Evo scratched his head as he looked through the information before him.
Skill
Name: The Word
Type: Spell of Will/Intent
Origin: Verbal Enchantment
Element: None
Rarity: Ancient
Description: The Word is the echo of one's will turned into speech — an ancient magic capable of transforming the caster's intent into command.
The user transmits their will through words, bending the laws and norms around them.
Each intent carries weight; thus, the caster must be careful with their words — a command too heavy for the soul may destroy body, spirit, and ego alike.
The stronger the soul, the more powerful the words become, and the Anchor (the soul itself) will bear greater weight and strain.
Each spoken intent consumes a significant amount of power, so... [Be cautious.]
This spell was created in the earliest eras and grows alongside its user.
Targets with stronger willpower may weaken or completely negate the command.
— Honestly... I don't even know what to say. — He sighed. — And to figure it out, I'll need time to understand what this spell actually does.
— And apparently, there are way too many conditions before I can even use it... — Evo ran a hand through his hair, frustrated.
— I just hope this thing's at least useful. If it's not... I swear I'll lose my mind! — he muttered, scowling deeply.
So far, all his rewards had been support-type or conditional skills that required thinking twenty times before using.
It was honestly annoying. Sometimes, he just wanted to spam a rain of fireballs or cleave through dummies with a sword wrapped in aura.
— Seriously, I don't even know if I'm a swordsman or a mage anymore... Harrrr... whatever, I'm out of here. — He rubbed his head in irritation and walked toward the exit.
Outside, a guard stood watch when a figure in a white hooded cloak appeared beside him. Startled, the guard raised his weapon, but the stranger quickly calmed him down.
— Don't worry, I'm a student of the Academy. — She lowered her hood, revealing the Academy's emblem embroidered on her black dress.
Her hair was emerald green, her eyes shining like polished gems, and her smile — depending on who looked — could be alluring or terrifying.
Smooth skin, a shapely figure, long legs shown beneath the dark fabric, and a modest yet tempting bust.
She looked young — maybe sixteen — but that was only due to an artifact that distorted perception. In truth, she was far more mature.
— Hm... another one? You here for the mission too? — the guard asked.
She narrowed her eyes. — There's already someone inside?
— Yeah, a guy came by earlier and—
— Oh, look! There he is, coming out! — The guard pointed toward the entrance, where a tall young man in a shirt, blazer, and tie stepped out, holding the dungeon core in his hand.
— Well, well, kid, that was fast! You've been in there, what, three hours? Already done?
Evo shrugged. — Hmp. It was a simple dungeon. Nothing special.
— Hahaha, a modest young man! — the guard laughed.
While he praised, the woman froze in place, her eyes widening.
I-I know that voice! Gluck! She swallowed hard.
Evo sensed her stare and turned his cold gaze toward her, studying her quietly before flashing what looked like a gentle smile — though his eyes remained frozen and sharp.
He saw through my disguise... Why is he here!?
Evo stepped closer, leaning toward her ear.
— Next time, try a better disguise. Or at least dye your hair — some people can see through illusions like that... Silentia. — His warm breath brushed against her skin as he whispered.
A shiver ran down her spine.
— How... how did you know? — she asked softly, though for Evo, the answer was simple.
Back during the Order's first meeting, he had analyzed every member's mana signature and emotional presence — noting their smallest details: eye color, hair, posture, habits.
As leader, it was his duty to know his subordinates beyond their masks.
He shrugged.
— Hmpf. I have my ways. And these eyes — — he pointed to his golden irises — — don't let much slip by.
— And besides... why do you think Freya made me leader? — He tilted his head slightly, smiling faintly. — It's because I can do things like that.
— Anyway, when you're out on missions, try to hide your tells better — or at least do it within the Order so people don't start connecting the dots.
The guard, noticing their whispering, asked:
— You two know each other?
— Hahaha, yeah, yeah. She's a friend from the Academy. — Evo smiled, pretending nonchalance.
He turned to her. — So, what brings you here?
— I came for the dungeon mission.
— Then let's walk. Standing around draws too much attention.
The two started toward the Academy.
Throughout the way, Silentia kept glancing at him. It was her first time seeing her leader's real face — young, yet composed, with the quiet dignity of someone older.
He was handsome, graceful... too refined to be a normal teenager.
Evo caught her staring.
— Is it that shocking that your leader's a teenager?
— To be honest... yes. Back at the meeting, I bet everyone imagined an older man. You carry such mature energy that it's almost paradoxical — young in appearance, but commanding in presence.
— I see. — he murmured.
— But it's not a bad thing! Please don't take it that way! — she quickly tried to fix her words, flustered.
Evo chuckled.
— Hahahaha, it's fine, Silentia. I don't mind. — He smiled faintly, closing his eyes.
She looked at him, stunned. It was as if she saw two versions of him — one cold, emotionless; the other proud yet effortlessly charismatic.
She stared for too long, and when he turned to meet her gaze, she blushed and looked away.
The rest of the walk was silent — awkwardly so — until they reached a side street.
— Alright. We'll go in separately. You first. — He nodded toward the gate.
She agreed and walked ahead, glancing back a few times before disappearing from sight.
Evo waited a moment, then followed another path toward the Academy's guild reception.
— Didn't expect to run into her like that... — he muttered.
After a few minutes, he arrived at the counter. The hall was nearly empty; the day was ending, and most staff were closing up.
— Phew... made it just in time. Hm? Where's Lavena? — he muttered, leaning on the counter.
Suddenly, a head popped up beside him.
— You called?
— Ahhhh! — He jumped back. — You trying to kill me, woman!?
The receptionist smiled mischievously, covering her mouth with a laugh.
— Hahahaha! Sorry, Evo, couldn't resist.
— You're just like her... — he muttered under his breath.
— Anyway, what brings you here? Didn't you grab a mission earlier? Already giving up?
— Nope. Already completed it. — He reached into his ring and placed the dungeon core on the counter.
Lavena's eyes widened. She rubbed them as if making sure she wasn't seeing things.