Necromancers Genius

Kips had magical spells like teleportation, used to send students to their mission destinations and bring them back to the academy. The academy gave students three days to complete their missions. If they failed to do so, they had to return—no exceptions. Students could request an extension, but whether it was granted depended on the situation. Sometimes the academy agreed, sometimes it didn't.

Ken stood near the teleportation platform, waiting for his name to be called. Around him, other students were being sent off one by one, vanishing in flashes of light.

Despite his calm demeanor, a trace of excitement stirred within him. This was his first solo mission, and he was eager to see what awaited him.

A sharp voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Ken!"

One of the academy staff called his name. Without hesitation, he stepped onto the teleportation circle. A second later, the spell activated, and a rush of energy wrapped around him.

By the time he blinked, he was somewhere else entirely.

The entry point of Layya State.

Ken murmured to himself, "Wow… I didn't expect it to be this fast."

He took a moment to look around. The air smelled crisp, the sky was clear, and the streets seemed peaceful. For a place that had requested assistance, everything appeared strangely normal.

Two guards stood near the main gate ahead. As soon as they noticed him, one of them stepped forward.

"You must be from Kips," the guard said. His tone was flat, his expression unreadable. "Come with me. I will take you to the mayor's office."

Ken nodded, falling into step behind him.

Something about the way the guard spoke felt odd. Normally, a mission required formal verification upon arrival. They were supposed to check his letter from the academy. But this guard hadn't even mentioned it.

Did he not know? Or was he deliberately ignoring it?

Ken didn't let his expression change, but his mind sharpened with caution.

As they moved through the streets, he observed the town carefully. Everything looked… fine. Too fine. People went about their daily routines—shopkeepers arranging goods, children running through the streets, men carrying supplies to market. Laughter and chatter filled the air.

But the more he watched, the more something felt off.

"Don't you think it's weird, Ken?"

Valor's voice echoed in his mind.

Ken didn't respond immediately. He had been feeling it too, but he wasn't sure why. Everything seemed perfectly normal… but only on the surface.

"You too?" he finally said. "I feel like something's wrong, but I can't put my finger on it."

"Indeed," Valor said. "Something is very wrong."

Ken's unease deepened.

"Send out the undead," he ordered. "Have them scout the area. If they notice anything strange, let me know immediately."

"Already on it," Valor replied.

Ken turned his attention back to his escort. The guard walked with purpose, his hand resting on the hilt of his weapon—not in an aggressive way, but as if he wanted to ensure Ken remained within reach.

A thought crossed Ken's mind. Was he making sure I don't wander off?

By now, they should have at least mentioned the mission letter. Yet the guard remained silent about it. The way he was taking Ken straight to the mayor's office—no questions, no formalities—felt deliberate.

Ken was certain of one thing.

They didn't want him out of their sight.

Soon, they reached the mayor's office.

The large wooden doors opened, and Ken stepped inside. A well-dressed man sat behind a grand desk, his posture relaxed. The mayor.

He smiled warmly. "Hello, you must be from Kips."

Ken gave a polite nod. "Yes. I received your request. You reported that something was wrong in your state?"

The mayor chuckled. "Oh, that? It's been resolved. We no longer need your help."

Ken's brows furrowed slightly. "What?"

"There's no problem anymore," the mayor continued. "Don't worry. We'll still compensate you, and we'll inform the academy that you did a great job. We've even prepared a room for you to stay in tonight. You can return tomorrow."

Ken's unease solidified into certainty.

Something was definitely wrong.

"At least tell me what the issue was," Ken pressed.

The mayor's smile didn't falter. "You don't need to know." He turned to the guard beside him. "Escort the boy to his room."

Ken clenched his jaw but didn't resist. Arguing now would be pointless. He needed more information first.

The guard led him to a small guest room in a separate building. It was simple, with a bed, a chair, and a desk. The moment Ken stepped inside, the guard closed the door and stationed himself outside.

Ken exhaled slowly, pacing the room.

This is wrong.

Not only had they brushed off the issue, but they were also trying to keep him contained. It wasn't normal. It wasn't logical.

"Valor," Ken said, lowering his voice. "What did the undead eagles find?"

Valor's response came after a brief pause.

"It's better if you see for yourself."

Ken closed his eyes and connected to the vision of one of the undead.

The moment he saw through its eyes, a chill ran down his spine.

The town had stopped.

People who had been moving, laughing, and talking earlier were now completely still.

Workers stood frozen in place. Merchants had stopped mid-transaction. Teachers and students inside classrooms had halted, like statues. No movement. No sound.

As if they weren't even alive.

Ken felt a cold shiver crawl down his back. His mind raced for an explanation, but none made sense.

His breath came out in a whisper.

"What the hel* is going on here?"