After surviving the onslaught led by the subordinates of the Four Evil Kings, Anos Voldigoad made a firm decision—he would meet the owner of the legendary sword, Looting Sword Gilionojes. Its current wielder was none other than Shin Reglia.
To begin their journey, Anos gathered his companions, including the ever-loyal Fan Union, and Ri-hyun. In an instant, space twisted around them, and the group was teleported.
They arrived in an unknown meadow, painted in lush green and dappled with gentle sunlight. The breeze danced softly across the grass, and the air smelled of early spring.
"W-we transported!" one of the girls from the Fan Union cried out in amazement.
"And we're with Lord Anos!" another added, eyes sparkling.
"Wouldn't this be like... an indirect transport?" Ellen Mihace asked, cocking her head.
"What is that, like an indirect kiss?" Jessica Arnett quipped mischievously.
"If we got transferred by linking our spaces together, then... then it's the same as if all of us were linked with Lord Anos!" Ellen exclaimed, her cheeks tinged with red.
"Ohhh!" the Fan Union gasped in realization, eyes wide.
"And since it was our first time ever... being transferred with him..." Ellen began.
Before she could finish, the entire Fan Union burst into joyful tears, jumping and shouting in unison.
"First direct transfer!"
Their jubilant chaos was interrupted by the calm yet commanding voice of Nosgalia.
"Settle down, my students. A god's words are absolute," he said, gesturing for silence. The girls fell quiet at once, though many still sniffled from excitement.
"Today marks the beginning of your Aharthern Expedition Exam," Nosgalia continued, his voice resonating with divine authority.
He looked toward the horizon where distant mountains touched the sky. "The forest you seek... is a spirit. Its path changes with time, shaped by rumor and belief."
He stepped forward, his godly robes brushing against the grass. "You will find this spirit-forest by uncovering the rumors whispered by the people. You have ten days."
Anos, Ri-hyun, and the others listened attentively, their academy uniforms catching the light.
Nosgalia turned his gaze toward the misty lands beyond. "They say when the Lishas Meadows near Zehenburg are cloaked in mysterious fog, mischievous spirits appear. Make them smile... and they will reveal the way."
"This rumor is your clue," he added gravely. "Offer the gods your gratitude and highest praise. Let the exam begin."
"I know it's an order... but I still can't figure these gods out," Sasha muttered, sighing.
---
The group soon split into four teams, each heading toward different parts of the town to begin their investigation. Among them, Ri-hyun walked calmly through the lively streets, flanked by Eleanore and Zeshia.
"There's no need to follow me, you know," Ri-hyun said without turning.
"I just wanted to thank you for what you did yesterday," Eleanore replied quietly, her eyes downcast.
They stopped in the middle of a cobblestone path, locals bustling around them.
"I only did what I had to. I hate losing battles," Ri-hyun replied flatly.
He turned to face her. "Besides, I sensed Anos' energy within you. That alone means you're important to him. Seeing you die would've made him grieve. I didn't want that."
Eleanore's eyes widened. She gently pressed a hand to her chest and smiled faintly.
"You should all cherish yourselves," Ri-hyun added, his voice distant. "Life's like a kite—it flies away in an instant if you don't hold on tightly."
He held out his hand. "Also... the mask."
"Oh! Right." Eleanore pulled the Mask of Day from her uniform's inner pocket and returned it.
"Thanks."
The three continued walking side by side.
"Can I ask about your story?" Eleanore asked.
"What do you mean?" Ri-hyun replied with a mild smile.
"I mean... I don't know much about you. Just that you're connected to Anos... and that you're called the Martial God."
Ri-hyun sighed. "My story isn't exactly... pleasant. I wouldn't recommend hearing it."
"Please," Zeshia said softly, tugging his sleeve.
"Fine..." Ri-hyun murmured.
With a wave of his hand, he teleported them to the rooftop of a nearby building. They sat under the open sky, looking over the town.
"I was an orphan. My parents were killed when a demonic cult raided our village," he began, eyes gazing far into the past.
"Demonic cult?" Eleanore echoed.
"They're a force equal in power to Dilhade," Ri-hyun explained. "At least in scale, if not strength."
"That's... terrifying," Eleanore whispered.
"Scary," Zeshia echoed, eyes closed as she hugged Eleanore tightly.
"I became a soldier for a nation that took me in. Fought every day. I honed my power through war, carving strength into my very bones. I killed—regardless of race, age, or circumstance."
His voice was cold now. Hollow. His eyes glazed over with memories soaked in blood.
"And then?" Eleanore asked gently.
"I died in battle. I hoped my strength would bring peace, but in the end... I just vanished. Only to reincarnate in this world."
Eleanore reached out, her fingers brushing his arm. "It's okay. No matter what you went through, me and the others—we'll bring back the joy you lost."
Ri-hyun let out a small, genuine chuckle. "Thanks."
A sudden thud echoed from the street below.
They peered over the edge and saw a cloaked girl standing amid four unconscious men, with Anos approaching from behind.
"Yo, Anos!" Ri-hyun called down. In a blink, the others joined them on the rooftop.
---
"Thanks. I owe you one!" the cloaked girl said, bowing slightly before Anos, Ri-hyun, Eleanore, Zeshia, Sasha, and Misha.
"That's all right," Anos replied. "But I do have a question. Do you know the way to Aharthern?"
The girl blinked in surprise. "Then... you believe it exists?"
"I've been there," Anos said casually.
"What?!" she gasped.
"But to enter it, one needs to uncover the right rumors," Anos continued. "If you tell me what they are, I'll give you whatever you want."
The girl hesitated, then looked up. "Then... will you take me with you?"
"That depends. Why do you want to go there?" Anos asked.
"I'm not sure," the girl admitted. She pulled her hood further over her face. "I've lost my memory. When I woke up, I was already in this town."
She took a deep breath. "But when I heard about Aharthern, I knew I needed to go there. I feel like I've forgotten something I wasn't supposed to forget."
Her voice trembled slightly, but her eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm sure I'll find a clue in Aharthern!"
Anos studied her silently for a moment before nodding. "All right. I'll take you with me."
The girl smiled faintly, her hood rustling in the wind as a new journey—both mysterious and fateful—began to unfold.