Almost a week had passed since Rysaz left Lumeria. Life at the Adventurer's Guild slowly returned to its usual rhythm. Kael and Renar continued their daily training.
Every morning, the sound of wooden swords clashing echoed across the guild's backyard. Renar had made remarkable progress—he could now perform basic moves properly and even managed to counter Kael's attacks once in a while. Thanks to that, Renar was finally able to take on some low-ranked quests: hunting stray goblins, short escort missions within the city, or retrieving lost goods for merchants.
Kael stood with arms folded, watching the boy unleash three consecutive strikes. Nodding with approval, he smiled.
"Not bad, Renar. Keep this spirit up and you'll go much further soon."
Panting but smiling, Renar replied:
"I won't let you down, Kael!"
That day was bright and sunny. Light streamed through the guild's tall glass windows. Everything seemed ordinary—until the main doors opened.
A single figure walked in, and silence immediately filled the hall. All eyes turned toward the young woman who entered.
She wore fitted leather armor that highlighted her lithe frame. Her silver-gray hair was tied neatly back, and her pale blue eyes gleamed with sharp intensity. An embroidered white dove adorned her short cloak.
It was none other than **Sill**, the adventurer ranked seventeenth, known by her title *"The Swift Dove."*
The nickname was well-earned. Her speed in delivering messages, traveling between regions, and carrying out quests had made her famous across the guild.
Whispers spread quickly:
"It's Sill… what's she doing here?"
"She usually only accepts A-rank missions or higher…"
"Something big must be happening."
Ignoring the murmurs, Sill strode straight to the reception counter. She placed her guild card on the desk and said firmly:
"I need to meet Kael. It's personal, and very important."
The guild manager froze for a moment, but Sill's serious gaze made him nod without hesitation.
"…Very well. I'll call him at once."
---
A few minutes later, as Renar put away the wooden swords, Kael was summoned by the manager.
"Kael, someone's here to see you."
"See me?" Kael frowned. "Who is it?"
"You'll know soon enough," the manager replied cryptically. "But let me say this—it's someone very special."
Puzzled, Kael agreed and beckoned Renar.
"Come with me."
Renar nodded eagerly.
In a private room behind the guild, the door creaked open. Sill was seated at a round wooden table, waiting.
"It's been a while, Kael," she said in a low yet warm voice.
Kael was about to respond when her eyes shifted to the boy beside him. Her lips curved into a teasing smile.
"Oh? And who's this? Don't tell me you've had a child already?"
Renar's cheeks burned red. Kael flailed his hands.
"N-no! He's just my disciple!"
"Really now?" Sill rested her chin on her hand, skeptical but amused. Her gaze softened as she looked at Renar.
"He's adorable. What's your name, little one?"
Renar bowed politely.
"My name is Renar. I… I want to become a great adventurer, just like Kael!"
Sill chuckled softly.
"Brave words. I like that."
Kael quickly steered the conversation away.
"So… how have you been? Work, life?"
Sill shrugged.
"Still the same—running around, delivering messages, taking quests. Nothing too exciting. But this time…" She sighed. "…this time is different. I came to you because of something big."
She gestured for them to sit. The air in the room grew heavy.
"There's a quest that was delivered to me. The client remains anonymous, but the reward… is over **ten million Zagi.**"
Both Kael and Renar froze in shock.
"Ten… million!?" Kael's voice cracked. "For a single quest? Even the most difficult A-rank jobs barely pay one thousand!"
Renar gawked, mouth wide open.
"Ten million… I couldn't earn that in a lifetime!"
Sill nodded calmly, though tension flickered in her eyes.
"Exactly why I cannot take this alone. I've already invited three others."
She raised three fingers.
"First, adventurer rank fifteen—Senki, the *Jade Ghoul.* She can control corpses and turn them into jade harder than steel."
Kael grimaced.
"That already sounds terrifying…"
"Second, her elder sister—Senmi, rank fourteen, the *Puppet Mistress.* She can manipulate anything, as long as she understands its structure and function."
Renar's eyes widened.
"You mean… dolls… or even weapons?"
Sill nodded.
