Old and nearing decrepit, that’s the life Mr. Holm was leading these days. Or at least that’s what the children liked to whisper whenever they thought he was out of earshot.

Long ago Mr. Holm had been a solo adventurer, taking on the toughest missions the guild association posted. Rogue organizations stirring up trouble? Shadow beasts from another realm? None of it was out of his wheelhouse, but he decided to leave it behind. Holm never cared for recognition, he simply wanted to fade into history and teach magic fundamentals to children of a quiet village.

Suddenly a pair of adventurers with nefarious plans strolled into town. Once Mr. Holm learned that one of his students had been abducted, it evolved into a dire situation and a race against time. Now it falls to him—someone the village thinks is Gold rank—to confront a Sapphire and Emerald rank.

They have no idea who they’ve just provoked. Mr. Holm hasn’t had to remind the world of his power in a very, very long time.