THE ONE WHO WE COULDN'T SAVE

Dylan carefully, opened the door, peeking inside to make sure no one had woken up. The room was quiet, filled with soft sound and steady breathing. His friends were still sound asleep, completely unaware that Dylan went outside.

With a tired but satisfied sigh, he tiptoed across the room, his cloak swaying behind him. He made his way toward June's bed and, without hesitation, plopped onto the floor beside it. The exhaustion from using Temporal Dusk finally caught up with him, his body feeling heavy.

As he shifted to get comfortable, he mumbled under his breath, "Totally worth it…" before his eyes fluttered shut. Within seconds, sleep overtook him, and the room remained peaceful once more.

June rubbed her eyes, still groggy from sleep, and stretched a little before glancing around the room. Everyone else was still fast asleep.

When she looked down beside her bed, her brow furrowed. There, curled up on the floor, was Dylan, his black cloak draped over him like a blanket. He was sleeping soundly, his face relaxed and peaceful almost too peaceful for someone who usually radiated energy.

June sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. Why is he near me? she muttered under her breath, shaking her head. She had gone to sleep with him on the other side of the room, so how did he end up here?

She debated waking him up but decided against it. Instead, she just sat there, watching him for a moment, curiosity creeping into her expression. What were you even up to last night, Dylan?

As the morning light filtered through the window, the rest of the group began to stir, stretching and yawning as they shook off their sleep. However, one person remained completely still Dylan, still fast asleep on the floor near June's bed, his cloak wrapped around him like a cocoon.

Alisan glanced at him, raising an eyebrow. "He's still out?" she asked, crossing her arms.

Caius chuckled. "Looks like it.

June sighed. "Honestly, I don't even know when he got there."

Alisan rolled her eyes before turning to Axel. "Hey, can you move him onto the bed? He'll probably wake up with a stiff neck if he stays like that."

Axel shrugged. "Yeah, sure."

With little effort, he reached down and scooped Dylan up, lifting him like he weighed nothing. Dylan let out a soft mumble in his sleep but didn't wake up, completely unaware of being moved. Axel carefully placed him onto one of the beds, adjusting his position so he wouldn't roll off.

"There. Now he's comfortable," Axel said, dusting off his hands.

June shook her head with a small smirk. "He better not complain if he wakes up late."

The group made their way downstairs to the inn's dining area, the scent of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat filling the air. The warm morning atmosphere was accompanied by the quiet chatter of other guests enjoying their meals.

They found an empty table and took their seats, each of them stretching slightly after the night's rest. A waitress soon approached with a friendly smile, holding a notepad.

"Good morning! What can I get for you all?" she asked.

June glanced at the menu and made the first order. "I'll have some eggs, toast, and hot chocolate milk.

Axel leaned back in his chair. "Meat. Whatever's the biggest serving you've got."

Caius chuckled. "Same for me, but add some fruit to it."

Alisan hummed. "Just something light maybe soup and some bread."

The waitress nodded, jotting everything down before turning to Dylan's empty seat. "And for him?" she asked.

The group looked at each other before June sighed. "Just bring him something easy to eat when he wakes up. He'll complain if he's left out."

The waitress laughed. "Got it! I'll bring everything out soon." She walked away, leaving the group to chat as they waited for their food.

Dylan sat up, stretching with a satisfied yawn. "Man, that was a good sleep," he muttered, rubbing his eyes. As his vision cleared, he realized the room was empty.

He blinked. "Wait… where is everyone?"

Looking around, he saw no signs of his friends. His cloak was still draped over him, and his daggers were in place, but the quietness of the room made him uneasy.

"Did they just leave me?" he grumbled, standing up and stretching again. "They could've at least woken me up!"

With a sigh, Dylan quickly fixed himself up and made his way downstairs, following the scent of breakfast. As he entered the dining area, he spotted his friends chatting at a table, waiting for their food.

"Wow, really? You guys ditched me?" Dylan said, walking over with a playful pout. "I see how it is."

Dylan huffed, flopping into a chair next to them. "Still, a little wake up call would've been nice!"

June smirked, sipping her drink. "You looked too peaceful. Thought we'd let you enjoy your beauty sleep."

Dylan crossed his arms. "Hmph. And here I thought we were friends."

Axel chuckled. "We are. We just prioritize food over you."

Before Dylan could retort, the waitress arrived with their meals, setting down plates filled with warm, delicious-looking food. Dylan's complaints instantly disappeared as he grabbed his utensils.

"Alright, fine. I forgive you," he said, already digging in. "But only because the food smells amazing."

as they finish eating Dylan said, "Im so full, after this guys we gotta train abit a light spar, then let's go take shower and do some quest so we can rank up fast"

Caius stretched, leaning back in his chair. "Training right after eating? You trying to make us throw up, Dylan?"