"Exactly. And lastly…"—her tone grew solemn—"…someone I didn't expect to accept: Sivall, adventurer rank ten, the *Thunderblade.* My brother."
Kael nearly jumped from his seat.
"Sivall!? He agreed? And he's your brother! I never thought you could recruit someone of his level…"
Sill sighed. "To be honest, I only managed because I promised to split the entire reward evenly. I suspect the mission's danger is beyond anything we know. We must prepare."
Kael leaned forward. "What exactly is the mission?"
Her voice dropped. "To explore a strange island. It recently appeared near the border between the safe zones and the dangerous zones. No information exists. It doesn't appear on any maps."
Renar shivered. "That sounds… terrifying."
"Why ask me?" Kael questioned.
Sill met his eyes.
"Because of your skill. Your ability to adapt. And above all… because I trust you."
Kael sat silently for a long moment, then nodded.
"…All right. When do we leave?"
"In three days. Afternoon. Behind the guild. I'll use my personal airship to reach the harbor where the others are waiting."
Kael hesitated, then asked:
"Can Renar come? I want him to experience this."
Sill's gaze lingered on the boy. After a pause, she smiled faintly.
"Very well. But remember—this team consists of monsters in human form. Protect him well. No one else will."
Kael nodded firmly. "I will."
Renar clenched his fists. "I won't be a burden!"
Sill chuckled softly, her eyes gentle.
"Then prepare yourselves. This journey… may be a long one."
---
**Three days later.**
The guild's backyard bustled with activity. Kael and Renar were fully equipped: dried rations, water, cloaks against the mist, torches, and Renar even carried a small notebook to record everything.
The guild manager approached, worry in his voice.
"Be careful, Kael. That region is completely uncharted."
"I know." Kael smiled reassuringly.
Soon, an airship descended from the clouds. Though not large, it was reinforced with magic, sturdy and reliable. It landed smoothly.
On deck, Sill waved. "Get on!"
Renar's eyes lit up with wonder. "Wow! My first time seeing a real airship!"
Kael laughed, ruffling his hair. "Come on. A new adventure awaits."
The ship lifted off, soaring above the clouds. Lumeria shrank beneath them, the city lights glittering like stars. Renar pressed against the railing, eyes wide.
"Incredible… The whole city looks like a painting!"
Kael watched the boy with a faint smile, warmth filling his chest.
By midnight, the airship descended near a small port. Sill led them to a wooden house. The door opened, and two young women stepped out.
One had long sea-green hair, her expression sharp and cold. The other was cheerful, her soft features glowing with charm.
"Senki! Senmi!" Sill waved.
The sisters rushed forward, embracing her before turning to the newcomers.
"So cute!" Senmi bent down to pat Renar's head. "What's your name? How old are you?"
Blushing, Renar stammered: "I… I'm Renar. Nine years old."
Senki, though colder, allowed a faint smile. "Adorable. Don't worry—we'll help take care of you."
Then a tall man with a strong build emerged. His piercing eyes flashed like lightning.
"I am Sivall. Sill's brother."
He extended a hand. Kael clasped it firmly, meeting his gaze.
"I'm Kael. An honor."
After introductions, Kael briefly explained Renar's situation. The three adventurers listened silently before Senmi placed a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder.
"How tragic… But you're strong. From now on, we'll be here for you too."
Renar smiled softly, comforted.
At that moment, Sill pulled a silver cube from her magic pouch and hurled it toward the sea. The cube spun, glowing, then expanded rapidly.
Within moments, a massive ship materialized, solid and imposing on the waves.
"Let's go. Our journey begins now," Sill declared. Her eyes burned with determination.
Senmi squealed. "Beautiful! You're amazing, Sill!"
Sivall only gave a curt nod, though a rare smile tugged at his lips.
"Well done, my little dove."
Kael and Renar stood awestruck as they boarded the ship.
The vessel creaked, sails catching the midnight wind. Slowly, it pushed out to sea. Darkness swallowed the sky, with only the silver moon lighting their path.
Upon that ship stood six souls—each with their own strength, their own story—sailing toward an uncharted island.
A mystery that had never before seen the light of day awaited them.