That morning, Zephyrus's central garden was bustling with activity. A bright blue sky sheltered the students who had been assigned to a secret mission. The atmosphere was mixed: some were double-checking their equipment, others were engaging in brief practice, and still others were joking around to mask the tension.
Damian stood with Liam, Rin, and Tessa near a wooden bench in the central garden. His Setsu'ryū was neatly sheathed and hung around his waist. This was his first time leaving the academy for an official royal mission.
Elric came running over with a frown on his face. "Why am I on a different team than you guys?! If anyone needs a genius brain and brawn, I'm the one!"
Lucien, standing nearby, simply patted Elric's shoulder reassuringly. "Just being able to survive is good enough. Don't be a burden to others."
"HEY! That was an insult, wasn't it?!" Elric said loudly, but his face turned red when some of the other students laughed at the exchange.
Kaien walked over. He didn't seem to be carrying much equipment, with only a small, loyal magical wolf by his side. His gaze was fixed on Damian. "So you really are being assigned to the north."
Damian nodded curtly. "Yes…this will be a difficult mission."
For a moment, Kaien simply stared at Damian without saying anything. Then, a faint smile appeared on his face. "Then bring lots of stories. When we all return, we'll sit here again and share our experiences."
Damian paused for a moment, then replied with a reassuring smile. "I'll make sure of that."
Around them, the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the metallic clink of equipment filled the air. Despite their differing goals, one thing was clear—today was the beginning of their great test beyond the walls of Zephyrus.
That morning, Zephyrus' Central Park felt more crowded than usual. The students selected for the secret mission stood in small groups, each busy with final preparations. Some were checking their weapons, others were tying their bags, and still others were simply chatting with tense expressions.
Among them, Rin was busy adjusting her slightly loose belt. Her face was serious, but her voice was soft. "I still can't believe I was chosen for this mission..."
Tessa, standing beside her, immediately turned around, her tone slightly insulting but full of conviction. "If you falter, I'll be the one to drag you forward."
Rin paused for a moment, then smiled slightly. "Yes, I know."
Not far from them, Liam patted Damian's shoulder so hard that Damian nearly lost his balance. "Whatever happens, I'll protect Master Damian. As always."
Damian took a deep breath, holding back a smile. "You're always too serious, Liam."
Liam just stared straight ahead, his eyes sharp. "Otherwise, you'll be the one to fall first."
Damian didn't argue, though his facial expression clearly showed his warmth at the words.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the park, the other students who had also been selected for the mission were busy saying goodbye to their friends. Some shook hands, some hugged briefly, and still others simply exchanged awkward smiles. Everyone knew this mission wasn't just a trip—it might be their first time truly facing the dangerous outside world.
Amidst the commotion, a sense of camaraderie began to form. Though their teams were different, all the selected students felt the same: the first step toward the ultimate test had just begun.
The main gate of Zephyrus Academy was bustling with activity. The horses were lined up neatly, their saddles fitted with bags and equipment, while several instructors stood at the front, ready to escort the group to the kingdom's borders. The selected students gathered, their faces a mixture of nervousness and excitement.
A brief trumpet blast sounded, signaling the approaching departure time. Professor Limbert took a step forward, his robes swaying gently in the morning breeze. His gaze swept over each student before him, stern yet attentive.
"Remember," he said in a flat yet clear voice. "This isn't just a mission. What you see outside could determine the future of the world. But don't forget one thing—you are still human. Don't destroy yourselves for the sake of ambition."
Those words struck a silence. No one dared interrupt; even Elric paused for a few seconds, swallowing the words like the rest of the students.
Then, of course, he raised his hand high. "If you encounter a monster, don't forget to hit it first using my name!" he exclaimed confidently.
Damian turned with a raised eyebrow. "For what?"
"So they know who the genius they're not really facing is," Elric replied firmly, as if it were a grand strategy.
Rin immediately covered his face with his hands. "Gosh..." he muttered.
Tessa just snorted, crossing her arms. "If they hear your name, they'll probably laugh and get even angrier."
Some students chuckled, while others genuinely laughed out loud. Even Damian, usually the more serious one, smiled a little.
Damian's group was the first to depart Zephyrus. In the academy's front yard, horses were already prepared, and a line of students and other instructors stood guard.
Damian mounted his horse, his body slightly tense. Before giving the signal to depart, he glanced back. His gaze captured the faces of his friends: Elric, waving excitedly and shouting, Lucien, who only nodded briefly with a blank expression, and Kaien, who stood calmly with a faint smile on his lips.
"Thank you...Everyone," Damian said quietly, but clearly enough for those nearby to hear.
Beside him, Rin was already seated on her horse, her face slightly anxious, but her eyes reflected determination. Tessa took a deep breath, her hands firmly on the reins. Liam stood upright in his saddle, his posture still protective, as if ready to guard Damian at any moment.
The academy gates slowly opened. The morning sunlight streamed in, reflecting light onto the long road leading north. Damian gripped the reins tighter, his eyes fixed on their destination.
"Frostvale… I'm home. But not as a child this time. I'm home as part of something bigger," said Damian in his mind.
The sound of horses' hooves began to grow louder and louder. The group moved out, passing through the towering gates. From behind, the voices of other students cheered, mingling with the morning breeze.
Zephyrus trailed further and further behind them. All that lay ahead was the long road to the north—and the beginning of a quest that would change everything.