June sighed, wiping her mouth with a napkin. "At least let the food settle first."

Axel smirked, cracking his knuckles. "I'm in. A light spar sounds good. Gotta keep my strength up if we want to rank up fast."

Alisan nodded in agreement. "We need to get stronger. S-rank won't earn itself."

Dylan grinned. "That's the spirit! We'll train for a bit, take a shower, then head to the guild for some quests. The faster we rank up, the better missions we get."

Caius sighed dramatically. "Fine, fine. But if I lose because I'm still digesting, I'm blaming you."

Dylan laughed. "Deal!"

With their plan set, the group finished up and got ready to head out for some training.

Dylan and Caius faced each other, both grinning as they took their stances. The air between them was charged with anticipation, each waiting for the other to make the first move.

Nearby, June and Alisan focused on their magic. June gracefully moved her hands, weaving small spells to refine her control, while Alisan practiced precise bursts of her Rapture magic, causing.

Axel, on the other hand, was in his own world, lifting heavy boulders like they were mere training weights. His muscles tensed as he hoisted one above his head, testing his strength and endurance.

Caius smirked at Dylan. "You sure you're ready for this?"

Dylan chuckled, rolling his shoulders. "Oh, I'm always ready."

And with that, their spar began, as Caius took the first attack as he dashed at Dylan.

As Dylan reacted, he parried Caius's attack and tried to counter, but Caius, with his improving reflexes, saw it coming.

Caius swiftly sidestepped Dylan's counterattack, his reflexes sharp. With a fluid motion, he redirected Dylan's strike away from him, keeping his balance perfectly.

"You're getting predictable, Dylan," Caius teased, a smirk playing on his lips.

Dylan clicked his tongue. "Oh yeah? Let's see if you can predict this!"

With a sudden burst of speed, Dylan shifted his weight and feinted a low strike before quickly twisting his body, aiming a kick toward Caius's side. But Caius, ever the quick thinker, reacted just in time, raising his arm to block. The impact sent a light shock through him, but he held his ground.

"You'll have to do better than that," Caius said with a grin.

The spar continued, their movements growing sharper as they tested each other's limits.

As the sparring intensified, the surrounding area began to show signs of damage trees and rocks cracking from the force of their strikes. June watched, her eyes widening at the escalating tension.

"Alisan, aren't they going too far? It's supposed to be light sparring," June said, her concern growing as the destruction around them increased.

Alisan, also noticing the damage, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, they're pushing it. Let's step in before they end up wrecking the entire place."

They both exchanged glances before preparing to intervene, ready to call the sparring to a stop.

Dylan stepped back, wiping some sweat from his brow. His expression shifted, focusing more seriously now.

"You're getting good at this, Caius," he said, his voice taking on a more determined tone. "I'm starting to take this seriously now, not just having fun."

Caius grinned, his posture still relaxed despite the intensity of their exchange. "I was hoping you'd say that," he replied. "Time to see what you've really got."

The air between them crackled with energy as their friendly sparring shifted into something more challenging.

June's voice cut through the chaos, sharp and commanding.

"What are you guys DOING?!" she shouted, her eyes wide with frustration as she gestured around them. "STOP! It's supposed to be a light spar! Look at what's happening!"

Dylan and Caius paused mid motion, both of them breathing heavily, their stances still tense as they turned to look at the damage they'd caused. The surrounding area was a mess cracked ground, bent trees, and a few scorch marks scattered from the intensity of their clash.

Dylan scratched the back of his head, sheepishly grinning. "Uh... yeah, maybe we got a little carried away."

Caius sighed, shrugging with a smirk. "Guess we did...."

June groaned, clearly exasperated. "Next time, just hold back a little, okay? You two nearly destroyed the whole place!"

Alisan walked over to Caius with a stern look on her face, crossing her arms.

"Caius," she said, her tone firm but not unkind. "Learn to control yourself when you're sparring with Dylan. He's rubbing off on you, you know."

Caius blinked, momentarily caught off guard by her directness. He glanced at Dylan, who was still grinning sheepishly, and then back at Alisan.

"Hey, I didn't ask for this intensity," Caius replied, chuckling lightly. "But I guess you're right. I'll dial it back next time."

Alisan gave him a pointed look, making sure he understood. "Good. We're supposed to be training, not destroying the place."

Dylan, overhearing the conversation, grinned wider. "Hey, I can't help it if I bring out the best in people, i want it to be interesting!"

June sighed, clearly exhausted from trying to keep the sparring under control. She waved her hand toward the group and called out, "Axel! Everyone, let's end this now. It's getting out of hand. Let's go take a shower and cool down."

