The First Mission – A Monster Beyond Reason**

Rael did not care for the guild's ranking system. 

He wanted **one thing—strong opponents.** 

Approaching the receptionist, he spoke plainly. **"Give me the most challenging job you have."** 

The woman at the counter hesitated. **"There is one… but it's suicide."** 

Rael's crimson eyes narrowed. **"Perfect."** 

The mission was to eliminate a **mutant monster**, an unnatural beast that had **wiped out entire adventurer parties.** 

Stronger than the Fire Dragon. **Faster. Deadlier.** 

Rael took the mission without a second thought. 

But when Lyra asked to join, the receptionist **shook her head.** **"You are not high-ranked enough."** 

Lyra's fists clenched. **She was too weak again.** 

But then she asked, **"Do you have anything that can help me master magic faster?"** 

The receptionist thought for a moment. **"There is something. But the training is dangerous."** 

Without hesitation, Lyra **accepted.** 

Their paths had split—Rael would face the monster alone. Lyra would begin a trial that could **destroy her.** 

---

 Rael vs. The Mutant Beast**

Rael tracked the monster deep into the **blackened valleys, where no life survived.** 

When he finally saw it, he **paused.** 

The creature was grotesque—twisted beyond recognition. **More beast than living thing.** 

It turned toward him, sensing a challenger. Then, it **charged.** 

Rael **met it head-on.** 

Their battle was brutal. Unlike the dragon, **this beast fought with no pattern, no reason—only raw destruction.** 

Rael's sword clashed against its claws, but something was wrong. 

For the first time—**Rael was struggling.** 

His strikes barely pierced its hide. The monster's attacks were **unpredictable, chaotic.** 

Then, with one powerful swipe—**Rael's sword shattered.** 

He barely dodged the next attack. Blood **dripped from his forehead.** 

For the first time in his life, **he was fighting for survival.** 

**"Why am I still weak?"** he thought. **"I hate being human. Humans are weak."** 

Then—**a voice echoed in his mind.** 

A woman's voice. **Cold, yet alluring.** 

**"Do you want power?"** 

Rael's eyes sharpened. **"Who are you?"** 

The voice chuckled. **"You will know… in time. I have been watching you."** 

Rael felt **rage.** **"Why only now?"** 

**"Because now… you are ready."** 

Then—the voice whispered: 

**"I will awaken a small portion of your true potential. If I unlock everything, your body will break. Humans are not meant to have this power."** 

Rael clenched his fists. **"Not enough."** 

**"It will be… for now."** 

He felt it—**a surge of energy unlike anything before.** 

The air around him **cracked** as dark energy exploded from his body. 

The monster **was blasted 100 kilometers away.** 

Rael **reached it in less than a second.** His fist **cracked with dark power.** 

This time—he **would not struggle.** 

While Rael battled the mutant beast, Lyra had descended into the **underground training chambers of the guild.** 

The books she sought were forbidden. Ancient. Designed to **push mages to their limit.** 

As she read, she realized something terrifying. 

To **fully master magic**, she had to make a choice. 

She could **only master one element.** 

Most mages specialized in **fire, water, wind, or earth.** Trying to control all four would **destroy the mind.** 

But as Lyra stood there, breathing heavily, she thought of Rael. 

How he **always pushed forward, no matter the cost.** 

How he **never let anything stop him.** 

She clenched her fists. 

**"If I choose only one, I will never reach him."** 

Her heart pounded. The magic inside her **screamed in resistance.** 

**"I need more."** 

Then—the chamber **shook.** 

The books around her **burst into flames** as a dark presence surrounded her. 

A voice whispered: **"You are breaking the rules of magic."** 

Lyra's body **collapsed.** Pain shot through her veins. **She was dying.** 

But she forced herself to stand. 

**"Then I will stop being human."** 

The voice paused. **"You would give up your humanity for him?"** 

Lyra's vision blurred. She felt her soul being **ripped apart.** 

Yet her answer came **without hesitation.** 

**"Yes."** 

The moment the word left her lips, the room **exploded with power.** 

And Lyra's body… **began to change.**