THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

He clapped his hands together. "Let's fix this mess first, or she'll have all of us running laps for a week."

Cauis wiped the sweat from his brow, chuckling despite his fatigue. "Sounds like you're more scared of her than the guardian you fought back in ashar."

"Smartest fear I've ever had," Baskar replied with a grin. "Now, lend me a hand. Restoration magic isn't my thing, but with a little help from you two, we can get this place looking brand new in no time."

As they heard a sudden crash behind them, a giant spike of ice pierced through the ground. Its surface shimmered with a dark, almost otherworldly hue an eerie blend of black and blue, pulsing faintly with energy. Cauis's eyes widened in shock.

"Isn't that... June's magic?" he muttered, stepping closer. "But the ice... it's different. It's darker... almost like the Void."

Axel furrowed his brow, concern flashing across his face. "Voidfrost? I thought June couldn't use it yet."

Before they could take another step, the temperature dropped drastically, and the surrounding grass began to frost over. The air felt heavy, charged with a strange, unfamiliar energy.

Baskar narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms. "Looks like things just got a lot more. Interesting"

June gasped for air, beads of sweat rolling down her face as she staggered, clearly drained from the sudden surge of power. Her hand trembled as she lowered it, the blackish ice spike still standing tall behind her.

Maerith's eyes widened in shock, her surprise quickly turning into fascination. "June... that magic... You just tapped into Voidfrost." She paused, glancing at the lingering frost, then back at June with newfound determination. "It's more potent than I expected."

June looked up, breathing heavily. "I-I didn't mean to... it just happened."

Maerith stepped forward, placing a hand on June's shoulder. "No need to panic. You've barely scratched the surface of your potential. That surge was only the beginning."

Maerith smiled, though her tone was firm. "Boost your mana again, June. I want to see your magic in its full glory. Don't hold back this time."

June hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But... what if I lose control?"

"Then I'll be here to stop you," Maerith assured her. "But if you don't push yourself, you'll never learn how to control it. Trust me you're stronger than you think."

The air around June thickened once more as she focused, drawing from the depths of her power, ready to embrace her magic fully.

June clenched her fists, ignoring the burning fatigue in her body. Her breath came in steady bursts as Maerith placed her hands on June's back, pouring mana into her. A surge of energy flowed through her, invigorating her tired limbs and fueling her magic.

June raised her hand, and an icy mist swirled around her, chilling the air. With a sharp exhale, she unleashed her Chilling Pulse a wave of frost radiated outward, spreading across the ground and freezing everything in its path. The grass, trees, and stones around her were encased in a thick layer of ice.

But then… something shifted.

Dark tendrils of void energy started to seep into the ice, turning parts of it into a shimmering blackish-purple hue. The ground crackled ominously beneath her feet, and a creeping darkness spread through the frost, like veins of shadow threading through glass.

"June!" Alisan called out, concern in her voice. "You're mixing Voidfrost again!"

June gritted her teeth, her eyes glowing faintly with an icy-blue hue. "I can control it… I just need a little more time!" She pushed harder, but the void energy grew stronger, devouring the pure ice around it.

Maerith's eyes narrowed, watching intently. "Impressive... even in exhaustion, you're commanding a dangerous blend of magic." She stepped closer, her voice serious but encouraging. "But stop here. Any further, and the Void might take over. This is enough for today. You've proven your strength."

June gasped, releasing the magic as the blackened ice pulsed one last time before fading. She dropped to her knees, breathing heavily, her body trembling.

"You've got power beyond what you know," Maerith said, kneeling beside her. "We'll master this together. One step at a time."

Maerith chuckled softly as she waved her hand over Alisan, using Appraisal magic. A small translucent window appeared before her, displaying Alisan's stats and abilities.

Maerith's eyes skimmed the details… until she stopped and burst into a giggle.

Alisan blinked, confused. "What? What's so funny?"

