Episode 6
"What!? You're going to Qualux right now!?"
Eirlys's voice crackled through the call, clearly startled by my sudden message.We were supposed to be enjoying a quiet day together today.
"Yeah," I replied, keeping my tone calm."Lynde said they found traces of arcane energy. She suspects it might be Kaya's."
"Him...? That's impossible," she whispered under her breath—then continued after a pause.
"But... if it really is him, it's too dangerous. I'm coming with you."
"No," I cut her off immediately."You're pregnant. There's no way I'm letting you come."
"But if it's really Kaya, can you even take him on alone?"Her voice faltered, laced with quiet fear and worry.
You're right—May and I probably wouldn't stand a chance against him.
But letting him do whatever he wants while we sit here blind to it...that's just as dangerous.
"Don't worry," I said, keeping my voice gentle."It's not like I plan on fighting him head-on."
My tone softened, trying to put her at ease.I didn't want Eirlys stressing out—not now, not like this.
The line went quiet for a few seconds, then I heard her let out a soft sigh—like she knew no words could change my mind.
"Be careful out there," she said quietly.But I could hear it—the deep concern behind those few simple words.
"I understand," I replied."I promise I'll come back to you safe and sound."
The call ended at last.
I stared at my phone for a few seconds before quietly turning off the screen.Then I got to work gathering what I needed—basic supplies, my arcane outfit, personal weapon, and a few other essentials.
If possible, I hoped to finish everything within two or three days and be back home soon.
I slipped on my cloak—my standard arcane attire.Every arcaner had one, tailored to their individual style.It served as both formalwear and field gear.
Mine was a modern long coat, pure white with deep pine-green patterns, designed specifically to complement my movements.It provided defense without compromising speed.
Once worn, the upper portion of the coat generated a thin vacuum layer between fabric and skin—eliminating unnecessary flutters and drag during motion.
Elsewhere — May's Perspective
A 34-year-old arcaner whose appearance hadn't aged a day past 20.She had deep azure hair and eyes, smooth pale skin, stood about 160 centimeters tall, and weighed just 47 kilograms.She lived with her mother—just the two of them.
The sound of heavy rain outside provided a quiet backdrop as I carefully sliced through meat and mushrooms, mindfully focused on each step of the process.The cold air made the gentle steam rising from the food all the more inviting.
My mother walked over with a faint smile.
"It's been a while since we cooked together like this."
I let out a quiet laugh.
"There's always something going on. Every time I get a break, I get called back to work.Lately, it's been so hectic I can barely find time to be home."
Once the food was ready, we set the dishes on the table together.A warm aroma filled the room, comforting in its simplicity.
But just as I was about to sit down—
Ping.
A notification popped up on my phone.
That tone…
An emergency alert?
My eyes met my mother's—our expressions tensing instantly.
The message had come from…Insiren-san?
"I'm heading to Qualux. Meet me at the airport within the next hour.This is a high-priority mission.We'll go over the details on the plane—there's no fixed timetable."
I swallowed hard and turned toward my mother.She stood right in front of me, her face clouded with concern.
"I'm sorry, Mom… Something urgent came up. I have to go."
"But today was supposed to be your day off, wasn't it?"
"It's an emergency. The Commander himself contacted me directly."
"I see," she murmured, then stepped forward and gently wrapped her arms around me.
"Take care of yourself, sweetie."Her voice was soft, but overflowing with love and worry.
"I'll be back soon," I whispered, letting myself stay in her embrace just a little longer—drawing in the quiet warmthbefore I finally pulled away.
I quickly gathered my personal belongings, applied light makeup, fixed my hair, and got dressed.Then I reached for my arcane weapon and its sheath, packed them into my long travel case, and pulled my arcane outfit from the wardrobe.
Once everything was in order, I stepped out of the house.
The rain was still pounding relentlessly, as if foreshadowing something ominous.I hadn't brought an umbrella—not because I'd forgotten,but because with rain like this, I'd end up soaked either way.Bringing one would've just slowed me down.
I cast a thin arcane barrier around myself to shield against the storm and hurried toward the entrance to the underground railway.
As the train carried me toward the airport, my mind swirled with questions.Why had the Insiren-san summoned me so suddenly?What kind of mission was so urgent that we had to head to Qualux without delay?
Insiren's Perspective
The long-range, four-engine aircraft I had privately chartered was now waiting inside the hangar.Inside, I was in the middle of a detailed discussion with the captain, co-pilot, and control tower regarding the flight path we'd take to reach Qualux through the storm.
A massive cyclone was currently sweeping across the Lyl'neyya Peninsula,with wind speeds reaching up to 430 kilometers per hour and a staggering diameter of 5,407 kilometers.Flying directly into it was out of the question.
