Two weeks had passed since the final day of the D-rank wizard test.
Vashya City.
The city loomed, a maze of noise and structure that dwarfed every village and town Karna's team had seen. Narrow, winding streets opened just enough to allow carts to pass, lined by sloping, timber-framed buildings that leaned drunkenly toward each other. Life spilled out at every turn: the rhythmic clang of blacksmiths hammering glowing steel carried over the calls of merchants advertising.
The people were a mix of fortunes. A few walked in fine silk trimmed with gold thread, while others wore simple wool or even ragged tunics patched over many times. A chariot rattled past, its polished frame catching the light as townsfolk stepped aside, the passengers hidden behind shuttered windows.
Along the main street stood several adventurers' guilds, each marked with bold crests above their heavy doors. Their halls looked lively, with armored men and cloaked wanderers stepping in and out, some laughing, others grim-faced, returning from or setting out on work.
The air carried the smoke of forges, the scent of roasting meat, and a faint sourness that clung to the city streets.
To Karna, Kenta, Reiko, Fumiko, and Gyoda, it was dazzling, overwhelming, intoxicating. Their eyes drank in every sight, every sound, every smell. A single thought crept into their minds: If this is just a random city… What will the capital look like?
Goro, of course, strolled casually ahead. He had seen cities like this many times before. Even the capital. Nothing here surprised him.
The six of them walked through the main street, the air thick with voices, laughter, and clattering hooves. Luxury restaurants stood shoulder to shoulder with inns and bathhouses. Magic equipment shops displayed crystal-studded swords that hummed with dormant energy. Even a fortune-teller's stall promised glimpses into "The Future".
Reiko's eyes lit up, her gaze darting over the crowd with a restless energy. "Whoa! This place is huge! So many shops, restaurants, and—look at the people!" She clenched her fists, as though trying to restrain an impulse. "My hands are itching already"
Kenta stepped in sharply. "Reiko! Don't even think about it. You know why we're here. We don't need trouble."
Fumiko tilted her head, puzzled, watching the exchange as though there was a layer of meaning she wasn't privy to.
Gyoda, staff slung over his back, gazed longingly at restaurant after restaurant, nose twitching with every smell. Karna, meanwhile, let his eyes wander over every pretty girl who passed.
At the same moment, he and Gyoda exhaled, "This place is Heaven."
Kenta looked at Goro. "Alright, but how are we actually going to find this Kashi guy?"
Goro shrugged. "I'm not sure. But now that I'm a D-class wizard, I've got access to more places than the rest of you. I'll see what I can dig up."
Gyoda cocked his head. "Access? What do you mean?"
Karna groaned. "Geez. How clueless are you? A regular wizard's access is restricted. For example—guild enrollment requires at least D-rank. Libraries have sealed sections only certain classes can enter. The higher your rank, the more doors open. D-class grants some access, C-class more, and A-class… well, they get everything."
Gyoda nodded slowly, eyes wide. "So if I become a D-class wizard, I'll get access to everything."
Karna facepalmed. "No, you idiot. D-class is just the start. You'll only get more as you rise up."
Gyoda blinked. "Oh. I see."
Karna muttered, "How dense is your head? You took all this time to get even that."
Kenta cut in, voice steady. "But still, without leads, where do we even begin?"
Goro smirked. "That's why I called a friend."
Gyoda's eyes sparkled. "Goro-senpai has friends? The person must be super cool then!"
Kenta leaned in. "Who is it?"
Goro replied, almost smug, "She's a B-class wizard. But until she arrives… let's get some lunch."
"FOOD!" Gyoda shouted, pumping his fists. "Let's goooo!"
Kenta groaned. "There he goes again. Say 'food' once and he loses his mind."
Karna's stomach growled. "I mean… he's not wrong. We've been traveling for two weeks. A real meal sounds divine."
Reiko looked around slyly. "By the way, whose turn is it to pay this time?"
Karna smirked. "Goro-senpai's turn."
Goro froze. "…What? No. No way. I paid last time."
Gyoda nodded confidently. "Yeah, I think Goro-senpai did pay last time."
Karna spun on him. "You moron! You paid last time. How can you forget that?!"
"Ohhh," Goro rubbed his chin. "Then maybe it was the time before that?"
Kenta sighed. "That was me, before Gyoda."
