“First step to protect yourself is to control your mana,” Ryan began, his tone firm but casual. “I know you’re decent at it, but that’s just the basics. High-level control is a completely different game.”

“What do you mean?” Leo asked, furrowing his brow.

“You must always be aware of your mana. Feel even the slightest fluctuation, even when you’re speaking or resting. Once you can sense those changes, you can control it more precisely to prevent unnecessary shifts.”

Around them, people moved in and out of the café, yet no one seemed to take notice of the pair. It was as if they blended seamlessly into the mundane surroundings, their conversation about magical subjects concealed from the world.

“Second,” Ryan continued, leaning slightly forward, “is increasing your mana capacity. Corruption tends to target your mana first. For instance, low-level creatures wrap their energy around you and slowly merge it with yours. That’s how corruption starts. But if your mana reserves are high, it acts as a natural repellent, pushing weaker entities away. Mana itself is one of our best weapons against the underworld’s influence.”

As Ryan spoke, a peculiar thought crept into Leo’s mind. When did they order? Why did the waiter bring coffee without him noticing?

Leo’s gaze narrowed and he raised an eyebrow at Ryan. “When did you order?”

Ryan smirked, his expression brimming with mischief. “Took you long enough. I used Illusion to create a version of myself to place the order. And the version of us that people see here? Two friends chatting and laughing like everyone else.”

“It’s the second type of illusion, right? The kind that distorts the space around us? Shouldn’t I be able to see through it too?”

“Actually, it’s the first kind. At A rank, I can activate low-level skills just by whispering their names. But it only works on weaker skills and people with lower ranks—those with limited mana and weaker mental strength.”

Leo’s initial surprise gave way to a flicker of excitement. The possibilities with illusion were endless.

Ryan’s grin widened, but his tone grew serious. “One more thing—you need to be careful how you use your mana. For example when you used Illusion on that officer, your mana signature was everywhere. If he’s sharp enough, he could trace it back to you and throw you in jail.”

Leo’s excitement turned to unease, his stomach knotting at the thought.

“But don’t worry,” Ryan added, waving his hand dismissively. “I erased that part from his memory. You’re in the clear for now. Besides, most of those officers are clueless—they don’t even know what a fingerprint is.”

Leo clenched his jaw, wanting to argue against Ryan following him without permission. But the revelation that Ryan had saved him held his protests in check.

“Anyway,” Ryan said, snapping Leo out of his thoughts, “next up—defensive spells. illusion has a fantastic C rank spell for this called Veil of Deception. It alters your mana as it leaves your body. Combine it with False Aura, and you’ll essentially be invisible. There’s also a spell in Enchantment called Spiritbound Shield. It defends your soul from external attacks or forced injections of energy.”

Leo’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘How does he know I study Enchantment?’

He resolved to stay on high alert whenever Ryan was around.

“But those are C rank spells,” Leo pointed out. “Couldn’t learning them lead to corruption?”

“Usually, yes,” Ryan admitted, leaning back. “But you’ve already got enough mana for C rank spells, and your control is solid. Go on your mission tonight and when you return, I’ll contact you. I’ll provide the spells and a method to ensure you remain immune to corruption while learning them. Then we’ll continue.”

Leo nodded silently, his mind brimming with questions, doubts, and a faint sense of anticipation.

Ryan stood up, and Leo followed him out of the café.

“See you later,” Ryan said casually, his tone so relaxed it almost felt as if he truly were just chatting with a friend.

Leo remained silent, watching Ryan disappear into the distance. Does he have trouble making friends? The thought lingered briefly before he glanced at his watch. It was nine-thirty—plenty of time to get back home before the mission.

On the way home, Leo grew frustrated with himself for not asking Ryan any questions about his own background. The more he knew, the better he could prepare and protect himself.

When he returned home, dinner was already set on the table. His mother stood nearby, fussing over the final touches while Rosie sat on the worn, cushioned sofa, trying to coax Eliza into eating.

Eliza, sitting stiffly with her knees drawn to her chest, looked hesitant. Her round tear-streaked face showed faint traces of hope but was mostly clouded with worry. Rosie sitting beside her, held a plate of food, her voice soft and encouraging, though her efforts weren’t making much progress.

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Leo walked over quietly, his boots clicking softly against the wooden floor. He sat down across from Eliza. The room seemed to pause as everyone turned their attention to him.

“Eliza,” he began his tone calm and steady, “you need to stay healthy for when you see your mother again. Do you want to upset her by not taking care of yourself?”

Her wide, glistening eyes looked up at him, her lips trembling as she processed his words. A tear rolled down her cheek, but she nodded.

Leo gave her a reassuring smile. “Good. Let’s eat together.”

She got up and they all moved to the kitchen. The table was set with a feast that spoke volumes of his mother’s effort and care. A steaming plate of crispy fried chicken sat in the center, its golden-brown skin perfectly seasoned and inviting. Beside it was a generous serving of fried potatoes, their edges tantalizingly crunchy and their centers soft and fluffy. The dishes were complemented by a tangy dipping sauce and a garnish of fresh herbs, adding both color and aroma to the spread. His mother had clearly gone all out for Eliza, making sure she felt cared for. Leo smiled slightly. For now, this was enough.

