The monster was blinded by the fire magic of Ken and Linda’s ice magic. The enemy was completely overwhelmed by the number and couldn’t react properly on which it should attack first. Alastor rolled over evading the enemy.

With the blinded enemy, they were able to damage it, but its moves became more agitated and thrown off Octagon, Linda, Ken, and Laura. Dice leaped over with his sword plunged onto the monster’s chest. Alastor also cut off its tail as it tumbled down and fell over the ground. Alastor slashes its throat before it could even draw its last breath.

With a sigh of relief, the injured members lie down and waited for Cid to finished the soup that he’s cooking. A few vegetables and meat with stew were mixed. Dice was astounded not only by the food but also by the unprecedented event. They did not expect that Alastor would outwit the inconvenient situation they were trapped in.

Once the pang of fear dug a hole in the flesh, it would be hard to yank it off. It would take a damned dose of confidence to pluck it out. The moment he saw the determination in his eyes, the cold touch of death had left his back and quickly assisted him in purging the enemy. A moment of bravery surged through his veins. He remember he is not just any like the hunters or mercenaries, he was trained by one of the best schools of thought that exist within this region.

He beckoned and goaded him to stand his ground. He held his sword with such dignity and gravitas. Such rarity and a keeper this group has. Another thing had crossed his mind about his other qualities, there is something peculiar about Alastor, yet he can’t identify it.

“Say,” He started. “How come you’re not scared of such an enemy?”

Alastor glanced back. “Because I am confident that we can win. In the contest between brain and strength, the brain always wins, but we have both it and we work coordinatingly.”

“Ah.” He gasped in awe. “We are in your debt. Please do not treat us so formally. We came from the same branch. The name is Dice. This is Laura and Octagon.”

“Alastor.” He replied. “And this is Cid, Ken, and Linda – and the Comodo that you’ve borrowed is Liber.”

“Ah, is it yours? Pardon us. Mister Rod deliberately misled us to think that it is okay to use it without the owner’s permission.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve driven a hard bargain to return the favor on him.”

“Is that so?”

He pondered on his remarks. Rod isn’t like someone who could get bested easily specifically if it is below his rank.

“Yep. The guy owed us a big deal.”

“I see.”

“Yeah.” Ken boasted. “A HUGE DEAL.”

“Will you shut up?!” Cid shouted at Ken. “Have some respect for the food and to me as the chef. Chew on it first before talking.” He complained.

“Hey! Your food tastes like shit. I bet I can make better than you.”

“What did you just say?!” Cid's forehead burrowed.

“I SAID –”

A big spoon slap into Ken’s face. The right part of his face was bright as red. He glared at him while rubbing his throbbing cheek.

“What the hell man?!”

“Both of you!” Linda interrupted the two. “Knock it off or I’ll knock the two of you!”

They immediately sat down, but they are still glaring at each other.

“You have quite a team here.”

“Can’t tell. These guys are quite a pain in the ass, except the blondie. She’s a keeper.”

“I can see that.”

“She can be crappy sometimes, but she can make fine dishes.”

“Excuse me.” Linda inserted. “I’m right here.”

Dice looked away and stiffened.

“Do we look like we care?” Alastor asked.

“Nope.” She fell to quiet.

As soon as the dawn broke, they traveled out of the forest. The journey was not without any conflicts. There were numerous familiar monsters they have fought, but with ease they vanquished them. Conveniently, the conflicts added more rations and had more for them to eat while they’re on their tracks. The storage already filled the spaces inside the carriages and adding too much would put strain more than Liber could handle.

“Not to meddle or anything, but it would be wise to stop adding more for now,” Linda said.

“Why?” Laura asked. “It would be such a waste to leave those potential rations here.”

“No, I agree with her.” Dice said.

“It would be unwise to overworked Liber. We can’t afford to stay here any longer.” Alastor said.

“He is right, do not forget, the Night Tide is nearby. There’s so much preparation that must be done.”

The Night Tide, it is a one-week event wherein the moon will shine brighter at its height during midnight. The light of the moon will affect the monsters psychologically and will become wild, granting them enhanced strength and instincts. Some monsters also affected psychologically by mysterious phenomena which makes them unpredictable and dangerous. Most people knew that it is dangerous and must be careful during times of the Night Tide. There are several theories about this event, first, is that this event happens because of the curse of the ancient Arbiters, there are known people known for using strong dark magic, but they are the only who come on top; it is observe that during this event, dark magic swells up from the earth that mainly affects the mind of the monsters. Second, it is the effect of the blight, there were records in the past specifically the ancient times, people relied on power of the blight, the gravity of the power produced unbalanced the very law of nature, and their impunity brought the curse onto themselves. There were several theories of its existence but their were no actual evidence of it. It may exaggerate to say, but most of the known unknown curses came from the ancient times, probably before or after the first war of blights.

There are others who are strong enough to overcome the trial and was not afraid to deal with the aberration. Some warriors specifically in the nations see this as an opportunity to test their might and strengthened themselves.

“Sacrificing our speed over the weight is not worth it,” Alastor said. “So, it is best for us to minimize the risk over the exposure on the unnecessary conflict.”

“I agree with Alastor,” Octagon said. “Now let us go, before monsters will come to steal our stocks.”

They have finally made it out and saw the mansion on top of a hill. Over the northeast, they can see the training field. There are some trainees that are practicing their swordsmanship with the use of a wooden sword. It is the law of the Glade, using real swords is forbidden to use during mock training, and one should only use wooden swords. One noticeable group has faced one of the most hardest training, run and evade so to call of the training, it is where the students will test their agility and reflexivity as they hurdle away from the indestructible gem that will shock them if they made contact with it. As soon as they have reach the desired speed of the instructor, well it means they passed, but very few can pull of some stunt to evade it and make the way to the goal.

It was a long tiring afternoon, almost all of them has neither strength or has a strong face of will to be noticed when they entered the Glade. Linda ordered one of the trainees named Bennett to handle the stock foods they have gathered to the stock room before joining them inside.

The task is not that all hard, but it is still vital to their survival, food, water and medicines are the basic essentials of the Glade, these mentioned items must prepared at any times in any case of assault or injuries that might have taken place within the premises. There were others on same rank as hers who are capable of handling the job, but she insisted on joining them despite the appeal for resting the whole week. The proposal may appealing but her mind can't put into contempt knowing that the damage is still far from done. She grew up on this place ever since she was a child, she has no family nor relatives that has taken care of her, only this sanctuary satisfy the void in her heart, that is why she cannot allow herself not to worry while the rest has to face this issue.

“I’ll head to the directors’ room. You guys take some rest.” Linda said.

“Will do,” Alastor said.

The others immediately spread out.

“I will also head to the director. Let me accompany you.”

Linda nods. Dice glanced at Octagon and Laura.

“You guys should take some rest too. Do not worry, this wouldn’t take long.”

The moment the two of them were left alone, Linda and Dice start to discuss.

“I hope I’m not the only one who noticed the reek of black magic in that cave.”

“Worry not. That is the reason why I want to join you to report this uncanny event to Rod.”

“Good, because we need to dispose of the rats that are the cause of that monster's mess.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”