Erik lay on the cracked arena floor, his body aching from the beating Evalyn had delivered. The link with Arch Mage Kruzen pulsed gently in his chest, slowly stitching together torn muscles and soothing the bruised core within.
"Ah… I'm still nowhere near her level," he muttered, frustration boiling in his gut. "Agh—this is more frustrating than I thought."
A head suddenly popped into view above him.
"That was quite the show, Erik," Yosul said cheerfully, his ever-bright smile radiating calm. For a second, Erik was reminded of Shasa.
"Quite the show, my ass! I didn't even stand a chance," Erik growled.
"That's not entirely true," Yosul said, tilting his head.
"Huh?"
"You almost caught her off guard, you know," he continued. "When you redirected your sword mid-swing—Evalyn was surprised. I've never seen her like that. I think… she's just as frustrated as you are."
Erik blinked. That actually made him feel a little better.
"Well, I was definitely surprised," came Kruzen's voice from behind.
Erik groaned and sat up, crossing his legs.
The Arch Mage walked over and studied him for a moment. "Tell me, Erik. When you were fighting Evalyn—what was going through your mind?"
"I was trying to find a way to catch her off guard," Erik replied, still winded.
"Ah, but don't you think she was thinking the same?" Kruzen asked.
Erik frowned. "What do you mean?"
"When facing someone stronger, everyone tries to outwit them. But if they know you'll try that, how do you surprise them?" Kruzen said, his tone thoughtful.
Erik had no answer.
Kruzen's voice grew firmer. "Erik, in the face of overwhelming strength, there's a simple rule: the stronger one always wins. You didn't beat the Karken because you were clever. You won because you were stronger."
That stung.
"So you're saying… I can't ever beat Evalyn?" Erik said, bitterness in his tone.
"There's no trick. No shortcut," Kruzen replied. "Only one path."
His smile faded, replaced by quiet resolve.
"You have to become stronger."
The air grew still.
"Erik," Kruzen said, locking eyes with him. "Join the White Wolves. If you truly want to grow stronger—if you want to reach her level—then walk with us."
Kruzen's words hit harder than any blow. Not just Erik—even Yosul looked stunned.
"You're serious?" Erik asked, eyes narrowing. "How can you be so sure I'll get stronger if I join the White Wolves?"
Kruzen didn't hesitate. "Because I will make sure of it. I'll train you myself."
"What?!" Yosul practically shouted, eyes wide with disbelief.
Kruzen turned away, his robe trailing behind him as he began walking toward the exit.
"Erik, the path ahead of you… the fate waiting for you… you can't bear it with the strength you have now." He stopped briefly at the archway, his voice calm but firm. "Take your time. I'll be in my room until morning."
Without another word, he disappeared into the hallway.
Erik remained seated, confusion churning in his chest. Yosul stood frozen, still trying to process what he just heard.
"Erik…" Yosul finally said, "I know you've always avoided guilds—but this… this isn't just any offer. You might never get a chance like this again. Please… think it through."
Erik stared at the ground, fists resting on his knees.
"…Give me some time," he muttered. "I need to think."
---
In Arch Mage Kruzen's Room
Kruzen stood near the window, eyes calmly watching the night beyond the glass. Lanterns flickered across the city, but he wasn't really looking at them.
"She's coming."
The door burst open with a loud bang. Evalyn stood in the doorway, her face a storm.
"Old man! What the hell do you think you're doing? I told you not to push him into joining our guild!"
Kruzen didn't turn. "I didn't force him into anything."
"Don't play dumb with me!" she snapped. "You knew he'd be frustrated after fighting me. That's why you wanted me to go all out, wasn't it? You planned this."
A beat of silence. Kruzen gestured toward the desk. "There's an envelope on the table."
Evalyn hesitated, then walked over. She picked up the envelope, tore it open—and froze.
"This seal… it's from the royal palace…"
"Read it," Kruzen said, still facing the window.
She did.
Each line deepened the shock in her eyes.
"This… this can't be real," she whispered. "You're planning to send him into this?"
"Yes." Kruzen's voice was quiet, almost regretful. "If you care about him, Evalyn… then pray he doesn't walk through that door before I leave."
He finally turned to face her.
"But I think it's too late for that."
The door creaked open behind them.
"Arch Mage Kruzen," Erik said, his voice steady. "I've made my decision. I'll join the White Wolves."
Evalyn turned to look at him. Her heart twisted. She didn't know whether to be happy—because he would be close—or devastated, knowing what lay ahead.