BEFORE THE REAL MISSION

On the train heading to Damka, I had a nice time with my group as we discussed variety of subjects ranging from our mock exams to random issues. We had planned from the beginning to leave the academy immediately after the exams as the academy normal gives its students a week break before any other lecture starts. Soon enough, we reached our destination and made way out of the train station and into Damka city.The city was a busy one and was bustling with different people working, even on the streets. Different guilds and commercial buildings were seen filled with people going about their daily activities.

"Let's go guys",Kofi said leading the way. "My dad is waiting for us".

"He would be happy to see his son", I replied teasing Kofi.

"You are right about that", Kwami said nodding his head as we moved.

"Stop", Kofi said glaring at us before taking the lead again. " Don't tease me".

"What", Aluna replied shrugging. "Aren't you happy to see your father"

"I am", A small smile showed on his face before disappearing. " It's just that I haven't seen him with this much of my friends.

"Ah I understand", Aluna said nodding. "We will be cool. Do not worry".

They waded among the crowd before reaching a particular guild. The guild was two stories building with a large board on top which read " Puissant Guide". They made way into the guild and allowed Kofi to do the talking. Waiting at the reception desk for a while, a man in suit came forward to meet us. He had a tall figure and wore a smile as he approached us.

"Aren't you going to give your father a hug", The man smile stretch out his hands widely.

"Dad",Kofi said covering his eyes.

"Oh", Kofi's dad said turning to us. "You must be Kofi's friends. I'm his dad".

"We are pleased to meet you sir", I said bowing head.

"Yes", Kwami added as the others followed my lead. "It's an honor".

"Ah drop it with the flattering", He said waving his hand downwards before directing his hand to a particular room. "Let's go to my office".

We followed him and entered his office. It was a clean working space filled with an office desk and chair with two sofa across for discussions. We sat on the sofa and settled down with some tea which was brought into his office.

"Yes",He began. "I was briefed by my son about everything. Who's the kid in need of an awakening potion?"

"I am",I said raising my hand.

"Are you sure it's there?", He asked nodding in response to my indication.

"Positive sir"

"Really", He said raising an eyebrow. "I combed that place with some of my fellow adventurers".

"Dad",Kofi said quite taken aback.

"Quiet", Kofi's dad shushed him up. "I didn't find anything there, not like I had hopes of finding it in that dungeon either. Now, why do you think it's there?".

"Because of this",I answered giving him a letter. Before I left the academy, the huntress gave me a letter to relay to Kofi's dad when the need arose. I couldn't take a peak as it was sealed.

"This is.....", Kofi's dad said in amazement while reading the letter. After he finished reading he burnt the letter with flames in his hands.

"I understand", He said after destroying the letter to ashes. "What do you need".

"Some battle equipment and healing potions",Kwami replied hiding his surprised face.

"Hmm", Kofi's dad nodded as he texted on his watch. The watch was a mid tier watch in comparison to my low tier watch. "I take it you are all going".

"Yes"

"Well", He started displaying an hologram of the dungeon's map with his watch. " It's called The rookie's dungeon located in Vokma city. it's a F rank dungeon known for training rookies and newly awakened. The monsters there are F rank and easy to kill. It's an unpopular dungeon but it's restricted by the Hero organization. You need a means of identification to access it".

"Oh, we could register here as adventurers", Annika suggested. As always,she had been quiet for a while. "Will that work?"

"Nope", Kofi's Dad answered shaking his head." "Since you are students of Midlander academy, it would be unwise to do so without going through your guidance counselor. I heard you have to bring a proof from the academy in order to join a profession".

That explains it, I thought. I wondered how Eli got to be an adventurer. Guess he took the step early enough. How then did I end up being a porter. I wished I knew.

"So what should we do",Annika asked facing ma and the others.

"We can have a temporary pass from your guild", Kwami suggested shinning his eyes. " It's acceptable".

"You did your homework", Kofi's dad smiled as he faced Kwami." Yes, but a registered person from the guild must accompany you".

"What?", Kofi asked as everyone stared at him. Soon he lit his eyes after discovering why. "Oh, I know what you are thinking. Since I have a registered card here, I can fully represent this guild'.

"Exactly".

"Well then, what are we waiting for?", I said standing up. "Let's prepare and get ready".

"Kofi knows the way", Kofi's dad said as he checked his watch when it beeped indicating an information transfer. Suddenly, he stood up and switched on the TV from his watch. Kids, you might want to watch this".