Axel, who had been lifting a boulder nearby, looked up and nodded. "Yeah, sounds like a good idea. We've done enough for today."

The group, still catching their breath, started to relax as the tension from the sparring faded. They all agreed it was time for a break, and without another word, they made their way back to the inn for a much needed shower and to freshen up.

The group split off as they made their way to the separate baths. Alisan and June headed toward the women's bath, while Cauis, Dylan, and Axel made their way toward the men's bath.

The warm steam from the baths greeted them as they entered, the soothing heat a welcome relief after the intense training. The men relaxed in the soothing waters, their muscles unwinding as the tension from their sparring session slowly dissipated.

Meanwhile, in the women's bath, Alisan and June found a quiet spot to soak and chat, the atmosphere just as relaxing for them as it was for the men. It was a time to unwind, and both of them took the opportunity to discuss the events of the morning, their plans for the future, and to simply enjoy the calm before the next adventure.

After some time, everyone was refreshed and ready to continue with their journey.

After leaving the baths and feeling refreshed, the group made their way to the Adventurer Guild, ready to take on new quests and continue their journey to rank up.

As they entered the bustling guild hall, the familiar sounds of adventurers discussing quests and the clink of coins filled the air. The receptionist behind the counter looked up and greeted them.

"Oh, it's you guys! I have some good news!" she said, excitement in her voice. "A recommendation came through from an S-rank adventurer. They've put in a good word for you all, and because of that, you're eligible to rank up to D-rank!"

The group exchanged surprised looks, with a mix of excitement and disbelief.

"Wait, really?" Dylan asked, his voice filled with disbelief. "An S-rank adventurer recommended us? That's... unexpected."

The receptionist nodded. "Yes, it seems you've impressed someone important. Now, you'll just need to complete a few tasks that align with D-rank quests. We've already picked out some suitable ones for you."

Cauis smiled, his usual confident demeanor returning. "Alright, we'll take those quests then. This is the perfect opportunity to prove ourselves."

"Exactly," Axel added, cracking his knuckles. "Time to show what we've got."

The receptionist handed them a set of quests, each designed for D-rank adventurers. "These quests will be more challenging, but I believe you can handle them. Complete them successfully, and you'll officially be promoted."

With the quests in hand, the group felt a renewed sense of determination as they left the guild, ready to prove their worth and make the most of this unexpected opportunity.

Back at the Adventurer Guild, the chatter continued as more adventurers filled the hall. Many couldn't stop talking about the recent promotion of the group.

"Did you hear? Those kids got bumped to D-rank just like that. An S-rank adventurer recommended them," one whispered to a friend, his voice full of disbelief.

"Something doesn't sit right about it," another adventurer added. "It's all too convenient. Do you think they really deserve it?

"They must have some serious connections, or maybe they're getting special treatment," muttered a third adventurer, clearly skeptical. "It feels shady. I've never heard of an S-rank adventurer putting in a good word for anyone just like that."

The conversation spread like wildfire, and soon it seemed like everyone in the guild was talking about it, most of them with disapproval and distrust.

"It's not about skills, it's about who you know," one adventurer grumbled, clearly bitter.

"i'm not buying it," another said, shaking his head. "I'm sure they'll slip up soon enough, and then we'll see if they can actually handle being D-rank."

The whispers grew louder and more critical as the guild buzzed with rumors, some even openly accusing the group of favoritism or foul play. They couldn't understand how a group that had seemingly just walked in could rise so quickly, and doubts about their true capabilities spread quickly.

Meanwhile, the group was out in the field, unaware of the gossip swirling behind them. The whispers were far from their minds as they focused on their quest, ready to prove themselves on their own terms.

June glanced at Dylan as they made their way toward the quest destination. "Oh, right. The quest is to take down a pack of wild wolves that have been attacking travelers along the road," she explained, adjusting the straps of her gear. "They've been getting bolder, and the guild wants to take care of it before someone gets seriously hurt. It's pretty straightforward, just some beasts to deal with."

Dylan nodded thoughtfully, his usual mischievous grin now replaced with a more focused expression. "Wild wolves, huh? Sounds simple enough. But I bet those packs won't go down without a fight. We'll have to be on our toes."

"Exactly," June replied, giving him a side glance. "That's why we need to be careful. They're not just any wolves; they've been attacking in groups, which means they're either really hungry or something's pushing them to be more aggressive."

Dylan chuckled, flicking his cloak. "Guess that's why they call us for the job, huh? Let's just hope they aren't as smart as they are hungry."

The group continued on, their spirits high despite the looming challenge.

