《Twin Sisters in Another World.》


 Prologue

    Eighteen years ago, my sister Victoria and I lost our lives when a plane crashed into our building during a terrorist attack. The next thing we knew, we were staring into the faces of two unfamiliar individuals. We had been reborn into another world, now bearing the names Nova and Nebula. Just as in our previous life, we were completely identical¡ªdown to the very bone.


    We were born to a wolfkin woman named Hazel, an unmarried blacksmith who lived in a small mountainside village. Fortunately, my sister and I were quick learners so our new mother wasn''t burdened as much. At first, everything felt unfamiliar, but we adapted swiftly. By the age of two, we had mastered reading and speaking the local language, much to the astonishment of our mother and the villagers. As if that weren''t enough, we soon discovered that magic was real in this world, along with mythical creatures that had only existed in fantasy back on Earth. This revelation ignited an insatiable curiosity within us, driving us to learn as much as possible.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    However, life was far from idyllic. Our village faced food shortages, monster attacks, and bandit raids. Despite these hardships, our mother never allowed despair to take hold¡ªeven in her final moments. When she passed away from an illness when we were twelve, she did so without ever letting us see her frown. In recognition of her contributions to the village, the chief allowed us to stay, offering us a place among the people she had helped for so many years. We did not let this opportunity go to waste. In addition to training in swordsmanship and magic, we diligently studied our mother''s craft, ensuring that her legacy would not be forgotten.


    By the time my sister Nebula and I turned eighteen, we had made our decision¡ªwe would become adventurers, seeking wealth and opportunity to support our village. Though the village chief was initially hesitant, he could not argue against our resolve¡ªespecially after we reminded him that we had trained his son, Vic, in the art of blacksmithing. With our skills sharpened and our determination unwavering, we set off into the world, ready to carve our own destiny.

 Chapter 1

    Nebula and Nova found themselves wandering through the dense forest at the base of the mountain where their village resided. Officially, it was called Greenleaf Forest, named for its perpetually verdant canopy, but locals had long referred to it as Dire-Wolf Grove. The twins had encountered their fair share of young dire wolves in the past, but they had yet to test their strength against a fully matured one.


    "Hey, Nova, how much longer are we going to be stuck in this forest?" Nebula whined, her feet aching from the day''s relentless trek.


    Nova glanced at her sister before responding. "We should be out by tomorrow afternoon¡ªassuming we don''t get lost."


    Nebula groaned. "I was hoping we''d be out before nightfall... Guess that means we need to find a safe place to sleep."


    "We should be fine as long as we stick to the path," Nova reassured her. "Besides, I was hoping we''d actually camp here for the night."


    Nebula gave her a skeptical look. "Really? I mean, I get the appeal, but aren''t you even a little worried about the dire wolves?"


    Nova shook her head. "Not really. I think we can handle a few of them. We''re not complete amateurs, you know. We did beat Wayne, after all."


    Nebula scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Beating Wayne wasn''t exactly an... accomplishment. He was predictable in every way."


    "Yeah, you''ve got a point," Nova admitted with a small chuckle. "But either way, we''ll be fine."


    Nebula sighed, though she silently agreed. They weren''t seasoned warriors, but they could hold their own in a fight.


    As they pressed deeper into the forest, a distinct sound caught their ears¡ªmetal clashing against metal. Their gazes met in silent agreement before they hurried toward the commotion. When they arrived, they saw five men surrounding two women, with four bodies already lying motionless on the ground.


    "Now then," one of the men sneered, stepping forward. "Come quietly, and maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªwe''ll let you live when we''re done with you."


    "We''re not going anywhere, you monster!" one of the women, dressed in a maid''s uniform, snapped. She brandished a sword, her stance defiant despite the odds.


    Another man grinned, revealing crooked, yellowed teeth. "Oh, boss, can I have a go first? You know I like them feisty."


    "You know the rules, Ken." The leader smirked. "I get the maidens first."


    The maid''s expression twisted in disgust, but she tightened her grip on her weapon. The other woman, however, cowered behind her, seemingly untrained in combat. The maid managed to hold her ground, fending off the bandits'' initial attacks, parrying their blades with impressive skill. But she was tiring.


    Nebula and Nova exchanged a knowing glance¡ªthere was no need for words. In perfect sync, they moved. With the bandits fully focused on their intended victims, the twins slipped behind them unnoticed. In a swift, practiced motion, they drove their blades into the backs of two unsuspecting men. The bandits barely had time to gasp before collapsing, blood pooling beneath them.


    Their comrades spun around in alarm, eyes widening at the sight of their fallen men. Realizing they were under attack, the remaining three bandits turned their attention to the newcomers.


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    The moment the remaining three bandits turned their attention them, Nova and Nebula sprang into action.


    The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar across his cheek, gritted his teeth and pointed his blade at them. "You little brats just made a big mistake."


    One of his remaining men, Ken, lunged first, swinging a rusted longsword straight for Nebula''s head. She ducked low, sidestepping his attack with ease. Before he could recover, she drove her knee into his gut, forcing him to stagger backward with a wheezing grunt. Wasting no time, she slashed upward with her sword, carving a deep gash across his chest. He howled in pain, clutching the wound as blood seeped through his torn shirt.


    Meanwhile, Nova engaged the third bandit, a wiry man wielding twin daggers. He was fast, darting forward with a flurry of quick slashes meant to overwhelm her. But Nova remained calm, parrying each strike with precision. Steel clashed against steel in rapid succession as she studied his movements, waiting for an opening. When he overextended on his next attack, she twisted to the side, bringing her blade down on his forearm. His dagger clattered to the ground as he cried out in pain. Nova capitalized on the moment, stepping in close and driving her sword straight through his chest. He gasped, eyes widening in shock before collapsing lifelessly at her feet.


    The leader, now the last man standing, snarled as he watched his men fall. "Damn pests!" he roared, gripping his sword with both hands as he charged at Nebula. His strength was undeniable¡ªwhen he swung his blade, it tore through the air with deadly force.


    Nebula barely managed to block in time, the impact sending a sharp vibration through her arms. He was stronger than the others. Much stronger. He pressed down on her sword, attempting to overpower her, but before he could break through her defense, Nova intervened.


    She swept in from the side, slashing at his leg. He twisted at the last second, avoiding a fatal blow, but the edge of her blade still sliced into his thigh. He let out a hiss of pain, momentarily distracted. That was all the time Nebula needed.


    Summoning all her strength, she twisted her body and drove her sword straight through his gut. The bandit leader''s breath hitched, his mouth opening in a silent scream. Blood dribbled from his lips as he staggered backward, dropping his weapon.


    "Bastards..." he wheezed before collapsing onto the forest floor, unmoving.


    Silence filled the clearing. The only sound was the distant rustling of leaves and the quiet, ragged breathing of those left standing.


    Nebula let out a deep exhale, wiping the sweat from her brow. "Well... that was fun," she muttered, trying to shake off the adrenaline.


    Nova chuckled, nudging her with an elbow. "You call that fun? You were struggling with that last guy."


    "Was not."


    "Were too."


    "We can settle this later. For now, let''s focus on them," Nebula said, crossing her arms and turning away.


    Nova smirked but shifted her attention to the maid and the woman behind her. "Are you two alright?"


    "We are, thanks to you," the maid responded, her voice laced with relief. She let out a shaky breath before tossing her bloodied blade aside, pressing a hand to her side. "If you hadn''t shown up when you did, I don''t think I could''ve handled them much longer."


    "Jenny, you''re bleeding!" the girl behind her cried out, her voice filled with concern.


    "It''s just a small wound from when they struck me earlier. I''ll be fine, madam," Jenny reassured her.


    "If you leave it untreated, it won''t be. Here, let me see it," Nebula said, stepping forward.


    She knelt beside Jenny and placed a hand near the wound. A warm, golden glow emanated from her palm as she focused, casting a healing spell. Within seconds, the wound sealed itself, leaving only faint traces of dried blood.


    Jenny glanced down at her side in astonishment, patting the area where the pain had once been. She then looked up at Nebula, eyes full of curiosity.


    "Thank you. The pain is completely gone," she said before pausing. "Forgive me for prying, but... did you just cast that spell without an incantation?"


    Nebula nodded. "Mhm. It took my sister and me ten years to master that. It wasn''t easy."


    "I see," Jenny murmured. "Are you two, by chance, from the mountain range? I''ve heard of wolfkin before, but no one ever really sees them. They tend to keep to themselves in the mountains."


    "Yeah, we actually came from there not too long ago," Nova responded. "We''re heading to the nearest city or town with an adventurers'' guild to sign up."


    Before Jenny could reply, the girl beside her suddenly blurted out, "Can I touch your tail?"


    Jenny gasped in horror. "Alicia! That is incredibly rude! You don''t even know them!"


    Caught off guard, Nova blinked before letting out a small laugh. She held up a hand. "It''s alright, I''m not offended. Just don''t pull on it, okay?" She flicked her tail toward Alicia, who eagerly grabbed hold of it.


    "The rumors were true! They really do keep them soft!" Alicia exclaimed, her fingers running through the fur.


    "I... try to," Nova said, rubbing the back of her head, feeling Nebula''s amused stare on her. She shot her sister a look. "Oh, shove it. My tail''s fluffier than yours anyway."


    "Nova, we''re twins," Nebula reminded her with a smirk.


    "Oh, piss off," Nova huffed, crossing her arms. "Anyway, where are you two heading? We can accompany you back if you want."


    "We would..." Jenny let out a deep sigh as she watched Alicia happily stroking Nova''s tail. "...greatly appreciate it. We can have her father pay you for your services, and perhaps he''ll even recommend you to the guild for helping his daughter and me."


    "I''ll drive the carriage," Nebula offered. "You and Alicia can rest inside."


    "Can she sit with us?" Alicia asked excitedly, looking between Nova and Jenny.


    "Alicia..." Jenny groaned.


    "It''s fine," Nova said, waving her off. "I''m used to this." She smirked at Nova.


    Nebula huffed and turned away.


    Jenny let out a tired sigh but eventually nodded. "If you''re alright with it, then I suppose it''s fine."


    As they climbed into the carriage, Nebula glanced toward the road ahead. "I assume we just follow this path?"


    "That''s correct," Jenny replied. "Keep going until you see a sign pointing toward Lacross."


    "Got it," Nebula said with a small smile.


    With that, the group set off toward Lacross

 Chapter 2

    The journey to Lacross was neither long nor lonely with Alicia and Jenny accompanying them. By the time dawn arrived, they had reached the city''s towering gates.After entering the city, Nova and Nebula escorted Alicia and Jenny to their home, where the two insisted they come inside to meet Alicia¡¯s father and receive their promised reward.  As they rode through the bustling streets, curious onlookers turned their heads, some watching with awe, others with confusion. Eventually they made it to the grand estate.


    The moment they stepped into the grand estate, hurried footsteps echoed down the staircase.


    "Alicia!" A man rushed down the stairs, his expression a mixture of relief and concern. "Thank the gods you¡¯re alright! What took so long?! Jenny, who are these two? Where¡¯s Rayford and the others?" He pulled Alicia into a tight embrace.


    Jenny lowered her head slightly before speaking. "I regret to inform you, Sir Greyward, that Rayford and the others were slain by bandits on our way back from Lord Crawford¡¯s estate. If not for these two stepping in and ambushing the bandits mid-attack, we wouldn¡¯t have made it either."


    Lord Greyward¡¯s face darkened as he processed the news. "Rayford¡­ gone?" He sighed heavily, his hold on Alicia tightening for a brief moment before he looked toward the twins. "I grieve for Rayford, but I know he would take solace in knowing my daughter made it home safely. I cannot express my gratitude enough. Thank you¡ªI don¡¯t know what I would have done if I lost Alicia as well."


    "You don¡¯t need to thank us," Nova responded with a warm smile. "It was only natural to help someone in danger."


    "We were simply in the right place at the right time," Nebula added.


    "Regardless, I owe you both," Lord Greyward said firmly. "My butler, Alabaster, will see to it that you receive your reward."


    Before the conversation could continue, Alicia suddenly perked up. "Dad, could you also provide them with a recommendation to the Adventurers'' Guild?"


    Lord Greyward raised an eyebrow. "The Adventurers'' Guild?" He turned back to Nova and Nebula.


    The twins nodded. "We traveled here to sign up," Nebula explained.


    "I see," he mused. "So that''s why you¡¯ve left the mountain range." He stroked his chin for a moment before giving a firm nod. "Consider it done. With what you¡¯ve accomplished already, I doubt you¡¯ll need to take the entrance exam or pay the registration fee. I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s arranged."


    "That would be greatly appreciated," Nova said with a grateful smile.


    Roughly an hour later, the twins were handed a sealed scroll and a heavy pouch filled with gold. After receiving their reward and thanking Lord Greyward, they bid the family farewell, parting ways with the promise to meet again in the future.


    As they strolled through the city, they took in their surroundings with fascination.


    "Beastfolk, elves, dwarves¡­ Impressive. I was hoping we¡¯d see more diversity here," Nova remarked, eyes scanning the crowded streets.


    "Considering we''ve only ever seen humans and other wolfkin, it¡¯s a refreshing change," Nebula agreed. "I wonder how much a night at the inn will cost."


    "It shouldn¡¯t be too expensive. We¡¯ve got three hundred gold now from Lord Greyward," Nova noted. "Let¡¯s take care of guild registration before anything else, though."


    "Agreed."


    Navigating the city took some time, but after about twenty minutes, they finally arrived at the grand guild hall, its towering structure standing proudly at the city center.


    As Nova and Nebula stepped through the towering wooden doors of the Adventurers'' Guild, they were met with a grand, bustling interior that exuded both elegance and rugged practicality. The spacious hall was illuminated by large iron chandeliers hanging from the high, vaulted ceiling, their warm candlelight casting a golden glow over the polished stone floors. Wooden beams supported the structure, their rich mahogany hues adding a sense of sturdy craftsmanship.


    Rows of long tables filled the main floor, occupied by adventurers of various races and backgrounds. Some were engaged in lively conversations over tankards of ale, while others sat hunched over maps, plotting their next quests. The scent of roasted meat and spiced ale wafted from a counter on the far side, where a barmaid moved swiftly between customers, refilling drinks and delivering plates of steaming food.


    To the left, a massive job board stretched along the wall, pinned with parchment sheets detailing various quests¡ªsome scrawled hastily with ink, others sealed with wax to signify high-value commissions. A few adventurers gathered before it, scanning the postings with intense focus, their hands occasionally darting out to snatch an assignment before someone else could claim it.


    A large, semicircular reception desk stood at the far end of the hall, manned by guild clerks dressed in well-fitted uniforms. Behind them, tall shelves lined with neatly arranged books and scrolls suggested a well-maintained record-keeping system. Occasionally, a clerk would retrieve a ledger, flipping through its pages before addressing the adventurer before them.


    On the right side of the hall, a wide staircase led to the upper levels, where private rooms and training facilities were likely housed. A few adventurers leaned against the railing, chatting while keeping an eye on the scene below. A set of doors further back hinted at armories or storerooms, their heavy iron reinforcements suggesting restricted access.


    The guild hall carried an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie, yet beneath the surface lay a sense of caution¡ªa place where skilled warriors, mages, and rogues alike gathered not just to drink and boast, but to take on dangers that lurked beyond the city''s walls. It was a place of opportunity, risk, and the promise of greatness.


    As Nova and Nebula made their way toward the reception desk at the far end of the hall, a few nearby adventurers shifted their attention from their conversations to the newcomers. Murmurs spread through the crowd, curious glances lingering on the twins before people gradually returned to their own discussions. Though the brief attention was noticeable, it didn¡¯t deter the sisters as they approached the clerk¡¯s desk.


    The receptionist, a young woman with neatly tied hair and a professional demeanor, looked up with a welcoming smile.


    "Oh, hello! How can I assist you today?"


    "We¡¯re here to join the Adventurers'' Guild," Nova stated.


    Nebula nodded enthusiastically. "Mhm!"


    "That¡¯s no problem at all!" The clerk beamed. "I¡¯ll just need you to fill out a few forms, pay the¡ª."


    Before she could continue, Nova reached into her pouch and pulled out a sealed scroll. "Actually, we were told to give you this."


    The clerk took the document, breaking the seal and scanning its contents. Her eyes widened slightly as she read, then she let out a small hum of approval.


