《The Life of a Battlemage》


 1. Legionary Service

    Everything was blurry. A dull, searing pain stretched across Rifi''s chest, each breath a struggle. The faintest whisper, almost as if carried on the wind, brushed his ear¡ª"Please, live." Then, a thud, heavy and final, landed on top of him, followed by a lifeless face, eyes dimmed forever.


    Rifi jolted awake, drenched in sweat. The words echoed in his mind, refusing to fade. "Please, live." He lay still, staring up at the dark, cracked ceiling of his small room, heart pounding, chest heaving as he struggled to pull himself from the clutches of the dream.


    The night outside was calm, but sleep eluded him. He pushed back the thin, worn blanket and stood, walking toward the open window. The air was crisp, and the stars above blinked down at him indifferently, the sky so serene in contrast to the turmoil that simmered within. This was his last night in the cramped room he had called home for the past year¡ªfour plain walls, barely enough space for the essentials. Yet, despite its simplicity, it was the best place he''d had in years. A place of safety, at least for a time.


    His hand moved unconsciously, tracing the jagged scar that ran from his right shoulder down to his abdomen. The sensation was familiar, a constant reminder of the battle that almost claimed him.


    "Will I survive another year? Or will I join the others soon?" The thought lingered, heavy. "Would they be proud of my breakthrough to the Brown core?"


    He mused over his progress. The world of magic was divided into ten core ranks: Black, Brown, Purple, Blue, Green, Red, Orange, Yellow, Grey, and White¡ªthe last, a rank so mythical that it was spoken of only in legend.


    Rifi had only just begun his journey, recently advancing to the Brown core. But for those like him, a lone soul with no connections, no powerful lineage to guide or protect him, the road ahead was treacherous. Most who started the path did not live to see it through.


    He had no family, no one to anchor him to this world. They had long since departed, taken by war, disease, or the brutality of life in Hepestus. Awakening as a mage a year ago had been both a blessing and a curse. The City-State''s recruitment had given him a chance, pulling him from the brink of starvation, offering a path, however dangerous. It had provided him with two mana stones each month, along with basic training in swordsmanship and magic. But the cost? A year of mandatory service on the front lines.


    "Still, I should be grateful," he whispered to the night air. "The stones helped. And free training? There''s no such thing as free in this world."


    As the stars faded into the growing light of dawn, Rifi''s thoughts darkened. Today marked the beginning of his true trial. He would head to the northern barracks, where recruits like him, poor and without influence, would be assigned to the most dangerous posts. It was no secret that the northern border, plagued by frequent beast attacks, claimed the lives of many young legionaries. His chances of survival were slim, yet he couldn''t afford to falter.


    The streets of Hepestus were quiet as he made his way toward the barracks. The occasional guard patrolled the cobbled streets, and early risers hurried toward their daily work. Among them, other recruits, some with looks of grim determination, others with nervous smiles. Most were like Rifi¡ªunsure, yet bound by the same fate.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings."How many of us will return as corpses?" Rifi muttered, his lips curling into a bitter smile. "We already look like them, some of us."


    The barracks loomed ahead, an imposing structure that seemed to swallow the light of the rising sun. Hundreds of recruits gathered in the yard, surrounded by hardened legionaries who eyed them with the detached scrutiny of those who had seen too many come and go.


    A Centurion, towering and broad, stepped onto a raised platform, his voice amplified with magic.


    "Recruits!" His voice boomed, silencing the crowd. "Today, you become Legionaries of Hepestus. Take pride in this. The city will provide you with one mana stone per week. Use it wisely. With greater rank and duty comes greater pay."


    His eyes swept over them, cold and calculating. "Now, form lines and receive your assignments."


    Rifi, as was his way, waited for the crowds to thin before stepping forward. He disliked crowds¡ªtoo many people, too much noise. He approached a legionary sitting at a table, handing over his papers with quiet apprehension.


    The older man glanced at the documents, then up at Rifi with a sharp, discerning eye. "What do we have here? Rifi... it says you''ve got hunting experience. Is that true? I don''t need another lying fool in my ranks."


    Rifi offered a nervous smile. "Yes, sir. I''ve hunted since I was young¡ªsurvival depended on it."


    The legionary held his gaze for a moment before grunting in approval. "Good. I hope for your sake that''s true. Since you''ve broken into the Brown core, I''ll assign you to a scouting squad." He pushed a small bundle toward Rifi. "Here''s your uniform and standard equipment. Report to Rudeus over there." He pointed toward a small group of mages standing off to the side.


    Rifi took the uniform, fingers brushing over the leather straps and the sword hilt. It wasn''t anything remarkable, but to him, it was the finest gear he had ever laid hands on. His mind wandered, wondering how much all this had cost the city¡ª


    "You can admire your sword later," the old legionary barked with a laugh. "Move along, I''ve got others to deal with."


    Rifi nodded, adjusting his grip on the uniform, and made his way toward the group. As he neared, a rugged man with a serious expression stepped forward, saving Rifi from the awkwardness of introductions.


    "It seems our last member has arrived," the man said, his voice rough but not unkind. "A Brown core mage and a hunter to boot. Better than a green recruit, eh? At least this one might last longer than a week." He chuckled, and the others joined in with laughter that rang out, though laced with a kind of grim acceptance.


    Rifi forced a smile. "I''m Rifi," he said, voice quieter than he intended. "I hope I can meet your expectations."


    Rudeus clapped him on the shoulder. "Relax. No need to be so formal. I''m Rudeus, five years in the Legion, and a peak Purple core mage. These are Lucilia, Albus, and Julius. All early or mid-Purple core mages. You''ll get to know them soon enough. For now, we need to move. Time''s short."


    And just like that, Rifi''s life as a Legionary began. There was no time to process the magnitude of the change. By the time he gathered his bearings, they were already on the march toward the northern border.


    As scouts, it would be their job to lead the larger group, ensuring the path was clear of ambushes. It was a dangerous assignment, but Rifi didn''t dwell on it. He simply fell into step, listening as Rudeus filled him in on the basics. The legionaries they led were mostly new recruits like him, all bound to this grueling life.


    His thoughts drifted to his lightning magic¡ªan element rare and difficult to master. Most lightning mages died young, unable to harness the volatile power of their magic. It required a tremendous amount of mana just to conjure a single bolt, and Rifi''s abilities, at this stage, were limited.


    The only thing he could do with his lightning that yielded good resutls, was enhance his speed, but this required a lot of concentration on his part, sending just the right amounts of lightning mana through his brain and nerves. If he overdid it, it would hurt a lot and he would start going numb. But he had already decided that pain or no pain, he would temper his body alongside his magic. Where others saw risk, Rifi saw a challenge.


    After all, he had survived this long.

 2. Duties of a border scout

    Five days had passed since they began their march, the distant border camp finally coming into view. The weariness of travel hung on Rifi''s shoulders, but even exhaustion couldn''t dull the steady thrum of his heightened senses. His eyes scanned the horizon, searching for any sign of danger, though none had appeared on the journey.


    Rudeus chuckled, his voice carrying a rare note of relief. "It seems our newest member brought us a bit of luck. Not a single beast spotted along the way." He clapped Rifi on the back, his grip firm. "But don''t get comfortable, Rifi. Fortune doesn''t last. A few months ago, this camp had nearly three hundred legionaries. We''re down to two hundred now. Don''t go joining the dead ones and leaving me to find another recruit. I''ll make your afterlife miserable, newbie!"


    Rifi smiled, though his mind lingered on the unspoken truth behind Rudeus'' jest. Every day brought the threat of death, and the border was unforgiving.


    Albus, walking alongside them, grunted. "Lucky this time. Next time, the newbie''ll probably get us killed." He cast a sideways glance at Rifi, suspicion clear in his eyes. "You sure we have to take him, Captain?"


    Rudeus sighed, though his smirk remained. "Since you''re so fond of him, Albus, you''ll be the one showing him the ropes in camp. Share your tent with him too."


    Lucilia snorted, crossing her arms with a playful glint in her eyes. "Big dumb Albus, always volunteering himself."


    Albus shot her a dark look as Lucilia stuck out her tongue at him, clearly pleased with herself. Julius, ever the peacemaker, grinned at Rifi from across the group.


    "Don''t let Albus scare you, Rifi," Julius said with a reassuring smile. "Once you get to know him, you''ll see he''s just a big, angry teddy bear."


    Rifi nodded, grateful for Julius'' attempt to ease the tension, though Albus merely grumbled something incoherent under his breath.


    As they reached the encampment''s entrance, Rudeus turned back to address the group once more. "Rest up. The day after tomorrow, we head out on our weekly scout mission. Make sure to eat well while you can. The next few days might be your last chance to enjoy decent food."


    Rifi had learned much during the journey to the border. As scouts, their duty was to map the territory, track the movements of mana beasts, and report any unusual activity back to the main camp. It was a dangerous job, but it came with certain advantages¡ªslightly better pay than the average border legionary, and an extra mana stone every second week.


    Albus led Rifi around the camp without much enthusiasm, gesturing to the main hall where the legionaries ate and pointing toward the cluster of small tents where their scouting party would reside. He made little effort to hide his annoyance, muttering about finding Lucilia as he left Rifi to settle in on his own.


    Rifi glanced around at the bustling camp, noting the contrast between the veterans and the fresh-faced recruits. Rudeus had his own larger tent near the command center, his five years of service and rank as a peak Purple core mage affording him more comfort than the rest. Most of the other legionaries, however, weren''t so fortunate. The majority were Black core mages, their abilities still limited despite their late or peak-stage advancements. There were only a handful of Purple core mages among the two hundred, well now almost five hundred stationed here.


    As Rifi unpacked in the tent he now shared with Albus, his thoughts wandered. The encampment, though remote and isolated, wasn''t entirely safe. Mana beasts roamed these lands in search of mana veins, just as men did, and casualties were high. Everything in this world revolved around the elusive veins and the mana stones they produced, a resource coveted by beasts and humans alike. It was a cruel balance, one Rifi knew all too well¡ªthe scar across his chest a daily reminder of the wars fought over these veins.


    With nothing else to occupy him, Rifi decided to cultivate. Sitting cross-legged on the hard ground, he closed his eyes and began drawing mana into his core. But something felt different. The ambient mana surrounding him seemed to flow toward him with an urgency he hadn''t felt before, as if it were being drawn to him more quickly, more eagerly.


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    Rifi frowned, unsure of what this meant. Without the guidance of a clan or elders to teach him, he had no knowledge of advanced cultivation techniques. He was forced to walk this path alone, one step at a time.


    Days passed. Rifi had joined his scout team, venturing out into the wilds surrounding the camp. Their task was simple: map the territory, mark beast activity, and avoid drawing too much attention from the creatures that roamed the northern border. They had encountered a few tier-one beasts along the way, easy enough for Albus to dispatch with his earth magic. Despite his gruff attitude, Albus was strong¡ªstronger than Rifi had realized. Earth magic was versatile, and Albus wielded it with precision and power.


    Rifi observed in silence, noting how Albus could shield the group with a mere flick of his hand, raising walls of stone to block attacks or crush smaller beasts. In contrast, Rifi''s lightning magic, though potent, was still raw and inefficient. Where Albus could manipulate his element with ease, Rifi had to carefully control every spark of lightning that ran through his body. His element was dangerous, unpredictable, and lethal¡ªbut only if mastered.


    Lucilia''s wind magic added mobility to their group, and Julius'' water element provided support in combat. Rudeus, with his fire magic, was their leader, and the one to put out the constant verbal fires between Lucilia and Albus. Despite their bickering, the group worked well together, and over time, even Albus began to warm to Rifi.


    It was Rifi''s knowledge of hunting and tracking that earned him a grudging respect. His sharp eyes and mastery of the Battle Eye technique allowed him to spot distant threats before they came too close, preventing ambushes that could have ended in disaster. His lightning-enhanced eyesight gave him an advantage during the day, and at night, Rudeus took over, his fire-enhanced vision cutting through the dark.


    Weeks passed, and Rifi felt himself growing stronger. He''d broken through to the middle Brown core, his control over his mana improving with each passing day. He had learned how to infuse his body with just the right amount of lightning mana, enhancing his speed and reactions without overloading his nerves. It was a fine balance¡ªtoo little, and he gained nothing. Too much, and the pain was excruciating. But Rifi welcomed the pain. It was the price of survival, and he was willing to pay it.


    Each time he felt that his pain treshhold increased if only by a little. This in turn increased the amount of lightning mana he could use to enhance his muscles. At the rank Rifi was, this was basically his only option. At lower ranks he didnt have a dense enough mana for ranged lightning attacks, at most he could muster a lightning bolt to travel half a meter at full strength.


    He also learned to conserve his energy, only using lightning mana when absolutely necessary. Most of the time, he fought with unenhanced-raw elementless mana, relying on his physical training and instincts. Lightning was a last resort, a weapon to be used only when he was ready to strike decisively.


    The bond between the group deepened over time, forged in blood and battle. When a tier-three beast nearly decapitated Rifi, it was Albus who leaped in to save him, nearly losing his arm in the process. When a tier-two eagle beast ambushed Lucilia, it was Rifi who pushed her out of the way just in time, taking the brunt of the attack himself.


    Slowly, Rifi earned the trust of his comrades. Even Albus, once skeptical, began to rely on him during missions. Lucilia and Albus had grown up in the same village, and Julius, with his quiet determination, revealed that he was fighting to support his ailing mother. Rudeus spoke of his wife and child, the family he was protecting with every mission. They were all bound by their struggles, their stories weaving together in the crucible of war.


    One month had passed when disaster struck.


    The team had been scouting the northern perimeter when they came across a terrifying sight: a vast horde of beasts, moving as one toward the border. The ground trembled beneath their feet as the creatures surged forward, a chaotic mix of species that should have been tearing each other apart.


    Rudeus'' face darkened as he watched the mass of beasts. "This isn''t good. A horde this size is unheard of. We need to report this to the base commander immediately."


    Albus stared at the horde in confusion. "Why are they moving together? Beasts don''t do that¡­ they''re territorial. They fight each other!"


    "Exactly," Rudeus said, his tone grim. "Something is forcing them to cooperate. Whatever it is, we''re in serious trouble."


    Lucilia glanced nervously at Rifi. "We need to get our gear from the outpost before it''s too late."


    Rudeus nodded, eyes still locked on the distant horde. "Grab everything. We don''t know when¡ªor if¡ªwe''ll be coming back. Let''s move."


    Without another word, the team bolted toward their outpost, their bodies fueled by mana as they raced against the clock.

 3. The Ambush

    The team raced behind Rudeus, their movements swift and focused. Urgency pressed down on them like a weight. The faster they reported the approaching beast horde, the sooner the City-State could send reinforcements. And those reinforcements were desperately needed. The sight of so many creatures, moving as one, left little doubt in their minds¡ªthis was no ordinary migration.


    The small outpost where they kept their supplies was just ahead, barely visible through the trees. But in an instant, everything changed.


    A shadow blurred through the trees, and the next moment, Rudeus was on the ground, a powerful creature pinning him beneath its weight. The sound of flesh and bone colliding echoed through the clearing as the creature gnawed at his arm.


    Albus dropped to the earth, his hand hovering just above the ground as he channeled earth mana into his body. His upper torso became encased in thick rock, transforming him into a living fortress. With a mighty roar, he slammed into the beast¡ªa massive black panther¡ªknocking it off Rudeus and sending it tumbling a few meters away.


    Rifi and Luciana followed immediately. Lightning crackled along the edge of Rifi''s sword as he slashed toward the panther''s flank. But the creature was too fast. It dodged with feline grace, its tail whipping out and striking Rifi with such force that it sent him crashing into a nearby tree. Pain exploded in his side as he gasped for breath.


    Luciana, agile and determined, lunged at the panther with her twin daggers, aiming for its head. But the beast twisted, its movements too fluid to be caught so easily. One swipe of its claws left a deep gash across Luciana''s chest, and she crumpled to the ground, blood pouring from the wound.


    Julius rushed to Rudeus, hands glowing with water mana as he worked feverishly to heal the commander''s injuries. Rudeus'' natural mana had already begun to close the worst of the wounds, but it wasn''t enough. His right arm was gone¡ªcompletely severed at the shoulder¡ªand four jagged claw marks marred his chest. Julius'' hands trembled as he stemmed the flow of blood, reconnecting veins and tissue with precise, practiced movements.


    The chaos around them swirled as Albus charged the panther again, his voice hoarse with fury. "You filthy beast! I''m your opponent! Don''t you dare touch her again!"


    At the same time, Julius saw Liciliana fall two meters right of him, blood gushing everywhere. He started running to her, panicking as he saw the amount of blood she was losing. She was falling out of consciousness right there in front of him. He infused both of his hands with his water mana.


    The panther''s eyes gleamed with malevolent intelligence. It dodged Albus'' attack, sinking its fangs into his side with a sickening crunch. Albus'' ribs cracked beneath the pressure, but his earth shield held, preventing the creature from tearing into him. The panther then swiped its paw, hurling Albus back toward Rudeus.


    Rifi staggered to his feet, chest heaving as he sprinted toward the panther. But the beast had already sensed the healer''s importance. Ignoring Rifi, it pounced toward Julius, intent on ending the healing that was keeping its prey alive.


    "Jul¡ª!" Rifi tried to shout, but his voice caught in his throat, helplessness taking hold as the panther''s jaws closed around Julius'' head.


    For a heartbeat, time seemed to freeze. Rifi saw the tear in Julius'' eye, a single tear of fear and regret, before the panther swallowed his head whole.


    "NO!" Rifi''s scream tore from his chest as Albus lunged in one final act of desperation. His sword plunged deep beneath the panther''s front leg, the blade missing the heart by mere inches. The panther screeched in pain but retaliated swiftly, sinking its teeth into Albus'' throat. Rifi''s blood ran cold as he watched the light fade from Albus'' eyes.


    They were all dead or heavily injured. Only he remained.


    Rifi''s mind raced, panic flooding every corner of his being. He was no match for this beast. Run. The thought whispered in his mind, tempting him. Survive.


    But another voice, stronger and steadier, cut through the fear. STOP. Think... think...


    He forced himself to breathe. His hands trembled as he drew his two daggers, infusing them with his lightning mana. Already more than half of his reserves were gone. He had one chance¡ªone moment to turn the tide.


    Summoning every ounce of strength left in his battered body, Rifi charged. His muscles screamed in protest, lightning coursing through them until they threatened to tear apart. When he was close enough, he threw both daggers with blistering speed and precision.


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    The panther dodged the first blade, but the second struck its paw. Lightning exploded upon impact, stunning the creature just long enough to leave its defenses open. Rifi seized the moment, closing the distance and slashing at the panther''s side. But his triumph was short-lived. The blade barely penetrated the thick hide, cutting only a few centimeters deep.


    With a powerful swipe, the panther sent Rifi flying across the clearing, his ribs cracking under the impact. Pain coursed through him as he lay on the ground, struggling to breathe. The beast loomed over him, its eyes gleaming with predatory intent. It pounced, mouth open, aiming to crush his skull in one final blow.


    But Rifi had been waiting for this.


    At the last second, a bolt of lightning shot from his outstretched hand, striking the panther''s head. The creature froze, stunned for just mere moments. But that small moment was all Rifi needed.


    With the last of his mana, he thrust his sword upward. The panther''s momentum carried it straight into the blade. The sword pierced through its mouth and into its brain. The beast let out a final, pitiful whine before collapsing on top of him, its massive body crushing Rifi beneath its weight.


    Darkness crept at the edges of his vision. His core was empty, his body shattered. This is it, he thought. I''m going to die. The familiar whisper echoed faintly in his ears¡ª"Please, live."


    And then, nothing.


    Rifi awoke to silence, the weight of the panther''s corpse still pressing down on him. His body was broken, but he was alive. Barely.


    Mana was flowing into him. Slowly, almost imperceptibly, but it was enough to keep him from slipping into the void. The words escaped his lips in a soft whisper, "Please, live."


    Painstakingly, he crawled out from under the panther and made his way toward Rudeus and Luciana. Rudeus'' eyes widened in disbelief as Rifi approached, dragging his battered body across the ground.


    "How... how are you still alive?" Rudeus rasped, barely able to stand himself.


    Rifi gave a weak, bitter smile. "I was lucky. It got careless in the end." He lowered his gaze, shame flooding him as tears began to fall. "I''m sorry."


    Rudeus frowned. "Sorry for what? Stop crying, we''ll need all the water we can get if we''re going to make it back to camp alive." His voice softened, though it still carried its usual roughness. "Neither of us could save them. We were too weak. But we''re still breathing, and that means there''s hope. Now come on, help me with Luciana. She''s lost a lot of blood, but we can save her."


    Rifi nodded, steeling himself. "You''re right, Captain. I won''t let you down again." His left hand was numb from the lightning overcharge, but he forced himself to keep moving. With broken ribs and searing pain in every step, he lifted Luciana onto his back, while Rudeus helped as much as he could.


    They staggered through the forest, moving slowly but steadily until they were met by another scout team. The scouts had been dispatched after spotting the horde and were relieved to find survivors. Two of them helped Rifi and Rudeus back to camp, while the others were sent to retrieve the panther''s body¡ªa tier-four beast was valuable, even in death.


    At the camp, Rifi and Luciana were rushed to the infirmary. Rudeus'' arm was lost for good, but Luciana and Rifi were expected to recover fully, though if they had been a few minutes later, Luciana would have surely died from blood loss.


    Luciliana woke not long after, her eyes bleary as she took in the room. She smiled weakly at Rudeus. "I''m so happy you''re alive, Captain. I thought... I thought we were all done for. Where are the others?" Her eyes searched the room.


    Rudeus glanced at Rifi before turning back to Luciana. "I''m glad you''re alive too. But... Albus and Julius... they didn''t make it."


    Luciana''s face twisted in confusion, her voice breaking. "I... what? How?"


    Rifi, unable to meet her gaze, spoke quietly. "I''m sorry, Lucie. I couldn''t save them. The panther... it was too strong. Julius saved you, and Albus managed to injure the beast, giving us a chance. But I wasn''t fast enough. They fought bravely, like heroes."


    Luciana buried her face in her pillow, soft sobs escaping between gasps of breath. "I know you did your best," she whispered through her tears. "


    Rifi and Rudeus exchanged a glance, both struggling to hold back theirs.


    At that moment, the flap of the infirmary tent rustled, and the Commander of the encampment strode in, his presence commanding immediate attention. His sharp gaze swept over the room, settling on Rudeus. "So, you''re the mages responsible for taking down a tier-four beast?" His voice was stern, laced with incredulity. "A peak Purple core Fire mage, I see. It''s impressive, though not entirely unheard of for someone of your rank. And with your entire team, no less."


    His eyes lingered on Rudeus, as if weighing the unspoken details.


    Rudeus, despite his injuries, stood up and bowed. Rifi quickly followed suit, his movements slow and pained. Luciana, unable to rise, gave a faint nod from her cot. Rudeus scratched the back of his head awkwardly with his remaining hand, offering a rueful smile. "I''m afraid it wasn''t quite that heroic, Commander. It was Rifi who secured the kill. I... was barely useful in the end."


    The Commander''s brow furrowed, his thoughts apparent in the brief silence that followed. Taking down a beast two whole ranks above him... not an easy feat, especially for a lightning mage. But what a waste. The lightning element is too volatile, too limited. I thought there might be potential here, perhaps even a future Battlemage or Spellbound... He clicked his tongue silently in disappointment before addressing the group again.


    "Well, regardless of the details, your team has earned its reward. And I hope this is only the beginning of what you''ll accomplish for Hepestus. We''re always in need of mages who show both power and ambition." His voice softened, but still held authority. "Rest up. I''ll expect a full report later today, and then you''ll receive your next assignment. I came here personally to commend you on your achievement. Well done."


    Rudeus managed a polite smile, inclining his head. "Thank you, Commander. I''ll deliver the report myself as soon as it''s ready."

 4. Preperations for the beast horde

    The encampment was a hive of activity, buzzing with the tension of impending battle. Reinforcements had arrived swiftly, nearly tripling the camp''s numbers overnight. Mages in fresh armor, battle-hardened veterans, and eager Clan attack squads gathered, all looking to prove themselves and earn the favor of the City Lord. The air was thick with the hum of mana and the clatter of preparation.


    Rifi stood alone now, the last of his original team still in the encampment. Rudeus and Luciliana had been sent back to the City-State to recuperate, their injuries too severe for them to remain on the frontlines. But before they left, the team had been rewarded with a hundred mana stones for their victory over the tier-four panther¡ªa sizable reward, though less than what the carcass would have fetched in the market due to heavy service taxes. Still, the hundred stones were enough, equivalent to four months'' pay for a Purple core scout.


    They had agreed to divide the reward equally¡ªtwenty mana stones each, including shares for their fallen comrades. Rudeus had promised to deliver Julius'' share to his mother, while Luciliana would return with Albus'' portion to their village. It was a small gesture, but it was all they could do for their fallen brothers-in-arms. Before they parted ways, the three had made a quiet promise: to meet again in the City, if fate allowed. Now, Rifi remained, preparing for the battle ahead.


    A week had passed since the fight with the panther, and still, the beast horde had not arrived. Speculation ran rampant in the camp¡ªsome believed a beast leader had emerged, slowing the horde''s advance as it gathered more creatures under its command. Others thought something even more dangerous was at play, but no one knew for certain. What was clear was that the delay granted Rifi precious time to cultivate his magic.


    His reward was nearly spent. The mana stones he''d received had almost all been absorbed, and he now stood at the late stage of the Brown core, just on the edge of a breakthrough to peak core. Most mages would take weeks, even months, to absorb that many mana stones, but Rifi''s body seemed to pull the mana in at an alarming rate, a change he had noticed ever since the life-and-death battle with the panther. Whether it was the result of his near-death experience or the constant tempering of his body, Rifi wasn''t sure, but he wasn''t complaining.


    Still, he couldn''t afford to neglect his duties. Though he hadn''t been assigned to a new team, he had been tasked with helping strengthen the camp''s defenses. Alongside the other legionaries, Rifi spent hours building sturdier palisades and digging deeper moats, not just around the encampment, but extending outward to fortify much of the northern border. It was vital to hold the line here. Failure would mean the horde spilling into the City-State''s territory, destroying farms and villages, threatening the lives of countless civilians. The City Lord understood the stakes, which was why he had sent an Orange core elder to oversee the defense, along with rumors of several battlemages being stationed nearby¡ªa first for a beast horde of this magnitude.


    Rifi had just returned from a night shift, his body weary but his mind focused. He was about to begin his cultivation when the alarm bells rang out, piercing the stillness of the night. Without hesitation, he grabbed his gear and rushed to his assigned position. He was stationed a few kilometers outside the main encampment, in a thinly spread line of forty mages. Five were Purple core, the rest¡ªlike Rifi¡ªwere Brown core or below. They all knew their orders: slow the horde''s advance and hold the line until the attack squad arrived.


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    As the ground began to rumble with the approach of the horde, the Purple core mages acted first. They unleashed their long-range spells, filling the sky with dazzling trails of fire and ice. Fireballs roared through the night, each one followed by shimmering icicles that hissed as they sliced through the air. The first beasts hit the palisades with sickening thuds, impaled on the spikes as the magic rained down upon them.


    Rifi''s sword crackled with lightning as he threw himself into the fray, his blade cutting through low-tier beasts like butter. The arc of lightning that danced along the blade illuminated the darkness, casting brief flashes of light that revealed the carnage unfolding around him. Screams for help echoed in the night, some cut off before they were fully voiced. His comrades fought fiercely, but even with the lesser beasts attacking, there were casualties. It was chaos, and yet Rifi''s focus was razor-sharp. His sword moved with lethal precision, the lightning pushing his body beyond its natural limits.


    But even as the last of the beasts fell, Rifi''s mind remained unsettled. The cheers of his fellow legionaries rang hollow in his ears. This wasn''t the real battle. It couldn''t be. A probing attack, Rifi thought grimly, meant to test their defenses. The real battle had yet to come.


    Will we even last long enough for the attack squad to arrive? Rifi wondered, his eyes narrowing in thought. He needed to recover his mana, and fast. The next wave could be upon them at any moment, and there was no telling how much stronger it would be. He had a gnawing sense of dread that something far worse was on its way.


    He withdrew from the others, retreating to a quiet spot to cultivate. Two remaining mana stones glowed in his hands as he began to absorb them. He could feel the mana flooding into his core, but his progress was stalling. He had reached the peak of the Brown core. Finally, he thought, wiping the sweat from his brow. But this was only the beginning. The hard part still lay ahead¡ªhe needed to break through to the Purple core.


    Rifi sighed, knowing the challenge that awaited him. Each rank in magic was exponentially harder to achieve than the last. For many mages, breaking through to a new core rank was the struggle of a lifetime. Some even risked a second Awakening, though most who attempted it died when their core shattered under the strain.


    His brow furrowed in thought. I have enough mana stones left... and with the ambient mana circulating naturally toward my core, maybe I can push through. The idea was dangerous, but he had no other choice. This battle could be his last if he didn''t take the risk.


    Rudeus'' words echoed in his mind: We can only blame ourselves for being too weak. Rifi smiled grimly. "You''re right, Captain," he muttered. "I can''t afford to hesitate. Not now."


    He made up his mind. Drawing the last of his mana stones, Rifi began to absorb them, pooling the mana around his core. The pressure built slowly, forming a whirlpool of energy within him. His core strained under the weight of it, refusing to budge. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he grit his teeth, focusing all of his willpower on compressing the mana.


    The pain was excruciating. His body screamed in agony, every nerve alight with fire. If he lost focus, even for a second, the mana would expand, and his core would shatter, killing him instantly. But Rifi didn''t stop. He pushed himself to the brink, his vision blurring as he fought to maintain control.


    Then, just as his will began to waver, the mana in his core shifted. The familiar brown hue changed, deepening into a rich purple. The pain vanished in an instant, replaced by a profound sense of calm. A small, triumphant smile crossed Rifi''s face¡ªjust before his body gave out and he lost consciousness.

 5. Preperations for the beast horde (2)

    Rifi stirred to the sound of someone shouting, the grogginess of deep sleep clinging to him. A rough hand shook his shoulder. He blinked, barely registering the voice of his new captain cutting through the haze.


    "Hey! Eeeeey, you lazy bastard! Planning to sleep through the whole horde attack, are we? Not even showing up for today''s headcount? You''d better¡ª" The man stopped mid-sentence, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the faint glow of Rifi''s pupils.


    Steven, his captain, crouched down to get a better look, his brows shooting up. "Well, I''ll be damned. Maybe you''re not as lazy as I thought, huh?" He let out a deep, booming laugh that filled the tent.


    Rifi blinked, still adjusting to the realization that his breakthrough had been real. His body hummed with the new power coursing through him. Slowly, he got to his feet, the purple hue in his eyes fading back to normal. "Sorry, Captain. Didn''t mean to sleep so long. Guess I was more exhausted than I realized."


    Steven waved his hand dismissively. "Don''t sweat it. You''re a Purple core mage now, and that''s a hell of a lot more important than missing roll call." His lips curled into a smirk. "I bet Gaius will lose his mind when he hears about it." As he headed for the tent''s entrance, he called back over his shoulder, "Come on. Now that you''ve hit Purple core, we''re gonna change up our defense strategy. The others have been waiting anyway¡ªprobably hoping to watch me chew you out."


    Rifi followed him outside, feeling the weight of his new rank settle on his shoulders. The encampment buzzed with activity, and as they approached the central tent, he spotted the other Purple core mages huddled around a small table, poring over maps. Gaius and Otto, the fire mages from the last battle, stood on one side, while Noah and Oliver, the ice mages, flanked the other. All familiar faces from yesterday''s fight.


    As the group turned to face them, Steven slapped Rifi on the back. "Look who I found¡ªour lazy friend," he said with a mischievous grin. "Or is he lazy? Turns out the bastard was just too tired from breaking through to Purple core."


    Rifi smiled nervously, offering a small wave. "Uh, hello. Rifi''s the name."


    For a moment, the others just stared, then Gaius clicked his tongue, disappointment flashing across his face. "Tch, guess we''re not getting any fun today. We were expecting a good roasting."


    Oliver shot him a glare. "Maybe you were, you crazy pyromaniac. Some of us aren''t sadistic creeps."


    Gaius smirked. "Didn''t seem like you minded that burn on your face last time. You look like you''re asking for another."


    Before their bickering could escalate, Steven stepped between them, rolling his eyes. "Enough, you two. Save it for the beasts. We''ve got some good news, and I''m not letting you ruin it. Let''s get down to business." He gestured for Rifi to join them at the table. "Alright, Rifi, now that you''re a Purple core mage, we need to make adjustments. Tell us about your abilities¡ªat least your element¡ªso we can plan around it."


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    Rifi rubbed the back of his neck, slightly embarrassed. "Well, I have to disappoint you. My element is lightning, so I don''t have any real ranged attacks. I''m purely melee. I can fire a few lightning bolts, but they only reach a meter or two. What I''m best at is body enhancement¡ªlightning really shines in that regard."


    Gaius shot him a skeptical look, but Steven just nodded. "A shame, but a Purple core is still a Purple core, even with lightning. We could''ve used more ranged power, but it is what it is. I''m guessing you can at least light fires with it?"


    Rifi nodded. "Yeah, as long as there''s something flammable."


    "Good." Steven looked relieved. "You''ve all heard the defensive plan. When the front line breaks, we''re going to ignite the black water barrels placed behind the walls. Rifi, be careful. That stuff is highly explosive. You''ll need to ignite it from at least ten meters away¡ªany closer, and you might not walk away from it." He glanced at the map, then continued. "Lead your legionaries to the second line of defense. The fire should buy us a few minutes to take out the beasts that make it through the palisades. We''ll need to hold until the attack squad arrives. We''ll be spread out across the front line, with fire-element Brown cores assisting you, just in case."


    Steven pointed to specific locations on the map. "Rifi, you''ll take the left flank. I''ll be near the center with Otto, and Gaius will take the right. Noah and Oliver, you''re free to move where support is needed. Timing is crucial¡ªmake sure you ignite your barrels at the same time. The fire has to spread evenly across the line, or we''ll leave gaps for the beasts to flood through. Once the fire is up, we''ll move to reinforce the weakest points. Everyone in agreement?"


    The group nodded in unison.


    Steven clapped his hands together, his face splitting into a grin. "Good. Now let''s get to work. The next attack''s going to be messy, no doubt about it. Stick to the plan, and maybe we''ll live to see another day." He slapped the table. "Alright, move out! And make sure those legionaries are ready¡ªthe beasts aren''t going to kill themselves."


    Rifi left the central tent and began inspecting the defenses assigned to his flank. The palisades had been repaired since yesterday''s skirmish, and the black water barrels stood ready behind the walls. Everything looked secure¡ªthe legionaries had worked quickly to replace any damage. Only the bloodstains on the ground remained as evidence of the earlier battle.


    The plan is solid, Rifi thought as he surveyed the area. With five Purple core mages spread across the front, each covering roughly fifty meters, their defense seemed manageable. The presence of fire-element Brown cores would make igniting the black water easier, taking some pressure off him. For the first time in days, Rifi felt a flicker of confidence.


    But it was short-lived.


    The familiar nightmare of his near-death experience crept into his thoughts, the haunting whisper of "please, live" echoing in his mind. It was a reminder that death had nearly claimed him once, and it was always lurking nearby. No matter how solid the plan was, nothing could prepare him for the sheer unpredictability of battle.


    "Tch." He sighed, glancing toward the horizon. I want to train, but I have to be ready for the next attack. Can''t risk not being in peak condition.


    His fingers brushed against the scar that marked his chest, the memory of his close encounter with death as vivid as ever. I''ll stay true to her last words. A little longer.


    As if on cue, the alarm bells sounded once more.


    Rifi''s heart thudded in his chest as he rushed to his position. The ground trembled beneath his feet, the sky darkening with the sheer number of beasts approaching. This time, the horde was larger, far more terrifying than before. The sound of their roars filled the air, a cacophony that sent shivers down his spine.


    But Rifi''s resolve held. His eyes shone with fierce determination as the wave of beasts surged toward them.


    "Haha, come at me," he muttered under his breath, a grim smile tugging at his lips. I welcome your try, Death.