As the group made their way deeper into the forest, the sounds of the village faded behind them, replaced by the quiet rustling of leaves and the occasional distant call of a bird. Dylan, however, seemed to be lost in the serene beauty of the place. His eyes wandered, taking in the canopy above, the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, and the tranquil atmosphere.

"Man, this place is so peaceful," Dylan muttered to himself, his voice full of appreciation. "I could just chill here all day."

June, walking ahead with a serious expression, glanced over her shoulder at him. "Dylan, focus. We're here for a reason, remember? Wolves aren't going to wait for us to enjoy the scenery."

Dylan flashed her a grin but didn't argue, his eyes still scanning the surroundings. "Yeah, yeah. I'm just taking in the vibes." He stretched his arms overhead and took a deep breath, letting the cool forest air fill his lungs.

Cauis kept his eyes sharp, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Enjoy the view while you can, Dylan. Once we find the pack, it'll be all business."

Axel, walking at the rear of the group, nodded in agreement. "We don't know how many there are or how dangerous they might be. Stay on guard."

Dylan finally shifted his focus, sensing the tension in the air. "Alright, alright, I'm ready. Just enjoying the moment before the action starts." He glanced back at the others, his grin slowly fading into a more determined expression. "Let's get to work."

The atmosphere shifted around them. The once serene forest now felt tense, as if the air itself was holding its breath. Dylan's senses were on high alert, his posture instantly changing. He dropped into a defensive stance, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of his dagger. His eyes scanned the trees, looking for any signs of movement.

"Something's not right," Dylan muttered, his voice steady but filled with caution.

Cauis immediately halted, his hand going to his sword as he surveyed their surroundings. "What do you sense?" he asked, his voice sharp.

Dylan's gaze flicked from one tree to another, his eyes narrowing. "I'm not sure... but there's something out there. Something's watching us."

Axel clenched his fists, his muscles tensing as he scanned the forest edge. "You think we're being ambushed?"

June stepped up beside Dylan, her hand resting on her staff, ready to react at a moment's notice. "Stay alert, everyone," she said quietly. "Dylan, do you feel anything specific?"

Dylan's breath slowed, his focus sharpening. "No... It's like the presence is... fluctuating, almost like it's moving around us but staying hidden." He turned slowly in a circle, every fiber of his being on edge. "It's not just one thing either. I think... there's more than one."

Cauis's eyes flashed with understanding. "We've walked right into their territory."

Before anyone could respond, a low growl echoed from the trees, followed by a rustling sound, and then silence. Dylan tightened his grip on his weapon, ready for whatever was about to emerge. The pack wasn't far off.

"Get ready," Dylan whispered. "I think we're about to find out just how serious this is."

The pack of wolves erupted from the trees, their eyes glowing with an eerie hunger as they charged toward the group. The ground shook with their heavy paws, and the sharp sound of claws against the earth echoed through the forest. Their forms were massive, much larger than ordinary wolves, their fur bristling with an unnatural energy.

Cauis's sword was already in hand, his body moving fluidly as he prepared to engage. "It's here!" he shouted. "Everyone on guard!"

Without hesitation, Axel stepped forward, cracking his knuckles as he braced himself for the incoming onslaught. His muscles flexed as he took a battle ready stance. "Come on, you oversized mutts!" he growled, eager to test his strength.

June lifted her staff, her eyes narrowing. "Focus on the wolves that get too close. Don't let them surround us!" Her voice was steady, though the tension was palpable.

As the wolves closed the gap, their growls growing louder, one of them lunged toward Dylan with a flash of teeth. Without skipping a beat, he sidestepped, using his speed to avoid the attack. His sword flashed, leaving a shallow cut along the wolf's flank. The wolf yelped, but it didn't slow down. It turned, eyes filled with fury, and prepared to strike again.

"Not bad, but you're gonna need more than that," Dylan muttered under his breath, his eyes darting as he observed the movements of the pack. His grip tightened on his weapon, his body already anticipating the next strike.

Cauis was already clashing with another wolf, his sword flashing as he blocked a bite aimed for his throat. "Stay focused, guys! We need to take them down quickly!"

The battle had begun in full force.

Alisan's eyes flashed with intensity as she raised her hands, gathering her magical energy. With a sharp motion, she unleashed Crushing Surge a massive wave of force that rippled through the air, sending a shockwave toward the charging wolves.

"Watch out, everyone!" she shouted, her voice commanding attention.

The surge of power slammed into the nearest wolves, throwing them off their paws and sending them sprawling to the ground. The impact was so forceful that the ground beneath them cracked, the force of the magic destabilizing their footing. The wolves snarled in frustration, but the blast had momentarily disoriented them.

Dylan, taking advantage of the opening, darted forward. "Nice one, Alisan!" He swiped his sword at the closest wolf, the creature narrowly dodging as it scrambled to regain its balance.

