Vyrndall I

For this year's Field Trip, we were heading to Vyrndall, a city on the Western continent steeped in shadow and mystery. But this trip was far from ordinary. This was the infamous excursion where students of Mythos Academy would be plunged into mortal danger, courtesy of the Umbravale Covenant—a sinister cult dedicated to the worship of the Shadow Seekers.

The Umbravale Covenant, like the other great cults, was led by a Cult Leader who had achieved Radiant-rank, and each cult wielded monstrous power in its own right. This was no gathering of fanatics, but a tightly organized force, lurking in the shadows and waiting for the right moment to strike. Typically, the Umbravale Covenant kept to the Northern continent, where the Shadow Seekers roamed and gathered strength. Meanwhile, the Savage Communion claimed dominion over the Western lands. But the Covenant bore a special grudge against Mythos Academy after their last failed attempt, prompting them to reach across continental borders to settle their score.

Now, I knew this year's event would be even more perilous. Jack would surely ally with the Covenant to exact revenge on me. Among the Order of the Fallen Flame, Jack was exalted as the incarnation of the Heavenly Demon, the legendary founder who had once led the cult to its peak. His influence within the Order even surpassed that of the current Cult Leader, and he was more than cunning enough to wield it to his advantage.

The cults were indeed powerful, but this strength also came with constraints. Evelyn Blackthorn, the Cult Leader of the Umbravale Covenant, was at Radiant-rank—strong enough to eliminate all of us without hesitation if she wished. Yet even she couldn't act openly, either because her responsibilities demanded her presence within the Covenant or because she feared the consequences of discovery by another Radiant-ranker.

The reason was simple: any spell of 8-circle or higher touched upon the world's very fabric, disrupting mana to such an extent that nearby Radiant-rankers would sense it at once. And the closest Radiant-ranker to Vyrndall was Valen Ashbluff. Such a confrontation between two Radiant-rankers would ripple far and wide, tipping the careful balance that currently held the world in a tenuous peace. Each side in this fragile truce was poised, waiting for the other to make a decisive move, though they could only wait so long. The disappearance of Mythos Academy's Headmaster was already a blow, yet both sides had held their ground, hesitant to disrupt the status quo.

But that delicate equilibrium would not last. The balance would be shattered when Jack ascended to Radiant-rank and the ancient Vampire Monarch rose from slumber once more. It would be the dawn of a new era—and one far darker than any we had yet known.

This was why reaching Radiant-rank alongside Jack was non-negotiable for me—and for Lucifer, too. If I had any chance of keeping the world from spiraling into factional strife, I'd have to ensure we achieved that ascension while avoiding the fractures that could so easily tear everything apart. One wrong step could lead us down the path to chaos, like the infamous Slatemark Civil War, triggered by the ill-fated engagement between the Crown Prince and Elara Astoria.

But for now, my focus was set squarely on the upcoming Field Trip. I couldn't afford to let things unravel.

The students filed onto a sleek white bus, a marvel of modern enchantment, its frame fortified to endure attacks from any power beneath the Wall. Each seat filled quickly as the four professors herded us on, their sharp eyes ensuring everyone was accounted for. Somehow, amid the bustle, I found myself firmly directed by the three girls to the five-seater row at the very back. With only four of us in the row, it left an awkwardly open seat, while Ian, Ren, Lucifer, and Jin occupied the four seats directly ahead.

Rachel sat to my left, a grin tugging at her lips. "You didn't want to sit with us?" she teased, nudging me as if I'd had any say in the matter. On my right, Cecilia sat with her usual confidence, while Seraphina, relegated to Rachel's left, wore an unmistakable pout, clearly displeased with not securing the seat next to me.

The trip hadn't even begun, and already, I was surrounded—literally and figuratively. The Field Trip might promise mortal dangers, but right now, I had to navigate a different kind of battlefield.

"This is still a school trip, you know?" I sighed, casting a sidelong glance at the girls, who met my words with a round of laughter.

"Oh, we'll keep it family-friendly," Cecilia replied, placing a hand on my arm. Then, she leaned closer, her breath warm as she whispered, "For now."

We soon passed through the Academy's teleportation gate, landing us on the Western continent, where we continued the final leg of our journey. I'd been here just a few weeks before, though this time we were headed somewhere new.

Vyrndall.

A city close to the border, Vyrndall had its share of scars. A decade ago, it had fallen under the brutal rule of ogres and orcs until Valen Ashbluff launched a powerful counteroffensive that reverberated across the world. The city had seen its freedom restored under his campaign—a testament to Valen's ruthless brilliance on the battlefield. It was a victory that still echoed through the Western continent.

In time, he would lead an even more daring strike. Upon reaching the exalted 9-circle as a mage, Valen would engage the current Ogre King, nearly ending his reign and seizing swathes of contested land, moving the defensive line forward and shaking the foundation of the ogre stronghold.

For now, though, Vyrndall was safe—or as safe as a city on the edge of contested lands could be. But as our convoy drew nearer, a weight settled over me. This trip wasn't just an excursion; it was a test. And if all went as I feared, it would be a test like no other.

We made our way to the hotel district, where Professor Nero had arranged rooms for all the students. The hotel was an impressive building, more refined than one might expect in such a militarized city, with polished stone columns and dark wood beams accentuating its strong, fortress-like charm.

Inside, the lobby was warm and inviting, with tall windows letting in streams of afternoon light. Leather couches were arranged around a hearth in one corner, and the faint aroma of cedar filled the air. The receptionist handed us our room keys with a welcoming smile, and soon we were on our way up, the girls trailing behind me with a mix of anticipation and excitement.

The rooms in the hotel were impressive, each one a testament to the sleek, high-tech design the Western continent was known for. The walls were lined with digital panels that adjusted lighting and temperature with a single touch. My room had a massive bed draped with crisp, cool sheets, and a plush rug spread across the floor. Near the window, there was a floating desk with holographic displays—a workstation worthy of any academy student, complete with advanced interfaces for research and relaxation.

The window stretched from floor to ceiling, giving a breathtaking view of Vyrndall's fusion of fortress and metropolis. Outside, the looming fortress walls stood in contrast to the skyscrapers and bustling streets, each reminding me of the city's dual nature.

A mini-bar, stocked with energy drinks and a selection of snacks, was cleverly built into the wall, while an entertainment console hovered discreetly beside the bed, offering everything from news channels to simulation games. The bathroom, located just beyond a translucent sliding door, was equipped with an instant heat shower and a panel of controls that included everything from water pressure to ambient sound.

After taking a moment to enjoy the luxury, a buzz from my phone broke the spell. It was Rachel, her message simple and clear: "Meet in the lobby in five. Let's explore!"

I smiled and sent a quick thumbs-up before heading out to meet the others.