Inside, Goro panicked. This is bad… I'm low on funds. And like a fool, I paid the full fare for the cart to this city. I should've split it…
Sweating, he tried, "Well… maybe it's Reiko's—"
Reiko cut in, grinning. "Pretty sure it's yours, Goro-senpai."
Goro's shoulders slumped. He gave the most pitiful face he could muster. "Fine… I'll pay."
Fumiko tugged at Reiko's sleeve, still confused. "Um… what's going on?"
Reiko explained gently. "We made a rule. We take turns paying for food. It's a cycle, so everyone gets their turn. Right now? It's Goro-senpai's."
As they searched for a restaurant, a peculiar sight stopped them.
A squirrel darted across the street, wearing a tiny newsboy cap and a Norfolk jacket. Its cheeks were puffed up, comically swollen as if hiding an entire pantry.
Fumiko gasped in delight. "Oh! Look—it's dressed! And its cheeks… they're so puffy and chubby!"
Goro chuckled. "That's the Trikala Dūta. Messengers from Trikala Publications."
The others blinked at him, confused.
(*Writer's note: In Sanskrit, Trikala means "Three times" i.e. past, present and future. Duta means Messenger.)
He crouched and made a quick clicking sound—"tch, tch, tch." The squirrel froze, then scampered straight toward him. Goro pulled out a coin and handed it over. The little creature stuffed it into its left cheek, then began pulling something out from the right.
What started as a slip of paper stretched, and stretched, and stretched—until an entire newspaper was yanked free from its cheek.
Karna's jaw dropped. "That… came out of its mouth?!"
The squirrel turned and bounded away, vanishing into the nearest bush.
Gyoda shouted, "What the hell was that?!"
Goro unfolded the newspaper. "That's the Trikala news delivery system. Squirrels carry the latest publications."
Karna's eyes sparkled. "That's… amazing!"
They all leaned over Goro's shoulders to scan the pages.
Headline: Rising Stars of Lycia
The five Lycians who participated in the recent D-rank wizard test at Krichi Town passed with ease, displaying remarkable strength. Following their victory, they were honored as guests of the Magic Council in the capital for five days before departing by sea for Lycia.
For the upcoming B-class wizard test, Lycia has announced plans to send twenty participants. Excitement runs high, with rumors of possible exchange programs between the Council and Lycia's young mages.
Karna murmured, "So, they finally set off home."
Goro's eyes shifted to another block of text. His brow furrowed.
Headline: Mystery at Krichi Village
Ten days ago, an unknown man launched a brutal assault in Krichi Village, killing fifty Council guards inside the arena singlehandedly. The record rooms were set ablaze, reducing all stored documents to ash. Luckily, a backup of these records had already been secured. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.
Goro's mind darkened. A Mysterious figure? Why would they show up in Krichi? It's a small, insignificant town. Could it be tied to Mawang? Or perhaps could it be that group…
"GORO-SENPAI!"
Gyoda's whine snapped him out of thought. "I'm starving! Let's go eat already!"
Goro folded the paper, sighing. "Alright, alright. Let's go."
They entered one of the grand restaurants lining the bustling morning street. Sunlight poured in, broken into patches by the many small, thick glass panes set into the tall windows, scattering light across the heavy, polished oak tables. Chandeliers of crystal and flame floated just below the ceiling, their golden glow mingling with the daylight. Waiters in simple, dark livery moved with perfect grace, voices soft, bows deep.
They all sat around a round table. Fumiko sat in between Reiko and Kenta, who sat next to Karna, followed by Gyoda and Goro.
Karna and the others had never felt so elevated in their lives.
Fumiko looked around in awe. "This place is… pretty fancy."
Reiko, dazzled. "Right? I could get used to this."
Karna leaned toward Kenta, lowering his voice. "She was silent almost the whole journey, but after entering the city she's started to open up a little. Maybe being in a new place put her at ease."
Kenta added. "She shouldn't be blaming herself in the first place. She had no other choice."
Fumiko nudged Kenta and leaned close, curiosity getting the better of her. "Kenta! What exactly did you mean earlier on the street when you told Reiko 'don't even think about it'?"
Kenta glanced at Reiko, then shrugged dismissively. "Oh, that? Reiko was a thief when she was a kid, long before she joined the team. When she saw that crowd and all the vendors, her hands were itching to steal."
Fumiko blinked, a soft gasp of surprise escaping her. "Really? I had no idea." She cast a quick, calm glance at Reiko, a brief flash of curiosity in her eyes, before turning back to Kenta.
