That night, I rarely found myself sleepless. Though the Angel’s nature left me exhausted and drowsy, my spirit remained electrified by my first mission. I tossed and turned, unable to settle.

Dawn’s pale light finally seeped through the window. I pulled out my communication disc. Saches should be up for his morning training—he’d always been a training fanatic.

“Ina? It’s been ages since you contacted me. How’s the Academy?” His voice crackled through instantly, bright and energetic. Sure enough, he was already awake.

“I’m doing fine. What about you? Did you win over that girl yet?” I hadn’t forgotten how he’d sold his sword to chase her. I wondered how far things had progressed.

*“Cough—cough—cough—”* An awkward silence followed. “I tried… but no luck. She might already have someone else.” His tone dipped, heavy with resignation. “Maybe my timing was off. Or maybe we just weren’t meant to be. Still… thank you. You gave me that chance.” Heartbreak clearly weighed on him.

“Actually, I need to see you. There’s something I must ask. Tell me your troubles—I’ll help. No girl can resist a well-timed gift.” Only face-to-face could I make him understand.

“Ah… sorry. I’m not in the Imperial Capital right now. I’m with the Hooded Cap Adventurers in Castile, on a mission.”

“What? Castile? With the *Hooded Cap*?” I bolted upright in bed, the towel blanket sliding gently off my skin. “They’re a top-tier guild—rank three, last I heard! How did you even get in? Their supply carriers are stronger than you!”

“You hit the nail on the head. I *am* just hauling crates and guarding spare potions.” Gratitude warmed his voice. “Remember when I thanked you before? I used that Battle Aura seed. It finally got me past their entry requirements. The girl I like… she’s in the guild. She recommended me.” He paused. “I owe you for this chance. Whether I make it big or win her heart… I’ll repay you when I return.”

“Enough already—you’ve said that a dozen times.” His endless gratitude was wearing thin. “If you’re busy, I won’t keep you.”

“No. Ask whatever you need. I’ll tell you everything.”

“I heard you’ve been to Sarona Undercity before?” I chose my words carefully. “I’ve just received my first mission…”

“So you’re heading to Sarona Undercity to investigate a gang and retrieve something?” Saches thought for a moment. “I only guarded merchant caravans there years ago—I don’t know much. But I’ll share what I recall.” His voice turned serious. “The city’s ruler is a demon who pledged loyalty to the Empire of Aifei. They say its true form is a giant serpent. What was once its lair became a fortress after it carved paths through the Sarona Mountains. Travelers flocked there, and the city grew. It’s… unusual. Two layers deep—you’ll see. The Empire granted it lordship but left governance entirely to the serpent. The place is a den of all sorts—criminals hiding in plain sight, many too dangerous to cross.”

“Besides citizens from Aifei and the Habsburg Kingdom across the mountains, underground races dwell there too. Never provoke them—they’re the true power. The serpent-lord enforces one iron rule: no attacking merchant caravans. They’re the city’s lifeline. As for gangs… some are strong, some weak. But this task shouldn’t be impossible for your team.”

Saches’ warnings were vague—he knew little of the factions within. The next morning, I dragged Mistflower to the Academy library. We scoured geography texts on Sarona Undercity all morning.

Frankly, the books disappointed me. They painted the Undercity as a tourist paradise: “Experience the warm hospitality of underground races! Marvel at breathtaking subterranean vistas! Impeccable service ensures every guest feels at home!”

If I were just some wealthy tourist, perhaps that’s what I’d find. But I’d arrive with hostility in my heart. How would *they* welcome me?

That afternoon, Mistflower and I rode straight to the Divine Church. From the moment we left, she’d been tense—silent, staring blankly at the guidebook as if memorizing it.

I placed my hand over hers. It trembled slightly. Under my gentle touch, her breathing slowed. When I pulled away, she lifted her palm to reveal a tiny trinket.

“What’s this?” she asked softly.

“A little charm I bought ages ago. The shopkeeper claimed it brings luck. I’ve been using it to practice Divine Arts.” I examined it, then placed it back in her hand. “It’s been blessed by an Angel. Maybe it *will* bring you luck.”

“I could bless it myself better,” Mistflower joked. She clasped the charm, closed her eyes, and leaned back. The tension had left her face.

Truth was, I’d bought it recently. Lately, I’d taken to collecting such trinkets—useless things I practiced blessings on.

The central church still glowed under its artificial sun. To this day, I’d never prayed in the grand cathedral like the devout. I always slipped through the side entrance.

A corridor utterly unlike the church’s usual radiance stretched before us. Dim light filtered through stained-glass windows depicting sacred scenes, casting eerie, shifting colors over black iron doors labeled “Preparation Rooms.”

Room Eight wasn’t far. Anan waited by the door, hesitant to open it. The atmosphere here made even her cautious. She nodded silently as we approached and pushed inside.

The room itself was pure Breath of the Sun Church: bright, immaculate. A round conference table stood at its center. On the wall opposite the door hung a map of the Empire of Aifei—and before it, our leader waited.

An Angel. Yet nothing like one. A tall young woman stood before the map, waist-length violet hair cascading down her back. Her delicate features were marred by an icy, forbidding expression. Behind her spread eight wings—I’d never seen a fourth-tier Angel before.

My wings, Mistflower’s, Anan’s—all were pure white. Hers were different. Still white, but dull, as if coated in ash. Closer inspection revealed uneven streaks of dried blood hidden between the feathers, forming eerie patterns.

“Punctual. I like subordinates who respect time.” Her voice was glacial.

Her gaze swept over us. We all flinched. Her amethyst eyes held the chill of unmelting ice.

“Two six-wings and one ten-wing. With me, we’re complete.” Her lips curled faintly. “Your wings remind me of Featherwing. I despise that arrogant prodigy—and I dislike pampered hothouse flowers like you even more.”

“Mmh…” Mistflower choked back a sob. I stepped forward, shielding her.

“She’s no hothouse flower. *I* am.” I avoided her crystalline stare, focusing instead on her lips. “May we begin the mission, Leader?”

“Amusing. You also remind me of someone else. Pol, I think. Your eyes are alike.” Hearing Father Sir’s name shattered my forced courage. Still, I stood my ground, head bowed.

“Olyaris Ina. That’s my name now. I lead this mission. Call me… Captain Ina.” Her attempt at humor held no warmth.

“Yes, Captain Ina.”