Dean Godsthorn office was a picture of order and simplicity. The room featured polished wooden floors, a few shelves lined with ancient tomes, and soft sunlight streaming through enchanted glass windows. The old man had requested some renovation just a few days ago.
Behind the desk, a section of the wall shifted soundlessly, revealing a hidden door that blended seamlessly into the surroundings.
From the concealed doorway emerged Dean Godsthorn, his grand white robe shimmering faintly in the soft light. His beard was immaculately combed, and his posture was as straight as the ancient oak trees surrounding the academy.
With a satisfied smirk, the Dean adjusted his robe and muttered to himself, “Nothing like emptying the storage to feel truly alive. Ah, what a relief.” Stroking his beard thoughtfully, he walked to his chair, ready to resume his work.
Before he could sit down, there was a sharp knock at the door.
“Come in, Leana,” the Dean called out without turning, his voice calm and assured. He had recognized her aura instantly, a faint energy signature unique to her alone.
The door creaked open, and Ex-General Leana entered. She was dressed in her customary battle-ready attire—a fitted military-style jacket, dark trousers, and polished boots that reflected her disciplined nature. She stepped in with a bow, her movements precise and respectful.
“Dean Godsthorn,” she greeted, her voice firm but respectful.
“How are you doing today?” Dean Godsthorn asked with a smirk.
The Dean turned to face her, his hands clasped behind his back. A curious expression played across her face as she noticed that he was still standing.
“Is there something amiss?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. “It’s unusual to see you standing, sir.”
Dean Godsthorn chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “Ah, Leana, nothing amiss. I was merely… finishing some personal business.”
Her brows furrowed slightly in confusion. “Personal business?”
The Dean’s grin widened shamelessly. “I just finished taking a particularly satisfying shit. You should try it—it clears the mind.”
Leana’s face twisted in discomfort, and she averted her gaze, muttering under her breath about the unnecessary details. The Dean laughed heartily at her reaction and gestured for her to sit down.
“Haha… Come now, Leana. You asked, and I answered. No need to get squeamish,” he teased as he settled into his chair.
She rolled her eyes but took the offered seat. “You’re incorrigible, sir.”
“And yet, you keep coming back,” he replied with a smirk. “Now, what brings you to my office? I assume you’re not here to report your wards, though I wouldn’t be surprised if young Damon gave you a headache already.”
Leana shook her head, a small laugh escaping her lips. “Not this time. They’ve been manageable—for now.”
“Oh? What then?” The Dean still had his playful smile on his face.
Her expression turned serious as she leaned forward. “I’ve come to request something concerning them, though.”
The Dean arched an eyebrow. “Oh? If you’re asking for a change in guardianship, I’ll have to disappoint you. The assignments are final.”
Leana laughed outright at that. “No, no, nothing like that. I’ve grown fond of the trio, as challenging as they can be. This is about a field trip.”
The Dean’s expression shifted to one of understanding. “Ah, a field trip. Or, as some might call it, ‘hunting with a purpose.’ What kind of field trip are we talking about?”
“A Demon Field Trip,” Leana stated plainly.
The Dean stroked his beard thoughtfully, his gaze growing distant for a moment. “Interesting choice. Go on.”
Leana launched into her explanation. “The students are skilled, no doubt about it. They’ve faced mana beasts and a handful of demons in controlled environments. But in a real-world scenario, where the enemy is unpredictable and cunning, they’re untested.”
Leana searched the Dean’s eyes for interest and when she found it, she gave a subtle nod before she continued. “This mission would provide them with the experience they need to become effective Dunters. The sooner they gain that experience, the better prepared they’ll be when the war comes.”
The Dean nodded slowly, absorbing her words. “You have a point. They need to adapt to the chaos and danger of real combat. But a demon hunt is no simple task, especially for Silver Ranked Dunters. What kind of demons are we talking about here?”
“Grade Six and Grade Five demons,” Leana replied confidently. “Nothing beyond their capabilities, but challenging enough to push them. They’ll begin with Grade Seven and proceed to Grade Six. After getting used to it, I’ll make all three battle against a single Grade Five.”
“Just to see how much they’ve grown. If it’s more than they can handle, I’ll deal with it.” She added, hoping to further convince the old man.
The Dean leaned back in his chair, his gaze sharp. “And you’ll be with them the entire time?”
“Every step of the way,” she assured him.
After a moment of silence, the Dean nodded. “Very well. I’ll approve the mission on two conditions. First, you return within two weeks. Second, the students must come back alive and in good condition. I don’t want any unnecessary risks.”
Leana stood and bowed deeply. “Thank you, sir. I won’t let you down.”
The Dean waved a hand dismissively. “Just make sure to keep them in one piece. Now go—I have work to do.”
Leana straightened and offered a small smile before exiting the office.
It had barely been an hour since Leana had left the training room, but Damon, Daveon, and Anaya had already returned to their exercises. When the door swung open, all three turned to see their guardian step inside, her expression unreadable.
“Well?” Damon asked, wiping sweat from his brow.
Leana crossed her arms and gave them a stern look. “Get ready. We leave tomorrow.”
Anaya’s face lit up with excitement. “Really?”
Leana smirked. “You’d better not disappoint me out there.”
Daveon nodded solemnly. “We won’t.”
As the trio exchanged determined glances, Leana allowed herself a moment of satisfaction. “Get enough sleep cause you might not get it for the next two weeks.”