    "Oh? A recommendation from Lord Greyward?" She glanced up at them, clearly impressed. "Hmm¡­ Well, that certainly changes things. This will waive both the entrance exam and the registration fee." She smiled warmly.


    "That¡¯s great!" Nova said, exchanging a pleased look with Nebula.


    "That just leaves the paperwork," the clerk continued, pulling out a set of forms. "Please fill out these details, and once completed, I¡¯ll have your guild cards and amulets prepared."


    The twins took the forms and promptly filled them out before handing them back. The process was swift, and within ten minutes, the clerk returned with two small identification cards and a pair of copper amulets, each engraved with their names.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    Gesturing toward the massive job board, the clerk gave them a brief rundown of how quest assignments worked, explaining the ranking system and reward structure. Once the explanation concluded, Nova and Nebula stepped away, making their way toward the board where dozens of quests were pinned in neat rows.


    Scanning the available jobs, their eyes landed on one that caught their interest¡ªa goblin extermination request. Without hesitation, they took the parchment and exchanged a determined glance.


    Their journey as adventurers had officially begun.


    The goblins had been wreaking havoc on a small village near the city, raiding livestock, destroying property, and terrorizing the villagers. The reward for eliminating them and eradicating their nest was 100 silver¡ªa fair sum for dealing with such a nuisance. Though goblins were considered weak monsters, they were still dangerous in groups, making them a threat that couldn''t be ignored.


    With their newly earned gold, Nova and Nebula made a stop at the city''s stables, purchasing a sturdy horse for their travels. The added speed and efficiency of mounted travel allowed them to reach the village within a few hours, arriving with plenty of daylight left to spare.


    Upon arrival, they spoke with the villagers, gathering whatever information they could about the goblin attacks. The creatures had been sighted lurking in the nearby forest, retreating toward a cave beneath an ancient tree whenever they were pursued. With their target location confirmed, the twins wasted no time in setting off.


    After navigating through the dense woodland, they finally spotted their destination¡ªa dark, gaping cave nestled beneath the roots of a massive tree.


    "There!" Nova pointed toward the entrance.


    "Finally," Nebula muttered, cracking her knuckles. "Let''s get rid of these things."


    Without hesitation, they unsheathed their swords and stepped into the shadows, ready to cleanse the goblin infestation.


    As Nova and Nebula stepped into the cave, the damp air carried the unmistakable scent of rot and filth. The walls were jagged and uneven, covered in moss and grime, while the ground beneath them was damp, making every step feel slightly unstable. The only source of light was the faint glow from the cave''s entrance, but as they ventured deeper, the darkness thickened around them.


    Nebula raised her hand, channeling a small amount of mana. A soft golden light pulsed at her fingertips before forming into a dim floating orb that hovered above them, casting flickering shadows along the walls. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to navigate.


    The deeper they went, the louder the sounds of the goblins became¡ªlow growls, chattering laughter, and the occasional clatter of bones. The stench intensified, and ahead, the tunnel split into two paths.


    Nova crouched down, examining the ground. "Tracks lead both ways," she murmured.


    Nebula exhaled sharply. "Figures. They probably have more than one chamber."


    Choosing the right path, they pressed forward with their weapons drawn. The tunnel opened into a small cavern, where the first group of goblins loitered. There were five of them¡ªsmall, hunched creatures with sickly green skin, beady red eyes, and jagged teeth. They gnawed on bones, likely from stolen livestock, and clutched crude weapons¡ªrusted daggers, makeshift clubs, and splintered spears.


    One goblin sniffed the air, its eyes darting toward the twins. It let out a high-pitched shriek, alerting the others.


    The fight had begun.


    Nova dashed forward first, her sword cutting through the air as she aimed for the nearest goblin. The creature raised its dagger to block, but she was faster¡ªher blade sliced through its arm, severing the limb entirely. It shrieked in agony before she followed up with a clean thrust through its chest.


    Nebula, meanwhile, swung her sword in a wide arc, forcing two goblins to back away. With a quick step, she kicked one in the stomach, sending it stumbling backward. The other lunged at her with its spear, aiming for her torso. She barely managed to twist out of the way, the tip grazing her armor. Annoyed, she extended her free hand, channeling mana into her palm. A small bolt of lightning sparked to life before shooting forward, striking the goblin¡¯s chest. The force sent it flying into the cave wall, convulsing violently before going limp.


    The remaining goblins hesitated for a moment before charging again. One rushed at Nova from behind, dagger raised, but before it could strike, she flicked her fingers, conjuring a burst of wind that sent the creature tumbling forward. As it scrambled to its feet, she swiftly drove her sword into its skull.


    Nebula faced the last goblin, which attempted to flee after witnessing the slaughter of its kin. With a flick of her wrist, she conjured a small flame at her fingertips and launched it forward. The fireball struck the goblin¡¯s back, igniting its ragged clothing. It shrieked and thrashed in agony before collapsing to the ground, motionless.


    Nova wiped her blade on a torn goblin tunic. "Not bad," she said.


    Nebula cracked her knuckles. "Let''s keep moving."


    Following the winding tunnel deeper into the cave, the twins remained on guard. The air grew heavier, and the sounds of goblins became louder. When they finally reached the main chamber, they found themselves staring at a much larger nest.


    A horde of goblins¡ªat least fifteen¡ªlurked within the cavern, huddled around a central fire pit. At the far end of the chamber, a larger goblin, standing nearly twice the size of the others, loomed over the group. Unlike its lesser kin, this one was bulkier, with crude armor made from scavenged metal. A jagged iron axe rested against its shoulder.


    The goblins turned their heads as the twins entered.


    For a moment, silence.


    Then¡ªchaos.


    The horde let out blood curdling shrieks and charged in unison.


    Nova took the offensive, slashing through the first goblin that came too close. Another lunged at her, but she swiftly ducked and countered with a powerful upward strike, cutting the creature down. When three more rushed in at once, she focused her mana, summoning a burst of wind that sent them tumbling back, giving her time to reposition.


    Nebula, meanwhile, stood her ground as several goblins swarmed her at once. She exhaled sharply, channeling magic into her blade, causing it to glow faintly. With a powerful swing, she released a shockwave of energy, sending two goblins flying backward. Another came at her with a rusted club, but before it could strike, she extended her free hand, summoning another lightning bolt that struck it directly in the chest, dropping it instantly.


    The goblin brute growled in fury, gripping its axe tightly before stomping toward them. It swung with terrifying force, its blade crashing against the stone floor where Nova had stood mere moments ago. She barely evaded, feeling the impact rattle through her bones.


    Nebula seized the opportunity and dashed behind the brute, slashing at the exposed back of its knee. The creature roared in pain but did not fall. Instead, it twisted and swung its arm, catching her in the ribs and sending her skidding across the floor.


    "You''re a tough one," Nova muttered, tightening her grip on her sword.


    The brute raised its axe again, but this time, Nova and Nebula moved in tandem. Nova dashed forward, distracting it with a flurry of rapid strikes, forcing it to defend itself. Nebula took advantage of the opening and conjured a ball of fire, hurling it at the brute¡¯s face. The flames engulfed its head, causing it to let out an agonized scream.


    As the brute staggered, Nova didn¡¯t hesitate. She leaped forward, driving her sword deep into its throat. The beast let out a gurgling growl before collapsing to the ground with a heavy thud.


    The remaining goblins, seeing their leader fall, panicked. Some tried to flee, but they quickly cut them down before they could escape.


    Silence fell over the cavern.


    Panting, Nebula wiped her blade clean, scanning the aftermath. "That was a bit more intense than I expected," she admitted.


    Nova cracked her neck, smirking. "Told you it wouldn¡¯t be easy."


    With the goblin nest eradicated, Nova and Nebula took a moment to steady their breathing, scanning the chamber for anything of value. Their eyes quickly landed on a narrow tunnel at the far end of the cavern, partially concealed by jagged rocks.


    Curious, they approached cautiously, slipping through the passageway and emerging into a smaller chamber. Inside, they found a handful of tattered bags filled with silver and copper coins, along with an assortment of rusted weapons¡ªlikely stolen from travelers or taken from the village during past raids.


    The twins exchanged a glance.


    "We should return this to the village," Nova suggested.


    Nebula nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it probably belongs to them."


    "Alright, let¡¯s gather what we can," Nova said, bending down to collect the bags. "After that, we¡¯ll burn this place to the ground."


    Working quickly, they secured the stolen loot before turning their attention to the cavern itself. Using their limited fire magic, they ignited the goblins'' makeshift bedding and supplies, setting the chamber ablaze. As the flames spread, the two of them moved toward the entrance, channeling bursts of magic to weaken the cave walls. Small tremors shook the ground as they struck at the stone, triggering a partial collapse.


    By the time they stepped back into the open air, the goblin den was nothing more than a smoldering ruin, buried beneath tons of rubble.


    Their mission was complete.

 Chapter 3

    Upon returning to the village, the twins ensured that the stolen gold and any salvageable items were returned to their rightful owners. They also took the time to inform the villagers about the goblin threat. With their task complete, it was time to head back to the city and claim their reward.


    As they walked, Nova tilted her head back, gazing at the sky. The sun was beginning to dip below the horizon, casting warm hues of orange and purple across the clouds. She let out a quiet sigh, drawing Nebula¡¯s attention.


    "Something on your mind?" Nebula asked.


    Nova hesitated before speaking. "It¡¯s just¡­ weird, you know? We had a life before this. It ended. Now we¡¯re here. We had another mom, we grew up with her, we loved her¡ªand then we lost her, too. I don¡¯t know¡­ It¡¯s hard to put into words. It just feels¡­ strange." She turned to look at her sister.


    Nebula nodded in understanding. "I get where you¡¯re coming from. But you know what? At least we got another chance. Back in our old life, we barely made it past twenty-one. We didn¡¯t really get to live. Now, we¡¯re in a whole fantasy world, Nova. We have magic. We have goblins, orcs¡ªhell, remember that dragon we saw? And back then¡­ we didn¡¯t have family. No one who actually cared. But here? We have an entire village that loves us, supports us, and wants us to succeed." A small smile tugged at her lips.


    Nova chuckled softly. "Yeah, you¡¯re right. Being able to shoot fireballs from my palm is way better than sitting in front of a computer all day."


    "Exactly," Nebula said, wrapping her arms around Nova from behind in a warm embrace. "So let¡¯s focus on the future. Who knows if this is our final life, or if we¡¯ll start over again somewhere else?"


    "Right," Nova agreed, shaking off the melancholy. "Well then, let¡¯s change the subject. What¡¯s the next quest we should take when we get back?"


    "I saw something about orcs. Maybe we should try that one?" Nebula suggested.


    "That was a bronze-rank quest, wasn¡¯t it? You think they¡¯ll even let us take it?" Nova asked, keeping her gaze ahead.


    "If I remember correctly, they will¡ªif we form a party with someone higher ranked," Nebula replied.


    Nova smirked. "Looks like we¡¯ll need to find ourselves a strong ally, then."


    Nova and Nebula arrived back in the city just as night fell, the sky a deep indigo scattered with stars. The city guards, recognizing the amulets hanging around their necks, let them pass without issue. Before heading to the guild hall, they stabled their horse, taking their time as they made their way through the dimly lit streets.


    When they stepped into the Adventurers¡¯ Guild, they found the hall still lively, though not as crowded as during the day. A handful of adventurers lingered at tables, sharing drinks and exchanging stories of their latest quests. At the front desk, they noticed a different guild clerk¡ªa man this time¡ªsmiling warmly as they approached.


    "Hello there!~ How can I assist you on this fine evening?" he greeted cheerfully.


    "We''re here to turn in the goblin extermination quest for the nearby village," Nova said, handing over the quest paper, its completion stamp clearly visible. "We¡¯re also looking to take on another mission."


    The clerk took the paper, quickly verifying it before nodding in approval. "Alright! Here¡¯s your reward. Feel free to take your time choosing your next quest," he said with a friendly grin as he slid a small pouch of coins across the counter.


    With a nod of thanks, the sisters turned toward the quest board, scanning the various listings pinned to the wooden surface. There were several copper-level quests available:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">A noblewoman needed help finding her lost cat.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Giant rats had infested the city¡¯s sewer system.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The local clinic required herbs to restock their medicine supplies.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">The city drains needed cleaning.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">A bear had been preying on livestock in a nearby settlement.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">A pack of wolves was interfering with trade caravans.</li>


    </ul>


    Nebula folded her arms and sighed. "I know I suggested the orc quest, but maybe we should knock a few of these out first. We could use some extra coin¡ªand who knows? Maybe we¡¯ll rank up after." She glanced at her sister.


    Nova smirked. "Second thoughts?" she teased.


    "Shut up," Nebula muttered, looking away.


    Nova chuckled, then turned back to the board. "Well, from the looks of it, the herb-gathering quest and wolf extermination are close together. The bear problem is a little farther out, but we could tackle it afterward. Then one of us can take care of the drain while we look for the cat¡­We can take care of the rats last." She pulled the respective quest papers from the board.


    "Sounds like a plan. We¡¯ll take care of them first thing tomorrow," Nebula agreed, rubbing her eyes.


    With their next objectives set, the two headed for an inn, seeking rest before another day of work.


    <hr>


    Elsewhere in the City


    Inside a dimly lit chamber overlooking the city, a man sat by a grand window, his hands clasped together in thought, legs crossed as he gazed at the world beyond. The soft flicker of candlelight illuminated the finely furnished room¡ªdark oak furniture, crimson drapes, and golden embellishments marking it as a place of wealth and influence.


    A quiet knock broke the silence before a butler entered, pushing a cart laden with fine porcelain teacups and neatly stacked papers. He gave a respectful bow before stepping forward, placing a selection of delicacies and documents onto the desk.


    The seated man turned his attention to him. "Did they agree to the terms?" he asked, his voice calm but laced with expectation.


    The butler gave a slight nod. "Yes, sir. They agreed to bring them in alive."


    A slow grin spread across the nobleman''s face. "Good. It¡¯s not every day wolfkin come around. They should fetch a high price¡­ assuming I don¡¯t keep them for myself."


    The butler remained impassive as he poured a fresh cup of tea. "Were the elves not sufficient, sir?"


    The man scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. "Eh. They lose their value after a while."


    The butler inclined his head. "Shall I arrange for them to be sold, then?"


    "If you can pass them off as unspoiled maidens, we¡¯ll make more money," the nobleman mused, flipping through the stack of documents before him.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    "I will do my best," the butler responded with a measured bow before silently exiting the room.


    As the door clicked shut behind him, the nobleman leaned back in his chair, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips.


    ¡°Finally, some new toys..¡±


    The next morning, Nova and Nebula made their way to the clinic before setting out on their quest. Before venturing into the wild, they wanted to familiarize themselves with the herbs they needed to collect¡ªexamining their shapes, textures, and scents to ensure they could identify them quickly in the field. After a brief but informative session with the clinic¡¯s healer, they thanked her and departed, heading toward the designated gathering area just outside the city.


    Fortunately, their destination wasn¡¯t far, and with the morning sun still hanging low in the sky, they arrived with plenty of daylight to spare. Their task was twofold: to gather specific medicinal herbs and to eliminate a pack of wolves that had been interfering with the local trade routes.


    Their primary targets were three types of plants:


    <ul>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Cyro Berries, a deep blue fruit used for mana restoration.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Elven Ears, a delicate, silvery-leafed herb prized for its healing properties.</li>


    <li style="font-weight: 400">Nightspheres, the rarest and most difficult to find¡ªshadowy, violet flowers capable of crafting potions that restore fatigue, mana, and health in a single dose.</li>


    </ul>


    With their objectives clear, the twins ventured into the forest, keeping their senses sharp for both herbs and predators. The deeper they went, the more the wildlife thickened the area.


    After some time, Nova and Nebula stumbled upon a patch of Cyro Berries and Elven Ears growing close to each other. Wasting no time, they crouched down and carefully picked as much as they could, ensuring they left enough behind for the plants to regrow.


    The Nightspheres, however, were a different matter. They were said to grow deeper in the forest, their blossoms only fully blooming after a good rainfall. With the dry spell lingering, finding them would be difficult, but not impossible¡ªif they couldn¡¯t rely on sight, they could at least track them by their distinct, faintly sweet scent.


