Vana's POV My jaw dropped in astoundment and confusion as I saw Ms. Christine standing next to me. My brother usually calls her Chris, but I’d rather call her formally, since I was not introduced to her by Storm. Jerome halted in his spot, jaw dropping as he saw Ms. Christine’s entrance and arrival on the deck. We were both in utter shock, exchanging glances in disbelief. How in the world are they here? Or in this case, how in the world is Ms. Christine here? “Seize them—” another voice shouted, followed by a group of wizards emerging from the sea around us. It all happened in a span of a second that I couldn’t wrap my head around it. A man emerged from the sea that led them, a purple spheric barrier of aura shielding him. My mouth gaped for the second time, recognizing another familiar face. That’s—That’s one of the renowned saviors of the Dark War. Alfred Johnsons! Okay, now I’m baffled. How are they here? The wizards landed on the deck as the purple barrier set them down on t

Vana's POV “Seems convincing enough,” Ms. Angela commented as she leans back on her chair. “What do you think, everyone, besides Storm?” Storm gave Ms. Angela a quick glare before turning his attention away. Ms. Angela moved her chair sideways, tilting her had on the side to face the divider’s direction. “It’s credible. And those bandits need to be interrogated. Especially the two leaders that introduced themselves as the culprits,” Mr. Alfred stated. “There’s also the captain of the ship.” “They saved the hostages, and are hostages. They were fighting off those ship crew bandits when we arrived to rescue and sabotage the ship. I say we trust them,” Ms. Christine stated, acknowledging our words, which plastered a small smile on my face. “Angela, Storm,” the King called, standing up from his chair. “Interrogate Camillo, Camillo, and the ship captain; track down all the numbers saved on that communication lacrima; and pay McValeri a visit.” “McValeri is in Fortis, so we’ll have to

Vana's POV “Can’t we just not go to the guild hall at all? You know I don’t like being there,” I growled, walking after we arrived at the borders of Archborn City. Archborn is the city our guild is located. It is also the capital of Ashern, and our guild, Green Serpent, serves as the protector and help center of the city. It’s a four-hour drive from the harbor, and we arrived at the time where guild life is at its peak. The city lights burn bright against the night, the cold breeze of the last winds of winter blowing through my skin. We walked down the main pavement that leads directly to the front of the guild, the entrance brimming with life. “As much as I want to just head home, that’s not possible. The more you don’t face Master Sergis, the longer he’s scolding for you will be,” brother sighed, also wishing that he doesn’t need to face the guild. The scenery around us is nice and all. And the view of the palace of Ashern made such an ambience atmosphere. Everything looked perf

Jerome's POV I rode the train for me to get to the city where my guild is located. It took me a couple of hours to arrive, passing by the capital’s train station before I arrive at my destination. The moon had blossomed from its sleep when I hopped out of the train, the station turning into an abandoned hall. “Gramps would scold me, won’t he?” I mumbled to myself as I walk my way out of the station. The station is only a couple of streets away from the main pavement that leads to our guild hall. The guild is located near the border of the city, away from the center of life in the city. I doubt the guild is not as lively as the city’s center. They’re certainly livelier. The city lanterns and streetlights brimmed with life as the darkness envelop the nights. Stars twinkled above in the sky, next to the moon that shines it light on the ground. I paused for a second when I saw the open doors of the guildhall ahead, a shower of pristine light radiating from inside. Its 10 in the night,

Vana's POV The pavement in front of the capital’s clock tower became crowded with people as the clock chimes at noon. I stood next to a pillar on the wall, shading myself from the scorching heat of the sun. I had been waiting here for almost an hour, waiting for my companions to arrive. Today is the day we were to be sent to our mission as punishment for violating the academy rules. An engine cab had arrived at our guild to pick me up, driving me here where I was told that the meet up place is here. I tapped my foot on the ground, arms crossed against my chest as I watch the world pass by me as I wait. Sweat dripped from the side of my forehead, and my body itched from the heat. Maybe I should not have worn a sleeve today. I wore a white long sleeve topped with a brown, checkered-patterned sleeveless loose vest. Good thing I wore a pleated mini skirt instead of pants, making it bearable for me. I listened to the crunching taps my knee-high black boots make, the sound of chattering