It was early morning. The sun had already risen, casting a soft golden light across the academy grounds. A gentle breeze moved through the open field where all the students had gathered. Small groups stood together, talking among themselves—some excited, some nervous, and some completely unaware of what awaited them.
Everything felt normal… yet there was a strange tension in the air.
After a while, Professor Sophia stepped onto the ground, her calm and composed presence instantly drawing everyone's attention. Behind her walked Professor Jason, energetic as ever, carrying a large bag in his hand.
The chatter among the students slowly faded.
Jason placed the bag in front of him and looked around with a slight smile."Alright everyone," he said, "today you'll receive your maps… and your tasks."
A wave of excitement spread instantly.
Sophia scanned the crowd and spoke firmly, " everyone, step forward."
Without hesitation, Kio, Alex, and Nyra stepped ahead, standing straight.
Sophia looked at them and asked, "Where is Leo?"
Kio shook his head. "We don't know, Professor."
Alex added, "You should ask Ray. He shares a room with him."
Sophia turned her gaze toward Ray. "Ray… where is Leo?"
Ray scratched his head awkwardly. "Professor, I did wake him up… but I think he went back to sleep."
A few students chuckled softly.
Suddenly—
"Wait! I'm coming!"
Everyone turned as Leo came running from behind, slightly out of breath. He rushed forward and stopped in front of Sophia.
"I'm here… sorry I'm late," he said quickly.
Sophia's expression turned sharp. "Today of all days, you should not be late."
Leo lowered his head. "Sorry, Professor."
"Stand properly," she said.
Leo nodded and joined his group.
After a short pause, Sophia continued, "Professor Jason will now explain your tasks."
Jason stepped forward with his usual energy.
"Let's begin!"
He picked up a map and looked at the first group.
"Group One—you'll head to Sunvale Hills. Your task is to collect magical leaves."
He handed the map to Nyra.
"Group Two—you'll go toward the Fernfield area, to the southeast. There, inside a cave, you must collect crystals."
Another map was passed.
"And Group Three…" his tone grew slightly serious, "…you'll collect goblin blood, along with wolf fangs and skins."
A brief silence fell.
"You'll head to Windleaf Forest," Jason added, handing over the final map. "Be careful."
Sophia stepped forward again.
"Now, I will assign captains."
The moment she said that, Leo's eyes lit up. He leaned toward Ray and whispered, "Watch… I'm definitely becoming captain."
Ray smirked.
Sophia continued, "Group Three—Noah Winter will be the captain."
Noah stepped forward confidently. "I'll take responsibility."
"Make sure you do," Sophia replied.
"Group Two—Ray Moir."
Ray nodded calmly.
Now Leo stood straighter, his excitement building.
"And finally… Group One."
Leo almost held his breath.
"The captain will be Nyra Velmire."
Leo froze.
He slowly turned toward Nyra, his expression full of disbelief.
"Professor… can't I be the captain?" he asked.
Sophia shook her head. "No. Nyra is more suitable."
Leo's excitement dropped instantly. "Oh…"
Nyra stood calm, showing no reaction.
Ray leaned toward Leo and whispered, "Not your day."
Leo sighed.
Nyra stepped closer and looked directly at him. "Do you have a problem?"
Leo hesitated. "No… I just thought I could try."
Nyra replied calmly, "To try, you need to be on time."
Ray laughed quietly. Leo glared at him.
Sophia raised her hand. "Enough. Take your maps and listen carefully—this is not a simple task."
Jason added, "Sunvale Hills may seem peaceful… but magical leaves are often protected."
"Protected?" Kio asked.
Jason smiled slightly. "You'll find out."
Nyra opened the map and studied it carefully. Her eyes paused at a certain point.
"This path…" she murmured, "It doesn't look normal."
Leo leaned in. "What is it?"
Nyra slightly moved the map away. "We'll see when we get there."
Leo frowned. "Already keeping secrets?"
"Being captain means keeping everyone safe," she replied.
Before anything else could be said, Sophia's voice rang out—
"Time's up. All groups—move out!"
The ground filled with movement as each group headed in different directions.
Leo, Nyra, Kio, and Alex began their journey toward Sunvale Hills.
At first, the path was simple. But slowly, the surroundings turned into a dense forest. Sunlight filtered through the trees, and the air grew cooler.
After a while, Leo broke the silence."So… captain, what's the plan?"
Nyra replied without turning, "We won't go directly to the center."
"Why?" Alex asked.
"Because that's where the danger is highest," she said. "We'll take a side path."
kio nodded. "Smart."
Leo gave a small smile. "Alright… captain."
Nyra didn't respond, but there was a slight shift in her expression.
They continued deeper into the forest.
Soon… everything became quiet.
Too quiet.
Rustle… rustle…
Everyone stopped.
"You heard that?" Kio whispered.
Leo adjusted his stance. "Yeah… and I don't like it."
Nyra raised her hand. "Stay alert."
The sound came again… closer.
And then—
From the bushes ahead, two glowing eyes appeared.
Leo narrowed his gaze and said quietly—
"Looks like… we've been welcomed."