    With their gathered herbs secured, the twins pressed further into the forest¡¯s depths, keeping their senses sharp for movement. As they moved between the thick underbrush, Nova¡¯s ears twitched. A sound¡ªlow growls, the shuffle of paws against fallen leaves, and the sound of people shouting.


    She exchanged a glance with Nebula. Wolves.


    And not just a few. The sounds of battle were clear. Someone else had taken the wolf extermination quest, and from the ferocity of the fight, they might be in trouble. Without hesitation, the twins picked up their pace, heading toward the commotion.


    When they emerged into a small clearing, they found two men encircled by at least twenty wolves.


    The first was a purple-haired elf with piercing red eyes, clad in mage¡¯s robes, a staff in hand as he channeled a flickering aura of energy. Beside him, a blue-haired man, also with red eyes, stood firm in heavy armor, his shield raised defensively. His stance and movements were disciplined¡ªclearly a knight or warrior of some kind. Seeing his well-crafted armor, Nova and Nebula were reminded that they still needed to buy their own.


    Nova smirked and called out, "Need a hand?"


    The blue-haired knight turned his head slightly, still keeping his shield up. "I¡¯d be insane to say no! These bastards really know how to lay a trap!"


    Nebula flicked her gaze toward the elf. "Split the reward?"


    The purple-haired mage barely spared them a glance as he loosed another bolt of magic. "Sounds fair!" he shouted over the chaos.


    The twins grinned, drawing their weapons as they prepared to even the odds.


    Nova and Nebula drew their weapons as they stepped forward, their bodies already moving into a practiced battle stance. The wolves¡ªlean, snarling beasts with thick, black matted fur¡ªcircled the four of them, their glowing purple eyes filled with an eerie intelligence. The sheer number of them made it clear: this was not just a random attack. This was an ambush.


    A coordinated hunt.


    The blue-haired knight tightened his grip on his shield, his stance steady despite the tension in his voice. ¡°Be careful, these aren¡¯t ordinary wolves. They¡¯re working together like a damn army.¡±


    The purple-haired elf beside him scowled, his staff pulsing with barely restrained energy. ¡°I¡¯d cast a larger spell, but there¡¯s too many of them. I¡¯d risk hitting you all if I do anything big.¡±


    ¡°Then we take them down one by one,¡± Nebula said, flipping her sword into a reverse grip. She locked eyes with Nova. ¡°You take left, I take right?¡±


    Nova smirked. ¡°Like always.¡±


    The wolves lunged at once.


    Two of them came straight for Nova, their jaws snapping as they pounced with terrifying speed. She reacted instantly, ducking low beneath the first wolf and slashing upwards, her blade slicing clean through its soft underbelly. The beast yelped in pain, crashing to the ground, but the second wolf was already closing in.


    Before she could fully recover, the second wolf leaped at her. She twisted her body, bringing her arm up in an attempt to block, but before the wolf could reach her, an arc of violet energy slammed into its side. The creature was thrown back, its body writhing with magical sparks before it hit the ground, twitching violently.


    Nova turned her head and saw the purple-haired elf lowering his staff, his red eyes gleaming with power. ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± he muttered.


    Meanwhile, Nebula was dealing with her own set of problems. Three wolves had targeted her, their coordinated movements forcing her to stay on the defensive. She dodged to the side as one of them lunged for her throat, her sword flashing as she carved deep into its shoulder. The second wolf tried to flank her, but she pivoted sharply, kicking it in the ribs, sending it sprawling across the dirt.


    The third, however, was patient. It waited for the perfect moment¡ªthen lunged.


    Nebula barely had time to react. The wolf crashed into her, its claws raking against her arm as she fell backward. She twisted midair, using the wolf¡¯s own momentum to roll with the attack, forcing her blade up beneath its ribs just as they hit the ground. The beast let out a strangled yelp before going still.


    Nebula exhaled sharply, shoving the lifeless body off of her before pushing herself to her feet.


    "You''re getting slow," Nova teased from the side, already engaging another wolf.


    Nebula scoffed. "Shut up and keep fighting."


    The blue-haired knight was in the thick of it, holding his ground against four wolves at once. He swung his sword in powerful, calculated arcs, using his shield to block their lunges. One wolf leapt at him from the side, aiming for his exposed flank¡ªbut he shifted his stance, bashing it aside with his shield, sending it rolling across the ground.


    Before it could recover, he drove his sword straight into its chest, his strength pinning it to the earth as he twisted the blade and yanked it free. Blood splattered across his armor, but he didn¡¯t hesitate. Another wolf came from behind¡ªhe pivoted and slammed his shield into its skull with enough force to crack bone. The beast let out a strangled whimper before collapsing.


    His breathing was heavy, but his grip never wavered.


    "That was impressive!¡±  Nova called, glancing his way.


    "Thanks!" he replied, dodging another strike.


    The purple-haired elf had been holding back, carefully avoiding the risk of friendly fire¡ªbut as the wolves kept coming, he made a decision. Stepping forward, he raised his staff high, the gems embedded in it glowing violently.


    ¡°Stay back!¡± he shouted.


    The temperature around him dropped instantly.


    With a sharp incantation, spires of ice erupted from the ground, impaling several wolves in an instant. A freezing mist rolled through the clearing, and the remaining wolves yelped in fear, their breath visible in the sudden chill. The moment of hesitation was all the group needed.


    Nova and Nebula struck in unison, their blades flashing as they cut down the last few wolves that hadn¡¯t fled. The knight finished off the final straggler with a well-placed thrust, driving his sword through its heart.


    Silence fell over the battlefield. The only sounds were their heavy breaths and the distant rustling of the forest.


    Nova wiped the blood from her blade, exhaling. "That was more than I expected."


    Nebula rolled her shoulder. "Same. You think we got all of them?"


    The knight sheathed his sword. "Doubt it. A pack this large? There¡¯s probably a few more out there. But I think we¡¯ve broken their formation. They won¡¯t be much of a problem now."


    The purple-haired mage leaned against his staff, his red eyes flickering in amusement. "That was¡­ exhilarating," he admitted. "You two fight well. What are your names?"


    "Nova," she said, sheathing her blade.


    "Nebula," her sister added.


    The knight nodded. "Sevarus."


    "And I¡¯m Everah," the mage introduced himself, flashing a small smirk.


    There was a brief pause before Nebula spoke. "Well¡­ now that we¡¯re done with the life-or-death situation, let¡¯s talk about the important thing¡ªsplitting the reward and skinning these creatures."


    Everah let out a laugh. "Straight to business, huh? I like that."


    Sevarus chuckled, shaking his head. "Fair enough. Let¡¯s get these skinned up and divide them.¡±


    With the wolves defeated, their task was complete. But something about this fight nagged at Nova''s mind.


    Why had the wolves been so organized?  Wolves didn¡¯t typically set traps¡ªthis was something else.


    Something unnatural.


    She pushed the thought aside for now. They could deal with that later.

 Chapter 4

    It took the four of them about an hour to skin the fallen wolves, carefully stripping away the valuable pelts. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood and the earthy aroma of the forest, but they worked efficiently, their blades moving with practiced ease.


    Once they had finished, they divided the pelts evenly.


    ¡°And there we go. Ten each,¡± Severus announced, tying his bundle securely.


    Nova slung her own share over her shoulder, adjusting the weight.


    ¡°You two heading back to the guild, then?¡± Everah asked, brushing stray strands of purple hair from his face.


    ¡°Mhm,¡± Nova nodded. ¡°We took on a few more quests in the city¡ªfinding a missing cat, dealing with the rats in the sewers, and that bear problem from earlier.¡±


    Severus raised an eyebrow. ¡°You two are busy.¡± Then, after a brief pause, he added, ¡°What do you think about forming a party? Everah and I have been looking for more members so we can take on bigger quests and earn more coin.¡±


    Nebula glanced between them, arms crossed. ¡°You guys are bronze-ranked, aren¡¯t you? Why would you want to party up with copper ranks?¡±


    Everah let out a short laugh. ¡°Rank has nothing to do with talent. A royal knight could start at copper if they joined the guild late. Experience is what matters.¡±


    Nova smirked slightly. ¡°Funny you should mention that. We were actually looking for bronze-ranked party members.¡±


    Severus grinned. ¡°You were? Well, that works out perfectly! So what do you say? Team up?¡±


    Nova exchanged a glance with Nebula.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not,¡± she said.


    Nebula shrugged, smiling. ¡°If you¡¯re cool with it, I¡¯m in.¡±


    ¡°Awesome.¡± Severus extended a fist toward them. ¡°Let¡¯s head back to the guild, make this official, and then knock out those quests before you get hit with a penalty fee.¡±


    Nova and Nebula bumped fists with them, sealing the agreement.


    ¡°We have to find some nightspheres first for the herb quest.¡± Nova told him.


    ¡°Ah, we can help you if you¡¯d like. Shouldn¡¯t take long, I heard they sprout near the center.¡± Severus spoke.


    ¡°They do, but only during the rain.¡± Nebula told him.


    ¡°We should be fine finding them, come on let''s go.¡± Nova motioned as she started walking.


    High above the clearing, hidden in the dense canopy, a cloaked figure crouched on a thick branch, watching them with a distinct frown beneath his hood.


    He had expected the wolves to kill them, perhaps injure them, but instead¡­ they had been wiped out.


    Silently, he moved. Tree to tree, his form barely a blur against the bright daylight filtering through the leaves as he made his way back to the city. Upon reaching the noble''s estate, he slipped through a high window, landing soundlessly inside the grand halls.


    His footsteps carried him to the study, where the noble sat behind an ornate desk, flipping through papers, the sunlight streaming through the large windows casting sharp shadows across his face.


    "Lucas, the wolves have been taken out by a group of adventurers. The wolfkin twins you were after were among them," the cloaked man reported, his voice low and measured.


    Lucas exhaled through his nose, leaning back in his chair. "So Rachel was right after all¡­" He tapped his fingers against the armrest, deep in thought. "Fine. Tell her I''ll wait this time. The experiments should be completed before we move forward, not rushed. I was a fool. That means stealing shipments will have to wait as well."


    The cloaked man shifted slightly. "That will cost you. Rachel needs more materials, and you still haven¡¯t paid us in full for capturing those two mutts."


    Lucas let out a quiet chuckle, pushing himself up from his seat. "Ah, yes. Almost forgot."


    He strode toward a large painting hanging on the far wall. With a smooth motion, he pulled it aside, revealing a hidden safe embedded into the stone. He turned the lock with practiced ease and retrieved a pouch of gold coins, tossing it carelessly toward the cloaked man. "Here. That should cover it."


    The man caught the pouch with ease, feeling its weight before stowing it away. "When do you want us to take the girls?"


    Lucas grinned, a wicked glint in his eyes. "Whenever it¡¯s most convenient for you. But the sooner, the better¡ªI¡¯m itching to have some fun with them."


    The cloaked man remained impassive. "If they resist or escape, do we have permission to maim them?"


    Lucas waved a dismissive hand. "Do your best not to damage them. But if killing them is the only way to keep them from slipping away, then¡­ do what you must. We can¡¯t have loose ends."


    The cloaked man gave a small nod. "Understood. We¡¯ll handle it."


    With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Lucas to his twisted thoughts.


    ¡°I will leave this town in ash when I am done and head to the next one.¡± Lucas mumbled to himself.


    The party finally made it back to the city, heading straight for the guild to claim their rewards and register their party. As they stepped inside, the hall was noticeably busier than usual, filled with adventurers returning from their quests, sharing stories, and collecting their payments.


    When they approached the front desk, they were greeted by the same cheerful receptionist who had helped them before. She greeted them with a bright, welcoming smile.


    "Gooood morning!~ How can I help you four today?" she chimed.


    "We¡¯re here to turn in some quests and register our party," Nova said, placing the completed quest sheets on the counter.


    Severus smirked and tossed a bundle of wolf pelts onto the desk. "The trade route should be safe for now¡ªat least until people let the wolves repopulate again."


    Nebula held up a satchel. "And we gathered the herbs for the clinic. We¡¯ll drop them off on our way out."


    The receptionist nodded, quickly marking the quests as complete before handing them their rewards. "Wolves and herbs, got it! Just make sure to take those herbs to the clinic, alright?" she reminded them with a wink.


    "We will, don¡¯t worry," Nova assured her.


    Nebula stretched, adjusting her pack. "Alright, let¡¯s keep moving. It¡¯s already noon, and we¡¯ve still got two more quests to finish today¡ªand one lined up for tomorrow."


    The receptionist tilted her head. "Wait¡ªyou mentioned forming a party, right?"


    Nebula blinked before chuckling. "Oh, right. Almost forgot about that."


    The receptionist pulled out a registration sheet and quill. "What¡¯s your party name going to be?"


    The four of them exchanged glances, taking a moment to think.


    After a brief silence, Nova smirked. "How about The Crimson Blades? We all have red eyes, and we carry swords. It fits."


    Severus scratched his chin. "That does have a nice ring to it."


    Everah¡¯s gaze flicked between them before he chuckled. "Now that you mention it, we all do have red eyes, don¡¯t we? But yeah, I like it. I¡¯m in."


    Nebula smiled. "Sounds good to me. It fits us perfectly."


    Nova nodded. "Then it¡¯s settled¡ªThe Crimson Blades."


    The receptionist beamed. "Great!~ I¡¯ll get your registration finalized. Give me just a moment, and your party will be official!"


    With their party registration finalized, the four set out to complete their two remaining city-based quests. Splitting up to cover more ground, Nova and Severus took on the task of finding the missing cat, while Everah and Nebula handled cleaning the water drains.


    For the cat search, Nova and Severus began at its last known location¡ªthe Northern District, home to nobles and the well-off. As they walked through the pristine streets, Nova noticed the lingering stares directed at her, no doubt due to her wolfkin heritage. But she paid them no mind, keeping her focus on the job.


    It took nearly an hour of searching before they finally spotted the cat¡ªa small, scruffy-looking thing¡ªtucked away in an alley. Unfortunately, catching it was another matter entirely.


    What followed was an exhausting chase through narrow alleyways, over crates, and even through a shop at one point before they finally managed to corner and capture the little menace.


    Meanwhile, Everah and Nebula made a quick stop at the clinic, delivering the herbs they had gathered earlier. The healers thanked them profusely, expressing their gratitude for the much-needed ingredients.


    With that errand out of the way, they moved on to their second task¡ªcleaning out the city¡¯s clogged water drains. Thanks to Everah¡¯s knowledge of magic, the job was done in less than thirty minutes, making it far easier than they had expected.


    Once finished, they returned to the guild hall to wait for Nova and Severus.


    When Nova and Severus finally arrived, Nebula immediately noticed the fresh scratches covering Severus¡¯ face. His usual confident expression was replaced by an annoyed scowl.


    Everah raised an amused brow. ¡°Cat not a fan of you?¡±


    Severus shot him a glare. ¡°Shut it. You know damn well animals don¡¯t like me.¡±


    Nova let out a tired sigh, rubbing a sore spot on her arm. ¡°That thing was a menace. Didn¡¯t want to get caught and clawed us to hell and back. But, we got it in the end.¡±


    Nebula smirked. ¡°Sounds like a real challenge.¡±


    Nova crossed her arms. ¡°I assume you two are done? Ready to deal with the sewer rats?¡±


    Nebula made a disgusted face. "If you''re asking if I''m ready¡ªabsolutely not. I do NOT want to go down into the sewers."


    "I don¡¯t either," Nova admitted, "but if we want to rank up, we have to finish as many quests as we can."


    Nebula groaned. "I know, I know¡­ but gods, it reeks down there!"


    Severus chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t you two have a heightened sense of smell?¡±


    Nova let out a defeated sigh. "Unfortunately, yes. So, you¡¯ll probably get to watch us gag until we get used to it."


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Severus smirked. "Well, at least you won¡¯t need a bag."


    Nebula shot him a look, unimpressed. "Oh, how comforting."


    Everah stretched. ¡°No point in stalling. The sooner we get it done, the sooner we can get out of there.¡±


    Nebula sighed heavily but finally pushed herself up from her seat. "Fine. Let¡¯s just get this over with.¡±


    As Nova, Nebula, Severus, and Everah descended into the sewers, the thick, humid air carried the scent of rot, mold, and something far worse. The tunnels stretched ahead in damp, winding corridors, the faint trickle of water echoing off the stone walls.


