Wind bellowed past Raven’s eyes and ears as he traveled through the air. He could see other students having the same experience as him, some, like Wolfton, had their cheeks puffed out by the rushing wind.
“Head’s up, reprobates. We’ll soon reach our destination. Try not to die.” Lupin’s voice echoed through the howling gale.
Saeyeon enveloped herself in dark shadows. From her back, a parachute sprang out, slowing her descent.
As the rest were about to land, a pink vortex pulsed around Aurelia for a second before she began to decelerate, floating gently through the air and touching down slowly.
A nearly invisible burst shot from Jin’s hands, slowing him down and causing him to land on his butt.
A gate shaped like a three-eyed monster appeared before Lysandra. It opened and swallowed her whole. Another gate appeared on the ground, from which she shot out with the momentum she had while flying. She tumbled across the snow for several seconds before finally stopping.
Numerous mirrors appeared in thin air, forming a chain-like slide. Camila slid across them until she reached the snow, where she continued sliding for a few more seconds.
A spiraling burst of water pressure shot from Edric’s hands, slowing him until he was just above the ground, where he stopped and landed safely.
Around Fenrir, a pulse of dark goo formed a mattress-like platform. Unlike the others, his face was filled with fear. He landed flat on it, lying there as though all life had been drained from him.
Wolfton released a stream of fire and electricity from his hands, allowing him to decelerate before crashing hard into the snow.
Raven used
James simply went with the flow. He crash-landed, leaving a deep imprint of his body in the snow. A few seconds later, he emerged relatively unscathed, dusting the snow off himself.
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“You reprobates did a fine job,” Lupin said as he landed.
“Gather around, gremlins. We’ve reached our destination. The trip took approximately twenty minutes, we’re behind schedule, so listen carefully. I’ll only say this once!”
“I’m dividing us into two groups. Gothic Princess (Saeyeon), Cinder Twig (Raven), Gray Loner (Fenrir), and Chaotic Sprinkler (Camila). You four will head to the town east of here and deal with the Mystic Beast.”
“According to reports, the beast has abilities related to darkness and shadows. You four are perfect for the job.”
“The rest of us will go to the dungeon and rescue the squad.”
Raven’s heart skipped a beat. This was supposed to be the perfect opportunity to save Dinah from tragedy, but now a side mission stood in his way.
His hands clenched.
His body trembled as he spoke.
“Sir… can’t we all go to the dungeon together and deal with the Mystic Beast afterward?”
“Huh?!” Lupin snapped.
“Are you implying that we’re not good enough for a simple rescue mission and need your presence?!”
Lupin’s aura flared. Raven felt his weight double as immense pressure bore down on him. He fell to his knees, struggling not to collapse completely.
“You lousy worm! You’re going there and completing the mission, that is an order! You’ll do it even if it costs your pathetic life!”
Lupin turned away, the others following him, leaving behind only the three assigned to face the Mystic Beast.
Raven clenched his fists. He was furious, but he hadn’t given up. Even if he had to disobey orders, he would do anything to save Dinah.
“Let’s move,” Saeyeon said. Fenrir and Camila followed.
Raven stood and slowly walked after them. For now, he would play along. After dark, he would go his own way.
“Someone you know is among the squad we’re rescuing, isn’t it?” Saeyeon said, gliding beside him.
Raven froze for a second before regaining his composure. Edgelord Luna had spoken to him, someone who only talked when a conversation interested her. She never initiated dialogue, yet she had struck the mark perfectly.
“As a shadow user, you lose your emotions the more powerful you become. I was once like you, and we share the same ability. I can feel your emotions, anger, sadness, longing. I felt them.”
“I understand your concern, Raven, but you can trust Lupin and James. They’re competent and trustworthy. They’ll save your loved one, you have my word.”
Raven listened carefully. It was rare for someone as introverted as Saeyeon to open up, let alone place complete trust in someone. Though her words eased him slightly, the unease remained. The Mystic Beast appearing at this exact moment felt far too convenient to be a coincidence.
“Thanks,” he said. “We don’t champion the same celestial, but we’re connected because we use the same ability?”
“Anyone who uses the same element is connected in one way or another. The fact that we both use the shadow element means we follow its rules, rules set by the Shadow Supreme Leader.”
“Huh?!”
Saeyeon chuckled at Raven’s ignorance.
“All elements have a supreme leader. Celestials who wield an element borrow their power from them. Though they have some autonomy, they must still follow most of the rules.”
“We both use shadow, so we’re connected. That’s why I can feel your emotions, even though we champion different gods and I nearly lost mine. It’s a rule set by the Shadow Supreme Leader.”
Raven nodded, absorbing this new knowledge.
Later that night, the four of them hid in strategic locations, waiting for the beast to appear. Earlier that day, they had met the town chief, informing him of their arrival and mission.
They already knew the beast only appeared during the full moon, which happened to coincide with their arrival.
At his position, Raven grew impatient. He couldn’t wait any longer to reach the dungeon. His conscience urged him to stay and help the others, but his desire to save Dinah burned stronger.
After some deliberation, temptation won.
Moving like a phantom, Raven slipped away silently, until—
HAAAAAHOOOOO
A creature howled from atop a cliff beneath the silver glow of the full moon. It leapt explosively and landed directly in Raven’s path.
The creature stood upright, its yellow eyes shimmering as it growled menacingly…