 6. The Horde Attacks

    A crazed laugh, teetering on the edge of madness, pierced the tense silence. The legionaries, frozen by the sight of the approaching beast horde, turned toward the source of the sound. It was Rifi, their leader for this desperate defense, standing with a strange, serene calm.


    "I welcome your try, Death. Come at me," Rifi muttered softly, his words carrying a strange reassurance despite the madness of the situation.


    The five legionaries near him exchanged uneasy glances. Is this guy insane? But insanity, they realized, might be exactly what they needed to survive the impending nightmare. They didn''t know much about their temporary captain¡ªonly that he''d recently broken through to Purple core and had fought on the frontlines just nights ago. But with the horde closing in, none of that mattered. The sight before them¡ªan endless sea of beasts¡ªwas enough to stir despair in even the bravest heart.


    Rifi''s voice snapped them out of their daze. "I know you''re scared," he began, his tone steady and resolute. "I''m scared too. Life and death¡ªthose sick bastards¡ªlove to toy with us. But let''s not give in just yet. We still have something to fight for¡ªour lives, our promises. Let''s show them our resolve. As long as our hearts remain steeled and our blades and mana sharp, we have a chance to win this game."


    The words hit hard, igniting something deep within the legionaries. Their gazes, once clouded with fear, sharpened as they refocused on the advancing horde.


    "Not all of us will make it through this," Rifi continued, his voice cutting through the chaos like a blade. "But if we give it everything we''ve got, some of us will survive." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "You two Black cores," he pointed, "spill all the black water barrels onto the walls now, then fall back and cut down anything that gets past the palisades. The two Fire Brown cores¡ªrain down fire until they reach the walls, then retreat with the Black cores about thirty meters. Me and the Earth Brown core will hold the line here as long as we can. When we fall back, ignite the black water. After that, regroup at the second line and kill whatever''s left. Understood?"


    "Yes, Captain!" they responded almost in unison, their voices brimming with newfound determination.


    The Black core legionaries hurried to spill the barrels of black water, their hands trembling slightly as they glanced up at the sky, already filled with the glow of fireballs and streaks of ice. Magic rained down from the walls above, hitting the first wave of beasts. The ground shook beneath their feet as the massive creatures slammed into the palisades. There wasn''t much time left.


    Rifi watched the approaching horde, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. These beasts, mindless in their assault¡ªdid they even realize they were throwing their lives away? Did they value them? It didn''t matter. They had to be stopped. As the beasts reached the walls, Rifi infused his eyes with mana. The fight was about to begin.


    The Fire mages retreated just in time, moments before the beasts began climbing the makeshift walls. All types of creatures swarmed forward, controlled by something dark and powerful, pushing them relentlessly into the fray.


    A low hum resonated from Rifi''s sword as lightning crackled along its edge. Tch, this sword can barely handle it, he thought. He had to lower the density of his lightning mana, or the blade would melt from the power. I need better equipment.


    His purple eyes tracked every movement of the beasts with deadly precision. His sword, infused with lightning, became an extension of his will, and the beasts barely had time to register the strike before death claimed them. Rifi moved like a storm, each slash a fluid, lethal dance. His speed and power, far beyond that of the lower-tier beasts, turned the battle into a massacre.


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    From an outsider''s perspective, it looked effortless¡ªalmost beautiful. Rifi''s lightning-enhanced body moved with such precision that it seemed like an intricate dance of death. Every beast that met his blade crumpled with a final, crackling breath.


    Beside him, the Earth mage fought with raw, brute force, smashing beasts with stone-encased fists. Though a few beasts managed to land hits on him, none inflicted serious injury. Rifi occasionally lent a hand, but the Earth mage was holding his own.


    Ten minutes into the slaughter, the corpses had piled so high that it was difficult to even see anything and movement became very hard because of all the beast carcases around them. The air was thick with the stench of blood and burnt flesh. That''s when Rifi noticed them¡ªtier three, four, and even some tier five beasts lurking behind the frontlines. These were no ordinary beasts; they were smarter, stronger, and using the first wave as a distraction to sneak through.


    We''re in trouble, Rifi thought, his mind racing. He needed to alert Captain Steven immediately.


    "Retreat!" Rifi barked at the Earth mage. "Get back and tell the others. Be ready to ignite the black water at any moment."


    The Earth mage nodded, quickly withdrawing from the wall. Rifi turned to follow him, ready to rush to Steven, but as he leaped forward, he saw it¡ªa massive ice spike, two meters long, piercing straight through Steven''s chest.


    No... Cold realization hit him like a punch to the gut. Only higher-tier beasts could wield magic, and for an ice spike that size, it had to be a tier six or higher. They had even less time than he thought.


    Panic surged through him. Empowering his vocal cords with mana, Rifi shouted, "Ignite the black water! NOW! We don''t have time!"


    Without waiting for a response, he pushed his body to its limits, infusing his muscles and nerves with lightning mana, running faster than he ever had before. The first explosions rang out behind him as the black water ignited, the blast waves spreading through the battlefield, consuming everything in fire.


    But there was no relief. As he turned, he saw the Earth mage¡ªhis ally¡ªswallowed whole by a massive two-horned lizard that had leaped over the wall just before the explosions. The lizard''s tongue slithered out, licking its lips, already searching for its next meal.


    Rifi''s eyes narrowed. Not today. In a blur of motion, he slammed his shoulder into the lizard''s head, knocking it off course and saving the nearest legionary from its jaws.


    "Get to the second line!" Rifi shouted. "I''ll deal with this one. Reinforcements will be here soon¡ªdon''t die before then."


    His muscles burned, but the Purple core''s power surged through him, far beyond what he had ever felt at Brown core. His body enhancements were stronger, his lightning tolerance higher, and his lightning mana was far more potent and dense. This lizard¡ªdespite its tier four rank¡ªwas no match for him.


    The beast charged at him, all four legs pounding the earth as it aimed to crush him with its jaws. Rifi''s purple eyes tracked its every movement. Too slow. Pumping lightning mana into his legs, he sidestepped the attack, the lizard''s tail slicing through the air in a predictable arc.


    Rifi blocked the tail with ease, using the momentum to drive his elbow into the lizard''s skull, right between its horns. The beast collapsed, unconscious from the blow. Wasting no time, Rifi plunged his sword through its closed eyelid, straight into its brain. The creature twitched once, then went still.


    He sighed, wiping the sweat from his brow. It''s not that I''ve gotten stronger. This lizard was just weak.


    As he shook off the blood and brains from his sword, Rifi noticed the awe in the eyes of the legionaries who watched him. In seconds, he had dispatched a tier-four beast with what looked like effortless precision. Their spirits lifted, hope flickering back to life.


    But that hope was short-lived.


    An ice lance, sharp and deadly, whistled through the air, flying over the flames that still burned along the wall. Rifi saw it just in time, but it was too fast, even for his body that was enhanced to its umtmost limit with the lightning mana. He managed to shift his body slightly, but not enough. The lance pierced his abdomen, just below his lung and heart.


    Before he could react, a second lance came hurtling toward him. His eyes widened in horror. He had no time to dodge. This is it...


    ¡ªBOOM¡ª


    The second lance shattered mid-air, sending shards of ice flying. Rifi turned, his body weakened but his heart soaring. A squad of mages was rushing toward the wall. Reinforcements. They had arrived.


    One of the mages had intercepted the lance, saving him at the last moment.


    A smile crept across Rifi''s face as his vision blurred. Heh... not yet, you bastards. Then, as the pain overwhelmed him, his smile twisted into a grimace.

 7. Just another game of life and death

    Rifi''s body was a mess of cuts and bruises, blood soaking his clothes, while a two-meter spear still protruded from his abdomen. To any onlooker, he seemed to be on the brink of death. Yet despite the gruesome sight, the injury wasn''t as dire as it appeared. For mages, wounds like this weren''t necessarily fatal¡ªas long as no vital organs were damaged, they could heal, given enough time and mana. Rifi, fortunately, had instinctively used what little mana he had left to staunch the bleeding from his wounds, keeping himself alive.


    With a grunt, he reached for the spear embedded in his torso, his mana-infused hand gripping it tightly. With a sharp twist, he broke the shaft and, groaning from the effort, forced himself off the remaining piece lodged in his body. Pain seared through him, but he pushed lightning mana into the wound, cauterizing it on the spot. The smell of burning flesh hit his nostrils, and the agony almost made him black out. The healing process would be slow, but for now, this was his only option.


    The squad of mages reached him just as he staggered to his feet. More reinforcements could be seen in the distance, mages flooding toward the battlefield. The true battle was about to begin. The first group that arrived bore the insignia of one of the city''s most powerful clans¡ªCollina. Their crest, an icy bear, gleamed proudly on their armor. One of the Collina mages, a Spellbound from the look of his cold, emotionless demeanor, paused only briefly to speak to Rifi.


    "You should move to the second line if you want to live," the Spellbound said flatly, his voice devoid of warmth. "This entire area is about to become a battlefield. Take your legionaries and finish off whatever low-tier beasts make it through."


    With that curt warning, they moved on, paying him no further attention. The flames that had kept the horde at bay were dying down, and with them, the fleeting moment of peace vanished.


    Rifi watched them go, his face grim. The title of Spellbound or Battlemage was reserved for only the most powerful, Red core mages or higher, and this one had bothered to save his life and offer advice. There were fewer than two hundred Red core mages in all of Hepestus, and for most people, an encounter with one would be a story worth telling for years. But not to Rifi.


    He despised them¡ªthe big clans and their elite mages who treated everyone else like dirt beneath their boots. In his experience, they saw other humans as no better than beasts, lives to be discarded without a second thought. He knew all too well what these mages were capable of. His nightmares, and the scar across his chest, were constant reminders of that¡ªa brutal gift from another Spellbound, this one from the Esquliana clan.


    Tch. They''re all the same, Rifi thought bitterly. Bastards in fancy robes hiding behind their clan insignias.


    Groaning in pain, Rifi shook the thoughts away and headed back toward his legionaries.


    "Holy shit, Captain, do you know that Collina Spellbound?" one of the Fire mages exclaimed as Rifi arrived at the second line of defense¡ªa simple trench with wooden fortifications spaced every few meters.


    Rifi gave the legionary a dry look, then muttered sarcastically, "Oh yeah, of course. His grandmother and mine used to drink coffee together every day."


    The Fire mage''s eyes widened, stunned by the reply. "Wait, wha¡ª?"


    "Relax," Rifi interrupted with an eye roll. "I was joking. You really think I have connections with those rich bastards?"


    The other legionaries burst into laughter, the tension of the night easing for a moment. They had needed that, a break from the unrelenting pressure.


    Rifi''s expression turned serious again. "Listen up, boys. The real battle''s about to begin, and we''re too weak to do much more than watch. If anything big gets past that Spellbound and his team, head straight for the encampment. If they can''t stop it, we definitely can''t. Our job is to mop up any low-tier beasts that slip through. I saw more teams coming this way¡ªthey should be here soon."


    His words sobered the legionaries. They knew their task now was survival. It was easy to become complacent in this kind of lull, but Rifi kept them focused and sharp.


    The group spread out, with Rifi in the center and the Brown and Black core mages stationed on either side. A few wounded beasts made it past the first line, but they were easy prey, their injuries making them slow and vulnerable. The legionaries dispatched them without much effort.


    Hours seemed to pass in a blur of explosions and tremors. The high-tier magic battles in front of the collapsed wall shook the earth. The air was filled with the deafening roar of magic, punctuated by the shrieks of dying beasts and, at times, the desperate cries of mages.


    But something began to change. Rifi noticed it first. The explosions were getting closer, and the human shouts were now mixed with screams¡ªscreams of terror.


    "Guys, we''re done here," Rifi said, his voice low but firm. "Something big is heading our way. Go to the encampment, now. I''ll buy you some time."


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    The legionaries hesitated, glancing at one another uncertainly.


    "NOW!" Rifi barked, snapping them out of their daze.


    They scrambled out of the fortifications, running toward the main encampment. As they fled, two Spellbound mages came into view near the wall, hurling spells at a massive creature in the distance. One of them was the Collina Spellbound from earlier, now drenched in sweat, his clothes tattered. He slid down the crumbled wall on a slick path of ice, all while firing sharp shards at the beast.


    The other Spellbound, wielding fire, launched himself into the air, propelled by jets of flame. High above, he conjured a massive plasma ball that hovered ominously in the sky before slamming it down toward the beast.


    The creature finally came into view¡ªa hulking, gorilla-like monster. Its thick hide shrugged off most of the attacks, though the more concentrated spells did some damage. The gorilla raised one of its four massive arms, summoning an earth shield to block the plasma ball. It hurled the molten, smoking mass to the ground, then formed another shield to deflect the ice shards. All the while, it hurled sharp stone boulders at its attackers with its remaining arms.


    The Spellbounds, strong and fast, were able to evade the worst of the beast''s attacks. But their companions¡ªless powerful Green and Blue core mages¡ªhad not been so fortunate. Half of them lay dead, their bodies scattered among the rubble.


    Rifi''s gaze locked onto the beast as it neared the second line. The Spellbounds were holding their own, but it was clear they were burning through mana at an unsustainable rate. They couldn''t keep this up much longer.


    The Ice Spellbound made a desperate move, freezing the ground beneath the beast''s feet, causing it to slip and fall hard onto its back. At that moment, another plasma ball crashed down from the sky, engulfing the gorilla in a fiery explosion.


    They''ve got this, Rifi thought, momentarily relieved. Spellbounds really are something else.


    But then he frowned, confusion settling in as both Spellbounds retreated at breakneck speed, putting as much distance between themselves and the gorilla as possible.


    The beast, enraged, slammed its fists into its chest and roared, shaking the ground. With its enemies out of reach, it turned its attention to the next available target¡ªthe retreating legionaries.


    Rifi''s heart sank. He couldn''t let those men die, not after all they''d been through. Ignoring the pain tearing through his chest, he dashed forward with everything he had, hurling his lightning-infused daggers at the beast''s head in an attempt to draw its attention.


    The gorilla batted the daggers away like they were nothing and retaliated with an earth spike, which Rifi barely dodged, though not without consequence. His legs screamed in agony as the nerves in his calves burned from the strain. His muscles were spent, and he wouldn''t be able to run much longer.


    The beast lunged, landing right beside him, its enormous hand closing around his legs. Rifi fought back, summoning the last of his mana to send four lightning bolts crackling toward the gorilla. The bolts hit, but they did little more than irritate the beast. His core was nearly empty, and his lightning was too weak to harm a creature four tiers above him.


    Amused by the futile attack, the gorilla lifted Rifi into the air, ready to crush him between its jaws.


    Suddenly, an earth spell slammed into the gorilla with such force that it was thrown twenty meters backward, Rifi still clutched in its hand. The impact sent shockwaves through the battlefield, the force of it knocking Rifi unconscious as he flew through the air.


    The gorilla flung him even farther, but Rifi never saw what hit him. It was the elder Spellbound from the City Lord''s forces, but Rifi was oblivious to the rescue. Once again, he had survived by sheer luck.


    As luck showed its gentle side once again to Rifi, he landed in a nearby river.


    Rifi drifted helplessly down the river, his battered body barely clinging to life. His breath came in ragged gasps, each one a struggle as his lungs fought against the pain. The shockwave from the battle had torn through him, rupturing his organs and leaving his insides a chaotic mess. Blood seeped from his torn capillaries, but what little mana remained within him instinctively worked to stem the bleeding.


    His head bobbed in and out of the water, the cold river soaking through his tattered clothes. With each dip, he sputtered and choked on the icy water, barely able to keep his face above the surface. He slipped in and out of consciousness, the world around him a blurred haze of light and shadow. His thoughts were a jumbled mess, a mixture of pain and confusion.


    How long have I been here?


    "Brghlhl... brghlll..." His head slipped beneath the water again, the rushing current threatening to pull him under. Panic flickered in his mind, but he was too weak to fight it. Somehow, each time he dipped under, his body fought its way back up, driven purely by instinct and the fragile thread of survival.


    Time became meaningless. He didn''t know how long he had been drifting¡ªminutes, hours, days? His body floated on the mercy of the river, carried along its winding path. Every time he regained consciousness, it was only for a few brief moments, just long enough to hear the sound of the water rushing past, before slipping into the comforting void of unconsciousness again.


    Eventually, the river''s current began to slow, and Rifi''s battered form was washed ashore. His limp body came to rest in what seemed like a cave. For a long while, he lay there motionless, his mind and body too drained to do anything but breathe.


    When he finally managed to stir, it took every ounce of strength just to roll onto his back. His vision was foggy, his left eye swollen shut, while the other struggled to focus. The world around him was a dim blur, the sound of the river a distant murmur in his ears. He could barely move, his limbs heavy and unresponsive.


    Through the haze, he caught a glimpse of something¡ªa dark silhouette.


    Rifi''s mind struggled to make sense of what he was seeing. Who... what... But he was too weak to form coherent thoughts. His lips moved, but no sound came out. The shadowed figure was too far beyond his grasp.


    Then, a soft voice drifted into his mind, echoing in the corners of his fading consciousness. The words, gentle and distant, seemed to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.


    "Silly human..."


    The voice carried a strange warmth, tinged with an amusement that sent a shiver down his spine. It was neither threatening nor kind¡ªjust... observing.


    As the words wrapped around him, Rifi''s vision darkened completely. The last of his strength ebbed away, and he slipped into a deep, dreamless sleep, the mysterious figure the final image burned into his mind.

 8. The Encounter

    Rifi slowly began to regain his senses, his body still heavy with exhaustion. He had no idea how much time had passed, and every muscle in his body ached with a deep, persistent pain. His eyes fluttered open, struggling to adjust to the blurry darkness around him. It took a moment for his mind to catch up, to remember where he was¡ªor more accurately, to wonder where he had ended up.


    The faint sound of running water reached his ears, soothing but unfamiliar. He turned his head toward the source of the noise, and the brightness of light filtering through a small opening blinded him. Squinting, he tried to make sense of his surroundings. He realized he must be inside a cave.


    The thought offered a small sense of relief. If the cave had an owner with ill intentions, he would have already been dead by now. The fact that he was alive meant, for now at least, he was safe. His entire body felt like it had been run over by a boulder, but after everything he''d been through, the idea of resting, even in a strange cave, was a welcome change.


    He breathed deeply, savoring the cool, humid air of the cave. Each breath still burned in his lungs, but it felt incredible¡ªlike the first real breath of life he''d taken in ages. The soft murmur of the nearby river sang a gentle lullaby, its sound soothing the edges of his pain.


    Life and death¡­ they just can''t stop torturing me, can they? Those bastards love to watch me struggle, then spare me at the last moment, Rifi thought, a wry smile creeping onto his face. Well, I won''t complain. I''ll take this little peace while I can.


    But just as he began to relax, a voice broke the stillness.


    "Oh, human¡­ you can still smile?"


    The words sent a jolt of fear through him. His body stiffened immediately, every muscle on high alert. Rifi pushed himself back against the cave wall, his heart pounding. His eyes darted toward the darker depths of the cave where the voice had come from, but he could see nothing.


    "Who¡­ who are you?" he stammered, his voice cracking. "What do you want with me?"


    A strange, almost purring laughter echoed from the shadows, an eerie sound that sent shivers down Rifi''s spine.


    "Silly human," the voice teased. "Who would want anything from a human?"


    The laughter continued, still strange, but there was no malice in it¡ªjust amusement.


    Rifi forced himself to relax, just a little. There was no immediate danger in the voice, no sense of hostility. "Why do you call me human?" he asked, his voice a little steadier. "Aren''t you also human? And why did you save me if you don''t want anything?"


    The voice scoffed, almost offended. "I certainly am not human," it replied, with a touch of disdain. "And from what I''ve seen of your kind, I''m quite glad for that. As for why you''re alive¡­ well, I found your courage amusing in that last battle. So, on a whim, I decided to help you. Nothing more."


    Rifi''s confusion deepened, though the panic was starting to fade. "I¡­ I''m sorry if I offended you," he said cautiously. "But I''m still not sure why you brought me here. Who are you?"


    The voice sighed, a note of sadness slipping into its tone. "I am not of this world," it said quietly. "And I am likely the last of my kind. For months, I have watched this world, learned what little I could, and searched for something... until I found you."


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    Rifi''s confusion only grew. He shook his head, trying to make sense of the strange words. "I don''t understand¡­ Why would you be looking for me?"


    "I wasn''t looking for you specifically, little human," the voice explained. "But I was searching for anyone with a natural connection to the world''s energy¡ªor what you humans call magic. Surely you''ve noticed how magic is drawn to you, how it flows toward you without much effort, haven''t you?"


    Rifi thought for a moment before responding. "Now that you mention it¡­ yes. I''ve always felt that magic comes to me easily, especially after my core rank increased. But I thought that was just how it worked for most mages."


    "You are the first I''ve found since I arrived in this world," the voice said, sounding both bitter and weary. "There may be others, but I do not have much time left to search. Nor can I leave this place. But you, little human, may be the only hope for your world¡ªand for me." The voice paused, then added, "Now, come toward me. There is a mana vein here, and it will help you heal faster. We can talk face to face."


    Rifi hesitated, unsure if this was some kind of trap. But after everything, why would the voice have gone to the trouble of keeping him alive only to kill him now? He had no choice but to trust it for now. He groaned as he forced his aching body to move, his legs barely functional. He limped deeper into the cave, his steps slow and painful.


    "My name is Rifi," he said as he made his way forward. "Do you mind telling me yours?"


    "I am Nala, a warrior of the Felis Silvestris family."


    As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, Rifi could make out the shape of a large creature resting in a shallow pond. It looked somewhat like the panther he had fought before, but larger, more majestic. Only the back of Nala''s head protruded above the water, resting on the edge of the pond.


    "Come closer, little human," Nala said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Don''t worry, I don''t bite." A soft chuckle followed, and Rifi could see the faint outline of Nala''s teeth¡ªor rather, what remained of them. One canine was completely missing, while the other was broken in half.


    "My body was nearly destroyed in a battle long ago, back when I fled to this world," Nala continued. "This pond and the mana vein within it are all that keep me alive. There''s plenty of room here for both of us, and it will help your injuries heal faster. We don''t have much time."


    Rifi''s heart sank as he took in Nala''s broken form. Despite their differences, they shared similar fates¡ªboth of them survivors of battles that had left them scarred and broken. But where Rifi had been lucky enough to survive, Nala seemed to be slowly fading.


    "So¡­ you''re dying, Nala?" Rifi asked softly, his voice heavy with sympathy. "Is that why you say we don''t have much time?"


    "I am indeed dying," Nala replied, his voice solemn. "But that is not the only reason. The devils who destroyed my people will soon be able to open a portal into this world. Once they arrive, they will seek to annihilate your world, just as they did mine. I need you to grow stronger, Rifi, to defend your world¡ªand to avenge my people."


    Rifi stepped to the edge of the pond, meeting Nala''s gaze. The weight of the creature''s words hung heavy in the air. "You are still early in your cultivation," Nala continued, his voice grave, "but you are the only hope I have left. It may not be fair, but I must entrust my people''s vengeance¡ªand the fate of this world¡ªto you. What do you say, little Rifi? Will you help this old warrior fulfill his last wish?"


    Rifi hesitated, pondering the enormity of what Nala was asking. He had never sought battle, never yearned to fight, but he understood the pain of loss, the desire for revenge. With some effort, he slid into the pond, his injuries protesting with every movement. Grumbling to himself, he finally settled into the water, turning to Nala with a more resolute expression.


    "I made a promise to survive," Rifi said, his voice steady. "And I''ll do whatever I can to keep that promise. I won''t seek out battle, but if these devils come for our world, I''ll give everything I have to stop them. And if it brings peace to you and your family, I''ll fight in their name to stop the devils."


    Nala''s whiskers twitched, and a low, rumbling laugh echoed through the cave once more.


    "That is all I needed to hear, little Rifi," Nala said, his voice lighter now, as if a great burden had lifted. "My heart trembles at the thought of my family''s name being used again¡­ to stop these devils at last."

 9. The Warrior Nala

    After their first meeting, Nala had decided that Rifi was at least somewhat trustworthy. But, in truth, he didn''t have many options left. Rifi was the first "Natural Body" he had sensed in the months since he arrived in this world. The odds of another walking into Nala''s soul range were nearly impossible. And even if there were others, Nala could no longer leave this cave to search for them. His body, broken and steadily deteriorating, kept him tethered to this place.


    Once, Nala had been a proud warrior, but his injuries were beyond healing. Even if he had regained his strength, there was still the ever-present danger of the devils who had nearly killed him when he sealed the portal between their worlds. No, Nala knew Rifi was his only option, and while he didn''t know what kind of man Rifi truly was, he sensed one thing¡ªRifi wasn''t evil. That, for now, was enough.


    What Nala hadn''t expected was Rifi''s willingness to take on his family name and continue their fight. It reignited something deep within him¡ªa flame long since extinguished. The Felis Silvestris family had been a warrior clan of immense pride in their home world, a cat-beast race known for their battle prowess.


    In this world, humans reigned supreme, but soon enough, they would learn that they weren''t alone. And the enemy that was coming was no ordinary foe¡ªit was a race of pure evil. Nala almost pitied the humans, for they had no idea what was awaiting them.


    The devils had no compassion for anyone, not even their own kind. Nala didn''t know much about them beyond their ruthless nature. They weren''t natives of his world, either. One day, they had simply appeared and began their reign of terror, isolating and destroying Nala''s people family by family. By the time they realized the true extent of the threat, it was too late. Their pride had kept them from uniting until the very end, and even then when they united, it hadn''t been enough. But perhaps in this world, there was still hope.


    Nala had spent much of his time observing this world from his cave, and it wasn''t much different from his own. From what he could pick up from the chatter, he knew that the humans here were divided into city-states, constantly at war with each other. Uniting them would be nearly impossible. That was something Nala would have to entrust to Rifi. What Nala could do, however, was impart his knowledge of energy¡ªwhat humans called mana¡ªand shape Rifi into a warrior strong enough to resist the devils.


    It had taken Nala nearly a week to regain consciousness after exerting himself to save Rifi and bring him to the cave. In that time, Rifi''s body had almost fully healed. His legs and the wound above his abdomen still needed more time, but the rest of him had returned to peak condition. If Rifi had access to a good healer from his city-state, his legs might have healed by now as well, but with Nala''s time running out, Rifi couldn''t afford to leave his side.


    Nala wasted no time once he recovered. He began training Rifi immediately. Though, "training" wasn''t the right word¡ªit was more like teaching. Nala imparted his vast knowledge of mana to Rifi, guiding him occasionally in his physical combat skills. What Rifi received wasn''t just the knowledge of a battlemage; it was the wisdom of a warrior who had once reached the highest ranks of cultivation¡ªsomething only a handful of mages ever achieved.


    Nala had been a mage who formed a soul space, something Rifi had never even heard of before. According to Nala, only White core mages typically achieved this, though a few talented Yellow cores could awaken a limited version of it. Nala''s soul space extended over a two-kilometer radius, and it was this ability that had allowed him to escape his world and close the portal to Rifi''s world. Though Rifi was still in the early stages of his cultivation journey, Nala insisted on teaching him about soul space while he still had time.


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    "Most mages never even dream of reaching soul space," Nala explained one evening, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "But it''s essential if you want to stand a chance against the devils. You need to reach it¡ªnot just you, but as many mages as possible."


    The knowledge burned itself into Rifi''s mind. Nala had said it with such conviction that it left no room for doubt.


    Controlling mana within the soul space was something beyond anything Rifi could currently imagine. Mages with a soul space could manipulate external mana, feel everything within their space, and become almost one with the world inside their soul space. It was how Nala had sensed Rifi in the first place, guiding him to the cave. And if Rifi wanted to fight the devils, mastering this ability was crucial.


    After that lesson, Nala''s strength began to wane again. But before he drifted into another recovery slumber, he taught Rifi the basics of body tempering¡ªthe same method his race had used.


    "You need to expand your mana pathways," Nala instructed, his voice growing weary but determined. "You can feel your pathways already, yes? Every mage uses them to channel mana from their core to their body. But to gain true control, you need to build more pathways. Thousands, if not millions, of them."


    Rifi frowned, trying to grasp the concept. "I understand, but how do I expand these pathways?"


    Nala sighed, shaking his head slightly. "You humans can be so dense," he muttered, though his tone was more amused than annoyed. "Fill your existing pathways with mana. Then, in the area you want to expand, control the mana and force it to ''dig'' new paths. Got it now?"


    Rifi scratched his head. "I think so. No need to call me silly, though."


    Nala chuckled, his whiskers twitching. "A silly genius, then. Happy?"


    "A little," Rifi replied with a grin. "But I''ll be a lot happier once you''re asleep, so I can get some peace and quiet."


    Nala let out a low laugh. "That''s the spirit. Form as many pathways as you can. Connect them to every muscle fiber, every organ. Be diligent. I look forward to seeing your progress."


    "Thank you, Nala," Rifi said sincerely. "I''ll do my best."


    With that, Nala settled back into the pond and drifted off into a deep sleep, leaving Rifi alone to continue his training.


    Rifi wasted no time. He focused his mind, pushing his mana through his pathways, forcing it to dig new channels throughout his body. Near the mana vein, he could spend nearly all day cultivating without exhaustion. Only when his mind grew too fatigued did he stop to rest.


    As he worked, a realization hit him. Wait¡­ wasn''t I already doing something similar with my lightning mana?


    It was, in many ways, the same process. Except lightning mana was far more dangerous and offered no defensive properties. But this technique of expanding his mana pathways could be used to help channel his lightning mana more effectively. If he created more pathways, he could distribute the lightning throughout his body, targeting specific muscle fibers rather than overloading entire muscles at once. This would drastically reduce the chance of injury and improve the efficiency.


    His eyes gleamed with excitement. This could change everything.


    The more pathways he built, the better his control over his body would become. He could enhance every muscle, every neuron, making his movements faster, stronger, and more precise. He could even link his organs to these pathways, enhancing their ability to sustain his body during battle. And as his mana density increased, so would his power.


    The potential is limitless, Rifi realized, his mind racing with the possibilities.


    A sudden thought hit him, and his eyes widened. If I create enough pathways, I could even use both types of mana simultaneously¡ªnormal mana for defense and lightning for offense. Or switch between them as needed!


    It was almost too much to comprehend. The power he could wield with this technique was staggering. It felt almost overpowered, too good to be true. But it was real, and he was on the brink of discovering it.


    Closing his eyes, Rifi pushed forward with renewed determination. New pathways began forming throughout his body, slowly but surely. The pain was intense, each new pathway bringing a sharp, burning sensation, but Rifi welcomed it. The thought of growing stronger, of unlocking his true potential, was more than enough to keep him going.


    And as the days passed, he dug deeper into his body, forging pathways that would one day turn him into a force that even the devils would fear.

 10. Training

    Rifi spent his days in quiet repetition, a constant cycle of training and honing his powers. Each day blended into the next as he cultivated his mana, forcing new pathways to form in his body, and once his mind grew too exhausted, he focused on his physical training. He performed the movements Nala had taught him, using mana to stimulate his muscles as he pushed his body to its limits.


    In the beginning, Rifi had suggested training outside the cave. It seemed logical¡ªoutdoors, he would have access to different terrains and methods, similar to what he did back in the training camps. Weighted runs, climbing, pulling, and pushing¡ªthe exercises designed to target every muscle in the body. But Nala quickly shot down the idea, insisting the risk of being discovered by the devils was too great.


    At first, Rifi was wary of Nala. Yes, Nala had saved his life, shared the mana vein with him, and imparted valuable knowledge, but the whole situation still felt surreal.


    Different worlds? Overpowered devils? Who would come up with something like this?


    Doubts plagued his mind for the first few days, as his thoughts raced. What could Nala possibly gain by lying? He''s even training me to be a proper mage.


    However, as Nala explained the recent surge in beast hordes and their unnatural behavior, things began to fall into place. The beasts were being displaced by the devils searching for Nala, forced south toward human city-states¡ªHepestus being the one getting the brunt of the attacks. Slowly but surely, Rifi''s skepticism faded, and he allowed himself to trust the cat-beast. From then on, he focused all his energy on getting stronger.


    In this way, a month slipped by. Rifi immersed himself in his training. Nala would wake from time to time, offering guidance¡ªpointing out areas where Rifi needed to expand his mana pathways, which should be thicker to handle output, and which should be smaller for precision control.


    Nala even attempted to teach Rifi the process of acclimating his mana to another element, something not uncommon in Nala''s world where many mages could master two elements. But in this area, Rifi was utterly "untalented." His mana produced nothing but lightning.


    Rifi didn''t leave the cave during this time. When he needed food, there was plenty of fish and mushrooms deeper in the cave. He made sure to gather enough for Nala, too, though Nala mostly sustained himself on mana, occasionally using his soul space to snatch fish when his body required it. Rifi''s presence had livened Nala somewhat¡ªproviding the old warrior with companionship in his final days.


    Though Nala avoided using his mana, as to slow down his body''s deterioration, he gladly expended energy to assist Rifi with the more intricate aspects of creating new pathways. At first, Rifi protested, unwilling to hasten Nala''s decline. But Nala, ever the proud warrior, insisted. Once Rifi understood the depth of Nala''s resolve, he relented. Seeing Nala''s selflessness only fueled Rifi''s determination to fulfill his master''s final wish. By now, he no longer thought of Nala as merely a mentor; Nala had become his true master, and Rifi, Nala''s disciple.


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    The mana vein beneath the cave provided more power than Rifi could have ever dreamed. It was, without a doubt, his lucky break. But with this incredible fortune came an equally heavy burden. As Rifi thought back on everything he''d been through, a bitter laugh escaped him.


    Life and death, those twisted bastards. They give you fortune just to squeeze more out of you. Eh.


    His thoughts turned to his friends. Rudeus, Lucilia¡­ are they alright? I broke my promise to meet them after the horde¡­ they probably think I''m dead.


    It was likely they did. After all, no one had seen him since he led his team away from the front lines. By now, he was surely listed as missing¡ªprobably presumed dead. Returning now would likely brand him as a deserter, and he knew the fate of deserters in the city-states. But these thoughts didn''t trouble Rifi as much as the worry about his friends.


    Will they be angry that I never came back?


    Melancholy settled over him. He was about to attempt another breakthrough, and that always came with risk. It was only natural for anyone who valued life to feel anxious at such moments. And if there was one thing Rifi clung to, it was life¡ªif for no other reason than the promise he''d made long ago.


    Rifi had reached the peak of the Purple core just recently, and while some might say his progress was unusually fast, Nala assured him this was only natural for someone with a Natural Body and the advantages Rifi had. After all, what mage had a White core warrior guiding them¡ªand access to a mana vein?


    Not one that Rifi knew of.


    Nala had even reassured him that the breakthrough should be relatively simple. If anything went wrong, Nala would intervene.


    "Within my soul space, nothing can harm you during a breakthrough," Nala had said, his voice filled with certainty. "Even if you fail¡ªunlikely with your Natural Body¡ªI''ll dissipate the mana before it can damage your core."


    This eased Rifi''s worries somewhat, but he knew every action Nala took worsened his condition. That only fanned the flames of his determination.


    "Thanks," Rifi replied with a hard glint in his eyes. "But I''ll be damned if I let even one of your whiskers fall because of me."


    Nala, lying comfortably in the pond, turned his head with a smirk. "Silly human, my proud whiskers don''t fall so easily. If you''ve got time to worry, you should worry that I''ll catch you slacking off and daydreaming about the past."


    With a flick of his paw, a fish appeared out of thin air and slapped Rifi square in the face.


    "Focus on your training. You can go visit your friends later."


    Rifi wiped his face, grimacing at the fish''s slimy texture. "Ugh, you know I''m sick of the smell of fish after eating it every day. You didn''t have to throw it at my face."


    Nala sank deeper into the pond, his whiskers twitching with amusement. "If you keep being silly, you''ll earn an eel to the face next time."


    "You''re asking for it! I''ll get one of those whiskers when I''m stronger!" Rifi retorted, half-jokingly.


    "That''s the spirit." Nala''s tone shifted to one of approval. "You''re ready for this breakthrough, Rifi. I have no doubt you''ll surpass me one day. Your affinity for lightning is rare¡ªfew warriors master it as well as you have. Sure, you''re untalented in every other element, but I don''t see that as a weakness. Lightning''s potential is limitless. Don''t worry about me¡ªfocus on your training. Perhaps you''ll even earn a whisker of my proud family when you''re strong enough."


