The sun was just beginning to break through the early morning mist as the party gathered at the southern gate of Selemor.
Renjiro adjusted the strap on his shoulder guard and looked over the parchment in his hand. "Alright. B-rank request: a pack of mana-mutated wolves has been causing trouble for merchant caravans passing through the Elrane Forest. Our job is to clear the area and track down the alpha."
Daichi cracked his knuckles. "Finally. Something that might fight back a little."
Mayu slung her bow over her shoulder with a grin. "You just like punching stuff."
Akari tightened the hilt on her sword but stayed quiet, eyes scanning the tree line ahead.
Kyoichi stood just behind them, dressed simply with a travel cloak, gloves, and a neutral expression. He didn't say much, but he was clearly ready.
Renjiro glanced back at him. "Alright, before we head out, we should probably get proper intros done. Y'know, since you're temporarily with us and all."
Kyoichi gave a small nod. "Fair enough."
Renjiro pointed at himself first. "I'm Renjiro Ignisar. Fire-user, swordsman, and uh… unofficial leader, I guess. I've been with this guild a while now."
Daichi stepped up next. "Daichi here , I don't have any magic but I specialise in Jujutsu and like fighting with my fists—preferably the face of whatever's charging at us."" Also I have this one cool axe though rarely use it "
Mayu gave a little wave. "Mayu Hanabira. I'm a healer first and an archer second, just to keep myself at a safe distance....hope we can get along well kyoichi-kun"
Akari looked over briefly, then turned her gaze back to the path. "Akari Tsukishiro. Earth magic, sword-based combat. I'll watch the front line with Renjiro."
Kyoichi took a beat, then spoke calmly. "Kyoichi. I specialize in… telekinetic support magic. I'm comfortable mid-to-backline, but I can adapt."
Mayu tilted her head. "Telekinesis, huh? That's pretty rare."
"Not unheard of though," Renjiro added quickly, already walking. "Alright, let's move."
The five of them passed through the wooden gates and followed the dirt trail that wound into Elrane Forest.
Birds chirped overhead. The leaves shimmered with soft morning dew. Nothing felt ominous—just the usual cool air of a forest path before the tension of a mission kicked in.
Daichi broke the calm first. "So, Kyoichi, you from Selemor?"
"No," Kyoichi replied casually. "Somewhere quieter. Traveled a bit before ending up here."
Renjiro chuckled. "Yeah, a lot of people end up here without planning to. This place kinda pulls you in."
"Like a gravity well," Mayu said, smirking.
Kyoichi allowed himself a faint smile. "I suppose."
Akari glanced at him sideways but didn't say anything. Instead, she spoke to Mayu. "How far to the marked zone?"
"Another thirty minutes, give or take."
Renjiro adjusted his blade. "Good. Let's not talk too loud after that. Don't want to spook the wolves."
The party ventured deeper into Verdant Hollow, west of Elrane forest. Towering trees blocked much of the sunlight, and strange bird calls echoed through the foliage. Though listed as a B-rank mission, the job wasn't simple. Reports spoke of mana-covered beasts becoming increasingly hostile, and a massive alpha wolf disrupting trade by attacking caravans and destroying goods.
Mayu Hanabira adjusted her green cloak and tightened her grip on her bow. "Mana distortion levels are higher than average. We might run into mutated packs."
Renjiro Ignisar, walking at the front with calm eyes, gave a brief nod. "Daichi, take point. You can tank any ambush. Akari, cover our right. Kyoichi, you and I stay center. Mayu, you're in the rear—keep an eye on movement and support us with arrows."
"You got it," Daichi Himura replied with a grin, cracking his knuckles. "Let those beasts come. I'll knock 'em all flat."
Akari Tsukishiro unsheathed her blade, emerald sparks flickering briefly across its edge. "Just don't charge in like a lunatic."
Daichi smirked, unbothered.
"So, Kyoichi," Mayu asked as they weaved through the underbrush, "what made you join the guild?"
Kyoichi glanced back at her and gave a small shrug. "I needed coin. Selemor seemed like a decent place to start."
"You picked a decent team," Daichi added. "And you didn't even flinch during briefing. That's rare for a first-timer."
"Its was nothing special," Kyoichi replied casually.
Renjiro chuckled, "Let's see if you stay that chill when the alpha wolf shows up."
Suddenly, a sharp howl pierced the air—followed by rustling branches. Three wolf-like creatures lunged from the thickets. Their fur shimmered with an eerie violet glow, and patches of hardened mana crystal jutted from their shoulders.
"Positions!" Renjiro ordered.
Daichi intercepted the first beast head-on, locking arms with it before flipping it over with raw strength.
Mayu loosed a quick arrow into the second beast's leg, then backed up to reload. Akari dashed past her, slicing deep into its torso with a sharp, clean strike reinforced by earth magic beneath her feet.
The third beast made a beeline for Renjiro. Kyoichi raised a hand, and with a subtle flick of his fingers, the beast suddenly stumbled mid-leap as if an invisible force tripped it, causing it to crash hard into a tree.
Renjiro didn't miss a beat. "You're damn good with that telekinesis of yours."
Kyoichi lowered his hand . "Offh that was close "
In minutes, the three mana beasts were neutralized. A low growl echoed deeper from the forest.
"That wasn't the alpha," Akari said, scanning ahead. "It's still out there."
As they moved forward, Renjiro spotted the tracks—large pawprints, surrounded by claw marks—and nearby, a cluster of rare herbs glowing faintly. "Mayu, collect what you can. We'll set a trap for the alpha."
Mayu knelt and began gathering. "Got it."
Daichi cracked his neck. "Hope this thing puts up more of a fight."
"Don't get overconfident," Akari warned. "This one's different."
Kyoichi stood silently beside Renjiro, eyes forward.
After a few minutes, a rustle. A howl louder and more guttural than before. The alpha emerged—nearly twice the size of the others, with dark blue crystal-like formations along its back and glowing red eyes.
"Let's take it down," Renjiro said.