That morning, the main audience hall of Zephyrus Palace was filled with light from a large crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Rows of nobles, generals, and academy representatives sat in rows, their faces solemn, their faces fixed on the horizon. In the highest seat, King Zephyrus sat composed, his aura brimming with authority.
Professor Limbert stood in the center of the room, a thin notepad in his hand. He spoke briefly but clearly. "The artifact relocation is proceeding smoothly. The ancient painting is now under the protection of the palace."
Whispers immediately broke out among the nobles. An elderly general leaned forward. "But Velgrin's threat isn't completely over. We don't know who his allies are."
A young noble chimed in. "The people have been calm since the artifact was moved. If we announce a new threat, they could panic again."
The king raised his hand, and the room fell silent. His voice was deep and authoritative. "Zephyrus won't wait. We will find out about this before the threat arrives here."
Limbert nodded slightly and opened his notes. "Therefore, I am submitting a secret mission to the four corners of the world. There are indications of Demon Lord involvement in this matter. If it is true, we must know about it early."
Those words shook the room. Several nobles stiffened, pale expressions on their faces.
"Who will undertake a mission of this magnitude?" one of the advisors spoke up. "If we send elite troops, who will protect the kingdom and this painting? We cannot repeat the mistakes of the Velgrin incident."
Everyone waited for an answer. Limbert looked at each face before him, then spoke firmly. "The students of Zephyrus Academy. Those who have faced Velgrin…and remained standing."
A moment of silence fell in the room.
After that…
A burst of protest erupted.
"Preposterous! They are still children!" an elderly noble exclaimed.
"If this mission fails, we will be disgraced in the eyes of the world!" added a female general.
"Even if it succeeds, can we bear to sacrifice the future of these children?"
Limbert remained standing amidst the commotion. His gaze was sharp, his voice pressing. "You call them children? They have faced what even your elite troops could not prevent. They held their own against Velgrin's army. Something none of you, with all your ranks, have ever done."
His words silenced most voices. Silence fell over the room.
"They possess extraordinary power," he continued. "Some of them even have the potential to reach Legend Level—something that only occurs once every hundreds of years."
The nobles looked at each other; some panicked, some contemplated those words.
Limbert closed his notes and looked directly at the King. "If you continue to see them as mere children, you are blind. This world will collapse if we don't give way to a new generation. They are not just my students… they are the world's last hope. And I will risk everything to ensure they are ready."
Everyone in the room fell silent. All eyes finally fell on King Zephyrus.
The King took a deep breath and then nodded slowly. "Then… let the new generation prove themselves. This mission falls to them."
Those words echoed in the room, marking the beginning of a new journey that would change the destiny of the world.
Damian had just finished a theory class when an instructor called out to him. He was initially confused, but quickly followed the small hall usually used for closed-door meetings.
When the door opened, Damian found Professor Limbert standing in front of him, his face serious and stoic. Inside the room were Liam, Rin, and Tessa, each with a different expression. Liam sat straight, Rin looked nervous, and Tessa tried to appear calm, though her eyes betrayed concern.
Limbert spoke immediately. His voice was calm, yet powerful. "You have not been summoned here as ordinary students. Starting today, you are part of a mission that will determine the future of the world."
Those words made the air in the room seem to freeze. Damian froze, his eyes widening. "Mission?"
Limbert stared straight ahead, unwavering. "Damian Kade, Liam Ashveil, Rin Avelyne, and Tessa Varnett. You have been assigned to the northern region."
Damian paused for a moment. The North. Visions of snow and simple houses appeared in his head. "Frostvale…" he whispered, barely audible. "That's… my hometown."
Rin covered her mouth with her hand, clearly shocked. Tessa narrowed her eyes, trying to suppress a reaction, but Damian could see the tension in her jaw. Liam nodded curtly, his face determined, though his eyes betrayed a deep awareness of the responsibility that lay ahead.
Damian finally mustered the courage to ask. "Why us?"
Limbert didn't look away. His answer was short, flat, and heavy. "Because you're strong. And because, ultimately… you're the last hope of this kingdom."
Silence fell again. Damian could feel his heart beating faster than usual. He wanted to deny it, wanted to say that this was too much for them. But deep down, he knew this mission would impact his family in Frostvale if he didn't act now.
Limbert closed his notes. "I'll give you the mission details as soon as possible. Your other teammates have also been assigned. Some have been sent to the west, east, and south. Each team has a different task. And you…" His gaze lingered on Damian, "…will be sent to the north."
Damian took a deep breath. For the first time, the future that awaited him felt so close.
The academy corridors felt quieter than usual that afternoon. The sunlight streaming through the tall windows cast golden streaks across the stone floor. Damian walked alone, his steps slow. His face looked tense, his mind preoccupied with the decision he had just announced.
"I'll be returning home earlier than planned… But this time, not as a child of Frostvale. But as part of a royal mission," he thought.
More footsteps sounded from behind. Damian turned to find Kaien walking leisurely, his hands tucked into his pockets. His deep orange hair swayed lightly with the sway of his steps.
"You were chosen, huh?" Kaien's voice was calm, but his tone was full of certainty.
Damian was taken aback. "You knew?"
Kaien only gave a faint smile. "I could tell. Professor Limbert's aura just now… was too clear. It wasn't an ordinary aura; it was the aura he had when appointing someone important."
He stopped right beside Damian and patted his shoulder gently. "Don't be afraid. You're not alone. I'll be waiting for all your stories when we return."
Damian stared at Kaien for a long moment, sensing the sincerity in his words. He looked down briefly, then nodded slowly. "Thank you."
Kaien turned and walked away quietly. He only waved briefly without looking back. "Don't forget to bring a souvenir from your hometown."
Damian couldn't help but chuckle. A faint smile appeared on his face, though his heart was still pounding. He stared at the long corridor stretching out before him.
"This journey… will be the beginning of something great," he said softly.