Three days after the Storm Fang incident, Mirewood had returned to a state of calm—or so it appeared.
But Julius knew better.
Word had reached the Magic Council. Someone had reported the battle, and the council had taken interest in the strange burst of power from Eisgrund.
That's when Inspector Vale arrived.
He was tall, composed, and cloaked in the white-and-gold robes of the Magic Council. His face was partially obscured by a silver mask—standard for high-level observers to maintain anonymity.
He entered the Twilight Zone guildhall without knocking.
"You are Julius, Guildmaster of Twilight Zone?"
Julius stood. "Yes, sir. Welcome. We weren't told someone was coming."
"I wasn't meant to be expected."
Lyra and Rael exchanged glances. Rin remained near the window, hand close to her blade.
Vale's gaze swept the guild.
"Your battle with Storm Fang showed tactical coordination beyond your rank. I'm here to assess your capabilities—and your future eligibility for guild promotion."
Julius blinked. "We're still Iron Rank."
"You won't be for long if my evaluation passes."
The test began that afternoon.
Vale summoned a trial field in the forest outside Mirewood. A shimmering barrier formed a wide arena, encasing Julius and his team within.
"You will face me," Vale said, "together or alone. Your choice."
Rael stepped forward. "We fight as a unit."
Vale raised a brow. "Very well. Begin."
What followed was unlike any battle the guild had faced.
Vale was fast—unbelievably so. He moved with the grace of a swordsman, the discipline of a battlemage, and the unpredictability of illusionists.
His magic shimmered like smoke, impossible to pin down.
Julius tried to slow him with Time Displacement, but Vale phased through the field as if time did not bind him.
"Chrono magic. Rare. Limited by perception," Vale observed mid-duel.
Rael launched lightning arcs, forcing Vale to dodge while Lyra struck with ice lances.
Rin blurred in with a high-speed strike from her Whispering Blade, managing to slice Vale's shoulder.
He chuckled. "Impressive."
Then he lifted his hand.
A Rank pressure flooded the arena.
Julius gasped. His knees buckled.
He had never felt weight like this.
But he stood. He focused. Time slowed—but not Vale. No… Vale was faster than time.
Julius reached into himself, deeper than ever before, and whispered:
"Time God Slayer: Reverse Clockfall."
The entire field twisted. Vale paused for the first time.
He was vulnerable.
Rael struck. Lyra froze his footing. Rin slashed.
The attack forced Vale back—but not down.
He smiled.
The pressure lifted.
"Test complete."
Julius was panting. "We failed, didn't we?"
"No. You passed far beyond expectations."
Vale removed his mask.
He wasn't just an inspector.
He was Elarion Vale, an A-Rank mage known as the Wind Prophet of the Council.
"I've submitted a request for your guild to be promoted to Bronze Rank immediately. You will now be eligible for D-Rank and C-Rank quests in official channels."
Julius's eyes widened.
"But more than that," Vale continued, "I believe you, Julius, are suited for a much greater path. One day, you may even sit at the table of the Four Winds."
And with that, the inspector vanished into the wind.
Twilight Zone Guild – Members: 4
Julius (D-Rank Mage, Iron Guild Master)
Lyra (E-Rank Mage, Ice-Make Magic)
Rael (D-Rank Mage, Lightning Magic)
Rin Ayana (C-Rank Mage, Whispering Blade Style – Memory Awakening)
F Rank Quests Completed: 60/1000E Rank Quests Completed: 8/10000D Rank Quests Completed: 5/1000C Rank Quests Completed: 3/1000
Guild Status: Iron Rank – Pending Bronze Promotion
Next Chapter Preview: The Drach's Shadow
A dark figure approaches Mirewood—one bearing the mark of the Drach. With the seal weakening, the first true demon-empowered foe arrives to test Julius and his team in ways magic alone cannot solve.