Sunlight slipped through fractured clouds, settling gently against Nathaniel's closed eyes. The world felt unhurried. Leaves drifted down from the tree above him, carried by calm winds, and birds synchronizing their songs with the quiet air. For a moment, nothing demanded his attention.
Nathaniel laid beneath a tree with his hands folded behind his head, breathing slowly, existing without urgency.
Then the peace shattered.
BEEP.
The sharp sound drilled into his ear, magical in origin and merciless in timing.
"Hey. HEY! WHERE ARE YOU, IDIOT?!"
Nathaniel groaned, eyes fluttering open as irritation dragged him back into consciousness. He did not move from his spot beneath the tree.
"…Whaaaat?"
"Nathan, remember the commission we were given?"
"Yes," he muttered. "Extra credit. What about it?"
There was a pause, then noise. Distant explosions, faint but unmistakable, crackled through the transmission.
"…It's worse than we thought."
Nathaniel's eyes snapped open fully.
"Nathan, just get over here. Please."
Guilt settled heavy in his chest. He exhaled slowly.
"I swear, Noah, if this is your idea of a joke—"
"It's not."
The relief in Noah's voice was immediate when Nathan relented.
"Thank you. Food's on me tonight."
"Don't get yourself killed," Nathan replied, already sitting up. "I'll be there."
The connection cut.
Nathaniel arose, collected his sheathed sword, and started running. His pace quickened with every step, the wind pressing against his face until his eyes narrowed. The distant sounds grew louder. Closer.
Then something moved.
A sharp jet of water tore through the air toward him.
Nathan skidded to a halt, steel flashing as he unsheathed his blade and cut through the attack, droplets scattering like shattered glass.
"Wow," he muttered. "No greeting? No warning? Not even a dramatic 'stop right there?"
A cloaked man emerged through the falling mist, his presence deliberate.
"We assumed you would not come," the man said calmly. "Given your… tendencies."
Nathan raised a brow. "I'm choosing to ignore how creepy it is that a complete stranger knows me. But could you at least tell me where your boss is? Pretty sure stalking minors is illegal."
The man's gaze locked onto him. Cold. Studying.
Nathan laughed awkwardly, nerves creeping in. "Or her. Some bosses can be women. New age and all that."
A brief chuckle escaped the man. Nathan exhaled, just a little.
"A new age," the man echoed, glancing skyward. "Yes. But not for everyone."
The attack resumed.
Water struck fast and sharp, forcing Nathan into motion. His senses flared as he dodged, steel meeting spell again and again. The man grinned, clearly amused, pressing harder. Each block sent more water cascading down Nathan's face, blurring his vision.
He needed this to end.
Timing his defense, Nathan lunged forward. The man slipped backward, vanishing into shadow beneath a nearby tree.
Nathan reacted instantly. Shadow magic surged, binding the man in place.
Silence followed.
Nathan stood panting, sword at the man's throat.
"How do you know me?"
The man laughed softly. "Anyone with power finds it useful to know your name… Nathaniel Valen."
The sound of an explosion tore through the air. Screams followed, distant but urgent.
Nathan turned sharply toward the village.
The man smirked. "Go. Be the hero. I'll stay."