"Monsters? Why are they inside the city?"

Following Dorothy’s gaze, Celia spotted the monster that had suddenly appeared outside the window.

She knew Vedona’s outskirts teemed with monsters, but this was her first time seeing one materialize within the city walls.

Dorothy glanced at the spatial rift beside it and instantly understood.

"Dense mana disrupts spatial order. Accidents like this can drag monsters from the Silent Forest here."

Throughout history, such disasters had plagued human territories.

Powerful beasts swept in by spatial turbulence would devour defenseless citizens in weak cities.

"So why sit around? Let’s go fight it!"

Isa raised her Ring Blade high. Her drowsiness vanished, replaced by fierce excitement.

She lived for combat.

Beside her, Aurora watched the fully revealed monster, her brow slightly furrowed.

"Isa, this monster’s mana fluctuations exceed third-tier. It’s likely fourth or even fifth-tier. With our strength… leave this to seniors."

"Eh? That strong? Then… never mind."

Hearing "fourth or fifth-tier," Isa lowered her arms. After a hesitant pause, she slumped back into her chair.

She chickened out.

A third-tier monster? She and Celia might’ve stood a chance. But fourth-tier meant certain death.

Dorothy gave Aurora an extra glance. Sensing a monster’s tier from afar—this girl was sharper than she’d assumed.

Indeed, the beast was fourth-tier, its aura nearly fifth-tier, on the verge of breaking through.

Seeing residents rush to the Beast Tide shelter, Dorothy crossed her arms and turned toward the door.

"Let’s go."

"Eh?"

"If theory bores you, we’ll observe the battle while I explain."

It was her fix for Isa’s drowsiness.

Guild Heroes were already charging the monster. Residents moved fast—this live lesson was feasible.

Up close, unlike distant guild viewings, Celia and the others felt crushing pressure.

A shadow blotting out the sky. Massive pincers radiating raw power. Furry legs that raised goosebumps at a glance…

Worst was the fourth-tier mana oozing from its body. Merely nearing it made their hearts pound.

Fighting it now? No chance. One blink, and its pincers would pulp them.

Just then—a streak of fire shot from afar, slamming into the monster!

Before sparks faded, Dorothy shook her head, explaining to the trio:

"Scorpion-type monsters have hard, heat-resistant shells. That fire won’t hurt it."

Celia nodded vaguely. Sparks cleared—the shell gleamed, unharmed.

Simultaneously, a figure in the sky caught her eye.

Fiery red hair flowed over her shoulders. Her pretty face held frost, scorching flames coiling around her like she’d burn the world.

"Hero Roland?"

Celia knew the name—Roland was famous in the guild.

But when Celia arrived in Vedona, Roland’s team had left on a mission, returning only yesterday.

"What’s wrong, Instructor?"

Dorothy had been staring at Roland, lost in thought. Aurora’s question snapped her back.

This Hero reminded her of an old teammate—same red hair, same fire control, same disgust for monsters.

But their strength gap was vast.

That friend was likely a veteran councilor in the Hero Council by now.

Dorothy cleared her mind, pointing at Roland.

"She’s overconfident. After one attack, she stops to check the monster, no defense ready. It’ll cost her."

"The enraged beast will counter. She won’t react in time—this time, just injuries. A lesson. Next time? Her life."

"Remember: against fierce monsters, never slack off. Or you’ll die by their claws."

As Dorothy spoke, Roland was struck by a giant pincer, crashing into the building beside them.

Celia and the others’ eyes sparkled with awe.

The instructor proved her combat wisdom and monster knowledge through action. They, new to being Heroes, worshipped her.

Even Isa felt a burning passion for theory ignite within.

"Cough! Cough!"

Dust billowed as Roland stumbled out, coughing and filthy.

She didn’t return to battle. Instead, she approached Celia’s group.

"Second-tier Heroes? Why are you still here?"

Her frosty face was smeared with grime, but she waved them off urgently.

"This is a fourth-tier monster! Get out now!"

When blasted away, she’d sensed second-tier Heroes nearby. To her, they couldn’t handle this beast.

Helping? With second-tier strength, she’d be lucky if they didn’t cause trouble.

"With me protecting them, they’re safe."

Dorothy stepped forward, pulling her hood low to hide her face.

"You?"

Roland eyed her suspiciously. "Their instructor?"

"Hmm."

"I’ve never heard of a guild instructor shielding second-tiers from fourth-tier attacks."

Roland’s gaze turned icy, her tone sharp. "Don’t be arrogant."

She knew every fourth-tier Hero in the guild. None matched this stranger. Even they couldn’t protect anyone.

Bringing Aspirant Heroes here? Irresponsible. A death game.

"We trust our instructor."

Unexpectedly, the three Aspirant Heroes she’d tried to save defended Dorothy.

No time to waste. If they refused help, fine.

"...Fend for yourselves."

Roland shot Dorothy a cold glare, then returned to the fight.

Dorothy just shook her head, silent.

The next second—as if sensing something—she vanished before Celia’s eyes.