Maerith smirked, trying to suppress her laughter. "Oh, nothing much. Just… some interesting information." She tapped the air where a small description read: "Tendency: Mild obsession with Cauis."

Alisan's face turned bright red. "W-Wait, what? What does it say?! Tell me!"

"Ahhh, it's nothing!" Maerith teased, backing away. "Let's just say your 'focus' on Cauis seems to be very well-documented!"

Cauis raised an eyebrow, glancing over at Alisan. "What's this about me?"

"N-Nothing!" Alisan stammered, glaring at Maerith while trying to act nonchalant. "That Appraisal must be broken!"

Maerith laughed again. "Sure, sure. Broken Appraisal. Happens all the time."

June, still catching her breath, gave Alisan a sly smirk. "Well, it's good to know you've got your priorities sorted, Alisan."

"Ugh!" Alisan buried her face in her hands. "I'm never living this down, am I?"

"Probably not," Maerith said with a grin. "But hey, let's move on… for now."

Maerith watched Alisan with a curious smile. "Alright, Alisan. Show me what you've got. Cast your strongest magic."

Alisan stepped toward a large boulder nearby, placing her hand on its rough surface. Her eyes narrowed in focus as her mana surged through her body. The air around her seemed to hum with energy.

"For now… this is my strongest," Alisan said calmly. She pressed her palm against the stone, and with a sudden pulse of energy, a massive shockwave erupted from her hand. The boulder instantly shattered into countless pieces, fragments flying outward and embedding themselves in the ground around her.

Maerith raised an impressed brow, shielding herself from the dust cloud. "Rapture magic, huh? That's rare… and powerful. I like it."

Cauis whistled. "Not bad. Definitely not something I'd want aimed at me."

June smiled weakly, still recovering from her Voidfrost spell. "Remind me not to stand too close when you're casting that."

Alisan crossed her arms, looking a little smug. "It's not much yet, but I'm working on refining it. I can create shockwaves with my staff or my hands. The stronger my focus, the bigger the blast."

Maerith tapped her chin thoughtfully. "With the right training, you could turn that into something devastating. Imagine controlling the shockwave's direction or even focusing it into a concentrated point for more precision… We'll work on that."

Alisan's eyes lit up. "Really? You think I can improve it that much?"

"Of course," Maerith said confidently. "With practice and the right guidance, you'll push this magic beyond what you thought possible.

Baskar leaned against a nearby tree, grinning. "You're in good hands, Alisan. Maerith won't stop until you're the best."

Alisan glanced at her hands, clenching them into fists with renewed determination. "Then let's get to work."

Maerith raised her hand with a firm but amused smile. "Nope, not happening. Let's continue tomorrow. Everyone except you, Alisan is completely beaten up and exhausted."

Cauis flopped onto the ground, breathing heavily. "She's got a point… I feel like I just fought a bear… twice."

Axel groaned, stretching his sore arms. "Yeah, I'm done. Even my punches feel tired."

June leaned against a frozen pillar, her breath still ragged. "Agreed… I can't even lift my hand without it freezing something by accident."

Maerith chuckled, clapping her hands together. "See? Everyone's half-dead. Rest up tonight. Tomorrow, we'll pick things back up at full strength. I'm not training a bunch of zombies."

Baskar folded his arms with a grin. "Trust her. You'll need every ounce of strength for what's coming next."

Alisan sighed but nodded. "Fine… guess I'll wait until tomorrow."

Maerith winked. "Good choice. Trust me, you'll thank me later."

With that, they headed back toward the house, the setting sun casting a warm glow over the plains.

As night fell, the warm glow of lanterns lit the cozy home. Maerith moved between Axel and Cauis, her hands glowing with soft, golden light as she healed their bruises and sore muscles. "There we go. You two took quite a beating today," she said with a playful smirk. 

Axel stretched his arms, already feeling better. "Wow... thanks. Feels like I could go another round—"

"Don't even think about it," Maerith interrupted, shaking her head. "Rest is part of training too, you know."