    Rifi nodded, the unexpected praise from his master strengthening his resolve. He closed his eyes, his heart steadying as he prepared for the breakthrough.


    Nala watched him closely but saw no reason to intervene. Rifi''s determination, combined with the extensive network of mana pathways he had developed, made the process almost effortless. His Natural Body absorbed mana even as his core began to condense. The new pathways allowed him to control the pressure with ease.


    In less than half an hour, Nala was peacefully asleep, while Rifi, now solidifying his Blue core, had taken another step toward mastering his power.

 11. Weight of Power

    After breaking through to the Blue core, Rifi finally allowed himself to relax. The mental strain of staying focused for so long during a breakthrough was exhausting. One misstep, and everything could have been lost. Now, with the process behind him, the tension in his body began to release.


    That was so tiresome.


    Rifi groaned as he stretched, feeling the stiffness in his muscles from remaining motionless for the duration of the breakthrough. He glanced over at his master, Nala, who slept peacefully in the pond just a few meters away. A faint smile crept onto Rifi''s face.


    This was too easy compared to my past breakthroughs. He thought back to the grueling process of breaking through to the Brown and Purple cores. Those had been agonizing, both mentally and physically. This time, though, it had felt¡­ manageable. That just shows how much knowledge matters. Having a White core master is priceless.


    In the past, Rifi had always struggled with his breakthroughs. Each one felt like hitting a wall, pushing his mind and willpower to their absolute limits. But now, with the guidance Nala provided, the process seemed almost effortless. His understanding had deepened, his confidence grown.


    No wonder the main clans cling to their knowledge, Rifi thought bitterly. They hoard it, keeping everyone else down.


    The thought of the clans¡ªparticularly the "Esquliana" clan¡ªmade his blood boil. Just thinking of them stirred the animosity buried deep within him. They had taken everything from him: his family, his future, even his hope. The scar across his chest was a constant reminder of their cruelty, and the promise he made to his dying sister haunted him still.


    Calm down, he told himself, forcing his anger back down. No point in getting angry over those bastards now.


    He knew the system wasn''t just broken because of the main clans. Even smaller clans and independent mages, once they gained power, they would greedily guard their knowledge, hoarding it within their ranks. It was human nature¡ªselfishness and greed.


    Master wants me to unite humanity, but how can I fix something so deeply flawed? Rifi sighed, frustrated by the enormity of the task ahead of him. The more he thought about it, the more impossible it seemed. People were corruptible, and power only made them more so.


    No point dwelling on it now, he decided. I''ll make sure to share the knowledge Nala taught me with anyone willing to learn. At least I can stop that particular injustice.


    He wasn''t naive enough to think he could change the nature of humanity. Corruption would always exist. But what he could do was ensure that the knowledge he had gained didn''t die with him. Rifi had no illusions of being a hero, but he would do what he could to make things a little better.


    For now, though, his focus had to be on himself. He needed to get stronger. That was the only thing he had control over in this moment.


    Time to test what this Blue core can do.


    Rifi closed his eyes, channeling mana through his body. The surge of power was immediate. His eyes glowed a vivid blue as he filled the new pathways he had created. It took more mana to fill them than before, but the density of the mana had increased dramatically, making it more potent.


    He willed the mana to shift, converting it into lightning mana. He felt the familiar crackle of energy coursing through him. For a moment, he played with the transformation, switching between elementless and lightning mana. Outside his body, only lightning mana was effective; the elementless mana dissipated too quickly once externalized. But he noticed that even in its raw form, it lasted longer than it had at lower cores, and he had a slight measure of control over it. The only way to make it not dissipiate was to expand his sould space to the outside of his body, which he knew was impossible at low ranks.


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    Rifi experimented with summoning lightning blasts. In Blue core, he could conjure multiple lower-strength bolts with ease. Testing the limits of his full-powered lightning blast, he realized it drained about a fourth of his mana core. The further the bolt traveled, the weaker it became, but that was nothing new to Rifi. He was more interested in how effective it would be at close range.


    At one to two meters, I can use its full power, Rifi calculated. I still need to be up close to fight anyone at my level, but I could easily take on a hundred Tier 1 beasts with low-powered blasts.


    Distance mattered in battle, but as long as he knew his limits and the effective range of his attacks, he could adapt.


    Now for the real test.


    Rifi took a deep breath and filled his pathways with dense lightning mana. His body began to heat up, steam rising from his skin, though he barely noticed. He focused, preparing to activate every muscle fiber in his legs simultaneously and take a few steps at lightning speed.


    Boom!


    The cave wall stopped him¡ªhard. Rifi found himself embedded nearly a meter deep in the stone. If not for the thin mana shield coating his body, he probably would have shattered half his bones. His body had grown stronger thanks to his training with Nala, but not enough to avoid injury when slamming into solid rock at full speed.


    As he struggled to free himself from the wall, a terrifying pressure suddenly filled the cave. His hair stood on end, and his skin prickled as if something immense was pressing down on him. For a moment, Rifi thought he was going to be crushed.


    "You idiot, do you want us both killed?" Nala''s voice boomed in his mind, filled with fury.


    The pressure lessened slightly, allowing Rifi to regain his senses. "I''m sorry, Master. I didn''t mean to wake you¡ªI was just testing¡ª"


    "Think!" Nala cut him off, his voice sharp. "You better hope the devils weren''t nearby to notice that."


    Rifi''s face went pale. He had forgotten, in his eagerness to test his new power, why they were hiding in the cave in the first place.


    Oh, shit¡­ what have I done?


    "Nothing now, silly disciple," Nala growled. "Get into the pond, quickly! It''s harder for them to track our mana signatures near the mana vein. If I tell you to, you''ll have to run deeper into the cave and escape through the river."


    Rifi didn''t need to be told twice. He scrambled into the pond, nodding anxiously at his master. The tension was thick, Nala''s eyes grim as he focused, grimacing from time to time as if in pain. Rifi guessed Nala was using his soul space to scan the surroundings, searching for any sign of approaching danger. After what felt like an eternity, Nala finally spoke.


    "Silly human," Nala muttered, his voice calming. "We''re safe for now. It seems we were lucky this time¡ªno devils nearby."


    Rifi let out a long breath of relief. "I''m sorry, Master. I lost control while testing my new mana¡­ I didn''t think."


    Nala''s expression softened, though he still looked tired. "It''s my fault as well for not warning you properly. From now on, test your abilities while I''m awake. That way, I can control what leaves the cave."


    "I will," Rifi said, bowing his head in shame. "I''ll only test things with you are awake, Master."


    Nala gave a slight nod, his energy already fading. "Good. Now go and cultivate while I replenish my strength."


    As Nala drifted back into hibernation, Rifi sat in the pond, frustrated with himself. His impatience had nearly cost them both their lives, and his master had been forced to intervene. He would have to be more careful in the future.


    But despite the mistake, a part of Rifi was exhilarated. The increase in his power was incredible. The difference between the Purple core and Blue core was staggering. His mana was denser, his control sharper. It was no wonder high-rank mages looked down on those with lower cores.


    The difference is like night and day. My mana feels at least twice if not even four times as dense as it used to be. No wonder the high-ranked mages look at us like we''re nothing.


    Rifi closed his eyes, determined to push himself even harder. There was still so much to learn, and he had a long way to go before he could reach the level of his master. But with Nala''s guidance, he knew that one day, he would get there.

 12. Hunger for more

    As Rifi spent his days in isolation, cultivating and training deep within the cave, with only his master Nala and the river fish for company, he had plenty of time to think. The days passed monotonously, his mind constantly occupied with the enormity of what lay ahead. He understood the gravity of the situation¡ªif he was to stand any chance against the Devils, he needed to gain far more knowledge. His master had been an incredible source of insight, especially when it came to magic cultivation, but Rifi knew that, if he was to hold off the Devils and protect his world, he would need more.


    Much more.


    Rifi felt an increasing hunger for information, not just about magic, but about the Devils themselves. While Nala was a warrior of great renown from his world, and his knowledge of practical magic was extensive, he wasn''t exactly a scholar. It became clear to Rifi that Nala''s understanding of the deeper mysteries of magic was limited by his focus on battle and survival.


    Rifi had begun asking more complex questions, like:


    "Master, why do different mages have different mana densities even at the same core rank? How much denser does mana become with each rank?"


    Nala''s response had been typically pragmatic. "Silly disciple, of course we are all different, so our cores are different too. It''s only natural that mana grows denser with each rank, just as our fur thickens as we age. Mages with lesser density have a harder time reaching the higher ranks."


    Rifi nodded, but it wasn''t enough. While Nala''s explanation made sense on the surface, it felt too simple, too incomplete. Rifi was sure there had to be more to it¡ªsome method, some hidden technique to make one''s core denser, to push the limits of mana control.


    The thirst for knowledge gnawed at him, but it was becoming clear that Nala could only take him so far in that respect. This was still much further that any of the clans in his world could take him.


    Rifi was not part of any of the main clans in his city-state of Hepestus, so he didn''t have access to the deeper knowledge that they guarded so jealously. He could only imagine what kind of secrets the clans might possess, knowledge that could perhaps fill the gaps from what he was missing from his Master.


    Even in his master''s world, where Grey core mages were more common, the knowledge of magic wasn''t truly in-depth it seemed. And in Rifi''s world, Grey core mages were a rarity, found only in the most central and powerful city-states. This only left him wondering how much, in reality, did anyone know about mana.


    Still, Rifi had to work with what he had, and Nala''s guidance, though more battle-oriented, had already given him a tremendous edge. The knowledge of pathways alone had transformed Rifi''s understanding of magic. Expanding his mana pathways, refining his body''s ability to manage denser mana, and connecting his neurons to his mana core¡ªall of this had heightened his power. The basic techniques of controlling mana flow and sustaining his body under its weight were essential, but they were only the beginning.


    If just this knowledge from Nala''s world has given me such an advantage, imagine what I could do with more information about the Devils themselves.


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    Sadly, that was where Nala''s knowledge fell short. He had fought the Devils but didn''t truly understand them. Rifi had managed to glean a few important details, however, through their conversations:


    The Devils required enormous amounts of mana to open gates between worlds. They had infiltrated Nala''s world by sowing deceit, turning the races against one another, and then exploiting the chaos to seize control of the mana veins. Once they had enough mana veins, they opened larger gates and brought more of their forces through. Once they no longer needed their puppets, they simply crushed the very races they had manipulated.


    One thing still puzzled Rifi. "Why do they need so many mana veins, Master? What are they doing with them?"


    Nala could only speculate. "Perhaps they transport the roots of the veins back to their home world. I cannot say for certain."


    There were so many unknowns¡ªhow long it took to open a gate, how much mana was required, and how much time they had before the Devils struck again. The only thing Nala knew for sure was that only a few Devils had made it through the last portal. Because Nala was a White core mage, the gate had consumed most of the available mana, causing it to close rapidly. The Devils that had entered were probably Grey core or lower, but even if they were only Yellow core, they were still more than enough to kill Nala in his current state.


    That meant the Devils needed to seize more mana veins before they could reopen a portal, which bought Rifi and Nala some time. But how much time? It could be a hundred years, or it could be one year. There was no way to know.


    "Whatever the case," Nala had said grimly, "we don''t have much time. And neither do I, my silly disciple. I have no more than a year left."


    The words had struck Rifi deeply. Over the past few months, his master had become more than just a teacher. He had grown fond of Nala, despite the creature''s gruff demeanor. Knowing that Nala was nearing the end of his life pained Rifi, though he tried not to show it. His master had made it clear that there was no way to save him.


    Rifi had once suggested they seek help from the mages of his city-state, perhaps even the main clans, but Nala had dismissed the idea with a hiss of disdain.


    "There is no healing for wounds such as mine, neither in this world nor in mine. Your clans know nothing that can save me. Focus on growing stronger. Find mages you can trust and train them. I can teach you, but the rest is up to you."


    Their discussions always ended this way. There was no time to waste. Every moment was spent training or perfecting what Rifi had already learned. And with each passing day, Rifi began to piece together a plan. His earlier, naive idea of spreading the knowledge of magic to every mage now seemed suicidal.


    The Devils have likely infiltrated the city-states already, Rifi reasoned. If I make myself known, they''ll have me assassinated before I even get a chance to act.


    No, he needed to be more tactical. He needed to build trust, to work his way into the inner circles of power, and carefully choose those who could be trusted to join him. He would need to form a secret organization, made up of mages who could prepare for the coming storm. He couldn''t save everyone, but he could at least make sure that those he trained were ready.


    Maybe, Rifi thought, if I''m clever enough, I can trick the Devils into approaching me. If I can get close to them, I could learn their plans, maybe even turn the tables on them.


    The days passed slowly but purposefully. Rifi''s training was relentless. He refined his pathways, improved his mana control, honed his techniques, and grew stronger with each passing day. Nala, though weakened, continued to guide him, pointing out where he could improve and how to make his training more efficient.


    The fish meals remained as monotonous as ever, and the occasional bickering between master and disciple helped break up the tedium. But in the blink of an eye, a year had passed.

 13. A Heavy Goodbye

    For more than a year, Nala had trained Rifi relentlessly, hiding his pain beneath his gruff demeanor. Only small, fleeting glimpses of discomfort ever escaped his control, but Rifi noticed them. Over time, those moments became more frequent. Rifi knew what that meant. His master was nearing his end.


    One morning, after waking from another restless, nightmare-filled sleep, Rifi found himself alone in the cave.


    "No¡­ This can''t be happening!"


    Even though Rifi had been preparing himself for this day, knowing it would come sooner or later, the shock was overwhelming. No matter how much you ready yourself for such a moment, no amount of forethought could soften the blow of losing someone you hold dear. A suffocating panic surged through him, the disbelief stinging his heart.


    He searched the entire cave, frantic, desperate. He looked everywhere¡ªin the pond, in the corners, hoping against hope to find Nala resting somewhere. But there was nothing. His master was gone. Tears streamed down Rifi''s face, blurring his vision as he retraced his steps to the mana vein, falling to his knees, lost in despair.


    Wiping his tear-streaked eyes, Rifi noticed something¡ªa single cat whisker resting on the spot where Nala''s head used to lay. Trembling, he reached for it and, as his fingers curled around the whisker, a familiar voice resonated in his mind.


    "My silly disciple," Nala''s voice spoke softly, comforting, yet distant. "My race was never good at goodbyes, so I shall stay true to our traditions. I chose to face my final hours in solitude. But remember, on you rests the fate of your world and my family''s last wish. I have left a small spirit imprint in this whisker. I hope you keep it as a reminder of me. Whenever someone touches it, the name of my family shall echo through them. Felis Silvestris."


    Rifi''s heart clenched as he knelt in silence, clutching the whisker against his chest. His voice was barely a whisper, filled with sorrow, yet laced with determination, "Of course, Master¡­ your family''s name won''t be forgotten for as long as I draw breath."


    He placed the whisker inside the pocket of his shirt, close to his heart, where it would remain safe. His grief weighed heavily on him, but in the midst of it, his resolve solidified. This was another promise¡ªa promise that would join the others in the long chain of oaths that guided his every step.


    For the rest of the day, Rifi couldn''t focus. His mind wandered through memories of his master, his family, and the friends he had lost. It was a day of mourning, not just for Nala, but for all those who had passed from his life. He allowed himself the space to grieve, knowing it would be dangerous to indulge in his sadness for too long. Nala had protected the cave with his soul space, but now, with him gone, the cave was exposed. Any wandering Devil could stumble upon it and find the mana vein, though it was nearly dried up.


    A week ago, Rifi had broken through to mid-stage Red core. In just three years since his awakening, his cultivation speed was unmatched by anyone in the city-state of Hepestus. Maybe some of the most talented mages from the main clans could match his progress, but Rifi was eager to see that for himself. He was excited to return to his home city, but also anxious to test his strength against the powerful mages he had heard about.


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    Despite his rapid progress, Rifi knew that cultivation speed wasn''t everything. What mattered more was the ability to break through the bottleneck at higher ranks. If a mage couldn''t break through, they would be trapped at the limits of their core''s capacity, unable to gather more mana.


    The mana vein that had nurtured him for so long was now almost depleted. It had never been a large vein, to begin with, and Nala''s constant need for mana had gradually drained it. Rifi''s own advancement had only accelerated the process. There was enough left to sustain him for a few more months if he needed it, but the time had come to leave the cave.


    Still, leaving wasn''t easy. This cave had been his home for over a year, the place where he had grown stronger, where he had been shaped into the warrior he was now. But with Nala gone, there was no reason to stay.


    Rifi gathered his few belongings¡ªjust the clothes on his back and six mana stones he had refilled. There was nothing else to take. As he was about to leave, he considered taking a few fish for the road but quickly shook his head in disgust.


    What am I thinking? he grimaced. I can finally eat something other than fish! Even dirt probably tastes better than those damn fish!


    Shaking off the absurd thought, Rifi made his way to the entrance of the cave. As he stepped outside, his eyes watered from the harsh sunlight, after so long spent in darkness. He blinked, adjusting to the brightness. The world outside seemed impossibly vibrant¡ªthe green of the grass, the leaves of the trees¡ªit all felt new again.


    Once his vision returned, he turned back toward the cave. With a series of quick, powerful punches, he collapsed the entrance, sealing it shut. He didn''t want anyone to find the cave, at least not yet. There was a sentimental value in this place, a hope that one day, if needed, he might return.


    Rifi sighed and then infused his legs with both elemental and non-elemental mana, setting off toward the south, back to Hepestus. He ran at a steady pace, moving effortlessly through the landscape. It wasn''t long before he reached the northern border, where he had once stood as a newly recruited legionary.


    Thanks to his enhanced eyesight and his lightning technique, he could see them¡ªfellow legionaries standing guard. He could also feel them. Under Nala''s guidance, Rifi had developed a technique to sense other mages and living beings by releasing trace amounts of elemental mana into his surroundings. Every element reacted differently, so no two techniques were the same, but the principle remained universal: leak a small amount of mana and gauge how it interacted with the world around you.


    Rifi''s lightning mana was particularly suited to this. The resistance it encountered while passing through objects allowed him to distinguish between living and non-living things, giving him a radius of two kilometers to detect others. His control over his mana had become so refined that he could leak it at a level nearly indistinguishable from ambient atmospheric mana, making it difficult for others to detect him.


    With that, sneaking past the border guards was almost laughably easy. He jumped high over them, moving with such speed that the most they would feel was a slight breeze. It was the last thing he wanted¡ªto be noticed. Right now, his priority was to slip into the city, assess the situation, and find his old friends, Rudeus and Lucilia.


    As he ran, the wind whipping through his hair, excitement welled up inside him. It had been so long since he had seen them. Were they okay? How had they fared in his absence?


    But alongside the excitement was a quiet sense of purpose. He had been training for this moment, preparing to face what was coming. Now, it was time to return to Hepestus and begin the next phase of his journey.

 14. Outskirts of Hepestus

    Rifi avoided human interaction as much as possible during his journey back. Stopping only in one or two small villages to acquire clothing that would help him blend in, he sought to remain inconspicuous. Though no one would likely recognize him in Hepestus, his legionnaire garb was unmistakable, and Rifi preferred to keep a low profile. The nondescript clothes weren''t a necessity, but he knew it was wise to avoid drawing attention.


    As he traveled, he hunted his own food, relishing the taste of something other than the fish he''d grown accustomed to in the cave.


    "Ohhh," Rifi muttered, as he roasted a rabbit over the fire, "I forgot how good real food tastes¡­ though, ugh, still a bit fishy, eh?"


    The memory of fish seemed to haunt him, lingering on his tongue despite the change in diet. After months of isolation in the cave, those small details seemed to stick, even as he approached the familiar grounds of Hepestus.


    Finally, after four days of travel, Rifi arrived at the northern barracks just outside the city. The memories of his past life in the city-state surged back to him.


    "Heh, it hasn''t changed at all," he thought, smirking while scratching the back of his head. "Well¡­ I guess I''m not exactly the same. One new scar to add to the collection."


    Rifi''s hand reflexively moved to the round mark on his body where the spear had torn into him during the battle. His thoughts were a mixture of humor and anxiety. He was nervous¡ªnot for battle, but for the reunion he feared might not go the way he hoped.


    "It''s easier to face death than it is to face a disappointed friend," he thought bitterly, the knot in his stomach tightening. What if Rudeus and Lucilia have given up on me? What if they think I''m a deserter? These worries gnawed at him as he slipped into the crowd of citizens moving in and out of the city gates.


    Four guards stood watch at the entrance, their eyes scanning the crowd for anything suspicious. Most of the people passing through were workers, regulars who came and went daily. The guards rarely stopped them. As was customary, there was always a purple-core mage on standby at the gates, overseeing security. Other mages were nearby, performing errands and repairs, managing the comings and goings of the city.


    Rifi blended into the throng of people, his hood low, eyes hidden, moving with the ease of someone who had mastered the art of not being noticed. He released a thin, almost imperceptible layer of lightning mana, extending it fifty meters around him. His senses expanded as he felt the mana interact with everything in the vicinity. He could now move unseen, reading the guards'' positions without even looking at them.


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    Their attention was elsewhere.


    "You should really come with us after this shift," one of the guards said, nudging his companion. "Last time was insane. Festus and Livius got so drunk they overslept their shift the next day! Captain made them scrub the toilets for a whole week. Ha!"


    The other guard snorted, but then his eyes caught on a stranger. "Hey, you there! Show me your identification."


    The man they stopped was dressed like Rifi¡ªragged, with the look of someone fresh off the streets. Rifi could sense his weak mana; the man had likely just awakened and was here to join the legions.


    Poor guy, Rifi thought, the brief interaction making his escape even easier. Two guards were now focused on the newcomer. Rifi continued weaving through the crowd, avoiding the guards'' lines of sight with careful precision. He positioned himself perfectly behind other travelers, blending in so well it was as if he vanished entirely.


    Dodging the guards'' perception wasn''t difficult for Rifi. He had done far more difficult tasks before. They were low-tier mages¡ªjust like he had been once. It didn''t take much effort for him to avoid their gaze. The guards weren''t even using their mana-sensing abilities, likely to conserve their energy during the shift.


    A few swift movements, well-timed with the ebb and flow of the crowd, and Rifi was through the gate.


    "Ah, the sweet stench of piss," Rifi muttered sarcastically as he entered the city''s outskirts. "Who could forget that smell?"


    The stench of the city''s lower quarters hit him hard, far worse than he remembered. The last time he had walked these streets, he had grown so accustomed to the smell that it didn''t bother him. But now, after so much time in the clean, open air, it was almost unbearable.


    Rudeus''s house was in the northern district, close enough that Rifi wouldn''t have to walk through the wealthier parts of the city to find him. That was fortunate¡ªthe north housed the poor, and Rifi had no desire to interact with the upper-class citizens in the south and west sides of Hepestus.


    As Rifi walked, he took in the familiar streets. The north was filled with dilapidated buildings, many of them on the verge of collapse. Small food vendors and makeshift shops lined the roads, offering simple goods to the people who could barely afford to survive. The streets teemed with activity, yet a heavy weight seemed to hang over everything. Life here was harsh, but Rifi had once called it home.


    He watched the vendors selling their goods, the children playing in the streets, the tired faces of the working class. This was a world of struggle and hardship, but also one of resilience. Rifi felt a mixture of pride and disgust.


    How did we get used to this? he wondered. How did we just accept living like this?


    But the people in the outskirts clung to the hope that one day they might rise above it all. They chose this life in the city, with its misery and uncertainty, rather than the simple life beyond the walls. Here, they believed, was the chance for greatness.


    As Rifi wandered through the streets, lost in thought, he suddenly realized that he had already arrived in front of Rudeus''s home. It was a modest house just outside the outskirts, better than most in the northern district but far from extravagant. Rifi''s heart pounded in his chest.


    What if they think I''m dead? What if they hate me for not coming back sooner?


    Taking a deep breath, he stepped forward. There was only one way to find out.

 15. Reunions and Revelations

    The neighborhood was noticeably better than the areas Rifi had passed through earlier. The streets here were clean, and the houses, though modest, didn''t look rundown. Still, they lacked the grandeur of the wealthier districts. Rifi stood in front of a three-story house, one of many in this tightly packed row of homes.


    Rudeus lived on the second floor of this house, renting enough space for his small family. Rifi took a deep breath, climbed the stairs, and knocked on the door, resisting the urge to overthink the situation. Before his nerves could get the better of him, the door opened, revealing a middle-aged woman with long brown hair and a gentle face.


    "Hello, how can I help you?" she asked, smiling politely.


    "Hello, uhmm..." Rifi hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck with a sheepish grin. "I was hoping to speak with Rudeus, if he''s here."


    The woman turned and called into the house, "Honey, there''s a man here to see you!"


    In the background, Rifi could hear the sound of toys clattering and a child''s playful giggles.


    "Who is it?" a voice called back, accompanied by footsteps.


    "I don''t know," she replied, a hint of playful annoyance in her tone. "But you''d better greet your guest yourself, honey."


    "Yes, yes, just a second."


    Rifi smirked as he listened to the lighthearted exchange, a warmth spreading through his chest. Then, the footsteps grew closer, and Rudeus appeared at the door. The wooden floor creaked beneath his weight as he approached, and as soon as he laid eyes on Rifi, his expression shifted from casual curiosity to pure shock.


    "This can''t be¡­ are you¡­ Rifi?" Rudeus stammered, his face cycling through a whirlwind of emotions¡ªfirst disbelief, then happiness, and finally confusion.


    "Hey, Rudeus," Rifi said with a small wave. "Yeah, it''s me. Long time no see."


    Before Rifi could say another word, Rudeus had thrown his arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. The force of it surprised Rifi, followed by a few hearty slaps on his back, a customary greeting between old friends.


    "Man, I''m so happy to see you!" Rudeus said, pulling back just enough to look at Rifi. "But how¡­ how are you alive? What happened?"


    "It''s good to see you too, Captain," Rifi said with a grin. "It''s a long story."


    "Oh, where are my manners? Come on in!" Rudeus gestured for him to enter. "Helena, you won''t believe this, but this is Rifi¡ªour teammate! The one we thought¡­" He hesitated, scratching his head, "Well, the one we thought died over a year ago."


    Helena raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "Yeah, right. As if I''ll believe that. You won''t fool me with another one of your crazy stories, Rudeus." She smiled warmly at Rifi. "Welcome to our home, Rifi. I don''t know how you put up with my husband."


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    Rifi stepped inside, taking in the cozy atmosphere. The living area was warm and welcoming, with toys scattered about and the scent of food wafting through the air. It was the complete opposite of the cold, damp cave he had been living in for so long. Compared to that, this felt like a palace.


    Rudeus led him to the kitchen table, where they both sat down. Rifi couldn''t help but feel a strange mix of nostalgia and relief, the familiar chaos of family life washing over him as Helena bustled around the kitchen and their child played nearby.


    "So," Rifi said, leaning forward with a smile. "Do you know how Lucilia is doing?"


    "I haven''t seen her in two weeks," Rudeus answered, his expression softening. "She''s been out of the city with her strike team, but she''s doing well. We keep in touch¡­ unlike a certain someone." He shot Rifi a playful smirk.


    "Believe me, Rudeus," Rifi replied, shaking his head. "I wanted to reach out. I really did. But the situation I was in didn''t exactly allow for that."


    Helena paused mid-stir at the stove, glancing over her shoulder. "Wait, are you seriously telling me what Rudeus said is true? People thought you were dead for over a year?"


    Rifi nodded, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, it''s been a bit over a year, actually. Everyone thought I died during the beast wave. And¡­ well, they weren''t entirely wrong. I barely survived."


    Rudeus turned to his wife with a smug grin. "See? I told you I wasn''t making things up. Your husband tells the truth!" He winked at Rifi. "I think I deserve a bit more appreciation, don''t you think?"


    "Alright, alright," Helena said, rolling her eyes but smiling at the banter. "I''ll give you that one. But no more gloating. This is Rifi''s first visit in ages."


    With the light teasing behind them, Rudeus grew more serious, focusing on Rifi once again. "So¡­ what really happened? If you''re willing to share, of course."


    Rifi took a deep breath, preparing himself to explain. He had already decided not to tell the full story¡ªnothing about Nala or the Devils. It wasn''t safe to share that information, especially not knowing if the Devils had infiltrated the city-state. Rudeus could already be unknowingly caught up in their schemes, and Rifi couldn''t risk endangering his friend.


    He began to tell them a heavily edited version of events, keeping it simple. He spoke of how he had stumbled upon a cave belonging to a long-dead hermit mage, where he found magic stones and some old scripts. He told them how his injuries from the beast horde had been severe, forcing him to stay in the cave for months to recover. During that time, he used the stones and the hermit''s knowledge to further his cultivation, leading to his eventual return to the city.


    Helena served dinner as Rifi shared his tale, and the three of them ate while chatting. Rudeus''s son, an energetic little boy, insisted on sitting in Rifi''s lap, and Rifi found himself uncomfortably out of his element, trying to balance storytelling and entertaining the child. Eventually, Helena took over, allowing Rifi a moment of peace.


    Throughout the conversation, Rifi carefully avoided the dangerous details. The story, though stripped of its darker elements, still conveyed the hardship he had endured.


    When Rudeus learned that Rifi had reached the red core rank, his eyes widened in disbelief. "A red core? Already? That''s¡­ incredible!" Rudeus shook his head, laughing. "I expected you''d be at least a blue core mage by now, but this? A red core in such a short time? That''s unheard of! There are barely a hundred and some change of red core mages in the entire city-state!"


    Rudeus himself had just recently broken into the blue core rank, and Luciliana had reached the same level a few months earlier, motivating him to push for his own breakthrough. Both of them had now taken on more prominent roles within the ranks of the city lord''s clan. They were being promoted, and soon, they would be moving to a larger home closer to the city center¡ªjust in time, as Rifi''s return had been perfectly timed. Had he come any later, he would''ve missed them.


    Rudeus explained how, despite the lure of better pay from elite clans, he and Luciliana had no desire to join. Like Rifi, they weren''t fans of the main clans and preferred to stay under the employ of the City Lord.


    The conversation eventually shifted to Rifi''s plans. Now that he was back in the city, what did he intend to do?

 16. Battlemage

    Since Rifi had nowhere else to go, and Rudeus had kindly offered him a place to stay, he accepted the invitation with quiet gratitude.


    Helena and Rudeus prepared a sleeping bag for him, placing it by the living room window at Rifi''s request. The soft glow of the starlight filtering through the window seemed to offer him a strange comfort. After spending so long in the isolation of a cave, over a year, the open sky was a sight he hadn''t realized he craved.


    Though the city''s lights dimmed the stars, Rifi had a way of clearing the haze with just a touch of mana. Yet, even with the stars twinkling overhead, the persistent hum of city life reached him, muffled though it was by walls and windows. Despite the distractions, sleep came swiftly. For the first time in days, Rifi sank into a deep, dreamless rest¡ªa welcome reprieve from the thoughts that had plagued him since his master''s disappearance.


    Rifi slept soundly through the night, so deeply that even the quiet rustlings of Helena preparing breakfast in the morning, didn''t stir him. It wasn''t until Rudeus, with his usual obnoxiously loud yawns and thudding footsteps, wandered into the room that Rifi finally woke.


    "Morning," Rifi mumbled, half-amused by the fact that Rudeus'' son hadn''t been jarred awake by the ruckus.


    "Morning, Rifi," Rudeus replied with a grin. "Slept well on that bag?"


    "Like a baby. Better than I''m used to, honestly," Rifi admitted.


    "Glad to hear it. Come on, breakfast is ready," Rudeus said, waving him over.


    Rifi folded the sleeping bag neatly, not wanting to seem rude, and joined the others at the table. Breakfast was simple but delicious¡ªeggs cooked to perfection by Helena''s skilled hands. To Rifi, the best part was the absence of fish. He detested the taste of it, something words couldn''t quite convey.


    As they ate, the conversation drifted to more serious matters. Rudeus had already spoken briefly with Rifi about what was next. They would keep the details of his recent events hidden, and Rudeus had agreed to vouch for him when necessary. It would make things easier as they navigated the city''s bureaucracy.


    After breakfast, they didn''t linger. Helena busied herself with cleaning up while Rudeus and Rifi readied to leave, the little one still fast asleep through it all. Their destination was the local mage in charge of Rudeus'' unit¡ªa red-core mage like Rifi, by the name of Arthur.


    Though a capable spellbound mage, Arthur didn''t have the authority to contract red-core mages as he reavealed to them upon their meeting. This task was reserved for someone much higher in rank, namely the City Lord.


    Arthur, eager to help, offered to arrange a meeting with the City Lord. There was a personal motivation behind his eagerness¡ªthe commission he would earn for ''discovering'' a red-core talent like Rifi. Of course, Rudeus would see a portion of that commission, something that made Rifi feel slightly better. At least in some indirect way, he was helping his friend.


    Their business with Arthur didn''t take long, and soon Rudeus had to part ways, reminded of his duties by Arthur''s not-so-subtle hints. Before leaving, Rudeus made sure to invite Rifi to dinner that evening, a gesture that was appreciated more than words could express.


    Rifi and Arthur continued on their way to the heart of the city, where the military administrative buildings were located. The headquarters where the City Lord worked was close by¡ªa fortress-like building with a training arena attached, high walls surrounding it to ensure the safety of the area or perhaps to conceal what went on inside. Arthur, ever the chatterbox, filled Rifi in on every detail as they approached.


    The entrance to the HQ was imposing, but Arthur barely paused, nodding to the guards as he continued talking about the building''s history. They passed through the grand gates and into the reception area, where Arthur finally fell silent.


    "You''ll have to wait here, Rifi," Arthur said. "It won''t be long, and either I or someone else will fetch you when the City Lord is ready."


    Arthur spoke briefly with the receptionist before hurrying up the stairs, leaving Rifi alone to wait. Rifi let his eyes wander, taking in the sight of the garden just beyond the entrance. He couldn''t help but smirk to himself.


    ''I''ve learned more about this building in five minutes than I''ve learned about mana in three years,'' he mused, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. Arthur certainly had a way with words, though his enthusiasm was almost overwhelming.


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    Before Rifi could dwell on his thoughts too long, Arthur returned, practically bounding down the stairs.


    "Good news, Rifi. The City Lord is available. We can go right in."


    They climbed the stairs together, Arthur unusually quiet. His previous excitement seemed to have vanished as they approached a heavy door on the second floor.


    "This is where I leave you," Arthur said, gesturing to the door. "The City Lord is waiting inside."


    Rifi hesitated, a sudden chill crawling down his spine. Was something amiss? His mind raced with paranoid thoughts, but he quickly dismissed them. ''Don''t overthink this,'' he reminded himself, taking a deep breath before stepping forward.


    The room beyond the door was large, with a grand desk at the far end and an oversized chair positioned near a window that overlooked the training grounds. Shelves filled with books lined one wall, while a massive painting of the city adorned another. In the center, two plush couches flanked a low table, and on them sat two mages, both watching him with unsettling intensity.


    The City Lord stood by the window, his back to the room. As Rifi took a tentative step forward, a crushing weight of mana suddenly filled the space. The pressure was suffocating, and Rifi had to immediately circulate his own mana just to remain standing. His body tensed, eyes glowing red as his battle sense kicked in, instinctively trying to counter the oppressive force.


    The pressure came from all three mages. Though Rifi could feel his mana pushing back, it wasn''t enough to fully resist them. His mind raced, searching for his next move. Just as he prepared to act, the pressure slowly eased, and the City Lord turned to face him.


    "Heh, welcome, Rifi. Apologies for the little test. My advisors insisted," the City Lord said, his tone surprisingly light. "Please, come in. Do you prefer tea or coffee?"


    The tension in the room lessened, though Rifi remained wary. "Thank you, City Lord," he replied cautiously. "The test was unexpected, but I''m not one to complain. Nothing for me, thank you."


    The City Lord smiled, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening. Despite his age, there was a youthful energy about him, as though time had touched his face but left his spirit untouched. "I''m glad you''ve taken it in stride. These two are my trusted advisors, Helvia and Felix. They have served me well for many years. Trust, you see, is a rare and precious thing these days. Wouldn''t you agree?"


    "Yes," Rifi replied earnestly. "Trust is indeed important."