The only viable option was to detour south and follow the eastern coastline.Even though the aircraft was relatively light—carrying no cargo and only six passengers—the rerouted path stretched nearly 30,000 kilometers, requiring at least three refueling stops and taking no less than 35 hours to complete.
To ensure safety, the captain and co-pilot would be monitoring the storm's trajectory closely throughout takeoff, scheduled for an hour and a half from now.
As for the rain, wind, and water on the runway—I'd handle all of that myself.
Once the flight plan was finalized, I stepped out of the cockpit to brief May and the four other arcaners on the operation.
Under Zhervennia's arcane regulations, arcaners are strictly prohibited from going on missions alone.They must be accompanied by their designated partner—no exceptions.
That's why I had to summon May on such short notice.She's my official partner.As for the other four—they're all high-level arcaners.Considering how dangerous Kaya Netharans is, we need nothing less.
Normally, each arcaner is assigned to a specific region, rotating back to central command on a seasonal schedule.The central division handles missions outside of Zhervennia's jurisdiction, or serves as a rapid deployment force when support is needed.
There are only a few hundred central arcaners in total.
So fielding six of us for one operation?That's no small commitment.
I stood with my arms crossed in front of the passenger cabin, watching as the six arcaners gathered one by one after receiving the urgent call.
May was the last to enter.
Her deep blue eyes met mine—tinged with both curiosity and concern.
I gave her a subtle nod, a signal that we'd talk later.
"Is everyone here?" I began, using the steady tone I always reserved for mission briefings.
"Yes, Commander Insiren," the group responded in unison.
"Good. We don't have much time, so listen closely."
"A trace of arcane energy was detected in Qualux, suspected to be the work of Kaya Netharans.
Our mission is to confirm whether that trace is truly his—and if it is, to gather as much intel as possible about what he's planning."
One of the female arcaners raised her voice cautiously.
"Commander, if we do encounter him… what should we do?"
"Avoid confrontation at all costs.
If you see him—or anything suspicious—report it to me immediately and withdraw from the area."
"And if combat becomes unavoidable, your priority is self-defense.
Pull back steadily while I make my way to you.
It may be discouraging to hear, but I won't sugarcoat it: he's extremely dangerous.
Even I can't say for sure whether I could defeat him.
You absolutely can't.
If you ever see me engaging him—leave.
Don't come back for me.
I won't be able to fight him and protect you at the same time."
The male arcaner sitting furthest inside the cabin caught my eye.Despite the cold in the room, sweat was trailing down the side of his face.He looked tense, uncertain—his gaze lowered slightly.And finally, he spoke, his voice trembling:
"Kaya Netharans...If even you say there's a chance you could lose…Is he really that dangerous?"
"Yes." I answered plainly.
"He's exactly that dangerous.His arcane power, physical strength, speed, instincts, intelligence—all of it is far beyond what ordinary people can comprehend.And more than that… he's the kind of person who'll do absolutely anything to win.If you go up against him without knowing how he thinks—you've already lost before the fight even begins."
The tension in the room deepened.Their expressions darkened—fear, pressure, and anxiety pressing down on every one of them.
I took a step forward, keeping my voice steady.
"But don't worry.I'm with you—and Lynde is already waiting for us at Qualux.There's no way I'll let anything bad happen to any of you."
My answer seemed to reassure them.Several of them visibly relaxed—even if only slightly.
"Alright. Pick any cabin you like.We've got a two-day journey ahead, so be sure to stay prepared."
The four arcaners bowed respectfully and began to disperse,leaving just May and me in the now quiet cabin.
I turned toward her.She was still standing stiffly, her posture tense.
"Insiren-san" she began, her voice tinged with concern."Kaya… if it really is him, do you think we can handle it?"
I let out a soft sigh."I don't know."
She was silent for a moment before nodding,but I could still see the unease lingering in her eyes.
"Try not to overthink it.We're not going there to beat him—just to gather intel and get out alive.That's all that matters."My tone softened slightly.
"I know how capable you are.We're partners—you don't have to carry anything alone.And… I'm sorry for dragging you into this on your day off."
May lowered her gaze briefly, then looked back up with a small smile.
"If you really want to apologize, come by my place sometime.My mom's been wanting to meet you for ages.She's a great cook, too.Bring master Eirlys along, okay?"
"Is that so? Alright, I'll come by.I should thank her properly for the sandwich—it was amazing."
"She's kind of obsessed with you, you know."
I chuckled softly.Didn't expect to have fans in that age group.
"Well then, I'd better go.I need to report to the cockpit."
With that, I turned and walked out—heading back toward the flight deck.