After dinner, he still had time. He helped his mother to clean the table and after making sure everything was in order he prepared to leave. His mother followed him to the door. Before he left he turned around, Eliza and Rosie were watching him, and Eliza looked a lot better after eating. He smiled at them and left toward the association.

…

Leo waited in the main hall alongside Liamond and Wina, his gaze drifting occasionally toward the entrance as they stood in silence. Lara’s absence was conspicuous. Moments later, Edmond entered through the main door.

“Peter has prepared three uniforms for you,” Edmond began, his voice low but firm. “You’ll be going undercover, maintaining a casual cover. Don’t act like paladins until you locate the two officers. Understood?”

The three of them placed their fists over their chests in a salute of acknowledgment before they went to the storage area, where neatly folded clothing awaited.

Leo changed quickly, adjusting the unfamiliar garments. He paused to examine himself in the mirror. A long, dark cloak fell over his frame, its hood resting at his shoulders ready to be pulled up to obscure his face. Beneath the cloak, a dark brown and black leather jerkin hugged his torso, sturdy enough for protection but flexible enough for stealth. A belt lined with small pouches was fastened securely around his waist, prepared to hold any tools or supplies he might need.

When he rejoined the others, he saw Liamond and Wina similarly outfitted, their attire identical to his own. The three exchanged nods, an unspoken understanding passing between them. They moved out through the back door, avoiding the main thoroughfare.

A carriage waited for them, unmarked and discreet. Edmond was nowhere in sight, a likely effort to ensure no unwanted attention was drawn to their departure. Climbing into the carriage, they settled into their seats before it began its journey.

Leo’s mind churned with questions as they traveled. How had Edmond arranged their passage through the guarded gates? Despite his curiosity, he dared not look out the window, fearing it might compromise their covert mission.

After what felt like an eternity of silence, Leo finally spoke, his voice low. “What happened to the guards?”

“Whatever it is, it must be the captain’s doing,” Wina replied, her tone equally hushed, though there was a note of confidence in her words.

Content with her answer, Leo leaned back against the carriage wall. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the road filled the space as the group silently prepared themselves for what awaited them in Murg.

…

Edgarth stood on the edge of a tall building, his sharp eyes fixed on the carriage slowly leaving the city outskirts. Beside him, Edmond stood in silence, his hands clasped tightly behind his back.

“Thank you for your assistance, Mr. Wells,” Edmond said, his voice low but sincere.

Getting the carriage out unnoticed had been no small feat and Edmond had turned to the one man he trusted implicitly: Edgarth.

Edgarth’s expression remained impassive. “I hope you know what you’re doing, Edmond,” he replied, his tone carrying a faint edge of warning. He turned to leave, his dark cloak shifting with the movement. “I’m already under close surveillance. This is all the help I can offer before I risk exposing myself.”

Edmond’s brow furrowed. “Under surveillance? By whom?”

“I'm not certain yet," Edgarth admitted, his tone grim, "but I will be soon." He paused, locking eyes with Edmond. "Whoever is behind these disturbances, you'd best prepare yourself, Edmond. Chaos is coming—and it won't show mercy.

Without waiting for a response, Edgarth vanished into thin air, leaving Edmond alone on the rooftop. The cool night breeze carried a sense of unease, but Edmond didn’t linger. He departed swiftly, his mind already strategizing the next steps.

Unbeknownst to either of them, Ryan stood silently on the roof of another building, his eyes gleaming as he watched the exchange.

“You’re getting old, my friend,” Ryan murmured to himself, a sly smile spreading across his lips.

…

It took about two hours before Liamond pulled back the curtains of the carriage window. Outside, a desolate wasteland stretched endlessly dotted with the ruins of a few abandoned houses. The carriage came to a halt near one of these crumbling structures.

Liamond stepped out first, turning back to motion to Leo and Wina. “Let’s go.”

Leo frowned as he climbed down. “Where are we going?”

The barren landscape offered no indication of civilization and there was no city nearby that they could reach in three hours by carriage.

Liamond glanced back with a smirk. “It’d take about a week to get there by carriage. We’re teleporting instead.”

Leo turned to Wina, who seemed unsurprised. Her composed expression confirmed that she already knew. Sensing Leo’s puzzlement, Liamond added, “The captain told me after you left earlier. Guess I forgot to mention it.”

Shrugging off the oversight, Leo followed them into the dilapidated house. Inside, Liamond began drawing a circle on the floor using chalk. At the center, he placed a scroll, then drew a second circle, connecting the two with precise, straight lines.

He gestured for Leo and Wina to step into the second circle.

Once they were in position, Liamond activated the scroll. The markings around it lit up with a bright, pulsating glow and a moment later, the scroll’s circle vanished, replaced by a sharp, white flash.

In an instant, everything became a blur and before Leo could fully process what was happening, the world around him shifted. A second later, they stood in an entirely different room.

Leo blinked, taking in his surroundings. The room was bare except for a distinct burn mark on the wooden floor where the teleportation circle had appeared. The faint sound of footsteps on the creaking wooden boards snapped Leo out of his daze.

Someone was approaching.

His body tensed instinctively and his hand darted to his bag to ready a crystal. Before he could activate it, Liamond raised his hand, signaling him to stop.

Leo hesitated, throwing his companion a questioning look.

Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a man dressed almost identically to them in dark, utilitarian clothing.

“You’ve arrived!” the man said briskly, his tone leaving no room for pleasantries. “Good. Let’s go.”