    The City Lord studied him for a moment, his expression soft but unreadable. "Very good. Now, to the point. We are all rather curious. A red-core mage, appearing almost out of nowhere, only a year and a half after your awakening? Forgive my bluntness, Rifi, but are you entangled with one of the great clans?"


    "No, I am..." as Rifi was about to add something, he was interupted.


    Helvia, who had been silently observing, interjected sharply. "Lies."


    Felix made a disapproving sound.


    Suddenly, the oppressive pressure returned, weighing down the room as the City Lord''s face twisted in clear anger.


    "I see now. You couldn''t even wait for an old man like me to pass away naturally. No, you''ve chosen to make your move, openly seizing power. But you won''t leave this place alive..." His voice dripped with accusation, his eyes narrowing dangerously.


    "Please, calm down. Let me explain," Rifi interjected quickly, sensing that the situation was spiraling out of control.


    "What is there to explain?" the City Lord snapped, his fury uncontained. "You were sent here to infiltrate us!"


    "You have it all wrong," Rifi said, his voice steady but laced with urgency. "The only connection I have with them is that they slaughtered my family. The only thing I seek from them is revenge."


    At this, both the City Lord and Felix turned their eyes to Helvia. She remained focused on Rifi, her gaze unblinking and intense. After a moment of silence, she spoke, her tone matter-of-fact.


    "He speaks the truth."


    The City Lord''s expression shifted, confusion replacing the anger that had contorted his face moments before. "Then how do you explain your sudden leap in magic cultivation?" he asked, his voice softer now but still tinged with suspicion.


    Rifi''s mind raced. By now, it was clear that Helvia had some way of discerning truth from lies. He knew he had to tread carefully.


    "All I can tell you is that I stumbled upon a treasure, inheritance if you will and gained some knowledge from it." His words were carefully chosen, for though it was not the whole truth, it was still truthful enough. The mana vein he had discovered was indeed a treasure, and the knowledge he had gained¡­ well, that was a story for another time.


    Helvia gave a slight nod, confirming his honesty, and the City Lord''s expression softened further.


    "That makes sense," the City Lord conceded. "An inheritance left behind by a mage could certainly explain your rapid rise in cultivation."


    "Yes, but I must ask for your discretion," Rifi added, his voice lowering. "The fewer people who know about it, the safer I''ll be. I cannot share more, and I hope you''ll understand."


    The City Lord''s features relaxed into a thoughtful expression. After a pause, he nodded. "Of course. Your secret is safe with us. We would never put our newest battlemage in harm''s way. That is¡ªif you still wish to join us, and if the information we have on you is accurate?"


    He extended his hand to Rifi, his once-stern face now brightened with a genuine smile.


    "It would be an honor, sir. And yes, I specialize in close combat, so battlemage would be fitting." Rifi replied, standing up and shaking the City Lord''s hand firmly.


    With that, the heavy tension in the room dissipated completely. Helvia and Felix both eased, retracting the mana pressure they had been exerting. The room felt lighter, and a sense of normalcy returned.


    The City Lord gave a satisfied nod. "We still have a few matters to discuss, but first, allow me to officially congratulate you on your appointment as the Battlemage of Hepestus. It is an honor bestowed upon only a select few."


    Felix stepped forward, clapping Rifi on the shoulder with a smirk. "Congratulations, kid. Don''t screw it up."


    Helvia, ever the picture of decorum, inclined her head slightly. "Congratulations, Battlemage Rifi."

 17. Friendly Spar

    Helvia and Felix departed soon after, leaving the City Lord and Rifi alone to discuss matters more privately regarding Rifi''s new role.


    Before any details like pay, assignments, or formalities could be addressed, the City Lord needed to assess Rifi''s true strength. While it was certain that Rifi was a red-core mage, not all mages of the same core rank were equal. Some stood leagues above their peers, and this disparity was especially evident among close-combat mages.


    Close-combat mages ranged from nearly ineffective to godlike warriors, their abilities more volatile compared to spellbound mages, who were generally more balanced in power within their respective core ranks. Of course, exceptional individuals always stood out.


    Though Rifi had been given the title of Battlemage¡ªa title reserved for elite close-combat fighters¡ªthe City Lord wanted to see for himself whether it was a mere honorary designation or if Rifi truly embodied the feared essence of a Battlemage.


    It should be noted that even honorary Battlemages were a formidable force, difficult to contend with, but a true Battlemage was the king of any battlefield, feared by both allies and enemies alike.


    The arena, now cleared, was silent, save for Rifi and the City Lord. A sparring match was set to determine Rifi''s true capabilities. No one was allowed to observe¡ªnot even the guard who had escorted them. He now stood outside, waiting for further instructions.


    The City Lord, though two ranks above Rifi and a yellow-core spellbound mage, showed no signs of underestimating his opponent.


    "Prepare yourself, Rifi," the City Lord shouted across the arena. "I''m about to begin."


    The battle commenced.


    Rifi immediately flooded his muscles with mana, a mixture of lightning mana and raw, elementless energy, careful not to reveal the full extent of his abilities. His mana surged through the arena, and he could feel every minute detail in the space around him. Heat radiated from his body, steam rising from his skin. Black lightning marks crackled across his limbs, giving the impression that he had just been struck by a thunderbolt.


    Rifi stood ready, not needing to wait long. The City Lord made two heavy steps forward, and with each step, Rifi felt massive amounts of earth mana being channeled into the ground.


    The earth beneath Rifi''s feet rumbled, and in an instant, jagged rocks shot toward him from three directions. Instinctively, Rifi knew he had to leave the ground. The speed of his movement was blinding, easily outpacing the incoming projectiles. Leaping into the air, he used the momentum from the rocks to propel himself forward, dodging the spikes that erupted where he had just stood.


    The City Lord smiled, an amused glint in his eyes, and vanished behind an enormous wall of earth that rose between them. The wall shot toward Rifi with alarming speed, leaving him vulnerable in midair.


    With no time to evade, Rifi infused his legs with lightning mana to their maximum capacity. As he reached the wall, he pushed the lightning from his feet, obliterating the earth spikes before they could fully form. His movements were fluid, swift. Running across the side of the wall, each step left charred lightning marks in his wake.


    But the ground between them was no longer safe¡ªmagma had begun seeping through the floor, bubbling and hissing as it spread. More projectiles of molten rock hurtled toward him.


    Rifi narrowed his eyes. The City Lord was a dual-element wielder. It was a surprising discovery, though Rifi had sensed the shift in mana before seeing the change in the battlefield.


    Unfazed, Rifi drew his sword, lightning crackling along its length as he deflected the magma projectiles with ease. With a roundhouse kick to the wall, he sent chunks of earth scattering across the molten floor.


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    The City Lord, now fully encased in an armor of earth, continued his assault, summoning waves of earth and magma spikes that he hurled toward Rifi. Each spike was met by Rifi''s blade, though the intense heat from the magma and the lightning energy flowing through the sword was rapidly deteriorating its condition. He knew it wouldn''t last much longer.


    But it didn''t matter¡ªRifi was closing in. Only a few meters separated him from the City Lord now.


    A massive earth spike shot toward him from the right, while another wall began forming in front of the City Lord. Without hesitation, Rifi leapt to the left, channeling a bolt of lightning through his sword and directing it straight at the City Lord.


    He only used half of his strength in that strike¡ªit was, after all, only a spar.


    But as the lightning struck the City Lord''s earth armor, Rifi''s eyes widened in shock. The armor cracked and crumbled, but it was empty.


    By the time Rifi realized the deception, it was too late. As he landed, the ground beneath him gave way, and in a blink, he was pulled neck-deep into the earth.


    He was about to release his full power to escape when the City Lord''s voice cut through the chaos.


    "I''ve seen enough. We''ll stop here."


    The City Lord rose from the ground behind Rifi, a satisfied grin on his face. "You''ve got remarkable reflexes, especially with that lightning affinity of yours. But you rely on it a bit too much."


    Rifi''s expression shifted, apologetic. "I was too arrogant. I''m sorry to have disappointed you."


    "Disappointed?" The City Lord chuckled. "Not at all. You are more than deserving of the Battlemage title. With your speed, few can match you¡ªcertainly no one of the red core rank. Your use of lightning mana to enhance your body is unlike anything I''ve seen. You are, however, inexperienced. But that will change with time, provided you don''t let arrogance cloud your judgment."


    "Thank you, City Lord," Rifi replied, bowing his head in respect. "I will carry your advice with me and learn from this."


    "Hoho, a promising young talent indeed," the City Lord mused, stroking his beard. "Now, come. We have much to discuss. There''s an important assignment waiting for you, especially since our views on the great clans seem to align."


    As they left the arena, the receptionist awaited them with towels and refreshments. Rifi wiped the sweat from his brow as they made their way back to the City Lord''s office. The receptionist led the way and poured tea for both of them before bowing and leaving the room.


    Rifi remained silent, his thoughts lingering on the battle. ''No wonder the old man is such a beast on the battlefield. He probably trains like this every day.''


    He wasn''t wrong. Despite the City Lord''s outwardly aged appearance, his strength was undeniable. Rifi now had first-hand experience of just how formidable the man truly was.


    As soon as the receptionist exited, the City Lord got straight to the point.


    "Rifi," he began, "now that we''ve established some trust, I want to share something with you. But know this¡ªwhat I''m about to reveal could place you in great danger. Are you willing to bear that risk?"


    "If it involves the great clans, they''ve already ensured I won''t remain on the sidelines," Rifi answered firmly. "You needn''t worry about me."


    "Good," the City Lord said, his eyes glinting. "That''s what I needed to hear. Having another Battlemage on our side will be invaluable. For now, nothing is certain, but we suspect the Esquliana clan is involved in something sinister. I wanted you to be prepared¡ªwar may soon be upon us."


    "Of course, it''s those bastards," Rifi muttered through clenched teeth.


    "It appears so," the City Lord nodded. "But we cannot act rashly. For now, keep this information between us. I need to know that I can rely on you when the time comes. As for your immediate assignment, you will be placed in an elite battlemage squad. They''re currently away, but they''ll return within a week. Once they''re back, I''ll summon you for your first mission."


    They continued discussing various matters for another hour. By the end of the meeting, Rifi was set to receive top-quality equipment, crafted personally by the City Lord''s blacksmith. He had even requested two swords, and the City Lord happily agreed. It was a significant investment, with all the materials coming from tier-seven beasts.


    Though the equipment would be provided at no upfront cost, Rifi agreed to forfeit his share of any beasts he killed during his first year of service to the city. After that, he would receive the standard share.


    The pay was beyond anything Rifi had ever imagined. A weekly payment of 500 mana stones or 5 medium-grade mana stones was agreed upon¡ªa little more than most red-core mages received, but after witnessing Rifi''s abilities, the City Lord was willing to pay handsomely.


    As Rifi left the headquarters, he picked up his first week''s payment from the receptionist. Now, with his next mission a week away, it was time to enjoy a well-earned rest.

 18. Calm before the Storm

    Rifi sat on the cold stone bench in the courtyard, staring at the fading outline of the City Lord disappearing into the HQ. His body was still pulsing with the energy of their spar, but his mind was restless. The words of the City Lord echoed in his thoughts,


    "War with the great clans is inevitable."


    For a moment, the world around him felt still. The distant hum of the city beyond the HQ faded as his gaze fell to the ground. He had trained relentlessly, pushed his body to its limits, and harnessed his lightning core to an impressive level, but now the stakes were rising. The battles to come were far beyond skirmishes with beasts or sparring duels with comrades. Rifi would be expected to face the most powerful mages the world had ever known in life and death battles, and the idea of it gnawed at him.


    On top of all that, he still had to thread carefully, who knows what part the Devils were playing in all of this. The beast hordes were only the beginning, the unrests in neighbouring City-States and even the situation with great clans in Hepestus, who knows how much of it was influenced by the Devils and how deep their roots were by now.


    But as Rifi strolled through the busy streets of Hepestus, his thoughts lightened. He had been presumed dead for over a year, his whereabouts a mystery even to those closest to him. Returning to the city had been a surreal experience, especially reuniting with his old friend Rudeus and meeting his wife, Helena and their son Marcus. He had spent the night at their home just yesterday, and now, with some time to himself after the spar, he decided to use his newly earned wealth to do something special for them and Lucilia also.


    His hand rested on the pouch at his side, feeling the weight of the 500 mana stones he''d earned. It was more wealth than he''d ever held at once, and he planned to use it wisely¡ªon his friends, who had thought him lost forever.


    Rifi wandered through the city''s market district, taking in the sights and sounds that were both familiar and distant. Merchants lined the streets, their stalls overflowing with everything from exotic fabrics to rare magical items. Children ran through the alleyways, and the hum of conversation filled the air.


    He stopped at a weaponsmith''s stall, his eyes catching on a silver dagger. It was simple but elegant, a small wind symbol etched into its surface. It reminded him of Lucilia¡ªsharp, quick, and always on the move. She had been away on a mission for several days, and Rifi was eager to see her again. She didn''t need much, but something like this¡ªa symbol of her strength¡ªfelt right.


    "How much for the silver dagger?" Rifi asked the weaponsmith, a wizened old man with a toothy smile.


    "You have good eyes, sir. A tier 5 core of wind element beast was used in crafting this beauty, extremely deadly in the right hinds, but no doubt sir already knows his. 150 mana stones, and I would be willing to part with them. " the weaponsmith replied.


    Rifi didn''t hesitate, handing over the stones. "I''ll take it."


    He continued through the market, his thoughts wandering to Rudeus. His friend had been a constant in his life for as long as he was a legionary, a grizzled veteran who had seen too many battles but still managed to keep his spirit intact. Rudeus had a knack for practicality, so Rifi headed toward an armoursmith''s stall, looking for something that would suit him.


    After browsing for a while, Rifi found what he was looking for¡ªa sturdy, well-crafted scale armour, perfect for any type of combat. Rudeus had mentioned his old armour was nearing its end, and this new armour would serve him well in the battles to come.


    Satisfied with his purchases, Rifi spent the rest of the afternoon roaming the city, enjoying the rare moments of peace. It felt good to walk through the streets, not as a soldier, but as someone who had come back from the dead. The weight of his year-long absence still clung to him, but seeing the city alive and bustling reminded him of old happy times, when he and his family were enjoying festivities of this very lively City.


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    As evening fell, Rifi made his way to Rudeus''s home, eager for the dinner he had promised to attend. The streets were quieter now, with most of the merchants closing their stalls and the city preparing for the evening. The warm glow of lanterns began to flicker in the windows of the homes he passed.


    Rudeus''s home was tucked away in a more peaceful corner of the city, a little bit outside of the centre of the city. The smell of roasting meat and fresh bread filled the air as Rifi approached the door. He could hear the sound of Rudeus''s laughter inside, mingled with the giggles of his young son.


    Rifi knocked, and the door swung open almost immediately. Helena, Rudeus''s wife, greeted him with a smile. She wiped her hands on her apron, the scent of the food she was preparing clinging to her.


    "Rifi, you''re right on time!" she said warmly. "Come in, come in. Dinner''s just about ready."


    Rifi stepped inside, the familiar warmth of their home immediately putting him at ease. Rudeus was sitting on the floor, his one arm missing from their battle with the panther, but that didn''t stop him from entertaining his son, who was trying to climb onto his lap with the determination only a child could muster.


    "Rifi!" Rudeus called out, grinning. "You''re late! This little one''s been waiting to show you his best moves."


    Rifi laughed, shaking his head. "Looks like he''s already giving you a workout."


    "Workout?" Rudeus scoffed, gently lifting his son with one arm into the air before setting him down. "This is nothing. You should see him when he''s really fired up."


    Helena rolled her eyes affectionately as she moved back to the kitchen. "You two sit and talk. Dinner will be ready in a moment."


    Rifi sat down at the table, setting the wrapped gifts for Rudeus and Lucilia beside him. He hadn''t told Rudeus about them yet¡ªhe was waiting for the right moment.


    "So," Rudeus said, leaning back in his chair. "You''ve been roaming the city all day, I hear? What''s got you spending your time like a rich man?"


    Rifi smiled, resting his elbows on the table. "I''ve been picking up a few things for you and Lucilia."


    Rudeus raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "Oh? You didn''t have to do that, Rifi."


    "I know," Rifi replied, his tone casual. "But I wanted to. You''ve both been there for me, and after being gone for so long¡­ it just felt right."


    Rudeus''s expression softened. He didn''t say much, but Rifi could see the appreciation in his eyes.


    As they waited for Helena to finish preparing the meal, Rudeus''s tone shifted slightly, more serious now. "So, what did the City Lord want with you today? I heard about the sparring match, but I''ve got a feeling there was more to it than just testing your strength."


    Rifi hesitated for a moment. He had told himself he wouldn''t reveal the City Lord''s secret about the impending war with the great clans, but he couldn''t lie to Rudeus entirely. He settled on a half-truth.


    "He wanted to see how far I''ve come," Rifi explained, keeping his voice steady. "It was intense, but it wasn''t just about the spar. He''s preparing the city for something bigger. There''s tension all around, and he wanted to make sure I''m ready."


    Rudeus frowned, leaning forward. "Tension? You think it''s war?"


    Rifi met his friend''s gaze, choosing his words carefully. "I don''t know for sure, but the City Lord''s worried. Between the beast hordes and the unrest in the neighbouring regions, it feels like something''s coming. But we''ll handle it, like we always do."


    Rudeus let out a long breath, nodding slowly. "I''ve felt it too. There''s a change in the air, even in the barracks. Everyone''s on edge."


    Before the conversation could grow too heavy, Helena called out from the kitchen. "Dinner''s ready!"


    She brought over the meal, setting down plates of roasted meat and vegetables. The savoury smell filled the room, and for a moment, the tension lifted. Rudeus''s son clambered into his lap, and the three adults settled into easy conversation over the meal.


    It was during dinner that Rudeus brought up Lucilia''s return.


    "She''ll be back tomorrow," he said, his eyes brightening. "I got a message from her this morning. Her mission went well, and she''s returning to the city by noon."


    Rifi smiled. "It''ll be good to see her again. We should meet up tomorrow night."


    Rudeus grinned. "Already planning on it. Let''s meet at the tavern, the one near the HQ, we passed it today on our way to the City Lord. It''ll be good to have all of us together again."


    Rifi nodded, thinking about the pendant he had purchased for Lucilia. "I''ll be there. And don''t worry about the drinks¡ªI''ve got it covered."


    Rudeus raised an eyebrow, his grin widening. "You, buying drinks? I knew something was different about you."


    The rest of the evening passed in comfortable conversation, and as the night grew late, Rifi stood to leave.


    "Thanks for dinner, Helena," Rifi said warmly. "It was amazing."


    "You''re always welcome here, Rifi," Helena replied with a smile.


    Rudeus clasped Rifi''s hand firmly. "Tomorrow night, then. And remember¡ªyou''re buying."


    Rifi laughed as he stepped out into the cool night air, a sense of peace settling over him. Tomorrow, they would reunite with Lucilia, and for a little while, they could forget the storms brewing on the horizon.

 19. Lucilia returns

    The streets of Hepestus were quieter now, the city settling into the night. Rifi walked through the darkened alleys, his mind wandering between thoughts of tomorrow''s reunion with Lucilia and the war that loomed over them all.


    For tonight, though, he wanted nothing more than a good bed and a quiet place to rest. He had spent too many nights in the discomfort of the cave, and with now only 100 mana stones remaining in his pouch, he could still afford a little comfort.


    He found his way to the upper district, where the inns were known for their warm beds and peaceful atmosphere. After a short walk, he spotted a small, inviting inn tucked away from the main road. The sign above the door read The Silver Chalice, and the warm glow of lanterns flickered inside.


    Rifi pushed open the door, stepping into the cozy interior. The innkeeper, a kind-faced woman, greeted him with a smile. "Looking for a room, Sir?"


    "I am," Rifi replied, setting a few mana stones on the counter. "For a week, something quiet if possible"


    She nodded, her eyes glistening at the sight of the mana stones "This many mana stones, will even get you a breakfast for your week long stay, sir" she then handed him a key. "Second floor, first door on the right. Enjoy your stay."


    Rifi thanked her and made his way upstairs, grateful for the solitude. The room was small but comfortable, with a soft bed and a window that overlooked the quiet streets below. It was fancier then what Rifi was used to, the room came even with a classy writting table since mostly merchants frequented the Inn. Rifi collapsed onto the bed, his mind easing into rest.


    Tomorrow would be a day of reunion, but for now, he would let sleep take him.


    Rifi awoke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the window. The city of Hepestus was still quiet at this hour, the bustling streets now a distant memory of the night before. He lay still for a moment, savoring the comfort of the warm bed beneath him, a luxury he had not had in far too long. After so many restless nights in the cave, this simple comfort felt almost foreign.


    Slowly, he pushed himself up, his body protesting slightly from the strain of his recent spar session with the City Lord. He had been pushed far and the lightning mana always left somewhat of a strain on the body, but today there were no duels or beasts to face¡ªonly the reunion with his friends. He had spent a year in the wilds, presumed dead, and while he had enjoyed seeing Rudeus and his family again, today felt different. Lucilia would be back, and their whole scout team would be together, like old times


    Rifi got out of bed and moved toward the window. The small room, though modest, had an air of peace about it. He knelt down near the writing table, closing his eyes and letting his breathing slow.


    His mind drifting away from all the uncertainty that troubled him and focusing only on his mana core and body. He was already used to it, each time he trained or battled with lightning mana, he would afterwards need to mend his body wounds.


    The lightning mana could be said to be toxic to the body, damaging it in the process of being used. No matter how fine Rifi`s control of the lightning mana got, some of it always leaked out of the mana channels of his body and did what lightning does.


    Obviously the more and dense the lightning mana was the higher the damage to his body would be. Everything comes with a cost and so did Rifi`s unmatched speed as well. With the help of his Master Nala, Rifi did become extremely proficient in tending to his damaged body afterwards.


    On top of that, Rifi''s organs themselves were already doing a good job or repairing the body, and with the dense mana of a red core mage they worked extremely efficient compared to normal humans. Since the spar with the City Lord was somewhat light and he didn''t have to expose his body to the full strength of his lightning mana for a prolonged time, it took Rifi only few minutes until he was in his top form.


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    Rest of the day he spent cultivating the mana, slowly increasing the mana in his core. He had a good while to go till he reached the peak of red core. The mana stones he spent on his friends sure would help fasten the process, but he wasn''t sorry one bit that the mana stones were gone. He only had about 90 more left, 40 he decided to use to cultivate, rest will be kept for tonight and the nights to come till his meeting with his new team and his next pay.


    By late afternoon, Rifi made his way through the bustling streets of Hepestus toward the tavern. He didn''t have to go far, the tavern was only few streets away from the Inn he was staying in. The air was cooler now, the heat of the day giving way to a comfortable breeze that swept through the narrow alleyways. People crowded the market stalls, vendors calling out their last offers of the day, but Rifi''s mind was focused on the evening ahead.


    He reached the tavern just as the sun was beginning to set, casting the streets in a warm, golden light. The sign of the Stone Hearth Tavern swung gently in the breeze. It was an old haunt, a place that mostly Legionaries a bit higher up the chain frequented.


    Rifi pushed open the door, the familiar sounds of laughter and conversation filling the warm, dimly lit room. He spotted Rudeus first, sitting at a table near the back, a broad grin on his face. Lucilia sat across from him, her short silver hair catching the flickering light of the tavern''s lanterns. She looked every bit the warrior she was¡ªsharp, focused, but with a softness in her expression that came when she was among friends.


    "There he is!" Rudeus called out, his voice booming over the noise of the tavern.


    Rifi smiled and made his way over, sliding into the seat beside Lucilia. She turned to him, her green eyes flashing with warmth.


    "You''re alive," she said, her voice carrying a teasing note, though her smile betrayed how relieved she truly was. "For a while there, I thought you''d gone and gotten yourself killed for good."


    Rifi chuckled, shaking his head. "Not yet."


    They ordered drinks, the easy banter between them picking up as though no time had passed at all. Lucilia recounted her recent mission¡ªa scouting job in the southern regions, where tensions were brewing between the City-States. She spoke in quick, sharp sentences, her mind clearly still in tactical mode, but Rifi could tell she was glad to be back.


    "And you," Lucilia said, turning her gaze back to Rifi. "What have you been up to? I heard you''ve been spending mana stones like they grow on trees."


    Rifi leaned back in his chair, a sly smile creeping across his face. "I might have picked up a few things."


    He reached into his bag, pulling out the carefully wrapped gifts. He set the silver dagger in front of Lucilia and the armour in front of Rudeus, both of them staring at the objects with wide eyes.


    "That huge bag sure looked suspicious, for a moment I was even worried you were leaving immediately, but what''s this?" Rudeus asked, his voice full of surprise as he unwrapped the armour. The scales shimmered in the low light, each piece crafted with care and strength.


    "A little something for the both of you," Rifi said. "You''ve both done more for me than I could ever repay. Consider this a thank you."


    Lucilia picked up the silver dagger, her eyes narrowing as she inspected it. The wind symbol etched into the blade caught her attention immediately. "This is¡­ incredible," she said quietly, turning the dagger over in her hands. "Where did you find this?"


    "A weaponsmith in the market," Rifi replied, watching as her expression shifted from surprise to something softer, more grateful. "I saw it and thought of you."


    Lucilia didn''t say anything for a moment, but the look she gave him spoke volumes. She slid the dagger back into its sheath and clipped it to her belt, the glint of steel catching the light.


    "You didn''t have to do this, Rifi," Rudeus said, his voice softer than usual. He ran his hand over the armor, clearly impressed by the craftsmanship.


    "I wanted to," Rifi said simply. "It''s been a long year. I thought it was time we had something to remind us of what we''ve survived."


    Rudeus and Lucilia exchanged a glance, both of them smiling at him in their own way. For a moment, the weight of everything¡ªthe war, the City Lord''s warnings, the impending battles¡ªfaded. It was just the three of them, like old times, sitting together and enjoying the peace they had fought so hard to preserve.


    The rest of the evening passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and a few too many drinks. The tension that had been building in Rifi''s chest slowly unwound as they spoke about old times, shared new plans, and joked about the trouble that always seemed to follow them.


    But even as they laughed, Rifi couldn''t shake the feeling that this was the calm before the storm. The war with the great clans was coming, and when it did, it would change everything. But for tonight, in the warmth of the tavern with his friends by his side, Rifi let himself believe that maybe, just for a little while, they could hold onto this peace.

 20. Team of Elites

    The sun was rising over the City of Hepestus, painting the cobbled streets in a soft gold hue as Rifi left the inn where he had spent his first restful night in what felt like an eternity. The sound of bustling markets had not yet filled the air, leaving only the distant hum of the city waking up, giving him a brief moment of peace. He adjusted his gear and stretched his body, feeling the usual strain that came after prolonged use of lightning mana. Today was not for relaxation, though. He had a week before meeting his new team, and he intended to be stronger by the end of it.


    Rifi made his way to the training grounds just outside the city walls. He had discovered these grounds years ago when he was still a recruit¡ªan isolated space that wasn''t frequented by many, perfect for his kind of training. As he approached, he could already feel the tension in his muscles easing. The routine of training was always a welcome distraction, and now, with the looming responsibility of an elite mission, he needed all the focus he could muster.


    He sure welcomed training in open space like this compared to the cave. It was much easier to train and test your strength when you didnt need to worry about hitting a wall.


    He knelt on the ground, breathing deeply as he let the ambient mana flow into his core. The familiar crackle of electricity began to spread through his veins, humming beneath his skin as his lightning mana stirred. He was more in control of it now, but it still came with a cost. As the sparks danced along his fingers, Rifi began his usual routine¡ªcontrolled bursts of mana to sharpen his reflexes and strengthen his body. He knew that pushing too hard could be dangerous, but that was the only way to grow.


    As he summoned the lightning to enhance his speed, he sprinted across the field in blinding flashes. Each step was quicker than the last, the air around him shimmering with the electric charge. His body protested after each lap, but Rifi knew better than to stop.


    "More, I need more mana pathways" he whispered to himself, pushing beyond his limits.


    The days passed in a similar rhythm. Mornings were spent cultivating mana, refining his control over his abilities, and testing new techniques to reduce the strain on his body. He found that, with enough focus, he could draw the mana from the environment faster now, a welcoming effect of his "Natural Body". There were moments of pain¡ªintense, burning pain as his lightning seeped into places in his body it shouldn''t¡ªbut it was becoming easier to bear. He could feel himself growing stronger, but at the same time, the weight of his responsibilities loomed.


    In the evenings, Rifi would find himself wandering back into the city, where Lucilia and Rudeus would often meet him. Some nights, they shared drinks in the taverns, reminiscing about old times. Other nights, they would spar, testing their skills against each other.


    The days leading up to his meeting with the elite team had passed quickly for Rifi. He had trained relentlessly, pushing himself to his physical and magical limits, knowing that something bigger was on the horizon. But now, as he walked through the quiet, dimly lit corridors of the Hepestus headquarters, there was a different tension in the air¡ªan eerie stillness that seemed to swallow sound and heighten his awareness.


    He was being led to a private room deep within the building, away from the usual hustle and bustle of the main barracks. The faint scent of parchment and ink filled the air as Rifi passed by offices of high-ranking officers, some of whom glanced at him with a mixture of curiosity and respect. Only a select few knew about his sudden reappearance after a year of being presumed dead, and even fewer were aware of his connection to the City Lord.


    The guard escorting him stopped in front of a heavy wooden door and knocked twice before stepping aside. A muffled voice responded from within, and the door creaked open.


    Inside, the room was sparse but functional¡ªa large table in the center surrounded by chairs, the walls lined with maps, reports, and tactical diagrams. The atmosphere was serious, and the people seated around the table only added to the sense of purpose in the air.


    Rifi''s eyes quickly scanned the group. There were two others¡ªboth red core mages like him, both with hardened expressions that spoke of years on the battlefield. Each of them wore the standard cloak of the Legionaries of Hepestus, but the way they carried themselves made it clear they were far from ordinary soldiers.


    The first was a man with dark hair and a square jaw, his eyes sharp and focused. He had the build of a warrior¡ªstrong and sturdy, with an air of quiet determination. His name was Kaelin, and Rifi had heard of him before¡ªrumors of his prowess in battle had spread among the Legionaries. Kaelin had been part of several missions along the souther and western borders, defending the city-state and its precious mana veins from invading beasts and enemy scouts.


    Sitting across from Kaelin was a woman named Serra, her lean frame coiled with energy. Her pale blonde hair was tied back tightly, and her piercing blue eyes seemed to take in every detail of the room. Like Kaelin, she had made her name in the Legionaries not through small squad missions but through battlefield glory. She was known for her swift, deadly precision in combat, often overwhelming enemies before they even had the chance to react.


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    Both Kaelin and Serra had proven their loyalty to the City Lord time and time again, and their reputations as elite soldiers were well-earned.


    "Rifi, right?" Kaelin spoke first, his voice steady but carrying the weight of someone used to command. "We''ve heard a lot about you."


    Rifi nodded and took a seat at the table. "Same here. Heard nothing but good things about both of you."


    Serra gave a brief smile, her expression softening only slightly. "We were pulled in for this mission last minute. The City Lord must have some faith in us to put a team like this together."


    There was a moment of silence as the three of them sized each other up. Rifi could sense their strength, the latent power in both of them barely concealed. These were not the kind of people to show off or boast¡ªthey let their skills speak for themselves.


    Kaelin leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest. "We''ve both been stationed near the southern borders, mostly helping with the defense of the mana veins and training the troops. Not exactly glamorous work, but it''s kept the city safe." His tone was matter-of-fact, but there was an edge to it, a hint of pride in the work they had done.


    Serra nodded in agreement. "The borders have been tense lately. There''s been more activity than usual¡ªbeasts, mercenaries, even some city-state scouts poking around where they shouldn''t be. It''s why we were called in, I suppose."


    Rifi was about to respond when the door creaked open again, and a figure stepped inside¡ªFelix, the City Lord''s right hand. His presence immediately commanded attention. He was dressed in formal robes, his dark hair slicked back, and his eyes were sharp, calculating. He moved with the precision of a man used to wielding power without needing to announce it.


    Felix nodded to the group before turning his gaze toward Rifi, holding it for a moment longer than the others. "Good, everyone is here. Let''s begin."


    He strode to the head of the table, spreading out a parchment that was sealed with the official sigil of the City Lord. The room seemed to grow even quieter, the tension thick in the air. Felix looked over the group, his face unreadable.


    "You''ve all been selected for this mission because of your skills and loyalty," Felix began, his voice calm but carrying an unmistakable weight. "This is not an ordinary assignment, and the details I''m about to share are confidential. You are not to discuss this with anyone outside of this room."


    Kaelin exchanged a quick glance with Serra, but neither spoke. Felix continued.


    "There has been¡­ unrest in the western regions. Several smaller clans have shown signs of discontent, and there are rumors of alliances forming among them. Normally, this would be of little concern, but the City Lord believes something larger is at play here."


    Felix paused, allowing the gravity of his words to sink in. "Your mission is twofold: first, you are to investigate the western regions and confirm whether these alliances are more than just rumors. Second, and more importantly, you are to seek out any signs of external interference¡ªspecifically, the involvement of the enemy City States or even Great Clans."


    At the mention of the Great Clans, Serra''s expression tightened, though she remained silent. Rifi, too, felt a knot tighten in his chest. The Great Clans were a powerful force¡ªfar beyond what ordinary clans could contend with. If they were involved, this wasn''t just a minor political issue. This could be the beginning of something far more dangerous.


    Felix''s eyes landed on Rifi again, as if sensing his thoughts. "The City Lord has reason to believe that the Great Clans may be moving to destabilize our region, and we need to act quickly. For now we are unsure with what exactly or whom we have to deal with. That''s where you come in."


    Rifi met Felix''s gaze, understanding the unspoken words. While Kaelin and Serra knew about the potential threat of alliances and the influence of the Great Clans, they didn''t know the full scale of what was at stake. The war was coming, but only Rifi and a select few were aware of it.


    Felix continued. "You will be assigned to the western legion under the pretense of dealing with the problem of the high rank beast`s that showed up recently near our border. With this explicit order, " Felix pulled another parchment " you will be granted authority over the legion or even the clans if you deem it necessary. With all this said, keep in mind of your main mission. We need the know what is happening in order to prepare our next steps."


    Felix straightened and rolled up the parchment. "You leave at dawn tomorrow. The mission will be difficult, and it will require discretion. Do not draw attention to yourselves unless absolutely necessary. If you find any essential information, report back immediately."


    With that, Felix turned toward the door. "The City Lord expects success. Good luck."


    The door closed behind him with a finality that echoed through the room.


    For a moment, no one spoke. The weight of the mission settled over them, each processing the implications. Serra was the first to break the silence.


    "So," she said, her voice low, "we''re heading into western border, dealing with high rank beast`s hunting rumors of alliances, and possibly dealing with the Great Clans or neighbouring City States. Sounds simple enough."


    Kaelin gave a short, humorless chuckle. "Simple''s never been our style."


    Rifi stayed quiet, his thoughts swirling. He could feel the undercurrent of tension in the room, but neither of them truly knew the magnitude of what they were about to face. The mission was only the beginning¡ªthe first move in a much larger conflict.


    The City Lord was right to be worried.


    Kaelin stood, breaking the moment of stillness. "Alright, we''ll meet at the gates before dawn. Let''s get some rest. Tomorrow''s going to be a long day."


    Serra nodded, already heading toward the door. "Better get ready. I don''t think this is the kind of mission that''ll go as planned."


    Rifi remained seated for a moment longer, his mind still focused on Felix''s words. There was more at stake than just a western rebellion. He had spent the last year training, and now, the real battle was approaching¡ªwhether his new team realized it or not.


    As the others left, Kaelin lingered by the door, casting a glance back at Rifi. "You''ve been quiet," he remarked. "Anything on your mind?"


    Rifi looked up, meeting his team leader''s gaze. He thought about the war that was coming, the uncertainty of what lay ahead, and the responsibility that weighed on his shoulders.


    "Just thinking," Rifi said, keeping his voice steady. "Tomorrow''s going to be a long day."


    Kaelin nodded, his expression unreadable. "That it is."


    And so, as the room emptied, Rifi felt the stillness return. The calm before the storm. Tomorrow, everything would change. His new team had no idea how deep they were about to be pulled into the tide of war.