    Nova gagged. ¡°Gods, this is worse than I expected.¡±


    Nebula coughed, pinching her nose. ¡°This is an actual crime against my nose.¡±


    Severus, unfazed, unsheathed his sword. ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to suffer a little longer, princess. I doubt the rats care about how bad they smell.¡±


    Everah smirked, eyes scanning the dark tunnel ahead, where movement stirred in the shadows. ¡°Speaking of which¡­ we¡¯re not alone.¡±


    A low, guttural screech echoed through the sewers, followed by the distinct sound of skittering claws against stone.


    From the darkness, ten giant rats emerged, their beady, glowing red eyes fixed on them, sharp yellowed fangs bared as they let out hungry chittering sounds. They were the size of dogs, their diseased fur patchy and matted, their long, whip-like tails slithering across the floor.


    "I''ve never seen rats this big before... That''s just disgusting." Nova grimaced, her ears twitching in revulsion.


    "I feel like I¡¯m going to need a trip to the clinic after this..." Nebula sighed, already regretting their decision.


    Severus smirked, unsheathing his sword as he stepped forward. "Oh, come on. Don¡¯t chicken out now."


    Nova shot him a glare. "Oh, piss off." But despite her complaint, she was already charging in after him.


    "I¡¯ll provide support!" Everah called out, raising his hands, energy crackling at his fingertips. "Just try not to get bit!"


    Nebula groaned, tightening her grip on her sword as she watched them rush ahead. "I¡¯m going to regret this¡­" she muttered before taking off after them, falling into step with the rest of the party.


    Severus met them head-on, his sword flashing as he stepped forward, swinging in broad, heavy arcs.


    The first rat came in low, trying to latch onto his leg, but he was already moving. He stomped down, his armored boot crunching through its skull, sending bone fragments and brain matter splattering across the filthy stone floor.


    Another lunged for his side, fangs bared.


    He twisted sharply, his sword coming down hard, severing the beast clean in half. Its lower body spasmed, guts spilling onto the floor, mixing with the filth and murky sewer water.


    A third rat leapt onto his shoulder, claws digging into his armor as it tried to reach his throat.


    Severus snarled. He grabbed it by the scruff of its matted fur and hurled it into the wall with all his strength. The sickening crack of bones echoed through the tunnel before the lifeless body slid into the muck.


    One rat rushed Nova, its jaws snapping toward her arm.


    She let it get close¡ªtoo close¡ªbefore stepping aside, her blade flashing. She sliced through its front legs, sending it collapsing onto the floor, screeching and thrashing.


    A moment later, she thrust her palm forward, and flames erupted from her fingertips.


    The rat burst into flames, its flesh crackling and melting, filling the tunnel with the stench of burnt hair and rotting meat. Its screeches turned to gurgles before it finally stilled, its charred body collapsing into a smoking husk.


    Another charged her from the side, leaping toward her torso.


    She spun, slashing mid-air, her sword tearing through its belly, sending intestines spilling onto the wet stone as the beast collapsed in a heap.


    Then she felt claws scraping at her back.


    Damn it.


    She turned just in time to see another rat latching onto her shoulder, teeth sinking into her armor, trying to tear through to the flesh beneath.


    A pulse of heat surged through her veins.


    With a growl, she grabbed its face, ignoring the rancid saliva dripping onto her hand, and unleashed a surge of fire directly into its skull.


    The flames cooked through its head instantly, eyes boiling and bursting as it let out a final shriek before turning to ash in her grip.


    She shoved the charred remains off her and whirled around to look over at Nebula.


    Nebula had two rats on her¡ªone snapping at her legs, the other circling her left side, looking for an opening.


    She exhaled sharply.


    In one fluid movement, she sidestepped the first one¡¯s lunge, bringing her sword down in a brutal arc, cleaving through its spinal cord. The body twitched violently before going still, but she was already moving.


    The second rat lunged, but before it could reach her, she twisted her fingers, and a pulse of frost spread across the ground beneath it.


    Its paws slipped on the ice, and in that split-second of vulnerability, she lashed out, driving her blade straight through its open maw, piercing the back of its skull.


    It went limp instantly, blood and frozen flesh coating her weapon.


    Another rat sprang from the side, but she simply raised her palm, her fingers curling as a spike of ice shot from her fingertips, impaling the creature through the chest.


    Its corpse hit the floor, frozen stiff.


    She turned toward Nova. ¡°You good?¡±


    Nova smirked. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m doing fine.¡±


    They both turned toward the remaining three rats¡ªbut before they could react, Everah struck.


    While his team fought up close, Everah stood back, calculating, waiting for the perfect moment.


    His fingers sparked, the air around him humming with power as he gathered energy.


    The moment the last three lunged forward¡ªhe struck.


    A single bolt of lightning shot from his fingertips, but it didn¡¯t stop at the first rat.


    It jumped¡ªarcing between the three beasts in a chain reaction.


    The rats convulsed violently, their bodies locking up as electricity burned through their nervous systems, their fur catching fire from the sheer force of the spell.


    They twitched.


    They smoked.


    Then they collapsed, their lifeless, charred corpses falling into the sludge.


    Everah let out a slow breath, flexing his fingers as the static energy faded from his skin. "Well, that was disgusting."


    The sewer was silent once more, save for the dripping of water and the stench of blood and burning fur.


    Nebula wiped blood from her blade, her face twisted in revulsion. "I need a bath. Immediately."


    Nova sheathed her sword, shaking rat guts off her glove. "Seconded."


    Severus stepped over a smoldering corpse, rolling his shoulders. "That was nasty, but at least it was quick."


    Everah adjusted his coat, kicking a still-smoking carcass with his boot. "Disgusting, but efficient."


    Nebula let out a long, suffering groan. "I swear, if our next quest involves more filth, I¡¯m quitting adventuring and becoming a merchant."


    Nova smirked. "Oh, please. You¡¯d die of boredom."


    Nebula scoffed, looking away. "Fuck you..." she muttered before sighing. "But you¡¯re right."


    Nova chuckled, stretching her arms as she turned toward the tunnel exit. "Alright, let¡¯s get out of here. I need a bath before this filth permanently seeps into my soul."


    As they started walking, Severus glanced at Nova, his expression unreadable. "Your swordwork could use a little refining."


    Nova raised a brow. "Oh? I thought I was doing just fine hacking apart rats."


    Severus smirked. "You¡¯re good at fighting animals, sure. But what about bandits? Monsters are predictable¡ªpeople aren¡¯t. Have you ever been in a real fight against someone with actual skill?"


    Nova shrugged. "We¡¯ve fought bandits and people a few times, but most of our experience has been with monsters. I wouldn¡¯t mind some training after we finish the bear quest tomorrow, if you¡¯re up for it."


    Severus nodded approvingly. "I¡¯ve had my fair share of fights against bandits. I wouldn¡¯t call myself a master, but I can hold my own. I¡¯ve also got a few martial techniques I can show you¡ªmight help balance out your swordplay."


    Nova smirked. "I¡¯m all for getting better at stabbing things."


    Meanwhile, Nebula turned toward Everah. "Think you could teach me a bit more about magic?"


    Everah grinned. "Yeah, I¡¯ve got a few spells you might like. You two already handle magic well, but I can show you how to control it better in combat."


    Severus glanced between them. "So we¡¯re all training tomorrow, then?"


    Nova nodded, a spark of determination in her eyes. "Sounds like it." She cracked her knuckles, flashing a grin. "Alright, after we take down that bear, we¡¯re grinding our skills next."


    After escaping the sewers, the Crimson Blades made their way back to the inn, desperate to rid themselves of the filth and stench clinging to their bodies. Without hesitation, they grabbed fresh clothes and headed toward the outdoor bathhouse, eager to scrub away the grime.


    Upon entering the women¡¯s section, Nova immediately noticed another bather¡ªa lone demi woman with vibrant green hair, reclining in the steaming spring, eyes closed as she soaked in the warmth.


    Ignoring her for the moment, Nova and Nebula set their belongings aside and began washing off the sewer¡¯s filth at the rinse station before stepping into the bath.


    Nebula groaned as she scrubbed furiously at her skin, frustration creeping into her voice. ¡°Ugh, it¡¯s like this crap doesn¡¯t want to come off. Nova, help me out?¡±


    Nova sighed, struggling with the same issue. ¡°You¡¯re not the only one suffering here¡­¡± She walked over, grabbing a handful of shampoo. "Hold still. I swear, if this stuff doesn¡¯t come out, I¡¯m burning this damn shampoo and getting a new one."


    The green-haired woman finally took notice of them, tilting her head curiously. ¡°You two must have fought something nasty.¡±


    Nebula let out a tired sigh. ¡°Yeah¡­ sewer rats. Worst decision of my life.¡±


    The woman blinked. ¡°You actually took that quest?¡±


    Nova shrugged, still working the shampoo into her sister¡¯s fur. ¡°Trying to rank up. Earn some coin. Once we have enough, we¡¯re sending some back to our village.¡±


    She rinsed off Nebulas back. ¡°Alright, turn around. Let me get the front.¡±


    Nebula did as instructed, still grumbling. ¡°We better rank up after this¡­ But I guess I can¡¯t complain too much¡ªEverah and Severus made things easier.¡±


    The woman sat up slightly, watching them with intrigue. ¡°Not to pry, but¡­ it¡¯s not every day I see wolfkin, let alone as adventurers.¡±


    Nebula let out a short chuckle. ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve been getting a lot of stares lately. Not that it¡¯s a big deal.¡±


    Nova frowned slightly, rubbing her hands through the soapy water. ¡°It¡¯s a little creepy, though.¡±


    The green-haired woman simply smiled, swirling her fingers in the water. ¡°People fear what they don¡¯t understand. But hey, at least you¡¯ve got some admirers, right?¡±


    Nova rolled her eyes. ¡°Yeah, real flattering.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you two at the guild before. You must be new?¡± the woman asked, glancing between them with mild curiosity.


    ¡°Yeah, we started¡­ what, two days ago?¡± Nebula looked over at Nova for confirmation.


    Nova shrugged. ¡°I wasn¡¯t keeping count, but that sounds about right.¡± She eyed the woman for a moment. ¡°Do you work at the guild?¡±


    The woman¡¯s lips curved into an amused smile. ¡°You could say that.¡± She leaned back against the edge of the spring. ¡°I¡¯m actually the guildmaster.¡±


    Nova blinked. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°The name¡¯s Sarah Von Minhouse.¡± She smiled, resting her arms along the edge of the spring.


    ¡°Nova.¡± Nova replied, still working the shampoo into her sister''s fur.


    ¡°Nebula.¡± Nebula added


    Nova shot her sister a look. ¡°You do realize you¡¯re doing me next, right?¡±


    Nebula sighed, already expecting this. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know.¡± Her gaze flicked toward Sarah. ¡°You¡¯re a demi-human, right? What¡¯s the other part of you?¡±


    Sarah¡¯s smile widened slightly. ¡°Wolf.¡± She let the word linger before shrugging. ¡°Sorta wish I was full-blooded like you two, but hey¡ªcan¡¯t have everything.¡±


    ¡°Okay, I scrubbed the shampoo all over you, see if it got the crud out of you already.¡± Nova sighed as she rinsed her hands off.


    As Nebula rinsed off, she watched the last remnants of grime and sewer filth swirl away in the water, finally leaving her fur clean. She let out a sigh of relief. "Alright, fine. Turn around."


    "Oh, thank the gods it came out¡­" Nova muttered, shifting to face forward as Nebula started scrubbing her back.


    Sarah, still lounging in the hot spring, tilted her head. "So, how many quests have you completed so far?"


    "Four, if I¡¯m not mistaken," Nebula replied, working the shampoo into Nova¡¯s fur.


    Nova hummed, counting them off. "The cat, the rats, the herbs, the wolves¡ªoh, and the drains. So, actually, five."


    Nebula let out an exaggerated groan. "Geez, and here I thought I had it bad. Didn¡¯t you cast fire magic on yourself at one point?"


    Nova shrugged. "It was either that or let the rat bite my face off."


    "Ugh¡­" Nebula sighed, shaking her head.


    Sarah chuckled, leaning back against the rocks. "Well, if you complete just one more quest, you two should be able to rank up to bronze¡ªespecially at the pace you¡¯re going."


    "Really? We¡¯re actually taking on a bear quest tomorrow," Nebula told her.


    Sarah nodded. "If you finish that, I¡¯d say you¡¯re guaranteed a promotion."


    She stretched, then stood up, water cascading off her as she stepped out of the bath. "Anyway, I should get going. I¡¯ve soaked long enough¡ªmy sister¡¯s probably wondering if I drowned or fell asleep."


    Nova raised a brow. "Your sister?"


    "Mhm, she owns the inn." Sarah said, grabbing a towel.


    Nebula tilted her head. "Huh. Now that you mention it, you two did look kinda similar."


    Sarah smirked. "Yeah, we get that a lot." She wrapped the towel around herself and gave them a parting nod. "Well, I¡¯ll be seeing you two around."


    As she walked past, Nova instinctively glanced her way, her eyes following Sarah as she moved. The guildmaster must have noticed the stare, because she turned slightly, catching Nova¡¯s gaze out of the corner of her eye.


    She simply smiled, then disappeared into the changing room.


    Nova blinked, then snapped back to reality as Nebula patted her back. "I think I got everything back here."


    "Huh? Oh¡ªthanks." Nova turned, stretching her arms. "Alright, now get the front."


    Nebula groaned. "Ugh, fine¡­"

 Chapter 5

    The next day, the Crimson Blades returned to the city after handling the bear situation. When the sisters turned in the quest, they received a rank-up to Bronze. It was a small step forward, but progress nonetheless.


    With the formalities out of the way, they headed straight to the training room.


    ¡°So, me versus Severus and Nebula versus Everah?¡± Nova asked, gripping a wooden sword and giving it a few experimental swings.


    ¡°For now, yeah,¡± Everah confirmed, rolling his shoulders.


    Nova gave a sharp nod before turning to Severus, a determined glint in her eye. ¡°Alright, Severus. Let¡¯s get to it.¡± She moved to the far side of the training floor, rolling her wrists in preparation.


    ¡°Just watch how I fight,¡± Severus instructed, his tone calm but firm.


    Nova wasn¡¯t sure if that was advice or a warning. Either way, she didn¡¯t intend to let him run circles around her.


    They took their stances, wooden swords at the ready. Severus¡¯s grip was light but controlled, his form relaxed yet prepared. Nova, on the other hand, stood tense, her instincts telling her to charge in.


    Then, in a flash, they moved.


    Severus struck first¡ªnot a full-force attack, just a probing slash to test her reflexes. Nova blocked it, but the sheer force of his blade reverberated through her arms. Her stance nearly faltered.


    ¡°Too stiff,¡± Severus noted as he smoothly disengaged.


    Nova clenched her jaw and lunged forward, swinging at his side. He twisted his body just enough to evade, and before she could react, he redirected her strike with a flick of his wrist. The sudden shift threw her off balance, and she stumbled forward.


    Severus didn¡¯t attack immediately. He just watched. Studying her.


    ¡°You fight like someone who relies on power,¡± he observed. ¡°That won¡¯t work on an opponent who can read you.¡±


    Nova scowled. She had fought before¡ªwild beasts, creatures that operated purely on instinct. Against them, overwhelming force worked. But Severus wasn¡¯t some reckless fighter. He was calculated, precise.


    Fine. If brute force wasn¡¯t the answer, she¡¯d have to adapt.


    She adjusted her grip and circled him, searching for an opening. Severus let her, his blade resting loosely in his hand. She lunged again, but this time, she feinted.


    It was a simple trick¡ªfake an attack to bait a reaction. But Severus didn¡¯t bite. Instead, he shifted smoothly and struck. His wooden sword tapped against her ribs, right where a real blade would¡¯ve pierced through.


    ¡°Dead,¡± he said flatly.


    Nova exhaled sharply. She had barely lasted a few seconds.


    ¡°Again,¡± she said, stepping back.


    Severus gave a small smirk. ¡°Try to last longer this time.¡±


    They reset. Nova tightened her grip, studying him more carefully. He wasn¡¯t just blocking¡ªhe was redirecting her momentum, forcing her to overextend. Every time she moved too aggressively, he used it against her.


    This time, she tried a more measured approach. She led with a smaller attack, testing his defense. Severus blocked it with ease but didn¡¯t counter immediately. He was waiting, anticipating her next move.


