In a tranquil forest, a group of rabbits foraged peacefully until a sudden, glowing portal appeared. Startled, they fled as three figures stepped through.
"Space magic sure is convenient!" Ethan Hayes marveled as he surveyed the landscape. They had traveled over 200 kilometers from the Black Bulls' base in mere moments, a journey that would have taken him half a day otherwise.
Fenral, their teleportation specialist, grinned. "Well, good luck, guys! Have fun out there!" With a friendly wave, Fenral closed the portal and disappeared.
A Troublesome Companion
As the portal faded, Ethan and Asta exchanged weary glances, turning their attention to Vanessa. Despite her stunning beauty and alluring presence, Vanessa's drinking habits were a source of constant frustration.
"She's gorgeous, but honestly, she's like a walking keg," Ethan muttered. "How is she even functional after all that alcohol?"
Shaking his head, Ethan suggested they rest for the night to let Vanessa sober up. "We'll need her at full strength for what's ahead."
Morning Resolutions
The next morning, Vanessa proved she could be professional when necessary. She stretched gracefully, temporarily setting aside her ever-present wine bottle.
"Morning, Ethan. Thanks for taking care of me last night," she teased, her playful tone accompanied by a wink.
Ethan cleared his throat awkwardly, quickly changing the subject. "The Magic Palace is just three kilometers ahead. Let's move."
Rousing a groggy Asta, the trio prepared to head out. Ethan reminded them, "The treasure inside is secondary. Captain Yami warned us—if the Diamond Kingdom gets there first, we must stop them at all costs."
The Magic Palace
Before long, the team arrived at the ruins. The remnants of towering walls and shattered columns hinted at the grandeur of a bygone era. Time had eroded much of its splendor, leaving an eerie silence in its wake.
"It's massive," Asta whispered, awestruck by the scale of the structure.
"Stay sharp," Ethan cautioned, stepping toward the darkened entrance with a small flame conjured in his hand to light the way.
The air inside was damp, the walls coated with moss and vines. Cracked stone tiles and unstable ceilings gave the impression that the palace could collapse at any moment.
"This place is creepy," Asta muttered, his voice echoing in the cavernous space.
"Watch your step," Ethan warned. "This place is full of traps."
A Misstep
No sooner had Ethan spoken than Asta triggered a glowing magic circle beneath his feet.
"Damn it! Move!" Ethan shouted, casting Wind Magic: Swift Gust to push Asta out of harm's way.
Unfortunately, the trap's activation was faster than Ethan anticipated. Though Asta was safe, Ethan was engulfed by a blinding light.
"Ethan!" Asta yelled, reaching out in vain as Vanessa's magical threads dissolved upon contact with the light.
When the glow subsided, Ethan was gone.
Separated
"Damn it!" Asta punched the ground in frustration. "This is my fault…"
Vanessa placed a calming hand on his shoulder. "Pull yourself together, Asta. Ethan's too strong to go down that easily. If we want to save him, we need to keep moving."
Asta clenched his fists and nodded determinedly. "You're right. Let's find him!"
Ethan's Plight
Ethan slowly regained consciousness, feeling an unsettling sensation of freefall. Opening his eyes, he found himself enveloped in complete darkness. The rushing wind in his ears confirmed his worst fear—he was plummeting down an endless void.
"This can't be real," Ethan muttered, his analytical mind racing. Calculating his descent time, he realized he'd been falling for over 300 seconds—far longer than any conceivable height.
"Wind Magic: Float!" Ethan commanded, attempting to stabilize himself. But nothing happened.
A chilling realization struck him—he had no magic. Not only was his own mana gone, but the air around him was completely devoid of magical particles.
"A null-magic zone?" Ethan whispered, panic creeping into his voice. Without magic, his survival was unlikely.
"Am I really going to die here?" he thought grimly, clenching his fists.
Just as despair threatened to take over, a faint light flickered in the distance. A mysterious, soothing voice echoed in his mind.
"Do not fear, chosen one. I am here..."
Ethan's descent slowed, his surroundings growing warm as an ethereal glow enveloped him.
A New Ally
Ethan found himself gently suspended in midair, facing a small, radiant figure. The being exuded a calming aura, its appearance otherworldly.
"You… who are you?" Ethan asked, his voice trembling.
"I am your guide, the Spirit of the Flame," the figure replied, its voice resonating within him. "Together, we shall forge a bond that transcends the limits of this world."
Ethan's eyes widened as he realized—this was no ordinary spirit. This was the start of a power he had never imagined.