The capital city's government hall was unusually crowded that morning.
Several officials sat around a massive circular table made from polished black wood. Documents were scattered across its surface, while dozens of reports continued to pile up in front of them.
The topic of today's meeting was simple.
Nightglass Covenant.
One elderly government official adjusted his glasses before speaking.
"The influence of Nightglass Covenant is growing faster than expected."
Another official nodded.
"Not only adventurers, but ordinary citizens are beginning to trust them more than local authorities."
A third official sighed.
"People are sending missions directly to Nightglass Covenant instead of reporting problems to government offices."
The room became silent.
Everyone understood why this was concerning.
Nightglass Covenant had originally been created as an independent organization.
However, its reputation had grown tremendously during recent years.
Whenever monsters attacked villages, Nightglass Covenant responded.
Whenever dangerous ruins appeared, Nightglass Covenant investigated.
Whenever ordinary people needed help, Nightglass Covenant often acted faster than the government itself.
One minister crossed his arms.
"If this continues, their influence may eventually rival that of several regional governments."
Another official shook his head.
"They have no interest in ruling."
"Perhaps."
The first minister frowned.
"But power doesn't always require a throne."
The meeting continued as officials debated the growing influence of Nightglass Covenant.
Meanwhile...
Inside a nearby elementary school, a completely different atmosphere could be found.
Today was Parent Appreciation Day.
Children stood in front of their classmates while speaking about their parents.
Some talked about their fathers.
Others talked about their mothers.
The classroom was filled with laughter and excitement.
A young boy stepped forward confidently.
His name was Cherid Nanmaniverb.
Only five years old, he stood proudly in front of the class.
He smiled brightly.
"I am proud of my mother."
The classroom became quiet.
Cherid continued.
"My mother is very strong."
"She collects information from all over the world and helps the government."
Several children listened carefully.
Then another boy suddenly raised his hand.
"Huh."
He crossed his arms.
"Why are you so proud?"
The classroom became awkward.
The boy continued.
"You always talk about your mother."
"But she never comes to school."
"I've never even seen her."
Several other children nodded.
"That's true."
"I've never seen her either."
"Does she even come home?"
Cherid's smile weakened slightly.
For a moment, sadness appeared in his eyes.
However, he quickly shook his head.
"So what?"
"My mother loves me."
The other children remained silent.
Cherid looked toward the classroom door.
His heart was beating nervously.
His mother had promised she would come today.
And his mother never broke promises.
Never.
But...
What if something happened?
What if she couldn't come?
The thought made him nervous.
Then suddenly—
The classroom door opened.
A tired female voice echoed through the room.
"Sorry!"
"Sorry, everyone!"
The entire classroom turned toward the entrance.
A beautiful woman stood there.
Her breathing was slightly heavy, as if she had rushed across the city.
Teacher Kelimi smiled warmly.
"It's okay."
"You're not late."
"Please come in."
The woman nodded gratefully before entering the classroom.
The moment she stepped inside, many parents froze.
Especially several fathers.
Some of them couldn't even hide their shock.
The woman was unbelievably beautiful.
Long dark hair flowed behind her.
Her elegant appearance naturally attracted attention wherever she went.
This woman was Qwini Nanmaniverb.
Cherid's mother.
The moment Cherid saw her, his eyes sparkled.
"Mom!"
Qwini smiled gently.
Cherid immediately continued his presentation.
"My mother is beautiful."
"My mother always takes care of me."
"And my mother is perfect at everything."
Qwini covered her mouth to hide her smile.
After the presentation ended, Cherid ran toward her.
He wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Mom!"
"I missed you!"
"Why were you so late?"
Qwini gently patted his head.
"I'm sorry, dear."
"An emergency mission appeared at the last minute."
"But I came, didn't I?"
Cherid nodded happily.
"Yes!"
Qwini smiled.
"Now go sit down."
The rest of the meeting passed peacefully.
A few hours later...
Mother and son walked together through the city streets.
Cherid looked unusually excited.
"Mom."
"Hmm?"
"My friends said you're really beautiful."
Qwini sighed.
"Oh?"
Cherid nodded.
"And after you left the classroom, some teachers came to me."
Qwini raised an eyebrow.
"They did?"
"They asked for your number."
Qwini almost laughed.
"And what did you say?"
Cherid proudly puffed out his chest.
"I said I don't know."
"Just like you taught me."
Qwini smiled.
"Good job."
Cherid grinned proudly.
However, while walking beside her son, Qwini's thoughts became complicated.
People often believed beauty was a blessing.
But she knew the truth.
Sometimes beauty was a burden.
Sometimes beauty attracted problems.
Sometimes beauty attracted people who only cared about appearances.
Qwini loved her husband.
She loved her son.
She wanted to spend more time with them.
She wanted family vacations.
Quiet days.
Simple moments.
But her work rarely allowed it.
And whenever she appeared in public, countless eyes followed her.
Many people admired her beauty.
Few people cared about who she actually was.
Qwini sighed internally.
Fortunately...
Her husband was different.
He loved her because of her personality.
Her emotions.
Her kindness.
Not her appearance.
That alone made her happy.
Suddenly—
"Mom!"
Qwini blinked.
"Yes?"
Cherid pointed toward a nearby candy shop.
"I want chocolate!"
Qwini immediately shook her head.
"No."
Cherid pouted.
"Please?"
"No."
"Please?"
"No."
"Please, Mom!"
Qwini crossed her arms.
"Cherid."
Her serious voice immediately made him stop.
"Too much chocolate is bad for your health."
"It's bad for your teeth."
"And it's not good for your body."
Cherid lowered his head.
"Okay..."
Qwini softened her voice.
"When we get home, I'll make proper food."
"Healthy food."
Cherid nodded.
"Okay."
As they continued walking, Qwini couldn't help thinking:
Why are unhealthy foods sold everywhere?
If something damages children's health, shouldn't it be restricted?
Humans often choose what tastes good over what is good for them.
A strange habit.
Meanwhile...
Inside Nightglass Covenant.
A group of adventurers stood nervously in front of a masked man.
Black ViSage.
The adventurers looked desperate.
One of them stepped forward.
"Please, Mr. Black ViSage."
"We need your help."
Black ViSage calmly looked at them.
"What happened?"
The adventurer swallowed nervously.
"Our teammates are trapped."
Black ViSage remained silent.
The adventurer continued.
"We were exploring an old ruined hospital outside the city."
"While we were inside, part of the structure collapsed."
"Massive stones fell and blocked the entrance."
Another adventurer clenched his fists.
"They're still inside."
"We can hear faint voices."
"But we can't reach them."
Black ViSage frowned slightly.
The ruined hospital was famous among adventurers.
Long ago, during the catastrophic wars between the Sages and Mages, countless buildings had been destroyed.
Cities.
Temples.
Libraries.
Even hospitals.
The hospital in question had remained buried beneath layers of stone and rubble for decades.
Many believed valuable relics still existed inside.
However, its unstable structure made exploration extremely dangerous.
Black ViSage slowly stood up.
His black cloak moved gently.
"How many people are trapped?"
The adventurers immediately showed hope.
Because the moment he asked that question...
It meant he was considering helping them.