After finishing with them, she turned to June, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. A surge of energy flowed into June as Maerith shared some of her mana. "There, that should help you recover faster. You've got incredible magic, June. We're only just getting started."

June gave a tired but grateful nod. "Thank you… I'll be ready for whatever's next."

Not long after, the group gathered around the table for dinner. The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the room. Everyone dug in with enthusiasm, the mood light and relaxed.

"Not bad for our first day," Cauis said between bites, raising his glass. "We didn't die, and we learned a lot. I'll call that a win."

Axel grinned, clinking his glass against Cauis's. "To surviving Baskar's training!"

Maerith laughed. "Enjoy it while you can. Tomorrow's going to be even tougher."

Despite her words, the group laughed and continued eating, their spirits lifted by the shared meal. For the first time in a while, they felt truly at ease, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

As time passed, Axel and Cauis trained relentlessly under Baskar. The scorching sun and endless plains became their battleground, each session pushing them to their limits.

Months slipped by in a blur of sweat and determination. The once wild and reckless energy that fueled Cauis had transformed into something far more refined. He now fought with precision, his movements calm and calculated. His speed was sharper, his strikes more deliberate. No longer charging in without a plan, Cauis matched Baskar's pace with remarkable control.

Axel stood beside him, his fists glowing with raw mana energy. Their teamwork had grown flawless each reading the other's intentions without speaking. When Baskar charged at them, they moved in perfect synchronization.

Cauis ducked under Baskar's punch, countering with a swift kick aimed at his legs. Axel followed immediately, his mana-infused fist slamming into the ground, causing a shockwave that forced Baskar back.

"Much better!" Baskar roared with laughter, brushing dust off his clothes. "You two are finally thinking like a team!"

Cauis smirked, breathing heavily but still focused. "We're just getting started."

Galland, watching from the sidelines, crossed his arms with a satisfied nod. "You've both come a long way. Keep this up, and even S-rank threats won't stand a chance."

Meanwhile, under Maerith's guidance, June and Alisan had grown immensely.

June's control over Voidfrost magic had expanded beyond anything she'd imagined. The black-tinged ice spread effortlessly under her command, chilling everything it touched to its core. She no longer feared the void in her magic she embraced it, shaping and controlling it with ease.

"Focus," Maerith urged, standing nearby as June summoned a towering wall of black ice. "You're not just a mage anymore, June. You're a force of nature. Own it."

Alisan's growth was equally impressive. Her Rapture magic had evolved, her shockwaves more powerful and precise. She no longer needed direct contact with an object to shatter it her magic radiated outward with devastating force.

"Good!" Maerith clapped her hands. "You're both almost ready. One more push, and you'll surpass even my expectations."

One afternoon, Cauis stood opposite Baskar once more. His breathing was steady, his eyes locked on his mentor, his body tense and ready for the next bout.

Just as they were about to clash, a voice echoed across the plains.

"Sir Baskar! I have news!"

A figure sprinted toward them, waving frantically. Both Baskar and Cauis paused, turning toward the approaching man.

Baskar squinted. "Oh, is that you, Lucas?"

Lucas stumbled to a stop in front of them, bent over and panting heavily. "Y-Yeah… it's me… I found him," Lucas gasped, his words barely catching up with his breath. "The person you asked me to find… the guy with purple hair… the one who uses time-manipulating magic…"

Baskar's expression darkened. "What did you say?"

Lucas nodded, his chest still heaving. "It's him… I'm sure of it. He matches everything you described. He's alive, Sir Baskar… I found Dylan."

The air grew still. Cauis felt his heart skip a beat, his eyes wide with disbelief. "Dylan…?" His voice was barely a whisper.

Axel, who had just returned from fetching water, froze in place. "No way…"

June and Alisan, standing nearby, exchanged stunned glances.

Baskar folded his arms, his jaw clenched. "Where is he now, Lucas?"