Meanwhile, Goro hunched over his purse, panic bubbling as he counted the meager coins left.
Gyoda leaned his staff against the wall and beamed like a child with a new toy. When a waiter brought the menu, he snatched it instantly. His eyes widened, shining.
"Flying lobsters… clams… a three-pincered crab… volcanic fish.. and a lot more—oh, wow! This all looks amazing!"
Drool nearly spilled down his chin.
Goro yanked the menu from him, scanning the prices. His eyes widened in horror.
These… These prices are outrageous! Sweat pricked his temples. He sank into silence, mind racing. I'm already broke… if they eat here, I'm finished… no, no, I have to steer them out. I'll say the food is bad, convince them we should leave, anything. Just don't let them order.
Putting on his best calm voice, he cleared his throat. "Well! The food here doesn't look that good. Maybe we should, ah, try someplace else—"
A loud crunch cut him off. Goro froze. He turned.
Gyoda was already chewing through a massive platter, cheeks puffed out, with more dishes on the way. "Mmm—delicious! This one's—mm!—incredible too!"
Goro nearly leapt from his seat. "What the hell are you doing, you idiot?! Do you have any idea how expensive that is?!"
Reiko slammed a hand on the table, glaring. "Goro-senpai… just a moment ago, you said the food here wasn't worth it. Is it because you didn't want to pay?"
Her voice cut sharper than any blade.
Goro's face drained of color. He shook his hands frantically. "N-no! It's not like that at all!"
Reiko's expression softened into a mischievous smile. "Good. Then you won't mind if we enjoy ourselves properly."
Karna and Kenta smirked while Gyoda kept shoving food into his mouth.
Goro slumped back in his chair, despair written all over his face.
"…I'm done for."
The waiter turned to him politely. "Would you like to order anything, sir?"
Goro shook his head, gloomy. "No… nothing for me."
Another waiter leaned by Kenta's side as he browsed the menu. Kenta's brows furrowed. He looked at the waiter as though he already knew the costs of the raw ingredients behind each dish.
"These prices seem really high, even for a fancy restaurant like this." Kenta said flatly.
The waiter hesitated, then lowered his voice. "Well… the production of crops in the nearby villages hasn't been good for a few years. On top of that, pollution from the factories has contaminated the soil. We're only getting supplies from one merchant now—and he sets the prices."
Kenta's tone sharpened. "And the council isn't doing anything? Not controlling emissions, importing food, or at least pulling from reserves? And they allow this merchant to run unchecked?"
The waiter fidgeted. "The council is turning a blind eye because of Lord Khumba—"
"Oi!" The manager stormed over, glaring. "What nonsense are you babbling about? Get out of here, now!"
The waiter fled. Kenta and Goro exchanged glances—something was definitely off.
The manager smoothed his expression, bowing slightly toward Kenta. "My apologies, sir. He was spouting nonsense. Please, ignore it and enjoy your meal."
Gyoda, meanwhile, paid no attention. Plates began piling up around him, food spilling onto his shirt as he stuffed his mouth. Other customers moved their chairs away, clearly uncomfortable.
Karna scowled. "Can you stop eating like an idiot? You're making everyone feel uncomfortable."
"Ummghh… urrr… aaaa…" Gyoda mumbled with his mouth full.
Karna blinked. "Wait—are you apologizing? …It's fine then."
Gyoda glared, still chewing. "Ummghh… urrr… aaaa…"
As the two bickered, Reiko calmly stole the tastiest pieces from Karna's plate. When he finally looked back, he wasn't surprised—just annoyed.
"Reiko! Stop taking all the best parts of the food from my plate."
Reiko only smiled wickedly.
At the other end of the table, Fumiko sat quiet, barely touching her food. Reiko noticed her unease and leaned in. "Fumiko, you're not eating? You should. The last few days were exhausting." Without waiting, Reiko picked up a bite and stuffed it into Fumiko's mouth.
Fumiko's eyes widened. "Umm… ughh…" She hesitated, showing a brief struggle before finally forcing herself to eat her food.
By the time the meal was finished, the waiter brought the bill. Goro took one look at it, his soul practically leaving his body.
"I'm… going to go bankrupt…" he groaned, paying the bill.
As they walked out of the restaurant, they noticed a young boy, no older than six, sitting outside. His shirt and shorts were filthy and torn, and his frail frame looked weak from hunger. He was begging softly for food.