 21. Into the west

    The sun had barely risen when Rifi, Kaelin, and Serra left the gates of Hepestus. The city behind them still slept, its walls casting long shadows on the road ahead.


    Kaelin walked at the front of the group, his gaze fixed ahead, every movement measured. Serra followed beside Rifi, her pale blonde hair tied back, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings. They moved in silence, each lost in their thoughts.


    "We''re not going to see much action until we hit the border," Kaelin muttered after a while, breaking the quiet. His voice was steady, but Rifi could hear the edge beneath it. "But things have been off lately. More patrols disappearing, and some of the villages have been abandoned. Never seen it like this before."


    Serra nodded, her gaze sweeping the forest on either side of the road. "The beasts have been more aggressive too, invading ghtough the border. Like something''s driving them out of their natural territory."


    Rifi''s fingers flexed at the mention of the beasts. His lightning mana surged slightly in response, a familiar crackle running up his arm. "Let''s hope we don''t run into anything too big before we reach the legion."


    But Rifi knew better than to count on that. They were traveling through dangerous lands. The western border had recently been very unstable, with the city-state''s forces constantly fending off attacks from wild beasts, mercenaries, and occasionally, rival city-states seeking to stake a claim on the mana-rich veins running through the region.


    Just a few years back the western border was one of safest areas of Hepestus right after the east border, but recently it seemed that no where was safe. In the week Rifi spent in Hepestus report were coming in from everywhere about beasts and suspicious movement, with the western border being the main problem spot.


    They continued in silence for the next few hours, the road gradually shifting from smooth cobblestones to rough dirt paths as they ventured further from Hepestus. The forests grew denser, the canopy above blocking out the harsh sunlight, casting everything in a cool, muted green.


    The first signs of trouble came at midday of the next day. Rifi was the first to sense it¡ªa faint resistance in the air, a disturbance of his lightning mana that his senses picked up. He stopped suddenly, holding up a hand to signal the others.


    Kaelin and Serra stopped immediately, their gazes shifting to Rifi.


    "What is it?" Kaelin asked, his voice low, though his hand already rested on the hilt of his sword.


    Rifi closed his eyes briefly, feeling the electric hum of his lightning mana prickling beneath his skin. "There''s something¡­ wrong up ahead. The mana''s off. It feels like¡ª"


    Before he could finish, a deep rumble echoed through the trees, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. The ground beneath them shook slightly, the air thickening with a sense of danger. Serra''s hand instinctively went to her blades, her blue eyes narrowing as she scanned the treeline.


    Rifi barely had time to react before a burst of fire mana was coming through the trees to their left, with extreme speed. The creature obviously sensing them and already making its move. It was already moving to wards them with incredible speed, closing the distance of few hundred meters in just barely seconds.


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    It was a beast like none Rifi had ever seen before¡ªits skin was a mottled gray, and its eyes glowed with a sickly green hue. Thick, jagged horns jutted from its head, and its claws tore deep furrows into the earth as it charged toward them.


    "Move!" Kaelin barked, diving to the side as the creature barreled toward them.


    Rifi dodged in a blur of lightning-quick movement, his body reacting on instinct as he felt the crackle of his mana surging through him. Serra was already in motion, her blades flashing as she sprinted toward the beast''s side, aiming for a quick strike to its exposed flank.


    The creature roared, its head swinging toward her with unnatural speed. It was fast¡ªfaster than any beast of its size should have been.


    Serra barely managed to duck beneath its claws utilising her wind mana to push away, rolling out of range just as Kaelin charged from the opposite side. His sword flashed in the dappled sunlight just before it glowed red fire erupting all over it, aiming for the creature''s neck, but the beast twisted at the last moment, its thick hide deflecting the blow, the flames quickly sizzling out.


    "Its only a tier 7 beast but this thing''s not normal," Kaelin grunted as he pulled back, his eyes narrowing at the green glow in the creature''s eyes. "It''s like it''s been corrupted."


    Rifi didn''t need any more confirmation. The way the beast moved¡ªthe unnatural speed, the sickly green glow¡ªit all pointed to one thing: something or someone had altered this creature, driving it to attack with more aggression than usual.


    "We can''t let it run havouc inside the border," Rifi said, his voice firm as he summoned the lightning mana in his core, his sword at the ready. Sparks danced along his arms and the sword as he prepared for his next move.


    Serra darted in again, her blades flashing as she sliced at the creature''s legs, trying to slow it down. The beast howled in pain, but it didn''t stop. It charged forward, heading straight for Kaelin, who stood his ground, sword raised.


    But before the creature could reach him, Rifi struck.


    In a blinding flash of speed, he moved to the creature''s side, his lightning-enhanced speed allowing him to land a precise strike. His hand crackled with energy as he slammed it into the beast''s side, sending a pulse of lightning through its body.


    The creature let out a deafening roar, stumbling as the electricity surged through it, its movements becoming sluggish.


    "Now!" Rifi shouted, stepping back as Kaelin and Serra moved in unison.


    Kaelin''s sword found its mark this time, slicing deep into the beast''s neck. Serra followed with a quick, brutal slash across its hind legs, severing the tendons. The beast collapsed to the ground with a final, shuddering growl, its massive form twitching as the green glow in its eyes slowly faded.


    Corrupted or not, a tier 7 beast had no chance against three battlemages working together. For a moment, there was only the sound of their heavy breathing and the distant rustling of the forest.


    "That wasn''t just a random attack," Serra said, her voice tight as she cleaned her blades. "Something''s controlling these creatures, naturally they dont wenture this deep and especially they dont attack unless provoked."


    Rifi nodded, his gaze fixed on the beast''s lifeless form. "Whatever it is, it''s pushing them toward the city."


    Kaelin sheathed his sword, his expression grim. "This confirms what Felix suspected. The borders aren''t just unstable¡ªthey''re being manipulated. The question is by what or by whom."


    Rifi stood over the fallen beast, his mind racing. The corruption in the creature''s eyes, the unnatural aggression¡ªit was too much of a coincidence. The enemy wasn''t just after the city''s resources. They were trying to weaken it from the inside, using beasts as weapons.


    "Something tells me that wont be easy to answer, but we need to move now," Rifi said, his voice steady but filled with urgency. "If this is happening here, there could be more of these things closer to the border."

 22. Looming danger

    The rest of the journey was tense. After their encounter with the corrupted beast, Rifi and his team moved quickly, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings. Rifi sending small amounts of his mana in pulses through the area around him in order to ensure nothing suspicious was closing in on him and his team.


    The forest seemed to close in on them as they ventured deeper into the western region, the once familiar paths becoming overgrown and twisted. The air was thick with a sense of foreboding, the kind that made Rifi''s skin prickle.


    Signs of unrest were everywhere. They passed through an abandoned village, homes left in disarray, doors hanging from broken hinges. The fields, once rich with crops, now lay in ruin, overgrown with weeds and scorched as if set ablaze. Yet, there were no people. No bodies. Only the silence of a land left to decay.


    Not far from the village, they stumbled upon remnants of skirmishes¡ªshattered weapons, splintered shields, armour stained with blood but no sign of who had fallen. It was as if the very land had swallowed its dead. The stench of smoke and decay lingered in the air.


    "They''re gone," Kaelin muttered, his brow furrowing as he inspected an abandoned farmstead. "No signs of any dead bodies. I expect they managed to evacuate just in the nick of time."


    Rifi didn''t respond. His instincts were screaming at him, a deep, unsettling sense of being watched growing stronger with every step they took. He glanced toward Serra, who was just as alert, her pale blue eyes scanning the trees, fingers twitching at her blades.


    As they neared their next destination, a mana vein assigned to the Clan Quirina. Rifi''s senses flared. Something was wrong¡ªvery wrong. The air was too still, the forest unnaturally quiet. He wasn''t picking anything up with his mana pulses no birds, no insects, not even the rustle of wind in the trees. His lightning mana crackled under his skin, urging him to be ready.


    "Do you feel that?" Rifi whispered, coming to a halt.


    Serra''s eyes narrowed as she nodded. "It''s too quiet. No life. Like everything''s just¡­ waiting."


    Kaelin''s hand instinctively rested on the hilt of his sword as he scanned their surroundings. "We''re close to the Quirina clan, but it feels like we''re walking into a trap."


    Before Rifi could respond, a twig snapped¡ªbarely a sound, but enough to break the unnatural silence.


    His muscles tensed, lightning mana surging in response. He turned sharply, his eyes darting to the dense undergrowth surrounding them, but there was nothing. Only the stillness.


    "We need to move¡ª" Kaelin started, but he never finished the sentence.


    In the blink of an eye, shadows moved in from all directions. A dozen figures materialized from the trees around them, their forms cloaked in dark robes, faces hidden beneath deep hoods. They were fast, too fast, circling the team with deadly precision. Rifi barely had time to count them before they closed in, weapons gleaming in the dim light that filtered through the canopy above.


    Rifi''s heart pounded in his chest. The attackers moved like trained soldiers, each one stepping into position as if they had rehearsed this ambush a thousand times. The sound of metal scraping against leather filled the air as swords, daggers, and spears were drawn in unison.


    Serra''s blades were already in her hands, her posture low and ready. "Who the hell are they?" she hissed, her voice tight with tension.


    "I don''t know," Rifi muttered, his own swords at the ready, sparks of lightning mana flickering along the edges. His gaze shifted from one shadowy figure to the next, searching for any sign of who they were dealing with. Mercenaries? Rival city-state soldiers? Whoever they were, they had been waiting for them.


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    "This is no random encounter," Kaelin growled, his sword glowing with the familiar flame of his fire mana. "They knew we were coming."


    The figures said nothing, their faces obscured by their hoods. They moved with eerie coordination, their weapons gleaming as they tightened the circle around Rifi and his team. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the only sound the soft shuffle of boots on dirt and the low hum of mana in the air.


    One of the attackers stepped forward, his movements deliberate and slow. His hood fell back slightly, revealing a scarred face twisted into a cruel smile. His eyes, cold and calculating, flicked between Rifi, Kaelin, and Serra with clear disdain.


    "So, these are the famous Legionaries of Hepestus," the man sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "I have to admit, I didn''t expect you to see through our little trap."


    Kaelin''s grip tightened on his sword. "Mercenaries," he muttered under his breath, his tone grim. "Looks like they''ve been waiting for us."


    But Rifi wasn''t so sure. There was something about the way they moved, the precision in their formation, that felt off. These weren''t just ordinary mercenaries looking for a quick payday. They had purpose. Someone had sent them here.


    Rifi couldn''t get a grasp of their power, no matter how keep his mana senses were the enemy was good at keeping their secrets.


    ''Once they use their eye battle technique we will know.''


    "Stay sharp, I don''t think they are your regular mercenaries" Rifi warned, his voice low as he took a step back, his lightning mana flaring to life and now steam already evaporating from his body. "This isn''t going to be an easy fight."


    Without another word, the scarred man raised his sword, a signal to the others. The attack came swiftly, without hesitation.


    Rifi and his team were outnumbered four to one. The enemy was experienced and coordinated, instantly long ranged attacks came at Rifis team while four of the close combat fighters surged forward at them. Fire crescents were flying at them, while one could feel earth mana closing in from underground, earth spikes were incoming.


    Rifi barely had time to raise his sword before two of them were on him, their blades slashing at him from opposite sides. He moved on instinct, his body a blur as he jump dodged and rotated to the side, his sword crackling with lightning as he blocked the second strike, pushing himself away from where an earth spike appeared.


    Kaelin met the onslaught head-on, his fire mana erupting around him as he deflected all fire crescents and blocking the path of the earth mana effectively destroying the incoming earth attack before it even had a chance to fully materialise, his sword then parrying the enemys sword with practiced precision. Serra danced between two fire crescents, her wind mana giving her the speed and agility to evade the strikes, her twin blades flashing as she countered the sword slash from the attacker.


    Whoever these mercenaries were, they were trained¡ªfar better than the usual thugs you would encountered near the border. Each movement was calculated, their attacks designed as to isolate Rifi''s team from one another.


    The battle eyes technique now betraying all their stealth. With a quick glance Rifi already knew what he was against. Four red cores and eight green cores.


    ''This won''t be an easy battle, I need to go all out.'' Rifi''s mind raced as he fought, his lightning mana surging through his veins. The surge of lightning within him was so intense that his skin began to darken, lightning like spot''s appearing all over his body, a sign of the incredible power he was unleashing.


    The scarred man noticed that something was off, so he himself now charged at Rifi in attempt to help his subordinates in eliminating Rifi.


    Before the scarred man could intervene, his subordinate launched another brutal assault on Rifi. Wind Shear from one hands directly aiming at Rifi''s heart, while instantly pushing himself with incredible force and wind mana in the only direction where Rifi could dodge, in order to slash at Rifi''s head.


    The green core mage, was too sure of himself and his speed.


    Lightning mana already filling every muscle fibre and mana pathway of Rifi''s to the brim. With a fluid motion, Rifi dodged the incoming Wind Shear and instantly appeared right in front of the man, The mercenary''s eyes widened in shock but it was already over. A surge of lightning dancing on the tip of Rifi''s sword, the tip smeared with blood protruded from the enemy''s back. The sword cleanly run through the heart, death following instantaneous.


    Out of the corner of his eye, Rifi saw Kaelin parry a vicious strike before countering with a powerful swing, flames erupting from his sword as it cleaved through the mercenary''s armour. Serra moved like a shadow, her blades cutting through the air with deadly accuracy as she took down her opponent with swift, brutal efficiency.


    "I wonder who here is getting ambushed!" Kaelin spat out with a smirk on his face.


    The scarred man still calm answered to him. "I wouldn''t celebrate just yet, that is if I were you."


    Giving his group another order, they changed their formation.


    The scarred man, a red core himself, and another red core mage were charging at Rifi. The remaining two red cores were keeping Kaeling and Serra preoccupied, while the green core mages supported them.


    ''I see. They intend to finish us one by one.''


    The real battle was just about to start.

 23. A Storm Unleashed

    The mercenaries had the upper hand when it came to numbers. Nine of them in total: four red cores and five green cores. The scarred man, their leader, was the only battlemage among them. The other red cores, though formidable spellbounds, wielded a fearsome combination of elemental control and combat experience. They moved with the precision of warriors who had seen countless battles, their confidence clear in every motion. Any other team of red cores would have been overwhelmed by now.


    But they weren''t fighting no ordinary battlemages here. These were elite battlemage Legionaries of Hepestus.


    Rifi''s heart thundered in his chest, the air around him thick with the electric hum of his mana. He controlled both types of mana effortlessly¡ªhis crackling lightning mana and the non-elemental core energy that gave him unparalleled control in battle. Each of his muscle fibers was saturated with raw power, his mind able to shift between the two energies with a single pulse, a single thought. His body was a living conduit of energy, ready to explode into motion.


    Sweat dripped down his back, mingling with the ambient heat of Kaelin''s fire mana as it scorched the air. The forest rang with the sound of steel as Serra darted in and out of combat, her twin blades gleaming like silver in the fading light, every strike of hers accompanied by the sharp blasts of wind mana. She was a blur, slicing through her opponents with deadly precision.


    But Rifi had no time to focus on them. The scarred mercenary leader was already charging toward him, his sword glowing red-hot, distorting the air around it with its heat. Behind him, crescents of fire arced through the air, hurtling toward Rifi with searing intensity.


    Rifi''s senses flared. His body reacted on instinct, lightning mana flooding his muscles, allowing him to move in an electrified blur. His feet shifted, and with a series of precise movements, he dodged the incoming crescents.


    The scarred leader''s blade slashed down in a deadly arc, the tip infused with dark red mana, while his flanking spellbound companion propelled himself forward with fire mana, ready to strike from Rifi''s blind side.


    "Try and keep up, Legionary!" the scarred man sneered, his voice laced with malice.


    Sparks erupted as Rifi''s twin swords met the scarred man''s in a deafening clash, the lightning and fire mana clashing violently at the impact points. Both forces hummed with raw energy, each one threatening to overpower the other.


    At that moment, Rifi sensed the spellbound mage behind him. Fire missiles were already in the air, racing toward his back. But Rifi had anticipated this. His mana senses had already detected the attack. With a sharp pulse of lightning mana through his swords, the clash between him and the scarred leader sent a shockwave through the air, forcing the scarred man to pull back and allowing Rifi to spin away from the incoming fire missiles. The fiery projectiles flew harmlessly past Rifi and directly toward the scarred mercenary, who was forced to dodge, gritting his teeth in frustration.


    "You''ll have to do better than that," Rifi growled, his lightning mana intensifying until the very air shimmered with energy.


    Without a second''s hesitation, Rifi retaliated. His legs crackled with electricity as he launched himself toward the spellbound mage. His speed was blinding, and the mercenary''s eyes widened in disbelief, barely managing to raise a flaming shield to block Rifi''s incoming strike.


    For a split second, fire and lightning collided, their clashing energies crackling and sizzling through the forest air. But Rifi''s power was overwhelming. His first sword tore through the fire shield, splitting it apart. His second sword followed seamlessly, aiming for the spellbound''s chest. The mercenary managed to deflect the strike, but not entirely¡ªRifi''s blade sliced into his shoulder with a burst of electric sparks.


    The spellbound grunted in pain, stumbling back as blood dripped from the fresh wound. Before Rifi could press the advantage, the scarred leader was upon him again, his blade swinging for Rifi''s neck with terrifying speed, propelled by a surge of fire mana.


    Rifi ducked, the blade hissing through the air just inches above his head. The intense heat of the strike brushed against his skin, reminding him of how close he''d come to being decapitated. This fight was far from over. The mercenaries were skilled, coordinated, and unrelenting.


    Meanwhile¡­


    Kaelin roared, his sword ablaze, flames wrapping around him like a living entity. His opponent, another red core mage, commanded the earth with brutal efficiency. Jagged spikes of rock shot up from the ground, aiming to skewer Kaelin where he stood. But Kaelin''s fire was faster. With a sweeping strike, he melted the earth spikes into molten slag, his eyes blazing with fierce determination.


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    "Is that all you''ve got?" Kaelin taunted, his voice rough and taunting as he deflected another earth spike with ease.


    The mercenary''s sneer deepened, but before he could respond, Kaelin surged forward in a flash of fire, his sword cleaving through the enemy''s defenses with raw, overwhelming power. The red core barely managed to raise his blade in time, but the sheer force of Kaelin''s strike sent him staggering back, flames licking at his armor.


    "Serra! On your left!" Kaelin barked, his fiery gaze flicking toward their agile companion.


    Serra was already a whirlwind of motion, her wind mana swirling around her like a protective storm. She ducked under a strike from one of the green core mercenaries and retaliated with lightning speed, her twin blades slicing through the air in a lethal dance. The green cores barely had time to react as Serra weaved between them, her wind-enhanced movements turning her into an untouchable force of nature.


    One of the mercenaries lunged at her, but Serra was faster. She sidestepped the attack with ease, her blade flashing as it found the weak point in his armor. Blood sprayed, and the mercenary crumpled, his body falling lifeless to the ground. Serra''s expression remained cold and focused, her mind already moving to the next target.


    Back to Rifi¡­


    The scarred leader grinned, his sword glowing brighter with each swing. "You''re fast, Legionary," he mocked, his voice dripping with malice. "But speed won''t save you."


    Rifi didn''t respond. His focus had narrowed, his thoughts racing as he analyzed the movements of his two opponents. They were working in tandem, trying to trap him, to corner him in a position where his speed would become useless. He couldn''t afford to hold back any longer.


    It was time to unleash his full lightning mana potential.


    Rifi''s skin darkened under his armour as the full force of his lightning mana surged through him. The air around him seemed to buzz with energy, his body enveloped in an electric aura. He could feel the power coursing through every muscle, every nerve, heightening his senses to the extreme. His vision sharpened, his reflexes quickened.


    With a deep breath, he let go of his restraint.


    In a blink, he vanished¡ªa blur of lightning that left scorch marks on the dirt where he had stood. The scarred leader''s eyes widened in shock, but it was already too late. Rifi reappeared behind him, his swords crackling with raw energy as they slashed toward the mercenary''s back.


    The scarred man twisted desperately, avoiding the worst of the blow, but Rifi''s swords still grazed his shoulder and arm, leaving searing burns that smoked in the air. The mercenary cursed, his confidence faltering as Rifi pressed the attack with relentless speed and precision.


    Rifi was a storm, moving between the two red cores in a blur of motion, his swords striking from every angle. Sparks flew as blades clashed, the crackle of mana filling the air with every impact.


    As Rifi and the scarred man clashed once more, their blades ringing out through the tense air, the spellbound mage seized the opportunity to create distance. This was the moment Rifi had been waiting for. The instant the spellbound began to retreat, a narrow window opened¡ªan opening Rifi wouldn''t waste.


    Lightning surged within him, every muscle and nerve in his body firing as he pushed himself to his absolute limit. In a fluid, electrified motion, Rifi blocked the scarred man''s next strike, their swords sparking as mana clashed. Without hesitation, Rifi followed the block with a fierce kick to the scarred man''s chest, his leg crackling with lightning-infused power. The impact sent the mercenary staggering back, but Rifi was already in motion.


    The force of the kick propelled him forward, launching him toward the spellbound mage with blinding speed. The spellbound''s eyes widened in panic as he realized what was coming. Desperation flickered across his face, and he began hurling fire attacks frantically, flames bursting from his hands in a last-ditch effort to slow Rifi down.


    But Rifi was too fast.


    With precision and grace, he weaved between the fire strikes, his body a blur of lightning and momentum. In mere seconds, he closed the distance, his lightning-infused swords glowing with lethal energy. Before the spellbound could react, Rifi''s blades pierced through the mage''s defenses, cutting deep into his chest with a flash of crackling electricity.


    The spellbound gasped, his body convulsing as the electric surge overwhelmed him, his eyes wide with shock before he crumpled to the ground, his body smoking from the inside out.


    Rifi didn''t stop. His eyes locked onto the scarred leader, who was now backing away, fear creeping into his expression.


    "You¡­ you''re not human," the scarred man muttered, his voice trembling.


    Rifi''s eyes gleamed with cold intensity. "I warned you. This isn''t an easy fight."


    Just as Rifi moved in for the final blow, a barrage of earth and fire mana surged toward him from the remaining mercenaries. He was forced to pull back, deflecting the attacks as the scarred leader retreated into the shadows.


    "We''ll meet again, Legionary!" the scarred man''s voice echoed through the forest as he disappeared into the trees, his spellbound companions following after him, hurling mana attacks toward Rifi and his teammates as they made their escape.


    Rifi stood still for a moment, his chest heaving, the crackle of leftover lightning mana dissipating into the air. He glanced at Kaelin and Serra, who had just finished off the remaining green cores who werent as lucky as the rest of their troupe. The forest was eerily quiet once more, the only sound the soft crackling of dying flames.


    "We shouldn''t chase them," Rifi said, his voice steady though his body trembled slightly from the aftereffects of his mana usage. "This was too well-prepared. We''d likely run into another trap."


    Kaelin sheathed his sword with a frustrated growl. "They got away. For now."


    Rifi nodded, his mind racing. This ambush had been too deliberate, too precise. Someone had sent these mercenaries, and it wasn''t just for a simple skirmish.


    "We need to move carefully," Rifi muttered, glancing toward the darkened woods. "This isn''t over."

 24. Realisation

    The air was still thick with the tension of the recent battle. Rifi''s pulse had begun to settle, but his body still thrummed with residual mana, his senses alert as he prepared to recover. With a deep breath, he took a moment to focus inward, turning to his teammates as he prepared to meditate.


    "I''ll need some time to meditate¡ªquarter of an hour at most¡ªand I''ll be back to peak condition," Rifi informed them, his voice steady but drained.


    Kaelin, already glancing toward the bodies of the fallen mercenaries, gave a sharp nod. "Aye, do what you need. Gives me time to look through this mess. Maybe we''ll find something useful." He began walking toward the mercenaries, his sharp eyes scanning their equipment for anything out of the ordinary.


    Serra, who had already sat down to replenish her mana, shot Kaelin a skeptical glance. "There won''t be anything on them," she said, her tone matter-of-fact. "These mercenaries weren''t new to this. If they had orders, they wouldn''t have left a trail."


    Kaelin shrugged, his hands already checking a fallen mercenary''s pockets. "Doesn''t hurt to look."


    As Kaelin sifted through the bodies, Rifi lowered himself into a meditative posture, closing his eyes and drawing in slow, deliberate breaths. His body, still humming with the aftershocks of the battle, slowly began to calm as he let the ambient mana flow back into him. His lightning core, drained from the fight, pulsed gently as it absorbed the surrounding energy.


    Serra leaned against a nearby tree, eyes closed but alert, her senses on edge as she recovered. Once Rifi had completed his meditation, she would take her turn to rest, while Kaelin would maintain watch.


    For a moment, the forest was quiet, save for the distant crackle of dying flames and the occasional rustling of leaves in the breeze.


    "It''s a bit worrying, isn''t it?" Serra''s voice broke the silence, her tone low but laced with concern. "We''ve got no real information on what''s going on out here. No sign of why they infiltrated this deep, or what their goal was."


    "Yeah," Rifi agreed, his voice thoughtful as he began to rise from his meditation. His body felt renewed, the numbness, an aftereffect of his lightning mana, was now completely gone. "We need to contact the western Legion as soon as possible. There''s something bigger going on, and we''re in the dark."


    Kaelin, having finished his search of the bodies, strode back toward them. "Could be they''re trying to isolate the Legion. Sent these mercenaries to pick off anyone getting near the western border, using that beast as bait to lure us in."


    Rifi frowned, considering the possibility. "It''s highly probable. The more I think about it, the more it makes sense. But Serra''s right¡ªwe don''t have enough information. We need to know what they''re planning, so we should move as soon as possible."


    Kaelin sheathed his sword, a wry grin spreading across his face. "Aye, you''re the boss. Especially after what we saw in that last fight. Not many battlemages could''ve dealt so easily with that scarred man and his subordinate."


    Rifi shifted uncomfortably under the compliment. He had always respected Kaelin, a seasoned battlemage who had proven himself time and time again on the battlefield. Receiving praise from him felt out of place. "I was just doing what I had to."


    "Damn right," Serra chimed in, her expression impassive as she cleaned her blades. "That was some scary speed you pulled off at the end there. I bet the scarred mage''s pride took a bigger hit than his shoulder."


    Rifi chuckled, the tension breaking for a moment as he glanced between his teammates. "You two are the best. But we should get going. If we wait too long, we might find no Legion left by the time we reach them."


    Serra and Kaelin nodded in agreement. Rifi, already cautious, began leaking pulses of lightning mana through the area around them, searching for signs of danger as they started moving again. The enemy had proven skilled at concealing their presence, so Rifi switched his tactics. Rather than scanning a wide area, he focused his senses on a narrower range of a hundred meters, using denser mana pulses to detect any disturbances. The method required more mana, but it offered greater accuracy, and they were only about an hour away from the Quirina Clan''s village.


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    As they moved cautiously toward their destination, Serra watched Rifi with a knowing glance. "You don''t need to overdo it, Rifi," she said gently. "We can switch. I might not be able to sense living beings with my mana like you, but I can detect movement in the air with my wind mana. It''ll be good enough for now."


    Rifi nodded, grateful for the offer. "Sure, we can¡ª" He froze suddenly, cutting his sentence short, his voice dropping to an urgent whisper. "Stop."


    The three battlemages halted immediately, their mana flaring in response to Rifi''s warning. His expression was tense, his eyes scanning the horizon with heightened awareness.


    "Something''s very wrong," he said quietly, his tone sharp with focus. "Serra, are you picking up anything?"


    Serra frowned, her senses reaching out through the air. "There''s nothing¡ªno movement, other than small animals." She glanced at him, her brow furrowed in concern. "What is it?"


    Rifi''s eyes narrowed. "That''s exactly the problem. We should already be sensing the Quirina Clan''s people. But there''s nothing. No sign of life at all."


    Kaelin swore under his breath, his voice tight with urgency. "Dammit. This isn''t good."


    They moved forward cautiously, the weight of dread settling over them as they neared the village. But no ambush awaited them this time. Instead, they were greeted by silence¡ªan empty, desolate village, devoid of any living soul.


    "This battle must have been brutal," Rifi murmured, breaking the oppressive silence as they entered the village. The buildings were in ruins, the ground stained with blood. It was clear that the Quirina had fought hard, but something was wrong¡ªterribly wrong.


    Serra clicked her tongue, her eyes scanning the devastation. "Quirina didn''t go down quietly, that''s for sure. Their spellbounds must have put up one hell of a fight."


    Kaelin nodded grimly. "I know Tarek. He wouldn''t have gone down without taking some of them with him. Whoever attacked this village paid for it, that much is certain."


    They spread out, looking trhough the village in hopes of finding survivors or any information as to what happened.


    Rifi''s gaze drifted toward the center of the village, where the largest mana vein in the region ran beneath the earth. He could feel the flow of energy there¡ªbut it was faint, far weaker than it should have been. After insepcting it he hurriedly rushed to his teammates.


    "They weren''t just after the village," Rifi said, his voice quiet but resolute. "Their real target was the mana vein. It''s one of the largest in the western border, and now it''s withered. Drained almost completely dry."


    Both Kaelin and Serra turned to him in surprise, their expressions confused.


    "Mana veins can''t just dry up that quickly," Serra said, disbelief in her tone. "It''s impossible."


    Rifi shook his head. "Whatever they did, they found a way. I checked it myself¡ªit''s almost empty, barely any mana radiating from it. They must have used some method to destroy or drain it."


    Kaelin''s face darkened. "If they''re targeting mana veins like this one, we need to inform the City Lord immediately. If the larger veins are in danger, we can''t afford to wait. We need to mobilize the Legions now."


    They all agreed. The consequences of losing more mana veins would be catastrophic for Hepestus. The city-state''s entire infrastructure depended on them, and without those resources, they would be forced to wage war for control of neighboring city-states¡ªor worse, fall into internal strife as the Great Clans vied for dominance.


    Serra stood up, her expression resolute. "I''ll head back to Hepestus at full speed. The City Lord needs to know what''s happening here. Kaelin, Rifi¡ªyou two continue to the western border. We need to figure out who''s behind this, and stop it before it escalates."


    Serra was the fastest one among them. Well Rifi was faster, but only when using a lot of lightning mana, much more then what he could keep up for a prolonged period of time. It was only logical that she be the one to rush back to Hepestus, while Rifi and Kaelin continued their mission.


    Rifi nodded, his heart heavy with the gravity of the situation. "We''ll move fast, and we''ll be careful. But we can''t let this continue."


    With a final glance toward the devastated village, Serra took off, her wind mana carrying her at a blistering speed back toward Hepestus. Kaelin and Rifi exchanged a look of grim determination before turning toward the west.


    The corrupted beast, the unnaturally swift draining of the mana vein¡ªeverything about it pointed to one terrifying conclusion: The Devils. The realization sent a chill through Rifi, a gnawing certainty settling deep within him. They had infiltrated humanity. Only through the teachings of his master had he been able to piece together the signs, the subtle yet unmistakable patterns of their influence.


    But the question that haunted him now was: Who was the Devils'' pawn? Were they manipulating the neighboring City-States, pulling their strings from the shadows? Or was it the Great Clans of Hepestus, embroiled in their own power struggles, unknowingly serving a far darker force? Or was it something else¡ªsomething even more insidious¡ªworking beneath the surface?


    The enemy had made their move. Now, it was time for the Legions of Hepestus to answer.

 25. The Western Encampment

    Rifi and Kaelin moved with purpose, their steps swift but cautious as they headed deeper into the western borderlands. The thick canopy of trees overhead cast long shadows across the dirt path, their surroundings eerily quiet save for the occasional rustling of leaves. The further they went, the heavier the air felt, the familiar hum of mana in the environment now tinged with something darker, more unsettling.


    "We''re getting close to the border," Kaelin muttered, his eyes scanning the forest. "Shouldn''t be long before we encounter one of the scouting parties."


    Rifi nodded but remained focused on his mana senses, sending out concentrated pulses into the surrounding area. He had learned to narrow his range, focusing his detection to avoid burning through his energy too quickly. The enemy had already proven adept at hiding themselves, and he wasn''t taking any chances.


    As they continued, a flicker of mana caught Rifi''s attention¡ªa faint, but unmistakable signature nearby. His eyes sharpened. "There," he said quietly, gesturing toward the left. "I''m picking up a group not far ahead."


    Kaelin''s hand moved instinctively to the hilt of his sword, his muscles tensing. "Friend or foe?"


    "That remains to be seen," Rifi answered, his senses fully flaring out. "They''re close. It looks like they are wearing Hepestus Legionary attire"


    Within minutes, the forest opened into a small clearing where a group of worn-looking soldiers, draped in the black and red colors of Hepestus, had gathered around a makeshift camp. The men and women looked battered but alert, their eyes flickering with fear as Rifi and Kaelin stepped into view.


    "Identify yourself, and state your purpose!" one of the scouts called out, rising from his crouch near the fire. His face was streaked with dirt, his armor scuffed from battle.


    Rifi exchanged a look with Kaelin before addressing the scout. "We are battlemages of Hepestus" Rifi said. "What''s the situation?"


    The scout''s expression darkened, but as he confirmed the identity of Rifi and Kaelin, he motioned for the others to gather around. "It''s bad," he began, his voice low. "The attacks started three days ago. We''ve been patrolling the area, but it''s chaos out here. Villages have been wiped out, and we''ve lost contact with most of the outposts. Survivors fled to the western encampment for safety. We''re just trying to hold the border until help arrives."


    Kaelin stepped forward, his voice tight. "Have you seen the enemy? Who''s behind the attacks?"


    The scout nodded grimly. "Corrupted beasts, mercenaries¡ªhighly trained. They''re working together. We''ve managed to take down a few, but there''s always more. They''re using the beasts to overwhelm us, and the mercenaries hit us when we''re vulnerable. The survivors we''ve spoken to say the attacks are coordinated, almost surgical."


    Rifi''s jaw tightened. "And the mana veins? Have they been affected?"


    The scout looked at him in confusion. "Mana veins? We''ve heard nothing about that. All we know is that the attacks seem to be intensifieing¡ªpushing further into our territory. "


    Rifi exchanged a glance with Kaelin. It seemed the legionaries didn''t yet realize the full extent of the enemy''s plan. Enemy tried to made sure that the mana vein stuff would stay a secret, and that worried Rifi even more.


    "Take us to the western encampment," Kaelin said firmly. "We need to speak with the commander."


    The scout called one of his subordinates "I need to stay here, and make sure this coridor is open just in case. But Selmak here can take you to the encampment on a safe route. It''s not far. You can reach it in under an hour. But be prepared¡ªit''s not what it used to be."


    Selmak gave them a nodd "Follow me." Not wasting anytime, they rushed to the encampment.


    As they approached the western encampment, the signs of battle became clearer. Scorched trees lined the path, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of smoke. The once bustling outpost was now a patchwork of hastily erected barricades and tents, its defenses clearly weakened by the recent assaults.


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    Rifi and Kaelin were led through the camp''s makeshift gates, where weary soldiers stood guard, their eyes flickering with hope at the sight of the newcomers. Some of them were barely standing, bandaged and bloodied from previous fights. The atmosphere was grim, and the encampment felt more like a last refuge than a stronghold.


    At the far end of the camp, a large tent bore the red banner of the Legion''s leadership. The scout led them toward it, nodding to the guards outside. "Commander Edran is inside."


    As they stepped into the tent, they were met by the sight of Commander Edran¡ªan imposing figure, his broad shoulders carrying the weight of countless battles. His armor was dented and scratched, but his gaze was sharp, his presence commanding. A map of the western region was spread across a wooden table, marked with hastily drawn lines indicating areas of conflict.


    "Legionaries," Edran greeted them, though his brow furrowed in confusion. "I wasn''t expecting reinforcements so soon. We sent a request to the City Lord for aid, but it''s only been a few days. How did you get here so quickly?"


    Rifi stepped forward, shaking his head. "What do you mean "request"? We were sent here to help deal with the beast that started wrecking havoc in the west. That was the last information we received."


    Edran''s expression darkened, and he let out a heavy sigh. "That can only mean one thing" he repeated quietly. "The situation has gone from bad to worse out here. We''ve been under attack for days now. We sent a messenger back to Hepestus to request reinforcements, but¡­"


    He paused, his jaw tightening. "I guess he never made it and we''ve heard nothing. I fear he was intercepted by the mercenaries."


