As dusk settled over Vedona’s city center, a new notice appeared on the bulletin board. Curious onlookers gathered around it—including Isa, who happened to be passing by.
She stood on tiptoe, peering over the crowd to read the announcement aloud:
“A new Beast Tide may erupt soon. All residents must prepare to evacuate to Beast Tide shelters, bringing food, clothing…”
“Beast Tide?”
Celia murmured the words under her breath. To them, it was an unfamiliar spectacle—a sight of ten thousand beasts stampeding they’d never witnessed. Beyond a trace of worry, thick curiosity filled them. They’d heard Vedona’s Beast Tides were frequent but small-scale, rarely causing real damage.
Most bystanders dispersed once they’d read the notice.
“Another Beast Tide? This time they’re ordering us into shelters… must be bigger than usual.”
“How big could it be? Recent ones only had Third Rank monsters. With the Heroes and knights guarding us, what’s there to fear?”
“Only outsiders get excited about Beast Tides, huh?”
To Vedona’s residents, Beast Tides were as routine as eating and drinking. The Heroes and knights would keep them safe.
Still, Celia felt uneasy.
“Let’s go back. We need to warn Sister Lena to prepare for the shelter.”
After a heart-to-heart two months ago, her bond with Lena had deepened. Sometimes, she even caught herself thinking of Lena as a mother. Yet she knew Lena wasn’t her real mother—her love belonged to her own child, not to be claimed by Celia. Lena had no magic, just an ordinary woman. Even sheltered at home, Celia couldn’t shake her worry when the Tide came.
*What if a powerful monster breaks through Vedona’s defenses? What if it charges straight toward Lena’s villa?*
The thought was absurd, but Celia refused to let Lena face even a hint of risk.
Back home, Lena had already set out dinner. Before Celia could sit, she blurted:
“Sister Lena, the Beast Tide’s coming soon. Pack food and supplies—we might spend days in the shelter.”
Residents were safest underground during a Tide; staying above risked disaster.
Lena had seen the alert on her communicator and wasn’t surprised. “Understood. What about you two?”
“We?” Isa cut in, puffing out her scrawny chest. “We’re Heroes! Of course we’ll fight the Tide!”
“Beast Tides are dangerous. Don’t underestimate them. And as far as I know, you’re not official Heroes yet. Are you confident about passing the assessment in three days?”
In the past two months, Celia’s entire team had reached Third Rank. Under her guidance, they could even handle most Fourth Rank monsters. *No surprise*, Celia thought. *With the Demon King’s bloodline, I’ve achieved in four months what takes others a lifetime.*
But Aurora and Isa’s growth stunned her too—they trailed only slightly behind. Aurora wielded magic with exquisite precision, reshaping spells into entirely new forms. Isa lagged a step, yet her Ring Blade was no ordinary weapon. Celia sensed a will within it—likely a blade comparable to the Holy Sword Megaphis.
“Hmph! Sister Lena doesn’t believe in us?” Isa pouted, her baby-faced cheeks adorably pinchable. Lena fought the urge to reach out. “Of course I do. I’m just worried.”
“You’re not a Hero, so you don’t know how strong we are. I’ll say this: unless something unexpected happens in three days, we *will* pass the assessment!” Isa beamed with pride. Every stride through the Hero Hall lately made her feel like their team was the center of attention.
And it was true. In just over four months—from Aspirant Heroes to slayers of Fourth Rank monsters—their legend spread through every corner of the Hall. Even their instructor became the talk of the town over meals and tea. Some guessed she was a Sage-ranked Hero from another city, here to train Celia. Others claimed she was a retired Hero Council member passing on her legacy.
Whatever the truth, Celia’s mentor had become a figure of awe among the Heroes.
“Once we pass,” Isa twirled, her pink skirt blooming like a flower, “we’ll throw a huge celebration party with you, Elder Silverflower, and Guildmaster Sharin!”
Lena tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, smiling warmly. “If you’re that confident, I’ll rest easy.”
Sadly, Isa’s wish would never come true.
*Because I am Elder Silverflower. Lena and Dorothy can’t both attend.*
After dinner and baths, the girls retired to their rooms. Only when their breathing turned deep and even did Lena slip off her nightgown. She donned a black robe suited for movement. Her crimson eyes shifted to molten gold as Seventh Rank power silently surged within her.
Unlike Celia’s team, she didn’t believe this Tide would be small-scale with only Third Rank monsters. During her last mission supporting Brewer’s squad, she’d encountered Fourth Rank beasts *outside* the perimeter. Coupled with the dying man’s cryptic words, unease coiled in her gut.
Like ominous storm clouds gathering over Vedona, something terrifying stirred unseen.
She had to investigate Silent Forest tonight.
If the Tide was already forming, she’d crush it before it reached the city.
The window slid open. Autumn wind rushed in, whipping her robe. She stepped onto the sill and leapt.
The moment she left the room, Seventh Rank magic erupted behind her, forming shadowy wings that carried her swiftly toward Silent Forest.