At that moment, three men who had just finished their breakfast exited the restaurant ahead of Gyoda's group. One of them carried a pastry in hand. They spotted the boy and smirked.
Guy 1: "Oi, isn't this the kid from Vanara Village? The one who begs for food every day."
Guy 2: "Hey, kid, you want some pastry?"
The boy, Rana, looked up eagerly and nodded. Just as he reached out to take it, Guy 2 dropped the pastry deliberately onto the dirt.
Guy 3 chuckled. "Oh!! The food fell down. Don't worry, let me help you with that." He grabbed Rana's head and shoved his face into the dirt, pressing it against the fallen pastry.
Guy 3 sneered. "There, there. Have your food."
Rana whimpered in pain, struggling but unable to break free.
Watching this, Gyoda's eyes burned with fury. His body tensed, fists clenching as he glared at the three men, who were completely unaware they were being watched.
Guy 3 mocked further. "Hey!! Why are you crying? I thought you were enjoying your food."
Gyoda began striding toward them, his fist trembling with barely contained rage.
Gyoda: "OI!! Let the kid go."
Guy 1 smirked. "And who might you be??"
Guy 2 added mockingly, "Oh!! Maybe a hero who's come to save this brat. I'm so scared. A hero is here."
Guy 3 sneered, "Hey, hero. This has nothing to do with you. Don't meddle in our business over this brat. He comes here every day begging for food. Today, I'm teaching him what happens if he shows up again."
Gyoda's fury boiled over. His eyes ignited with rage as he swung, aiming to strike.
But before his blow could land, Goro appeared in a blur, blocking Gyoda's fist with his arm.
"Calm down, Gyoda," Goro said firmly. "Don't lose your cool."
Rana stared wide-eyed, trembling at the sudden burst of violence.
The three men stumbled back in shock, their bravado faltering.
Guy 1, now visibly shaking, stammered, "He… Hey! I don't know who you guys are—" he gulped, "—but you'd better mind your own business. You don't know who you're dealing with."
Kenta stepped forward, his voice cold. "I'm sorry, but if you're picking on a kid, then you're nothing but lowlifes. I can't even stand the thought that you're breathing the same air as me. Leave now, unless you want to get your butts kicked."
Guy 2 sneered, regaining some courage. "Oi!! Is this guy for real? Do you even know who we work for?"
Gyoda's glare sharpened, his face twisting with anger. "Do I look like I care?"
Guy 2 snarled. "Looks like these guys need us to beat some sense into them."
Guy 3 lunged, throwing a punch at Goro's face. But Goro blocked it with ease, grabbed his arm, and slammed him to the ground.
Guy 1 roared, "YOU BASTARD!" as he tried to punch Goro, only to be kicked aside with brutal force.
Guy 2 froze, his face paling. "You… you guys are making a big mistake. We'll be reporting this to our master."
Gyoda stepped forward, his gaze burning like that of a wild beast. "You said you see this kid begging every day, didn't you? And not once did you feel sorry for him? Not even once?" His voice thundered with rage. "Is it that easy for you to torment someone starving to death?"
Even Rana, though grateful, was frightened by the feral fury in Gyoda's expression.
Guy 2's legs trembled. He stumbled back as Gyoda took a single menacing step closer, fire flickering faintly around his clenched fist.
That was enough. The two fallen men scrambled to their feet, and the three of them started running away. Their terror spilled out in a frantic cry as they fled. "Koren-sama!"
Gyoda reached out to the boy, extending his hand to lift him up. But Rana, still shaken, flinched and edged backward.
Karna immediately bonked Gyoda on the head.
"You idiot. You're scaring him."
"OI! What was that for?!" Gyoda snapped back, rubbing his head.
Reiko stepped forward before it could escalate. She knelt and gently picked Rana up. Her voice softened.
"It's okay. We're not going to hurt you. Are you hungry? We'll buy you something to eat."
The boy's face brightened with hope. His stomach growled audibly, betraying his hunger.
Soon, they brought him inside the restaurant. While Reiko and Fumiko sat him at a table, Gyoda and Karna were already bickering in the background, their fight echoing through the hall. Rana found himself seated between the two girls, the warmth of their presence putting him a little more at ease.
The waiter arrived, and Reiko encouraged him.
"Go on, Rana. Order whatever you like."
Rana glanced at the menu and froze. His eyes went wide at the sight of the prices.
"U-Um…"
"Don't worry about the cost," Reiko reassured him with a smile. "We'll pay for it."
