The guild master's voice cut through the air like a knife."Alright, enough posturing. Since you're all here, I might as well give you your assignment."
Kuro blinked. "Assignment?"
The man nodded, setting down a scroll on the counter. "We've got a monster-scouting mission at the eastern border — reports of corrupted beasts near the misty plains. Normally, I'd send a balanced group of three or four. But since the academy's been poking its nose in our business…" His gaze shifted toward Lucien. "...we'll make this a collaboration. You three will handle it."
Mika froze mid-step. "Wait. What?"
Lucien's grin widened ever so slightly. "Well, isn't that convenient?"
[Hah! Oh, this is f***ing brilliant. The universe just said, 'Here, have some chaos.']
{Elvastia, please, this is bad.}
[No, no, this is entertainment. You've got jealous ice-boy, the academy heartthrob, and you — the emotional trauma sandwich in the middle. It's perfect.]
Kuro sighed internally as Mika turned sharply, his glare sharp enough to cut through steel. "Guild Master, this isn't—"
"—negotiable," the man interrupted, smirking. "You're all powerful enough to handle it. Besides, it'll be good experience."
Lucien folded his arms, still smiling. "I agree. Good experience indeed."
Mika didn't respond, but his silence was dangerous. The kind that came right before thunder.
By the time they were outside the guild, tension clung to the air like fog. The morning breeze was cool, but it didn't do much to ease the atmosphere between them.
Kuro adjusted the strap of his bag awkwardly, glancing between the two taller men. "So, uh… I guess we'll be working together."
Lucien smiled warmly. "Seems that way. Don't worry, Kuro — I'll make sure you're safe."
Mika's head snapped toward him, voice low and sharp. "He doesn't need you to protect him."
Lucien just chuckled. "Oh, forgive me. I didn't realize he was your responsibility."
[Ohhhhh s***, someone's gonna die before we even reach the plains. My money's on Mika. He's one glare away from committing a felony.]
{Stop enjoying this, Elvastia.}
[Enjoying it? I'm thriving, Kuro. I haven't had this much drama since that one lich called me an "unrefined spirit" and I made his staff explode. Good times.]
Kuro covered his mouth, pretending to cough just to hide the smile threatening to break out.Lucien caught the movement and raised an eyebrow. "Something funny?"
Kuro shook his head quickly. "Ah—no, just… uh, dust."
Mika narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing, walking ahead. His silence said everything, though — the stiffness in his shoulders, the quickness of his steps.
Lucien sighed softly as they walked. "He's always this cheerful, huh?"
[Yeah, like a f***ing raincloud with abs.]
{Elvastia—!}
[What? I'm being honest. He's got that 'touch me and you'll regret it' aura, like he came straight out of a villain fan club.]
Kuro bit his lip, trying not to laugh again, but this time Mika glanced back — catching the faint curve of his smile.For a split second, Mika's expression softened. Then it hardened again as Lucien walked a little closer to Kuro.
Lucien looked ahead at the road. "You really don't need to worry about me, Mika. We're on the same side here."
Mika's reply was like ice cracking. "Keep telling yourself that."
[Oof. F***ing ouch. Even I felt that one.]
They reached the stables behind the guild, where three horses stood ready. Mika swung up onto his like it was second nature, while Lucien took his time — elegant even in the smallest motions. Kuro climbed up last, a little unsure but managing.
The wind picked up, tugging at their cloaks. Ahead, the road stretched long and winding — toward the misty plains where corruption awaited.
For a moment, Kuro stared at the horizon, his eyes distant.
{You know… it's weird. I used to dream about being part of something like this. A team, I mean.}
[Yeah, well, careful what you f***ing wish for.]
Kuro smiled faintly. {Yeah… guess so.}
Mika, riding slightly ahead, slowed down just enough for Kuro to catch up. His voice, though quiet, carried over the wind."Stay close. Don't lag behind."
Kuro nodded softly. "Okay."
Lucien smiled faintly from the other side, eyes glinting. "Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't."
Mika's jaw tensed again.
[This is gonna be one hell of a mission.]
And with that, the three of them rode toward the unknown — each step of the horses echoing with unspoken tension, buried secrets, and something sharp that none of them dared to name.