The map was still spread out on the table, marked with red lines and concentric circles. Mina, in a confident tone, had just summarized:
— Our mission is clear. We must observe the area, confirm the possible presence of a magical breach, and establish a full report for the Academy. But also, investigate the disappearances. Families are still waiting for answers.
Elise gravely nodded.
— Exactly. This is not limited to a simple scouting. If the missing names are confirmed, we must understand where they disappeared and why.
A solemn silence hung for a moment, each of them absorbed by the magnitude of the task.
Then, as often, Daniel broke the atmosphere with a question that had sprung from his whimsical thoughts:
— Uh, important little question: in the village… are we likely to run into a clan of beastmen? Or maybe legendary creatures? Like… dragons in human form?
Elise shot him a glare, her hand pressed to her forehead.
— Daniel… not now. Seriously, do you ever stop?
— But what! he protested, straightening up. Our readers expect that! Mythical beasts, secret tribes—it's like that in every good anime. If we just end up with… mosquitoes and dust, it won't make anyone dream!
Mina burst out in surprised laughter, covering her mouth with one hand. She looked at Elise and Daniel in turn, amused by their almost theatrical dynamic.
— You two… where did you meet, exactly? she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Elise turned her eyes away, visibly embarrassed.
— It's… a long story.
Daniel, meanwhile, wore a sly little smile.
— A very long one. The kind you keep for bonus chapters.
— Shut up, Daniel… muttered Elise, red with dismay.
A crystalline laugh suddenly rang out in Daniel's mind: Lysandra.
— I must admit, you have a certain talent for ruining serious moments. But… go on. I want to see how far your foolishness will take you.
Daniel, in response, only raised his eyes to the ceiling as if to ignore the invisible goddess, but a thin smile betrayed his amusement.
The conversation then stretched into a softer calm, punctuated by a few anecdotes and practical exchanges. The air already smelled of impatience and the unknown. Evening slowly fell over the guild, like a dark veil.
The atmosphere grew heavier, not with worry, but with that familiar tension: the calm before the storm.