The Hidden Trail

"The direction is facing north," Aqua said, his calm voice cutting through the group's anticipation.

The revelation felt significant—the direction was directly opposite the academy. Aqua's device, its faint hum audible in the still air, pointed unwaveringly toward the northern outskirts of the capital. Without hesitation, the group followed its guidance, their footsteps brisk as they crossed the busy city streets. As they reached the towering North Gate, the bustling sounds of the capital began to fade into distant echoes, replaced by the solemn presence of guards standing vigilant against the evening shadows.

"It seems the missing people might have been taken outside the capital," Casial muttered, his usually light-hearted demeanor tinged with anger. "This has to be a case of slavery."

Claire nodded, her expression serious. "Even though slavery is banned and authorities arrest many every year, it still persists in the shadows."

At the gate, Aqua stepped forward and presented their mission acceptance to the guards. "We need to meet the captain," he requested firmly.

The guards exchanged glances before nodding and escorting them to Captain Ron, a man in his early twenties. Ron stood tall in his polished armor, the insignia of the city guard displayed proudly across his chest. His commanding presence was matched by his formidable talent—a fifth-circle swordsman, an achievement well beyond most men his age.

After Aqua and his companions explained the situation, Ron looked at them with a mixture of astonishment and admiration. "You kids have managed to find a lead where we couldn't. Truly impressive work," he praised, his voice carrying genuine respect. "We'll leave immediately to intercept the slavers based on your findings."

Ron glanced at Aqua's device, noting its unique craftsmanship. House Rein's reputation for creating exceptional artifacts under Ray's leadership was well-known. He pieced together its origin in a moment, but Aqua sensed this and added, "We'll join you in the search."

The group nodded in unison, their resolve unwavering.

Ron hesitated briefly. "Are you certain? It's getting late."

"We're certain," Aqua replied calmly. The others echoed their agreement as they glanced at the horizon, where the sun hung low but not yet set.

Ron summoned two additional guards, making their group eight strong. Together, they set off toward the source of mana detected by Aqua's artifact. The north stretched out before them, leading toward the dense forest bordering the capital. As they approached the treeline, shadows grew longer, and the air became cooler, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The forest's towering trees loomed above them, their rustling leaves whispering secrets in the evening breeze.

"It seems we're heading into the forest," Aqua remarked, his gaze fixed ahead as the group exchanged determined glances.

They ventured deeper into the woods, their surroundings growing darker with each passing minute. The soft crunch of leaves and the occasional snapping of twigs beneath their feet were the only sounds accompanying them. Half an hour passed, and the sun had now fully set, leaving them in the dim glow of lanterns carried by the guards.

One guard broke the silence, his voice tinged with doubt. "What if the blood belonged to an animal, Captain?"

Before Ron could respond, Emilia spoke up, her voice steady despite her shy nature. "No, it's human blood. My wind spirits sensed it—it's strange, but unmistakably human."

Her certainty silenced any lingering doubts, and the group pressed onward. Soon, Aqua's device began to blink wildly, its red light intensifying with each step. They reached a cave, its jagged entrance seemingly untouched for years, surrounded by moss-covered rocks and overgrown vines.

"We're closer to the source," Aqua confirmed.

Cautiously, they entered the cave, the lantern light casting flickering shadows on the rough stone walls. The air inside was cool and damp, carrying a faint metallic scent. As they progressed, they reached a dead end—a solid wall of rock blocking their path.

One guard frowned. "It's a dead end," he muttered in frustration.

Ron, however, activated his mana sense, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the area. "No, there's more here," he said, his voice resolute. Casial, catching on, turned to the guards. "Activate your mana senses—it's here."

The guards followed Ron and Casial's instructions, and soon enough, they detected it—a hidden tunnel extending underground, concealed by magic and the cave's natural structure.