The news came up as the TV was switched on and information about the incidence that occured in the Springfall Academy. It was said that about 50 died in the attack and about 300 sustained injuries and were being treated.

Yep, I said mind. The novel was more accurate. There were 15 student deaths and 35 security personnel deaths. May their soul rest in peace.

"This is surprising", Kofi's dad said in surprise before looking at the kids. "It's the first time this happened. The Hero organization has more work to do and more meetings for me. Go on and kit yourselves. Make sure you are back in two days.

"Yes dad", Kofi said taking the lead as we left Kofi's dad office.

"What work do your dad do here?", I asked as we headed to the weapons area.

"He's a major stakeholder here", Kofi answered looking at me. Despite his rank, he did climb up the ladder and that's why he's my role model.

"Awnn",Aluna laughed patting his back. 'Daddy's boy"

"You",Kofi said clenching his fist in anger. Anyways, what was the letter about?

"That I don't really know",I answered. I got a recommendation from a top ranker".

"Who",Kwami asked.

"I'm forbidden to say",I replied shaking my head. "Just know the person is like guardian in school. I'm just forbidden to say who she is".

"You are in league with the big guys", Annika said with a surprised face. Just be careful".

"Tell me how you meet your guardian?", Kofi asked,his eyes showing curiosity. I told them what happened in the incidence of Elian, excluding some fact of course. Too much information my put them in danger.

Soon, we found in the weapons area as we discussed. Entering, we kitted ourselves up with a man watching our every moves. I guess he's in charge here. Later, Kofi told us that he's the weapon's advisor and overseer for the guild and his name was Alami.

"Are you sure you can handle two weapons", Alamo asked, stroking his beard.

"Yeah",I answered wondering why he asked.

"Which is your main weapon?", He asked again

" I don't have a main weapon", I answered leaving him amazed.

"You can use the two simultaneously!, Alamo exclaimed widening his eye before laughing. "Ha kid, you made me laugh. Off you go, be sure to return it in good condition".

"Aye".

It's true, I thought. Even in the novel, there was no record of anyone using two weapons. Everyone belong to a specific class of weapons due to their primary enlightenment.

After getting fully kitted, we were ready to leave. We went back to the floor of the guild where Kofi's dad was already waiting for us.

"Take care as you journey",He began putting his hand on his son's shoulders. "When you reach Vokma, rest up and call me".

"Alright dad I'll ", Kofi said moving to the exit of the guild. We followed his lead after thanking his dad.

"Good luck you guys", Kofi's dad continued as he waved his hand. "Stay safe". We got out of the guild and took the train going to Vokma city.

"Ah", Aluna said taking her seat. We all took our seat the same moment. "Onto the real deal. I'm going to have a bath when we reach the hotel booked for us. Then, I'm going to have a nice sleep".

"Likewise", I said taking a deep breath.

Then the real mission start, I said in my mind.

***************

"Is he inside",said a woman with a cold face. Her aura was imbued with the scent of death as she walked to the holding cell where Ghost was kept

"Yes",An agent from the Hero organization said as he saluted the woman. "He refuses to speak"

"He will after I snuff the life out of him", She replied without battling an eye. An arm for the arm he took from my son. Open the door".

"Do you think it's wise to....."

"Do as she says", A higher ranking agent said which prompted the junior one to obey his orders. "She's called Death for a reason. He'll talk".

As the door opened, Ghost who was chained felt a great pressure in the room. Not before long, he felt a great fear as he sighted the woman at the door. As the door slowly closed, ghost cried for help with a loud voice.

..............

..............

"What's going on? Is this a secret dimension?"

"More like Author's space"

"Are you part of those who attacked the Springfall Academy?"

"What! Why would you think that... unless you have something to hide or protect. Hmmm.. anyways I called you here for an interview".

"Oh"

"Yep, so I... no we all want to know the content of the letter you read".

"Ahh, though the letter was destroyed, I was impressed by the seal which had registered my mana signature beforehand. This is what I read".

• Dear Mr Feye. Trust you are good? If you are reading this letter, it means you have combed the rookie's dungeon and have found nothing. Now you want to know why they all still think the awakening potion is there. Well, you just have to trust me on this. Consider this as part of my request and give them whatever they need. Best Regards.

The Huntress•

"Wow, you guys were ...."

"it's best if nobody knows. The world has forgotten what happened 10 years ago. I just hope it's not the same one that appeared now".

"What happened 10 years ago?"

"You see...."