Several quiet days passed.
Kael slowly opened his eyes.
"Oh… it's morning already."
Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the room in warmth. He stretched lazily before rising from bed and changing into fresh clothes. As he fastened his gear, his thoughts drifted.
It had been a full month since he joined the Adventurers' Guild.
In that short time, he had completed more quests than he could count.
Just yesterday, the guild master himself had summoned him.
And not only that—
His rank had officially been promoted to B-Rank.
"All done," Kael muttered, a satisfied smile forming as he adjusted his equipment.
Leaving his room, he headed toward the dining hall.
The atmosphere inside was lively as usual. Kael took his seat and offered a small nod.
"Good morning."
"Good morning," Aelric replied, seated beside him. After a brief pause, his expression turned serious."Kael, tomorrow we leave for the capital. The First Prince of Astralis is holding his birthday celebration. The journey will take about a week."
Kael hesitated, his fingers tightening slightly around his cup.
"Father… I received a summons from the guild. I won't be able to travel with everyone tomorrow. But I'll finish my assignment quickly and meet you in the capital. Is that acceptable?"
Aelric studied him for a moment before nodding.
"That's fine. Just don't be late."
"I won't," Kael replied without hesitation.
After breakfast, Kael rose, determination clear in his eyes, and headed straight for the Adventurers' Guild—
Unaware that this mission would mark the beginning of something far greater.
The familiar scent of parchment and steel greeted Kael as he entered the guild hall. Without delay, he approached the reception desk.
"Good morning, Sarina."
She looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Kael. You seem lively today."
"The guild master summoned me," Kael said. "Is he available?"
"He is. Follow me."
They passed through the bustling hall and stopped before a heavy wooden door engraved with the guild's crest. Sarina knocked twice and opened it.
Inside, the guild master sat behind his desk, eyes scanning documents. He looked up and smiled.
"Ah, Kael. Come in."
Kael bowed respectfully. "Good morning, Guild Master."
"Sit."
Once Kael took his seat, the guild master folded his hands.
"There is an important assignment," he said. "Supplies for the First Prince's celebration are being transported to the capital. Your task is to escort the caravan."
"An escort mission," Kael replied calmly.
"Correct. Reports suggest bandits are active along the route. Capture them if possible."
Sarina added, "The merchants are uneasy. Your presence should reassure them."
The guild master smiled faintly."Complete this successfully, and your B-Rank will be fully confirmed."
Kael's eyes shone. "Understood."
"You seem motivated," the guild master noted.
"My family is also traveling to the capital," Kael replied. "I plan to finish quickly and join them."
The guild master laughed. "A reliable mindset."
Sarina handed Kael a folder. "Routes, caravan members, and emergency signals."
"I'll prepare immediately."
"Good luck," she said.
Kael moved swiftly through the marketplace, purchasing rations, healing items, and spare magic crystals.
"Preparation saves lives," he muttered, checking his supplies one last time.
After notifying the Valcrest guards, he headed toward the city gates. Several merchants waited beside heavily loaded wagons.
"You must be the escort," one said.
"Yes. Kael. I'll ensure everyone reaches the capital safely."
The merchant bowed deeply. "We place our trust in you."
The caravan set out—
Unaware that distant forces had already begun to stir.
Far to the north, within the frozen halls of Shadowvale, ambition took shape.
The First Prince of Shadowvale sought the power of the ancient Dark God Almiste, sealed long ago by the First King of Astralis.
To break that seal, two rare forces were required—Light Magic and Dark Magic.
One resided within the Second Princess of Astralis.
The other flowed through the Third Princess.
If diplomacy failed, force would suffice.
Unaware of the approaching storm, the capital of Astralis continued its celebrations.
Two days into the journey, the caravan rested within a forest clearing.
While others slept, Kael remained alert, seated atop a carriage.
Such Magic: Detection.
His expression hardened.
"Multiple presences… moving fast."
He quietly alerted the merchants."Stay close. Do not panic."
Activating Boost Magic, Kael vanished into the trees. Pale flashes of light pierced the darkness.
"Paralysis—bind."
One by one, the bandits collapsed, bodies frozen in place. Kael sealed them within a reinforced magical cage.
When he returned, stunned silence followed.
"It's over," Kael said calmly. "They'll be handed over once we reach the capital."
The following day, goblins attacked from the roadside.
"Wind Art—Gale Burst."
The blast sent them flying before they could even approach.
"Who… who is that boy?" someone whispered.
The lead merchant cleared his throat."Fear not. Kael of the Adventurers' Guild travels with us."
Relief spread through the group.
Upon reaching the capital, Kael delivered the captured bandits to the local guild branch.
Rumors spread rapidly.
"A child captured twenty bandits?""Impossible…"
Even the royal court took notice.
Kael accepted his reward, finalized his rank advancement, and left the guild hall.
The capital market buzzed with life.
As Kael walked through the crowd, a voice echoed in his mind.
"You possess remarkable power, young one."
Kael stopped.
"Who said that?"
Receiving no response, he entered a quiet, dust-filled shop. An elderly man sat silently within.
"What do you seek?" the shopkeeper asked.
"A sword."
A faint red glow flared behind him.
"I am speaking to you."
Kael turned.
Inside a reinforced cage rested a small flaming bird.
"Free me," it pleaded. "I will serve you."
"And why should I trust you?" Kael asked.
"My name is Hat. A Flamebound Spirit. I sense your destiny… and your blessing."
After a long pause, Kael faced the shopkeeper.
"How much?"
"Two silver. Five copper. No refunds."
"I'll take it."
As Kael stepped outside, the spirit laughed softly in his mind.
"You won't regret this, Master."
"We'll see," Kael replied.
With a mysterious companion at his side, Kael walked toward the mansion—
Unaware that fate had just tightened its grip.
Behind the cheerful noise of the market, something unseen stirred…
And watched him closely.