The guild master’s office was quiet except for the soft crackle of the fireplace and the faint noise of adventurers moving below.

  Kaito leaned forward in his chair, elbows resting on his knees. Serena sat beside him, hands folded on her lap, calm but clearly thinking. Renna stood near the window with her arms crossed, staring down at the busy guild courtyard.

  Garrick exhaled slowly, rubbing his temples.

  “So… we’re dealing with two threats at once,” the guild master muttered.

  Kaito nodded.

  “The orcs were organized. Too organized. They had patrols, scouts… and a general. That isn’t normal.”

  “And they were moving closer to town,” Serena added quietly. “If they keep advancing, the outer farms will be attacked within weeks.”

  Garrick’s jaw tightened.

  “That mountain…” he said. “If a stronger monster really appeared and pushed the orcs out of their territory… then we’re sitting on a disaster waiting to happen.”

  Renna turned from the window.

  “So what’s the plan? We can’t fight both at once.”

  Garrick looked at the three of them, eyes sharp and determined.

  “That’s why I need Crimson Blade.”

  Kaito straightened.

  “So you want us to go to the mountain and investigate what monster are there.”

  “Yes.”

  Garrick stood and walked to the map hanging on the wall. He tapped the northern mountain range with a gloved finger.

  “This is the most dangerous unknown right now. Orcs are dangerous, yes—but predictable. If a powerful monster is driving them out? That’s the real threat.”

  Serena’s eyes narrowed slightly.

  “If it reaches the town…”

  “We lose everything,” Garrick finished grimly.

  Silence filled the room.

  Finally, Kaito nodded.

  “We’ll go.”

  Renna smirked.

  “Finally, something exciting.”

  Serena sighed softly but smiled.

  “I expected nothing less.”

  Garrick folded his arms.

  “Other parties will handle the orcs. We’ll assemble a large hunting force to thin their numbers while you investigate the mountain. Once we know what we’re dealing with, we can plan the next move.”

  Kaito stood and offered his hand.

  “We’ll bring back answers.”

  Garrick shook it firmly.

  “I know you will.”

  Night at the Inn

  The town was glowing with warm lantern light by the time the three returned to the inn.

  The atmosphere felt different tonight.

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  Tense. Heavy.

  Word had spread quickly through the guild—something big was coming.

  The dining hall buzzed with conversation as adventurers whispered about the upcoming operation.

  Renna dropped into her chair and stretched.

  “I’m starving.”

  “You’re always starving,” Kaito said.

  “Haha, I really enjoying your food.”

  Serena giggled softly as Kaito sighed and signaled the innkeeper.

  Soon, plates of food filled their table: roasted meat, bread, soup, and fresh vegetables.

  For a moment, everything felt normal again.

  Kaito watched the two girls eat and felt a quiet warmth in his chest.

  These peaceful meals… he had come to treasure them.

  Serena noticed his gaze.

  “What is it?”

  “Nothing,” he said with a small smile. “Just thinking how lucky we are.”

  Renna swallowed a bite of meat and pointed her fork at him.

  “Save the emotional speech for after we survive the mountain.”

  Kaito laughed.

  “Deal.”

  They ate, talked, and laughed late into the night—trying not to think about what awaited them tomorrow.

  Eventually, exhaustion won.

  They returned to their rooms and drifted into sleep.

  Morning of the Operation

  Sunlight spilled through the window as birds chirped outside.

  Kaito opened his eyes slowly.

  Another mission day.

  Another step deeper into danger.

  He dressed quickly and headed downstairs, where Serena and Renna were already waiting.

  Renna waved a piece of bread.

  “You’re late.”

  “It’s sunrise.”

  “Exactly.”

  Serena pushed a plate toward him.

  “Eat. Today will be long.”

  They ate quietly, each lost in their own thoughts.

  Then, together, they stood.

  “Let’s go.”

  The guild courtyard was packed.

  Adventurers filled the open space—armor shining, weapons gleaming, voices loud with excitement and tension.

  Kaito stopped at the entrance and took in the sight.

  “This is… a lot of people.”

  Garrick approached them, smiling faintly.

  “We’re not taking chances.”

  He gestured toward three groups gathered near the center.

  “Let me introduce the strike teams.”

  A group of five adventurers in silver armor stepped forward.

  “The A-Rank Party — Silver Dawn Legion.”

  Their leader is Zane, a tall knight with golden hair, gave a respectful nod.

  “Honor to fight alongside Crimson Blade.”

  Kaito nodded back.

  “Likewise.”

  Two more groups stepped forward.

  A lean group dressed in dark gear.

  “The B-Rank Party — Shadow Fang. Ryven is the leader.”

  Their leader grinned.

  “Orc hunting? Our specialty.”

  Another group in heavy armor followed.

  “The B-Rank Party — Storm Breaker. Jenne is the leader”

  A massive woman with axe-wielding warrior laughed loudly.

  “Finally! Been itching for a big fight!”

  Renna whispered to Kaito.

  “This is going to be loud.”

  Serena smiled.

  “Better loud than losing.”

  Garrick raised his voice so everyone could hear.

  “Listen up!”

  The courtyard fell silent instantly.

  “Silver Dawn Legion, Shadow Fang, and Storm Breaker will lead the assault on the orc forces. Your job is to protect the town and drive them back!”

  Cheers erupted.

  “Crimson Blade will head north to investigate the mountain threat. Their mission is reconnaissance and elimination if possible.”

  The crowd murmured in awe.

  Kaito felt the weight of every gaze.

  He stepped forward.

  “We’ll find what’s driving the orcs out. And we’ll stop it.”

  Cheers filled the courtyard again.

  The operation had begun.

  The forest welcomed them with rustling leaves and beams of sunlight cutting through the canopy.

  The large hunting force split off toward the orc territory, their footsteps fading into the distance.

  Soon, only three remained on the northern path.

  Kaito. Serena. Renna.

  The air grew cooler as they walked.

  The deeper they went, the quieter the forest became.

  No birds.

  No insects.

  Just wind.

  Renna placed a hand on her sword.

  “I don’t like this.”

  Serena nodded slowly.

  “The mana density is rising.”

  Kaito tightened his grip on his spear.

  “Stay alert.”

  They moved carefully, senses sharp.

  The path grew steeper as the mountain loomed ahead.

  Dark cliffs rose toward the sky like jagged teeth.

  Then—

  A distant roar echoed across the valley.

  The ground trembled faintly beneath their feet.

  Renna’s grin faded.

  “…Okay. That’s not an orc.”

  Serena whispered, eyes wide.

  “That mana… it’s enormous.”

  Kaito stared at the mountain peak hidden behind swirling clouds.

  A chill ran down his spine.

  Whatever lived up there…

  Was far stronger than anything they had faced before.

  He tightened his grip on his spear and stepped forward.

  “Let’s find it.”

  As the three adventurers climbed toward the mountain’s shadow, the wind howled like a warning.

  And deep within the mist above—

  Something awakened.

  To be continued…