46.2-26 The Wizard’s Relic – Cooperation in a Trap

(An episode that strengthens the bond between Leaen and Cain)

Into the Ruins

Damian's party had received a commission from the Wizard Guild.

Reports indicated that an ancient relic belonging to a powerful mage had been discovered in nearby ruins, and the Guild wanted it retrieved.

Ian crossed his arms and remarked,"A relic, huh? Think it's worth good coin?"

Cain sighed and shot him a look."We're mercenaries, not bandits. Let's focus on the mission."

Leaen studied the map that marked the ruin's location."This place used to be a testing site for the Wizard Guild. It's likely there are leftover magical remnants."

Damian nodded."Then it's best if Leaen takes the lead with her magical sensitivity, and Cain handles recon and trap detection."

With cautious steps, the team entered the ruins.

Trap Triggered – A Fall for Two

Inside the ruins, signs of age and decay were everywhere—crumbling walls, broken pillars, dust choking the air.

Yet a distinct magical energy still lingered.

Leaen ran her fingers over a symbol carved into the wall."This glyph… it's a sealing spell. Looks like someone tried to tamper with it."

At that moment—

RUMBLE!

The ground trembled violently and began to crack beneath their feet.

Before anyone could react, the floor gave way.

Only Leaen and Cain fell into the darkness below.

Trapped – A Test of Trust

They landed in a deep underground chamber.

Dim corridors stretched in several directions, swallowed by shadow.

Cain groaned, brushing dust from his clothes."Of all people to get stuck with… lucky me."

Leaen scanned the walls, arms folded."Trust me, I'm not thrilled either. But right now, we have to work together."

Cain sighed and glanced around."Fine. Let's find a way out first."

Roles – Escaping Through Teamwork

Cain knelt and examined the floor. He picked up a small rock and rubbed off the dust."There are signs people have passed this way. Recently, too."

Leaen narrowed her eyes, focusing her senses."This path carries a strong mana current… something important might be here."

They exchanged a look.

Cain was the first to speak."You sense the magic trail. I'll handle any traps."

Leaen smirked faintly."Maybe we make a decent team after all."

Magical Trap – A Crucial Moment

As they progressed, a glowing magical circle lit up overhead.A trap had been triggered.

Dozens of magical arrows hovered in the air, aimed directly at them.

Cain reacted instantly."Don't move! I need to analyze the pattern!"

He scanned the surroundings quickly."…Moving now will activate even more arrows. We need time."

Leaen raised her hand."Then I'll slow them down!"

She conjured a delicate magic circle.[Slow Time]

The space warped. The arrows' velocity plummeted to a crawl.

Cain seized the moment, dashing forward and dismantling the trap's mechanism.

Click.

The arrows froze midair—then dropped harmlessly to the ground.

Leaen exhaled."Bought us enough time."

Cain gave her a sidelong glance."Would've been toast without your spell."

Leaen smiled lightly."And you disarmed that trap faster than I expected."

Trust – A New Understanding

Eventually, they found an exit and emerged from the ruins.

Damian and Ian were waiting.

Ian: "Finally! What happened—just the two of you got trapped?"

Cain: "Yeah. Lucky us."

Damian looked them over."You alright?"

Leaen and Cain exchanged a glance… and silently nodded.

They were no longer just allies.They now recognized and trusted each other's strengths.

This small incident would go on to spark a major shift in the team's dynamic.

***

Chapter : The Weight of Leadership – Bonds Between Damian and His Companions

Under the Night Sky, When Fatigue Sets In

After the battle, Damian's party found a quiet clearing deep in the forest to rest.

They lit a small fire and, for the first time in a while, allowed themselves to relax.

Ian swirled a bottle of liquor and grinned."Phew~ what a day. Anyone up for a drink?"

Leaen showed no interest, quietly flipping through her magic tome,while Cain silently inspected his gear.

Damian stared into the flames, saying nothing.

Lately, he could feel a change growing within himself.

When he had first joined forces with this group, it had been a matter of necessity—a collaboration born of shared goals.

But now—They weren't just comrades on the battlefield.

They were people he wanted to protect.

Ian's Teasing – But a Conversation That Rings True

Ian gave Damian a playful nudge."Boss, you've been looking pretty grim these days. Guess that's what being a leader does to you, huh?"

Damian gave a faint smile."I'm no leader—just a mercenary captain."

Ian smirked."Then are we just mercs to you too?"

Damian didn't answer right away.

Cain spoke up quietly."Whether you like it or not, you're the one we move around."

Leaen added,"And we're not just hired hands anymore. We trust each other with our lives."

Damian looked back into the fire.

They were right.He wasn't alone anymore.

The Moment of Crisis – Damian Realizes the Weight of Protection

Suddenly, a faint rustle came from the woods.

Ian instinctively ducked low and drew a dagger."Someone's coming."

Damian immediately reached for his sword.

Moments later—

A wounded villager stumbled out of the trees.

"Please… please help! Our village is under attack!"

Leaen rushed to his side, using magic to check his injuries."What happened?"

The man gasped for breath."It's the Shadow Wolf Gang… they're raiding our village…!"

Ian frowned."Shadow Wolf Gang? Thought they were more bandits than mercenaries."

Cain muttered,"Is this really our problem?"

Damian made his decision in a breath."We're going."

Ian tilted his head."You sure? They're not paying us."

Damian answered calmly,"This isn't about money. If we don't act now, there may be nothing left of that village."

There was conviction in his voice.

Ian and Cain exchanged glances—then grinned.

Ian:"Damn, Boss. Say it like that and we sound like the good guys."

Cain:"If you say move, we move. That's how it's always been."

Leaen smiled gently."Seems your path has become ours now."

Final Battle – Defending the Village

They rushed to the village.

It was already burning.

The Shadow Wolf Gang had seized the homes, looting everything.They were rounding up villagers to be sold into slavery.

And then—

Damian drew his sword.

"We take them down."

The battle began.

Ian danced in the shadows, slashing with twin daggers.Cain picked off enemies from rooftops with precise arrows.Leaen unleashed waves of fire and lightning, tearing through the enemy lines.

But the one leading the charge—

Was Damian.

He surged forward, blade flashing, parrying enemy strikes and countering with powerful blows.

In that moment, he understood:

He wasn't just a warrior anymore.

He was someone who had to protect.

Aftermath – A Reason to Protect

When the dust settled, the villagers wept tears of gratitude.

Damian quietly sheathed his sword, watching them.

Ian nudged him with a grin."Hey, Boss. Did you see us just now? We looked like real heroes."

Damian gave a small smile."We're not heroes. We just—"

He looked out toward the rising sun.

"…found something worth protecting."