The training grounds were quieter than usual.
Not because fewer students had gathered—
But because of what they were waiting for.
At the front, Instructor Darius Varn stood with arms behind his back.
His presence alone was enough to silence the crowd.
"From today…"
His voice carried clearly.
"…missions will be assigned."
A ripple spread instantly.
"Missions already?"
"So soon…?"
Darius didn't react.
"Only students within the Top 10 are eligible."
That—
Changed everything.
Reactions
Eyes moved toward the ranking board.
Tension rose.
Victor Falken smirked slightly.
"As expected."
Lila exhaled quietly.
"…Top 10…"
Bruno looked like he had just survived something.
"Wait—I'm actually in?"
Felix remained calm.
"…It was inevitable."
Adrian said nothing.
But his focus sharpened.
Team Assignment
Darius began calling names.
"Adrian. Rank 6."
All eyes turned again.
Darius continued:
"You will lead a team."
A slight murmur.
"Leader…?"
Adrian stepped forward.
No reaction.
Just acceptance.
"Your team consists of—"
"Lila Ardent."
"Bruno Hale."
"Felix Arden."
The four gathered naturally.
Felix gave a small nod.
"Expected."
Bruno scratched his head.
"…This feels serious now."
Lila stood quietly—
But her eyes were focused.
👑 The Mission
Darius' tone shifted slightly.
"Your assignment—"
"Escort a noble to the capital outskirts."
A pause.
Then—
"Lady Selene Valcrest."
Her Entrance
The doors behind opened.
A young woman stepped forward.
Elegant posture.
Composed expression.
Her presence was… refined.
Not overwhelming—
But unmistakably noble.
Her eyes moved across the students.
Then stopped on Adrian's group.
"…Students?" she said calmly.
Not impressed.
Just… doubtful.
Bruno straightened instantly.
"We're capable!"
Felix glanced at him.
"…You're making it worse."
Lila bowed slightly.
"We will do our best, my lady."
Selene's gaze shifted to Adrian.
"And you are?"
"Adrian."
No title.
No explanation.
Just calm.
A brief silence.
"…You're the leader?" she asked.
"Yes."
She studied him for a moment—
Then turned slightly.
"…We'll see."
⚙️ System Activation
[System Notification]
Quest: Secure Escort
Ensure the target reaches destination safely
Reward:
Aura Capacity +1
Reputation +15
Adrian glanced at it briefly.
Straightforward.
⚠️ Warning
Darius' voice cut through again.
"This is not a ceremonial escort."
The atmosphere shifted.
Subtly—
But clearly.
"Remain alert."
Felix's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…So there's risk."
Adrian didn't respond.
But he had already understood.
❤️ Passing Moment
As the teams began to disperse—
A familiar presence passed by.
Seraphina.
She stopped briefly near Adrian.
"Escort mission?"
"Yes."
"…Don't slow down."
Her tone was calm.
But her eyes—
Sharp.
Adrian met her gaze.
"Same to you."
A brief pause.
Then she walked past.
Preparation
Outside the main hall—
The team gathered.
Felix spoke first.
"We should plan the route."
Lila nodded.
"And supplies."
Bruno looked between them.
"…Are we really doing this like professionals?"
Adrian finally spoke.
"Minimal stops."
"Stay alert."
"If something feels wrong—assume it is."
Silence followed.
Then—
Felix smiled slightly.
"…Good."
Selene watched quietly.
Observing.
Measuring.
Departure
The academy gates opened once more.
This time—
Not for freedom.
But for responsibility.
The group stepped out together.
Into a world that wasn't controlled.
Not safe.
As they moved forward—
Adrian's gaze shifted slightly.
Just for a moment.
A figure in the distance.
Standing still.
Watching.
Gone the next second.
🔚 End Hook
A faint notification appeared.
[Warning: Unusual activity detected along route]
Adrian didn't stop walking.
But his grip tightened slightly.
"…Stay close," he said quietly.
The mission had begun.