To the Depth of Abyss

Land of Honor / West Outpost 

Cloudy Morning /

A certain group of hunter containing a few parties is running a meeting before going to hunting. One of the group section is the Sword disciples of Saint Arcane Church. 

Because of the rainy season, the soil of the area is still muddy. 

"Man." "We hate walking in a muddy soil."

The Sword disciples are not the only party that comes from the church. 

"Having trouble on standing in a mud, sword junkies?"

Three male Priests student joined into one party also with them. The leader is who else if not William. 

The priests' students laughing at the sword disciples' group. 

"Why not using your weird Arts to cover your boots?"

"Yeah, aren't your Arts special?"

They made fun of the Sword disciples because the Sword disciples cannot use Arts that can cover their boots to help them better to move themselves.

The Arts is [Wind Arts: Air Mantel]. 

However, no one from the Sword disciples is able to do that kind of Arts. Because that is the job of a Supporter.

"Why don't you help us instead?!" "Yeah, aren't you supposed to be our supporters?!"

The seven of them are disciples of the church. So they should help each other. But that is hard because they have a conflict in the first place. 

"Well, why don't you fill your boots with mana just like the technique of your weird Arts?" 

William joined the chat group to heat up the atmosphere. 

To face William, the twin and Kane cannot do much to fight that Smart student's pressure. 

That is why the rival of the Smart student, the Hard Worker One who can only deal with him.

"It's an Offensive Arts and can only be given one purpose. Besides, it's a Sword Caster-ing, not Boots Caster-ing."

"Buhahaa!" "That was so funny!"

Sword Caster-ing is still mysterious from other people besides they who learn it. 

But that will not make William easily got defeated. 

"An Arts that can only be used with sword, then what will you do if you didn't have a sword? Became useless?"

That mockery is so irritating to the sword disciples. 

Yes, they can only use Sword Caster-ing with sword. 

"But that doesn't mean we will become useless with sword? We have trained our physique to face any battle."

"Any battle? I think veteran hunters wouldn't be that easy to say something like that."

Aiden realized that. "But at least in any battle that don't need a not helpful help from Supporter like you."

Aiden finally said that. The rest of his group is worried. But if they show their worried expression, they will be taken lightly. 

"Oh, is that so? Then we will not provide you with any help then. Because you are already 'strong'."

The Priest group got irritated because of Aiden's previous statement. But of course, they will do what Aiden told them to. To not give help as the Supporter of the party. 

After that decision, they are no longer connected to each other. 

Even though he already said that arrogant sentence, Aiden felt guilty because he drags his three member along. 

"I'm sorry."

"Nah, don't worry." "We better withstand pain than to have treatment from jerks like them."

Sometimes self-esteem is more important than pain. Self-esteem is also what makes them able to keep up with all the trivialities of others with their training.

Kane is a witness to all of that. "Besides, we are only being ordered to observe and give provides if needed. So I'm sure we will be alright."

Kane's words motivated the whole party. So they don't feel down. 

"But, why did Master are not escort us?" "Yeah, it is weird that he disappeared without giving a word."

Their Sword Master, Arsen, disappeared since morning. That never happened before, even when he wanted to go or ordered his class to train alone, he always tells them. 

"Now I remember."

"What is that - " "Aiden?"

"The Major of Shield Town is looking for Master few days ago."

Sylvia Shield, dictator of Shield Town. Also, the reason behind why Shield Town being separated in two districts and two jurisdiction.

Just knowing such a thing makes them quite worried about their Sword Master.

"Do you think Master Ars in trouble?" asked Kane. 

Sylvia Shield, famous for her unwarranted hatred for men. If their Sword Master is in trouble and threatened to be expelled from the church, it would greatly affect their sword class.

"Oh, shit." "What we will do?"

They don't want such a thing to happen, when they had found a proper Master to teach them the skills of swordsmanship and unique Arts. 

In such worriness, Aiden has precise and soothing words for them.

"Well, if the worst case ever comes, there are two things we must consider. First, is to know what Master Arsen just did. Second, if he really expelled for no reason, I would ask him; "Can you still teach me?""

