I’ve been part of the Arcane Celestial Order for several months now, and I’ve learned a few things about this group.

First, we’re now seventeen members strong. Until recently, there were sixteen of us, including me, but a new guy joined the ranks.

Second, ranks are determined by age and experience. The adults with more experience must tattoo a golden dragon on their bodies and don’t need to display it on their clothing. Meanwhile, those of us under eighteen are required to wear the dragon emblem on our attire and are strictly forbidden from getting tattoos until we come of age. This isn’t about ethics or morality—it’s purely for identification.

Third, every member has a story to tell, a past that weighs heavy. All seventeen of us have endured hardship. I don’t know why the Order prioritizes recruiting people like us, but rules are rules. Even if someone exceptionally talented wants to join, if they don’t have a story—a real burden to carry—they’re rejected outright.

I suppose Aaron has his reasons.

My team and I have a mission ahead of us. There are three of us heading to the city of Weesenia, where a massacre reportedly took place. We’re close to arriving, and I’m hoping what we find isn’t as gruesome as we fear.

Now that I think about it… where the hell did that redheaded bastard go?

My team leader and I are almost at the city, but that idiot Kai rushed ahead and apparently got there first. I doubt he grasped the whole “investigate discreetly” part.

Oh, speak of the devil—we’ve just reached the city gates.

My team leader, Jason Volland, dismounted his horse and stopped me near the entrance. Jason’s a tall guy, about 6’2”, with dark skin and short hair. Being older and experienced, he’s got the golden dragon tattooed on his arm. Oh, and he loves showing off his muscles—he’s built like a tank and even wears a sleeveless shirt to prove it.

“Alright, kid,” he said. “First, check if there’s any life left in this city. If you spot a soldier, take them out. Doesn’t matter if they’re guilty or not—just do it.”

No chance to plead their case, huh?

“Understood,” I replied.

“But first, interrogate them. Get every bit of information they’ve got.”

“And what about you, boss?”

“I’m going to track down any signs of the city’s governor.”

“Got it. I’ll get moving.”

“Oh, one more thing,” he added. “If you find Kai, tell him to look for traces of magic.”

“Will do.”

Kai’s a unique magic user. He’s useless in a fight—borderline hopeless, honestly. But his strength lies in his mind. The guy’s sharp, able to dig into the heart of any mystery, and his confidence comes from his unique ability to read information from his surroundings or people.

I ventured into the city, my boots crunching against the ground as I took it all in. Everything was in ruins. Nothing left. Absolutely nothing.

As I walked, I pieced together a few things about Weesenia.

First, it was a big city, full of houses and places to go—a hub of life, once upon a time.

Second, it was clearly a commercial center. The number of destroyed market stalls in the districts told me that much.

Third, this place was deeply religious. I spotted three monasteries so far, along with several statues of the god Alzeloth scattered about.

Then, out of the corner of my eye, I caught movement—definitely human.

I drew my sword and approached slowly.

“BOOH!” 

“Gah!” I stumbled back, falling on my ass.

“Hahaha! You should’ve seen your face!” 

That was Kai Aggen, the redheaded newbie with his hair tied back in a ponytail and a ribbon. The guy I mentioned who just joined.

“Where the hell were you?” I asked, picking myself up.

“Doing some sightseeing, obviously.”

“Huh?”

“Tell me, Shin, didn’t you notice anything when you entered the city?”

“That it’s all destroyed?”

“Of course you’d say that. You wouldn’t notice the important details—especially with that blind eye of yours.” He stuck out his tongue.

“Do that again, and I’ll cut your tongue off, you damn redheaded pest.”

“Hehe, you know fighting’s not my thing. But even without fighting, I could probably give you a stroke and still win.”

“Cut the crap.”

“Sorry, sorry. You know, this place is so grim, if we don’t lighten the mood, we might lose our minds.”

He’s not wrong. The air here is heavy, oppressive. It feels like a thousand souls are watching me from the shadows.

*Ahem.*

“Anyway, that’s not what I wanted to talk about,” Kai said, sitting on a pile of rubble. “Let me ask you again: didn’t you notice anything odd when you first stepped in?”

“Nope. It’s exactly as I expected.”

“That’s the problem, Shin. You saw what you *expected* to see. When your brain gets what it anticipates, it stops looking closer. That’s where skepticism comes in. Is what we see really all there is? Is what we perceive enough?”

“Simplify it. You’re dragging this out.”

“People are simple, Shin, not explanations. Fine, I’ll be blunt—look at the sky.”

I tilted my head up, trying to figure out what he meant. 

What’s he getting at? A cloudy sky, some smoke, dark clouds. Nothing special.

“What’s up with that?”

“Smoke.”

“What?”

“Shin, what does smoke mean?”

“How should I know?”

“Combustion. Smoke means there was fire.”

What’s this nutcase trying to say? He’s pointing out the obvious.

“That’s obvious. Most of the houses are burned.”

“But Shin, the massacre was reported four days ago. Why’s there still smoke? Plus, it’s been raining heavily these past few days.”

Now that he mentions it… he’s right. There’s smoke rising from multiple spots. It doesn’t add up.

“So, what’s your plan?”

“Come with me to that area. I’m certain that smoke isn’t natural.”

“But Jason said—”

“I’ve already checked for magical traces.”

“How the hell—?”

“What else is a guy with no fighting skills supposed to do?”

Fair point. Besides logistics and planning, Kai’s not good for much else.

“Fine, let’s go.”

I nodded, and we headed toward the nearest source of smoke.