    Nova hesitated. Then she struck at his shoulder, aiming for speed over power.


    Severus sidestepped, but this time she was ready for his counter. She twisted her body, parrying his strike, and tried to step around him.


    For a moment, she thought she had him.


    Then his foot hooked around her ankle.


    Before she could react, he yanked her off balance, sending her crashing to the floor.


    ¡°Too focused on the sword,¡± Severus remarked, stepping back. ¡°You forgot about footwork.¡±


    Nova groaned, pushing herself up. Her pride was taking more of a beating than her body.


    ¡°Again,¡± she muttered.


    Severus arched his brow. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not quitting until I land a hit.¡±


    He smirked. ¡°Alright.¡±


    They reset once more. This time, Nova forced herself to slow down. She watched the way he moved, the way his weight shifted before an attack.


    Severus attacked first again, a quick strike aimed at her midsection. Nova stepped back, narrowly avoiding it. He pressed forward, keeping the pressure on her. She parried one attack, then another, but she could feel herself slipping¡ªher reflexes were slower, her movements clumsier compared to his.


    Then she saw an opening.


    It was small¡ªjust a brief gap in his guard. She lunged, swinging her sword toward his side.


    But before she could land the hit, he twisted his body, avoiding the blade entirely, and drove his wooden sword against her stomach.


    The impact knocked the wind out of her.


    Nova doubled over, gasping for breath.


    ¡°Dead again,¡± Severus said simply.


    She clenched her fists. ¡°Damn it¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re improving,¡± he admitted, stepping back. ¡°But you¡¯re still thinking too much like a brawler. Strength is useful, but against someone who can read you, it¡¯s a weakness.¡±


    Nova took a slow breath, regaining her composure. ¡°So what do I do?¡±


    ¡°Stop attacking just to attack,¡± Severus said. ¡°Make me react. Control the pace.¡±


    Nova processed his words. She had been the aggressor this entire time, charging in recklessly. But what if she made him come to her instead?


    She adjusted her stance. This time, she didn¡¯t lunge in. She held back, waiting.


    Severus watched her, nodding slightly in approval. ¡°Good. Let¡¯s see how long you can hold out.¡±


    Then he attacked.


    His first strike was fast, aimed at her shoulder. Nova dodged, barely. He followed up with another, and she deflected it, stepping back to create distance.


    Severus didn¡¯t let up. He moved in again, his sword cutting through the air with practiced precision. Nova blocked, sidestepped, ducked¡ªanything to avoid getting hit.


    She lasted longer this time. Five seconds. Then ten.


    Then Severus shifted his stance.


    Nova barely saw it before he swept her legs out from under her.


    She hit the ground hard.


    ¡°Dead,¡± he said once more.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Nova groaned, staring up at the ceiling. ¡°I hate you.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°You lasted longer.¡±


    ¡°Not long enough,¡± she muttered, pushing herself up. Her body ached, but she wasn¡¯t done yet. ¡°Again.¡±


    Severus studied her, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    They went again. And again.


    Nova kept getting knocked down. But each time, she lasted a little longer. She stopped relying on brute strength. She focused on footwork. She learned to read his attacks, even if she couldn¡¯t counter them yet.


    She wasn¡¯t winning. Not even close.


    But she was improving.


    After nearly an hour of sparring, Severus finally stepped back, lowering his sword. ¡°That¡¯s enough for today.¡±


    Nova wiped the sweat from her brow, breathing heavily. ¡°Tired already?¡± she taunted, despite the exhaustion in her own limbs.


    Severus smirked. ¡°Hardly. But you need time to actually process what you¡¯ve learned.¡±


    She sighed, rolling her shoulders. ¡°Fine. But next time, I¡¯m landing a hit.¡±


    "I look forward to it," Severus said with a smirk, lowering his wooden sword. Then he gestured toward Everah and Nebula, who had been watching from the sidelines. "But we should let those two have a go."


    Nebula grinned, arms crossed. "Never thought I¡¯d see my sister get her ass kicked."


    "Ha ha, fuck you," Nova muttered, crossing her arms and looking away, her cheeks tinged with embarrassment.


    Nebula chuckled. "Well, let''s see what Everah has to teach." She turned toward him expectantly.


    Everah stepped forward, a relaxed but confident look on his face. "Since you two already know how to cast magic, I assume you at least understand the fundamentals?"


    "Mhm," Nebula nodded. "Mana is all around us. We breathe it in just like air."


    "In doing so, if you concentrate while chanting the right phrases, you can use it to cast spells," Nova added.


    "You can also, with enough practice, cast spells without chanting at all," Nebula finished.


    Everah nodded approvingly. "Correct." He raised a hand and began explaining, "In most cases, spoken words form the foundation of spellcasting. For example¡ª" He gestured with his fingers and spoke clearly, "In light¡¯s day, burn bright and strike true."


    A small firebolt formed at his fingertips before launching forward, fizzling out harmlessly into the air. "And just like that¡ªfirebolt." He turned back to them with a smile. "Now, you need to know the phrase in order to cast a spell, but with time, you can alter incantations or even create your own variations."


    Nova nodded. "We also know about mana exhaustion," she added.


    "Good," Everah said. "Pushing yourself too far will drain you completely, leaving you vulnerable." He clapped his hands together. "Now then, why don¡¯t you two show us what you¡¯ve got? Let¡¯s see what spells you can already cast."


    The sisters exchanged a glance, then stepped forward, preparing to demonstrate their magic.


    Nebula went first. She extended her hand, fingers spread apart, as if feeling the mana in the air. A moment later, a faint shimmer surrounded her fingertips. Then, with a flick of her wrist, a small ball of water formed, floating effortlessly in the air.


    She manipulated it with ease, splitting it into multiple droplets before weaving them back together into a single orb. Then, without warning, she clenched her fist. The water crystallized instantly, forming sharp ice shards. With another flick of her fingers, the shards shattered into fine mist, dissipating as if they had never existed.


    Everah gave an approving nod. ¡°Good control. Elemental transitions aren¡¯t easy, even at a basic level.¡±


    Nebula smirked. ¡°Took practice.¡±


    Now it was Nova¡¯s turn. Unlike her sister, she wasted no time on theatrics. She simply raised her hand and, without a sound, snapped her fingers. A spark of electricity crackled between them before leaping outward in a short burst of lightning. It was small, but precise. She snapped again, this time directing the bolt toward a training dummy across the room. The moment it struck, the wooden figure twitched slightly, as if reacting to the sudden surge of energy.


    She wasn¡¯t done. Taking a deep breath, Nova clenched her fist and extended her arm. The air around her shimmered faintly before her entire forearm became enveloped in crackling blue energy. Without breaking focus, she swiped her arm through the air, leaving behind a faint afterimage of pure lightning.


    Severus arched an eyebrow. ¡°An enhancement spell?¡±


    Nova exhaled, letting the energy fizzle out. ¡°It¡¯s not perfect yet, but yeah. I¡¯ve been working on reinforcing my strikes.¡±


    Everah rubbed his chin. ¡°How long can you maintain it?¡±


    ¡°About ten seconds before it starts draining me too much,¡± Nova admitted, shaking out her arm.


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Everah said. ¡°But that spell¡¯s effectiveness depends on control. Too much energy, and you¡¯ll burn yourself out. Too little, and it won¡¯t hit hard enough to be worth the cost.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Nova muttered. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m still working on it.¡±


    Everah nodded, then turned his attention back to Nebula. ¡°And you? Any offensive spells you can cast?¡±


    Nebula rolled her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ve got a few.¡±


    She raised a single hand and, with a slight motion, gathered mana into her palm. A swirling orb of compressed air formed between her fingers, crackling with barely contained force. Then, with a flick of her wrist, she released it.


    The moment the sphere hit the ground, a powerful gust of wind burst outward, kicking up dust and nearly knocking over one of the wooden training dummies.


    Severus took a step back, shielding his eyes from the sudden whirlwind. ¡°An impact spell?¡±


    Nebula grinned. ¡°I call it ¡®Air Burst.¡¯ It¡¯s quick if I focus enough.¡±


    Everah crossed his arms, clearly impressed. ¡°Nice work.¡±


    ¡°Casting without chanting? Pretty impressive for newbies.¡±


    A familiar voice echoed through the training room.


    Everyone turned toward the entrance to see the guildmaster leaning against the doorframe, watching them with an amused expression.


    ¡°Well, it did take us a few years to get the hang of it,¡± Nova replied.


    ¡°Still, not many can pull off that feat,¡± the guildmaster said, stepping inside. She made her way to a bench and sat down, crossing her legs. ¡°That being said, do any of you know anything about summoning?¡±


    ¡°I know a little,¡± Everah admitted. ¡°But I¡¯ve never actually done it myself.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t say I¡¯ve put much effort into magic at all,¡± Severus added with a shrug. ¡°I barely know the basics.¡±


    ¡°The books we studied didn¡¯t really cover summoning magic,¡± Nova said.


    The guildmaster smiled. ¡°Then let me show you something.¡± She lifted her hand, her voice steady as she spoke:


    "Let echoes ring, let silence break, by will alone, thee I wake." A circle appeared on the ground.


    The summoning circle flares to life, a churning vortex of shadow and ember, as the air grows heavy with an ancient presence. Sparks of violet lightning crackle through the room, illuminating swirling obsidian runes etched into the floor. The temperature drops¡ªnot to the frost of winter, but to the cold void between stars, where silence reigns and time holds no dominion.


    From the heart of the summoning sigil, the first ember ignites¡ªa coal-black flame flickering with hues of deep amethyst and crimson. It grows, twisting into a spiraling inferno of dark fire, its embers falling like fragments of dying stars. The shape begins to emerge, wings first¡ªvast and regal, their edges smoldering with black and violet flames that dance like the remnants of collapsed suns. The feathers, forged from molten obsidian, glisten like fractured starlight, shifting and refracting with every motion.


    A piercing cry echoes through the chamber, not of agony, but of rebirth¡ªresonant, deep, and eternal. The phoenix unfurls its magnificent wings, sending arcs of celestial fire spiraling outward, as the flames of its own creation fold inward, binding into its final form.


    Its talons, sharp as meteor shards, carve into the earth as it lands, its very presence warping the light around it. Its eyes, twin voids of swirling galaxies, burn with knowledge as old as the cosmos itself. The last wisps of the summoning fire fade into the darkness, leaving only the black obsidian phoenix, standing before its summoner¡ªunbound, undying, and waiting.


    "Holy shit..." Nova''s eyes widened in shock.


    Sarah chuckled, gently stroking the sleek feathers of the obsidian phoenix curled in her lap. "Found this sweetheart up in the Northern Mountains. Saved my life, she did." Her smile was warm, full of fondness for the creature. "If you ever want a summon, you¡¯ve got two options: either find a willing creature to form a pact with, or take a gamble with a random summoning ritual. Both have their advantages and risks, but either way, it¡¯s worth it."


    ¡°Can anyone try a summoning spell?¡± Nebula asked, curiosity sparking in her voice.


    "Mhm." Sarah nodded. "Just like casting spells¡ªso long as you understand the pact and the summoning process, anyone can do it." She gave them all a knowing smile before standing, her phoenix shifting effortlessly onto her shoulder. "Well, I should head back to my office. Just wanted to see who was using the training room."


    ¡°So soon? Want to join us for some training?¡± Nova asked, hopeful.


    Sarah smirked. "You wouldn¡¯t last a few seconds against me. Maybe once you hit Emerald rank." She shot Nova a playful wink before turning toward the door. "Tata~"


    With that, Sarah walked out, leaving the room in a comfortable silence. Nova¡¯s gaze lingered on the doorway long after she had gone.


    Nebula stretched and turned to the others. "So, you guys want to grab some food and check out the quest board?"


    "Yeah, I¡¯m starving," Severus said with a nod.


    "Same," Everah agreed. "Though I am curious about summoning. Maybe we should try it later."


    "What about you, Nova?" Nebula asked.


    No response.


    "...Nova?" Everah tried again.


    Severus tilted his head. "Is it just me, or does she look lost in thought?"


    Everah studied her for a moment before smirking. "No¡­ I think it¡¯s something else."


    Nebula¡¯s grin widened. She leaned closer, waving a hand in front of Nova¡¯s face. "Hellooo~? Still thinking about a certain someone?"


    Nova blinked, suddenly snapping back to reality. "What? No!"


    Nebula chuckled, crossing her arms. "Uh-huh. You were totally spaced out the second Sarah walked out. Very interesting."


    Everah grinned. "Y¡¯know, she did wink at you."


    Severus smirked. "And you did get awfully quiet."


    Nova groaned. "Oh, shut up."


    Nebula nudged her playfully. "Hey, no shame in crushing on the guildmaster. I mean, she is kinda badass."


    "I don¡¯t have a crush on her!" Nova protested, but her flustered expression betrayed her.


    Nebula just laughed, throwing an arm around Nova¡¯s shoulders. "Suuure you don¡¯t. Anyway, food first, daydreaming later."


    Nova sighed in defeat as they headed out, Nebula still grinning like she had won something


    During the next few weeks, the Crimson Blades have been taking on quests after quests, training after training. Before they knew it, they were Steel Ranked. They have become a bit more experienced and are at least able to handle some of the bigger threats. Today the group were heading to a cave to clear out the nearby bandits plaguing the city.


    ¡°Alright, are you guys ready to face some bandits?¡± Severus asked the group.


    ¡°Heh, we haven¡¯t been training for nothing. You bet.¡± Nova pumped her arm.


    ¡°Let''s take care of them.¡± Nebula smiled.

 Chapter 6

    Upon arriving at the bandit hideout, the Crimson Blades crouched low behind a rocky outcrop, their eyes fixed on the cave entrance. The air smelled of damp stone and charred wood, and the faint flicker of torchlight illuminated the rugged opening.


    Severus glanced at the group, keeping his voice low. ¡°According to the intel, there are at least fifteen of them inside¡ªmaybe more if they¡¯ve taken prisoners.¡±


    Everah crossed his arms. ¡°They mostly operate at night, right? If that¡¯s the case, most of them should be sleeping. If we can get in quietly, we might take them out before they even know what¡¯s happening.¡±


    Severus nodded. ¡°Exactly. But first, we need to deal with the two guards at the entrance.¡±


    Nova smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea.¡±


    Nebula raised a brow. ¡°Oh? Do tell.¡±


    Instead of answering aloud, Nova leaned in and whispered the plan into Nebula¡¯s ear. Her sister¡¯s expression shifted from confused to irritated.


    ¡°Okay, okay, I mean¡ªit could work¡­¡± Nebula admitted, looking irritated.


    Everah narrowed his gaze. ¡°Are you going to share with the class, or¡­?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Nova grinned. ¡°Just sit back and enjoy the show.¡±


    Severus exhaled sharply. ¡°Fine. But if this goes sideways, we¡¯re improvising. If you do take them out cleanly, we¡¯ll slip inside while the rest are asleep and eliminate them quietly.¡±


    Nova gave a mock salute. ¡°Got it. Be back in a minute.¡±


    With that, Nova and Nebula disappeared into the shadows.


    Ten minutes passed.


    Everah and Severus waited patiently, their hands on their weapons, eyes trained on the cave entrance. Then¡ªmovement.


    From the tree line, two figures came stumbling forward, their clothes torn, bodies covered in what looked like blood, and their limbs trembling as they ran in a desperate, disoriented sprint.


    It was Nova and Nebula.


    Their faces were contorted in panic, eyes wild as they frantically glanced behind them, as if something was chasing them through the woods.


    Then, just five feet from the cave entrance, they collapsed on top of each other, breathing heavily, limbs tangled in an uncoordinated heap.


    The two bandits on guard immediately straightened, eyes wide in alarm as they took in the sight of the disheveled, blood-streaked women.


    ¡°Oi, what the hell¡ª?¡± one of them muttered, already stepping forward.


    The other followed, gripping his rusty axe tightly, but neither raised their weapons. Their expressions shifted from suspicion to intrigue, their eyes flicking between the two fallen women and the forest beyond.


    From the ground, Nova and Nebula frantically gestured toward the trees, their voices low and urgent, though too far away for Severus and Everah to hear.


    The guards hesitated, exchanging a brief glance, before they turned their back to the girls, squinting their eyes at the woods.


    That was their mistake.


    In a single, fluid motion, Nova and Nebula struck.


