Y/n's POV
A little walk outside the forest was refreshing. Although it was a little bit chilly and scary because the sun hadn't even come out yet, I enjoyed every second I walked.
I felt uncomfortable giving the exact address of their house to the kingdom, so I just pinpointed a place where I could be picked up.
It's a bit weird that I left the house without bidding a good bye first, but that's okay. I had left a note on the table saying, "I'll be back this evening."
This was going to be my first time exploring the outside world by myself.
The carriage was already parked at the place, so I wasted no time to depart. Just as I expected, the trip would be quite far, I even had spare time to take a nap. I guessed it would take a decent time to build this habit.
When I arrived, a man in a suit was already waiting at the front gate. The moment I took a step out of my carriage, I couldn't stop gawking at how vast this place was.
The morning sunrise? The warm temperatures? It made the kingdom stand out even more.
The boy cleared his throat, "Y/n? This way, please." And with that, he walked away. I followed him, passing the gate and the front garden felt like I had spent 10 minutes already. Before we got into the main castle, I noticed a lot of people gathered on the field next to the castle.
"Those people..."
The boy halted as well and looked at my direction, "Recruitment... we recruit new people to join the army almost every day."
"I see," Welp... that was short, "Thank you for the explanation, hmm..."
"Soobin, my name is Choi Soobin."
"Ah, right. Thank you, Soobin. Are we heading there as well?" I just wanted to confirm, since there's no way I got into the kingdom with through insider, right? I mean, Kazuha is the queen, does that make her an insider? Or not...
"Do you want to go there?" he raised one of his eyebrows, "You don't have to though, but I can take you there. We still have time." He let out his gold pocket watch.
Awkward.
We're so awkward...
I didn't remember being like this with the girls. Or... never mind, I was kind of awkward with Hanni back then.
"Yeah, sure. Maybe I can learn about this place a little more."
And with that, we went to the field to see the applicants. It's not full of people, but there are plenty. They were so excited about the selection processes. I was happy to see the sight, maybe some of them would be my friend when we worked together.
However, it wasn't long before I heard an unexpected voice, "Whoa, is that really you, Y/n?"
My body tensed up at the sight of Taejoon, the beast who once showed me the merciless world. "There is a rumor saying the queen recruited a demon herself. I suppose that's okay because that demon must be so powerful to be able to move the queen's heart." He gave me a creepy smile, "I guess that demon mustn't be you."
Soobin walked in front of me, "Y/n is a special guest of the queen. Watch your mouth."
Taejoon's stare went back from Soobin to me.
A sudden smirk was formed, "So, it's really you."
He attracted the other participants' attention. Acted like he was a lecturer, he opened his arms wide, "Listen here, I beat this demon before, yet she is recruited by the queen."
The people started whispering. It gave me a déjà vu...
"Is it true?"
"We don't have to be that strong?"
"I guess it's because of her connection, who is it again? Lady Hyein?"
I gritted my teeth; they didn't have the right to call her name so carelessly.
"Let's duel, Y/n. Show us how strong a knight should be" Taejoon challenged me. Soobin immediately stepped in, "You don't have to accept it, Y/n. We can leave from here now."
If I refuse, people will think that what Taejoon said is true. It wouldn't be good for Kazuha or Hyein. But if I accept his challenge..., am I truly strong enough to defeat him? If I lose, the consequences will be worse than just refusing from the start.
No, believe in yourself Y/n, you've become a different person. Thanks to them, I've become stronger and wiser. If I ask whether I'm ready, the only one who knows the answer is me.
I was sure that it's not a coincidence that I was able to meet him again. It must meant something.
I stared into Taejoon's eyes, firm and serious. My response to his challenge?
"I'll accept. Let's have a duel."
-
3rd's person POV
"On her very first day setting foot in the kingdom, she's already fighting with someone else. Our new comrade was quite extraordinary indeed," he said playfully.
A group of people from within the kingdom observes what's happening in the field right now.
"Aren't we a bunch of unique folks, Yeonjun-hyung?" This time it's Kai speaking. Upon reflection, what he said was indeed true. They're not just ordinary humans after all.
"Hey, An Yujin, aren't you worried? Your fellow demon could get beaten up badly."
"I think you should be the one worried about your fellow beast, a demon wouldn't lose that easily, Kai," the girl continues flipping through the pages of the book she's reading. Judging from her movements, she doesn't care.
"Oh, a cold girl. I thought being of the same race would make you feel some kind of solidarity. Anyway, where's Chaewon? She hasn't returned yet, is calling Kazuha supposed to be this long?"
Yeonjun dragged a chair nearby and placed it by the window, "No need to worry about that, Kai. How about we enjoy the fighting scene in front of us now?"
-
"The rules are simple, the first one to get knocked out will be declared the loser. Then, whenever both of you ready."
It was Y/n's first time meeting with Soobin, but she envied his calmness. It's either his calmness or he just truly doesn't care about the outcome...
Y/n sighed before speaking to Taejoon, "Hey, let's make a bet. If I win, you'll withdraw from the recruitment process to join the kingdom's forces and never come back. Please set your wager for me."