    Kaelin cursed under his breath. "So, the City Lord has no idea what''s happening out here?"


    Edran shook his head. "Not unless the messenger made it through somehow. I doubt it, though. The mercenaries are cutting off communication lines, isolating us. We''re on our own for now."


    Kaelin looked at Rifi "At least Serra will inform him about what we know. That will probably be good enough."


    Rifi''s stomach churned. The enemy wasn''t just attacking¡ªthey were isolating the entire western front, cutting it off from the rest of Hepestus. "We encountered a group of mercenaries on the way here," Rifi said, his voice grim. "They were highly trained, working with corrupted beasts. We dissposed of some of them and the others took off runing. It should be possible for a scout to get to Hepestus now, before they regroup again and close us off."


    Rifi took out the scroll with City Lords seal on it, Edran immediately understood what this meat. Without much though he went to the entrance of the tent and gave the command to the legionary standing guard.


    Rifi exchanged a look with Kaelin before addressing the commander. "What''s the situation?"


    Edran''s eyes darkened, and he motioned toward the map. "We''ve lost contact with several villages, and more survivors keep trickling in, each with a worse story than the last. The mercenaries are coordinating with the beasts, hitting us hard and fast, and we''re running out of options. Somehow they seem to control the beasts, constantly keeping us pinned down here. Who exactly hired them I dont know, but my money is on City State Argos. I had to call all my Legionaries back to this encampment as to not incurre big loses. We do have some strong mages scouting the nearby area, but we couldnt afford to spread out too much with our current numbers. As to their goal, I am guessing to raid our mana stones from the mana veins."


    Rifi studied the map, his mind racing. "The mana veins, not the mana stones" he said quietly. "That''s what they''re after."


    Edran looked up, confusion flickering in his eyes. "Mana veins?"


    "They''re draining them completely," Rifi explained. "We saw it at the Quirina Clan''s village¡ªa major vein, almost completely depleted."


    Edran stared at him in shock. "Draining the mana veins? But that is im¡ª"


    "Impossible?" Kaelin finished. "It would seem they found a method. If they drain enough of the veins, Hepestus will lose access to its primary energy source. They''re not just trying to weaken us¡ªthey''re trying to cripple the city-state entirely."


    Kaelin nodded. "And it''s not going to stop unless we stop it."


    Edran swore under his breath, his face pale but resolute. "If what you''re saying is true, this is far more than just a series of raids. This is a coordinated strike against our infrastructure. We need reinforcements, we are barely holding as it is. Without them, this camp won''t hold for much longer."


    Rifi nodded. "Serra should reach Hepestus by tomorrow. With the scout that you sent now, reinforcements could be mobilized within the next few days. But until then, we need to gather intelligence. There''s more we''re missing."


    Kaelin stepped forward. "We should focus on the mana veins first. Me and Rifi will join the scouts to ensure nothing goes wrong."


    Edran considered this for a moment, then nodded. "It''s a sound plan. I''ll send the best scouts we have left. We need to know exactly what we''re up against. We are lucky that you got here when you did, withouth you it would be impossible to do anything other then protect our encampment."


    Rifi and Kaelin exchanged a look of grim determination. Time was running out, but they weren''t beaten yet.

 26. Relief for the Legion: Lightning and Flame

    The meeting with Commander Edran didn¡¯t stretch out for long. Both Rifi and Kaelin saw no need to take command from someone as seasoned and competent as Edran. Despite the chaos and devastation surrounding the western border, the man remained calm, precise, and deeply aware of the strategic landscape. Commanding the western Legion in his stead would have been more of an inconvenience for the two battlemages. Their mission, though crucial, required freedom of movement and the ability to act swiftly, not the weight of managing the entirety of the encampment.


    What mattered was that Edran prioritized their "advice." The Commander, experienced as he was, understood the gravity of the situation. Rifi and Kaelin¡¯s suggestions were not mere words of caution but directives rooted in the desperate need to counter the imminent threat. It was enough for now.


    It wouldn¡¯t be until the following day that they could embark on their reconnaissance mission. The Legionaries chosen to accompany them were still recovering from the relentless battles of the past few days. Fatigue was etched into them, their wounds, hastily patched, a testament to the brutal combat they had survived. The Legion had been stretched thin, and even the hardiest among them needed rest before venturing into the unknown once more.


    As Rifi and Kaelin exited the soundproof tent of the commander, the cacophony of the encampment hit them like a physical force. The distant but unmistakable sounds of battle, the clamor of weary soldiers tending to their duties, the moans of the injured, and the cries of orders being barked through the camp¡¯s winding paths¡ªit was a world alive with tension. The brief respite inside the commander¡¯s tent was over, and now, they were back in the reality of the western front.


    Rifi finally took in the full gravity of the situation. The encampment, once designed to hold roughly a thousand Legionaries, now swelled beyond capacity. Over ten thousand people¡ªLegionaries, refugees from the border villages, and surviving scouts from the outlying posts¡ªwere packed into the camp¡¯s perimeter. The tents that had once been orderly were now overcrowded. Legionaries huddled outside, some leaning on their spears or swords, others slumped in exhaustion. Many civilians, with vacant, haunted expressions, gathered in small clusters, their meager belongings piled at their feet. There were too many people for the encampment¡¯s modest facilities to support.


    The usual disciplined air of a Legion camp was tainted by desperation. The Legionaries of Hepestus, normally unflinching in their resolve, now moved with a weariness that spoke to the toll the past few days had taken on them. Their eyes were shadowed by exhaustion and fear, and while they still held their weapons, the once-unshakable confidence of the Legion seemed fractured. The battles they had fought were not the skirmishes they had prepared for; they were something far worse. Something none of them had truly been ready for.


    The legionaries and civilians alike gazed at Rifi and Kaelin as they passed through the crowded paths. It wasn¡¯t just curiosity; there was a flicker of hope in their eyes, a small light that hadn¡¯t been there before. For the first time in days, some of these battle-hardened legionaries looked up, their grim expressions softening, if only slightly.


    Rifi could hear the whispers as they spread like wildfire through the camp: The battlemages have come.


    It was a title that carried weight. The western legion had only three red-core spellbound mages at the outset of this conflict, and after the recent attacks, only two remained¡ªEdran and one other, who was severely injured and unable to fight at the moment. The sight of two battlemages, whose power was equal to or greater than several red-core mages combined, brought a glimmer of hope to the legionaries.


    To them, it almost felt as if their fighting power had doubled. Rifi understood that the soldiers were grasping for anything that resembled a chance of survival, of victory, or at the very least, of holding the line long enough for reinforcements to arrive. Battlemages weren¡¯t just warriors; they were legends on the battlefield, figures who could turn the tide of war with their mastery of both magic and combat. In a world where their enemies wielded dark powers and corrupted beasts, battlemages represented something stronger¡ªsomething greater.


    As they moved through the camp, Kaelin broke the silence. "They¡¯re looking at us like we¡¯re saviors," he muttered, though there was no hint of arrogance in his tone. He wasn¡¯t used to it.


    Rifi nodded, his eyes scanning the legionaries around him. "It¡¯s because we¡¯re not what they usually see. The West hasn¡¯t had battlemages stationed here in years. To them, we¡¯re their last hope."


    Kaelin grunted. "Then we¡¯ll have to live up to that hope." His voice was resolute, but Rifi could sense the burden weighing on his friend. They had just arrived, and already the expectations of ten thousand souls rested on their shoulders.


    "Indeed." Rifi nodded with a grim look on his face "Hepestus has been enjoying years of peace, but it feels like that is about to change. Hope is what the Legion needs now."


    As they reached the far side of the camp, where the defenses were being hastily rebuilt, Rifi couldn¡¯t help but feel reassured by one simple fact. The enemy was taking measures to cut off communications¡ªgoing so far as to intercept messengers, destroy outposts, and isolate the western encampment. This, more than anything, told him that they were not yet prepared for their final strike. Whatever dark plot was unfolding, the enemy needed more time.


    That meant there was still a chance. If the battlemages could gather enough intelligence, if they could disrupt the enemy¡¯s plans long enough for reinforcements to arrive, they might stand a fighting chance.


    "The enemy¡¯s going above and beyond to isolate us," Rifi said aloud, as much to himself as to Kaelin. "That means they¡¯re not ready yet. Whatever they¡¯re planning, we have time. But not much I would bet."


    Kaelin nodded grimly, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Then we¡¯ll make sure they don¡¯t get the time they need."


    As the tension between them subsided, Rifi and Kaelin exchanged a glance, a mutual understanding passing between them. The legionaries of Hepestus needed more than just hope; they needed time to breathe, to recover. And there was only one way to give them that¡ªby taking the fight to the enemy themselves.


    "The legion is in a very bad condition, they need relief." Kaelin muttered, his gaze hardening as he scanned the far side of the camp, where the makeshift barricades barely held against the pressure of the ongoing skirmishes. "We can¡¯t let them keep fighting like this, not in their condition."


    Rifi nodded, his senses already flaring outward, reading the ebb and flow of mana in the distance. The enemy was relentless, but they weren¡¯t pushing with their full force just yet. It was more like they were constantly testing the defenses, probing for weaknesses, sending beasts in wave after wave. The Legionaries, exhausted and bruised, were barely holding the line. But if he and Kaelin stepped in, even for a few hours, they could tip the balance, giving the defenders the break they so desperately needed.


    "Agreed," Rifi said. "We hold the line ourselves. Give the soldiers the time to recover. A few hours might be all they need."


    Kaelin grinned, the weight of the situation settling on his broad shoulders. "Then let''s show them what battlemages are capable of."


    Without another word, the two battlemages made their way toward the outskirts of the camp. The soldiers who caught sight of them gave small nods of respect and relief, and the whispers continued to ripple through the ranks. The battlemages are going to fight. For the Legionaries, it was more than just a statement¡ªit was a promise that their saviors were ready to stand at the frontlines, that help had arrived.


    As they reached the battle-scarred perimeter, they informed the Centurions in charge of the defenses of their intentions.


    Rifi and Kaelin exchanged a brief, determined look before splitting up, each heading to a different section of the line. They spread out across the field, their presence evenly distributed to provide the most coverage. The Legionaries who had been struggling to hold back the waves of corrupted beasts and mercenaries fell back gratefully, retreating to the safety of the camp¡¯s interior to catch their breath.


    Rifi took his place at the south end of the defenses, his hands craclinging with lightning mana. The familiar hum of power coursed through him as he focused on the enemy forces gathering in the distance. He could feel the corrupted beasts closing in, their mana twisted and foul. It was the same sensation he had felt earlier¡ªthe mark of the Devils¡¯ influence he figured.


    All the way in the back, Rifi could sense more mana signatures, human ones. The mercenaries that were controling the beasts it would seem.


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    Kaelin, positioned farther north the line, drew his sword and let his fire mana flow freely. Flames roared to life along the length of his blade, illuminating the battlefield in a brilliant blaze. He stood like a beacon on the battlefield, his fiery presence enough to make even the most hardened of enemies hesitate.


    The first wave came quickly, a horde of corrupted beasts charging forward, their twisted forms illuminated by the flickering light of Kaelin¡¯s fire. The air buzzed with tension, and for a brief moment, it felt as if the very earth was holding its breath.


    Then, with a flash of movement, Rifi was the first to strike.


    Lightning surged from his hands, arcing across the battlefield in blinding streaks of blue-white energy. The bolts tore through the beasts¡¯ ranks, their shrieks of pain echoing through the air as the electrical current seared their flesh and disrupted their corrupted mana. Rifi moved like the storm itself, his body a blur of speed as he darted between enemies, each strike precise and devastating. His twin swords crackled with energy, slicing through flesh and bone with deadly efficiency.


    The beasts never stood a chance.


    From the moment Rifi stepped onto the battlefield, the outcome was decided. Most of the creatures in the first wave were low-ranked, their twisted forms no match for the sheer force he wielded. He didn¡¯t need to pour dense mana into his strikes; even at minimal output, the results were devastating. Lightning mana surged from his core, arcing across the field in bright, searing flashes, each bolt finding its mark with deadly precision. The air hummed with energy, and the smell of ozone filled the battlefield as one by one, the corrupted beasts fell, their bodies collapsing under the relentless assault.


    Rifi moved like a force of nature, his speed so extraordinary it defied comprehension. To the onlookers, it was as if he were teleporting from one place to another, his form blurring and reappearing in flashes of lightning-infused motion. One moment he was at the far end of the battle line, the next, he was slashing through the heart of the enemy¡¯s ranks, his swords crackling with electric energy. The very ground beneath his feet scorched with the intensity of his mana as he unleashed a storm of strikes.


    His movements were fluid, almost like a dance, each step perfectly timed and precise. His swords, both infused with crackling lightning, cut through the higher ranked beasts as though their hides were made of nothing more than parchment.


    Lower-ranked creatures were obliterated in a single strike¡ªtorn apart by the explosive force of the electricity coursing through Rifi¡¯s blades, or the lightning bolts that Rifi conjured constantly. Their twisted bodies sparked and sizzled, collapsing into the dirt as lifeless husks.


    But it was the higher-ranked beasts that truly revealed the depth of Rifi''s prowess. In order not to waste mana using higher density lightning bolts, Rifi made sure to finish these beasts with his swords. These creatures, towering and monstrous, were built for destruction¡ªhardened hides that could withstand lesser attacks, claws that could tear through armor, and dark, corrupted mana that fueled their aggression. Yet even they faltered under Rifi¡¯s relentless assault. His lightning-infused swords met their ferocity head-on, slashing through scales and muscle with ease.


    One particularly large beast¡ªa hulking creature with spiked armor-like plates and glowing eyes¡ªcharged at Rifi with a bellowing roar, its massive claws carving furrows into the earth as it bore down on him. But Rifi stood his ground, his expression calm, his body thrumming with controlled power. As the beast lunged, he vanished, leaving only a faint shimmer of static in the air where he had stood.


    Before the creature could react, Rifi reappeared behind it, his blades already in motion. Lightning surged along the edge of his swords as he brought them down in a swift, calculated strike. The sharp crack of electricity split the air as the blades sliced cleanly through the creature''s thick hide, sending arcs of lightning rippling through its massive frame. The beast froze, its roar cut short as the electricity tore through its body, its corrupted mana disintegrating under the overwhelming force. In a heartbeat, the creature collapsed, lifeless, its once imposing form now nothing more than a charred, smoking heap on the ground.


    Rifi didn¡¯t stop to savor the victory. His instincts drove him forward. Another beast¡ªthis one smaller but faster¡ªrushed at him from the side, its eyes glowing with dark energy. With a flash of movement, Rifi sidestepped the attack, his form flickering like a bolt of lightning as he dodged the beast¡¯s savage claws. In one swift motion, he drove his sword deep into its side, releasing a surge of lightning mana that exploded from the point of contact. The creature howled in agony, its body convulsing violently as the electricity coursed through its veins, until it collapsed in a twitching heap at his feet.


    The south battlefield was a storm of lightning and chaos, and Rifi was its center. Each strike of his blades was a precise, lethal stroke, each bolt of lightning a deadly force of nature. His movements were beyond the comprehension of the lesser creatures that faced him; to them, he was untouchable, a blur of destructive energy that moved too fast to track.


    North along the battle line, Kaelin was another force of nature, an inferno in human form. His presence alone seemed to warp the very air around him, the temperature rising with each step he took. His sword, a massive blade infused with fire mana, blazed with an intensity that mirrored his resolve. The flames licked hungrily at the steel, not just for show, but as a living extension of Kaelin¡¯s own power, ready to be unleashed with every strike.


    As the waves of attackers surged forward, Kaelin moved with precision and deadly purpose. His sword swung in wide, brutal arcs, each slash igniting the very air as it cut through the enemies before him. The flames didn¡¯t just burn¡ªthey consumed. Every time his blade made contact with a beast, the corrupted creature erupted into flames, its body disintegrating under the sheer heat and force of Kaelin¡¯s mana. Fire spread quickly across the battlefield, turning the twisted forms of the attackers into little more than ash and embers before they could even let out a death cry.


    Kaelin''s fire wasn''t merely destructive; it was relentless, a constant force that devoured everything in its path. With each swing of his sword, waves of molten fire followed in his wake, turning the ground beneath him into molten slag. The earth itself seemed to tremble beneath his feet, scorched and blackened as the heat radiating from him intensified with each passing moment. The very ground was left smoldering and charred, glowing red with embers that refused to cool, a testament to the raw power Kaelin wielded.


    When a large beast¡ªa hulking creature with claws like jagged stone¡ªcharged at Kaelin, it barely had time to swing before he countered with a forceful strike. His sword met the beast''s claw mid-air, and the resulting explosion of fire was so intense that the creature was engulfed in flames instantly. The fire wrapped around its form, consuming it from the inside out. Within seconds, the beast collapsed into a pile of ash, its body incinerated before it could even hit the ground.


    As beast surrounder Kaelin, roaring as they charged at him from all sides. With a roar of his own, Kaelin slammed his blade into the ground, sending a ripple of fire mana surging through the earth. The molten wave of energy raced toward the beast, and within seconds, the ground beneath them exploded into a geyser of molten lava, the heat so intense that their bodies melted before they could even scream. The sheer force of Kaelin¡¯s mana reduced them to nothing more than glowing pools of molten meat and scorched bone.


    He was unstoppable. The flames were his shield and his sword, burning hotter with each passing second as his mana coursed through him. There was no hesitation in his movements, no wasted effort¡ªevery strike was lethal, every swing of his sword igniting the battlefield with destructive force.


    The north battlefield was a furnace, and Kaelin was its master.


    For hours, the two battlemages held the line, their power unmatched by anything the enemy could throw at them. They fought without rest, their mana reserves seemingly endless as they unleashed wave after wave of devastating attacks. Each strike from Rifi sent lightning ripping through the enemy ranks, while Kaelin¡¯s flames burned away any hope of resistance.


    The relief they provided was immediate and overwhelming. With Rifi and Kaelin holding the front, the Legionaries were able to fall back, tend to the wounded, and regroup. Many of them collapsed from exhaustion, grateful to finally have a moment to catch their breath. The sound of battle still echoed in their ears, but for the first time in days, they weren¡¯t the ones fighting for their lives.


    The hope that had been kindled earlier now blazed like a fire throughout the camp. As they watched the battlemages hold the line, the Legionaries began to regain their strength, their spirits lifted by the sight of such power on their side. The camp, once teetering on the brink of collapse, now hummed with renewed energy. Soldiers shared whispered words of encouragement, their eyes fixed on the blazing line of fire and lightning that held the enemy at bay.


    Rifi could feel it too¡ªthe shift in the camp¡¯s atmosphere. The Legionaries weren¡¯t broken anymore. They were waiting, recovering, ready to fight once more.


    "Not much longer," he thought, his swords still crackling with energy as he sliced through another wave of beasts. "Just a little more time."


    The enemy, however, was relentless. For every wave of beasts they cut down, more surged forward, their numbers seemingly endless. But Rifi and Kaelin didn¡¯t falter. They couldn¡¯t afford to.


    Hours passed, but to the battlemages, it felt like mere moments. Their focus never wavered, their bodies moving on pure instinct as they tore through the enemy ranks. The sky had darkened, the sun now a faint glow on the horizon, but the battlefield remained alight with the power of their mana.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the waves of enemies began to slow. The mercenaries that had kept their distance through the whole battle, realizing that their beasts had been decimated and their forces thinned, started to retreat even further back. The corrupted creatures, their connection to the dark mana severed, fell back in confusion, unable to press the attack without direction.


    Kaelin, panting but still standing tall, lowered his sword, the flames flickering out as the last of the enemies fled. He glanced toward Rifi, who stood among the charred and broken bodies of the beasts, his lightning fading into the air like smoke.


    "Look at the bastards give up," Kaelin said, his voice rough but satisfied. "We might get some peace for now."


    Rifi nodded, his body aching from the prolonged use of mana but his heart steady. The camp behind them had been given the time it needed to recover, the Legionaries now rested and ready to face whatever came next.


    "That should have bought the Legion enough time," Rifi said, his voice calm but firm. "Now, we need to recover as well, to be ready for tomorrow."


    And as the camp stirred with renewed hope, the two battlemages stood on the battlefield, their presence a testament to the strength that still remained in Hepestus.

 27. Into the Fray

    With hope reignited in the encampment, Rifi and Kaelin finally allowed themselves a moment to recover and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow. The morale boost they had provided was undeniable. The battered and weary legionaries had seen their battlemages take control of the battlefield, pushing back the relentless waves of corrupted beasts. For the first time in days, there was a flicker of optimism, a belief that they could survive what had once seemed like an inevitable downfall.


    Despite the dire state of the camp, Commander Edran made sure that Rifi and Kaelin had a tent to themselves. It was a modest accommodation, nothing extravagant, but enough to allow them the privacy they needed. It was a small luxury amidst the chaos, and though Rifi felt a twinge of guilt accepting it while the legionaries and civilians were packed together, he understood its necessity. As battlemages, they carried a weight beyond just their combat prowess. They were symbols of strength and order, and maintaining that appearance was crucial in times like these.


    Beyond that, there were practical considerations. The enemy¡¯s tactics had shown a certain cunning, targeting communication lines and attempting to isolate the western encampment. Rifi couldn¡¯t dismiss the possibility that spies had infiltrated the camp. Even a small tent away from the masses provided a measure of security, a space where he could think clearly and prepare without prying eyes.


    Night fell quickly, and Rifi spent hours meditating with mana stones, restoring the reserves he had expended on the battlefield. The mana replenished his core, and his body recovered slowly with the circulation of mana, healing and nourishing his every cell. Afterward, he allowed himself a few precious hours of sleep. It wasn¡¯t deep, but it was enough to restore his focus.


    Morning came quickly, the first light of dawn slipping through the thin fabric of the tent. Rifi rose with a sense of purpose. He stretched, testing his body for any lingering soreness, but found that his meditation had done its work. Feeling refreshed, he donned his armor and ensured that his equipment was in perfect condition. His swords, polished and sharp, gleamed faintly in the dim light, and he carefully adjusted the cloak  over his shoulders. It was more than just a piece of clothing¡ªit was a symbol of Hepestus as the insignia was proudly displayed on the cloak, a sign to the men and women of the Legion that Hepestus will prevail as long as the Legionaries still carried its insignia proudly.


    As Rifi stepped out of the tent, the camp was eerily quiet. The usual buzz of morning activity was subdued, no doubt a result of the previous night¡¯s grueling battle. A few scattered sounds echoed through the air¡ªthe clang of metal from the blacksmith¡¯s corner, hushed conversations between sentries, and the distant rumble of fighting to the west. The skirmishes had already begun again.


    ''They really are intent on keeping the Legion trapped here,'' Rifi thought grimly as he crossed the encampment to the commander¡¯s tent, the sounds of battle serving as a constant reminder of the pressure they were under.


    Upon entering, he was slightly surprised to see he was the last to arrive. Commander Edran stood at the head of a long table, flanked by Kaelin and the four green-core Legionaries who had been selected for the mission. The atmosphere was tense but focused.


    ¡°Good to see you could finally join us,¡± Kaelin quipped, though his tone lacked any bite. His arms were crossed as he stood beside the commander, his usual intensity tempered by the morning¡¯s gravity.


    Rifi gave a short nod in return. ¡°Apologies for the delay. I needed to make sure I was fully prepared. We can''t afford to make mistakes.¡±


    Edran, ever the pragmatic leader, waved his hand dismissively. ¡°You¡¯re here now, and that¡¯s what matters. Let¡¯s get down to business.¡±


    Edran tapped a spot on the map, marked with red circles denoting key locations where the enemy had been spotted. "The enemy is keeping us pinned down here with constant pressure. The scouts haven¡¯t been able to push deep into enemy territory due to ambushes. That said, two of these Legionaries," he nodded toward Tessa and Bren, "are some of our best stealth mages. They managed to scout one of the mana veins where Clan Vesri was supposed to be guarding it."


    Tessa and Bren, both standing tall and battle-hardened, gave Rifi and Kaelin a nod. Tessa, with her sharp green eyes and quiet confidence, exuded a calm readiness, while Bren, stockier and broad-shouldered, had the air of someone used to slipping into the shadows unnoticed.


    "They found signs of a battle,¡± Edran continued grimly. ¡°Clan Vesri fought hard, but they¡¯re gone it seems. The enemy still occupies the area, likely draining or destroying the vein.¡±


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    Kaelin frowned. ¡°That leaves the remaining veins at risk.¡±


    Edran pointed to three more locations on the map. ¡°There are three other significant mana veins near the western border. Two of them are under the direct control of the City Lord¡¯s forces. The third vein is farther north-east, whereas the other two are south-east from us where most enemy activity was sighted. We believe the enemy may strike there next. We can¡¯t afford to let any more mana veins get drained or destroyed.¡±


    Rifi''s eyes narrowed as he studied the map. "If the enemy drains those veins, the entire western mana supply will be lost. We¡¯ll be much weakened, placing us in a dyre situation."


    Edran nodded gravely. "Everything is indicating that the enemy moves to the south of us. and that is also where most of the remaining mana veins are. The good news is that all four of these Legionaries are proficient in stealth magic. Tessa and Bren, will scout the northern vein alone, as I belive this mana vein to be currently the safest. The other two," he gestured toward Voren and Cale, "will split up¡ªone will accompany Rifi, the other will go with Kaelin to the veins controlled by the City Lord, to the south."


    Voren, with his sharp, hawk-like features, and Cale, broader and more rugged, stood ready. Voren¡¯s reputation for precision and stealth was well known, while Cale, despite his larger build, had a natural talent for moving undetected. Both of them had seen their share of battles on the front lines.


    Kaelin stepped forward, nodding in approval. ¡°Splitting up makes sense. If we can gather information from all three locations, we¡¯ll be able to act before the enemy can finish whatever they¡¯re planning.¡±


    Rifi added, ¡°We have to assume the enemy¡¯s forces are already positioned near the veins. Our job is to get in, gather intelligence, and get out without engaging unless absolutely necessary.¡±


    Edran leaned over the map once more, pointing to the three locations. "This will require speed and precision. You¡¯ll move out within the hour. The northern team will likely face more danger since you have no battlemages with you, so you¡¯ll need to be extra careful. If you encounter resistance, do not engage. Return immediately with whatever information you¡¯ve gathered."


    Tessa, her voice steady and calm, responded, ¡°We understand, Commander. Bren and I will move quietly. If the enemy¡¯s there, we¡¯ll find them.¡±


    Bren, standing beside her, nodded in agreement. "We''ll get eyes on the vein and the clan in charge of it and report back."


    Kaelin adjusted his sword, a gleam of fire mana already flickering beneath the surface. "Voren and I will take the midle vein. If the enemy''s there, we''ll see them coming before they even know we''re close."


    Rifi gave Cale a nod, acknowledging the trust placed in the stealth mage who would be accompanying him. "Cale and I will cover the southmost vein. We''ll make sure nothing slips past us."


    Commander Edran looked at each of them, his eyes hardened by years of command. "This is our chance to turn the tide. Find out what the enemy¡¯s doing and stop them if you can. We can''t afford to lose any more veins. The Legion''s survival depends on you."


    With the mission set, Edran gave a final nod, signaling the end of the briefing. "You have one hour to prepare. Gather your supplies, sharpen your blades, and make sure your mana is fully replenished. We''ll be watching for your return."


    The Legionaries saluted sharply, understanding the gravity of the task. This was no ordinary mission¡ªthey were being sent into the heart of the enemy¡¯s operations.


    As Rifi and Kaelin turned to leave the tent, Kaelin glanced at Rifi, a faint grin pulling at the corners of his mouth. "You ready for this?"


    Rifi chuckled, though his tone was serious. "I¡¯m always ready. Let¡¯s just make sure we¡¯re not too late."


    One hour passed quickly. The group gathered at the southern perimeter, the sky still dimly lit by the early morning light. The air was crisp, the scent of earth and smoke mingling in the breeze. Tessa and Bren stood to one side, finalizing their equipment and mentally preparing for their mission. Voren and Cale were nearby, checking their gear and weapons one last time before they split up with their respective battlemages.


    Tessa approached Rifi, her green eyes sharp and determined. ¡°Bren and I will take the northern path. We¡¯ll keep an eye on the enemy¡¯s movements and return as soon as we have something.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Rifi said. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to lose anyone on this mission. Get the information, then get out. We¡¯ll meet back here before sundown.¡±


    Tessa smiled faintly, her confidence unwavering. ¡°We¡¯ll make it back.¡±


    Bren, ever the quiet one, simply nodded before setting off with Tessa, their forms quickly vanishing into the shadows as their stealth magic activated.


    Kaelin turned to Voren, his tone gruff but encouraging. ¡°Stick close, and keep your mana flow steady. The second we get to the vein, we¡¯ll assess the situation. If there¡¯s any sign of trouble, let me handle it, you retreat with the information.¡±


    Voren responded with a curt nod, his features as sharp as his focus. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Cale moved to stand beside Rifi, his large frame surprisingly light-footed. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure we¡¯re not seen before we need to be,¡± he said, his voice low but resolute. "If there''s anything out there, we''ll know it."


    ¡°Good,¡± Rifi replied, his mind already focused on the mission ahead. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±


    With that, the teams split up, Rifi and Kaelin leading their groups toward the mana veins under threat. The hour had come, and the fate of the western front hung in the balance.


    Every step they took brought them closer to the heart of the enemy''s plan. Every moment counted, and failure was not an option.

 28. Enemy spotted

    The early morning light filtered through the dense canopy, casting long shadows on the ground as Rifi, Kaelin, and their teams split up and began their missions.


    Tessa and Bren:


    Tessa and Bren were seasoned Legionaries, who already worked together on many missions. Both showed great promise and were very well regarded by the City Lord.


    Tessa was what could be called as an ''irregular'' mage, wielding the shadow element. Bren was much more normal in that regard but still exceptional since he was one of the rare mages wielding two elements, earth and water.


    When combining their powers together it was almost impossible to find them. With earth and water mana coating them, Bren made their mana signatures almost undistingushable from the nature around them. Complimented by the shadow mana from Tessa, as long as there were nearby things casting shadows they were almost impossible to spot.


    They needed to take breaks from time to time, as to not drain too much mana, but this didnt impeed them too much. They still succesfully reached the clan Nithra that was granted the control of the mana vein, in just 3 hours.


    The signs of battle were obvious: charred trees, scorched earth, and the faint smell of blood still lingered in the air. The clan¡¯s fortifications bore the scars of a recent skirmish.


    But the situation looked good, they didnt sense any enemies nearby, and the fortifications of clan Nithra looked strong albeit the damage that could be seen, no doubt from recent attacks.


    "There was a battle here recently," Tessa said and pointed at the Legionaries patroling the fortifications " Nithra clan sigils on them, they must have held their ground."


    Bren just nodded.


    The two stealth mages moved closer, edging along the perimeter until they found a vantage point where they could listen in on the conversation. The leader of the Clan, a middle-aged woman with sharp features and silver streaks in her dark hair, was speaking to her officers.


    ¡°We need more information,¡± she said, her voice stern but controlled. ¡°We¡¯ve heard nothing from the western encampment for days, and we can¡¯t sit here waiting in the dark of what is happening.¡±


    One of her officers nodded. ¡°We¡¯ll send a team to the western front, see if we can establish contact. The Legion must know more.¡±


    Tessa exchanged a look with Bren, and without a word, they slipped out of the shadows and into view. The Clan''s guards immediately drew their weapons, but Tessa raised a hand in a calming gesture.


    ¡°We¡¯re Legionaries from the western encampment,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°We¡¯ve been sent to gather information on the status of your clan.¡±


    The Clan leader, her eyes narrowing in suspicion, approached cautiously. "Legionaries sent from the western encampment?"


    Tessa gave a curt nod. ¡°The situation at the western encampment is dire. The enemy has broken through parts of the border and pinned our forces. Some clans to the south have already fallen.¡±


    The leader¡¯s face darkened with the weight of the news. ¡°We¡¯ve held off a few attacks ourselves, but we¡¯re blind to the broader situation. We were preparing to send a team to get more information.¡±


    Bren stepped forward, his voice steady. ¡°Hold off on sending anyone. We¡¯ll carry your report back. For now, you need to strengthen your defenses¡ªyour clan may be the next target.¡±


    The leader¡¯s sharp gaze softened, and she nodded. ¡°Very well. We¡¯ll fortify our position, but if you see anything that points to an imminent attack, send word immediately.¡±


    Tessa gave a respectful nod. ¡°What kind of attack have you faced so far?¡±"


    ¡°Nothing major¡ªjust beasts,¡± the leader replied, her expression tight with frustration. ¡°But there¡¯s something strange about them. The mana around them is... corrupted. Their behaviour is unlike anything I experienced so far from beasts.¡±


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    Bren exchanged a knowing look with Tessa. ¡°The enemy is controlling the beasts. It¡¯s part of their strategy to keep us pinned down while their mercenaries make deeper incursions into our territory.¡±


    Tessa nodded. ¡°If the mercenaries haven¡¯t appeared here yet, that¡¯s a good sign. It means the enemy is likely focusing southward. But don¡¯t lower your guard. This mana vein is one of the larger ones¡ªthey¡¯ll come for it eventually.¡±


    The clan leader straightened. ¡°Then we¡¯ll be ready.They can expect some ass whooping if they dare to show here.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s lips twitched in approval. ¡°Hold out a little longer. Two battlemages have joined the western legion, and we¡¯ve informed the City Lord. Reinforcements are on the way.¡±


    The leader with wide eyes "Oh 2 battlemages are here, well im confident that that alone might buy the west legion the time for the reinforcements to arrive. Thank you for the information. If something happens we will inform you."


    Tessa and Bren offered their thanks before slipping back into the shadows, making their way toward the western encampment. Their mission here was complete, but their minds were focused on what was to come.


    Kaelin and Voren:


    Kaelin and Voren had an entirely different situation waiting for them. The terrain was more open, with rolling hills leading to the fortified compound where the Fabia Clan, a loyal subsidiary to the City Lord, stood guard over their mana vein.


    The compound appeared unscathed. The fortifications were well-maintained, and the soldiers patrolling the walls moved with practiced vigilance. Everything looked normal on the surface, but both Kaelin and Voren felt that there was something more there.


    ¡°It looks quiet,¡± Voren said, his voice barely audible as he crouched beside Kaelin. "The clans mages are very relaxed, yet I have a bad feeling."


    Kaelin nodded. "Agreed. There¡¯s no sign of battle here, but that doesn¡¯t mean the enemy isn¡¯t here."


    Voren, known for his sharp mana senses, closed his eyes and spread his senses, focusing on every single bit of mana that was moving near him, searching for any disturbances in the mana. His eyes snapped open a moment later. "There," he said, pointing to a rocky outcropping overlooking the compound. "There¡¯s someone in that direction, actively impacting the natural mana, spying on the clan probably."


    Kaelins eyes narrowed, "How many? Their ranks?"


    ¡°Hard to tell without risking detection,¡± Voren replied, his voice tense. ¡°But from the way the mana is spread, they¡¯re likely lower-ranked as its not proficiently controled. Blue or Green cores at most.¡±


    Kaelin grinned, fire mana flickering just beneath his skin. ¡°Then they¡¯re no match for us.¡±


    Moving in tandem, Voren and Kaelin approached the outcropping. Voren¡¯s stealth magic enveloped them, allowing them to move unnoticed to the enemy mana senses, they still had to be carefull not to be seen. When they were close enough, Kaelin spotted the enemy¡ªa group of five mercenaries crouched in the shadows, their eyes fixed on the compound.


    Without hesitation, Voren struck first, taking out the nearest mercenary with a precise, silent blow. The others barely had time to react before Kaelin¡¯s sword, blazing with fire mana, sliced through the air. The heat from his blade was so intense that it seared the air itself, leaving a glowing trail in its wake. Two mercenaries fell in quick succession, their bodies charred beyond recognition.


    The remaining mercenaries tried to flee, but Kaelin¡¯s fire mana surged forward, creating a wall of flame that cut off their escape. In mere moments, the fight was over.


    ¡°We need to question these bastards,¡± Kaelin said, motioning to the two mercenaries they had managed to take alive.


