As dawn broke over the horizon, a fleet of thirty airships ascended into the skies above Stella Academy. The sight of these massive vessels taking off in formation was nothing short of breathtaking, although coordinating such an impressive maneuver was generally a rarity due to aerial traffic regulations. Nevertheless, the grandeur of the moment wasn’t lost on the students and faculty observing below.

Bandiyun and Ryuderyk led a group of ten first-year students bound for the Wind Empire. Their journey involved three airship transfers, two train rides, and even the use of warp portals, a reflection of the Wind Empire’s remoteness in the Southern Plains. The sprawling continent meant that long-distance travel was something all Stella students eventually got used to. Nearly three hours into their journey, they arrived at their destination.

The Southern Plains—Home to the Wind Empire.

Known as the “Land of Wind,” the empire was blessed with seven major rivers flowing through its vast plains, making it a hub for southern trade. It was a land where numerous races coexisted peacefully, from adventurers following the wind’s whim to beast-kin who welcomed wandering merchants to share tales and foreign goods. It was a place of freedom, of respite, and a popular destination for travelers seeking tranquility.

As they arrived in the capital city of the Wind Empire, Taeyusan, Baek Yu-seol took in his surroundings, feeling an unexpected sense of nostalgia at the sight of the locals dressed in breathable, flowing clothing—a style so reminiscent of traditional Korean attire that it brought a strange sense of familiarity.

“Wow, the architecture here is so unique!” one student remarked.

“It’s beautiful,” added another.

“It looks like all the buildings are wearing straw hats,” someone joked.

Though they had been briefed that the Wind Empire was a country founded by travelers, they hadn’t anticipated its architecture and atmosphere to rival any of the grander nations they had visited. In contrast to the European-inspired structures of the central continent, the eastern-style Wind Empire was a new experience even for the Stella students, who were captivated by the scenery.

“Alright, everyone, gather up!” Bandiyun called, lining up the students. “We’re here on a mission, not a sightseeing tour. The Wind Empire may be beautiful, but we’ll head straight to our destination. Understood?”

The students nodded, although some looked disappointed. 

The Persona Gate they were here to investigate was surprisingly close to the city center. Bandiyun projected a map in the air with her staff, pointing to a spot in a western alley of Taeyusan.

“It’s unusual for a Persona Gate to appear within a city. Investigators are still trying to determine why, but for now, that’s our target.”

Ryuderyk addressed the group. “I trust everyone has reviewed the cultural brief for this region?”

The students nodded in agreement. For a magical warrior, frequent deployment to foreign lands made cross-cultural knowledge a must. Their certifications not only granted them access to most countries, like a passport but also required them to study various cultural customs, languages, and etiquette.

“We’ll mainly use the common language of ‘Camelorn’ here, but the locals may not always understand it,” Ryuderyk noted.

Just as English had become a universal language on Earth, Camelorn was the widely accepted magical language on Aether. Originating from the homeland of magic itself, Camelorn was taught to all mages as a fundamental skill for mastering magic spells, runes, and other magical systems.

“Now, can anyone here speak Windtongue?” Bandiyun asked, explaining that Windtongue might appear in the Persona Gate.

Only two students raised their hands: Hong Bi-yeon and Baek Yu-seol. But Baek Yu-seol hesitated, raising his hand only halfway, which made Bandiyun tilt her head.

“Why halfway? Can you speak it or not?” she asked.

“Kind of?” he replied, sounding unsure. “I think I understand it, but I’m not exactly confident.”

“Do you or don’t you?” Ryuderyk, ever strict, added with a slight frown.

Seeing the others watching with amused expressions, Baek Yu-seol simply shrugged.

Bandiyun intervened, waving off the matter. “It’s fine. As long as you can understand it, we’re good.”

Ryuderyk felt irked by his junior’s nonchalant attitude, but Bandiyun’s relaxed demeanor kept him from pressing further.

