After receiving the mission from Briona, everyone immediately set out, with each group scattering in different directions — making it easier to spot and catch the thief faster.

Somchai's group was no different from the others. They also worked hard to track down the mysterious thief's identity. After flying in the sky for a while, they happened to spot another group of mages who were also out on a mission like them. Those people flew right past their group. Everything seemed pretty normal — until...

Those people suddenly showed signs of satisfaction, clearly pleased with having stolen the ancient manuscript. Somchai noticed it right away. But perhaps their speed was too fast, and they quickly left his group behind, making it impossible for them to catch up.

After realizing that they were the culprits, Somchai immediately turned to the others and said:

"Hey! Let's hurry and chase after that group up ahead!"

It seemed like no one understood yet why Somchai said that. So Riccardo asked:

"Why would we chase after them?"

Somchai furrowed his brows with a tense look and answered Riccardo's question:

"Because... they're the ones who stole the manuscript!"

Everyone was surprised and curious when they heard that from Somchai. Seeing their confusion, Cẩm Đan asked him:

"How do you know they're the culprits? Aren't they mages doing the same mission as us?"

Somchai knew everyone was still unsure about this, so he patiently explained:

"You probably didn't realize it, because they disguised themselves way too well — they wore mage cloaks just like ours and infiltrated D Kingdom to get their hands on that precious treasure. And honestly, they might've gotten away with it cleanly... if they hadn't let their satisfaction show after stealing the manuscript — that's how I caught them.
Because, well... I'm sure you all know about my ability to sense magical emotions, right?"

After hearing Somchai's explanation, Annette looked impressed and admiring, and she praised him:

"Wow! I didn't know you were that good!"

Somchai: "Ah, it's nothing special! Anyway, let's focus and go after them now. If not, we'll lose their trail!"

And with that, the whole group sped up and flew as fast as they could after the thieves. Everyone was now fully focused and determined, knowing they had found the true culprits.
Well, everyone except Riccardo — he didn't seem too happy. Just earlier, he had seen Annette praising Somchai with a gleeful and admiring face. That made him a bit jealous.

The reason?
Ever since their time at the academy, Riccardo had always noticed Annette and wanted to get to know her. So when he saw her complimenting another guy in front of him like that — it annoyed him.
But in the end, he had to push those feelings aside. Because right now, the most important thing was catching the ones who stole the ancient manuscript.

After chasing those thieves for quite a long time, the group finally reached the place where they had stopped. They then hid behind some trees and quietly observed the enemy group.
At that moment, Somchai raised his binoculars to his eyes to get a better look — and he noticed some of them positioned high above, holding bows in a ready-to-fire stance.

Anyone who stepped into their area would be immediately spotted and attacked. But behind the trees, where Somchai's group was hiding — that was still a safe zone.

After finishing his observation, Somchai thought to himself:

"Just as I expected. Sneaking in won't be easy at all."

He was clearly anxious and unsure of what to do next. So he turned to the others and asked:

"Hey! Give me some ideas — how should we break into their hideout?"

Cẩm Đan: "Huh? Why don't we just charge straight into their base already? Why waste time thinking?"

Riccardo saw his chance to mock her again, and immediately jumped in:

"You're such a brainless idiot! What the hell is in that head of yours to ask such a dumb question?"

But this time, things didn't go the same way as before. As soon as she heard Riccardo mocking her again, Cẩm Đan instantly landed a punch right in his face and shouted:

"I'm stupid? That's none of your damn business! Shut the hell up!"

Her punch knocked Riccardo to the ground.
But that wasn't the end of it — he wasn't about to back down either. He stood up, clenched his fists, and charged at her while yelling:

"You little brat! You're asking for it!"

Seeing the two of them about to fight for real, the rest of the group quickly jumped in to stop them.