The village air was calm under the afternoon sun, but the peaceful scene was broken by Anastasia's sulking voice. She sat with her ankle wrapped in cloth, insisting her injury was a "noble wound earned through labor." Yet to everyone else, it looked more like she had simply twisted her foot while trying too hard.
The old grandmother sitting beside her laughed softly, saying she enjoyed Anastasia's company. The young noble girl's spirits quickly lifted, proud again as she claimed she was doing important volunteer work for the villagers. She then began boasting dramatically about her true identity—a "Princess of the Demon Realm," a "Vampire of the Blood of Flame." The grandmother only smiled kindly and whispered that Anastasia must have a wonderful imagination.
Time passed quickly as Connor and the group helped around the village. By dusk, the sun had sunk beyond the mountains, and a pale moonlight washed over the square where the students camped. Professor Master Muscle stood before them, his voice booming once more with his usual confidence.
He announced that the creature known as Meteor had likely built its nest deep in the northern mountains. The search would be long and harsh, and every team had to rely on their own leader's ability. When the professor praised Connor's foresight for preparing camping gear, the mercenary only scratched his cheek awkwardly, a bit embarrassed by the compliment.
The professor's tone grew serious as he pointed to the crude map drawn on the dirt. Meteor's nest had to be somewhere among the steep ridges. He reminded them that this wasn't just another class assignment—it was a real mission, one that tested not only strength but trust. "When danger comes," he declared, "the only thing you can truly rely on is your comrades."
Those words echoed deeply in Connor's chest. Despite their differences, this team had to stand together.
The Next Day
The expedition began at dawn. The group followed the professor's lead through rugged terrain, their boots sinking into thick soil and tangled roots. The climb was merciless. Anastasia, ever the frail one, struggled the most, crawling at times and gasping for air.
They marched for hours—moving for one hour, resting for ten minutes. When the sun reached its peak, the professor suddenly stopped and called everyone to gather. He lifted a straw basket filled with wild herbs and vegetables.
It was the same basket the village chief had mentioned—a clue left behind by the first person who discovered Meteor's traces.
"Your next task," the professor said firmly, "is to use this as a lead and locate Meteor's nest."
Connor crouched beside the basket, his eyes narrowing. The others gave their thoughts—some complained about the smell, others about their legs, and a few simply looked lost. Connor waved them aside and began to inspect the basket carefully.
But something felt wrong. There was no trace—no scent, no sign—of Meteor anywhere. The creature was known for leaving behind marks wherever it attacked, especially when human scent was involved.
When Connor reported this, the professor's response was strict yet composed. "Then adapt. The world rarely follows logic. What matters is what you do next, not what you expect."
Those words steadied Connor. Taking command, he ordered the group to establish a temporary camp nearby. If the basket was found here, then Meteor had likely passed through this area. The team worked quickly, clearing the rocky ground, setting up tents, and preparing for nightfall.
As the crimson light of sunset spread across the peaks, the camp came alive with small movements and tired laughter.
Lanius, always efficient and silent, stood before Connor and reported that the camp was complete. When Connor mentioned hunting for food, Lanius simply spread his metallic wings and declared that he would handle it alone. Moments later, the wind roared as his dark figure vanished into the forest.
Nightfall
When Lanius returned, he carried four rabbits in his hands. Under the starlit sky, he cleaned and cut the meat neatly before grilling them over the campfire. The scent of roasted meat and pepper soon filled the air, drawing everyone closer. Anastasia, unable to resist her vampiric instincts, drained the blood from the rabbits before the cooking—removing the gamey taste in the process.
Connor couldn't help but smirk. It was, in a strange way, a perfect example of teamwork.
When the food was ready, the group dug in eagerly. The taste was surprisingly rich—crispy on the outside, tender inside, the spices blending perfectly with the smoky fire. For a simple skewer meal, it felt almost divine.
Lanius, however, ate in his usual quiet manner, using his wings to cover his face, never revealing his true appearance. Connor found himself oddly curious, but respected the man's privacy.
The professor declined to join the meal, his gaze locked on the map illuminated by the flickering firelight. The flames reflected in his sharp eyes as if he were already thinking of the challenges to come.
As the others laughed softly and shared food under the mountain's shadow, Connor felt a heavy thought settle in his heart. Somewhere beyond those dark ridges, the creature Meteor waited—and their real test was only beginning.