Leon walked through the streets of Old Ferrun, heading toward the guild building with the boy still beside him. He hadn't told him to leave, but he also hadn't invited him to stay.
The sun hung lower now, casting long shadows between buildings as merchants continued their evening trade. Fighters and travelers moved in small groups, discussing upcoming assignments, negotiating contracts, making last-minute preparations before heading out.
Leon barely glanced at any of it. His focus was ahead.
"So, what's the worst thing you've run into on a mission?" the boy asked, still casually matching Leon's pace.
Leon sighed quietly. He wasn't much for conversation, but the kid wasn't being annoying. Just curious.
"Almost got caught in a cave collapse once," Leon muttered.
The boy raised an eyebrow. "How?"
"Bad mapping. The structure was unstable. The moment we set foot inside, everything started coming down."
"That sounds horrible."
Leon smirked slightly. "Didn't die, though."
"Well, obviously," the boy said, letting out a light chuckle. "It's not like you're secretly a ghost talking to me right now."
Leon shook his head, not bothering to respond to that.
The guild building came into view—a massive stone structure reinforced with enchanted walls, one of the few places in Old Ferrun that had extra protection due to constant adventurer traffic.
They stepped inside, the air noticeably cooler from the stone trapping in the day's shade. Fighters filled the main halls, signing contracts, adjusting gear, finalizing preparations before leaving for their respective missions.
Leon made his way to the mission room, scanning the board for his assignment. Unlike the vague requests at training centers, the reports here contained full details—locations, possible threats, witness accounts, and emergency procedures.
He found his mission quickly.
[Mission Report]
[Rank: F]
[Type: Investigation]
[Location: Black Hollow Woods]
[Report: A merchant caravan traveling from Eastern Old Ferrun was scheduled to arrive at Ferrun's western trade post three days ago. Witnesses confirmed the caravan entered a transport portal bound for Harrow's Edge, a dangerous borderland known for irregular terrain and creature activity. The portal connection was confirmed active, but the caravan never arrived at its destination. Scouts reported signs of disruption—fractured transport runes, traces of blood near the last portal checkpoint. No bodies recovered.]
[Requirements: Group of five recommended due to potential threats. Combat readiness advised.]
[Payment: 120 Gold base reward + Combat Bonus (based on difficulty)]
[Additional Notes: Merchant guild requests urgency. Priority on locating survivors over cargo retrieval.]
Leon read the report carefully. Something had interfered with the transport. The fact that there were no bodies meant either the merchants were taken, or whatever attacked them didn't leave corpses behind.
Before he could think further, movement caught his attention. Three figures approached.
"You two taking that mission?"
Leon turned, scanning them briefly.
He didn't reply right away. Instead, he focused, activating Analyse.
The skill worked instinctively—the moment he adjusted his focus, basic details appeared in his vision.
First, he tested it on the boy beside him.
[Name: Arin Marel]
[Age: 16]
[Rank: F]
[Level: 2]
[HP: 100/100]
[Strength: 14]
[Speed: 15]
[Vitality: 12]
[Ability: Wind]
Leon blinked slightly. That explained a few things.
Then, as if on cue, Arin stretched slightly and smirked. "Guess we should introduce ourselves, huh?"
The others nodded, clearly agreeing.
The tallest one gave a slight nod, standing with easy confidence. "Reid Velnor. Been training for years now. E-rank, close-quarters combat specialist."
The girl with the bow adjusted her stance slightly, her dark red hair tied back loosely. "Laina Revess. F-rank. Ranged support."
The youngest-looking one tilted her head slightly, smirking. "Kara Vensir. Also F-rank. Dual blades, close combat."
Leon studied them briefly before using Analyse again, scanning their stats one by one.
[Name: Reid Velnor]
[Age: 17]
[Rank: E]
[Level: 3]
[HP: 120/120]
[Strength: 16]
[Speed: 17]
[Vitality: 14]
[Ability: Hardened Skin]
[Name: Laina Revess]
[Age: 16]
[Rank: F]
[Level: 2]
[HP: 90/90]
[Strength: 10]
[Speed: 14]
[Vitality: 11]
[Ability: Fire]
[Name: Kara Vensir]
[Age: 15]
[Rank: F]
[Level: 2]
[HP: 95/95]
[Strength: 12]
[Speed: 16]
[Vitality: 12]
[Ability: Shadow]
Leon frowned slightly as the stats settled in his mind.
Reid was the strongest, and his ability reinforced his durability. Laina had Fire, meaning her ranged attacks had extra power. Kara had Shadow, which probably allowed her to manipulate her surroundings in combat.
He shut off Analyse, letting the information process.
"They've been training together since they started," Arin added, gesturing toward them. "Figured it was easier to do missions as a group."
"And you?" Reid asked. "What's your name?"
Leon paused for a second, then gave a short nod. "Leon Valtherin."
"Alright," Reid said, checking the mission paper again. "No point in waiting. Let's move."
The group left the guild building, walking toward Old Ferrun's mission portal zone—a designated area for transport linked to various assignment locations.
The portal to Harrow's Edge was already open when they arrived.
It pulsed with deep green energy, swirling in contained patterns within its carved stone frame. Light flickered at the edges, stable but carrying the faint hum of irregular interference.
Arin stared at it for a moment before exhaling. "See? This is exactly why portals are going to mess me up again."
Kara smirked. "You scared?"
Arin scoffed. "No. I just don't trust things that could accidentally send me into the ocean instead."
Leon raised an eyebrow slightly. "That happen to you before?"
Arin groaned. "Once. I was supposed to get to a checkpoint outside Ferrun. Ended up in the middle of a river instead. Ruined my boots."
Kara laughed, shaking her head. "Not even surprised."
Leon ignored the conversation, stepping toward the portal entrance. The energy pulsed slightly, shifting in patterns of light.
"No more waiting," Reid said, walking forward.
Leon nodded. The others followed.
Then, without hesitation, they stepped through.