*Hawol Plains, Lotus Inn*

The Lotus Inn, built atop a colossal lotus flower blooming in the sky, served as a landmark for adventurers weary from their travels. Among its regular patrons was a gambler known for his visits.

"That old man with white hair? He hasn’t shown up in a while."

"Yeah, he used to clear us out every time he came. Honestly, it’s a relief."

"Let’s hope he never comes back. He ruins the game."

No one seemed interested in searching for a gambler who always won. Recently, he had disappeared without a trace, and the regulars at the inn, where gambling was the main attraction, were glad not to have him around.

"Miss, it seems he’s nowhere to be found. He’s completely vanished since that day."

It had already been two weeks since they began searching for the gambler known as Silver Eleven. Despite their continuous pursuit, they were unable to find any sign of him.

“This is troubling…”

Zeliel touched her lips and stared sternly at the inn. Guests subtly hid their cards and dice as her gaze swept over them. Zeliel was known for cracking down on gambling, making it only partially legal and leaving an air of tension wherever she went.

“Let’s move. I think we’re making everyone uncomfortable.”

“Y-Yes, ma’am!”

The mages following her looked surprised at Zeliel’s unexpectedly considerate words. She, who never cared for others’ opinions, was suddenly displaying empathy.

Returning to the exclusive VIP room of the Starcloud Merchant Guild at the top of the inn, Zeliel sat at her desk and sighed.

It had been about a month since Silver Eleven appeared to save Baek Yu-seol. Ever since that day, she had been tracking him, but his whereabouts remained elusive.

It was strange. Until recently, she could always find some trace of him. Silver Eleven enjoyed blending in with crowds, and with a bit of inquiry, it was usually not difficult to locate him.

But suddenly, he had vanished completely.

Zeliel unlocked her drawer and pulled out a yellow file, taking out a photograph.

**Ither's Far East, Isthus Cliffs.**

**Heavenly Dragon Cliff.**

This breathtakingly beautiful place had been eroded by dark magic, making it inaccessible to humans for over a century. Recently, word spread that it had been utterly destroyed.

The photograph of Isthus Cliffs no longer showed the majestic Heavenly Dragon Cliff. Instead, it looked as if meteors had rained down or a giant had stomped it into the ground.

‘They said they detected the presence of at least two sources of 9th-class magic or higher here.’

Investigations suggested Silver Eleven’s last trace led to Isthus Cliffs, implying he might have clashed with someone and disappeared after destroying the cliff.

‘Could he have died there…?’

No, that couldn’t be. Silver Eleven was a near-omnipotent being who could manipulate time itself. He wouldn’t die so easily. There must be another reason why he chose to hide.

“Miss.”

A voice interrupted her thoughts as her secretary handed her a document.

“Professor Yeonhwa Ryeon from Starflower Magic School sent a letter.”

“Oh.”

Professor Yeonhwa Ryeon, a high elf mage connected to the Starcloud Merchant Guild, was essentially one of Zeliel’s confidantes. This connection gave Zeliel influence within Starflower, the premier fairy school, though she rarely used it. Recently, however, something piqued her interest.

**[Stella Academy Exchange Students]**

The annual exchange program between the human Stella Academy and the fairy Starflower School was not new. However, this year, Zeliel found herself particularly interested in the student list.

As she scanned the names, her eyes stopped at one.

**Baek Yu-seol.**

His name was not listed. With a few strokes of her pen, she could have added him to the list and brought him over.

But she chose not to.

Perhaps Baek Yu-seol had a busy schedule. She didn’t want to disrupt him unnecessarily. It would be better to meet him in person later and ask directly.

“Ah, by the way, Miss.”

“Yes?”

“I heard that Baek Yu-seol recently entered the Wind Empire. It seems he’s on an assignment for Stella.”

“…Is that so?”

Zeliel’s expression stiffened. 

If only he had informed her before coming to the Wind Empire. Was it so difficult to send a simple message?

No, it made sense. He led a busy life, far more valuable than hers. It was already an imposition for him to spare any time for someone like her.

But still.

‘Just a brief meeting…’

Wouldn’t that be okay?

With that thought, Zeliel stood up. Finding Silver Eleven was urgent, but something more important had arisen.

* * *

“Did everyone listen to the briefing thoroughly?”

At Dok Cheolgwang’s words, second-year S-Class student Flame made a bewildered expression.

“What briefing?”

She questioned, and Dok Cheolgwang thumped his chest with a fist.

“To understand the enemy with your heart, ignite your burning passion, and destroy it! That’s the ultimate strategy for dealing with monsters.”

“What passion are you talking about?”

“In your heart!”

“You want me to ignite that? I’d die.”

“A man has two types of passion!”

“I’m a woman.”

“There’s no distinction between male and female in passion. I’ll share one with you.”

“No, thank you!”

Flame looked utterly appalled. Of all people, why did Dok Cheolgwang have to be their coach for the monster hunting mission?

While his character was not entirely bad, his combat style was so reckless that she hesitated to accept him into the team.

“Are you guys okay with this?” she asked with a tired expression. Mayu-seong and Hae Wonryang nodded nonchalantly, while Pung Harang didn’t react.

“I don’t mind.”

“That senior is fun and nice, right?”

What part of this was okay?

“Fine, let’s just get this over with,” Flame said, stretching as she took in the view.

**The Wind Empire, the nation built on air.**

Even compared to the fairy realms, the beauty of this place was unparalleled. The clear air seemed to wash away her stress.