    Their hidden daggers flashed, the steel sinking into the exposed flesh of the men¡¯s necks, just below the skull. The bandits barely had time to react before their bodies seized, a sickening gurgle escaping their lips as they slumped forward, collapsing lifelessly in the dirt.


    Nova and Nebula rolled them aside, wiping the blades clean as they looked toward the tree line.


    Severus smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll admit¡ªthat was impressive.¡±


    Everah raised a brow. ¡°And disgusting. What the hell did you two use for blood?¡±


    "Deer blood," Nova answered, casually wiping the streaks off her arm. "Figured it¡¯d look convincing enough."Gonna grab our armor real quick. If we do have to fight, I¡¯d rather not do it half-dressed."


    Nebula groaned, tugging at the ripped fabric barely holding her top together. "Did we really have to shred our clothes? I mean, it worked, but I¡¯d rather not have my tit sticking to my armor like some tragic romance between skin and steel."


    Nova smirked, already heading toward their packs. "What man is gonna resist running to help a half-naked, blood-covered woman?"


    Nebula sighed dramatically. "Unfortunately, you make a valid point."


    Severus chuckled, arms crossed. "She really does."


    Everah shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I hate how effective that was."


    Nova tossed Nebula¡¯s armor at her, grinning. "Now quit complaining and suit up. We¡¯ve got bandits to kill."


    As they approached, Everah and Nebula exchanged a quick glance before raising their hands. A faint, invisible pulse of energy spread from their fingertips, wrapping around the group. The metal plates of their armor dulled, their usual clinks and shifts now completely muted by the spell.


    The cave yawned before them, flickering torchlight casting jagged shadows along the rocky walls. Now, they were ghosts.


    Nova motioned for everyone to stick close to the shadows.


    "Alright," Severus whispered, keeping his voice barely above a breath, "we do this quietly. No heroics, no charging in."


    Everah smirked slightly. "Says the guy who usually likes to kick in doors."


    Severus shot him a look but ignored the comment. "We stick to the plan. If we can take them out in their sleep, we will. If not, we eliminate them before they can raise an alarm."


    Nova nodded in agreement. "Then let¡¯s get moving."


    As they moved deeper inside, the stench of sweat, stale ale, and damp earth thickened. The passage split ahead¡ªone tunnel leading into what sounded like a common area, the other curving into a sleeping chamber where low snoring echoed against the stone.


    Nova exchanged a look with Nebula. They could handle the sleeping ones.


    Severus and Everah gave silent nods before veering toward the common area, where at least four men sat muttering around a fire, their weapons resting nearby.


    Time to get to work.


    Nebula crept forward first, stepping lightly across the dirt floor, her blade drawn and ready.


    Six bandits were sprawled out across bedrolls, weapons within reach but not in hand. The flickering light barely touched their sleeping faces, and the heavy scent of cheap ale meant at least half of them were deep in drunken slumber.


    Nova counted them silently. Six. Too risky to attack all at once.


    She crouched low, reaching into her pouch and pulling out a small handful of dried leaves¡ªcrushed sleeping powder, a trick they had picked up back in the village. With delicate precision, she sprinkled a fine dust over the nearest bandit¡¯s face. The moment he inhaled, his breathing slowed into something unnaturally heavy.


    One down.


    Nebula, meanwhile, had moved to the far side of the room. She raised her hand, magic gathering silently at her fingertips, and with a simple flick of her wrist, thin tendrils of ice crept across the floorboards, freezing the boots of two bandits to the ground.


    A subtle trap. If they woke up and tried to move, they¡¯d snap awake too late.


    Then, the real work began.


    Nova moved first, drawing her dagger and plunging it into the throat of the nearest man. There was no time for resistance¡ªonly a wet, choked gasp as she covered his mouth and let him slump back against the bedroll.


    Nebula followed suit, driving her blade deep into another¡¯s chest, silencing him before he could stir.


    One by one, they moved through the room, executing their marks with eerie precision. By the time they were finished, the six men lay still in their beds, never knowing what had happened.


    Nova wiped the blood off her dagger and nodded toward the tunnel. "Let¡¯s see how the others are doing."


    In the other chamber, four bandits sat drinking and eating, their weapons leaning casually against the cave walls. A game of dice clattered against the wooden crate they used as a makeshift table.


    Severus stayed hidden behind a stack of barrels, Everah crouched beside him, hands crackling faintly with energy.


    "Two on the left are barely paying attention," Severus whispered. "I¡¯ll take the farthest. Can you handle the one near the fire?"


    Everah grinned. "You doubt me?"


    Severus moved first.


    He stalked forward, moving soundlessly, his blade flashing under the dim torchlight as he grabbed the closest bandit from behind. One swift slice across the throat, and the man went limp before he could make a sound.


    The next bandit, barely having time to register movement, turned¡ªonly to see Severus¡¯s blade sinking into his gut.


    Everah, meanwhile, extended a single hand, releasing a controlled burst of air. It was subtle but strong enough to extinguish the fire, plunging the chamber into darkness.


    Confused shouts filled the air.


    Before the remaining two could react, Everah stepped forward, hand raised, his palm crackling with faint, silent energy. A flash of blue light, and suddenly the air shifted¡ªa thin arc of electricity snapped forward, frying the nearest bandit¡¯s nerves before he could make a sound. His body jerked violently, his scream cut off as his brain overloaded.


    The last man turned, fumbling for his sword in the dark, but Severus was already on him.


    A hard kick to the knee sent the man crashing to the ground, and before he could shout for help, Severus drove his blade into his heart.


    Silence.


    The fire pit let off nothing but thin tendrils of smoke, and the only sound in the chamber was the steady dripping of blood onto stone.


    Everah exhaled, lowering his hand. "Well, that went well."


    Severus rolled his shoulders. "We¡¯re not done yet."


    With most of the bandits silently eliminated, the Crimson Blades moved deeper into the cave, their boots still muffled by Nebula and Everah¡¯s silence spell.


    But as they approached the last chamber, something felt off.


    The usual sounds of drunken snores or idle chatter were absent. Instead, there was a low murmur of voices, tense and aware.


    Nova peered around the corner, her stomach tightening.


    Inside the large cavernous chamber, four remaining bandits sat near a firepit, backs straight, weapons within arm¡¯s reach. Unlike the others, these men weren¡¯t lounging carelessly or drinking themselves to sleep.


    They were waiting.


    At the far end of the room, a man sat at a table, rolling a coin between his fingers. He was built like a fortress, his arms thick with corded muscle, his weathered face scarred from years of battle. His one good eye, the other hidden beneath a jagged scar and a blackened patch, flickered toward the entrance lazily. His massive greatsword rested against the table, within easy reach.


    This was no ordinary bandit.


    The chief of the bandits¡ªand from the looks of it, a seasoned veteran who had seen dozens of fights and lived to tell the tale.


    Nova''s chest tightened.


    They weren¡¯t dealing with common thugs anymore.


    Nova silently motioned for the group to spread out, gesturing for Nebula to move left while Everah and Severus took the right.


    The plan was simple¡ªeliminate the weaker bandits first, then deal with the chief.


    But before they could make their move¡ª


    "You lot can drop the sneaking act."


    The gravelly voice cut through the air like a blade, freezing the entire group in place.


    The bandit leader hadn¡¯t even turned his head.


    The other bandits instantly grabbed their weapons, crossbows raised, swords unsheathed in a flash of steel.


    Shit.


    They had been made.


    "Well, go on then," the chief muttered, flipping the coin once more before catching it mid-air. "Let¡¯s see what you¡¯re worth."


    Then, all hell broke loose.


    The two crossbowmen were the biggest threat, and Nova knew it.


    She and Nebula moved first, dashing toward the men before they could fire.


    The first bolt shot forward, barely missing Nova¡¯s head as she threw herself into a roll. She came up just as the bandit was reloading, slashing her dagger toward his wrist¡ª


    But she miscalculated.


    Instead of landing a clean cut, the bandit twisted away, using the crossbow like a club to slam into her side.


    "Gah¡ª!"


    She stumbled, pain shooting through her ribs. The moment¡¯s hesitation cost her¡ªthe bandit was already drawing his dagger.


    Nebula, meanwhile, faced her own opponent, dodging a close-range shot before lunging forward, her sword slashing toward his chest.


    The bandit parried, sending her blade skidding off his own. He shoved his shoulder into her, forcing her back a step, then slashed toward her midsection.


    She barely managed to jump back, but the blade still cut shallowly across her thigh.


    Severus had taken on a duelist, a man wielding two curved sabers. He was fast¡ªfaster than any normal bandit.


    The first slash came high, the second low, forcing Severus to backpedal immediately.


    He parried one strike, sidestepped another, then went on the offensive¡ªhis blade darting forward in a clean, calculated thrust.


    But the bandit twisted, barely avoiding it, his own blade whipping toward Severus¡¯ exposed ribs.


    Severus barely brought his sword up in time, the clash of steel ringing out as they locked weapons.


    The bandit grinned, pressing forward. ¡°Not bad. But I¡¯ve been doing this a lot longer than you, boy.¡±


    Severus¡¯ grip tightened. ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    The largest of the remaining bandits charged straight at Everah, a massive warhammer in hand.


    Everah barely had time to jump back, the weapon slamming into the ground, sending up a spray of dust and shattered stone.


    The force alone could have caved his ribs in.


    Nope. Not happening.


    He threw up a hand, sending a wave of compressed air straight at the brute¡¯s chest.


    The man stumbled back, but only for a moment before rushing forward again.


    Everah¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    This one was tough.


    Nova dodged another slash, barely keeping up as the crossbowman turned swordsman pushed her backward.


    Her arms burned, her movements sloppy, her heartbeat pounding in her ears.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    Too fast. Too unpredictable.


    She tried to block, but the bandit kicked her leg out from under her, sending her sprawling to the ground.


    The dagger was coming.


    She rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the killing blow, but the bandit was already bringing it down again¡ª


    A sudden blast of frost erupted from the side.


    The bandit froze mid-motion¡ªliterally.


    His arm froze over, ice locking his joints, and in that instant of hesitation, Nova surged forward¡ªher dagger slamming into his throat.


    Blood splattered across the cave floor as he slumped over.


    She turned to Nebula, who was panting, her hand still glowing with frost.


    ¡°You okay?¡± Nova asked.


    ¡°Fine.¡± Nebula winced at the cut on her thigh, but she still stood strong. Taking on the last bowman was going to be quick for them.


    The clash of steel rang through the cavern, drowning out even the distant shouts and magic bursts from the others.


    Severus was locked in combat with the twin-bladed duelist, a man faster than any bandit he had fought before now.


    Each time Severus struck, his blade met nothing but air as his opponent weaved effortlessly between his attacks, twin sabers spinning and slashing in fluid arcs.


    "You¡¯re good, kid," the bandit sneered, sidestepping a thrust and bringing his left saber down toward Severus'' shoulder.


    Severus barely managed to deflect it, but the bandit was already pivoting, twisting his second blade toward Severus'' ribs.


    Severus gritted his teeth, throwing himself back just in time, but he wasn¡¯t fast enough¡ª


    The saber''s edge sliced a shallow cut across his side.


    Severus hissed in pain, stepping back, keeping his guard up.


    The bandit smirked, flipping his sabers casually. "What''s wrong? That armor slowing you down?"


    Severus narrowed his eyes. The bastard was toying with him.


    He was faster, that much was clear. His movements were fluid, unpredictable, practiced¡ªthe way he fought wasn¡¯t just banditry.


    This guy had been trained.


    Probably a sellsword or rogue knight turned criminal, Severus thought grimly.


    And the way things were going?


    He was going to lose if he didn¡¯t do something.


    Severus took a slow breath, tightening his grip on his sword.


    The bandit was fast, but fast fighters had a pattern.


    They relied on constant movement, on keeping their opponent reacting rather than attacking.


    If Severus wanted to win, he had to break that rhythm.


    The bandit came in again, his sabers flashing in an intricate pattern¡ªone high, one low.


    Instead of dodging, Severus did something reckless.


    He stepped forward.


    He took the low blade to his leg, gritting his teeth through the pain¡ª


    But in return, he got inside the bandit¡¯s guard.


    The moment of surprise was all he needed.


    Severus slammed his armored forearm into the bandit¡¯s face, breaking his nose with a sickening crunch.


    The man stumbled back, his balance broken for the first time.


    Severus didn¡¯t waste the chance.


    He lunged, blade aimed straight for the bandit¡¯s heart.


    The rogue recovered fast, twisting just in time to avoid the killing blow¡ª


    But Severus¡¯ blade still sank deep into his side.


    The bandit gasped, staggering back, clutching his wound.


    "You¡­ bastard," he spat, blood trickling from his mouth.


    Severus lifted his sword, pointing it at the wounded man. "You got sloppy."


    The bandit roared, rushing forward for one last desperate strike.


    Severus sidestepped smoothly¡ª


    And with a single clean swing, he took the man¡¯s head off.


    The body crumpled to the ground, the head rolling to the side, eyes still wide in shock.


    Severus exhaled, wiping the blood from his blade.


    "Fast, but predictable.


    The moment Severus struck down the last duelist, the bandit chief finally stood


    .


    His eye glowed with sharp calculation, his greatsword gleaming in the firelight.


    He rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck. "Alright then. Let¡¯s see what you lot are really made of."


    Then he moved.


    And he was fast.


    His first swing nearly took off Nova¡¯s head, forcing her to dive away.


    Severus barely brought his sword up in time, their blades clashing so hard it rattled his arms.


    Nebula rushed in to help¡ª


    Nova as well after she quickly recovered.


    Too slow.


    The chief twisted, kicking Nova in the stomach and sending her crashing into the wall. Nebula swung her blade, but the man grabbed her wrist mid-strike and twisted it¡ªforcing her weapon from her grip.


    She barely had time to react before he backhanded her, sending her sprawling to the ground.


    They were outmatched.


    But they weren¡¯t giving up.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Nova coughed, pushing herself up. ¡°Round two.¡±


    The Crimson Blades barely had a moment to recover before the bandit chief lunged forward, his massive greatsword swinging in a deadly arc.


    Severus barely managed to raise his blade, catching the strike, but the force behind it was monstrous. The impact sent a shockwave through his arms, and he was forced back a step, his boots skidding across the dirt.


    Nova, still catching her breath from the earlier blow, pushed herself off the ground. This guy was on a completely different level.


    There was no gritty vengeance story, no tragic past¡ªjust a man who had spent his life killing, stealing, and surviving. A man who knew every trick in the book and was stronger than all of them combined.


    And worst of all?


    He knew it.


    Severus was first to re-engage, stepping in with a sharp thrust aimed for the chief¡¯s ribs.


    But the bandit leader anticipated it.


    Rather than blocking, he simply twisted, letting the blade graze his side as he used his greater strength to shoulder-check Severus¡ªsending him stumbling backward.


    Then he turned on Nova and Nebula.


    The twins moved together, flanking him from both sides.


    Nova struck first, aiming a quick slash toward his leg, hoping to weaken his stance.


    He sidestepped with ease, but that was the distraction.


    Nebula followed up immediately, her blade glowing with a faint shimmer of frost as she swung at his exposed side.


    The chief reacted instantly.


    He let the blade cut into his arm¡ªa shallow wound¡ªbut it didn¡¯t even slow him down. Instead, he snatched Nebula¡¯s wrist with his free hand and twisted violently.


    She let out a sharp cry of pain as her dagger fell from her grip.


    Nova lunged to help, but the chief was faster.


    He drove his elbow into Nebula¡¯s gut, knocking the air out of her, then turned and swung his greatsword in a wide arc¡ªstraight at Nova.


    She barely had time to react.


    The sword was coming¡ªtoo fast, too strong.


    She ducked, throwing herself into a roll just as the blade cleaved through the air where her head had been.


    But the moment she came up, the chief was already on her again.


    A boot slammed into her chest, sending her crashing back against the cave wall.


    She gasped, pain exploding through her ribs.


    Shit. This guy was relentless.


    As the others fought for their lives, Everah was still locked in a brutal duel of his own.


    The massive bandit brute towered over him, his warhammer swinging with bone-crushing force, each impact shaking the ground.


    Everah had speed and magic, but this bastard had raw power.


    Everah barely managed to sidestep another downward swing, the warhammer slamming into the cave floor, sending a shockwave of dust and stone flying.


