Kael walked through the bustling streets of Velis, the silver emblem marking his promotion to E rank tucked proudly into his pocket. The sun was dipping low, casting warm shadows across the stone buildings as the day wound down. He felt good—his progress was steady, and his understanding of his abilities had grown in leaps. But even with that satisfaction, a part of him remained restless. There was still so much to learn. So much to uncover.
As he turned a familiar corner near the market district, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hushed voices.
"…Still nothing?" one city guard asked, leaning against a stone wall beside another, their tone laced with concern.
"Not a word," the other replied grimly. "Thorne and Bran were supposed to check in weeks ago. Not even the guild's been able to track them down."
Kael paused mid-step.
Thorne and Bran.
They were part of Erion's escort. The same guards who had fought with him against the beasts and cultists just outside the city. Dependable. Strong. Alive the last time Kael had seen them.
His chest tightened.
"They didn't just vanish," the first guard muttered. "Something happened out there. Something bad."
Kael turned and kept walking, but slower now, his mind spinning. It didn't make sense. Thorne and Bran were experienced. They wouldn't just disappear unless...
Kael clenched his jaw.
He needed to know more. For now, he'd keep this to himself—no need to worry Erion or Mira until he had more information. But deep down, Kael knew: this wasn't coincidence. The cult from the ambush wasn't finished. And the disappearances… they were just the beginning.