Turning to Garphas, he brought in consideration the potential of the four young initiates who were there before him, including Jin.

"I appreciate your gesture for coming all the way up here to deliver the contract Garphas."

"You know me, I often enjoy the boring type of coming and going. There is a lot you hear in the narrow corridors of Sanctum that you end up missing while roaming the kingdoms."

"Such as?"

"Well, apparently King Henrik has summoned the thirteen to the Royal Capital. One of the Sacred Brothers gone missing. They say one of the Nameless Legions is on the move."

"That's concerning."

"To Elba and to your father, it may be." said Garphas.

"I shared nothing in common with Lord Alaric." grunted Vendrick with a sharper tone.

"Lies, you shared the man's roof." said Garphas, earning a genuine smile in return.

"Aye that is known. I'll catch you later, friend."

Garphas straightened up and gave a little bow, before disappearing through the labyrinth of hallways behind him.

"Stay sharp, Garphas." said Vendrick.

The sky was a brilliant blue outside, reminding him of what might be at stake out there. But before he could settle his own thoughts, the anxiety of everyone in the room had grown to the point they now cornered Vendrick.

"Can you share some of what he just told you or is that classified?"

Vendrick sighed, "I'm glad you are all here, reunited and paying close attention, that was good timing."

"Good timing for what?"

“You see this ancient scroll right here?” He motioned with his hands. "This is your first mission."

“Usually we send squads of four people into these requests. The Council of Sage is responsible for assigning a group of people, usually of four. For recently initiated elemental warriors, is is common to take upon tasks such as delivering messages to nobles or protecting trading caravans while Sentinels and Guardians handle hunting monsters most of the time. But …”

"But?"

“Well, the squad of you guys is a little bit different. Two of you have already awakened elemental powers, and most of the squads of adventurers barely have one, let alone two awakened warriors. So the High Elders have made an exception and settled on an interesting case.”

“What do you mean brother? You’re scaring me with this much teasing.”

“Fear not Jin, I’ll be coming along in this first bounty. Newly registered parties usually involve a leader with experience, so I should take that mantle."

"So Vendrick, can we please learn the details?" Snorted Tristan.

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“The Village of Ferris has been reporting the loss of cattle during the nights. Cows and horses vanishing as the town sleeps, without any sound or sign of theft. Our best bet is to head there before sunset. Once we get there we’ll talk to the locals and gain some valid information on what we’re exactly dealing with.”

"I see," said Tristan "but I must wonder if my time is really not worthy of a bigger task."

"How so?"

"Well, as a noble from glorious House Loriat surely there are more favourable and closer contracts to accept. It's just a question of logistics."

"It sounds like you are speaking with your ego Tristan." said Vendrick.

Before Tristan could answer, he continued. "Look, it's nothing personal. We should never judge an opponent based on its looks, or a job based on how much it pays."

"Your point?"

"This system was created so that people don`t lose their lives recklessly attempting to do dangerous missions beyond their ability. You haven't even managed to breakthrough as an Elemental Warrior."

Tristan fiercely rushed in Vendrick's direction, only to be pulled back by Jin's arm. The force being enough to bring the red-haired Tristan to a halt.

"Enough, you two." said Jin.

"I had enough alright." said Tristan.

Vendrick cracked his knuckles and motioned the others to follow him.

"Let's go."

“The little drama you two had, you better keep it peaceful while we are out there." said Jin.

Tristan said nothing to that. As they were getting ready to close the door and move along, both Jin and Tristan noticed their blonde companion was still inside the room. Hurriedly reaching for several items around the room and handling them carefully inside a bag. Any items that she thought could be useful from the experience she had gathered in the Belkor Theocracy.

Both boys looked at each other silently, until Tristan finally announced what was in their minds.

"Eliza, this is not the time of tidying up the room. Let the servants handle it and be ready to go."

Her attention was brought back to his gaze, as the duo stood waiting her opinion on the job.

“Being ready is a very strong word you people. First of all, let’s take a deep breath and think this through. There’s a lot of preparation that takes a woman like me to accept such sudden plans. Let's take it easy. I need to pack my luggage. We are going on horseback right? So I think I will need a few hours to adjust my routine accordingly, besides I don't know if I have a moisturizing oil to put on my thighs with me but I definitely have to find something that will reduce the discomfort. Do you know how uncomfortable it is for a woman to ride a steed for hours? Very!”

Placing a finger over her lips as if remembering something, the blue-eyed girl added. "Besides, I need at least a couple of hours to cook a new batch of chocolate cakes so we can bring it along the journey. Jin loved it."

"It was good though."

“Chocolate cakes? Fine, the more the better! ” Said, Tristan. “You better offer me one this time around Eliza! My amazing self needs me to be ready to battle with his stomach full and his spirit renewed. ”

“Hmm, a couple of hours? I'm okay with that. ” Added Jin. “That cake of yours is definitely worth the wait.”

"I hope this is the first of many adventures that we’ll have together." Whispered Eliza looking at the boy beside her.

Jin looked over his shoulder. “Did you say something, Eliza?”

She quickly shook her head, her cheeks turning pink. “Nooo! You didn’t hear anything!”

"It seems most of you on board with the contract and excited for the mission," Vendrick stated while playing around with his gray hair.

Suddenly, in a sudden movement, he pulled the spear he had kept in his back. Pinning the spear point to the ground.

“We’ll meet here, at this exact point in two hours. Feel free to roam around Sanctum in the meantime. ”

Everyone seemed to agree with the new adventure, well, everyone except one person.

Viktoria was quiet throughout the interaction between Vendrick and her colleagues, without showing any objection to the mission or interest. Her expression was very difficult to read. She was the embodiment of an enigma. Sometimes even herself wasn't quite sure what exactly what was going through her head.

Now, the only thing she wanted to do was to avoid conflict. She was fed up with everything, and the best thing to do was to handle the problems she had with herself so as not to end up arguing and stressing around with her “partners”. In any case, this would be the last time she would see them. It would be better that way, without drama or emotional goodbyes.

Viktoria hated goodbyes more than anything.

And besides, they wouldn't understand it, how could they?

"They would never get it." She thought to herself.