And so, the group sets off back with Rodog…
Rodog: "Today's assignments are all solo: you must hunt down specific spiders in the forests and the city."
Sumiko: "Really?"
Rodog: "Yes."
Rogan: "Sir, could you tell us more about these spiders?"
Rodog: "Alright… here's what we know. Every one of these scorpions traces back to Silamodoor Roga—how he became this creature is still a mystery. But Roga can turn anyone into a scorpion and control them. Unlike the others, Silamodoor Roga can appear as an ordinary human. The scorpions named after him vary hugely in form and strength. The weakest are the liver-eaters—the only kind you've faced so far. There are more powerful liver-eaters, and then there are heart-eaters, who will challenge you at your current level. If you ever see a scorpion with a silver mark on its shoulder, run for your life. Those are the brain-eaters—the most dangerous, capable of wiping you out in an instant. They're rare, but fear not—you'll learn the techniques later to stand against them."
Rogan: "Why silver?"
Rodog: "Because silver marks the brain-eaters. They're the strongest. But you'll grow into the skills needed to face them."
Tomayo: "When we fought those last scorpions, Instructor Zordo said they were from the Devin Clan… what did he mean?"
Rodog: "Once strong scorpions multiplied, they formed four clans. The weakest is the Devin Clan—the ones Zordo mentioned. Then come the Zainin and the Dorfo clans, and finally the Karyo Clan: the strongest, fewest in number, mostly brain-eaters. If you encounter a heart-eater, that's by chance—and still a deadly opponent."
Himari: "So—who will we face on our solo missions?"
Rodog: "You'll be up against liver-eaters, stronger than those you fought last time. You may even encounter weaker heart-eaters."
Tomayo: "What about us healers? Do we have solo missions, too?"
Rodog: "Your tasks differ slightly… you'll learn from Saita."
Suddenly, a sharp cry rings out overhead. They look up to see Nars the Ignition Hawk—and beside him, Rero the Explosion Crow.
Rogan: "It's Nars!"
Sumiko: "Who's that crow with him?"
Rodog: "That's Rero of the Explosion unit. They're here to guide us to the spiders' locations. Move out!"
They sprint at top pace to the Cyan training pavilion, where each instructor gathers their Cyan fighters. Rodog distributes mission briefs to the Ignition unit, while Zordo and Naori do likewise for theirs.
Rodog: "You've all grown stronger. You trained hard—these are your orders. If you ever need backup, remember: Nars the Ignition Hawk will be there when you call. And never forget to thank him. Now go!"
Everyone departs—hugging Rogan, Himari, Sumiko, and Tomayo in farewell. Rogan spots Akari standing by the gates and salutes her.
Rogan: "How are you, Akari?"
Akari: "I'm well. And you?"
Rogan: "You know… this is my first real mission."
Akari: "You'll do great. Trust me—it won't be as hard as you think."
Rogan: "I hope so. Goodbye, Akari."
Akari: "Good luck."
What will their first solo missions be like?
Will they all make it through?
To find out, wait for the next chapter—delayed until May 28, 2025 due to exams. My apologies for the wait!