GUARDIANS

I. Welcome to UCA!

Harland

Into the woods, Faith stood atop a rock, her bow drawn, arrow poised. Her keen gaze fixed on a demon that slithered through the undergrowth, unaware of her presence. It crawled like a massive snake, leathery wings tucked close to its sinewy body, its eyes gleaming red with hunger as it searched for its next prey. With a deep breath, Faith steadied her aim, then released her arrow with precision. The projectile struck true, piercing the demon's heart. In a split second, the creature convulsed and let out a bloodcurdling shriek before withering into a cloud of ash, scattering into the wind.

Satisfied with her work, Faith turned back toward the village. She strolled through the winding paths until she reached a small wooden house nestled between oaks. She knocked, and the door creaked open, revealing an elderly man, his wrinkled face lighting up when he saw her.

"I've taken care of it," Faith said with a gentle nod.

The old man clasped his hands together, a warm smile stretching across his face. "Thank you so much, dear. You've been a blessing to our village since the day you arrived."

Faith smiled, a bit bashful. "It's nothing, really. Just doing what I can."

The man chuckled, leaning on his cane. "The children here talk about you all the time. They wish you'd stay longer."

She looked away for a moment, touched by the thought. "I'd love to, but... the journey ahead is long. I'll visit when I can."

"May the spirits guide your path, Faith," the old man said with a nod. Faith smiled back, then turned west, gazing into the dense woods that stretched out like an endless tapestry of green.

"Going somewhere is better than going nowhere," she murmured, taking a step forward. Suddenly, a voice—smooth, authoritative, yet unfamiliar—broke the silence.

"And you are exactly right."

Faith spun around, her eyes widening as she took in the figure before her. A man clad in a dark, elegant coat stood beneath a nearby tree, watching her with a faint smile. It was none other than Professor Luxe, the renowned Headmaster of the United Coudia Academy.

"Professor Luxe?!" she exclaimed, barely containing her excitement. "The Headmaster of UCA?"

The man chuckled softly. "I see my reputation precedes me."

Faith's face lit up with awe and a touch of nervous laughter. "I—I can't believe it's really you! What brings you all the way out here?"

He glanced around the quiet village before meeting her gaze. "They requested my assistance with a demon problem," he explained, nodding toward the forest. "But it seems you've already handled it."

Faith looked down, shuffling her feet. "Ah, yes. I couldn't help myself. I apologize if I overstepped," she said with an awkward laugh. "My name is Faith Dreamscape, by the way."

"Faith Dreamscape," he repeated thoughtfully, as if savoring the sound. "Well, Miss Dreamscape, how about we grab a bite to eat? I imagine you're hungry after such a hunt."

Faith's eyes widened. "O-okay!" she stammered, following him toward a nearby inn that sat at the edge of the village. Inside, a waitress led them to a quiet table on the second floor, away from the crowd.

As they settled in, Faith glanced around, feeling a bit out of place. Luxe noticed and smiled warmly. "Is this your first time eating here?"

Faith nodded, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Professor. I wanted to try this place before I left."

"And where might you be headed?" Luxe asked, watching her curiously.

Her eyes brightened with excitement. "To the Kingdom of Watch—where your prestigious academy is! I want to learn more about the demons I fight. Traveling alone has taught me a lot, but I think I need proper training to truly grow."