Meanwhile...A silver sword whistles as it cuts through the air and the knife-like head of a monstrous lizard, killing it instantly. Another one of its kin roared and pounced towards the wielder of the sword, but then its voice was abruptly cut off as it found the sword going through its throat. Its body tensed for a second before going completely limp."Small fry…" Iceheart said as he pulled the sword out. "This barely even counts as warm up."He turned around swiftly as more of the red drakes emerged from the shadows of the forest. Iceheart faced the incoming swarm of red drakes with a dark glint in his eyes. This is his duty and he will see to it that it will be done perfectly, even if he has to do it alone. He opts to meet the enemies head-on with sword in hand.The drakes came at him from all sides, their razor-sharp teeth and claws glinting in the sunlight. But Iceheart moved with an unnatural grace and speed, weaving in and out of t
Meanwhile, on the other side of Discordia, on the land of Naifel…A five-man band walking on the cold tundra where as far as they can see, almost everything is covered by snow. There are some mosses, sedges, and lichens, along with the rare few trees in between. It was a dark and cold place that anyone with common sense would try to avoid.Alas, those people came here not because they want to, but because it was their duty. Those five are the team dispatched from Agni Veritas to accomplish a mission in this region as their Field Exam. And they went into the cold lands with only some extra on their black uniforms.They walk together in a straight line, making a simple formation. It just so happens that they knew each other for quite a long time, so there's no awkwardness between them.One leading in the front is the leader of the team, a chestnut-brown haired young man with gold trimmed green mantle. Following him, a young woman with blue waist-long hair that is partially tied into a l
Back to the forests in Sancredo region…The sky was dark. Black clouds have gathered around the forest, looming above them. Soft rustling of leaves as a gentle breeze picked up, causing the branches of the trees to sway. Soon after, the sky began to darken as more thick clouds rolled in, blocking out the sun.Tenma stands on the precipice of a cliff, overlooking what seems to be a cavern down near a clearing below. His hand on his sword, never letting his guard down despite everything looking perfectly safe. For now, at least. Who knows when would the situation get nasty and chaotic?He frowns, wondering how many of those creatures are they going to face. For him, it's not a matter of clearing them out, but rather how he should handle his team to accomplish this task without any problems. He then silently reassessed his teammates' capabilities.Noa typically uses magic, but is no slouch in close combat herself, with stellar swordsmanship a
"... so, that concludes the strategy. If there's no question…"Tenma said with a rather dramatic flourish of his hands, having explained the strategy to his teammates. They were still under the half-finished ice dome that Iceheart made, while the rain is still pouring hard outside their temporary shelter. And they have different reactions to hearing what he had to say.Noa simply folded her arms and smiled supportively, fully on board with his strategy. Sabrina gave him an approving nod, showing no objection to whatever he just said. Iceheart, for his part, looked rather incredulous, like he was expecting something disappointing but it turns out better than he thought. And then there's Damon who just stood there looking totally dumbfounded."Sorry dude, can you run that by me again?" He asked."Are you serious?" Iceheart immediately turned to him. "He explained it perfectly in a way that even a fool would understand. Unless you weren't listening AT ALL…"No one noticed, but Noa gives
The yellow eyes of the beast looked at them as it descended from the hill."What the hell is this thing?" Iceheart asked incredulously."Looks like a Chimera or Manticore." Damon growled."I've never seen this kind of monster before..." Sabrina said."I have a bad feeling about this…" Noa frowned.Tenma looked straight at the beast. It's just looking at them, tilting its serpentine head as if it was just a curious animal. But there was also a caution in its stare. It's like it was sizing them up, as if its still trying to determine if they were its predator or prey.Tenma waited as it just walked back and forth around them. He can sense its stare intensifying around him, slowly narrowing its yellow eyes. That's when he realized something. It really can think. This was no mere beast. This is something even more dangerous than a ravenous horde of oversized lizards.It makes him anxious. How powerful this beast can be?"Everyone be careful." He warned. "Don't approach it recklessly! Go b
Tenma opens his eyes. Suddenly he was in a pit, a pit so deep there's only a glimmer of sunlight visible from above. He could see a silhouette standing outside the pit, looking down on him. Oddly, he felt quite small and helpless in that pit, even though it was wide enough for him to run around. He recognized this place. This was… this was back then. He was here years ago. What is this? Why is he seeing his past? The beast made him see things? Or life flashing before his eyes? "So, boy. Tell me again why do you want my guidance?" The silhouette outside the pit asked him, with a voice that is clearly feminine, but also stern and uncompromising. The sunlight was behind her, and thus the shadows covered her visage. But her crimson eyes, red like blood, was clearly staring at him, gleaming with unnatural light. "I only take courageous and talented people as my disciple. As in, people who has proven their met
That afternoon, an airship landed on the Entrance section of Agni Veritas Academy, joining the other few airships on the landing pad there. As soon as its doors were open, a blonde-haired young man stepped out immediately, and started walking away in haste.Not too long after, a black haired young man walked after him."Wait up, Cain." He called out.The blonde young man stopped. Someone's using his given name…"We have nothing to talk about." He said dismissively. "I'm going home.""Of course there is." the black haired young man responded. "Just one thing…""Save your breath, Leader." the blonde young man named Cain said. "If you are so eager to ask me about what I am, don't bother. I don't intend to share with any--""Who said I want to ask that?" the black haired young man cut him off. "I just want to say thanks.""... huh?"The blonde haired young man blinked. He was stupefied. He did not expect that kind of response."... thanks for what?" He asked."For saving my life, duh." Th
The young man with multicolored eyes and the the girl with dark red eyes stared at each other for a brief moment. Feeling the curious stares of everyone present, Tenma decided to take the initiative."Good afternoon, Tachie." He immediately stood up and greeted the girl. "Didn't expect to run into you here.""And neither did I, Senpai." the black-haired girl with glasses smiled. "But there were some… unexpected circumstances." She glanced at Reina."I'd love to hear it. But hang on for a bit."He and Raiga went to get more chairs for those three. And just in time for their ordered food to arrive to the table."Ah, I forgot, Sylvia will be coming as well." Sabrina said. "So get one more, Raiga.""Sylvia too? Oh, that's nice." Raiga immediately went to get it.Tenma briefly glanced at him with eyebrows raised before he sat back on his chair. Reina had already plopped herself on the chair beside him, while Tachie politely made herself comfortable on the other end. Tenma looked back and f