The morning sun cast a golden glow over the city as Athena walked alongside Owen and Eden toward the guild. The black marks on their faces made it obvious—they had indulged in a feast the night before. She shook her head. They looked rough.
But where was Nate?
As they entered the guild hall, she spotted him immediately. He stood in the center, speaking with the healer who had aided them during their battle with Tenkan.
"You're all late."
Nate's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. Instantly, Owen and Eden snapped to attention, their postures straightening like soldiers before a superior officer.
"Sorry," Athena said with a small bow, clasping her hands together. "We had a delay… some inconvenient trouble."
Nate let out a sigh before reaching into a magic circle, pulling out two small bottles. By now, nothing he did surprised her. His magic—this ability to summon and store items—was something only a select few possessed. Even she couldn't use another box magic.
He tossed the bottles to Owen and Eden. "Drink up. You'll feel better."
The two men downed the liquid without hesitation. Within moments, their eyes widened in shock.
"Whoa… what is this?" Eden asked, suddenly more alert.
"Yeah, seriously," Owen added. "I've never heard of a drink that cures a hangover instantly."
Athena barely paid attention to them. Her focus was on the girl standing beside Nate.
"So, Nate," she said, narrowing her eyes, "who's the girl?"
At her question, Nate gestured for the young woman to step forward.
"Introduce yourself."
The girl gave a small bow. "My name is Emily Hartwell. I'm an F-rank healer. It's nice to meet you all."
She stepped back beside Nate, while Owen and Eden merely nodded in acknowledgment.
"She's the new member of this team," Nate stated plainly.
"Wait, what?" Eden blurted out.
"Yeah… are you sure that's a good idea?" Owen asked, skepticism clear in his tone.
"I am sure," Nate replied without hesitation. "If she were weak, then you should remember—she stood her ground against Tenkan."
Athena frowned slightly. "Yes, she did, but only as a support. Do you really think she can defend herself?"
"She can," Nate answered firmly, "but her attack magic is low. She'll be working on that for a while."
"And how? We're leaving today," Athena reminded him.
"Simple," Nate said. "There are plenty of beasts where we're going. She'll get stronger quickly."
His confidence was unwavering.
"We're heading to the E and D-rank forest," he announced.
"For real?" Owen raised an eyebrow. "And what exactly will we be doing there?"
"You, Athena, and Emily will be practicing your mana control," Nate explained.
Eden crossed his arms. "Oh, oh—what about me? I wanna train too!"
Nate glanced at him blankly. "You won't be doing anything."
Eden's jaw dropped. "What?!"
Ignoring his outburst, Nate turned and walked toward the exit. "Now, let's go."
For all his reckless behavior, Athena had to admit—he was starting to act like a real leader.
---
Emily
Emily bid farewell to her old team. They had accepted her decision without much protest, and now, she was officially part of Nate's group.
As they stepped into the E to D-rank forest, nostalgia washed over her. This place held memories—some good, some bad.
Suddenly, Nate, Owen, and Eden halted mid-step.
"Beasts," Owen muttered. "I can sense them. One group on the left."
"Another on the right," Eden confirmed.
"And the last up front," Nate added.
His gaze sharpened as he assigned roles. "Owen, you'll practice channeling your mana into your sword. Don't let it break. You'll take the ones in front."
Owen nodded, while Eden followed close behind to scout.
"Athena, your mana capacity is high, but your control is lacking. You take the right."
Athena gave a small nod before moving into position.
"As for you…" Nate turned to Emily. "You'll use your earth element for this fight. No healing—just earth magic and evasion. Now go."
His form suddenly shifted, transforming into his Evil Charm state. A flaming crow-like figure emerged beside him, its piercing gaze locked onto her.
"I'll be observing your moves," he stated, his voice carrying an eerie weight.
Emily hesitated. "What about Athena?"
Another Evil Charm emerged from the flames.
"She'll be observed by this one."
Emily swallowed hard. No pressure, right?
---
Owen
The moment he engaged, a pack of Low Fang Beasts charged toward him.
Slashing them was easy, but using his mana to strengthen his sword was another story. Every time he tried, his blade felt heavier, dulled by the unstable flow of energy.
"You should calm down and relax," Eden called from a tree, watching like he was on vacation. "Let your mana guide you. Work with your sword, not against it."
Owen gritted his teeth. "You know… helping would be useful."
Eden shrugged. "I am helping. Mentally."
Damn it. This was a problem.
---
Athena
Kicking Rabbits. Annoying little creatures.
Alone, they were weak, but in a group, they became a nightmare. Every time she launched a spell, they dodged at the last second. If this kept up, she'd be here all day.
The Evil Charm beside her spoke, its voice carrying Nate's tone.
"Don't waste mana on small enemies."
Athena clenched her fists. Easy for him to say.
"To control your power, you must understand its origin. Only then can you wield it properly."
Right. Like that was as easy as flipping a switch.
---
Emily
Evil Crows. Lots of them.
They lacked special abilities, but their aerial advantage made this a nightmare for an earth-element user like her.
Crafting even a single stone bullet took effort, and she needed many to hit these fast-moving enemies. Worse, they attacked while she was trying to aim.
She dodged another strike, frustration bubbling within her.
"Failing to find the root of your element is more dangerous than the enemy itself," Nate's voice echoed from his Evil Charm form. "Sink into the earth—embrace its nature. Only then will you win."
Easy for him to say.
Like she could just learn that in one go.
---
Nate
Nate observed every movement.
Owen through his Ignil Lion. Athena through his Evil Charm. Emily directly.
They struggled, but that was expected. Controlling power was never easy.
He remembered the time it took him to master his beast form. The only way he gained control was by accepting what he had become—living by it.
They had potential. He could see it.
The real question was—would they master their abilities in time?
Or would they lose hope and give up?