Outside the Temple of Chaos…

A purple-haired middle-aged woman approaching her senior years gazed at the swaying leaves of a nearby tree while leaning on the ancient architecture behind her as a strong breeze fleeted by.

There was a hint of grimness in her eyes.

Her focus was then snatched by the sounds of approaching footsteps, prompting her to look in the direction of the sound.

There was no panic in her eyes, however, fully knowing that there were only two groups of people who would come and check on her.

"Headmistress," greeted Raiz, who had just returned due to imperial decree.

Her brows raised, surprised to find the respected headmistress taking a hit of tobacco wrapped in special leaves.

"You smoke?" she asked.

"You have eyes, why not use them?" Isolde responded rather rudely.

Her mood has been deteriorating by the day, and why wouldn't it be, when her student had been stuck inside the ancient temple for four months now?

Raiz was naturally displeased, but she understood why.

Being the adventurer party hired by the empire to escort Hal Fennec and check on Isolde, they've been provided with more confidential information that destroyed their arrogance and pettiness, forcing even the youngsters to mature significantly in a short time.

They even regretted f*cking around with Hal, realizing how laughable their actions had been.

As it turned out, the empire—no, their entire race itself—was in danger of extinction, and Hal Fennec, the Chaos Magna Prospect, was one of the brightest among the rays of hope humanity had in resisting the upcoming Fell Invasion.

The Imperium naturally hid the severity of how they were barely holding on in the north against the Fellkin to prevent panic.

With the east falling to the enemy as well, an invasion was unavoidable, and the empire was truly at risk of being wiped out.

While the capital, Aetherforth, would probably be able to hold on for long with how heavily defended it was, it would inevitably fall as well if nothing changed.

And two of these "changes" the Imperium was waiting for were Hal Fennec and Ennya Kasai's high-risk, high-reward growth.

The best-case scenario would be the two of them managing to return alive.

Naturally, since Raiz and the others were now officially tasked with bringing news from the capital to the difficult-to-reach Tiki Island and vice versa, the Imperial Wizard Army ensured that they would understand the importance of their mission.

They were given a more in-depth explanation of Hal Fennec's abilities.

Upon hearing them, all their hairs stood on end, and their hearts began racing in horror, especially the young A-rankers.

They actually dared challenge him!

Even if it was difficult to gauge his current abilities and they somehow lucked out that time, there was no way they could contend with the monster.

In just another year, they would be left eating his dust.

They would be lucky if they could even still see his silhouette on the horizon by then.

Earn points, gain abilities, and level them up? What in the chaotic crap was that?!

While they had to spend weeks, months, and sometimes even years to master an ability, the Chaos Magna Prospect could make himself stronger with the snap of his fingers?

F*cking unjust!!

Still, while they were amazed and horrified at the same time, they couldn't deny that such abilities were indeed the hope of their survival.

Once the Fellkin attacks, there would be nowhere for them to run in the entire world.

Even the tribal folk of Tiki Island would be dragged into the war.

They either had to help the empire fight off the Fell race or face them alone in the future without any outside help, since every other human except them would be dead or as good as dead by then.

This was why Raiz and the others were suddenly on Hal's side.

They even planned on formally and sincerely apologizing to him together should he be back, but unfortunately, it seemed that he still wasn't

The adventurers, too, now felt worried.

What's worse is that they aren't allowed to share the heavy burden their hearts were carrying with others, as this was extremely confidential information that would get them executed if leaked.

…With a sigh, Raiz allowed Isolde's rude response.

"It's good to see you're fine, at least… The empire can't afford to lose such a powerful figure…" the adventurer shook his head self-deprecatingly.

While they were engaging in petty fame and inappropriate competitiveness, some people far younger than them were already doing things for their entire race, shouldering the burden of extinction.

Isolde looked at the huge party for a few moments before closing her eyes, taking another hit, then a deep breath.

Only then did she respond:

"I see you've been given more details."

"Yes, Headmistress Isolde, and we deeply apologize for all our previous actions." Raiz apologized, all twenty-four high-ranked adventurers offering a sincere bow with her.

"It's fine. As long as you understand now…" Isolde dismissed, taking another hit before throwing the tobacco away.

"So, what brings you guys here? I haven't crushed the talisman yet."

"Responding to the headmistress," Raiz began, clearly more respectful now. "The empire has now officially hired our parties to be the messenger between Tiki Island and the capital, and we've brought important news."

The headmistress frowned.

Something important, or perhaps even grim, was happening. The empire would be more patient, otherwise.

"The situation on the northern battlefield has stabilized since Lord Kalna arrived. However, a storm is apparently brewing in the east, according to Lord Zephyron. A massive horde of Fell beasts, at least fifty thousand, is forming. There are also Fell race battleships arriving at a newly constructed port city in the east after they secured the region. The Fellkin are indeed preparing to invade soon…"

Isolde's heart grew heavy, understanding the whole meaning of her report.

This meant that the empire would have to call Kalna and perhaps another Magna or two back to deal with the growing threat in the east, which would, in turn, make the situation in the northern battlefield deteriorate.

News about Hal's "success" is desperately needed.

Unfortunately…

The headmistress sighed, glancing for a moment at the entrance before looking at the adventurers.

"He's still not out yet, as you can see."

These were her choice of words, but Isolde, too, didn't know if Hal was even alive.

There was a chance she was waiting for nothing here…

To her surprise, Raiz also had another, brighter piece of news with her—one from the emperor himself.

"I see, that's unfortunate… However, the empire told us to inform you to simply keep waiting if this is the case. The emperor has confirmed that he is still alive, as his unawakened Magna Mark is still well and active."