The past month at the Royal Academy had been grueling for Calvin. Despite his best efforts to fit in, he remained an outcast. His days were filled with relentless studying, swordsmanship training, and enduring the cruelty of his peers. The bullying never stopped—whispers behind his back, cold stares, deliberate shoves, and worse. Bruised and battered, Calvin persevered. He refused to let their torment crush his spirit. And though no one spoke to him or sat with him during meals, he kept his focus, determined to prove himself. By sheer grit and intelligence, Calvin had secured a spot among the academy’s top-ranking students.

Today was no different. Calvin sat quietly in the back of the classroom, taking notes as the professor lectured. He’d grown used to being ignored. But then, the classroom door swung open with a dramatic flourish, and every head turned.

“Pardon my intrusion,” a deep, commanding voice said.

Calvin looked up to see none other than Professor Kawran standing at the doorway. The murmurs began instantly. It wasn’t every day that the famed swordsman, known for his countless battles and unmatched skills, graced the classroom. Tall and broad-shouldered, Kawran cut an imposing figure. His long cloak flowed behind him, and his sheathed sword hung at his side. Scars on his hands and neck were visible proof of his warrior’s life. His presence demanded respect.

“Listen up,” Kawran began, his voice carrying over the whispers. “We’re organizing a surveillance mission to Shengla, a city in the Westfall district. If any of you wish to gain practical experience and develop your skills, you are welcome to join. This is a rare opportunity to work alongside me, so make your decision wisely.”

The room erupted in excitement. A mission with Professor Kawran was a once-in-a-lifetime chance. Students buzzed with enthusiasm, and Calvin felt a spark of hope. This was his chance—a chance to prove himself beyond the academy walls. Without hesitation, he filled out the form and submitted it, joining the growing list of eager participants.

The next morning, just as dawn broke, the group set out. The journey to Shengla was long but uneventful. Calvin kept to himself, as always, but he listened carefully to Kawran’s conversations with the other students. When they finally arrived in Shengla, they climbed out of the carts and took in the bustling city. Shengla’s streets were alive with merchants, travelers, and townsfolk, but an undercurrent of unease hung in the air.

Calvin walked up to Kawran. “Sir, may I ask what we’re looking for?”

Kawran’s sharp eyes turned to him. “Ah, well, young man, strange disappearances have been happening here recently. We’re here to investigate.”

“Then shouldn’t we start by asking at the local guild?” Calvin suggested.

Kawran raised an eyebrow, then nodded. “A good idea. Let’s head to the guild.”

The local guild, located at the city center, was a large, bustling building. As they entered, they were greeted by Nina, a representative of the guild. She was polite but visibly worried.

“Professor Kawran,” she said after hearing his questions, “yes, the disappearances have been happening quite often. Many of our guild members have gone missing, including Mr. Kasai, one of our strongest members. He disappeared a week ago.”

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“Can you provide us with his house location?” Kawran asked.

“Of course,” Nina replied. “His house is on Sixth Street, near the main market.”

With their next destination set, the group thanked Nina and made their way to Kasai’s home.

Calvin knocked on the door. There was no answer. He knocked again, harder this time, but the silence persisted.

“I think there’s no one home,” Calvin said hesitantly.

Kawran stepped forward, his expression grim. “There’s someone inside. I can feel it. Open the door by force. Someone may be in danger.”

Calvin hesitated but obeyed, breaking the door open. Inside, the house was dim and eerily quiet. In one corner, a woman sat huddled, her arms wrapped around her knees. Calvin approached her cautiously.

“Miss, are you okay?” he asked gently.

The woman lifted her head, and her eyes widened in panic. “Don’t touch me!” she screamed and began thrashing violently.

“Please, calm down!” Calvin pleaded, keeping his distance. Her neck and arms were covered in bruises, signs of a brutal struggle.

Before she could hurt herself further, Kawran stepped forward in a blur of motion and struck her neck lightly, rendering her unconscious. “Calvin, call Nina and a doctor immediately,” he ordered.

Calvin nodded and rushed out. Soon, Nina arrived with a doctor, who bandaged the woman’s injuries and administered a sedative.

“She’ll be fine with rest,” the doctor assured them before leaving.

Nina’s face was pale. “That’s Kasai’s wife,” she said. “They were married six months ago. She used to visit the guild often to see him.”

When the woman regained consciousness, she looked at Nina and burst into tears. Nina held her gently, calming her down.

“I’m sorry for attacking earlier,” the woman said shakily.

“It’s fine,” Calvin assured her. “You were scared.”

Kawran stepped forward. “What happened to you, and where is your husband?” he asked.

The woman wiped her tears and began her story. “It started a week ago. My husband injured his foot—just a small wound—but it made him sad because he had an important quest in the Wastelands. The day of the quest, his foot was miraculously healed. He was so happy and went with his team. They returned three days later, but...” Her voice faltered. “It wasn’t him.”

“What do you mean?” Calvin asked, leaning forward.

“He looked the same, but he didn’t act like himself. Kasai always came straight home after a quest, but that day, he stayed at an inn. When I went to see him, he wouldn’t open the door at first. When he did, his eyes were red, and he looked... wrong. He wouldn’t eat, and no medicine worked. Then, this morning, he got violent. He hit me and left. I don’t know where he is.”

Nina’s face hardened. “Kasai would never hurt anyone. He was kind, beloved by everyone at the guild.”

Kawran frowned. “Nina, are there any potions or ointments that heal injuries that quickly?”

“There are ointments, but nothing that works instantly,” she replied.

Kawran’s expression darkened. “A drug that heals injuries and induces violent behavior... This is troubling.” He glanced at Calvin and Nina. “We’ll need to investigate this further.”

Calvin nodded, his heart pounding. Whatever was happening in Shengla, it was far more dangerous than he had anticipated.