Lucas caught his breath and pointed east. "He was seen near the border of the Desert Ashar, heading toward the ruins. I tried to follow, but… he disappeared before I could reach him."

Galland stepped forward, his expression serious. "If it's the ruins near Ashar, I have a teleportation mark there. I placed it during our last mission in the kingdom. I can take us directly to the outskirts."

Baskar nodded, his eyes sharp with determination. "Perfect. We move now."

Cauis glanced at June, who was still catching her breath. "June, you good to go?"

June wiped the sweat from her forehead and nodded, though her voice was a bit shaky. "I'm fine. If Dylan's really there, we can't waste time."

"Everyone, stay close," Galland said as he extended his hand. His mana flared, forming a glowing circle beneath their feet. The air around them crackled with energy, and the ground trembled slightly as the teleportation magic activated.

"Hold on," Galland warned, his voice steady despite the swirling mana. In a flash of light, they vanished.

Lucas crossed his arms and muttered with a pout, "Ah, they left me here... I wanted to go too."

The next moment, they stood on the edge of the Desert Ashar. The dry, scorching wind greeted them, carrying grains of sand that sparkled in the fading light of the setting sun. Ruins lay in the distance ancient stone structures, half-buried in the golden dunes.

As they searched the entire area, the surroundings inside the ancient dungeon were eerily quiet. Shadows danced across the crumbling walls, and the air was thick with dust and mystery but Dylan was nowhere to be seen.

As Baskar paused, a sudden realization struck him. He rubbed his beard thoughtfully and let out a chuckle. "Ah, now that I think of it… we never asked when he last saw him, did we?"

Cauis blinked, then smacked his forehead. "Seriously? We just rushed here without asking something that important?"

Axel crossed his arms, his tone half-amused, half-exasperated. "Well, that explains why the trail's colder than the Voidfrost back home."

June glanced around the dimly lit dungeon, her breath visible in the chilled air. "He could've been here days ago… or maybe even longer. We've been chasing a ghost."

Baskar folded his arms, surveying the dungeon once more. "Doesn't matter. If Dylan was here, he would've left some kind of trace."

Alisan nodded, stepping further into the shadows. "We should spread out. Even if he's not here anymore, we might find clues about where he went next."

As they searched the dungeon, their eyes caught sight of a familiar cloak lying on the ground. It was dusty and partially buried in sand, but there was no mistaking it.

Axel walked over and picked up the cloak, brushing off a layer of dust and sand. "This is Dylan's," he muttered, holding it up for everyone to see. "No doubt about it."

June's eyes widened. "He was here… but why would he leave his cloak behind?"

Baskar knelt beside Axel, examining the ground. His sharp gaze caught faint scuff marks in the dirt leading deeper into the dungeon. "Looks like there was a struggle. Someone—or something dragged him further in."

Cauis crossed his arms, raising a brow. "Knowing Dylan, he wouldn't get dragged off that easily. Maybe he just dropped it?"

As an hour passed with no other sign of Dylan, frustration grew among the group. Finally, they turned to Galland.

"Galland, teleport us back to Baskar's house," Alisan suggested.

Galland shook his head, wiping sweat from his brow. "I don't have enough mana for that right now. The best I can do is teleport us to the capital of Ashar Kingdom."

Baskar frowned but nodded. "That'll have to do. We can regroup and plan our next move from there."

As Galland cast his teleportation spell, a flash of light engulfed them. The next moment, they found themselves standing in a narrow alley exactly where they had previously teleported to in the capital of Ashar Kingdom.

The scent of spices and roasted meats wafted through the air as they stepped out of the alley. The streets were alive with merchants and travelers despite the late hour.

"I'm starving," Axel grumbled, stretching his arms. "Let's find a restaurant."

"Agreed," Alisan said, her eyes scanning the bustling street. "We could use a break and a good meal."

They wandered through the lively market until they found a cozy restaurant tucked between two larger buildings. Warm light spilled from its windows.