Aiden's second consideration sounds like he will get out from the church too and follow their Sword Master. 

That startled his three members for a moment. But after that:

"We will do that too!" "Yeah, we will follow Master Ars forever!"

Kane didn't believe his three-member group will do such a reckless thing. "But I'm with you."

He will come with his friends. 

To be honest, they are not comfortable living in church. There is nothing wrong with the church, the teachers are good, caring with children like them. But the student environment is just so toxic. 

Close example of the toxic environment is William. 

Yes, the church is a place for everyone to learn to be priests. The church itself does not forbid any kind of other teaching inside the curriculum. But because of the stereotypes created by the Priest environment, making new things such as a physical class that returns to activity difficult to accept.

That is why they really intend to follow their Sword Master wherever he goes if he being expelled by the church. 

"Why are you guys so calm?"

Liliana, their escort, and the representative of the church are back from the meeting.

"Okay, now line up!"

In her order, the Sword disciples and Priest group is line up in two lines. 

"I have confirmed that you guys are accepted to participate in the expedition to [Labyrinth of Trap Plans and Lizard] this period."

The seven church student is a bit hype for that. 

"But!"

Their hype immediately gone. 

"You are only allowed to participate in the back row and are prohibited from coming forward regardless of the reason."

Exactly like their expectations.

Expedition to [Labyrinth of Trap Plans and Lizard] is dangerous. It could even eat several experienced hunters each period. 

They really understand about it.

"I know you want an adventure that you can be proud of later. But I don't want to lose even one single of you, I believe that you don't want to lose yourself either. That is why, hold yourself for now so you have enough experienced before going to a real battle."

Liliana's words gave courage and confidence to her seven students that are going to be apprentices.

The Sword disciples enforce their stance and together said:

"Yes, ma'am!"

After thorough preparation, a big group containing a few parties left for the expedition.

Behind them, the Deputy Administrator of Saint Arcane Church still looks at her seven students until they can't be seen.

______________

Saint Arcane Church / Indoor Practical Room #3

"Get up, Elizabeth!"

One certain Sister is supervising Elizabeth training. 

In the middle of the room, Elizabeth just fell to the floor. She felt that her heels are quiet sore. But she can't be weepy and must stand up.

After her portion of the day's training is over, she went outside and sat on a lawn chair with a bottle of drink.

A while later, someone came to sit with her. Without seeing the person's face, Elisa directly realized who it is. 

"What do you want?"

"Nothing."

That is Ars, not the fake Arsen's mask he wears every day to please people. 

Ars is Ars when he is not being covered with strange people, and only when he is with Elisa he becomes himself, the annoying playboy guy. 

However, Elisa is so tired and doesn't want to deal with that annoying guy. So she gets up and about to go. 

In an instant, Ars holds her hand, not wanted her to go. 

"What do you want?" asked Elisa again in more irritated expression. 

"Nothing."

There it is, childish and arbitrary character that Elisa hate. But that childish and arbitrary person will not let go of her easily. So Elisa had no other choice but to face him. At least, his state now looks like he will not give Elisa a headache. 

She gets back to sit, and her hand immediately got released. Back with her intention is to get rest and relaxed. But with that guy beside her, she couldn't stand such a quiet atmosphere.

"How was your meeting with Sylvia Big Sis?"

"Nothing special."

As usual, he had no intention of talking with her.

So Elisa gets back to be quiet. But then again, she couldn't stand such a quiet atmosphere when there is a person next to her.

"How about your disciples that goes to an expedition?"

"Liliana took care of that."

"So you really are not interested to be a Master, eh?"

Of course, because Ars is just a very Greedy and actually an antagonist like type of guy. 

"They are ready to face anything that comes within their limits. If something actually happens to them, I will know and can save them right away."

But that one personality, Elisa saw it just that time. That startled her like she is talking with other person. 

"Who are you? – aw!"

Elisa being chopped in the head. Then suddenly the greedy and childish guy disappeared. 

It looks like Elisa just found out something new from the man she loves. And that she could use as a weapon against him later.