One day after Rawin and Valien's promotion to Silver Greever Leaf, the sun hung low over Gondalwa Village. Inside Gritim's food tavern, Rawin rubbed his temples and groaned.
"Ugh… my head's killing me. This is all because of him—that idiot Valien who kept me up drinking until dawn," Rawin muttered irritably.
"Hehe… I'll win this time for sure…" Valien mumbled half-asleep, still drunk from the night before.
"Yeah, sure. Keep winning—until you win yourself into the afterlife," Rawin grumbled.
Deciding he needed some fresh air, Rawin stood and stretched.
"Maybe visiting Kriver Lake, like Valien suggested, isn't such a bad idea," he said, stepping out of the tavern and leaving Valien behind snoring at the table.
The evening breeze was cool as Rawin made his way toward the shimmering lake. But halfway there, his instincts flared—someone was following him. No, not one person—two.
Rawin stopped and placed a hand on his sword.
"Show yourselves," he warned, his voice sharp. "If you don't, I'll drag you out myself."
"Calm down, Rawin. We're not here to fight you," said a voice from behind, belonging to a figure cloaked in green.
"Yes," added another voice—softer, yet firmer—from a second figure wearing a dark bluish hood. "We came to deliver information."
That voice… Rawin's eyes widened.
"Wait a second! That voice—I remember it! You were the one who saved me and Valien when we were on the brink of death, weren't you?"
The bluish-hooded figure nodded. "Indeed. I told you before, didn't I? That we'd meet again."
Rawin relaxed slightly, lowering his weapon. "Then, as promised, may I finally know your names?"
The two exchanged glances, silently agreeing. The dark-blue one stepped forward first, removing his hood with a courteous nod.
"My name is Javier. I'm a scout under Elder Kaelith," he introduced himself.
The other followed, revealing her face—calm yet determined.
"And I'm Neista, a scout serving under Elder Merinel."
Rawin blinked. "So… why sneak around if you just wanted to talk?"
"My apologies," Javier said with a guilty smile. "I wanted to approach you sooner, but she Neista here wasn't sure she could trust me."
Neista crossed her arms. "Naturally. The information we carry is extremely confidential. If we'd chosen the wrong person, it could've been disastrous."
"I see…" Rawin said thoughtfully. "But why give such information to me?"
"Because both Elder Merinel and Elder Kaelith entrusted this matter to us," Neista replied.
Rawin raised an eyebrow. "Do you mean you each have different messages?"
"More or less," Javier admitted. "Though both are connected. Elder Kaelith already knows of Elder Merinel's discovery."
Rawin's expression grew serious. "Then please, tell me everything."
Neista was the first to speak. "On behalf of Elder Merinel, I must inform you that an Ancien Glossy Beast may be involved in the recent village attacks. The Elders are requesting that you and Valien assist in hunting down any escaped Norma or Greate-class beasts."
Javier added, "And from Elder Kaelith—he's granting you access to one of Gondalwa's sacred artifacts. It will aid you in slaying the beasts with full power."
Rawin's eyes widened in alarm. "Wait! An Ancien Glossy Beast? Those creatures are said to possess the power of ten thousand men!"
"Exactly," Javier said gravely. "That's why the Chief and all Elders are currently engaged in battle at the Liarmoon border."
Rawin clenched his fists. "Then… it's our duty to protect Gondalwa itself, isn't it, Sir Javier?"
Neista gave a faint chuckle. "Hmph. You're quite confident for someone who hasn't even faced an Ancien-class."
Javier sighed. "Confidence is good, but don't underestimate what's coming, Rawin. I won't be there to save you like before—I'll be on the front lines with the Elders."
Rawin bowed respectfully. "Understood, Sir Javier, Lady Neista."
"Good," said Neista. "Then we—"
"Wait," Rawin interrupted. "When will the artifact be available? And how do I retrieve it?"
"Oh, right," Neista said. "When the border guards sound the warning siren, that's your signal to prepare. As for the artifact… Elder Merinel didn't specify."
Javier then reached into his cloak and handed Rawin a silver insignia.
"Elder Kaelith instructed me to give you this. Show it to the warehouse keeper, and they'll release the artifact to you."
Rawin accepted it carefully. "Thank you both. Truly."
"Our task here is done," Javier said, bowing slightly before both scouts vanished like shadows under the moonlight.
Rawin sighed and sat down by the lakeside. "They sure know how to make an exit…"
Just then, familiar footsteps approached.
"Oi! Why did you leave me alone at the tavern and sneak off to Kriver Lake!?" Valien shouted, looking annoyed.
"Oh, Valien… I've got news that'll definitely surprise you," Rawin said with a sly grin.
"Huh? What could possibly be more important than leaving me behind?" Valien huffed.
"Oh, you'll see," Rawin replied, and began explaining everything he'd just heard from Javier and Neista.
Under the silver moon, the two friends sat by the glimmering water—its calm reflection dancing softly across the night.
The Next Morning
As promised, construction of the orphanage began. Alson, the tree guardian, arrived with his tools and materials.
"Oh! Guardian Alson, you're finally here!" Valien greeted enthusiastically.
"Yes, I've prepared everything we need, Lord Valien," Alson replied.
"That's great! How long will it take to finish?" Valien asked eagerly.
"With my abilities, I estimate seven days," Alson said confidently.
"That's impressive. Should I purchase the materials myself?" Valien offered.
"No need," Alson said, shaking his head. "Chief Warsen has already allocated sufficient funds for the entire construction."
"I see. Then I'll leave it all in your hands," Valien said gratefully.
"You won't be disappointed, Lord Valien," Alson replied with a smile. "I'll build an orphanage worthy of Gondalwa's pride."
A week later, the orphanage stood complete—a grand, warm building by the lake.
Rawin's eyes widened in amazement. "Valien… this is incredible."
"It really is," Valien said, speechless.
Alson emerged from the building, beaming. "Ah, Lord Rawin, Lord Valien! I didn't expect you both so soon."
"You've done an outstanding job, Guardian Alson," Valien said sincerely.
"Haha, I'm just glad you're satisfied," Alson replied.
But before they could say more, a deep booming horn echoed from the distance—the border alarm.
Rawin and Valien's faces immediately turned serious.
"Of all times… why now?" Valien groaned.
"Come on, Valien," Rawin said sharply. "We need to head to the White Greever Tree and retrieve the artifact!"
"Understood!" Valien replied, turning to Alson. "We'll be back, Alson. There's something we must do."
"Go, my lords," Alson said, bowing deeply. "I'll help evacuate the villagers."
And with that, Rawin and Valien sprinted toward the great White Greever Tree—
the winds of war rising once again over Gondalwa.