Even with her reassurance, Rana timidly ordered the cheapest item. When it arrived, he dug in eagerly, savoring every bite.
At the counter, the restaurant manager glared, his jaw tight with annoyance. He muttered to one of his waiters, "Tsk. Our plan was to drive away these poor scums, but it failed because of these outsiders. Koren-sama will be furious."
Goro, Kenta, and Reiko exchanged a sharp glance, each catching the slip.
Meanwhile, Reiko leaned toward the boy again. "So, what's your name?"
Rana, cheeks stuffed full, mumbled between bites. "Mm… ugghh… my… mm… name is Rana. I live in a nearby village. Nice to meet you."
Reiko smiled. "Oh, Rana! My name is Reiko—"
But her words were nearly drowned out by the noisy scuffle in the background as Karna and Gyoda kept trading insults and shoves.
"This is Fumiko—" she tried again, only for the bickering to grow louder.
"And this is Goro-senpai—"
Her patience snapped.
"YOU IDIOTS! GO OUTSIDE IF YOU'RE GOING TO FIGHT!"
With a swift kick, she sent both Karna and Gyoda tumbling out of the restaurant, the crowd outside quickly gathering to watch the commotion.
Rana flinched at the outburst, his brows furrowing with worry.
Reiko softened her tone again. "Don't worry about them. Just eat, Rana. You can have as much as you want."
After a few more bites, Rana looked up shyly. "Can…. Can I take some food home? For my mother, father and brother?"
"Of course," she said warmly. "We'll get some packed for you."
When he finished, they paid for his meal and ordered extra food wrapped up for him to take. As Rana left, he ran with a bounce in every step, clutching the food tightly.
As they stepped out, Kenta noticed something leaning against the wall by their table. Gyoda's staff. He picked it up with a sigh.
"This idiot forgot his weapon. I'll hold onto it."
Outside, however, Karna and Gyoda were already causing chaos. Dust rose around them as they clashed, Karna conjuring a glowing magic sphere while Gyoda reinforced his arm with flame. Their fight drew a crowd of curious onlookers.
Then, cutting through the commotion, a tall man approached. Around twenty-five, broad-shouldered and calm, he strode into the circle. What he wore looked like a crisp white uniform and a matching cape, giving him an air of official authority. With one hand, he grabbed Karna by the shirt, and with the other, Gyoda—lifting them both effortlessly like stray cats.
"Kids," he said evenly, his tone carrying authority. "You're making a scene. Disrupting the peace in public is a crime. And using magic to fight in public is strictly prohibited—people could get hurt. You'll have to come with me."
Still dangling in his grip, Gyoda scoffed. "Come with you? Who the hell are you?"
The man replied calmly, "I work for the Magic Council. And I can't allow you to create commotion in a public place."
The crowd gasped, whispers breaking out.
"Oi!! That's Beck-sama!" someone shouted.
Cheers rang out, mostly from women in the crowd. "Beck-samaaa!" "Over here!" "Beck-sama, I love you!"
Karna paled. "Wait… You're with the Council? We're screwed!"
One bold girl called out, "Beck-sama, can I get your autograph?"
Beck smiled awkwardly, still holding the two troublemakers in his hands. "I would love to, but… my hands are full at the moment."
At that moment, Goro pushed his way through the commotion, his eyes widening at the sight of Karna and Gyoda dangling helplessly. He quickly rushed forward, bowing slightly.
"Officer, please! Can you let them go? It was wrong of them to fight in public, but they're still kids."
Beck shook his head, his tone polite but firm. "I'm sorry. They used magic in a public fight. Someone could have been hurt. That's not something I can overlook."
Goro continued pleading. "Please, Officer, I promise they won't repeat it. Show mercy, just this once!"
Beck's voice rose above the crowd. "Everyone, return to your business. I'll be taking them to the Council."
The crowd dispersed reluctantly, still murmuring, while Beck strode away, carrying Karna and Gyoda like kittens. Goro trailed beside him, still begging.
"Please, Officer! Look at their innocent faces—they're just kids who got carried away." He turned to Karna and Gyoda. "Come on, show him your cute faces."
Karna and Gyoda widened their eyes, forcing on the most pitiful expressions they could muster.
Goro's face twisted in disgust. "Ugh! Never mind. That's terrifying. Better you take them away."
"Goro-senparrrr!" the two wailed in unison.
