Erik sat cross-legged near the waterfall on the south side of Hozori Lake, the crashing sound of water his only companion.
The constant roar helped him focus, shutting out everything else as he concentrated on his mana core, slowly refilling his mana pool.
Core Activation—a technique favored by frontline warriors. It granted full control over mana flow throughout the body, allowing the user to decide exactly how much mana to pour into each attack.
But it came at a cost. It drained mana continuously while active, leaving the user exhausted once the pool ran dry.
It was Erik's ace—what he was counting on in tomorrow's fight.
After spending the entire day meditating, he finally stood and began his walk back to the cave. But from the moment he started moving, he couldn't shake an uneasy feeling—like someone was following him. He sensed a faint trace of mana to his right.
Erik suddenly dashed in that direction—and he was right. Someone was there.
Caught by surprise, the figure turned to flee.
Too slow.
Erik grabbed him by the neck and slammed him to the ground.
"What have we got here?" Erik muttered, his voice calm but cold.
"Wait! Wait! I'm just an informant for the Adventurers' Guild! Don't hurt me!" the man pleaded.
He was dressed head to toe in black. No armor. Just a pair of short knives strapped to his belt. Definitely an informant.
Erik released him and even offered a hand to help him up.
"Damn, you're as strong as they say," the man coughed, brushing himself off. "Could've killed me with that throw if you didn't slow down."
"So you noticed," Erik said, slightly amused.
"Of course I did. That's why I'm an informant." He straightened up. "Name's—"
"Let's just stick with 'informant.'" Erik cut him off. "What kind of information were you carrying?"
The man hesitated. "I don't have permission to tell you that."
Then, without warning, he bolted.
After a few steps, he paused and glanced back. "Since you're Shasa's brother, I'll tell you this—two big guilds are heading here tomorrow. They're coming to hunt the Karken!"
With that, he vanished into the trees.
Erik didn't bother chasing him. He turned and made his way back toward the cave, his mind occupied. Should he tell the others?
When he arrived, the others were gathered around the fire, deep in discussion.
"Oh! Erik's back," Eri said, waving.
"Hey," Erik replied, sitting down beside them. "Did you guys come up with a plan?"
"Yeah," Val nodded and began explaining the details.
It was solid. Strategic. Erik hadn't expected anything less from the old man.
"Alright then. Let's get some sleep. We'll need the rest," Erik said, standing. He headed into the cave first. Elsa followed closely behind.
"You ready for tomorrow?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah," Erik replied.
Then he stopped walking.
"If things go south tomorrow," he said without turning to her, "just focus on saving yourself. Don't let your kindness get you killed. You don't owe me—or anyone else—anything."
Elsa didn't respond. She stood there, watching him walk away in silence.
Erik didn't look back. He laid down, closed his eyes, and tried to clear his mind. Tomorrow would decide everything.
---
Morning came.
Erik's eyes snapped open—to find a blade hovering inches from his throat.
"Any sudden movements, and you're dead," a calm voice warned. Cold steel pressed against his skin.
Erik shifted his gaze. Around him, the others were in the same position—each held at knifepoint by masked figures. Their mana was nearly undetectable.
Whoever these people were, they were trained. Assassins. High-level ones.
"Get up. Slowly," the voice said.
Given the situation, Erik had no choice but to comply. He rose carefully, keeping his hands visible, feeling the edge of the blade trail his movement.
"Now walk."
The assassin led him outside the cave. Rain had stopped, but the air still felt heavy. Waiting outside was a mounted force—about fifty men strong.
A white horse stood at the front, its rider wearing the unmistakable crest of the White Calvary. Erik's jaw clenched.
The knight dismounted and walked toward him. With a single raised hand, the assassins vanished into the trees like ghosts.
The man removed his helmet.
Erik's breath caught for half a second.
Aron Heather.
A face Erik hoped he'd never see again. The last time they met it wasn't a pleasant memory to think back about.
"Hey, Erik," Aron said, the corners of his mouth twitching into something that wasn't quite a smile.
Erik's response was sharp. "Aron. Not gonna lie, the blonde horse suits you. And thanks—for the warm fucking welcome."
Aron gave a smug shrug. "You like it? It was a gift. Becoming Guild Leader has its perks."
Erik didn't hold back. "Didn't realize the White Calvary was in such a desperate situation."
The tension thickened between them. The air practically crackled.
Then came Aron's pitch.
"I'll get to the point," he said. "I know you've been tracking the Karken. But now, you can rest easy. I'm here to kill it. If you've got any useful info, hand it over and get out of the way."
Erik raised a brow.
There's no way Aron came all this way just to say that. What's he hiding?
Erik decided to play along—but on his terms.
"How about a deal?" he said.
"A deal?" Aron echoed, eyes narrowing.
"I give you everything we know about the Karken, and you let us fight beside you."
Aron burst out laughing. "What could you possibly know that I haven't already heard from my informants? Get lost, Erik."
He turned his back.
"I know exactly where the Karken is," Erik called out.
Aron froze. Then turned, slowly. "You're bluffing."
"Have I ever?" Erik asked, holding his gaze.
The two locked eyes for a long moment. Erik could feel Aron trying to read him—trying to see if he was serious.
Finally, Aron spoke. "Fine. We leave as soon as you're ready. Be quick about it." He turned, walking back to his horse.
Back inside the cave, the group scrambled to gather their things.
"Are we really going to fight with the White Calvary?" Eri asked, eyes wide with excitement.
"Yeah," Erik said, tightening the strap of his sword. "But keep your guard up. Always."
The others nodded grimly.
When they stepped outside, Aron and his men were already mounted and waiting.
"Let's move!" Aron shouted.
They followed Erik's lead, moving into formation.
But for Erik and Aron, this wasn't just about killing a monster.
It was a race.
A personal battle.
A chance to prove who was better.
And neither of them planned to lose.