    Voren, his sharp eyes scanning the area for any more threats, nodded. "We¡¯ll take them back to the clans compound for interrogation. They might have information on the enemy¡¯s movements."


    Kaelin sheathed his sword, his gaze hard. "Whatever they know, make them spit it out."


    Rifi and Cale:


    Rifi and Cale reached their destination¡ªthe mana vein controlled by the Aemiliania Clan¡ªonly to find the clan in the midst of a battle. The clan was engaged in a fierce fight against the enemy¡¯s forward forces.


    Rifi scanned the battlefield, his eyes narrowed. "Luck is on our side. We are on time."


    Cale, his brow furrowed in confusion, replied, ¡°But this isn¡¯t their full force, is it?¡±


    Rifi¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°No. This is just the vanguard. They¡¯re weakening the Aemiliania Clan, keeping them pinned down until the enemy¡¯s main force gets here. It''s likely the enemy hasn¡¯t finished draining the last mana vein yet or is currently moving here. It takes time to extract that much power from the mana veins it seems."


    Cale¡¯s eyes widened in realization. ¡°We need to warn the others.¡±


    Rifi nodded grimly. ¡°Head back to the western encampment and inform Commander Edran. Tell him to send every available reinforcement. If they can approach undetected, we might be able to trap the enemy in a pincer movement.¡±


    Cale saluted sharply. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Just as Cale turned to leave, Rifi added, ¡°And if the others don¡¯t need immediate assistance, tell Kaelin to get here as soon as possible. I might need his strength before our legionaries arrive.¡±


    With a final nod, Cale hurried off to deliver the message, leaving Rifi alone, his presence hidden both from the enemy and the friendly legionaries defending the fortifications. It was crucial that he remained hidden¡ªfor now, the enemy couldn¡¯t know that the battlemages had discovered their plans. Not until it was too late to stop the counterattack.


    A storm was brewing, and Rifi was determined to ensure it broke with a decisive strike against their foes.

 29. Winds of War

    Rifi remained crouched beneath the thick canopy, forcing himself to stay still and keep his presence masked. He kept a vigilant watch over the battlefield in front of him. His eyes alone weren''t enough to spot every hidden threat¡ªmages and other dangers often remained concealed beyond ordinary sight. From time to time, a minute pulse of lightning mana would escape from Rifi¡¯s core, barely perceptible to anyone not attuned to such subtle fluctuations. These small bursts allowed him to scan his immediate surroundings, alert to any shifts or signs of ambush.


    The Aemiliania Clan''s fortifications stood battered and bruised, their defenders locked in a desperate struggle against the relentless onslaught. Rifi watched, every fiber of his being itching to join the fray. It tore at him to stay hidden while his comrades fought, bled, and died in front of him. His hands itched to draw his swords and wade into battle, but he forced himself to remain still. This was the only way¡ªtheir best chance to surprise the enemy and save countless more lives in the long run. Yet, the logic felt hollow. He didn¡¯t truly believe it. How could he, when each scream of a dying comrade struck like a blow to his chest?


    Tessa and Bren:


    After confirming the safety of Clan Nithra, Tessa and Bren moved swiftly, navigating the dense forests and undergrowth with the practiced ease of seasoned scouts. Their orders were clear: locate any significant enemy presence west of Nithra¡¯s territory and ensure that no major force lay in wait. It was a mission that demanded precision and caution, one they were well-suited for.


    Signs of recent skirmishes littered the terrain¡ªtrampled earth, snapped branches, and the rotting remains of corrupted beasts. But as they pushed deeper into the border, it became clear that the enemy¡¯s main force was elsewhere. Only a few corrupted beasts lingered at the periphery, almost like sentinels.


    ¡°This isn''t the main force,¡± Tessa said, crouching low as she observed the movements of the creatures. ¡°They¡¯re just here to keep Nithra occupied.¡±


    Bren nodded, his expression grim. ¡°It makes sense. The enemy doesn¡¯t want Nithra¡¯s mages heading to the western encampment. They¡¯re tying them down with just enough to keep them preoccupied.¡±


    Tessa¡¯s sharp gaze scanned the horizon. ¡°Nithra can handle this. The true threat is further south.¡±


    With no sign of a large enemy presence, they retreated swiftly. They moved like shadows, navigating the dense terrain with fluid ease, and returned to the western encampment as quickly as possible. Time was of the essence¡ªthe commander needed to know that Nithra was not in imminent danger, and that the enemy''s focus lay elsewhere.


    Main Encampment:


    he camp buzzed with an undercurrent of tension when Tessa and Bren returned. Legionaries moved about with an air of cautious anticipation, bolstered by the presence of battlemages and the small successes they had achieved so far. As they approached the command tent, they found Kaelin and Voren already inside, their expressions dark and focused.


    ¡°Report,¡± Commander Edran ordered as Tessa and Bren stepped into the room.


    ¡°We scouted west of Nithra,¡± Tessa said. ¡°No sign of the enemy¡¯s main force. Just a small contingent of corrupted beasts¡ªenough to keep Nithra distracted and busy, but not a significant threat.¡±


    Edran¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Then the true threat lies south, near Aemiliania. That confirms our worst fears.¡±


    Bren nodded. ¡°It¡¯s a distraction, meant to tie Nithra¡¯s forces down.¡±


    Commander Edran gave a nod of approval. ¡°We¡¯ll keep Nithra informed, but our priority is Aemiliania.¡±


    Kaelin, standing nearby, spoke up. ¡°The prisoners we captured have been transferred to the underground cells. The interrogators have started their work, but they aren¡¯t getting much. We are still waiting on information from them.¡±


    Kaelin and Voren decided against conducting the interrogations themselves at the Fabia clan. Time was of the essence, and they knew their skills were better utilized at the main encampment, especially since there were no immediate threats in the area of Fabia Clan. After briefing the Fabia clan on the current situation at the western border, they quickly made their way back to the encampment, bringing the captured mercenaries with them.


    Upon arrival, they handed the prisoners over to Commander Edran. Recognizing the potential for hidden information, the Commander wasted no time. He ordered the mercenaries to be taken to the underground makeshift prison, where the Legion¡¯s trained specialists¡ªexperts in extracting secrets¡ªcould conduct a thorough interrogation. Kaelin and Voren''s swift return ensured that the encampment remained the focal point of their efforts, ready for whatever lay ahead.


    As if on cue, one of the interrogators entered the command tent, a tired but determined look on his face.


    ¡°Did you manage to extract anything useful?¡± Edran demanded.


    "Yes, Commander," the interrogator nodded. "They didn''t provide much, either because they genuinely don¡¯t know or they''re holding back. What we did learn is that they weren''t acting alone¡ªseveral other mercenary groups have been hired. These prisoners weren''t high up the command chain, so their knowledge is limited. Their captain, who might have known more, was unfortunately one of the first to fall when Battlemage Kaelin engaged them."


    "Is that it? Those bastards have to know more," Kaelin said, his tone laced with frustration.


    "They insist they have no clue how the beasts are controlled," the interrogator said. "They only know that their superiors were given special crystals to command them. That¡¯s all their captain revealed."


    "Do they have any details about those crystals?" Edran pressed.


    "None," the interrogator replied. "They only mentioned that the devices were supplied by their employer to the higher-ups."


    "What can they tell us about this employer?" Kaelin cut in.


    "They claim it was one of the larger clans from the neighboring City-State, Argos," the interrogator said, his tone matter-of-fact.


    Edrans brows furrowed. "Did you get anything else out of them?"


    "No, Commander," the interrogator said, shaking his head.


    Edran let out a low sigh. "Even this small piece of information is useful. Keep pressing them¡ªthere might be more they¡¯re not revealing."


    The interrogator nodded sharply and quickly exited the tent.


    Edran dismissed the rest of the scouts, leaving only himself and Kaelin in the room.


    Edran shook his head, a deep frown etched on his face. "I don¡¯t know how much we can trust the information from the interrogation. Hiring such a large mercenary force isn¡¯t cheap. This smells of something bigger. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Argos is preparing for an outright assault on us."


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    Kaelin nodded in agreement. "Exactly. This whole operation is far too coordinated. Argos is definitely involved, but they aren¡¯t acting alone. Someone else is pulling strings. The corruption of beasts and draining of mana veins¡ªit¡¯s unlike anything we''ve encountered."


    Edran''s eyes narrowed. "Yes... there¡¯s another player in this game, someone powerful enough to orchestrate all this." They continued their tense discussion, their words trailing off as they reviewed the unfolding threat.


    Half an hour later, Cale burst into the encampment, his breath coming in ragged gasps and his face drained of color. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, he made his way directly to the command tent, urgency evident in every step.


    ¡°Report!¡± Commander Edran demanded the moment Cale entered.


    Cale saluted sharply, his voice quick and precise. ¡°Rifi¡¯s still holding position near the Aemiliania Clan, but the situation is worse than we thought. The Clan is under heavy assault from the enemy¡¯s vanguard. Rifi believes this is just the first wave¡ªthe real attack is coming, and we need reinforcements immediately.¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s face tightened with concern. ¡°Rifi¡¯s there alone?¡±


    Cale nodded. ¡°He¡¯s staying hidden for now, watching the enemy¡¯s movements. But he can¡¯t hold off a full assault on his own. He sent me to request reinforcements¡ªevery available Legionary who can reach the Aemiliania Clan, preferably unnoticed so that we can surprise them.¡±


    Commander Edran¡¯s jaw clenched, his mind already calculating the next move. He turned sharply to the nearby centurions who had joined him and Kaelin just minutes earlier to discuss the encampment¡¯s defense. ¡°Prepare a relief force,¡± he ordered. ¡°Send Tessa and Bren to scout an eastern route. If they can find a way to move in undetected, we might have a chance to catch the enemy by surprise.¡±


    As the centurions moved to obey, Kaelin¡¯s eyes blazed with determination. ¡°I¡¯m heading out now,¡± he said, his voice firm and steady. ¡°I need to reach Rifi before the situation deteriorates. We can¡¯t afford to lose him or the Aemiliania Clan, and with my help, we can buy you more time.¡±


    Commander Edran¡¯s gaze locked onto Kaelin. ¡°Go,¡± he commanded, his tone sharp and decisive. ¡°Get to Rifi and hold the line until reinforcements arrive. This might be our chance to turn the tide.¡±


    Kaelin didn¡¯t hesitate. He grabbed his gear, his face set with grim determination, and moved quickly toward the eastern perimeter. ¡°Hold the camp,¡± he called back to Edran. ¡°Make sure we have enough Legionaries defending this position¡ªwe can¡¯t afford to lose it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Edran assured him. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here to oversee the defense. Half of the experienced Legionaries, brown core and up, will be dispatched to reinforce you.¡±


    "Sounds good," Kaelin said, giving a final nod as he left the tent with a sense of urgency.


    As Kaelin rushed toward Rifi¡¯s position, the camp buzzed with frantic activity. Tessa, Bren, and several other scouts were dispatched, while soldiers hastily prepared for deployment. Voren, meanwhile, concentrated on reinforcing the defenses, anticipating the possibility of an enemy strike at the main encampment.


    Cale, now back in the command tent, joined Commander Edran in sifting through the fragmented intelligence they had collected. Slowly, a dark and ominous picture was emerging¡ªone that suggested the enemy''s ambitions extended far beyond a series of tactical strikes.


    In the underground prison, the captured mercenaries continued to endure intense interrogation. Their resistance was gradually crumbling under the relentless pressure of Edran¡¯s most skilled interrogators. Bit by bit, fragments of information surfaced, hinting at a greater conspiracy that went well beyond the neighboring City-State. Whispers circulated of a shadowy force, manipulating events from behind the scenes like a master strategist guiding pieces on a chessboard.


    Rifi at Aemeliana Clan:


    Rifi watched from the shadows, his heart heavy as he observed the relentless struggle unfolding before him. The warriors of the Aemiliana Clan were clearly at the edge of their limits, exhaustion etched into every movement. Hours of battle had taken their toll; many lay wounded, and too many had already fallen. Desperation was evident in the set of their jaws and the determined glint in their eyes. The lone red-core mage leading them¡ªa spellbound commander¡ªfought valiantly, but even his strength was being slowly ground down by the overwhelming numbers. He was all that stood between the clan and the advancing darkness, and he was painfully aware that one red core alone was no match for the relentless tide.


    Yet they did not retreat. They couldn¡¯t afford to. Behind them lay their homes, their children, and their families¡ªhidden in underground sanctuaries, trusting their protectors to keep the danger at bay. The warriors of Aemiliana knew that to give ground was to doom those they loved.


    The situation turned even more dire as the enemy¡¯s tactics shifted. They now sent forward their most powerful corrupted beasts, tier 5 and tier 6 monstrosities, their forms twisted and enhanced by the tainted mana that seeped from them. The air crackled with tension as the warriors braced themselves. They were willing to pay the price, no matter how steep, because to do otherwise was unthinkable.


    Rifi¡¯s eyes narrowed. He could see the determination in their stances, the desperation that mirrored his own frustration. His fists clenched around the hilts of his swords, his jaw tightening. He knew what was at stake, and he had a strategy to consider¡ªa plan to surprise the enemy when the moment was right. But each passing second weighed heavily on him. He couldn¡¯t just watch as his fellow Legionaries¡ªhis brothers and sisters in arms¡ªwere cut down before him. Strategy be damned.


    Taking a slow, controlled breath, Rifi let the tiniest pulse of lightning mana ripple out from his core, feeling for any hidden threats. His senses attuned to the battlefield, picking up the controlled mana signatures of the Aemiliana warriors and the faint, corrupted aura that tainted the charging beasts. Satisfied that there were no hidden dangers lying in wait, he made his choice.


    With a sudden surge of power, Rifi exploded into motion. His blades crackled to life, glowing with a blue-white energy that flashed like miniature lightning storms. He descended upon the advancing beasts with terrifying speed, each strike aimed with deadly accuracy. The battlefield lit up as his lightning-infused swords cut down two of the tier 6 creatures in the span of a heartbeat, their corrupted bodies convulsing as arcs of energy raced through them. The remaining beasts retailated, forcing Rifi to dodge their onslaught of attacks.


    From atop the clan¡¯s battered wall, a voice rang out in disbelief. "It¡¯s a battlemage! He¡¯s Hepestus! He¡¯s Hepestus!" The words echoed across the fortifications, igniting a spark of hope.


    A wave of cheers erupted from the defenders. "Reinforcements! Reinforcements!" they cried, their voices carrying the first notes of renewed determination.


    ¡°Order! Keep your focus, Legionaries! The battle isn¡¯t over!¡± The commander¡¯s voice cut through the cheers like a whip. He leapt down from the wall, landing beside Rifi in a swirl of red mana, unleashing a torrent of fiery projectiles that cleared the immediate area. Rifi, his face resolute, used the opening to retreat back behind the fortifications with the commander.


    Breathing heavily, the commander gave Rifi a sharp look, his gaze a mixture of relief and disbelief. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is a battlemage here on the western front?¡± he demanded, his voice edged with both hope and confusion. ¡°Not that I¡¯m complaining, but I didn¡¯t think the City Lord could send reinforcements this quickly.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Rifi said, a slight grimace on his face. ¡°He didn¡¯t. It¡¯s a long story, but what matters now is that we hold. Reinforcements from the western encampment are on their way. We just need to buy a little more time.¡± He glanced back at the horde of beasts regrouping beyond the walls.


    The commander¡¯s face tightened. ¡°How long until they get here?¡± he asked, desperation slipping into his tone. ¡°We can¡¯t last much longer. Our mana reserves are nearly depleted¡ªwe¡¯ve been fighting for hours.¡±


    ¡°An hour,¡± Rifi said, his eyes scanning the distance. ¡°Two at most. We just have to hold out a little longer.¡± But even as he spoke, he sensed a shift¡ªmovement at the edge of his perception, a new threat looming.


    His gaze sharpened, his senses flaring. From his elevated position atop the wall, he saw the telltale signs of enemy reinforcements massing in the distance. Among them, unmistakable even from this distance, was the scarred mercenary¡ªthe battlemage he had faced not long ago. Flanking him were more figures, their mana signatures potent and dangerous.


    Rifi¡¯s hands tightened around the hilts of his swords, lightning crackling faintly across his armor. He could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on him¡ªthe calm before the storm, the moment before all hell broke loose.


    ¡°Get ready,¡± he said, his voice steady and cold. ¡°The real battle is about to begin.¡±


    The commander followed Rifi¡¯s gaze, his eyes widening as he caught sight of the dark figures drawing closer. ¡°Gods help us,¡± he muttered, his voice a strained whisper.


    ''You better get your fiery ass over here soon, Kaelin,'' Rifi thought, his eyes never leaving the encroaching enemy. This was it¡ªthe moment they had to hold the line, no matter the cost.


    And he would not let them fail.

 30. "Hold the Line"

    The last of the charging beasts fell under the swift, relentless assault of the legionaries, their bodies hitting the earth with a final, resounding thud. Rifi and the commander helping, dispatching the tier 6 beasts that remained¡ªeach striking with the precision and experience honed through their relentless training and battles. Within minutes, the ground before the clan¡¯s walls lay littered with the twisted forms of the fallen, their corrupted energy slowly dissipating into the air.


    The walls, though battered, stood resolute, their foundation reinforced by the formidable mana of the Aemiliania Clan. Rifi knew these weren¡¯t just ordinary barricades; these walls were imbued with mana strong enough to withstand the assaults of blue-core even green-core mages. The beasts had managed little more than to throw themselves against its surface in a futile bid for destruction. But the goal of the mages controling them hadn¡¯t been to breach these walls; it had been to wear down the defenders, draining their mana reserves and fraying their spirits before the real assault began.


    Now, with the field cleared of beasts, the enemy began their final preparations. Across the horizon, Rifi felt the oppressive weight of powerful mana signatures gathering, pressing against him like a rising storm. The enemy made no attempt to mask their strength; it was a deliberate display, a show of raw power. Eight red-core mages radiated an intense aura that prickled against Rifi¡¯s senses like the edge of a blade. Among them stood the scarred battlemage he¡¯d fought previously, his presence exuding a cold, familiar malice.


    This wasn¡¯t merely a mercenary raid¡ªit was something larger, far more organized. Rifi scanned the amassed forces. Nearly a thousand strong, an intimidating number for any front line, they stood well-armed and primed for battle. And though the defenders at the clan¡¯s walls matched that number, most of the Legion¡¯s forces were too low-ranked to withstand what was coming. Only a few hundred at best could stand a chance against the incoming wave.


    Rifi¡¯s gaze settled on the Commander of the Aemiliania Clan, a man who held himself with a dignified calm despite the storm about to break.


    ¡°Commander, I didn¡¯t catch your name,¡± Rifi said, casting a glance sideways.


    The commander inclined his head in acknowledgment. ¡°It¡¯s Elias.¡±


    Rifi nodded thoughtfully. ¡°An honor, Commander Elias. I¡¯m Rifi.¡± He paused, the weight of the situation sinking in further. ¡°We¡¯ll need everyone below purple core to fall back slightly. Keep them just within range for support, but out of harm¡¯s direct path.¡±


    A quick nod from Elias set his nearby centurions into action, relaying orders to reposition the troops. Elias exhaled, his sharp gaze sweeping across his legionaries as they moved to new positions. The tension was thick, but a quiet resolve settled between the two leaders as they braced for the onslaught.


    ¡°So, Rifi,¡± Elias ventured, his tone deceptively casual, ¡°how many times have you found yourself in a situation like this?¡±


    Rifi¡¯s mouth quirked into a half-smile. ¡°Like this? Never, but I had my share of life and death battles.. Though, I can¡¯t say I¡¯m used to staring down this many red-core mages at once.¡±


    Elias huffed a low laugh. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s not every day a battlemage finds himself outnumbered on the defensive. I trust you¡¯ve got a few tricks left?¡±


    Rifi shrugged, though his gaze was deadly serious. ¡°Let¡¯s just say I¡¯ve always managed to leave the field in one piece. Mostly.¡± His eyes drifted back to the enemy line, narrowing as he noted their final preparations. ¡°They¡¯re aiming to shatter us with sheer power. All those red cores, forcing their way through our defenses¡ªit¡¯ll feel like a storm breaking against a cliff. If we can keep them at a distance, we stand a chance.¡±


    ¡°Wise words,¡± Elias replied, his voice steady as his gaze lingered on the distant enemy lines. ¡°I¡¯ll see that we put them to good use. But tell me, Rifi¡ªwhy are you here? If the enemy has enough strength to show up in force at my clan¡¯s doorstep, I can¡¯t imagine the Western Encampment is faring much better.¡±


    ¡°True enough,¡± Rifi acknowledged. ¡°The western front¡¯s holding, but only just. The enemy¡¯s focus isn¡¯t there, though; they¡¯ve set their sights on your clan¡¯s mana vein. If they take it, Hepestus loses more than just territory¡ªwe lose one of our most crucial resources. That¡¯s why I¡¯m here, and reinforcements are on their way from the western encampment. We just have to hold this position long enough to keep the enemy from taking what they¡¯re after.¡±


    A glint of determination flashed across Elias¡¯s face. He nodded, and his voice softened, a flicker of resolve surfacing. ¡°Then we hold,¡± he said, almost to himself. ¡°These are not days I¡¯d hoped to see again. My people deserve peace, and I¡¯d hoped to give them that. But if the enemy thirsts for our blood,¡± he said, his gaze steely, ¡°we¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s theirs that stains these grounds."


    Rifi met his gaze, respect evident in his eyes. ¡°Your people have a strong leader, Elias. With that resolve, we might just stand a chance.¡±


    A warning horn sounded from the walls, sharp and urgent, echoing across the quieted field. The enemy was on the move, their formation advancing with chilling precision. As the first fireballs and jagged shards of ice streaked through the air, Rifi gripped his swords, his body sparking with energy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to keep the red-cores occupied,¡± he told Elias. ¡°Keep your line tight, and don¡¯t let up.¡±


    Elias nodded, his voice ringing with command as he turned to his troops. ¡°Hold the line!¡± he roared.


    Counter-spells clashed against incoming magic, igniting the air with bursts of fire, shards of ice, and sprays of earth. Fragments of energy and debris filled the air, a haze of dust and elemental residue spreading so thick it would have blinded anyone without the mana sense of a trained mage.


    In the next heartbeat, Elias barely registered Rifi¡¯s presence as he vanished from his side¡ªa streak of crackling lightning darting into the thick of the enemy. Moments later, cries erupted within the swirling dust, sharp and brief.


    Rifi had intercepted the advancing soldiers, his intention clear: he would keep the enemy¡¯s strongest far from his comrades, buying precious moments and saving as many lives as he could.


    His blades gleamed as they struck, the first green-core mage falling before Rifi¡¯s feet even touched the ground. He was already moving, his movements fluid and relentless. In less than a breath, his sword had found its mark again, piercing the chest of another soldier, striking with lethal precision.


    A third fell, his wide, startled eyes catching only a glimpse of Rifi before his life was taken, his head severed by a merciless strike.


    ¡®Only three,¡¯ Rifi thought with a flicker of frustration, but his reflection was cut short as the enemy¡¯s red-core mages converged on him, charging with deadly intent.


    A barrage of spells tore through the air toward Rifi. He twisted and weaved through them, each movement as precise as it was fast, slipping past blasts of fire, spikes of ice, and jagged shards of rock. The enemy red-core mages rushed toward him, drawn in by their overconfidence in their numerical superiority.


    ¡®Morons,¡¯ Rifi thought. ¡®Big mistake.¡¯


    As another round of earth spikes erupted from beneath him, Rifi sidestepped, his lightning mana surging to its fullest. In a flash, he propelled himself toward one of the approaching red cores with a speed that defied comprehension. His sword, humming as it cracked with dense lightning, cleaved through the air and struck the enemy¡¯s chest. A lethal surge of mana coursed through the mercenary¡¯s body, extinguishing his life in an instant. Rifi leapt back just as a fresh onslaught of spells screamed past him, narrowly missing their mark.


    The scarred battlemage pushed forward, his expression twisted with irritation as he barked orders. ¡°Idiots! Keep your distance! Circle him!¡±


    More spells arced toward Rifi, forcing him into evasive maneuvers as the enemy mages encircled him, their intent clear.


    The scarred battlemage¡¯s eyes gleamed with a dark satisfaction. He stepped forward, his voice dripping with malice. ¡°I told you before, battlemage¡ªthis time, you won¡¯t leave here alive.¡±


    Rifi didn¡¯t bother with a reply; his swords would speak for him. He knew he was in a tight spot. The scarred battlemage wasn¡¯t giving him the slightest edge this time¡ªhe¡¯d came at Rifi with four spellbound allies, determined to see Rifi fall once and for all. Three now remained after Rifi¡¯s initial strike, but the advantage was still theirs.


    Rifi cast a fleeting thought toward Elias and his legionaries, hoping they could withstand the relentless assault from the three remaining spellbound.


    The enemy kept their distance, encircling him with calculated precision. ''A pain he survived our last encounter,'' Rifi thought, frustration simmering under his calm resolve. ''Now they know my strengths.''


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    The red-core mages attacked in perfect coordination¡ªone unleashed a storm of ice shards that sliced through the air, another launched compressed blasts of wind, while a third summoned pillars of fire that erupted from the ground in searing columns. The scarred battlemage charged in intermittently, hurling daggers with pinpoint accuracy before retreating, clearly respecting Rifi¡¯s speed and deadly reach. Rifi twisted and dodged, his movements blurring with impossible agility, but even his honed reflexes couldn¡¯t catch everything.


    He deflected the most lethal spells aimed for his vital spots, his blades a storm of motion. But a fireball slipped past his guard, crashing into his side with explosive force. His defensive non-element mana absorbed part of the impact, but it wasn¡¯t enough to stop a spellbound-level attack. The blow sent him skidding across the blood-soaked ground, pain searing through his fractured ribs as his armor bore a deep, blackened scar. The intense heat left burns across his side where the flames had breached his defenses, and his vision blurred momentarily. Still, he forced himself back to his feet, breath ragged but determined. Stopping wasn¡¯t an option¡ªif he faltered now, they were all lost.


    Emboldened by their success, the spellbound mages grew careless, advancing with a barrage of spells as they closed in, eager to finish him off.


    The scarred battlemage noticed their recklessness. "You fools, stay¡ª" he began, but it was too late.


    Rifi was already moving. Ignoring his injuries, he flooded his mana pathaways with lightning mana, filling his channels to the limit, pushing every muscle fiber to its peak. He surged forward, becoming a streak of crackling energy as he closed the distance to the nearest spellbound. The mage barely had time to react, lifting his sword in a desperate attempt to block, but his defenses met nothing but air. In a flash, Rifi was behind him, his blade piercing through the mage¡¯s chest in a fatal strike.


    Another barrage of spells hurtled toward Rifi, forcing him to brace himself. Weakened by the relentless attacks, his movements lost their usual speed as the surge of lightning mana began to numb his body. He managed to deflect most of the oncoming spells but couldn¡¯t evade them entirely. The scarred mercenary seized the opportunity, closing in with brutal precision, forcing Rifi into a close-quarters melee. Their blades clashed in a blur of steel, their strikes inhumanly swift, but this time, Rifi was barely keeping up. A red-hot blade sliced into his right arm, deep enough to render it useless for the moment, before Rifi managed to make some distance between himself and the scarred battlemage.


    The enemy mages tightened their encirclement, weaving a deadly net of spells around him. Every swing and parry felt heavier as his muscles screamed in protest. Rifi¡¯s vision began to narrow, his focus reduced to a tunnel of flashing light and shadows. Somewhere in the distance, Elias¡¯s voice boomed with orders, but to Rifi, it was just an echo, lost in the fierce struggle to stay alive.


    Blood seeped from fresh cuts, staining his battered armor and darkening the earth below. Each breath was a struggle, his body bruised and battered, yet he clung to life with every ounce of will he had left. His thoughts circled back to the promises he had yet to keep, and he steeled himself with the determination not to give in, not yet.


    On the edge of consciousness, he centered his mind, his every strike echoing with the silent pleas of those he fought to protect. The words, Please live... and FELIS SILVESTRIS, looped through his mind, infusing him with a fierce clarity.


    Then, he felt it¡ªa powerful presence approaching the battlefield. A faint smirk touched his lips, the spark of hope rekindling his spirit.


    Heh, that fiery ass finally made it.


    The air shimmered with heat as Kaelin charged into the chaos, a powerful wave of fiery mana radiating outward. Flames erupted in a blazing wall, forcing the encroaching red-cores to recoil with shouts of surprise. Kaelin¡¯s arrival shifted the battlefield, and he didn¡¯t hesitate, diving straight into melee with the scarred battlemage. Relief washed over Rifi, his heart pounding with renewed strength.


    ¡°Took you long enough!¡± Rifi shouted, his voice rough but defiant.


    Kaelin grinned, but his smile faltered as he took in Rifi¡¯s battered state. Rifi¡¯s left arm hung limp, his armor slick with blood, evidence of the brutal fight he¡¯d been waging alone.


    ¡°Looks like you could use a break,¡± Kaelin said, his tone serious. ¡°Go fall back. I¡¯ll keep this one occupied.¡±


    Before Rifi could respond, the scarred mercenary scowled, muttering under his breath, ¡°Not again¡­¡± His voice barely audible, he reached into his pocket, pulling out a dark, pulsing object, which he tossed into his mouth and swallowed.


    The two remaining spellbounds shot each other alarmed looks, clearly familiar with what was about to happen. The air around the scarred battlemage began to pulse with an ominous, expanding energy, crackling and warping the ground beneath him. With wary glances toward Kaelin and the blazing wall of flames, they stepped back, instinctively putting distance between themselves and the scarred battlemage, who was now radiating a frightening amount of mana.


    One of the spellbounds took a step back, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s gone mad.¡±


    The other nodded, unable to tear his gaze from the surging mana surrounding the scarred mercenary. Without another word, they both turned and retreated, unwilling to stay within reach of what was quickly becoming a volatile and deadly force.


    Instantly, a surge of power exploded from the scarred battlemage, his cry of agony rippling through the battlefield as his mana spiked to a terrifying level. The air around him pulsed, thick with an energy almost unbearable, his pressure now surpassing the level of an orange core mage. The force was like a shockwave, nearly matching the fearsome aura Rifi had once felt from the City Lord himself, who stood at the peak of the yellow core.


    "I¡¯ll make sure you both meet your end today,¡± he spat, his voice laced with a raw, frenzied edge.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Kaelin muttered, the reality of their predicament settling in. His eyes widened, flicking to Rifi as he braced himself. ¡°This just got complicated¡­¡±


    Rifi¡¯s gaze hardened, his body screaming with exhaustion, yet he managed to push through the pain. ¡°Stay sharp!¡± he called, his voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°We take him down together!¡±


    With a roar, the scarred battlemage launched himself forward, his feet carving scorching trails of magma across the ground as his fire-element mana propelled him with blinding speed. Kaelin braced himself for impact, raising his weapon just in time to meet the attack, but the sheer force behind each strike sent tremors through his arms.


    Each clash tore another maddening shriek from the scarred battlemage, his voice growing more unhinged with every strike. Kaelin staggered under the relentless blows, his boots digging deep furrows into the ground as he struggled to hold his ground.


    Rifi, catching his breath from a safe distance, could see the strain etched on Kaelin¡¯s face, each impact reflecting the force of his opponent¡¯s unstable fury. Rifi¡¯s own muscles screamed in protest, exhaustion clawing at him, but he knew he couldn¡¯t stand by any longer¡ªnot when Kaelin faced this frenzied assault alone. They needed to end this quickly.


    Rifi tried to flank the scarred battlemage mid-clash with Kaelin, hoping to catch him off guard. But the scarred battlemage''s reflexes, even through his madness, remained sharp. He parried Rifi''s sword with a savage twist, then launched a brutal kick charged with searing fire mana. The impact sent Rifi flying backward, slamming him against the scorched earth. His already battered armor buckled, a gaping hole exposing melted, charred flesh and cracked ribs beneath. Rifi gasped, blood splattering from his lips as he struggled to breathe. He was barely able to stand.


    The scarred battlemage seemed ready to finish him off, his wild eyes flickering with murderous intent¡ªuntil Kaelin¡¯s sword arced toward him again, forcing him to turn and defend.


    Enraged shrieks escaped his mouth as he hammered Kaelin with such relentless fury that each block drove Kaelin deeper into the ground. Kaelin grunted under the strain, barely able to keep the maddened battlemage at bay.


    Summoning his fire mana with all his remaining strength, Kaelin created an enormous fire wall between them, heat rippling through the air. Even from twenty meters away, Rifi could feel the searing intensity. But with an unhinged grin, the scarred battlemage threw up his own shield of fire and surged forward, passing through Kaelin''s wall unscathed.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± Rifi muttered, eyes wide as he watched Kaelin struggle. He hadn¡¯t known Kaelin long, but watching him stand alone against this relentless foe stirred something deep and familiar¡ªa haunting reminder of the past, of battles where allies had fallen, and he¡¯d been left powerless.


    ¡®I thought I¡¯d grown stronger. I thought... this time I¡¯d be able to protect them¡­¡¯ The painful memories flooded his mind, despair clawing at his resolve.


    Kaelin¡¯s gaze caught his own. Then, as if in defiance of their fate, Kaelin sent a sudden surge of heat in Rifi¡¯s direction¡ªa signal.


    In that split second, Rifi understood. Coughing blood but filled with renewed determination, he pushed every last reserve of mana into his pathways, surging his body with dense lightning energy until his muscles throbbed, barely able to contain the power.


    As Rifi¡¯s figure blurred with speed, Kaelin acted. Letting go of his sword, he shifted his grip to divert the battlemage¡¯s weapon just enough so that it missed his heart by inches, piercing his shoulder instead. Kaelin gritted his teeth, his fire mana flaring as he held the blade just short of his heart. The two forces clashed, their mana surging and repelling each other in a deadly tug-of-war.


    The scarred battlemage¡¯s eyes widened, caught between satisfaction at having ¡°pinned¡± Kaelin and confusion as to why his blade hadn¡¯t finished the job. But Kaelin¡¯s fiery mana held, keeping the scarred battlemage¡¯s mana in check, even as his own mana reserves rapidly drained. He wouldnt be able to hold for much longer, the mana of the scarred battlemage was much more potent.


    In that crucial moment, Rifi became a streak of lightning, blood trailing behind him as he pushed his injured body beyond its limits. Each footfall sent sparks across the ground, lightning snapping at his heels as he closed the gap. His vision blurred, his mind swimming, yet he held on to a single, unbreakable focus.


    Rifi''s form blurred behind the scarred battlemage, the sheer speed catching the battlemage off guard in his final, deadly distraction with Kaelin. Rifi¡¯s sword plunged into the mercenary¡¯s neck, angling straight through to his heart. A burst of lightning surged through the scarred battlemage¡¯s body, a final, deadly pulse that left him jerking in place.


    The scarred battlemage let out a final shriek of rage and pain before his eyes glazed over, the madness fading into emptiness.


    The scarred battlemage¡¯s lifeless form slumped to the ground, his body still crackling with the residual lightning mana Rifi had forced through him. Rifi¡¯s knees buckled, and he fell beside his fallen enemy, each ragged breath more difficult than the last.


    Kaelin¡¯s voice cut through the haze, a faint lifeline keeping him grounded. ¡°Stay with me, Rifi!¡± he shouted, his own face pale from the battle¡¯s toll. Kaelin moved to Rifi¡¯s side, gripping his shoulder tightly, feeling the tremor in his friend¡¯s frame as blood seeped from countless wounds.


    Rifi¡¯s eyes met Kaelin¡¯s, a faint, weary smile curving his lips despite the agony. ¡°Didn¡¯t¡­ let him win¡­¡± he whispered, his voice barely rising over the rush of his own blood pounding in his ears. Instinctively, his mana began to work, weaving through his veins, stemming the bleeding, and coaxing life back into his ravaged body.


    But the effort was too much. His vision blurred as darkness swept over him, Kaelin¡¯s voice fading to a distant echo as he slipped from consciousness, surrendering to the depths of exhaustion.

 31. In the Wake

    The memories of old were back¡ªagain, again, again¡ªrelentless and raw, each a flash of red, a terrible reminder of the past. Rifi lay immobilized in his dream, the steady drip of blood falling onto him from his sister above. Her lifeless eyes stared unseeing, each drop of blood magnified in slow, painful detail. He tried to shout, but no sound came. It was endless.