    He felt the rush of air as the weapon missed him by inches¡ªtoo close.


    One hit, and I¡¯m dead.


    But dodging wasn¡¯t enough.


    He needed an opening.


    The brute grinned, showing yellowed teeth as he lifted his hammer once more.


    "Not much of a fighter, are you, mage?" he sneered, shifting his stance.


    Everah smirked. "I don¡¯t have to be."


    He raised a hand, gathering energy, and sent a bolt of lightning straight at the brute¡¯s chest.


    But to his shock, the man barely flinched.


    The electricity crackled, surging across his chainmail-covered body¡ªbut instead of collapsing, he just growled through gritted teeth.


    He was still standing.


    Everah barely had time to process what happened before the brute charged again, swinging his hammer in a devastating arc.


    Everah threw up a wind barrier, hoping to absorb the blow¡ª


    But the brute was too strong.


    The warhammer smashed through the defense like paper, slamming into Everah¡¯s shoulder.


    Pain exploded through his arm as he was sent flying backward, crashing into the cave wall.


    His vision blurred for a second.


    Damn it...


    He pushed himself up, his left arm screaming in protest¡ªprobably dislocated.


    The brute laughed, rolling his shoulders. "Tougher than you look, mage. But you¡¯re done."


    Everah wiped blood from his lip, inhaling sharply. "Not yet."


    The brute charged again, hammer raised for the final blow.


    But this time, Everah didn¡¯t move.


    Instead, he focused.


    As the brute closed the gap, Everah waited¡ªtiming it perfectly.


    Then, just before the hammer crashed down, he threw his good hand up, releasing a massive shockwave of compressed air.


    The force hit the brute square in the chest, lifting him off the ground and slamming him into the cave ceiling.


    A sickening CRACK echoed through the cavern as the bandit¡¯s skull struck the stone.


    Before he could even react, Everah twisted his fingers, and the air shifted again¡ª


    Sending the brute crashing back to the floor¡ªhard.


    His body hit the ground with a heavy thud, limbs twitching


    Everah staggered forward, holding his injured shoulder as he looked down at the barely-breathing brute.


    The bandit groaned, trying to push himself up¡ªdazed, bleeding, but still alive.


    Everah clicked his tongue. "Persistent bastard, huh?"


    Then he lifted his boot¡ª


    And stomped down on the brute¡¯s throat, crushing it instantly.


    The bandit let out a strangled gasp before falling still.


    It was over.


    Everah exhaled sharply, wiping sweat from his brow.


    "Gods, I hate brutes."


    Everah took a second to regain his breath, rolling his bad shoulder with a grimace.


    Then, hearing the sounds of battle still raging, he turned¡ªjust in time to see Severus and the twins struggling against the Bandit Chief.


    His fingers crackled with energy again.


    And with that, he joined the fight.


    Before the chief could press the attack, a crackling bolt of energy shot past his face, barely missing.


    He turned just in time to see Everah, hands glowing with arcane light.


    "You hit hard," the mage said, eyes narrowing. "Let¡¯s see how you handle this."


    Everah threw out a hand¡ªa shockwave of force blasted forward, aiming to send the chief flying.


    But the bandit leader dug his boots into the ground, holding his position against the magic like a boulder in a storm.


    With a grunt, he lowered his shoulder and charged, closing the distance before Everah could cast again.


    Everah barely managed to throw up a defensive barrier, but the chief¡¯s raw power smashed through it like glass.


    A massive fist slammed into Everah¡¯s stomach, lifting him off the ground before slamming him down hard.


    The mage hit the floor with a harsh gasp, coughing as he tried to regain control of his breath.


    Nova¡¯s head was spinning, her body aching from the force of the earlier hit.


    She had to think.


    They couldn¡¯t win a straight fight against this guy¡ªhe was too strong, too fast, too experienced.


    But he wasn¡¯t untouchable.


    She forced herself to her feet, glancing at Nebula, Severus, and Everah.


    They were all hurt, struggling to get back up.


    They needed an opening.


    Her eyes darted around the cave, searching for something¡ªanything¡ªthat could turn the tide.


    Then she saw it.


    The overhanging stalactites.


    An idea flashed through her mind.


    She had one shot.


    "Severus! Nebula! Keep him busy!" Nova shouted, her hands already glowing with fire.


    She didn¡¯t wait for them to respond¡ªshe took off, moving toward the far side of the cave.


    Severus, still panting, gritted his teeth. "You heard her!"


    He lunged forward, forcing himself back into the fight.


    The bandit chief swung again, and this time, Severus barely avoided getting cut in half.


    Nebula, despite the pain in her wrist, rejoined the fray as well, darting in with quick, sharp slashes¡ªnot aiming to kill, but to distract.


    And it worked.


    The chief snarled, his focus locked on them, his movements slightly slowed from the small wounds accumulating on his body.


    Nova finally reached the spot she needed.


    She aimed her hands toward the ceiling, fire coiling at her fingertips.


    Then, with one powerful blast, she sent a controlled explosion straight into the stalactites above.


    The cave rumbled.


    Crack.


    Crack.


    The rock formation above began to give way.


    The chief¡¯s head snapped upward, eyes widening.


    He barely had time to react before the heavy stone came crashing down.


    A cloud of dust erupted as the stalactites collapsed, burying the bandit chief beneath a pile of jagged rock.


    For a moment, the cave was silent, the only sound was the heavy breathing of the Crimson Blades.


    Then, from beneath the rubble, there was a faint guttural wheeze.


    The chief was still alive¡ªbut pinned.


    Severus stepped forward, sword raised.


    There was no hesitation.


    With a single, clean strike, he drove his blade into the chief¡¯s chest, silencing him for good.


    It was over.


    The group stood there for a moment, taking it all in.


    Everah groaned, pushing himself up. ¡°Next time, let¡¯s fight something weaker.¡±


    Nebula wiped the blood from her lip, wincing. "Agreed."


    Nova let out a breath, leaning against the cave wall, a small smirk on her face. "Well, we won, didn¡¯t we?"


    Severus sheathed his sword. "And we¡¯re getting paid."


    Nebula sighed. ¡°We did, yeah. But before we do anything, we need to tend to our wounds.¡±


    In silent agreement, the four took a moment to heal, knowing their injuries could worsen if left unchecked. Even after sealing their wounds with healing magic, the lingering pain remained, a dull reminder of their battle. Once they had tended to themselves, they began searching the room.


    As Nova moved through a particular area, she caught a scent¡ªsomething foreign, something that didn¡¯t belong to the bandits. Her nose twitched as she tried to pinpoint its source. After a moment, realization struck. She turned to the others, her gaze locked onto a seemingly ordinary section of the wall.


    ¡°There¡¯s a hidden door here,¡± Nova announced. ¡°I smell something¡ªor someone¡ªbehind it.¡±


    Nebula tilted her head, inhaling deeply before her eyes widened in surprise. ¡°Oh wow. If we hadn¡¯t been actively searching, we might¡¯ve missed this. Nice catch, sis.¡±


    ¡°Thanks. So, how do you guys sugges¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, Severus grabbed the massive warhammer the brute had wielded in their earlier fight and swung it full force against the wall. The stone crumbled under the impact, revealing a hidden passageway beyond. He tossed the hammer aside and glanced back at the others.


    ¡°I¡¯m not wasting time looking for a damn lever or button. Let¡¯s go.¡± Without hesitation, he stepped forward.


    Nova smirked. ¡°Well, that¡¯s one way to do it.¡± She followed him inside.


    Nebula groaned. ¡°Okay, but can we at least check for traps before rushing in?¡±


    Everah pinched the bridge of his nose with a sigh before trailing after them.


    The hallway stretched endlessly, each step echoing against the stone walls. It felt like they had been walking for ages before they finally reached a large metal cage. Inside, sprawled across the cold floor, was a massive beast¡ªits form cloaked in darkness, its breathing slow and steady in deep slumber.


    Even in its resting state, the creature radiated an overwhelming aura of dread. Its body was covered in a thick, midnight-black coat, darker than the void itself, absorbing all light around it. Wisps of violet mist coiled from its fur, shifting and twisting like living shadows.


    Its claws¡ªrazor-sharp and gleaming with a ghostly purple glow¡ªcurled slightly into the stone beneath it, leaving faint scorch marks. Its tail, long and whip-like, flicked lazily in its sleep, trailing a faint shimmer of spectral energy.


    But it was the head that sent a chill down their spines. Twin glowing amethyst eyes, even in slumber, flickered ominously beneath a set of long, curved horns that jutted back like the crown of some forgotten nightmare. Its fangs, partially exposed as it exhaled, shimmered with dark, venomous energy, a corruptive force that could rot flesh with a mere bite.


    Everah¡¯s blood ran cold the moment his eyes fell upon it. Staggering back, he nearly lost his footing. ¡°H-How in the hell did these bandits capture that thing?¡±


    Severus turned to him, his brow furrowed. ¡°You know what it is?¡±


    Everah swallowed hard. ¡°It¡¯s an Umbrawolf. They were thought to have gone extinct since the Fifth Era¡ªover two hundred years ago.¡± His voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°The Demon King Asatoth used them in his war against the world. Just one of these things could wipe out an entire city.¡±


    As if responding to his words, the creature stirred. A low, guttural growl rumbled from its chest, and the air around them seemed to grow heavier. Its violet eyes snapped open, glowing like molten amethyst in the darkness, locking onto them.


    The Umbrawolf had awakened.


    "Those bastards must have something keeping this thing tame, or it wouldn¡¯t still be here," Severus muttered, his grip tightening around his weapon.


    "I don¡¯t know what could possibly tame something like this," Everah replied, eyes locked on the beast. "But it¡¯s awake now, and if that cage isn¡¯t enough to hold it, we could die at any moment."


    Nebula glanced between them, uncertainty flickering in her gaze. "Should we just leave it, then? If it¡¯s hostile, setting it loose could be a death sentence for us all."


    Before anyone could answer, a voice, smooth as shadow and heavy as the void, filled the room.


    "You are not the humans who have been guarding me. What is your purpose in being here?"


    The words slithered through the air, curling into their minds like tendrils of darkness. It was deep and resonant, yet eerily smooth¡ªlike a whisper carried from the depths of an abyss. The voice did not merely echo; it resonated, as if it came from everywhere at once, vibrating in the marrow of their bones.


    Each syllable carried a layered reverberation, as though three voices spoke in eerie unison¡ªone a low, rumbling growl, another a haunting whisper, and the third something melodic yet unnatural, like the lull of a forgotten nightmare. The air itself seemed to quiver under the weight of her words, and the temperature dropped, a creeping chill coiling around them like unseen fingers.


    It was not just heard¡ªit was felt.


    There was no immediate rage, no outward hostility, but the unmistakable presence of power, vast and unknowable, watching them with cold, predatory curiosity. For a moment, the very light in the chamber dimmed, as if her voice alone had the power to smother it.


    Everah took an uneasy step back. "Dear Nesareen, I didn¡¯t even know they could speak."


    Severus exhaled, cautiously stepping back as well. "Well, at least she knows we¡¯re not those bandits. That¡¯s something¡­ might mean we actually have a chance of surviving this."


    Nova, though gripped by the same fear as the others, forced herself to step forward. Keeping her voice steady, she addressed the creature. "We¡¯ve taken care of the humans who had you trapped here. It was an accident that we ended up in your presence."


    The beast regarded her for a long moment before speaking again, shifting lazily as if she had not a care in the world.


    "This is not confinement. This is¡­ mere boredom." Her glowing violet eyes gleamed as she lowered herself comfortably back onto the ground. "Each day, those humans came here, thinking they could break me, thinking they could use their feeble strength to tame me and sell me off like livestock. I allowed it to continue¡­ because I was simply bored." Her voice deepened slightly, her tail flicking idly behind her. "I wait for the day my Lord rises again and takes back what was once his."


    A heavy silence followed, the weight of her words settling over them like a storm on the horizon.


    Nova hesitated before responding. "I¡­ see. Well, we have no intention of harming you. If that¡¯s the case, would you allow us to leave peacefully?"


    The Umbrawolf regarded them carefully, her glowing eyes narrowing slightly. For just a fleeting second, something flickered in them¡ªperhaps curiosity, perhaps something else. Unless one could read a beast well, the subtle shift in her expression would have gone unnoticed.


    With slow, deliberate movements, she lowered her head, bringing her gaze level with theirs.


    "I have no desire to keep you here, nor to hunt your kind. You may leave whenever you wish. I, too, should seek a new home¡­ until my master returns."


    Nova let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding. "Thank you." Turning toward her companions, she forced a nervous smile. "Well, you heard her. We can leave."


    Everah was already halfway to the exit before she had even finished speaking.


    Nebula lingered, unwilling to abandon her sister just yet, and Severus¡ªdespite the fear gripping him¡ªrefused to leave them alone with the beast. With that, the three of them followed after Everah, leaving the Umbrawolf in the shadows of the chamber.


    She watched them go, her luminous eyes gleaming in the dim light.


    "¡­I suppose it is time I leave as well."


    And with that, she melted into the darkness, vanishing like a whisper into the void.

 Chapter 7

    The Crimson Blades fled for their lives, snatching up as many valuables as they could while escaping the caged beast. Their bodies ached, their armor barely holding together, but they pushed forward, making their way back to the city.


    Upon arriving at the guild hall, they stepped inside, drawing the attention of nearly everyone in the room. Conversations hushed as adventurers turned to stare, their expressions shifting from curiosity to mild shock.


    The four of them were in rough shape¡ªarmor missing in places, gashes and bruises marking their skin, and the twins'' tops hanging by threads. Despite it all, they kept up forced smiles, moving straight to the reception desk.


    The receptionist¡¯s eyes widened in alarm. ¡°What on earth happened to you four?!¡± she asked, stamping the quest as completed but unable to hide her concern.


    Nova rubbed the back of her head, forcing a chuckle. ¡°It... was a rough quest. The bandit leader felt like he used to be a royal knight or something. He was a tough one to beat.¡±


    ¡°Nearly took our heads off...¡± Nebula muttered, sighing.


    Severus exhaled sharply. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Nova pulling those stalagmites down, I don¡¯t think we would¡¯ve won that fight.¡±


    The receptionist frowned, flipping through her notes. ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right¡­ The one who issued the quest said the bandits were barely above rookies¡ªlike you lot.¡±


    Nova scoffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Whoever gave that report needs to get their eyes checked, because those guys were no damn rookies.¡±


    She paused, her tone growing serious. ¡°And that wasn¡¯t the worst part. We found something else in their hideout.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? There were no reports of prisoners being held by them, so what else did you find?¡± The receptionist asked, already scribbling notes.


    Nebula turned to Everah. ¡°What did you call that thing again?¡±


    Everah hesitated for a moment before muttering, ¡°An Umbrawolf.¡±


    The receptionist blinked. ¡°A... what?¡±


    Everah sighed and spoke louder. ¡°An Umbrawolf. You know, one of those beasts that can level entire cities on its own?¡±


    The receptionist froze, her quill hovering mid-air. ¡°...And you made it back alive?¡± Her voice was laced with concern¡ªborderline disbelief.


    Nova crossed her arms. ¡°She told me she had no interest in hunting us. Apparently, the only reason she was even there in the first place was because she was¡­ bored.¡±


    The receptionist''s lips parted slightly, struggling to process that statement. ¡°You¡­ you realize how hard that is to believe, right?¡±


    ¡°We know,¡± Severus said firmly. ¡°But we swear by the gods, we¡¯re telling the truth. There¡¯s an Umbrawolf out there, roaming freely.¡±


    The receptionist exhaled slowly, rubbing her temples. ¡°I¡¯ll have to inform the guildmaster about this immediately. If what you¡¯re saying is true, we need to prepare ourselves¡ªor at least keep track of its whereabouts.¡± She shook her head, sighing. ¡°For now, here¡¯s your reward. You four need to get some rest¡­ and some new gear.¡±


    The four of them agreed and headed back to the inn they had been staying at, deciding to take a couple of days to rest and relax. They had been taking on back-to-back quests for a while now, and the exhaustion was starting to set in.


    After settling in, Nova and Nebula ventured out to a nearby clearing in the forest.


    "Alright, I¡¯ve been meaning to try summoning something ever since Sarah showed us summoning magic," Nebula said, stretching her arms.


    Nova giggled. "It¡¯s kind of hilarious that we were so excited about it, and now we¡¯re just getting to it."


