'A mission? To Kiten Town? My town?
Will I finally get the chance to see Mum and Jesse again?'
The thought struck Grey like a lightning bolt to the heart, and for the first time in a while, warmth surged through his chest.
"Yes, Grey. It's an escort mission to Kiten Town, and I want you on it."
Captain Amir's voice pulled him back to reality, his tone firm yet laced with a knowing smile as he eyed Grey's stiffened back. "So? You in?"
Grey turned with controlled urgency, his footsteps light but quick. A soft smile spread across his lips—a rare, unguarded one. "Say no more," he replied. "Thank you."
"I thought you didn't want to participate in any missions?" Greg asked, puzzled.
"Kiten Town is where Grey's from," Vince whispered, leaning toward the others, his voice barely audible. "I think the captain figured Grey misses his family… and decided to cut him some slack."
"Wait, so he's really going back to his hometown?" Scarlet asked, her eyes drifting to Grey's beaming face. "And he's going to see his mum?"
Her heart warmed as she observed him.
'That smile… It's so pure. I've never seen him look so full of life. His mum must be something special to make him light up like that.'
"Anyway," Amir continued, "Grey won't be going alone. Greg, Raze, Scarlet, and Vince—you're all part of the escort squad. One more person will be joining you."
"Wait, why do we all have to go?" Greg frowned, crossing his arms. "Isn't Grey enough to handle it?"
"Maybe... But the issue isn't the mission itself. It's who you'll be escorting," Amir replied, his face suddenly unreadable, eyes narrowing slightly.
"Who exactly are we escorting?" Grey asked, snapping out of his thoughts.
"A very wealthy and influential merchant. You know how it is—no magic, but a mountain of gold.
And people like him are walking targets for bandits, rebels, and other low-lives. He specifically requested our academy for protection, and since his destination happens to be Kiten, you were the obvious choice."
"Wait, you said someone else is joining us. Who?" Vince asked, curious.
"She—" Amir's reply was interrupted by the door swinging open.
"I'm ready, Captain," Charlotte said confidently as she stepped inside, a playful smile tugging at her lips.
"You homesick too?" Grey asked with a chuckle.
"Don't judge me. I miss home just as much as you do," Charlotte replied, joining the group.
"Wrong. I don't miss home," Grey corrected. "I miss my mum and sister."
"Still the same thing, you dumbass!" Charlotte snapped.
"Look at this emotional dumbass calling me a dumbass," Grey replied smugly.
"How am I sentimental?" Charlotte huffed.
"You forgot already? If I hadn't stopped you back then, your brother's rescue mission would've failed," Grey said, crossing his arms.
Charlotte pouted. "Fair enough."
Then she turned to Amir. "Where do we meet this 'important' guy?"
"He's outside, waiting. Listen up," Amir said, his tone turning sharp. "Your job is simple—escort him to the Kiten border and ensure he enters the town safely.
Once that's done, you'll have two days to handle personal matters before heading back to the academy. No delays."
"Fine by me." Greg shrugged. "I can't spend too much time in a crumbling little town anyway."
"Our town isn't crumbling!" Charlotte retorted, fists clenched. "Right, Grey?"
"I don't know... feels pretty crumbled to me," Grey muttered casually.
Charlotte's eyes widened. "Seriously? At least defend your own town!"
Grey shrugged. "I don't care if the town burns down—as long as my family's safe, the rest doesn't matter."
"Ugh! You're so annoying!" Charlotte yelled, turning to the others. "How do you even deal with him?"
"We're surviving," Raze replied with a dry smirk as he followed Grey out.
The group exited the academy building minutes later, only to find a luxurious carriage parked outside.
A powerful steed was strapped to it, its sleek black mane shimmering under the morning sun. On top of the carriage sat a stern-faced man, presumably the driver. Behind him, lounging like royalty, sat their charge.
He was rotund and overdressed, wrapped in an opulent gold-and-white robe that gleamed in the sunlight.
Every finger wore a gaudy gold ring, and his pot belly bulged like a stuffed purse. His silver hair fluttered lightly in the breeze as he looked ahead, clearly disinterested in the students.
"Wow. This guy looks like the Lord of the Rings," Vince muttered under his breath.
"This carriage is tiny," Raze commented, eyeing the cramped structure.
"Probably only fits four people—five if you squeeze," Charlotte added.
Just then, the merchant turned to them, his voice silky yet arrogant. "This carriage is for me only. Find your own transport, weaklings."
"He's so rude," Greg growled, his fists tightening.
"I've got you all covered," Amir said, stepping forward and placing a hand on the ground. Glimmering mana surged around his arm.
"Metal Creation Magic!" he declared.
From the ground, a metallic construct began to rise—sleek and reinforced, yet the same size as the merchant's. It gleamed with silvery sheen and intricate runes, clearly a superior model.
"Wait, there's no horse or control—how do we drive this thing?" Raze asked, baffled.
"That's Vince's job," Amir replied. "You have Metal Magic like me. You'll steer it."
"Me? I-I can't—" Vince stammered, anxiety blooming on his face. "I barely have control over my magic!"
"You can do it, son," Amir said, his voice calm but firm. "I believe in you. You've got the potential to surpass me—trust yourself."
Vince took a deep breath, Amir's words echoing in his mind. 'I can't let him down.'
"I'll do it," he said, voice steadier now as he climbed aboard. One by one, the others followed—except for Grey.
"Wait, what about Grey?" Scarlet asked, realizing there was no space left.
Grey remained still, his hands in his pockets. "Don't worry. Just stay close behind the merchant's carriage. I've got my own ride."
And with that, he bent his knees and launched high into the air.
"Wind Creation Magic: Kaiser!"
A colossal bird made of swirling wind erupted beneath him, wings spread wide and majestic. With a burst of air, Grey soared into the sky, leading the way like a mythical guardian.
Below him, the merchant's carriage rolled forward on the dirt road, and the student-crafted carriage followed closely behind, rumbling toward the horizon.
The journey to Kiten had begun.
I have been thinking guys! I mean about that identity and name thingy I asked for y'all input and I have come to a final decision about the name which I want guys! That will be communicated in the 🥱