The clock read 7:20 AM. The sky was overcast, drizzling light rain over the academy grounds. The quiet morning was broken by a knock at the classroom door. It was Nero, carrying an urgent mission for Hero, Merkin, and Akira. Their ranks in the academy had fallen dangerously low, and this was their chance to redeem themselves.
Nero entered the classroom.
— "Good morning, everyone."
The class fell silent. The girls whispered excitedly among themselves.
— "Look at him! So handsome!"
— "His black glasses make him look so cool!"
— "And those deep blue eyes…"
Akira rolled his eyes.
— "Seriously, you all are acting like this is a romance novel," he muttered.
One of the girls leaned forward.
— "Hey, Akira, do you know if he has a girlfriend?"
Akira groaned.
— "Enough! Just shut up!"
Nero clapped his hands.
— "Alright, settle down! I have some important news for you all."
Merkin raised an eyebrow.
— "What is it?"
From the back of the room, Saigo, another student, smirked.
— "Merkin, you're still sitting in the back row? Do you really think intelligence alone will make you stronger? In battle, you need skill and instinct, not just a sharp mind."
Merkin shot back.
— "And what good is strength without wisdom? If you're powerful but stupid, you're just a beast waiting to be tamed."
Nero cut in before the argument escalated.
— "Enough. Where's Hero?"
Merkin's expression darkened.
— "He left."
— "Where to?"
— "To visit his parents' graves. He wanted to see them one last time."
A heavy silence filled the room.
Nero sighed.
— "Right… His parents were murdered."
He turned to leave when suddenly the door creaked open. Hero and Gas entered, their cloaks dripping from the rain.
Nero's gaze softened.
— "Hero, I need to speak with you."
Hero looked away.
— "I'm not in the mood, Professor."
Nero placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
— "Listen, I understand. You're not alone in this."
Hero clenched his fists.
— "Do you really? Do you know what it's like to lose everything?"
Nero hesitated before nodding.
— "Yes. More than you know."
For a moment, neither spoke. Then, Nero handed Hero a folded letter.
— "Take this. Your future depends on what you do next."
With that, he turned and left.
Hero unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the words. As he read, his breath hitched, and a cold sweat formed on his brow.
The Mission:
"Hero, you, Merkin, and Akira have fallen to the lowest rank in the academy. To regain your standing, you must travel to Fishermen's Bay in Ishtikhon City. A mysterious creature has been terrorizing the local fishermen, preventing them from working. Two people have already vanished. Your mission: find the missing victims and eliminate the creature. If you succeed, you will be granted higher ranks.
— Nero Flaus"
Hero rushed back into the classroom, his voice urgent.
— "Merkin! Akira!"
The two turned in surprise. Hero handed the letter to Gas, who read it quickly and then smirked.
— "Well? Are you two ready?"
Before they could answer, Merkin activated his teleportation magic, and in an instant, the three of them vanished.
Chapter 2: Arrival at Fishermen's Bay
They materialized in the bustling heart of Ishtikhon City, standing amidst merchants and travelers. The salty scent of the sea filled the air. Merkin and Akira turned to Hero.
— "Now tell us what the hell is going on."
Hero took a deep breath and explained everything.
Akira frowned.
— "And you waited until now to tell us?!"
— "I only just got the letter!"
Without another word, the trio headed for the bay. The streets grew quieter as they neared the coast. The sky had darkened, and an eerie silence hung over the shoreline. The fishing village was deserted, except for a lone old man sitting on the dock, staring at the waves.
Hero stepped forward.
— "Excuse me, sir? Can we ask you something?"
Akira nudged him.
— "He's sleeping, idiot."
Merkin smirked.
— "Fishermen always seem like they're asleep, but trust me, they hear everything."
The old man suddenly spoke without opening his eyes.
— "I've been listening this whole time."
Hero jumped back.
— "Oh! Sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."
The man opened his eyes, his gaze sharp and tired.
— "No harm done, boy. What do you want?"
Hero hesitated before answering.
— "We're students from the Paranormal Academy. We heard rumors about… a creature?"
The old man's expression darkened.
— "Shhh! Lower your voice! We're by the water. If it hears you, it'll come!"
Merkin crossed his arms.
— "You're afraid of some sea monster? Just tell us where it is so we can take care of it."
The old man sighed.
— "You don't understand. This isn't just some creature. It's a curse."
Hero and Akira exchanged glances.
— "What kind of curse?"
The old man glanced at the darkening sea.
— "Come with me. If you really want to help, I'll tell you everything."
Hero and Merkin helped him gather his fishing tools. As they worked, the old man whispered,
— "But be warned… Once you start down this path, there's no turning back."
To be continued…