Inside the Guild's office, a tension hung in the air. Vel leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, while Shin stood beside him, a clipboard in hand, perfectly composed.
Across from them stood the Silver star A-rank party.
Rein, the party leader, stepped forward and placed a folder of papers on the table.
"This is our report—everything our team has uncovered in the forest is detailed in this document."
Vel gave a nod. "Tell us directly. Skip the formalities."
Rein glanced at his team, then began. "We encountered a fire-elemental serpent quite deep into the forest. Mid to high A-class in strength."
Shin raised a brow. "A fire-elemental variant? In that part of the forest?"
Rein nodded grimly. "Exactly. That's why it stood out. The area is usually overrun with C to B rank monsters. And this serpent—there was no trace of how it got there. It was like it had just… popped into existence and run on a hammock."
Vel straightened in his seat. "Are you saying it didn't migrate there?"
Rein shook his head. "No migration trail. It was just there, waiting. Like it had been dropped from the sky."
"We... also found a site where it looks like the C-rank party might have been wiped out," Rein said, his voice low and uncertain.
Shin's eyes narrowed slightly. "Did you see anything else?"
Faren spoke, his voice low. "Yes. On our way back. A… creature. It was humanoid—but twisted."
He glanced around at his teammates, then described what they saw.
"It was tall—almost twice the height of a man. Its limbs were bulging and malformed… arms fused together like melting flesh. Its head tilted unnaturally, twitching. Its legs were thick and twisted like an ogre's, but it moved like a puppet yanked on strings."
Even Vel's usual nonchalant expression faltered at that.
"It noticed us," Silvyi added. "Before we could do anything… it vanished."
Rein finished, "It was dangerous. We didn't want to risk a direct confrontation after the last battle. So we retreated immediately."
Vel stood slowly, expression now sharpened like a blade. "That was the right choice. Don't speak of this to anyone for now."
Shin nodded. "Keep this classified. Dismissed."
The A-rank team gave a quick bow and left the room silently. The heavy door clicked shut.
Vel turned to Shin, voice lower now. "It's the same one."
Shin's jaw tightened. "But… worse."
Vel nodded. "Tessa described it at human size. This thing has mutated. Grown. Evolved in a matter of days."
"A monster that evolves like that… isn't just another anomaly," Shin muttered.
Vel stepped toward the wall map of Algora's territory. "Whatever this is—it's not natural. And if more of them appear…"
He paused, then turned back toward Shin. "We have to inform Lord Halric. And have the leaders of all three clans report to me at once. I want them to be present in the meeting."
Shin bowed. "Understood."
Without another word, he turned and exited the room, cloak trailing behind him.
Vel's gaze shifted toward the open window, where a small elemental bird fluttered in and sat on the window ridge. Its feathers shimmered with hues of green and pale blue, and a thin scroll was tied carefully to its leg.
Vel approached, calm but alert. With a gentle motion, he untied the scroll and unrolled it.
His eyes scanned the contents swiftly, his expression unreadable. The only thing clear was a single word murmured under his breath.
"Marina Port…"
Whatever the message held, Vel made no move to share it. Instead, he pulled a fresh piece of parchment from his desk, scribbled a quick but precise reply, and tied it securely to the bird's leg.
The elemental bird gave a soft, musical chirp as if understanding, then launched itself back into the sky—disappearing into the breeze.
Vel stood by the window for a long moment, the light wind ruffling his cloak, his mind already calculating several moves ahead.
At Noon.
Outside the Guild Hall, a sturdy, enclosed carriage stood waiting. Two sleek black horses pawed at the ground, harnessed and ready, as Vel and Shin approached.
Vel climbed in first, settling into the cushioned seat inside. Shin followed, closing the door with a soft click. A jolt ran through the wagon as it lurched forward, wheels creaking as they rolled onto the main road.
The city of Algora passed by in a blur through the narrow window: stone buildings, bustling streets, banners flapping in the breeze. But inside the wagon, the air was calm—heavy with the weight of coming decisions.
Vel leaned back lazily, arms crossed. "The three clan masters. They'll be there?"
Shin, not missing a beat, replied, "Yes. Grey, Serina, and Derek have all confirmed their attendance."
Vel gave a slight nod, staring out the window for a moment longer before speaking again. "What about the nobles? Were any contacted?"
Shin adjusted his glasses slightly. "I considered it, but... decided against it without your approval."
Vel's mouth curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Good. They'd only cloud the meeting with baseless accusations and self-interest. They won't be of any help in this matter."
Shin's expression remained unreadable, but he gave a small, respectful nod. "Understood."
The wagon rattled on, the sounds of the city gradually giving way to the quieter, manicured paths leading toward the outskirts where the estates of Algora's powerful resided.
Finally, the horses slowed to a steady trot as the grand gates of Lord Halric's mansion came into view. Guards recognized the Guild insignia and quickly opened the gates without a word.
The wagon rolled to a smooth stop before the mansion's steps.
As Vel and Shin stepped out of the carriage, their eyes immediately caught sight of the three clan masters gathered near the stone steps of the mansion. Grey of the Black Star Clan, Serina of the Crimson Wing Clan, and Derek of the Stone fang Clan stood waiting, their postures straight and expressions serious.
Each gave a respectful nod as Vel approached.
Without breaking stride, Vel offered a brief nod in return and began ascending the steps. The three clan masters followed behind him
"Let's get this over with," vel muttered.
They made their way toward the meeting hall.