Chapter 76: A Mission into the Unknown
The echoes of the celebration had barely faded before the weight of reality returned.
The Forbidden Zone of Eldoria.
It was a place spoken of in hushed tones—a ruined city, long abandoned, swallowed by time and mana corruption. Legends claimed it was once a flourishing metropolis before it became a breeding ground for mana beasts far more dangerous than anything they had faced on the island.
And now, they were being sent straight into it.
Kael stood in the training hall, arms crossed, as he delivered the news to the remaining members of the Top 10.
"The mission assignments are out," he announced, his crimson gaze sweeping over them. "And we're getting the worst one."
Cassian smirked, adjusting his rapier at his waist. "Why am I not surprised?"
Lucian, ever composed, nodded. "If the headmaster is sending us, there's a reason."
Selene, leaning against a nearby pillar, spoke calmly. "The Forbidden Zone isn't just a training mission. It's a direct investigation. That means the academy suspects something is wrong."
Evelyne cracked her knuckles. "And when something's wrong, it usually means a lot of things to punch."
Darius exhaled, lightning flickering across his fingertips. "Great. More unknown mana beasts."
Mira remained quiet, her fingers tightening around her sword's hilt.
She had fought her way through everything thrown at her. But this… this felt different.
Rael, ever elusive, tilted his head. "And we're sure this isn't a death sentence?"
Kael smirked. "No guarantees."
A sharp knock echoed through the hall before Seraphine Eldoria, their fourth-year lecturer, stepped inside. Dressed in her dark combat robes, her silver hair tied back, her katana resting at her hip, she wasted no time.
"You've all been briefed, but let me make one thing clear," Seraphine said, her voice even. "This is not a standard mission. You will be stepping into a place that has been off-limits for over a decade. Your objective is to gather information about the mana beasts within the ruins."
She paused.
"And if something is unnatural—you retreat."
Cassian raised a brow. "We're just supposed to run away?"
"Yes," Seraphine said flatly. "You're skilled, but you're not invincible. If the beasts there are evolving like the Alpha on the island, then you are not ready for what's ahead."
Kael narrowed his eyes. "So you expect us to run?"
"I expect you to be smart," Seraphine corrected. "If you die recklessly, you prove nothing."
Lucian nodded in agreement. "Understood."
Seraphine exhaled. "Good. You depart at dawn."
The Arcane Sigil System Awakens
That night, as Kael prepared for the journey, something shifted.
A pulse of mana—different from before.
Then, in his mind, a voice echoed.
[ Arcane Sigil System – New Mission Activated. ]
[ Survive the Forbidden Zone. ]
[ Rewards: +20 Stat Growth & New Skill. ]
Kael's breath slowed.
This system…
It had never given him a survival-based mission before.
Which meant one thing.
This mission wasn't just dangerous.
It was lethal.
Kael's crimson eyes flickered with determination.
"Then I'll just have to survive."