The next morning, light spilled across the manor grounds, golden and calm—the kind of peace earned only after a hard-won victory.

  In the mansion’s spacious dining hall, the aroma of breakfast drifted through the air. Yuno was already devouring a mountain of food. Thora, seated beside him, tossed grapes into his mouth between mouthfuls. Reiya sharpened her blade on the porch, while Kael, half-awake, stirred a cup of tea with visible disdain for mornings.

  Mei sat with Lumina, who was teaching her the basic theory behind ancient draconic runes—at least, the ones Lumina vaguely remembered from her lineage.

  Aika entered hesitantly, wearing fresh clothes Reiya had lent her. She looked different—more rested, but her eyes still carried the storm of loss.

  Kazuki noticed her first. “Morning, Aika.”

  She blinked, surprised. “Good morning…”

  “Come eat,” Mei offered, smiling gently.

  As Aika took her seat, Kairyuuha walked in last, a long coat trailing behind him, a small mana orb hovering at his shoulder. He glanced at Aika briefly and nodded. “You slept well?”

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  “Yes. Thank you again… all of you.”

  Kael leaned back. “You’re one of us now. No thanks needed.”

  Reiya added, “You survived what others didn’t. That says something.”

  As they ate, a knock echoed through the main door. Thora stood and opened it. A guild courier handed him a sealed scroll. He broke it open and read aloud:

  “Urgent Mission: Elite-Class. Ruins of Arkanthar.”

  Kael whistled low. “That place again? That’s not just haunted—it’s cursed.”

  Kazuki stood. “We’re taking it?”

  Kairyuuha's eyes narrowed. “We’ll scout it first. I don’t like coincidences.”

  Aika spoke hesitantly. “Let me come.”

  Everyone turned to her. She straightened her back. “I’m not weak. I won’t slow you down. I want to prove I can fight with you.”

  Kael smirked. “Well said.”

  Lumina smiled faintly. “You’ll need to keep up.”

  They departed that afternoon, skies overcast as they neared the ruins. The stone pillars of Arkanthar loomed, half-swallowed by vines and corruption. The wind whispered with voices not quite there.

  Inside, the ruins pulsed faintly with a corrupted mana.

  Kazuki paused. “It’s… watching us.”

  Yuno tightened his grip on his axe. “Something’s here.”

  The team spread out. Reiya and Thora took the front. Kazuki and Mei watched the flanks. Kairyuuha guided them deeper. Lumina and Aika followed at the rear.

  Then—

  “AMBUSH!” Kairyuuha shouted.

  From the shadows, spectral warriors emerged—remnants of a long-dead army, drawn by rage and soul-hunger.

  Reiya charged the first, blade flashing. Yuno roared, cutting through with wild force. Aika flanked alongside Lumina, firing precise blasts of energy she hadn’t even known she could produce. Kael ignited the hall in flame.

  Kazuki fought with instinct—no dark magic, just sword and speed.

  But the danger wasn’t over.

  The stone behind them cracked.

  A deeper rumble emerged from the sanctum ahead.

  Kairyuuha stepped forward, heterochromatic eyes glowing.

  “We’ve found the real boss.”