The Black Bulls' hideout was louder than usual that morning.
"WAKE UP, ROOKIES!" Magna's voice cracked through the walls like thunder. "We've got a mission!"
Kael was already awake, sitting cross-legged in meditation. His crimson eyes opened slowly, a calm breath escaping his lips. The system notification chimed softly in his mind.
> [Main Quest: Squad Field Mission – Initiated]
Objective: Complete your first real-world mission with the Black Bulls.
Bonus Objective: Protect all civilians, maintain squad cohesion, defeat enemy threat.
Reward: 1 Level-Up Token + Skill Boost.
"Let's see what this world throws at me today," Kael muttered as he stood, donning his black Bulls robe with silent resolve.
---
The Mission Briefing
Yami stood at the head of the table, arms crossed and posture casual, but his gaze sharp.
"There's been a band of rogue mages burning down villages near the Sargento border," he explained. "Clover nobles are nervous, so we're being sent to deal with it."
Magna cracked his knuckles. "Sounds like my kind of warm-up."
Vanessa sipped her drink. "And who's going?"
"You, Vanessa, Luck, Asta… and the new guy." Yami's eyes met Kael's. "Time to see what he's really made of."
Asta pumped his fist. "YES! First real mission!"
Luck grinned wide. "I hope they're strong."
Kael merely nodded. Inside, his heart beat steady.
> No reset. No do-overs. Time to fight for real.
---
On the Road
The squad moved fast, traveling by enchanted broom and Luck's lightning speed.
Kael ran alongside them, channeling wind into his legs to keep up. Vanessa raised an eyebrow at his form.
"No broom?" she teased.
"None needed," Kael replied. "I like to feel the ground beneath me."
They soon arrived at a smoldering village. Burned homes, shattered carts, and terrified townsfolk greeted them. Kael felt his fists tighten. Children sobbing. Blood on the cobblestones.
"This wasn't a robbery," he said grimly. "It was a message."
Magna spat. "They're gonna regret sending it."
Asta pointed toward the forest edge. "Over there!"
---
First Contact
Three rogue mages stepped from the trees, cloaked in flame, rock, and smoke.
"Clover Knights?" one sneered. "Tch. Just a bunch of freaks."
"We'll send your heads back as a warning."
Luck didn't wait. "I'll take the loud one!"
Lightning burst from his feet as he launched forward, clashing with the flame mage. Sparks flew.
Magna charged the rock-user, chains of fire coiling around his fists.
Vanessa hung back, threads of fate subtly weaving behind everyone.
Asta drew his sword and leapt at the third—but the smoke mage dodged and struck him back with a concussive blast.
Kael dashed forward, catching Asta mid-air.
"You okay?"
Asta coughed, grinning. "Never better."
---
Crimson Unleashed
Kael stood, eyes narrowing. The smoke mage turned to taunt him—until he felt the pressure shift.
Kael's mana flared—deep and ancient, like a sleeping storm awakening.
He whispered, "Imagination Magic: Elemental Creation—Chains of the Tempest."
Storm-forged chains erupted from the ground, wrapping the enemy before he could blink. Kael raised a hand—and the chains surged with lightning, stunning the rogue.
Kael launched forward, striking with a conjured blade of fire-ice. It crackled on impact, knocking the smoke mage unconscious.
> Target down.
---
Elsewhere on the Field
Luck cackled as he clashed again and again with his opponent, neither backing down. But soon, the flame mage began overwhelming him with heat bursts.
Kael appeared behind him, hands glowing.
"Mana Link—Engage."
A thin crimson thread connected Kael and Luck, and suddenly Luck's lightning surged brighter.
He grinned maniacally. "OH YEAH!"
With newfound energy, he pierced through the enemy's barrier and delivered a final blow.
"Thanks, Kael!" Luck yelled.
Kael nodded. "Teamwork matters."
---
Finishing the Fight
Magna and Asta had cornered the last enemy. The rock mage created a wall, but Asta leapt above while Magna sent flaming bats crashing through it.
With a roar, Asta delivered the finishing blow, knocking the rogue out cold.
Victory.
Kael exhaled. All threats neutralized.
> [System Notification: Mission Complete]
All objectives achieved.
Reward Gained: 1 Level-Up Token
Skill Boost: +2 Mana Control, +1 Reflex, +1 Team Coordination
---
Later That Night – Campfire Bonds
The squad camped on the edge of the forest. Stars hung overhead, and the crackling of fire brought a rare peace.
Magna passed Kael a drink. "Not bad for your first mission."
"You were calm under pressure," Vanessa added, leaning beside him. "And that chain magic—elegant."
Luck laughed. "Let's fight again sometime!"
Asta grinned. "We make a great team, don't we?"
Kael looked at each of them. These people, chaotic and wild, had already formed the beginnings of a bond in his heart.
> This is why I was reborn.
Not to conquer. Not to be feared.
But to protect… to belong.
---
System Notification – Emotional Link Progression
> – Asta: Brotherhood (MAX)
– Luck: Rivalry → Trusting Rival
– Vanessa: Interest → Budding Affection
– Magna: Respect Gained
– Squad Synergy Lv.2 Unlocked
Effect: Minor stat sharing in battle, team combo potential improved.
---
Kael looked into the fire, the warmth reflected in his crimson eyes.
> A bond forged in battle burns brighter than any flame.