During the Seven Years

Chapter 23

As we step into the bustling city of Era, Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear immediately pull up their hoods, shrinking back into the shadows to stay hidden from the prying eyes of any Council members who might recognize them. I walk a few steps ahead, trying to exude confidence, even though my heart races in my chest. It's strange to be here of all places—the heart of the Magic Council, a place brimming with soldiers and strict regulations. Every glance thrown our way has my stomach twisting with the fear of discovery.

The streets are alive with chatter, merchants calling out to customers, children laughing as they dart between carts, and an occasional squad of soldiers making their rounds. Despite the city's vibrant life, I can't shake the creeping sensation that we're being watched, that someone is just waiting to unmask my companions.

Suddenly, a familiar voice calls out, slicing through the hum of the crowd. "Lucy, what a surprise!" My stomach drops as I turn to see Lahar approaching us, his expression mildly curious, flanked by a small group of soldiers. His presence alone sends a jolt of panic through me, but I struggle to keep my face neutral, managing a smile as he nears.

"I didn't expect to see you here so soon," he says, adjusting his glasses. "What brings you to Era? I thought you were just starting your mission."

I feel the weight of Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear's silent stares from behind me, urging me to stay calm. "Oh, well... about that," I stammer, forcing myself to sound casual. "I actually found the first planet spirit already! We were just heading to Bosco to continue the mission."

Lahar raises an eyebrow, intrigued. "Bosco? That's quite the journey. Why Bosco so soon?"

I swallow, doing my best to keep my voice steady. "The next spirit is rumored to be there," I say, hoping he won't press further.

He hums thoughtfully, nodding in understanding. His gaze shifts, lingering on my companions cloaked in shadows. I tense, worry prickling my skin as I realize how easily his suspicions could undo us. If he discovers who they are, he might see me as an accomplice to criminals, and getting out of that situation unscathed would be next to impossible.

Sensing the unspoken question in his gaze, I clear my throat and add, "While I was searching for the first spirit, I... ran into some trouble." I keep my tone vague, trying to come across as honest but without giving away too many details. "The three of them saved me, and they offered to help with the mission."

Lahar's demeanor softens, a hint of sympathy flickering in his eyes. But before he can respond, a guard hurries over, clutching a paper, his face etched with urgency. "Sir, we received a report of Crimson Blood sightings in Crocus!"

"Crimson Blood?" The words slip from my mouth before I can stop them, dread tightening my stomach.

Lahar's expression shifts, becoming grave as he adjusts his glasses. "Yes," he says. "It's a dark guild that's become notorious since the defeat of Oración Seis and Grimoire Heart. They're formidable—rarely seen but linked to recent kidnappings across Fiore." His voice is low, the weight of the guild's threat clear. "They've taken civilians—men, women, and even children. The Council suspects they're gathering members or conducting experiments, but we can't be sure."

I glance at Jellal, Meredy, and Ultear, feeling a growing sense of urgency. Their faces are obscured, but I can sense their shared unease at the mention of this dark guild.

"What will you do?" I ask, my voice quieter, yet somehow steadier than I feel.

Lahar's jaw tightens as he replies, "We're mobilizing several guilds to address the threat, similar to what we did with Oración Seis. If they're as powerful as rumors suggest, we'll need to proceed with extreme caution."

To my surprise, Jellal steps forward, his face still shadowed by his hood. "If Crimson Blood is targeting innocent civilians, it's our duty to stop them," he says firmly, his voice resonating with conviction. "Allow us to take on this mission."

His confidence bolsters my own, and I smile at him before turning back to Lahar. "We can handle this," I assert, crossing my arms. "We may only be a team of four, but we'll keep you updated. You can provide reinforcements if needed."

Lahar's eyes narrow, a mixture of doubt and contemplation crossing his face. After a long pause, he finally nods. "Alright. I'll let you take on the mission, but know that this won't be easy," he warns, handing me the paper. As I take it, my heart skips a beat. It's an S-Class job, a dangerous mission typically reserved for the most powerful mages.

I glance down at the details, noting the staggering five million jewel reward. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut—if Crimson Blood's threat is severe enough to warrant this kind of reward, we're in for an uphill battle. My fingers tighten around the paper as I look back at Lahar, determination bubbling up within me. "We'll do our best," I promise, forcing a confident smile.

With a final nod, Lahar steps back, watching us with a serious expression. "I'll notify the Magic Council and await your updates. Take care."

As we turn to leave, the weight of the new mission presses on me. I feel the eyes of my companions on me, sensing their apprehension as well as their shared resolve. I know this job will slow down our search for the planet spirits, but there's a part of me that believes this challenge will make us stronger. We'll be tested, pushed to our limits—but maybe that's what we need to face what's coming.

With a silent resolve, I lead the way out of Era, my steps steadier than before. We have a new mission now, a fight that demands our utmost strength, and though the road ahead is treacherous, I know we'll face it together.