Aelyra Vaelis stood before the mission board, her fingers tracing the wooden surface as her eyes scanned the requests.
"Goblin Extermination — Rank D."
Simple.
Clean.
Perfect for a first mission.
She pulled the parchment free.
"Goblin hunt?" a familiar voice asked behind her.
Aelyra turned and smiled.
"Luneya."
Luneya Frostwind, her childhood friend, stepped closer. Her light-blue hair was tied back, and a small staff rested against her shoulder. She was an E-rank adventurer, still new, but talented in ice magic.
"I could use the experience," Luneya said with a grin.
Aelyra nodded. "Let's do it together."
They left the city before noon.
The road stretched through plains and rocky paths, and after a full day of walking, the air grew heavy. Ahead of them stood a faintly glowing structure—a dungeon gate, pulsing with unstable mana.
"This is it," Luneya whispered.
Aelyra tightened her grip on her saber.
They stepped through.
The dungeon was dark and damp, filled with the stench of decay.
Goblins rushed them almost immediately.
Aelyra moved first.
Her saber ignited in flames as she dashed forward, every strike precise and lethal. She was a natural swordswoman, blending fire magic seamlessly into her attacks—burning, slicing, advancing without hesitation.
Luneya stayed behind her, chanting calmly.
"Ice Shard!"
Sharp fragments of ice pierced the goblins from afar, freezing others in place. Her magic was basic, but well-controlled.
Together, they pushed forward.
One room after another fell silent.
"…We did it," Luneya said, breathing heavily.
Then—
The ground shook.
A massive figure stepped from the shadows.
Green skin, thick muscles, glowing red eyes.
A Goblin Champion.
Rank B.
Aelyra's blood ran cold.
"T-This isn't possible," Luneya whispered. "This is a Rank D dungeon!"
They attacked.
Fire.
Ice.
Steel.
But it wasn't enough.
The champion barely staggered.
"Run!" Aelyra shouted.
They turned and fled—but the monster was faster.
Its roar echoed as it raised its weapon.
Death was certain.
Then—
"Enough."
A calm voice echoed from the distance.
A black lance pierced the air.
In an instant, it tore through the Goblin Champion's chest.
The monster collapsed. Dead.
Silence returned.
Aelyra spun around.
Nothing.
No presence.
No footsteps.
Only fading mana.
Her eyes widened.
"…That mana."
Her fists trembled.
"It's him," she growled. "Talis."
Luneya looked confused. "You know who did this?"
Aelyra nodded, anger flashing in her eyes, and explained everything—from the guild to the crystal.
"…So he saved us?" Luneya asked softly.
"Yes," Aelyra replied.
"And I hate that."
They gathered the monster materials and dungeon crystals in silence.
Back at the guild, their mission was validated.
Rewards were split fairly.
Smiles returned—but Aelyra's mind was elsewhere.
Why was he there?
A Rank B adventurer… in a Rank D mission?
That night, she returned to her room and sank into a warm bath, steam rising around her.
Yet even there, her thoughts refused to rest.
Talis Symphorien… who are you really?
High above the city of Venti—
A lone figure stood on the edge of a tower.
Talis gazed toward the guild, a faint smile on his lips.
"So… you noticed again."
The wind stirred.
He vanished.