Cauis, now fully in his element, took advantage of the chaos, launching a quick series of strikes at another wolf, his sword cleaving through the air with precision. "Good timing, Alisan. Let's keep the pressure up!"

Axel, seeing an opening, charged in, his fists clenched tightly. He swung a devastating punch into the side of one of the wolves, sending it crashing into a tree. "Let's finish this!" he roared, his strength fueling the attack.

The wolves, though shaken, weren't backing down. They growled and regrouped, their numbers still a threat despite the initial surge of chaos. They snarled, their glowing eyes fixed on the group, as they prepared to make another charge.

As the battle raged on, the group's combined efforts began to overwhelm the pack. Cauis's precise strikes, Alisan's bursts of magic, Axel's raw strength, Dylan's agility, and June's calculated magic support were too much for the wolves. June unleashed quick blasts of force magic, disorienting the wolves and creating openings for the others to land their blows. Each wolf that fell was met with a decisive strike, and soon, the remaining wolves began to retreat, realizing they were outmatched.

June stood her ground, eyes sharp as she monitored the fight. "Keep your focus, guys. Don't let them get away just yet!" she called out, ready to assist if any wolves tried to regroup.

Cauis wiped the sweat from his brow, breathing heavily but satisfied. "Looks like we've got the upper hand."

Dylan, grinning, lowered his sword, watching the retreating wolves. "They're smart to run, but I wouldn't call this over just yet." He scanned the area, making sure there were no more surprises lurking in the shadows.

Axel cracked his knuckles and looked at the others. "Good job, everyone. We're stronger as a team." He grinned at the group, his adrenaline still pumping.

Alisan lowered her hands, still catching her breath but feeling the satisfaction of victory. "Let's finish this, and we can head back. But stay alert; they might come back with reinforcements."

The group nodded in agreement, their guard still up but their confidence growing as the wolves retreated into the forest. They continued to press forward, ready to complete their quest.

Dylan scanned the area, his senses sharp, making sure there was no immediate danger. "They all retreated, nothing's near us. Let's take a rest," he said, his voice full of satisfaction. "That was exhausting but fun."

Cauis wiped sweat from his brow, his grin returning. "Yeah, that was a bit more intense than I thought."

Alisan sat down, letting out a relieved sigh. "We handled it well though. Good teamwork."

Axel, still feeling the rush, cracked his knuckles. "That was a workout. Definitely need to do this more often."

June, though a little more reserved, nodded. "Let's just make sure we're all ready in case they come back."

With the threat temporarily gone, the group settled down for a much needed break, their bonds strengthening with each challenge faced together.

Just as the group began to relax, a massive, snarling wolf emerged from the forest, its eyes locked on June. The wolf's powerful muscles rippled under its fur as it lunged toward her with incredible speed, aiming to strike.

Dylan's eyes widened in panic as he saw the wolf's attack coming. Without thinking, his body reacted on its own. He instinctively cast Accelerate on himself, and in the blink of an eye, his entire being surged with an unnatural speed.

Before anyone could react, Dylan dashed forward, faster than any of them had ever seen him move. He reached June in an instant, yanking her out of harm's way just as the massive wolf's claws swiped through the air where she had been standing.

The sudden burst of speed left everyone stunned. Dylan, still holding June protectively, stood a few feet away, breathing heavily but unharmed. He looked down at her, his heart pounding in his chest, still processing what had just happened.

June blinked in shock, her eyes wide. "D-Dylan, you… you saved me…"

Dylan's breath came in shallow gasps, the adrenaline from the rush still coursing through his veins. He looked around at the group, noticing their stunned expressions. "Uh… did I just…?"

Cauis, recovering from the shock, was the first to speak. "What the hell was that? You've never moved that fast before!"

Dylan, still in disbelief, looked down at himself, realizing that his body had moved on its own. "I… I don't know. I just… panicked and then…" He trailed off, glancing at June, who was still in his arms, her face flushed from the sudden tension.

The group stared in awe at Dylan, unsure of what had just happened, but the moment was quickly interrupted as the huge wolf growled menacingly, its eyes locked on the group, clearly not backing down.

Dylan, still feeling the rush of Accelerate, acted on pure instinct. His body moved faster than anyone could comprehend. With no time to think, he charged at the massive alpha wolf, his speed a blur to the naked eye.

In one moment, he was standing on the ground, and in the next, he was launching himself into the trees with an explosive burst of force. His legs pushed off the trunks with incredible agility, leaping from one tree to the next in a fluid, almost unnatural motion. The alpha wolf snarled, trying to track him with its eyes, but Dylan was already on the move.

