The next morning, Silvercross Academy was alive with noise.
Announcements boomed across the training grounds, students scrambled in every direction, and the scent of mana-charged dust filled the air.
Kael stifled a yawn as he adjusted his gloves. Ember perched on his shoulder, golden eyes half-lidded in a mirror of his mood.
> "I thought weekends were for resting," Kael muttered.
> Chirp.
> "Exactly. You understand."
Unfortunately, Instructor Mira did not. She stood at the center of the courtyard, her long silver staff gleaming under the sun.
> "Listen up!" she called, her voice magically amplified. "Starting today, all registered Guild Adventurers will participate in field evaluations under Guild supervision. Those without registration will act as support teams."
Dozens of students cheered. Kael considered running.
Ryn elbowed him.
> "Come on, man, this is exciting! Real quests, real monsters!"
> "Real work," Kael corrected. "You're allergic to that."
> "So are you."
> "Exactly."
Mira's gaze snapped toward them.
> "Mr. Draven! Since you're already registered, you'll lead a mixed squad for today's evaluation."
Kael blinked. "Lead?"
> "Yes. You'll represent Silvercross in a joint mission with the Valenhardt Guild."
The students murmured in surprise. Ember chirped happily, clearly enjoying Kael's growing discomfort.
---
Briefing
Inside the briefing hall, a large crystal map projected glowing red markers over the eastern forest region.
Guild Officer Lira — the same silver-haired investigator from before — pointed with a rune stylus.
> "A cluster of lesser mana beasts has been sighted near the trade routes. Your objective is to clear the area and recover any corrupted mana cores."
She looked directly at Kael.
> "You'll operate under observation. Don't destroy the forest."
> "No promises," Kael said lightly.
> "I mean it."
> "That's the problem."
Beside him, a tall, lean boy with dark hair crossed his arms. His uniform bore the emblem of the academy's elite combat class.
> "They're really letting a Summoner lead?" he said coldly. "This isn't pet training."
Kael glanced at him. "I'll try not to outshine you, whoever-you-are."
> "Leon Vareen," the boy said. "Rank A Apprentice Knight. Top of the combat division."
> "Nice. I'm top of the 'pretend-to-listen' division."
The students snickered. Leon's jaw tightened.
Lira cleared her throat. "Focus. You'll work together or fail together. Understood?"
They both nodded—barely.
---
Departure
The group of six set out by noon, escorted through the east gate by a Guild carriage. Rolling hills stretched into dense emerald forest. The wind smelled of pine and damp earth.
Ember soared overhead, her golden glow tracing lazy arcs through the clouds.
> "I still say we could've teleported," Kael muttered.
"And miss the view?" Ryn said. "Besides, some of us can't teleport giant flaming birds safely."
"Yet," Kael said.
The path wound into thick woods where sunlight flickered between leaves. Faint howls echoed in the distance.
Leon stepped forward, drawing his blade.
> "Formation B. Shields in front, mages rear. Summoner—stay out of the way."
Kael smiled faintly. "Sure. I'll be over here doing nothing productive."
He raised his hand.
> "Ember."
The phoenix circled once, her flames dimming until she became a streak of gold between the trees.
The forest brightened instantly — and then erupted in snarls.
---
Ambush
Shapes burst from the shadows: low, furred beasts with bone masks and red eyes.
> [Monster Detected: Masked Howlers × 8]
[Rank: E] [Level: 9–10]
Leon's sword blazed white as he charged. Two knights followed, their blades slicing through the first wave.
Ryn and another mage formed barriers at the rear, deflecting lunging claws.
Kael stood still, eyes half-closed, feeling the flow of mana ripple through the air. Ember's perception merged with his own — every heartbeat of the beasts mapped itself into his mind.
> "Now," he murmured.
Ember dove from above, her flames coiling like ribbons.
> "Flame Arc — Spiral Form."
The phoenix spun in midair, golden fire carving a helix through the clearing. The Howlers screamed as the spiraling flames consumed them, leaving behind molten ash and smoking grass.
Leon froze mid-strike, his sword still raised.
> "What in the—"
Kael yawned. "You were saying something about staying out of the way?"
---
The Real Threat
Before Leon could retort, the ground trembled.
From beneath the charred soil, a massive claw tore upward. A beast twice their size emerged — a Dire Howler, fur black and skin cracked with glowing red fissures.
> [Boss Monster Detected: Dire Howler]
[Rank: D] [Level: 14]
Its roar shattered branches and flung dirt across the field.
Leon gritted his teeth. "Everyone, back!"
Kael exhaled slowly. "Guess it's my turn."
He stepped forward, drawing a faint sigil in the air. Mana pulsed between him and Ember.
> "Spirit Bind."
Golden chains erupted from the phoenix's wings, wrapping the beast's legs. The Dire Howler fought wildly, snapping the bindings apart.
> "Stubborn," Kael muttered. "Ember—Reversal."
The phoenix shrieked. Her flames folded inward, absorbing the monster's dark mana burst—then burst outward again, transmuted into pure gold fire.
The explosion shook the forest. Heat washed across the clearing, bending the grass in waves.
When the smoke cleared, the Dire Howler lay motionless, its mask cracked in half.
> [Enemy Defeated — Dire Howler (D Rank Lv.14)]
[EXP +620]
[Level Up → Lv.7]
[Shared EXP: Ember +560 (Lv.5 → Lv.6)]
---
Aftermath
Leon lowered his blade slowly, staring at the scorched earth.
> "You… you could've warned us."
Kael shrugged. "I did. I said I'd handle it."
> "That wasn't a warning!"
Ryn laughed nervously. "You'll get used to him."
Ember landed lightly beside Kael, feathers glowing faintly as she preened herself.
Lira's voice came through the guild communicator crystal.
> "Mission complete. Excellent performance, Team Draven. Report to the Valenhardt branch for debrief."
Leon muttered something under his breath but didn't argue.
As they headed back through the forest, Kael stretched lazily.
> "That was fun. Maybe I should lead more often."
> "You're insufferable," Leon said.
"I know," Kael replied cheerfully.
Ember chirped, clearly in agreement.
---