The sacrificial ritual. A practice both feared and desired, for its rewards were as great as its risks.
To perform it was to summon a being not of this world—an otherworlder. Some called it an ancient shaman, a presence older than the land itself. Others whispered it was a fragment of the Soul Land, the same abyss from which monsters crawled into their world.
No one knew for certain. Theories clashed, but proof was never found. In the end, few cared. The power it granted was enough to silence doubt.
And now, to free William from his curse, Emma would have to call upon it.
She had already learned the method. She knew what she must offer to satisfy the shaman’s hunger.
With that knowledge burning in her mind, she made her way back to the academy.
William had to be freed quickly—and removed from the path of fate. The longer he stayed near the others, the closer he drew to death.
Just a few more hours, she told herself.
But with every step, the weight of what she was about to summon pressed down on her soul.
If this fails...well, everything she hoped for would collapse instantly.
....
Natalie didn’t have a good feeling about this.
She was part of Kevin’s team, and her role was the tank.
With her round shield strapped to her arm and a mace hanging at her side, she walked with the others as they headed for the mine. A few days ago, several hounds had been spotted there.
Missions like this weren’t rare. They always had to be dealt with quickly.
Mining was too important to ignore—the ore and crystals pulled from the ground were used to forge tools and weapons. Usually, a special team is arranged by the central administration but since the academy was closer to the mine and the threat level was within their abilities to handle, the students were handed the job.
And considering the urgency of the matter, they couldn’t have delayed until Emma arrived.
Normally, Natalie was the one to keep the mood light during the journey. She talked a lot and got along with everyone.
But today was different.
Why? Because there was a new addition to the team—someone no one liked. And someone who doesn’t deserve to be in this team, even as a temperory member.
William.
Emma had returned to her hometown, leaving the group short-handed. They needed a replacement.
Under normal circumstances, losing a healer meant finding someone with similar skills. There were plenty of capable people who could fill that role.
And not like every single one of them were busy at the time. Not to talk about, every student dreams to work with their team, considering their reputation.
But Kevin had chosen William.
Forget about supporting others—William couldn’t even handle himself in a fight. With his pitiful skills and laughable amount of aether, he was nothing but a burden.
He was ranked the lowest for a reason, and some even called him the weakest of all time.
Yes, this mission was only D-rank danger. But still... to replace Emma with him? To risk their team just for this idiot?
Natalie’s gaze shifted toward William. What did he see in you? All she saw was a fool, whining about the heat and mumbling how he wanted to go home already.
"Are you bothered about something?"
A gentle voice cut through her thoughts. She turned, meeting familiar eyes—kind, warm, and smiling softly.
Kevin.
She could never grow tired of those gentle eyes.
"Just wondering," the violet-haired girl said, slowing her steps to walk beside him.
"About?" Kevin asked.
Her face hardened. "About him."
Kevin didn’t need to look. He already knew who she meant. Lizel and Laila were also unsettled about William. Especially Lizel, after what happened recently.
But despite knowing their unwillingness, Kevin had to do it.
He knew what he had to do to keep William away from his Emma.
Emma...his sweet, innocent Emma. She couldn’t see what was right for her. She was always so quiet, always keeping herself closed off—except with him. Only with him.
That was why Kevin had never needed to use his authority before. He never had to push her.
But now, this worm—this stain—was trying to get close to her. Trying to taint her.
Kevin’s chest burned with fury, but his smile never faded. He couldn’t allow it. His Emma might have strayed, yes—but he knew how to bring her back.
All she needed was a little guidance. A small reminder. Maybe even a tiny fright. Something to show her what happens when she lets another man near.
Nothing too much—he could never truly hurt her. Never. He loved her too deeply for that.
Once she realized her mistake, once she saw the truth, he would forgive her. He always forgave her.
Because she was his. She always was.
"Kevin?" Natalie’s voice broke through his thoughts.
He blinked and answered, calm and composed, "Well... you could say this trip is meant to bring things back in order."
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A/N:- Thanks for reading. A review at such an early stage would be unfair to ask...well, drop one when you feel like it.