“Other students should pick up basic greetings and phrases as well,” she advised, then added, “We’ll be making a stop at the local branch of the Wind Empire’s Mage Association. Watch closely and learn; after this year, no one’s going to help you with these formalities.”

With that, Bandiyun took the lead, and the students followed, eager eyes taking in the capital. Baek Yu-seol walked slowly, taking in the scenery, while Hong Bi-yeon purposefully matched his pace.

“Hey, commoner,” she began, glancing at him. “Can you really speak Windtongue?”

He raised an eyebrow. “More or less.”

She looked unconvinced. Learning Windtongue had given her a massive headache, even with her excellent memory, and she still struggled with some of its nuances.

“Good enough,” he replied.

A soft breeze ruffled their clothes, carrying the distinct scent of the Wind Empire’s fresh, clean air. Despite the crisp atmosphere, Hong Bi-yeon’s mind was cluttered with thoughts. Truthfully, she felt frustrated. She had hoped to undertake the mission with just the two of them, confident they could handle a 3-risk Persona Gate on their own.

Her musings were interrupted when she noticed Baek Yu-seol rummaging in his pocket. He pulled out a small chocolate bar and began to unwrap it.

“...?”

It seemed like such a strange, out-of-place action that Hong Bi-yeon found herself staring. Baek Yu-seol noticed her expression, shrugged, and held out another bar.

“Want one?”

At first, she hesitated. She hadn’t been able to taste sweets in ages without feeling sick, but before she could think too much, she took the chocolate.

As she bit into it, her eyes widened. It was… sweet. Surprisingly, it didn’t have the revolting taste that had repelled her just a week ago.

She took another bite, then another, savoring the mild sweetness and warmth of the chocolate as it melted on her tongue. The sensation was subtle, yet it was there.

For the first time, she tasted something she could enjoy.

Baek Yu-seol’s gaze softened as he watched her reaction. There was something oddly captivating about the simple pleasure she took in that tiny piece of chocolate, as though she were rediscovering a lost memory.

‘Is her sense of taste… returning?’

In the game world, certain players had once dedicated countless hours to trying to restore Hong Bi-yeon’s sense of taste. While her survival had been out of reach for any player, a handful had managed to restore this one small joy by opening her heart.

One of the strange, game-like conditions for regaining her taste was falling in love, a curious but poetic element woven into the world.

Baek Yu-seol glanced sidelong at Hong Bi-yeon, curiosity flickering in his gaze.

As if sensing his scrutiny, she looked up sharply, the last bit of chocolate still melting in her mouth.

“Just because it’s a commoner’s treat doesn’t make it any less delicious,” she said, attempting to mask her surprise.

“Sure, sure,” he replied with a knowing smirk. “So, ever tried pig’s blood soup?”

Hong Bi-yeon’s face froze, her expression instantly sour. The soup was notorious at the academy for its strong, unfamiliar flavor, earning a reputation as one of the academy’s most challenging meals.

As Baek Yu-seol teased her about commoner foods, they exchanged light banter, moving on to topics like onions, garlic, and spices. They even shared snippets of their hobbies, from cooking and literature to what they loved—and hated—about magical studies. For Hong Bi-yeon, the mere thought of idle conversation had always seemed wasteful, yet with Baek Yu-seol, she found herself listening intently, losing track of time.

Gradually, an understanding dawned on her.

She had always thought of Baek Yu-seol as someone distant, otherworldly—someone who moved through time, experienced countless lives, and carried an unfathomable weight on his shoulders.

But maybe he wasn’t so different after all.

“You’re… more ordinary than I expected.”

He chuckled. “Uh, yeah? What else would I be?”

To him, her comment was a light-hearted observation, but for her, it meant something deeper. 

Maybe he, too, sought a peaceful, simple life. Perhaps he yearned for it, just as she did.

Lost in her thoughts, Hong Bi-yeon nearly missed Bandiyun’s announcement.

“We’ve arrived. We’ll register at the Mage Association and head straight to the Persona Gate afterward. Make sure you’re ready.”

The students gathered, nodding with resolve as they prepared to embark on their mission.