The morning sun filtered through the trees of Veilden, casting long golden shadows on the quiet streets. At the Kind Heroes' house, the group sat around the breakfast table, finishing their last bites before heading out. Arriel and Lira had both grown noticeably stronger, their training and countless quests pushing them to Level 33. Mirable, not far behind, had reached Level 28. Kell, ever pragmatic, updated their equipment list while reviewing the guild's latest notices.
A knock came at the door. It was a young guild courier with a sealed letter. Kell broke the seal, skimmed through the contents, and raised his eyebrows. "We're being dispatched to Baraena Forest. Increased monster activity near the Darga border. Recon only. No engagement unless provoked."
"More border trouble," Lira muttered, adjusting the strap of her satchel. "That's the third report this week."
Arriel stood. "Let's move. We'll figure out what's going on."
The dense canopy of Baraena Forest shrouded them in green light. Vines clung to thick tree trunks, and the air buzzed with insects and low growls echoing from deeper inside. The Kind Heroes advanced with caution.
After an hour of trekking, Mirable pointed. "There. See that clearing?"
A small dragon, about twice the size of a cow, lounged on a sun-dappled patch of earth. Its crimson scales shimmered faintly, but its eyes were dull. It didn't react to their presence.
"That's a Flamehorn Drakar," Lira whispered. "But it's… lethargic."
They spotted another two dragons further in, both equally disoriented. One let out a low screech, then wandered off in a slow circle, knocking into a tree.
Arriel frowned. "Something's wrong. They're not acting like territorial beasts."
Kell crouched and studied scorch marks on the ground. "Signs of movement, but no battle. They're migrating… or being pushed."
"Or enchanted," Lira added. She knelt, placing her hand on the soil, murmuring a detection chant. A faint pulse of magic responded.
Mirable crossed her arms. "These things don't just happen. Someone or something is causing this."
They documented everything with Arriel's orb ring, marking the map as they moved from location to location. The same pattern repeated: scattered dragons, disoriented, roaming.
After several hours, they returned to Veilden.
Inside the adventurer's guild, Halma greeted them with a grim nod and ushered them into his office.
"So it's not just Baraena," Arriel began. "The dragons are appearing all over."
Halma sighed. "Reports came in from Silent Oak, Oakin Forest, Tamae Forest, and Miscea. All areas border Darga. All showing unusual activity."
Lira leaned forward. "Why dragons? They don't travel in such wide range without reason."
"Either someone is driving them out—like a greater predator or magical force—or someone is planting them there," Halma said.
Mirable raised a brow. "Planting dragons sounds insane. But not impossible."
Halma crossed his arms. "I've already sent word to the capital. You four stay close. If this turns into something larger, we'll need every capable hero ready."
They nodded and left the office, concern evident on their faces. As they exited the guild, Arriel exhaled. "This doesn't feel random."
Lira rubbed her arms. "No, it feels like a warning."
That night, the house was quiet.
Mirable sat alone in her room, a small lantern flickering beside her. From her drawer, she took out a scroll and a thin quill. She began writing in neat, coded strokes:
"Scattered Flamehorn Drakar sightings confirmed along Mirdia-Darga border. Signs of magical interference. Behavior uncharacteristic. Standing by for further orders."
She rolled the scroll, sealed it with a wax emblem, and walked to the balcony. A soft whisper later, a magical hawk formed from glowing mana. She tied the scroll to its leg, stroked its head, and watched it fly into the night.
"Time's moving fast," she whispered to herself, staring into the stars.
Back inside, Lira stirred slightly in her bed, having heard the quiet balcony door creak open and close. Her eyes remained shut.
But her mind was wide awake.