Dylan's cloak billowed behind him as he used his momentum to launch from one branch to another, closing the distance between him and the wolf in the blink of an eye. The alpha growled and lunged at him, but it was too slow. Dylan's speed was overwhelming, faster than the wolf could react.

With a flash of silver, Dylan's sword, slashed across the alpha's flank as he darted past it. The wolf howled in pain, spinning around, but Dylan was already behind it, having used his insane speed to attack from multiple angles in a matter of seconds.

The rest of the group could only watch in stunned silence as Dylan's movements blurred and overwhelmed the alpha. His attacks were relentless, each slash from his dagger leaving deep gashes in the wolf's fur and flesh. The alpha, normally an apex predator, had no chance against such speed and precision.

With one final leap, Dylan soared through the air, his sword raised above his head. As he descended upon the alpha wolf, his strike pierced deep into the creature's side. The wolf gave one final, pained howl before collapsing to the ground, its life fading away as it struggled to move.

Dylan landed gracefully on the ground, his body still moving at an insane speed as Accelerate gradually began to fade. His breathing was heavy, his chest rising and falling rapidly as the effects of the spell wore off. The adrenaline from the battle surged through his veins, but the strain on his body from using so much mana so quickly started to catch up with him.

As he watched the alpha wolf fall, a satisfied grin spread across his face. He'd done it. He'd saved June and taken down the beast, but then the world around him seemed to blur. The rush of mana exhaustion hit him all at once.

Dylan staggered for a moment, his vision spinning, and before he could steady himself, his legs gave out from beneath him. He collapsed to the ground, his breath shallow and ragged. His body, drained of energy, could no longer keep up with the intense magic he had just used.

The group immediately rushed over, concern flashing across their faces.

"Dylan!" Alisan shouted, kneeling beside him. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Dylan tried to raise a hand, but it fell limply to the side. "Guess... I overdid it," he muttered weakly, his voice strained. The exhaustion from using Accelerate had completely drained him, and he felt the weight of it settle in his bones

June rushed to his side, her face pale. "Dylan, you scared me! You were moving so fast..."

Cauis knelt down beside him, his expression hardening with worry. "You should've stopped when you knew you were pushing your limits."

Dylan, still struggling to stay awake, gave a small, lopsided grin. "It's fine... Just need a minute..."

Axel, who had been watching with silent concern, gave Dylan a wide eyed look of awe. "Damn, Dylan... that was insane," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "Your speed... I've never seen anything like it. You were everywhere in a blink."

But his expression shifted as he saw Dylan struggling to stay conscious, the exhaustion clearly hitting him hard. Axel crouched down beside him, his voice softening. "But you can't keep pushing yourself like that. Using all that mana so fast... it'll catch up to you."

He placed a hand on Dylan's shoulder, his tone becoming more serious. "You've got the speed, sure. But if you burn yourself out, none of that matters. You've got to learn to control it, or you'll end up like this every time."

Dylan tried to smile, but his body was too heavy with exhaustion. Axel sighed, looking down at him with concern. "I know you're fast , but you've got to take it easy."

The group gathered around him, their earlier battle now replaced with a shared sense of urgency to make sure Dylan was okay. They knew he had saved them, but they also realized the toll it had taken on him.

Dylan said, "Why you guys so worried, its just mana exhaustion"

Axel grabbed Dylan in a piggyback ride as Axel said, "just rest"

Dylan replied "Thanks... Axel also Cauis cut the alpha wolf head... for proof" laughing solftly

Axel gave a slight grunt as he adjusted Dylan on his back, making sure he was comfortable. "You're welcome, but seriously, take it easy. You've done enough for today."

Cauis, who had been watching the exchange, raised an eyebrow at Dylan's request. "Fine, fine," he said, though there was a hint of a smirk on his face. "But don't think I'm going to let you off easy just because you saved us. You're lucky you're fast, or I might've had to step in earlier."

Dylan laughed softly despite his exhaustion. "I know, I know. But hey, the speed was pretty cool, right?"

Alisan couldn't help but smile at the exchange, relieved that Dylan was still his usual self, even if a bit worn out. "Alright, you've earned the bragging rights for today, but let's get back to town and get you some rest. We've got a lot more ahead of us."

June, who had been silently watching, gave a nod of agreement. "Rest up, Dylan. We'll take care of the rest."

Dylan gave them a thumbs-up from Axel's back. "You guys are the best." His voice was tired, but his spirits were clearly lifted by his friends' concern.

The group began to head back towards town, the quiet of the forest settling in around them as they made their way toward the safety of the town, knowing that they'd face whatever came next together.

The group arrived back at the Adventurer Guild, exhausted but victorious. Dylan was still on Axel's back, though he was now a little more alert, his energy slowly returning. As they approached the reception desk, the receptionist gave them a warm smile, having seen them enter.