At that moment, the market's chaos was briefly eclipsed by the arrival of two new figures: a woman in her early twenties and a younger boy, about fifteen.
The woman, in her early twenties, moved with an elegant ease that defied the crowd, her long black hair flowing loosely down her back. She wore a sleek blue sheath dress that made her stand out instantly, and her brown eyes held a knowing, amused smile. Her younger brother, about fifteen, dressed simply in a white shirt and shorts, trailed a respectful step behind her.
"My my… Goro. You can't stay out of trouble, can you?" Hina said.
Goro's eyes lit up. "Hinaaa! It's been so long! How have you been?"
"I'm well," she said. "This is my brother, Haruto."
"Yo!" Goro greeted him casually.
Karna managed to slip free from Beck's grasp. His eyes sparkled as he spotted Hina. He rushed to her, grabbing her hand dramatically.
"An angel! An angel has descended to bless us with her presence!"
Haruto scowled immediately, his irritation flaring at Karna's boldness.
Hina giggled, charmed. "Oh my, how cute! And who is this little one?"
Goro laughed awkwardly. "These are my friends. More like my brothers, really."
Beck straightened. "Good afternoon Hina-san. So nice to see you again. What brings you to Vashya city"
"Beck-san! It's good to see you as well. I am on a vacation. Visiting my brother." she responded warmly.
"You know this guy?" Goro asked, surprised.
Hina nodded. "Yes. He works at the Council with me. He's a squad leader."
"Really?!" Goro exclaimed. "Then… My friends here got into a little trouble. Could you help us out?"
"What did they do?" she asked.
Beck answered bluntly. "They were fighting with magic in the main street."
Hina's expression grew stern. "Are you serious? That's a crime. Someone could have been hurt."
Goro clasped his hands together, pleading. "Please, Hina, they won't repeat it, I promise. Just this once—for old times' sake."
Hina sighed, then looked at Beck. "Beck-san, could you let them off this time? I'll take full responsibility for them and ensure they cause no more trouble."
Beck frowned. "But Hina-san—"
"Please," she insisted. "Report it if you must. I'll deal with the Council."
After a pause, Beck relented with a sigh. "If you say so. I'm heading back to the Council now anyway. I'll leave them to you. Goodbye, Haruto."
"Bye, Beck-san," Haruto replied.
As the dust settled, Kenta muttered, "Looks like this Beck guy is pretty popular here."
He casually tossed Gyoda's staff back to him. Gyoda caught it with care, immediately shouting, "Oi, Kenta! Be careful! What if it broke?"
Kenta shrugged. "Well, if it breaks from just that, then it's not much of a weapon, is it?"
Goro introduced each of them in turn.
When Karna's turn came, he stepped forward dramatically.
"My name is Karna. A prince in search of a princess. I've been looking for her my entire life. But now… it seems the search is over. A woman like you is exactly what I've been seeking. Eyes like lotus petals. Lips like rose petals. Your beauty is beyond—"
Before he could finish, Reiko smacked him on the head and dragged him back by the collar.
Hina laughed lightly. "You guys look like fun."
Haruto's brow twitched as he pointed at Karna. "Except for this one. He looks like an idiot."
Gyoda immediately flared up, misunderstanding. "What did you say??? You wanna fight or something?"
Kenta sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't think he meant you, Gyoda. But honestly, your reaction proves the point. When someone says 'idiot,' it's only natural for the real one to think they're being called out."
Gyoda's face went red. "Karna, you bastard! I'll send you flying!"
Karna smirked. "Calm down, idiot-san."
"Cut it out, you two," Reiko snapped.
Hina tilted her head, studying Karna. "So you are the Twilight."
Karna blinked. "How did you know that?"
"From the D-class wizard test, of course," Hina replied. "News of your appearance at the arena spread like wildfire. It's already all over the newspapers."
Karna groaned. "Great… I thought only the people at the arena saw me. Now the whole world knows."
Goro stepped in. "Everyone, this is Hina. She's an Executive Assistant to the Chief Intelligence Officer of the World Magic Council in the Capital City."
Reiko's eyes widened. "No way! At such a young age? You must be incredibly smart."
Hina smiled modestly. "Oh, it's nothing. Anyway, let's head back to my place, shall we?"
Gyoda perked up immediately. "Your place? Does that mean I get to eat delicious food?"
Karna leaned forward eagerly. "And will there be beautiful girls?"
"Yes, you'll get delicious food," Hina replied smoothly. Then she turned to Karna with a smirk. "And no, there won't be any beautiful girls."
