The next morning arrived with a soft golden hue spreading across the academy courtyard.

All the first-year students were already gathered at Ground Zero.

The murmur of conversation filled the air as they checked their gear, adjusted their weapons, and talked about where they might be heading this time.

Cecelia frowned slightly but said nothing. She glanced toward the entrance gate, her eyes scanning the arriving students.

Then, after a few moments, she saw him.

Kael finally walked in, slightly out of breath. His uniform looked slightly wrinkled, his eyes faintly red as if he hadn’t slept properly.

The faint dark circles beneath his eyes were noticeable even from a distance.

"There he is," one of the classmates said.

"Looks like he wrestled with nightmares"

Cecelia ignored the other’s joke and walked up to Kael.

"What happened to your eyes?" she asked, concerned about lacing her tone.

Kael blinked once, quickly averting his gaze.

"Nothing happened," he said.

"Really?" Cecelia tilted her head, unconvinced.

"They look... tired. Did you even sleep?"

"I said it’s nothing," Kael replied as if he didn’t want to continue the conversation.

Before Cecelia could press further, Elysia approached them.

"Hi," Elysia greeted, forcing a smile.

Cecelia turned toward her, slightly surprised by the sudden friendliness.

(What is wrong with her today? She’s acting... strange.)

Elysia crossed her arms lightly.

"So," she said, looking at Kael, "I heard you’re joining our group this time?"

Kael looked puzzled for a second.

(That’s weird... every time she’s either cold or angry toward me, but today she’s being polite?)

He shook his head. "No. I’ll be going alone. I don’t want to make trouble for you guys."

Elysia’s eyes widened slightly. "Going alone? That’s dangerous. The Silver Root Glade Valley isn’t like the last area."

Kael gave a faint shrug. "Danger’s nothing new. I’ll manage."

Cecelia frowned.

"Kael, you don’t have to do everything by yourself. It’s not about being a burden—"

Before she could finish.

"Good morning, class."

Everyone straightened immediately.

Professor Sylvia, dressed in her uniform, stood before them.

"Good morning, Madam!" the class replied in unison.

Sylvia nodded slightly. "As you all know, today marks your next official field mission. Two weeks ago, you successfully cleared the lower demon nests at the northern boundary. Today, your destination is the Silver Root Glade Valley."

A few murmurs spread through the group. Some students exchanged nervous glances—everyone had heard the rumors about that place.

"The Silver Root Glade Valley?" Jin whispered to Edwin. "That place is full of mist and corrupted beasts, right?"

Edwin nodded. "And strange noises at night. I’ve heard senior students avoid going there unless they’re ordered to."

A hand raised from among the students.

"Madam, what about the villagers there? We heard they were attacked last week."

Sylvia looked at him. "The villagers have already been rescued by the Council of Clan Members."

"Then why are we going?" He asked again.

"Can’t the Council just clear the demons too? And what about the senior students? Shouldn’t they handle this?"

A few heads nodded in agreement. The questions weren’t unreasonable.

"The Council of Clan Members handles matters that threaten multiple regions or require ancient expertise. The Silver Root Glade is classified as a low-level corrupted zone. Such zones are used as training fields for academy missions."

She paused, letting the information sink in.

"As for the seniors," she continued, "they are occupied with more advanced assignments and preparing for their upcoming exams. Your time will come soon enough."

The class fell silent again. Some still looked uneasy, but no one argued further.

Sylvia’s gaze sharpened. "I expect all of you to be prepared within five minutes. Gather near the terminal platform when you’re ready."

"Yes, Madam!" the students replied.

As Sylvia turned to leave, Elysia exhaled slowly. "Silver Root Glade Valley... that doesn’t sound peaceful at all."

Cecelia nodded. "It’s one of the places where the mist doesn’t lift even during the day. I read that its roots absorb corrupted energy from fallen demons."

"So basically, it’s a cursed forest. Perfect for a morning walk."

Edwin elbowed him lightly. "Try not to get lost this time."

Meanwhile, Kael quietly adjusted his gloves, looking toward the distant mountain range where the valley lay hidden.

(Silver Root Glade Valley...) he thought.

(Maybe I’ll find what I’ve been searching for.)

Cecelia turned toward him again.

"Kael, at least join a group. Going alone could get you killed."

Kael gave a faint smile. "Then I’ll just have to make sure it doesn’t."

Elysia frowned slightly. "You’re impossible."

He didn’t answer, just turned and started walking toward the preparation tents.

As the group began checking their equipment—blades, magic seals, supply kits—Sylvia’s assistants began opening the transport terminals.

Students formed small teams of four or five. Some looked excited, others nervous.

Cecelia walked beside Elysia and whispered, "Do you think he’s really going alone?"

Elysia nodded faintly. "He’s stubborn. But something about him feels... different today."

"Different?" Cecelia asked.

"Yeah," Elysia said quietly, glancing toward Kael, who was standing alone near the edge of the crowd, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"His eyes—they looked colder. Like he’s already seen what’s waiting for him."

Cecelia looked at Kael, then sighed softly. "I just hope he comes back safely." she said, giving the evil smile.

Sylvia’s voice rang out again.

"First-year students! Step onto the terminals when your name is called. Each group will be transported directly to the outer area of Silver Root Glade Valley."

One by one, the students stepped forward as names were announced. Jin and Edwin exchanged quick grins before walking onto their platform.

"Guess it’s time," Jin said.

"Yeah," Edwin replied, tightening his gloves. "Let’s see what this ’training’ really is."

When it was Elysia and Cecelia’s turn, they glanced once more at Kael. He was still standing alone, waiting for his turn.

Cecelia hesitated for a moment, then called out, "Kael! Don’t do anything reckless!"

Kael looked back over his shoulder. "I’ll try not to."

The light engulfed him as the terminal activated, and in a flash of energy, his figure disappeared—teleported to the Silver Root Glade.

Elysia stood still for a few seconds after he vanished.

(Why do I feel uneasy about this?)

Cecelia placed a hand on her shoulder. "Come on. It’s our turn."