The headmaster's office of 'Luminarian', the ancient magic school within the Litrian Empire, was bathed in warm sunlight streaming through large stained glass windows. The light beams touched the floor, creating bright patterns across the stone.

  The air was heavy with the rich scent of aged parchment and magical ingredients. In the center of the room lined with bookshelves, an old parchment map lay spread across a heavy round table, surrounded by several candles.

  The faint scent of melted wax subtly tickled the nostrils.

  Holy Knight Tristan, magic apprentice Elina, and Headmaster Sart were discussing the expedition. Their long shadows stretched across the wall as only the sound of turning parchment broke the silence of the room.

  "Though I've already heard from Regent Minister Neo Padris about dispatching mages, Lord Valiant knows as well that with our limited number of mages, sending them is not an easy situation," Headmaster Sart said in a low voice while his finger traced over an ancient scroll. The sound of crinkling paper echoed in the room, and deep wrinkles formed on his forehead.

  Tristan and Elina's gazes met briefly. Though it lasted only seconds, the atmosphere in the headmaster's office subtly shifted. Between these two people bound by long ties, a wordless understanding flowed. Elina's fingers unconsciously touched the crystal pendant hanging around her neck.

  "But Headmaster Sart, Elina must participate in this expedition," Tristan stated firmly. There was no wavering in his voice, and his unconsciously clenched fist revealed his strong determination.

  "Is it because of Elina?"

  Tristan inhaled deeply, then answered with emphasis.

  "The Dominator... Faust, the dark mage who placed a curse on Elina, has returned."

  Faust was his original name, but following the imperial decree not to mention his name, people only referred to him as 'the Dominator.'

  Sart's eyebrow twitched. Candlelight cast shadows across his wrinkled face, and his fingers halted their movement. The old wooden chair creaked under his weight.

  That name belonged to the infamous black mage remembered alongside the Dominator's Rebellion that plunged the empire into darkness 20 years ago.

  As the name was mentioned, the temperature in the room seemed to drop, and several candles flickered simultaneously.

  "Hmm... I'm well aware that the surest way to break Elina's curse is to eliminate Faust. However, I worry that Elina might slip into the path of darkness during this journey," Sart said gravely. His eyes reflected ancient wisdom and concern, and the white strands in his beard gleamed in the candlelight.

  "Headmaster, I have been learning the magic of Helios, God of Light, and how to suppress darkness. I will continue to do so. There is no need for concern," Elina answered strongly. Yet her fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly, and her pale fingers clutched at the folds of her robe.

  Though her voice was strong, a flicker of anxiety passed through her eyes.

  "Elina, you know that dark magic manifests when you can't control your anger. I cannot help but worry that you might fall to black magic like the Dominator or Tila."

  Elina's heart ached whenever she heard those words. Each time her emotions intensified, her pupils would turn black, and surrounding plants would wither.

  The dark energy that rose from her wand was difficult to control, and sometimes violent impulses would emerge.

  Tristan stood from his seat and asserted forcefully. The sudden movement pushed his chair backward, creating a sound against the wooden floor, and the candles on the table wavered.

  "Headmaster Sart, Elina has suffered from the curse of the black mage for 20 years. We cannot miss this opportunity to break the curse. I will help Elina break the curse."

  Following Tristan and Elina's earnest plea, Headmaster Sart fell into deep contemplation. Silence descended upon the room, and Sart's fingers slowly stroked his long beard.

  Eventually, Sart spoke as if having reached a decision. His voice was quiet but resolute, and the crystal orb wrapped around his wizard's staff glowed brightly as if responding to his emotions.

  "Very well, Lord Tristan, Mage Elina Strider. If one does not seize an opportunity, only regret remains."

  This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

  Headmaster Sart walked to a cabinet against one wall and opened an inner drawer.

  He carefully removed a magic staff inlaid with a blue jewel and extended it to Elina. A soft light emanated from the jewel, and a cold metallic sensation and subtle energy spread throughout the room.

  "Elina, this staff was left behind by Faust about 20 years ago, before he set out on the Westdark expedition. It's not dangerous as he used it before falling to black magic. Train hard so you can control the powerful strength of this staff."

  A blue light gently spread from Elina's fingertips as she grasped the staff. A cold energy climbed up her fingers, and her pupils shone, reflecting the blue light.

  "Also, I'll recommend one more excellent mage."

  Tristan and Elina returned to the dormitory to quickly pack their belongings.

  Elina took a deep breath while checking her magical implements. Colorful liquids in glass vials sparkled in the light, and the fragrance of herbs and crystals filled the room.

  "Thank you... for doing so much for me..."

  Elina's voice trembled, but her sincerity reached Tristan.

  Tristan smiled, his eyes seemingly saying 'no further words are necessary.' He checked his sword before securing it firmly at his waist.

  Their departure time was approaching.

  Their hearts were already focused on distant places, and anticipation and fear intertwined in their chests.

  While finishing her packing, Elina suddenly thought of her father. Her heart fluttered at the thought of meeting her father again after 13 years at Westdark Castle.

  Though she had to leave because of the curse, the time had come to return.

  When they went out to the yard where morning sunlight stretched long in front of the dormitory, someone quietly approached. Golden hair fluttered, and a blue robe moved in the wind.

  "I am Hallis Freya, who will accompany this expedition, Lord Valiant."

  A calm and dignified voice was heard. Tristan raised his gaze.

  Hallis. A dignified appearance that immediately identified her as a mage. A faint magical power surrounded her, and small goosebumps rose on Tristan's arm in response to that magic.

  Tristan lightly bowed his head to acknowledge her greeting.