Karna's shoulders slumped in disappointment while Gyoda pumped his fists in joy.
On the way to Hina's home, the group walked side by side.
"So, what did you call me for?" Hina asked, narrowing her eyes at Goro.
"What do you know about Kashi Horimi?" Goro replied bluntly.
Hina stopped. "What? That guy? The whole world is looking for him—especially the second generations of all the Five Ancient Clans. He's an A-class wizard and very cunning. Catching him will be a nightmare."
Reiko tilted her head. "But why are they all looking for him?"
"You don't know?" Hina frowned. "Because of the Forbidden Weapons, of course."
Everyone's voice overlapped in surprise. "Forbidden weapons??"
Hina nodded. "He obtained the first Forbidden Weapon nearly eighty years ago. Since then, he was under the protection of the Kyofu Clan. But thirteen years ago, he ran away. No one knows why. He has many connections with the Mafia and several rogues. When he left, he already had two of them. And now… rumors say he's found the third."
"Well, Mawang never mentioned that Kashi was under their protection before he went missing," Goro muttered.
Haruto nearly tripped over his own feet. "You guys met Mawang-sama?! No way!!"
"Yes, we did," Gyoda answered proudly.
Haruto's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Awesome! How was he? How did he look? Was he strong? I want to meet him someday!"
Fumiko, summoning courage, spoke softly. "Um… what exactly are Forbidden Weapons?"
Haruto looked at her in disbelief. "You guys don't even know? It's a legend told as a bedtime story for kids! What kind of childhood did you have?"
Hina clicked her tongue and glared at Goro. "Oi, Goro! You didn't even tell them that?"
Goro scratched his cheek, embarrassed. "Well… umm…"
Haruto smirked. "If this is your first time hearing it, you're in for a treat."
Hina sighed. "Many centuries ago, there was a wizard named Krutha. A world-famous blacksmith. A genius who created artifacts and weapons beyond imagination. During the First Mage War, he forged six weapons with the aid of the Spirit of War itself. Weapons so strong that one wielder could topple armies.
"But after the war, Krutha realized they were too dangerous. They could shift the balance of the world. So in his final days, he hid them away, forbade their use, and named them the Forbidden Weapons. He left scattered clues for his sons to find them, but none succeeded… until Kashi."
"Woah! So these weapons are real??" Gyoda asked, eyes wide.
Karna groaned. "Are you that idiotic? Kashi already has three of them. Of course they're real. What the hell goes on in your mind?"
"Oi, Karna! If you call me an idiot one more time, I'll turn you into ashes!" Gyoda shouted back.
Reiko smacked both of them lightly on the head.
Gyoda rubbed his head, scowling, but in his mind he was already picturing himself holding the Forbidden Weapons, defeating Goro-senpai, and taking his weapon.
"But sis, you missed so many details," Haruto protested.
"We don't have time to waste," Hina replied. "I only gave the important parts."
Haruto sighed. "Alright."
"To avoid confusion," Hina added firmly, "the Forbidden Weapons aren't just weapons. Some are artifacts. Kashi has managed to acquire a few of them already—and that's bad news."
"So how strong are these weapons, anyway?" Goro asked.
Hina's voice dropped. "We know about one—the first weapon Kashi found. It's called the Narayanastra. They also call it Coward's Haven. It kills everyone who has the will to fight. The only way to survive is to submit completely."
"That's troublesome… and terrifying," Goro muttered.
"That's scary," Kenta admitted, his brows furrowing. "I wonder what the other weapons can do…"
Somewhere in the deep forest. Kodoku Town.
The midday sunlight washed over the silent town, but no footsteps, no voices, no life answered its warmth. The streets were empty, as if the sun itself searched for people and failed to find them.
At the center of the town rose a towering palace, its presence unnaturally still. Inside, in a vast hall, every last citizen of the town stood gathered. Not one spoke. Not one moved. All faced the same direction, their expressions void, their eyes blank—staring slightly upward.
Their gaze fixed upon a throne.
There, on the elevated seat, sat a lone figure. His face was hidden in shadow, but the artifacts upon him glinted with quiet menace. A ring shimmered faintly on his finger. A chain hung heavily around his neck. In one hand, he held a long spear that seemed to hum with restrained power.
The only feature visible in the dim light was his smile—calm, confident, and cold.
It was Kashi Horimi with the three forbidden weapons in his possession.