Welcome back, everyone," she greeted. "I take it the quest went well?"[7:53 AM]

Cauis stepped forward, holding up the head of the alpha wolf with a grin. "Here's the proof. One alpha wolf down, as requested."

The receptionist's eyes widened, clearly impressed. "Wow, that's... a big wolf! You guys really did it. I'll get your reward right away." She quickly took the head, her hands shaking slightly from the weight and size of the creature. "I'll make sure this gets processed. You should head over to the reward counter to collect your payment."

As they walked to the counter, Dylan smirked, his exhaustion starting to wear off now that they were back in familiar surroundings. "See? Told you I'd get it done."

Axel rolled his eyes but smiled. "Yeah, and you nearly killed yourself doing it. You really need to tone it down, Dylan."

Dylan chuckled softly, feeling the warmth of his friends' concern. "I know, I know. But it was worth it, wasn't it?"

June smirked. "As long as you don't push yourself like that every time, we'll be fine. Just don't make it a habit."

Once they received their reward, the group took a moment to relax and reflect on their success, knowing that their bond had only grown stronger through their shared trials. They had completed their first quest as a team, and whatever came next, they would face it together.

The receptionist at the counter smiled as she looked at their guild cards. "Before you head out," she said, "I just need to update your guild cards."

She took each of their cards one by one, performing a quick spell that caused the cards to glow. As she worked, she glanced up at the group with a friendly smile. "Congratulations again on your success. You've earned it."

After a few moments, she returned the updated cards to each of them, handing them over with a more official tone. "There you go. Your rank's been upgraded from F-rank to D-rank. You've shown you've got what it takes. Keep it up!"

The group looked at their new cards in surprise and satisfaction. Their hard work had finally paid off.

Dylan grinned, pocketing his card. "D-rank, huh? That's a good start."

Axel smirked, stretching his arms. "Not bad for a day's work. But I'm sure we'll be climbing even higher soon."

Cauis looked at his card, his eyes gleaming with determination. "This is just the beginning. D-rank is nothing compared to what we'll achieve."

June nodded, a quiet sense of pride in her eyes. "We'll take on whatever comes next, as a team."

Alisan smiled, a sense of peace and accomplishment settling in her heart. "We're just getting started."

With their new ranks in hand, the group left the guild hall, feeling a sense of accomplishment and eager anticipation for the adventures to come. Whatever trials and challenges lay ahead, they knew they were ready to face them together.

Dylan stood up, his steps a bit slower than usual but steady enough to walk on his own. He gave his friends a grin, despite the exhaustion still lingering in his features.

"Hey, guys, I'll head back to the inn first to rest up, alright?" he said, waving his hand dismissively. "Bring me some food when you're back. I'm starving."

Axel, who had been keeping an eye on him, raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Alright, but don't overdo it. You need to rest up, Dylan."

Cauis chuckled. "Take it easy, man. We'll catch up soon."

Alisan smiled warmly at Dylan, her voice soft. "Make sure to rest, okay? We'll bring something back for you."

June, always the practical one, gave Dylan a concerned glance but nodded as well. "Don't push yourself too hard."

With that, Dylan started making his way back to the inn, feeling the weight of his earlier exhaustion but also the small satisfaction of their successful quest. As he walked, the quiet streets gave him a moment to breathe, the sounds of the town bustling around him as he looked forward to a well-deserved rest.

The group paused for a moment as June's words hung in the air. The quiet town around them seemed to fade for a brief moment as they processed her question.

The group walked through the town in silence until June broke it, her voice filled with concern. "Guys, that speed what was that? He told us he couldn't use his original magic because he lacked the mana to do it. Was he lying to us? Don't get me wrong, I'm happy he saved me, but it just doesn't add up."

The group paused for a moment as June's words hung in the air. The quiet town around them seemed to fade for a brief moment as they processed her question.

Axel scratched the back of his head, looking a bit uncertain. "I don't know... It's possible he found a way to push himself further than usual," he said. "But Dylan doesn't usually lie about things like that. Maybe there's something we don't understand about his magic."

Cauis, who had been walking slightly ahead, turned around and gave a thoughtful look. "True. He always tries to keep things to himself, but I don't think he'd purposely hide something like that. It's not like him."

Alisan furrowed her brow, clearly worried. "It doesn't add up, though. He's always been upfront about how much mana he has left. But that speed... it's not like anything we've seen from him before."

june, still looking conflicted, sighed. "I just don't want him pushing himself too far... Especially if he's hiding something from us. I mean, he almost collapsed after using that magic."

Cauis glanced down at his feet, considering June's words. "We'll talk to him when we get back. He's our friend, and we'll figure it out together. But for now, let's make sure he gets some rest."