  Elina tensed momentarily at the name Hallis. 'Again with her...' Their rival relationship since school days came to mind. Hallis's excellent skills had always been a stimulus to her, but she couldn't deny that it had helped her grow more.

  Hallis's confident attitude was opposite to Elina's personality in many ways, but it was fortunate that they had come to empathize more as they spent more time together due to recent events.

  The three headed to the stables. The morning air coldly brushed their faces, and the smell of hay and leather came from the stables.

  Tristan mounted a black horse, Elina climbed onto a gray horse, and Hallis elegantly sat on her saddle.

  "Let's depart."

  As Tristan urged his horse, three horses ran, raising dust. The sound of hooves rang cheerfully, and their hair fluttered in the wind.

  Their journey to Karanos had begun.

  ##############

  Outside the gates of Karanos

  Just as Bow was about to dismount from his horse, a Holy Knight in silver armor and two female mages passed through the gate at high speed.

  The noise of the city faintly echoed through the gate, mingled with the smell of earth and distant food aromas drifting from the market.

  Bow Dolehr, with his brown skin, muscular forearms, and green cloak, halted his horse. His face bore the marks of years spent in the wilderness, and beads of sweat on his forehead glistened in the sunlight.

  On his back rested a large longbow, while daggers were tucked at his waist. His weapons made metallic sounds with each movement, and his leather armor, worn from extensive use, fit his body perfectly.

  As he dismounted, he called out boldly toward the gate.

  "I am Bow Dolehr. I've come to join the Hell Fortress expedition!"

  His voice was deep and powerful, and soldiers holding spears atop the wall gazed down at him.

  Curiosity and wariness filled their eyes, and their spear tips gleamed as they caught the sunlight.

  A knight guarding the gate stepped forward to examine Bow.

  "Welcome, Bow Dolehr. To join the expedition, you must proceed further into Selestata Castle."

  Bow nodded, offering a smile instead of words. Determination shone in his eyes, and his jaw muscles tensed.

  After a long wait, the gate opened.

  With the sound of heavy chains being pulled, the large wooden door swung inward, and the smell of damp stone mixed with the scent of baking bread from within the castle reached his nostrils.

  Bow proceeded toward Selestata Castle alongside other visitors, escorted by knights. The footsteps of armored knights echoed before and behind him, their marching precise and uniform.

  The high walls and flag-adorned towers grew closer. Red and blue banners fluttered in the breeze, their emblems of a golden sun and silver moon shimmering in the sunlight.

  After about an hour's journey, Bow finally arrived at the Sanctuary of Protection in the southern part of Selestata Castle. The stone walls here stood taller and thicker, with emblems of Holy Knights carved throughout. The ancient stonework seemed to hold centuries of history.

  As the heavy door opened, a Holy Knight in armor appeared. Sunlight reflected off the silver armor, dazzling the eyes, and the sound of the door opening resonated in Bow's chest.

  Bow stepped forward. His footsteps carried certainty, and his eyes revealed a longing for challenge.

  "We have brought Bow Dolehr, who wishes to join the Hell Fortress expedition."

  One of the knights addressed the Holy Knight.

  The Holy Knight turned his gaze toward Bow. His eyes, visible through the gaps in his armor, were filled with wisdom.

  "Bow Dolehr, welcome. Thank you for making such a long journey."

  Bow nodded in greeting.

  Soon after, he was given a room, and as he lay on the bed, the fatigue of travel washed over him. He closed his eyes, his thoughts turning to tomorrow.

  ##############

  Inside Selestata Castle, the Fortress of Protection

  After Tristan, Elina, and Hallis had arrived, a meeting was taking place in a conference room surrounded by thick stone walls.

  Documents and maps lay spread across the table, illuminated by candlelight. Several red markings dotted the parchment map.

  Guardian Commander Lord Christopher clasped his hands together and began speaking. Across from him, Training Commander Lord Farlowus sat with his arms crossed.

  Both men exuded dignity, and the gold threading on their formal attire gleamed in the candlelight.

  Before them stood Tristan, Elina, and Hallis in a row. The three appeared tense, their elongated shadows cast upon the wall behind them.

  "Is this the mage that Lord Tristan insists must accompany the expedition?" Lord Farlowus inquired, scrutinizing Elina with narrowed eyes.

  "She seems younger than I expected."

  Elina regarded him with composure. There was no retreat in her gaze, her chin lifted slightly, and her back straightened even more.

  Lord Christopher responded immediately.

  "Yes, that is correct, Training Commander. This is the daughter of Duke Kesillius Strider of Westdark."

  Instantly, Lord Farlowus's expression transformed. The rigidity around his eyes softened, and his jawline relaxed. His posture became more at ease, his attitude gentled, and he nodded acknowledgment.

  "Ah, the duke's daughter. It is an honor to make your acquaintance."

  Elina bowed her head briefly, her face still expressionless. A flush colored her cheeks, and her fingers whitened from gripping her robe too tightly.

  Tristan stepped forward and spoke.

  "And this is Hallis Freya. She, the top graduate of the magic school, will also be joining this expedition."

  Hallis quietly moved forward. Her movements were graceful, her golden hair swaying gently.

  Lord Farlowus nodded with interest as he observed Hallis. An evaluative look gleamed in his eyes.

  Guardian Commander Lord Christopher raised his hand and concluded.

  "The assembly of the Hell Fortress expedition will soon be complete. Please rest in your quarters and prepare for the departure."

  As his words ended, the candles on the table flickered. A breeze from somewhere seemed to announce the conclusion of the meeting.

  Within each person's resolve and determination, a new journey was beginning.

  In everyone's heart resided expectations and fears too profound to express in words.