Taejoon can only grin, "Wow, how confident, I like it. The vibe feels like it's either go big or go home. In that case, if I win, you'll tell the queen to place me in your position. And you, you'll have to be my follower forever."
Yeah, sounds 'fair'.
There's no time to be nervous or back down; Y/n didn't accept the word 'defeat,' so whatever the outcome, she had to emerge as the winner.
Y/n started moving into my fighting stance, followed by him. Her breath steady but her heart racing. The memories of their last encounter haunted her, but she was no longer the same demon Taejoon had nearly killed. She had learned magic thanks to Minji, and she was ready to prove herself.
Without warning, Taejoon launched himself forward. Y/n barely had time to react, summoning a shimmering yet transparent shield just as his claws slashed through the air. Sparks flew as his attack met her barrier, the force of it pushing her back.
He darted around her, searching for an opening. Y/n responded with a burst of flame, forcing him to leap back. Taejoon's speed was terrifying, he moved like a shadow, but Y/n's magic flowed through her veins, giving her strength and precision.
All Y/n had to do was imagine her magic to create some offensive and defensive things. With magic, everything was possible after all.
"You survived," he growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Impressive, for a demon."
Y/n's eyes narrowed, her hands crackling with energy. "This time will be different, Taejoon."
With a flick of her wrist, Y/n summoned a whirlwind of fire, the flames slicing Taejoon's heels. He dodged and weaved nevertheless; his movements almost too fast to follow. But Y/n had prepared for this. She focused, drawing the energy into her spells.
Taejoon lunged again, claws extended. Y/n cast a spell, the ground beneath him erupting with vines that wrapped around his legs. Taejoon roared, tearing through the vines with brute strength. In that moment, Y/n saw her chance.
She channeled her magic, and fire swirled around her, forming a maelstrom. Y/n unleashed her spell. Taejoon tried to dodge and leap, but the magic was relentless. Y/n had set up barriers around him, limiting his movements. As the fire element converged on the beast, his roar was swallowed by the explosion.
Everyone in the field gasped, waiting for the unpredicted result.
As the fire faded, Y/n stood tall, her chest heaving with exertion. Taejoon lay on the ground, defeated but alive. He looked up at her, a total disbelief in his eyes. "You've grown strong, demon, damn it."
Y/n lowered her hands, the magic dissipating. "And I'll keep growing."
-
The atmosphere in the cozy dining room was warm and lively. Y/n sat at the head of the table, surrounded by her housemates. The table was laden with a feast, a mix of traditional dishes and modern delights, prepared to celebrate Y/n's first day at her new job.
Danielle raised her glass, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "To Y/n, for her first day at work! May this be the start of many great things."
"Cheers!" the others echoed, clinking their glasses together.
Y/n smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. Despite the challenges she faced, moments like this made it all worthwhile. The dinner was filled with laughter, stories, and the comforting presence of her friends.
Hanni leaned in, a mischievous glint in her eye. "So, Y/n, any interesting stories from your first day?"
Y/n chuckled, shaking her head. "Not much to tell yet, just a lot of learning and getting settled in," she lied. So many interesting stories happened that day. Starting from her battle with Taejoon, getting to know "The Elites" group she's joining, and knowing an eye-opening fact about Minji.
Haerin nodded thoughtfully. "Still, it's a big step. We're proud of you."
Later that evening, after the plates had been cleared and everyone had retired to their rooms, Y/n found herself lingering in the dining room. She had noticed Minji seemed preoccupied during dinner and decided now was the time to talk.
"Minji," Y/n called softly as she approached her friend, who was tidying up the last of the dishes.
Minji looked up, her expression softening. "Y/n, what's up?"
"Can we talk? Alone?"
Minji nodded, drying her hands on a towel. They moved to the sitting area, the warm glow of the fireplace resulting in shadows on the walls.
Y/n took a deep breath, her curiosity and concern mingling. "I noticed you seemed... different tonight. Is everything okay?"
Minji sighed, her eyes meeting Y/n's with a seriousness that sent a shiver down her spine. "There's something I need to tell you. Something important."
Y/n felt her heart pounding, knowing what Minji was about to say. "I already know about the mission, Minji. The one involving the black-market mastermind."
Minji felt relief. "Yeah, it's to be expected that they inform you about it"
Y/n nodded, her voice gentle. "Yes, and I want to hear it from you. I want to make sure it was true."
Minji's expression softened, "It is. You remember what happened to Dani before, right? I reported it to the higher-ups. That's why kingdom has asked for my help as well, along with your team, to bring down the black market. It's a dangerous mission, but they believe we have the skills to succeed."
Y/n felt a mix of emotions, mostly worry. Just how dangerous it might be for the kingdom to create a special force to handle this case.
Minji is her teacher in combat after all. They had what it takes to succeed, so Y/n felt like she shouldn't worry too much.
"We'll do whatever it takes to bring them down. I'm with you, Minji."
Minji smiled, "Sure, I knew I could count on you, Y/n. Together, we'll make sure justice is served."