“Hey, Pung Harang. This is your home, right? Got any sightseeing spots?”

“Yes, it is my homeland! There’s a great place to visit,” Dok Cheolgwang chimed in, pointing to a dark, ominous-looking cave.

“That’s it.”

“What is that place?”

“No idea, but it looks fun!”

“Senior, seriously…”

Flame shot him a look of disbelief, prompting Hae Wonryang to intervene.

“We don’t have time for sightseeing. We need to find and defeat the monster quickly and prepare for any ‘unexpected developments’.”

“Ugh… true.”

It would have been nice to explore a bit, though. If Baek Yu-seol were here, he might have said, ‘Hmm? Should we? A quick break won’t hurt, right?’ and supported her.

“I think sightseeing could be fun…”

“Silence.”

Mayu-seong, who was the only one backing Flame, was promptly shut down by Hae Wonryang.

‘At least the team lineup is top-tier…’

With knight positions like Mayu-seong and Dok Cheolgwang, the best bishop Hae Wonryang, and even Pung Harang, they could probably handle any 4-risk boss monster without issue.

“Sigh… fine, let’s finish this quickly and then enjoy what time we have left. Hey, local guide, lead the way.”

Pung Harang nodded and gazed at the cityscape in the distance.

‘…The air doesn’t feel right.’

Was it the upcoming royal succession ceremony that made him so uneasy just by stepping onto the soil of the Wind Empire?

Among the seven families of the Wind, the Pung family was the most powerful. Yet Pung Harang’s position was perilous. 

As the youngest of seventeen siblings, he had almost no chance of claiming the throne. He barely held his footing, even before considering external conflicts with other families.

‘…Now’s not the time for such thoughts.’

He smirked to himself and followed behind Flame.

**Anella di Polance.**

A false identity used for infiltration into Stella. Though technically her real name, it was strangely mixed with a cover.

‘That’s typical of Black Magi operations,’ she thought, though she had little room to criticize as she was still bound by their world.

“Anella, stay focused.”

Startled by the sudden voice, Anella turned her head.

A menacing Black Magus with horns covering his body glared at her threateningly.

“After your colossal failure infiltrating Stella, you’ve rejected all missions lately. Not even feeding on magical beings... You’re not thinking of anything reckless, are you?”

“N-no! Of course not!”

Anella shook her head frantically. It had been a month since she last absorbed human magic, driven by a newfound sense of doubt.

Thinking no one would notice if she stayed hidden, it seemed she was wrong, marked by her past failures.

“A new order has come. If you refuse again, Lord Blackkingdon will be furious. Will you refuse?”

“No…”

Anella twirled her braided hair nervously, an old habit tied to her fear and hatred for Blackkingdon, the one who had made her maintain this hairstyle even at forty.

If she refused, she would die. 

“Yes. Any other Black Magus would have been killed already. I can’t fathom why Lord Blackkingdon keeps you alive despite your uselessness.”

Anella’s doubts about her

 life as a Black Magus deepened, but she knew escape was impossible. The Black Seed embedded in her body ensured that fleeing would lead to her heart bursting.

‘Hold on a little longer.’

Before she left Stella, Baek Yu-seol had given her a small talisman with those words. 

Though it looked torn and powerless, it was actually a legendary artifact called the *Spectral Wraith Talisman*, something Anella could hardly comprehend.

Unfortunately, the talisman was currently devoid of power.

She didn’t know why Baek Yu-seol had entrusted it to her, but he’d said she might break free of this fate if she endured.

“What’s the mission…?” 

“It’s not difficult. The *Witch King* has begun moving. We don’t know why he’s suddenly active, but it’s likely just a doppelganger.”

“W-Witch King?”

Anella clutched her dress instinctively, causing the Black Magus to scowl.

To most Black Magi, emotions were discarded as useless. To them, this foolish woman was an embarrassment.

“Tch, pathetic. The Witch King’s current location is the Wind Empire. Find and monitor him. That’s Blackkingdon’s command.”

“You’re really entrusting me with that? I failed my last mission and don’t have the skill to monitor a witch...”

Only a Black Magus of at least 7-risk could take on a mission related to the Witch.

The Black Magus sneered at her trembling voice.

“Don’t you get it? You’re meant to die. Run or not, you’ll be dead either way. Good luck, you foolish Black Magus.”

“Ah…”

Dizziness overcame Anella as she steadied herself.

‘A Witch... the Witch King...’

It seemed impossible.

Even approaching one as a Black Magus could mean instant death.

‘They really intend to throw me away…’

Her last purpose was to identify the Witch and perish. That was her worth.

No, thinking it over, it made sense. A Black Magus who rejected missions and refused to feed on humans wasn’t really a Black Magus.

From Blackkingdon’s perspective, there was no reason to keep her alive.

So this was a final task before being discarded.

Using her until the very end, as a tool, wasn’t that the epitome of being a Black Magus?

Anella slowly turned to watch the sunset over the ruined Valcamic royal grounds.

‘Can I ever be human again?’

Clutching the talisman to her chest, she bit her lip.

If only she could see Baek Yu-seol once more.

‘No. Think positive. Just a little longer.’

She wasn’t dead yet, nor was death guaranteed.

Forcing a smile, Anella clenched her fist and raised it to the sky.

Realizing that despair only eroded the soul, she refused to remain still.

“I can do this! Let’s go!”