Axel nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, no more rushing things. He's done enough today."

The group continued walking through the town, but the question lingered in their minds, leaving them all with a sense of unease. Whatever Dylan had done, they all knew one thing he wasn't the type to do anything that would put himself in harm's way intentionally.

As the group entered the restaurant, the warm atmosphere offered them a brief respite from the day's events. They ordered a hearty meal, the food filling the air with delicious aromas. While the others sat down to eat, they also bought some street food for Dylan, knowing he would appreciate the treat.

As the group entered the restaurant, the warm atmosphere offered them a brief respite from the day's events. They ordered a hearty meal, the food filling the air with delicious aromas. While the others sat down to eat, they also bought some street food for Dylan, knowing he would appreciate the treat.

Once they had everything packed, they made their way back to the inn, the sounds of the bustling town around them fading as they walked through the quieter streets. The question about Dylan's magic still lingered in their minds, but for now, they focused on getting back to the inn and resting.

When they reached the inn, they headed straight for their room, and Dylan, still resting, looked up as they entered. His eyes sparkled when he saw the food. "You guys are the best," he said, grateful for the care they showed him despite his earlier exhaustion.

The group smiled, relieved to see Dylan in better spirits. Axel chuckled as he set the food down beside him. "Just don't push yourself too hard next time," Axel said, his voice light but laced with concern.

Caius gave Dylan a playful look. "Yeah, your speed's impressive, but you've got to conserve that energy. We don't need you passing out on us again."

Alisan handed him a drink and nodded. "You really scared us, you know."

Dylan grinned, feeling a little sheepish but glad to have his friends around. "I promise I'll be more careful. But hey, it was pretty fun, right?"

June, still feeling a bit uncertain about the whole thing, watched him for a moment before speaking up. "You're lucky we're all here for you. Don't forget that."

Dylan nodded, appreciating her words. "I won't forget. Thanks, everyone."[8:19 AM]

They all sat down, eating and chatting, the earlier tension slowly fading as they enjoyed the rest of their evening together. Cauis curiously asked, "I don't know if this is the right time to ask, but what was that speed you mentioned? You said you couldn't use your magic because you lacked the mana."

Dylan paused mid bite, his eyes flicking to Cauis as the question hung in the air. He wiped his mouth, a small chuckle escaping him. "You're not wrong to ask, and honestly, it's kind of a mess," he admitted, leaning back slightly in his chair. "I didn't lie exactly... I mean, it's true that I'm usually drained after using too much magic, especially when I use Temporal Dusk. But what happened earlier, that speed... well.

"See, I've been experimenting with ways to use Temporal Dusk without burning through all my mana. I found that by coating either my weapons or myself with a fraction of the magic, I can still get the effects, but it uses way less mana. So, when I needed that burst of speed earlier, I used it on myself, just enough to get the job done without draining myself completely. It's not perfect, but it's a way to make it work without passing out every time."

Dylan continued, his tone slightly more serious as he leaned forward. "But this time... I just pushed myself too far. I didn't consider that keeping Accelerate active would drain that much mana. I was so focused on getting to the alpha wolf and saving June that I didn't realize how much of a toll it was taking until it was too late. Normally, I'm more careful about balancing things, but I got carried away." He shrugged, a sheepish grin returning. "Guess I still have a lot to learn about managing my abilities."

Cauis let out a sigh of relief and said, "I see, I understand now. Sorry, Dylan. We were having doubts, thinking you were hiding some powerful magic or something. Haha..."

Dylan chuckled and waved it off. "Nah, no hidden power-ups here. Just me, my crazy speed, and a little too much ambition," he teased, nudging Cauis playfully. "No need to apologize, though. I get it. It probably looked pretty wild back there."

Axel, who had been quiet for a moment, nodded. "Just be careful next time. We need you in one piece, man."

Dylan flashed them all a grin. "I promise, I'll try not to make things more dramatic than they need to be. But hey, at least it was a pretty epic save, right? just how i love making things interesting" He laughed lightly, easing the tension in the room.

June, still feeling a bit shaken from earlier, added with a smirk, "It was pretty impressive, I'll admit. Just... don't scare us like that again."

As the group laughed together, the atmosphere lightened, the earlier tension melting away. They were all relieved to have cleared the air, and their bond felt even stronger now. Dylan, though still a bit exhausted, couldn't help but grin as he looked at his friends.

"Hey, at least you guys know I'm not hiding a secret stash of magic now," he joked, taking another bite of his food.

"Yeah, but that speed... it's still kind of insane," Axel chuckled, shaking his head.

The group continued to eat and chat, enjoying the comfort of each other's company as the evening carried on.