The warm scent of incense still lingered in the air of the Healer's Guild. Cassian stood silently in front of the receptionist desk, his newly acquired F-rank healer's card clutched tightly in his hand.
He looked at the card again.
[Name : Cassian]
[F-Rank Healer]
Affinities: Holy
Status: Registered
Guild ID: 1712-C
He had no money. No home in the city. No food. And worst of all, no idea how to even begin using magic.
As if reading his thoughts, Mira glanced at him and said, "Lady Silvia left instructions before she went."
Cassian looked up in surprise.
"She paid for your lodging and food here at the guild for one week. Said it should be enough time for you to get on your feet."
He was stunned for a moment, then bowed his head. "She… really went that far?"
Mira handed him a set of keys. "There's a small room on the second floor. Meals are served twice a day in the hall."
Cassian took the keys and stared at them for a moment.
"She also told me to give you this," Mira added, handing him a thin booklet. "Basic Holy Magic. Church-issued. Free for novice healers. Don't lose it—real skill books are way more expensive."
Cassian bowed gratefully. "Thank you."
She shrugged and muttered under her breath, "Let's see how long you last."
He made his way to the corner of the hall, flipping open the booklet. The letters, once unreadable, now felt familiar thanks to whatever strange magic had shifted the language for him earlier.
"Holy magic stems from faith, clarity, and compassion. To call upon it, focus your mind, feel the light within you, and speak your will…"
He tried to follow the instructions—slow breathing, focused mind, gentle visualization. But…
Nothing happened.
No warmth. No flicker. No spark.
Just the dull, quiet void within.
"I guess it's not that easy…" he murmured, rubbing his chest in frustration.
Hours passed like that. He read. He meditated. He failed.
The sun began to set beyond the tall windows when the guild's entrance bell chimed. A girl entered—about his age, short brown hair tied back, two daggers strapped to her hips, and a permanent scowl etched onto her face.
She walked straight to Mira, muttered something, and Mira gestured toward Cassian.
The girl clicked her tongue and marched toward him.
"You're the new healer?" she asked, voice curt.
Cassian blinked. "Yes?"
"I'm Elen. D-rank rogue. I need a healer for a herb collection quest tomorrow morning. You're coming with me."
Cassian hesitated. "I… don't know any spells yet."
"I don't care," she snapped. "I just need someone with a healer's card. The quest won't let me accept it without one."
His body instinctively wanted to refuse. He knew he wasn't ready—physically or magically. But the moment he tried to say no, his lips froze. His chest tightened. That same frustrating resistance returned.
Damn this body, he thought. Why can't I just say no?
"I… alright. I'll come."
"Good. West gate. Before sunrise. And bring something to defend yourself. If you get eaten, I'm not dragging your corpse back."
With that, she turned and left, not even sparing a second glance.
Cassian sighed and slumped back in his seat, the holy magic booklet still open beside him.
"Guess I'm going on a quest now…"
He looked down at his card one more time.
F-rank or not… this is where it begins.
To Be Continued…