    "I know, right?" Nebula smirked before setting her bag down and rummaging through it. "You got the book with the ritual summoning?"


    Nova nodded. "Yeah. So first, it says to draw the arcane sigils in bone dust, set five lit candles in a star shape, and then repeat the Invocation after offering something. Once the summoning terms are agreed upon, both summoner and familiar must speak the Oath of Accord."


    Nebula took the book from her sister. "Alright, hand it over, and I¡¯ll get started."


    Nova watched as Nebula carefully drew the sigils, set up the candles, and began reading the Invocation aloud.


    "Let the veils part and the realms tremble,


    By fire, by shadow, by whispered name.


    I call thee forth, from the void beyond,


    To heed my will and stand in my stead."


    As she spoke, Nebula held out her hand, using magic to cut her palm, offering a few drops of blood to the glowing sigil. She then poured a portion of her mana into the summoning circle.


    The air carried the crisp scent of summer grass and sunlit earth. As the final words left her lips, the wind shifted¡ªnot with an ominous chill, but with a playful swirl, tossing dust and petals into the air like a child¡¯s laughter.


    A flicker of gold sparked within the circle¡ªsmall, no bigger than a candle¡¯s flame. It wavered, then flared brighter, expanding outward in a spiraling burst of warm light.


    From its center, a tiny figure tumbled forward, landing ungracefully in a puff of golden embers.


    The creature¡ªa fox small enough to fit in cupped hands¡ªshook itself off, sending harmless sparks flickering from its bright orange fur. Two fluffy tails wavered behind her, their tips crackling softly like glowing embers. She blinked up at Nebula with wide, amber eyes, her nose twitching with curiosity.


    Then, without hesitation, she pounced¡ªlanding in Nebula¡¯s arms, her tails flicking excitedly.


    Nebula took a second to process what had just happened, then smiled warmly.


    "Are you willing to form a contract with me?" she asked softly.


    The fox gave a small nod, her tails curling around Nebula¡¯s wrist.


    Together, they recited the Oath of Accord to seal the bond:


    "By the warmth of the sun and the flicker of flame,


    I call upon the ember that dances free.


    Not as master, nor as ruler,


    But as friend, as kindred, as family.


    With open hands and an honest heart,


    I promise to walk beside you,


    To share in light, in laughter, and in fire¡¯s embrace.


    To protect, to trust, and to never let our flame fade.


    As your strength grows, so shall our bond,


    Together, we rise. Together, we burn bright."


    As the final words were spoken, the ritual sigil pulsed with golden light before fading into the ground, sealing the summoning contract between them.


    Nova clapped her hands in congratulations. "You did it! What¡¯s her name?"


    Nebula grinned, looking down at the tiny fox in her arms. "She said her name is Solari.


    ¡°That¡¯s so adorable.¡± Nova smiled, walking over to her and giving Solari a small pat on the head. ¡°Wonder what will appear when I try to summon something.¡±


    ¡°Well, we still have some bone dust and candles so go ahead and give it a go.¡± Nebula smiled at her, handing her the book.


    Nova flipped through the summoning tome, skimming the ritual instructions. She knelt in the dirt, carefully drawing the sigils using a small pouch of bone dust, making sure each line was precise. The five candles were placed in a star formation, their flames flickering softly in the dimming light.


    She let a single drop of blood seep into the arcane markings, feeling the familiar pull of mana as the ritual activated.


    She inhaled, steadying herself, and began the Invocation.


    "Let the veils part and the realms tremble,


    By fire, by shadow, by whispered name.


    I call thee forth, from the void beyond,


    To heed my will and stand in my stead."


    The sigil pulsed faintly, a soft hum of magic thrumming through the air.


    Then, nothing.


    The glow of the sigil flickered¡­ and died.


    The candles went out all at once, as if snuffed by an unseen force.


    The air in the clearing felt... off.


    Nova frowned. "Uh¡­ what?"


    Nebula blinked. "Did you mess up?"


    Nova scowled. "No, I did everything right." She glanced down at the sigil, now looking completely inert, untouched. Like it had never even been activated.


    Her jaw tightened. ¡°I¡¯ll try again.¡±


    She cut her palm again, let the blood drip into the etched symbols, and repeated the Invocation.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    Nothing.


    The sigil didn¡¯t even attempt to glow. The candles remained unlit, the magic¡­ gone.


    A strange unease settled in her gut.


    Nebula rubbed her chin. ¡°Maybe you just suck at summoning?¡±


    Nova¡¯s eye twitched. ¡°I do not suck at summoning.¡±


    She could feel the magic responding at first, but then¡­ It was like something had cut it off.


    Her fingers curled into fists. That didn¡¯t make sense.


    Magic didn¡¯t just stop like that.


    Did she miscalculate something? Was she too drained from earlier fights? No, that wouldn¡¯t explain why it activated at first but then vanished.


    Nebula watched her for a moment, then shrugged. "Well¡­ sucks to suck, I guess. Maybe summoning just isn¡¯t your thing."


    Nova exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through her hair. "Maybe I¡¯m just tired. I¡¯ll try again tomorrow."


    She had no way of knowing that somewhere¡ªhidden beyond her senses¡ªsomething had been watching.


    Something that had no intention of letting her summon anything else.


    With anger still simmering in her chest, Nova stormed through the crowded streets of the city alongside Nebula. The sting of their earlier failure still clung to them, but they refused to dwell on it¡ªnot when they had things to do. They had planned to spend the rest of the evening stocking up on supplies, checking out new equipment, and grabbing food rations before calling it a night.


    They¡¯d planned to stock up on supplies¡ªnew equipment, food rations, anything they needed before setting out on their next job.


    But their plans were cut short.


    Nebula stiffened, subtly nudging Nova¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Look over there.¡±


    Nova followed her gaze toward a narrow alleyway wedged between two buildings. At first, it looked like nothing¡ªjust another shadowed space in the maze of city streets. But when she focused, she saw them.


    A group of thugs.


    Three men loomed over a young woman, cornering her against the wall. She clutched a worn leather bag, her hands trembling.


    ¡°Please,¡± the woman begged, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything else¡ª¡±


    One of the men snatched the bag from her grasp, rifling through it as he sneered. ¡°Oh, I think you do.¡±


    Nova¡¯s blood boiled.


    Without thinking, she marched toward them.


    "Hey! Leave her alone!" she snapped.


    ¡°Yeah, unless you¡¯re looking to get your asses kicked,¡± Nebula added, stepping up beside her.


    The thugs turned, their expressions shifting slightly when they noticed the twins. Their eyes flicked over them¡ªunarmed, unarmored, but standing tall.


    Nova expected hesitation.


    She didn¡¯t get it.


    Instead, the man holding the bag smirked, exchanging a glance with his companions.


    "Hah. You two lost or something?"


    His voice was too casual.


    Too amused.


    A prickle of unease crept up Nova¡¯s spine.


    The woman they¡¯d been trying to help turned toward them, her teary expression vanishing in an instant¡ªreplaced with a slow, wicked smile.


    Something cold settled in Nova¡¯s gut.


    This was wrong.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡±


    A sharp whistle rang out.


    Before either sister could react, a sudden grip clamped around Nova¡¯s arms, yanking them roughly behind her back. She barely had time to thrash in protest before she felt something pressed against her mouth and nose.


    A cloth.


    Sickly sweet. Cloying.


    Shit.


    She held her breath, twisting violently, trying to ignite a burst of fire, but her vision was already swimming.


    Beside her, Nebula let out a furious, muffled shout, struggling against her own captor.


    Nova¡¯s heart pounded. Too fast. Too unsteady.


    She couldn¡¯t breathe¡ª


    Through the haze, she caught one last glimpse of the woman¡ªwatching with a smirk, arms crossed, completely at ease.


    This wasn¡¯t a robbery.


    It was a setup.


    And Nova had walked right into it.


    Her limbs went weak.


    Her thoughts blurred.


    The last thing she heard before darkness dragged her under was Nebula cursing, still fighting¡ªthen silence.


    When the two finally opened their eyes, the cold, damp air of the dungeon pressed against their skin. Their arms were bound tightly to a thick wooden pole, heavy iron chains clamping around their wrists and ankles. The walls were rough-hewn stone, the air thick with the scent of mildew, sweat, and something else¡ªsomething foul.


    Nova and Nebula instinctively pulled at their bindings, testing for any weakness, but the chains held firm, digging into their skin.


    Then they tried to summon their magic¡ªonly for a strange glow to pulse from the metal cuffs locked around their wrists.


    A dull, draining sensation spread through them as their mana was snuffed out entirely.


    The sisters'' eyes snapped to each other.


    ¡°What in the hell?¡± Nebula muttered, still shaking off her grogginess.


    Nova clenched her jaw. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I can¡¯t use magic. What about you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Nebula huffed, frustration flashing across her face. ¡°I¡¯m gonna state the obvious, but I think we¡¯ve been kidnapped.¡±


    Nova scoffed. ¡°No shit.¡± She gave the chains another rough yank, but they barely rattled. ¡°And considering these things can hold against our strength, I¡¯d say this was planned.¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t fool me,¡± Nebula deadpanned. ¡°If the chains aren¡¯t budging and magic isn¡¯t an option, we should save our strength for when we get an opening.¡±


    Nova exhaled sharply, rolling her shoulders against the pole. ¡°Agreed. We wait.¡±


    And so they did.


    Hours seem to have passed.


    Their ears twitched at the sound of approaching footsteps, the distant click of boots against stone.


    Then came voices, their heightened senses picking up the conversation before the figures even stepped into view.


    ¡°It¡¯s about time you got them. What took so long?¡± A smooth yet irritated voice questioned.


    ¡°Time and preparation. You have them now, don¡¯t you? That¡¯s what matters.¡± A second voice, rougher, less patient. ¡°We want our payment.¡±


    The first man sighed¡ªthe kind of sigh that practically came with an eye-roll. ¡°Yes, yes. You know where the safe is. Take what¡¯s inside and we¡¯ll call it even.¡±


    A pause.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not enough, you know I¡¯ll still come for the rest,¡± the second voice warned. ¡°Wolf-kin are rare commodities. Best not let the public see them in your¡­ bed chambers.¡±


    The first man chuckled as he stepped into view. The first man chuckled as he stepped into view.


    Lucas.


    His long, golden hair was neatly combed back, not a strand out of place, as if he hadn¡¯t a single care in the world. His face was sharp and elegant, his jawline clean, his pale blue eyes gleaming with cold amusement.


    He was tall, his frame draped in dark navy silks, a crimson sash tied at his waist, and a gloved hand idly resting on the hilt of a slender rapier. The air around him practically oozed authority, yet there was something unsettling in the way he carried himself¡ªlike a man who had never heard the word ¡®no¡¯ in his life.


    His lips curled into a smirk as he surveyed the sisters, as if they were expensive artwork displayed for his personal amusement.


    ¡°Then I suppose I¡¯ll just have to bring my comforts down here for a while.¡± His voice was silken, laced with amusement¡ªbut beneath it, there was something else. Something vile.


    Nebula¡¯s ears flattened, her lips curling in disgust. ¡°Go to hell.¡±


    Lucas merely chuckled at that, unbothered.


    The second man, the one wearing a hood and mask, turned toward him. ¡°I checked them, as requested. Their hymens are intact. That will require an additional payment.¡±


    Lucas let out an exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°If all you¡¯re going to do is whine about payment, then just go grab it already. And if it¡¯s not enough, have my head butler cover the rest. Gods, must I do everything myself?¡±


    The masked man rolled his eyes. ¡°Right then.¡± Without another word, he turned and strode out, leaving the three of them alone.


    As the heavy door clanked shut, Lucas turned his attention back to the twins, his lips curling into a slow, predatory smile. He rubbed his hands together, eyes gleaming with sick amusement.


    ¡°Now then, how about we get comfortable before the fun begins?¡±


    Nova¡¯s stomach churned, but she didn¡¯t let it show. Instead, she glared, her voice dripping with venom as she spat at him. ¡°Don¡¯t come near us, you disgusting creep.¡±


    Lucas barely flinched as the spit landed just shy of his boot. If anything, the challenge in her voice only amused him further.


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t you worry,¡± he chuckled, ¡°they all say the same thing at first.¡± He took a slow step forward, his icy blue gaze drinking them in. ¡°A few days of resistance, some stubborn glares, maybe even a few threats¡­ but in the end?¡± He smirked, tilting his head slightly. ¡°They always break. They always beg. And then they can¡¯t get enough of me.¡±


    Nebula jerked at her restraints, her sharp teeth bared in fury. ¡°The only thing I¡¯ll beg for is your throat in my teeth, you sick bastard.¡±


    Lucas simply sighed, shaking his head as if scolding an unruly pet. ¡°You wolf-kin do love to fight. That¡¯s what makes taming you all the more satisfying.¡±


    His gloved fingers trailed lazily over the hilt of his rapier, his confidence unshaken, his posture relaxed¡ªbecause in his mind, he had already won.


    ¡°Struggle all you want,¡± he mused, his smirk widening. ¡°You¡¯re at my mercy until I decide otherwise.¡±


    Lucas grinned, watching them struggle before finally stepping away.


    With a snap of his fingers, the door swung open, and a pair of silent, well-dressed butlers entered, carrying an elegantly carved bedframe draped in dark crimson sheets. The contrast between the luxurious bedding and the damp, filth-ridden dungeon only made the whole scene more grotesque.


    The air grew heavier as the men set up the bed, placing it in the center of the room as if it belonged in a noble¡¯s chamber rather than a stone-walled prison. The moment their task was finished, they exited as silently as they had come.


    Then Lucas returned.


    He had shed his usual lavish coat, now wearing only a robe, its silk barely fastened at his waist. His blonde hair gleamed in the dim torchlight, his icy blue eyes glittering with cruel amusement as he stepped toward them.


    ¡°Now, let''s get these clothes off, shall we?¡± He slowly ran his hands over Nova''s legs before beginning to remove her pants and underwear, despite her attempts to kick him away.


    Next, he removed her shirt and bra, then moved on to Nebula, stripping her bare as well. Standing back to admire his captives, he could see the anger burning in their eyes.


    ¡°Now, who should I have first? Let''s flip a coin.¡± He took out a coin and tossed it into the air. ¡°Heads, you. Tails, you.¡±


    He looked from Nebula to Nova. The coin landed on heads, and he turned to Nebula.


    ¡°No way, just start with me,¡± Nova growled.


    ¡°What''s the point in going first, little lass? She''s going to get it just the same,¡± Lucas retorted, grinning.


    ¡°Yeah, well, the longer you stay away from her, the better you¡ª¡± Nova was interrupted by a sharp slap to the face.


    "You''ll speak only when addressed," Lucas sneered, "but since you''re so eager to talk, I guess I''ll have my way with you first." With a grin, he parted her legs.


    "You vile bastard, once we escape, I''ll have your head!" Nova''s face flushed with anger and humiliation.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure that doesn''t happen," he smirked at her.


    Before anything more could occur, an unfamiliar soft sigh echoed in the room. Lucas, bewildered, scanned his surroundings. There was nothing, just them in the room. Confused, he backed away from the girls and picked up a weapon nearby. "Who''s there?" Lucas demanded. Silence followed, as if they had all sensed a ghost or something.


    "Must''ve been the wind..." Lucas muttered as he cautiously set the weapon down and returned to the girls.


    Upon reaching them, Lucas found the twins completely unconscious. His brow furrowed, irritation flickering across his face.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± he muttered.


    Then¡ª


    A voice.


    It didn¡¯t shout. It didn¡¯t snarl. It simply spoke, low and venomous, slithering into the air like a whispered death sentence.


    ¡°Your fun ends here.¡±


    The room itself seemed to recoil, the very walls pressing in, suffocating, as if even the dungeon feared what had just entered.


    ¡°I guess I have to step in after all.¡±


    It was the absence of sound that followed¡ªno footsteps, no rustle of movement. Just silence.


    Lucas turned sharply, his heart hammering against his ribs. Nothing. No source. No shadow. Nothing.


    Then¡ªhe felt it.


    A cold caress against his throat, a sensation so light it could have been a breeze.


    But it wasn¡¯t.


    His world collapsed into nothingness¡ªnot darkness, not even pain. Just a sheer, devouring emptiness.


    By the time his head hit the floor, his body had yet to realize it was dead.