The Academy's restricted area, where mana runes affixed to old trees pulsed with a faint silver light, separated the forest's soft glow. In order to prevent A-rank monsters from straying into safer areas, the runes created an invisible wall.
Holding a battered leather bag, Professor Gidon stood at the edge, his rugged figure lighted by the flickering glow. The cool air smelled of pine and wet dirt as he paced, his boots crunching on fallen leaves and his keen eyes searching the forest.
His neck was suddenly chilled, and then he heard a steady, smooth voice he knew well. "Professor Gidon, I apologize for keeping you waiting."
As Leo emerged from the shadows, his shadow step leaving a gentle shimmer of mana, Gidon quickly turned, a huge smile spreading across his face.
Leo's crimson eyes gleamed with silent triumph, and his training uniform was battered and covered in ash, blood, and dirt.
