once had."
"That's probably why Leo took interest in you."
Raym felt a strange chill...
He looked at his right hand—the hand that had gripped a sword for as long as he could remember.He clenched it tightly.
Vice Commander Leo…I won't fail you.I won't meet the same fate as Silor.
Despite the worsening weather, the group continued onward.
Suddenly, (Daniel) stopped...
Vail stiffened as well."So… you felt it too."
Vail rested his hand on his sword.Daniel tightened his grip on his axe.
The others looked on in confusion.
Then—
A massive bear emerged...
Shock—followed immediately by disappointment.
It was large—far larger than a normal bear—but still… just a bear.
The creature lunged.
Daniel moved instantly.
Unarmed...
He grabbed the beast with his bare hands and hurled it aside with terrifying force...
The bear whimpered, terrified, and fled.
Raym and the others stared in disbelief.
"Stay alert," Raym said cautiously."We're close."
But inwardly, he thought:What I sensed… wasn't that bear.Or maybe… I'm imagining things.
They pressed on until they reached the forest itself.
A dense, suffocating fog surrounded them.Only faint outlines of trees were visible.
The air inside was darker.Colder.Different.
So this is why it's called the Cursed Forest…
The team prepared themselves and entered carefully.
Inside, the forest was unnaturally silent.No animals...No life...
Only a strange whistling sound—air passing through countless holes in the trees—and the eerie clashing of branches.
Fear crept into (Lyra)'s heart...
Without realizing it, she clutched Raym's arm.
Raym froze, flustered.
Their eyes met.
Lyra pulled away instantly, turning her gaze aside.Both were clearly embarrassed.
Vail noticed—and smiled faintly.
They continued deeper.
"It's already late," Vail said."We've crossed about half the forest...Should we rest here???"
The group was divided.
Some wanted to rest.Others wanted to press on.
They agreed to rest briefly—then continue.
Two hours passed.
They recovered their breath.
Then—
Daniel stiffened again.
He stood abruptly, axe ready...
Vail followed suit.
This time… Raym felt it too.
He drew his sword.
Suddenly, (Daniel) charged forward—
He slammed into a mysterious figure wearing a strange robe.
More figures appeared.
They were already surrounded.
The man Daniel attacked burst into manic laughter.
He shoved Daniel back with unnatural strength.
Daniel staggered...
Another robed figure stepped forward, removed his hood, and said calmly:
"Welcome…my perfect vessel..."