    Rifi jolted awake, drenched in sweat, a strained, muffled scream clawing its way from his throat. As he blinked into the dim light, he forced himself to focus, letting his breathing slow. Just a nightmare.


    Instinct took over as he pushed mana through his veins, sending a pulse outward to scan his surroundings. The act, however, sent a dull ache rippling through his depleted core. As the haze faded, he took in the surroundings¡ªa large tent filled with beds, all occupied, some with unconscious legionaries, others with patients restless in sleep. An infirmary. He exhaled, letting his mana settle. The room was safe, and the pain from his core was nothing compared to the throbbing agony that filled every muscle and limb, a brutal reminder of his overuse of lightning mana. His injuries from the last battle felt like distant bruises by comparison.


    His torso was wrapped tightly in bandages, covering burns and cuts from his fight with the spellbounds and the scarred battlemage. He let himself settle, taking in his surroundings, when the entrance to the tent parted.


    An older woman, dressed in the medical robes of the Aemiliana Clan, stepped inside. She moved with calm, assured authority, her hands warm as she placed them on his chest, sending a soothing wave of healing mana into him. The warmth loosened the tension in his muscles, easing his breath.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said softly, offering a faint smile. ¡°You¡¯re safe. Aemiliana has you now, and your injuries are healing well. The worst is behind you. In a few days, you¡¯ll be back to your usual self.¡± She fixed him with a stern but kind look. ¡°But do me a favor, would you? Refrain from using your mana like that. Everyone here is injured, and the last thing I need is any startled patients reopening wounds.¡±


    Rifi managed a small, apologetic smile, though his voice was weak. ¡°Reflex. I... wasn¡¯t sure where I was.¡± His brow furrowed as he recalled the battle. ¡°Do you know what happened? I was with a friend¡ªKaelin. Is he all right?¡±


    The healer¡¯s face softened, and she nodded. ¡°Your friend is fine. He was here most of yesterday, keeping an eye on you. He¡¯ll likely stop by again this morning.¡±


    Rifi let himself sink back, comforted by her words as she adjusted the pillow behind him. ¡°Rest a little longer,¡± she advised, smoothing a hand over his forehead. ¡°In the morning, you¡¯ll have all the answers you need.¡±


    Grateful for her kindness, he closed his eyes again, the lingering hum of her healing mana pulling him back into sleep.


    -


    When he next opened his eyes, the sun was high, casting a soft glow through the tent¡¯s fabric. As his vision adjusted, he saw Kaelin¡¯s familiar grin hovering above him. Serra stood beside him, relief shining in her eyes.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± Kaelin quipped, folding his arms with a smirk. ¡°Look who finally decided to wake up. Our very own sleeping beauty.¡±


    Rifi huffed, rolling his eyes as best as he could with the effort it took to even shift his gaze. Serra joined in, chuckling, ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re back with us, Rifi. Though, with the way you two are acting, I almost feel like a third wheel.¡±


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t look at me,¡± Kaelin shot back, feigning innocence. ¡°You grow close after fighting side-by-side through a few battles. And while you were off gallivanting, we¡¯ve had no shortage of trouble.¡±


    Rifi rubbed his temple, still shaking off the fog of sleep. ¡°Right¡­ well, someone care to tell me how long I was out?¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s face softened a little, and he folded his arms. ¡°A day and a half. Serra got here about an hour ago and thought she¡¯d join me in watching the grand reawakening.¡±


    Serra nodded, her expression turning serious. ¡°After relaying our intel to the City Lord,  more information started coming in about the western border. I hurried back as soon as I could.¡±


    Rifi sat up slightly, the urgency returning. ¡°And the battle?¡± His voice was thick with worry. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s expression shifted, and he pressed a hand to Rifi¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Easy there, big boss. We¡¯ll explain it all, but you¡¯re in no shape to rush anything. If you¡¯re feeling steady, let¡¯s head to the main hall. Commander Edran and some others are waiting. They¡¯ll fill in the details.¡±


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    As they walked through the clan grounds, Rifi¡¯s gaze swept over the remains of the battlefield. Buildings near the wall bore the scars of intense magic; some were reduced to splinters, others scorched and pocked with craters from spells. He felt his heart sink at the sight, realizing the clan hadn¡¯t managed to avoid the brunt of the battle¡¯s wrath.


    ¡°Commander Elias¡­¡± he began, the question hanging heavily in the air.


    Kaelin¡¯s face fell, and he looked away for a moment before answering. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you two spoke.¡± His voice softened. ¡°He didn¡¯t make it. Elias died protecting his people. His sacrifice saved many, but the clan paid a heavy price. Over half of their high-ranked legionaries are gone, and many lower ranks, too.¡± He sighed, his gaze distant. ¡°Aemiliana¡¯s finest, gone in one day.¡±


    Rifi was silent, absorbing the loss. His interaction with Elias had been brief, but the man¡¯s quiet strength and resolve had left an impression. The familiar weight of loss settled over him¡ªa cruel reminder of how unforgiving this world could be.


    They entered the main hall¡ªa modest but sturdy building, its walls bearing marks from years of resilience and service. Inside, Commander Edran and a few legionaries waited, gathered around a large table. One man, visibly injured and pale, stood out¡ªa spellbound like Edran.


    Edran¡¯s eyes lit up with a brief smile. ¡°Rifi, good to see you up and moving. Welcome.¡± He gestured to the injured man. ¡°You hadn¡¯t met before, but this is Tenex, one of our spellbounds. He took heavy injuries as you know, but he is finnaly recovered enough to be able to join us.¡±


    Tenex inclined his head, his face etched with lines of pain and determination. His gaze was unwavering, a reminder of the scars they all bore.


    After quick introductions, Rifi¡¯s attention turned back to Edran, who began recounting the events with a solemn tone.


    ¡°The situation has escalated,¡± Edran began, his voice steady but grim. ¡°Aemiliana paid a high price. Elias and many others sacrificed themselves to protect the clan and hold the line. They took down two of the enemy spellbounds, but it cost them dearly.¡± He met Rifi¡¯s eyes. ¡°After you and Kaelin killed the scarred battlemage, the enemy retreated.¡±


    Tenex chimed in, his voice rough but steady. ¡°Our reinforcements intercepted them. They were too depleted to put up much of a fight. Two more spellbounds were killed, along with most of the mercenaries. Only one spellbound and around fifty mages managed to escape.¡±


    Edran¡¯s jaw clenched as he continued. ¡°Our scouts pursued them to the border, but they had to halt when they saw what awaited beyond.¡± His eyes darkened. ¡°The Argos forces¡ªover ten thousand strong, camped just beyond our borders. They¡¯re preparing for an all-out assault.¡±


    Rifi exchanged a look with Kaelin and Serra, a chill settling over him. This was no longer a skirmish; it was the beginning of something far larger.


    ¡°So they achieved what they wanted with these raids?¡± Rifi asked, his voice laced with frustration. ¡°It was all a setup for a full-scale invasion?¡±


    Tenex nodded, his brow furrowed. ¡°Seems that way. But you and Kaelin¡¯s efforts to protect Aemiliana¡¯s mana vein must have thwarted part of their plan. It would¡¯ve been much worse if they¡¯d succeeded there.¡±


    Kaelin interjected, his face serious. ¡°They¡¯re playing a long game, and we¡¯re only just beginning to understand it. Their attacks were targeted, and they have managed to mobilize in secret, faster than we could have anticipated.¡±


    Edran continued, ¡°With no immediate threat behind our lines, the people and smaller clans have been evacuated toward the city. The western encampment is nearly empty now, and the last civilians will be out by nightfall.¡±


    Rifi took a deep breath, a small sense of relief flickering amid the tension. But another thought gnawed at him. ¡°That... thing the scarred battlemage swallowed. Do we know what it was?¡±


    Edran¡¯s gaze hardened. ¡°Not yet. Whatever it was, it amplified his power beyond anything we¡¯d seen. If Argos has more of these devices, it could change the balance of power in their favor.¡±


    Tenex added cautiously, ¡°I have a theory. It may be a form of weaponized mana, perhaps derived from the veins they drained. It¡¯s only a theory, but if they¡¯re finding ways to convert mana into pure instant combat power... it¡¯s a danger we need to be prepared for."


    Edran nodded, his gaze steeling with determination. ¡°Right now, our priority is to fortify our defenses and brace for what¡¯s coming. We¡¯ve secured our lands for now, but we can¡¯t afford any more needless losses.¡± His voice softened, the weight of recent sacrifices evident. ¡°We¡¯ve all paid too much already.¡±


    He turned to Serra. ¡°With the information Serra¡¯s provided us, we have a good sense of when our reinforcements will arrive. By tomorrow nightfall, we¡¯ll have the first wave¡ªtwo full legions. More will follow as soon as they can be mobilized.¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s face brightened with a flicker of hope. ¡°That¡¯s something. But what about the three major clans?¡±


    Edran nodded thoughtfully. ¡°We haven¡¯t received word yet, but I¡¯m confident they¡¯ll rally to our aid. An invasion of this scale puts their own existence at risk, too. We may not have everyone¡¯s loyalty, but we have a shared enemy.¡±


    ¡°Two legions, and if the big clans join us?¡± Rifi murmured, as if testing the weight of the idea. ¡°Maybe we can hold, after all.¡±


    ¡°With that support,¡± Edran added, his voice resolute, ¡°we¡¯ll do more than just hold. We¡¯ll show them what it means to defend these lands.¡±


    As they continued discussing the defensive lines, fallback plans, and supply routes, the mood in the room shifted from sorrow to resolve. By the end, each of them felt a renewed sense of purpose, determined to protect what they could against the oncoming storm.


    As Rifi left the hall, flanked by Kaelin and Serra, he felt the weight of the task before them pressing down. They had fought their first battle, but the true war was just beginning. And this time, they would be ready.

 32. Parting Paths

    "Just when we finally regrouped, we have to split up again." Kaelin scoffed, his voice tinged with disappointment. "The so-called team of battlemages, yet we¡¯ve barely had one real battle together¡ªif you can even call it that."


    The trio stood just outside the main hall, where the orders had been finalized. They lingered, each seeming to savor the last moments together before parting ways once more.


    In their last briefing, it had been decided the red core mages would split among the three largest clans near the western border. Both Fabia and Nithra had a single red core mage, but another one would greatly increase their defensive capabilities, buying time for orderly retreats if the need arose. Serra had been sent north to the Nithra Clan, while Rifi and Kaelin were stationed with the Aemiliana Clan, and Edran and Tenex went to the Fabia Clan, strategically positioned between the others. Fabia¡¯s location was ideal; from there, they could quickly reinforce either of the two outer clans, coordinating legion movements efficiently from a central stronghold.


    "It is what it is," Serra replied, a playful glint in her eyes. "We¡¯ll meet again soon¡ªassuming you two can stay away from the enemy¡¯s swords long enough."


    Kaelin smirked. "Well, thanks for worrying. Warms my heart that you¡¯re concerned for us."


    Rifi chuckled softly, mostly to himself. "Our mission¡¯s only on hold; I¡¯m certain of it. Once this business with Argos is finished, we¡¯ll regroup."


    Serra nodded, her expression momentarily serious. "Yeah, I believe that too."


    They shared a moment of silent understanding, knowing their paths would soon diverge but confident they¡¯d cross again. Serra¡¯s gaze drifted toward the gates, her face steady and resolute.


    "I shouldn¡¯t delay much longer," she said quietly. "Stay alive, both of you."


    "You too. Stay safe." Kaelin and Rifi replied in unison, their voices low.


    With a final nod, Serra turned and made her way toward the northern gates, her armor gleaming in the late sunlight. In full battle regalia, she looked every bit the seasoned warrior¡ªa polished breastplate with crimson and black accents marking her as a battlemage of Hepestus, the determination in her stride unmistakable. Legionaries nearby cast admiring glances as she passed, each glance speaking of respect. Rifi and Kaelin, however, looked far from battle-ready, clad in simple tunics while their armor was being hastily repaired after the last fight.


    As Serra¡¯s figure disappeared, Kaelin clapped Rifi on the shoulder. "Let¡¯s grab a bite. You haven¡¯t eaten in nearly two days, have you?"


    Rifi¡¯s stomach growled at the mention. "Now that you say it, I¡¯m starving. Living on mana alone doesn¡¯t exactly hit the spot."


    Kaelin rolled his eyes. "Tell me about it. But if they¡¯re serving fish, I¡¯ll go hungry."


    Rifi raised a brow, stifling a smirk. "What¡¯s wrong with fish?"


    Kaelin grimaced, throwing him a sidelong glance. "After a siege that left me eating nothing but fish for weeks, the smell alone turns my stomach."


    Rifi¡¯s expression shifted briefly before he masked it with a smirk. "That¡¯s nothing. Try living in a cave with only fish for¡­ a while. It changes how you look at things."


    Kaelin eyed him, his curiosity piqued, but he chose not to press. Instead, he grinned. "You¡¯re full of surprises, you know that?"


    Rifi shrugged, attempting a nonchalant smile, though a hint of something unspoken lingered in his eyes. "What can I say? Fish and I aren¡¯t exactly friends."


    Their chuckles softened the tension as they entered the mess hall. The smells of stew and roasted vegetables filled the air. Legionaries around them threw glances their way, whispers passing between groups as rumors of recent battles had spread quickly.


    As they received their portions, Kaelin leaned in, his voice low. "You hear them, right? Rumors are spreading like wildfire."


    Rifi nodded, catching fragments of the gossip: "Fire and lightning leaving nothing but scorched earth and ashes."¡­ "enemy red cores falling like flies." It was strange hearing such tales when he and Kaelin hadn¡¯t even had time to process the battle themselves.


    They found a quiet corner and dug into their food, savoring the warmth of the stew. For a few minutes, there was no sound between them but the clinking of spoons and the low hum of conversation around them.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Best meal I¡¯ve had in ages," Rifi sighed, setting down his spoon. "Feels like forever since I had something decent."


    Kaelin chuckled. "Not hard to impress a guy who¡¯s been starving, but I have to agree."


    Kaelin¡¯s eyes lit with curiosity as he recalled their conversation before eating. "Now I really have to know¡ªwhat kind of punishment landed you with a fish-only diet?"


    Rifi hesitated, a shadow crossing his face before he masked it with a grin. "Maybe one day I¡¯ll tell you. For now, just know I avoid fish like the plague."


    Kaelin laughed, though he noted the flicker of mystery in Rifi¡¯s expression. Silence fell again as they focused on their meal. When they finished, both men lifted their cups in a quiet toast. "Cheers," they said in unison, clinking cups.


    "To surviving," Kaelin added, taking a long drink.


    Rifi echoed him, though his gaze drifted, thoughtful. For him, survival had often felt more like a duty¡ªor, to be precise, an obligation¡ªsomething he owed to those who had sacrificed their lives for him.


    Kaelin leaned back, crossing his arms. "So, Rifi, what do you make of this Argos invasion? Why push this hard?"


    Rifi¡¯s gaze turned steely. "It¡¯s always the same. Greed for power, control. Doesn¡¯t matter how many people get caught in the crossfire."


    Kaelin nodded, understanding. "But what about you? Don¡¯t you ever want something beyond being¡­ well, used in battles like this?"


    Rifi looked down, quiet for a moment. "I¡¯ve never really thought about it that way. I¡¯m still new to the title of battlemage. It feels like I haven¡¯t earned the right to want anything more."


    Kaelin shook his head, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "Give it time. You¡¯ll see things differently. I¡¯ve been a battlemage for over a decade now, and recently, I¡¯ve started wondering¡­ How long can I keep doing this, going from one battle to the next?"


    Rifi turned to him, a bit surprised. Kaelin rarely spoke this way, and he hadn¡¯t expected such a confession. ¡°You want something more than this? I thought you were content in the City Lord¡¯s service.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong¡ªI respect the City Lord, and I¡¯m grateful for what I¡¯ve learned,¡± Kaelin admitted, his gaze distant. ¡°But, yes, I do want something more. Something of my own. A family, maybe even a clan. That doesn¡¯t change my loyalty¡ªit¡¯s just¡­ something lasting to leave behind.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s brow lifted, both surprised and a bit impressed. "I can¡¯t imagine you as anything other than Kaelin the Infernoheart."


    Kaelin chuckled, scratching his head. "Not bad, right? But fame only goes so far. Soon enough, you¡¯ll have a name like that, too." He paused, his gaze softening. "But I want more. A clan, kids¡­ something that lasts longer than just one fight after another."


    Rifi tilted his head, a hint of curiosity in his expression. Kaelin caught the look and smiled, almost wistfully. "You¡¯re still young, in your early twenties. I, on the other hand, am already past thirty." He shrugged. "After a decade of battles, you start thinking about what comes next."


    Rifi gave a small nod, thoughtful. "I still have a long way to go¡ªwe mages live long lives, if they aren¡¯t cut short by battle. And more often than not¡­ they are." His gaze grew distant for a moment before he looked back at Kaelin. "But I can see why you¡¯d want something more, something that outlasts the next fight."


    Kaelin nodded, his expression softening. "Exactly. It¡¯s not that I want to leave the fight behind entirely, but I want something to fight for that goes beyond myself."


    Rifi nodded, quietly absorbing the gravity of Kaelin¡¯s words. He admired Kaelin¡¯s strength and resolve, but now, for the first time, he saw a man who longed for stability as much as he longed for a challenge.


    Eventually, Kaelin stretched, glancing at the dimming light outside. "It¡¯s late. We¡¯d better get some rest before tomorrow."


    Rifi gave him a small smile. "Try not to keep everyone awake with your snoring, Kaelin."


    Kaelin chuckled, giving Rifi a playful shove. "I¡¯ll be quiet as a shadow. It¡¯s you I¡¯d be worried about."


    With that, they each found a quiet place to sleep; with the local civilians evacuated, many of the houses were available for legionaries. Rifi settled into one of these empty homes, the silence around him a stark contrast to the bustling mess hall.


    Sitting cross-legged, Rifi began his meditation, focusing intently on the rhythm of his mana flow. The mana stones Edran had given him lay nearby, faintly glowing with raw, elementless energy. As he absorbed their power, he slipped into a delicate half-sleep state¡ªan elusive balance of rest and awareness, his consciousness drifting while remaining tethered to the sensations of his body.


    In this state, he let the energy from the stones permeate his mana channels, purifying and transforming it to merge seamlessly with his own reserves, increasing his mana density with every steady breath. Unlike most mages, who could only manage one process at a time, Rifi¡¯s natural body allowed him to regenerate his muscles while refining his mana simultaneously. The ability demanded a relentless focus, as even a momentary lapse could lead to dangerous surges or bursts in his channels, a risk that lesser practitioners would never dare take.


    But he¡¯d recently unlocked the ability to maintain a half-sleep cultivation as Rifi called it¡ªsomething few could achieve without immense control and fortitude. He let his awareness dip just enough to restore his mind, knowing his body was efficiently using each moment to heal and grow stronger. Still, the process was limited; after a few hours, the rate of mental fatigue began to overtake the rest he was obtaining, forcing him to stop.


    Finally, as he reached his limits and sensed the creeping fatigue overpowering his clarity, he slowed his breathing, guiding the energy to settle quietly within his core. His muscles, newly restored, pulsed gently with the added strength of his purified mana. His mind, now decently rested through his half-sleep cultivation, needed only two or three hours of true sleep. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight, he could find a few precious hours of genuine rest, grounded in the quiet strength he¡¯d built within.

 33. The Weight of Command

    Rifi woke early, his mind sharp and his body refreshed after only a few hours of true sleep. Rising from the simple cot in the house that had been repurposed for the legionaries, he stepped outside, the crisp morning air greeting him like a silent reminder of the day ahead. Stretching his arms and rolling his shoulders, he felt his muscles loosen, the lingering soreness from recent battles gradually fading as his recovery neared completion.


    The sky was painted with the soft hues of dawn, the first rays of sunlight just beginning to streak across the horizon. The sun itself remained hidden below the walls of the Aemiliana stronghold, casting long, dramatic shadows over the quiet camp. The stillness was profound, broken only by the occasional creak of armor and the low murmur of guards patrolling the walls above. It was a scene of tranquility Rifi hadn¡¯t expected to find, a fragile calm that felt as fleeting as it was precious.


    His gaze drifted toward the walls, half-expecting the harsh clamor of an Argos assault or the shouted orders of a commander rallying troops. But none came. Instead, the morning remained still, untouched by the looming war. For a fleeting moment, the camp felt unbroken, as though time itself had paused. Yet beneath the peace, an edge of anticipation lingered, sharp and unrelenting, like the breath before a storm.


    Rifi took a slow, deliberate breath, letting the cool air fill his lungs as his eyes swept the horizon. The faint light of dawn illuminated the distant hills, shadowy shapes that held unknown dangers beyond their reach. His gaze returned to the walls, where the silhouettes of legionaries stood vigil, their quiet professionalism reassuring yet distant. Did they share his doubts? Did they see him the way he saw himself¡ªa failure weighed down by the lives he couldn¡¯t save?


    The question gnawed at him. In the days following the battle, Rifi had sought to prove himself, to his fellow battlemages and to the legion he had been trusted to support. Yet he couldn¡¯t escape the feeling that he had failed¡ªnot just Kaelin and Serra, but the entire Aemiliana Clan. He had pushed for the plan to divide their forces, certain it was the right course. The others hadn¡¯t fought him on it, but that didn¡¯t absolve him of responsibility. The result? Countless dead, including Elias, the revered head of the Aemiliana Clan. Could he have done something differently? Should he have?


    The thoughts grew heavier, threatening to pull him under. He needed something to focus on, something to quiet his restless mind. With that resolve, Rifi began walking toward the training grounds near the barracks. Physical exertion would clear his head, and perhaps the motion would loosen the weight in his chest.


    He was thankful that Kaelin had taken charge of managing the camp. While Rifi recovered, Kaelin had organized the defenses, handled logistics, and stepped into the role of leadership with the ease of experience. That suited Rifi just fine. The duty of command felt too heavy for him, especially after the battle. Being a soldier¡ªtaking orders and being the sword that others pointed¡ªwas a role he understood. Leading meant carrying the lives of others on his decisions, and that burden was one he wasn¡¯t ready to bear.


    As his thoughts churned, another weighed heavily on his mind¡ªthe Devils. Rifi was certain they had a hand in Argos¡¯s sudden aggression, but the thought of sharing his suspicions felt premature. He wasn¡¯t strong enough to confront the truth, and strength was what he needed to even consider taking on that threat. One day, perhaps, but not today.


    <hr>


    When Rifi arrived at the training grounds, he was surprised to find he wasn¡¯t alone. Two figures moved fluidly in the pale morning light, their stances sharp and purposeful. He recognized them immediately¡ªArin and Mira Aemiliana, the only surviving green-core mages of their clan. Both had been at the meetings in recent days, their presence somber yet resolute.


    Arin, tall and broad-shouldered, with dark hair cropped close to his head and a strong jawline, exuded quiet authority. His movements were deliberate, each step grounded with confidence that matched his years of experience. Mira, wiry and agile, was his counterpoint. Her cropped auburn hair glinted in the early light, and her piercing gray eyes were sharp with focus. Younger than Arin and only a year or two older than Rifi, Mira moved with the precision of a prodigy¡ªa genius whose skills had elevated her to green-core rank far earlier than most.


    Rifi hesitated, considering whether to turn back, but before he could decide, Arin spotted him.


    ¡°Battlemage Rifi, you¡¯re up early,¡± Arin called, his tone respectful. ¡°Care to join us? I hope I¡¯m not overstepping.¡±


    Rifi shook his head and offered a small smile. ¡°Morning, Arin. Mira. I was just looking to stretch my muscles and clear my thoughts. I wouldn¡¯t want to impose on you two.¡±


    Arin waved the concern away. ¡°You¡¯re not imposing. In fact, we¡¯d welcome it. It¡¯s not every day we get to train alongside a battlemage.¡±


    Mira muttered under her breath, loud enough for Rifi to hear, ¡°Tch. Some battlemage he is.¡±


    Her words were a dagger, and Rifi¡¯s expression faltered. Arin shot her a sharp look. ¡°Mira, you need to watch your words. This isn¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Rifi raised a hand, his voice somber as he interrupted. ¡°She¡¯s right, Arin. I don¡¯t feel I deserve the title. I used to think I did, but¡­ now I¡¯m not so sure.¡±


    Mira turned to him fully, her gray eyes narrowing. ¡°Good. At least you admit it. But that doesn¡¯t make anything better. My brother is dead, and so are most of our clan¡¯s mages. You came to help, and where was your help? They all died.¡±


    Her words landed like blows, but Rifi stood firm, his storm-gray eyes meeting hers steadily. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I made decisions because I thought they were right. Maybe if I¡¯d done something differently¡­ Elias would still be alive. Maybe some of your people would, too.¡±


    Arin stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the tension. ¡°That¡¯s enough, Mira. Elias made his own choices. He fought to defend the clan, and no one could have changed what happened.¡±


    Mira¡¯s jaw tightened, and for a moment, she turned her gaze away, her voice soft but bitter. ¡°It¡¯s easy for you to rationalize, Arin. I can¡¯t. Elias wasn¡¯t just our leader¡ªhe was my brother.¡±


    Rifi let Mira¡¯s words settle in the air. He didn¡¯t try to defend himself further; there was no defense for the guilt he carried. Instead, he took a step closer, his tone measured. ¡°I can¡¯t bring him back, Mira. And I can¡¯t change what¡¯s already happened. But I can promise you this¡ªI¡¯m here to fight with you, to make sure no one else has to go through what you¡¯ve lost.¡±


    Mira turned to face him again, her piercing gaze softening only slightly. For a moment, it seemed like she might say something more, but instead, she exhaled sharply, crossing her arms. ¡°Words are cheap. Prove it.¡±


    Arin raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with concern. ¡°Mira¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she cut him off, stepping into the center of the training ground and gesturing toward Rifi. ¡°If he¡¯s so determined to help, let¡¯s see what he can do. Show me what makes you a battlemage.¡±


    Rifi studied her for a moment, noting the fire in her posture and the tightly wound grief behind her sharp words. Sparring wasn¡¯t about proving himself to her, he realized¡ªit was her way of channeling her emotions, of trying to find some outlet for the loss she carried.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    He nodded, stepping into the circle with her. ¡°Alright. If it helps, I¡¯m game. But I don¡¯t want this to be about proving anything. Let¡¯s make it about getting better¡ªboth of us.¡±


    Arin sighed but took a step back, motioning for the curious onlookers to clear a wide space around them. The small group of recruits that gathered, drawn by the commotion earlier. Mira¡¯s expression hardened, and she adopted a combat-ready stance. Her green-core mana glowed faintly in her eyes. The water mana she summoned rippled and flowed like liquid steel, coalescing into readiness at her fingertips.


    Rifi remained calm, his posture relaxed but focused. He drew on his own mana¡ªnot the crackling, volatile lightning he wielded in battle, but a steadier flow of elementless mana. It layered beneath his skin, enhancing his muscles, organs, and reflexes while maintaining control. A faint current of lightning mana flickered within, enough to sharpen his speed and strength without risking the strain that higher levels would bring.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin,¡± Mira said curtly, wasting no time as she launched her first attack.


    She moved with fluid precision, an arc of water slicing toward Rifi¡¯s left side. He sidestepped, narrowly avoiding the strike, and countered with a quick burst of mana out of his hand, aimed toward her shoulder¡ªnot to harm, but to test her defenses. Mira reacted instantly, manifesting a shield of water that deflected his attack. The impact sent ripples through the air, her movements controlled but forceful.


    ¡°You¡¯re fast,¡± she admitted begrudgingly, her tone clipped. ¡°But speed alone won¡¯t win a fight.¡±


    Rifi smirked faintly, his voice calm and even. ¡°True. But you¡¯re overextending. Your strikes are strong, but they¡¯re telegraphed. Control your mana¡ªdon¡¯t let it control you.¡±


    Mira¡¯s scowl deepened, and her movements grew faster, her strikes more precise. This time, as she swept her hand, the water beneath her transformed into ice, spreading beneath Rifi¡¯s feet to hinder his movements. A lesser mage might have stumbled, but Rifi instinctively channeled a small surge of lightning mana through his legs. The precise heat it generated melted the ice at key points, allowing him to pivot with ease. His speed increased as the lightning mixed with his elementless mana, enhancing his movements without yet pushing him to the edge of risk.


    Her attacks became more varied¡ªstreams of water shifting in shape and trajectory, forcing Rifi to adapt. Then, unexpectedly, one of her strikes exploded into hot steam, the searing vapor rushing toward him. It grazed his elementless mana shield, forcing him to deflect more energy than he had anticipated. His eyes narrowed, a flicker of intrigue crossing his face. This wasn¡¯t mere skill¡ªMira was demonstrating a rare mastery over her element. Most water mages could manipulate liquid water, and some could extend their control to ice. A select few managed both, but Mira moved effortlessly between all three states¡ªwater, ice, and steam¡ªwith remarkable precision. Such seamless versatility was extraordinary, and despite the intensity of the spar, Rifi found himself genuinely impressed.


    ¡°You¡¯re talented,¡± he said as he deflected another strike, his tone genuine. ¡°But you¡¯re burning through your mana too quickly. You¡¯ll tire before you can land a decisive blow.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Mira snapped, though her breathing had quickened.


    Rifi adjusted his stance, channeling a bit more lightning into his muscles. The flicker of power sharpened his reflexes, letting him counter her next strike with a burst of speed. ¡°Again,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°Focus on precision, not power. Sometimes it¡¯s not about how much mana you use, but where and how you use it.¡±


    Mira gritted her teeth but followed his advice, her attacks becoming more controlled. A concentrated burst of water shot toward Rifi¡¯s midsection, faster and more focused than before. He deflected it with a flick of his mana, nodding in approval.


    The spar continued, the two of them circling each other like predators testing their prey. The recruits watching from the sidelines were silent, their gazes fixed on the clash of mana. Arin stood with his arms crossed, his expression unreadable but tinged with quiet approval.


    Mira was quick to adapt, her strikes growing sharper and her shifts between water, ice, and steam more seamless. But Rifi was relentless, countering her every move while staying just one step ahead. Each time she tried to trap him¡ªwhether with ice beneath his feet or steam to obscure his vision¡ªhe outmaneuvered her with precise bursts of lightning, his control honed from years of practice.


    Finally, after several minutes, Rifi stepped back, raising a hand to signal the end of the match. He was breathing steadily, his expression calm but satisfied. ¡°You¡¯re quick to adapt,¡± he said, his tone genuine. ¡°Elias must have been proud to have a sister as skilled as you.¡±


    Mira hesitated, her chest rising and falling with measured breaths. Her gray eyes searched his for a moment, and though there was still a lingering edge of resentment, there was also something softer¡ªrespect, perhaps. ¡°He was,¡± she admitted quietly, her voice steadier than before. ¡°And he always said there was more to learn.¡±


    Her gaze lingered on Rifi, and after a moment, she added with a faint smirk, ¡°Maybe you¡¯re not as useless as I thought.¡±


    Rifi chuckled, running a hand through his hair. ¡°High praise. I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    Arin stepped forward then, his deep voice breaking through the lingering tension. ¡°Enough banter. Let¡¯s focus on what¡¯s important. There¡¯s a lot of work to do if we¡¯re going to keep this clan standing.¡±


    The crowd of legionaries that had gathered around the sparring match remained silent, their awe palpable. Rifi could feel their gazes¡ªsome filled with admiration, others with curiosity or lingering doubt. Mira stood across from him, her breathing steadying as she lowered her stance. The faint shimmer of her green-core mana faded, leaving behind only the quiet rustle of the morning breeze.


    For a moment, she said nothing, her gray eyes fixed on Rifi. Then, after a deep breath, her voice broke the stillness. ¡°I was wrong about you.¡±


    Rifi blinked, surprised by the unexpected shift in her tone. Mira straightened, brushing a strand of auburn hair from her face. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to fight the way you did back then. I know how many red cores you faced. Everyone does. And you almost¡­¡± She trailed off, the words catching in her throat. ¡°I just¡ª¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to say it,¡± Rifi interjected softly, offering her a faint, understanding smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡± Mira¡¯s gaze dropped for a moment before she looked back at him, her expression resolute. ¡°I¡¯ve been taking my anger out on you because it¡¯s easier than facing what happened. You didn¡¯t fail. My brother¡­ my clan¡­¡± Her voice wavered before she steadied herself. ¡°They wouldn¡¯t have stood a chance without you. And I¡¯m sorry for blaming you.¡±


    Rifi hesitated, unsure how to respond. Finally, he nodded, his voice quiet but firm. ¡°We all did what we could. That¡¯s all any of us can do.¡±


    Mira gave a short, sharp nod, as if to say the conversation was over. Arin, who had been watching silently, stepped forward with a faint smile. ¡°It¡¯s a start,¡± he said, his tone light but supportive. ¡°Now, if you¡¯ll excuse us, I think Mira and I have some training to finish.¡±


    Rifi chuckled softly, brushing his hands together. ¡°By all means. I think I¡¯ve had my fill of sparring for today.¡±


    He turned toward the recruits still watching nearby, their wide-eyed stares a mix of amazement and respect. Some shifted awkwardly under his gaze, others straightened as though trying to impress him. Rifi offered them a simple nod. ¡°Keep working hard. This is how you get stronger.¡±


    As he walked away, he caught snippets of their murmurs¡ªwhispers of lightning-fast reflexes and the battle stories that had already begun to circulate through the camp. Rifi tried not to dwell on their words. Respect wasn¡¯t what he sought, not yet. There was still too much to do, too many questions unanswered.


    The quiet of the morning returned as he left the training grounds behind. With the tension of the spar fading, Rifi¡¯s thoughts turned to Kaelin and the main hall. He needed to know if there was news¡ªabout Argos, about their next move. Anything to give their fractured forces direction.


    Behind him, Mira watched his retreating figure, her lips pressed into a thin line as a tear slid down her cheek. Deep down, she knew it wasn¡¯t Rifi¡¯s fault¡ªno single decision could have changed the outcome. But her heart still ached, the pain of loss refusing to fade so easily. Now that they had exchanged blows and she had seen more of the man behind the title, even with all that she had said to him, he had remained calm, steady, and willing to help her. She found herself wondering: would she ever be able to do the same? Could she carry that weight the way he did?


    She didn¡¯t have a choice. She could only move forward. The duty of protecting the clan now rested squarely on her shoulders. She only hoped she could carry it as Rifi had¡ªquietly, steadily, and without faltering.


    Unbeknownst to her, Rifi fought his own battles every day¡ªagainst doubt, against fear, and against the weight of choices that haunted him. It wasn¡¯t calm that carried him through, but determination, forged from countless moments of faltering and refusing to stay down. That was the truth of strength: not the absence of struggle, but the will to keep standing. Every mage, every soldier, fought such battles within themselves. And it was that choice¡ªthe choice to fight, to press forward, and to never give in¡ªthat set them apart.


    For Rifi, as for all who walked the path of a mage, it wasn¡¯t about being unshaken. It was about choosing, time and again, to rise in the face of uncertainty. And that was the battle that truly mattered.

 34. Beneath the Rising Sun

    Rifi left the sparring grounds, his body still warm from the exertion but his thoughts heavy. The sun now climbed higher, its golden light stretching past the stronghold walls and casting long, warm shadows over the bustling camp. The Aemiliana stronghold, though battered, stirred with life.


    Legionaries moved purposefully, their voices carrying across the grounds. Those who had stood guard through the night descended the walls with weary steps, their shifts complete, while fresh troops took their places, armor glinting in the sunlight. The low rumble of morning drills echoed faintly, and scouts returned from patrol, their movements brisk and focused. Supply carts rattled through the gates, their drivers exchanging curt nods with the sentries. Even amidst the calm, the tension of impending conflict hung in the air.


    Rifi¡¯s gaze swept the grounds. Over six hundred legionaries remained in the stronghold, their numbers bolstered by the remnants of the Aemiliana Clan. Though disciplined and determined, the legion was a shadow of its former strength. Half of its forces had been lost to the recent battles. Another 400 had departed the day prior, led by Edran and Tenex, to secure the central position at Fabia Clan. Those troops would serve as reinforcements, ready to move north or south as needed.


    The West Border Legion, like all border legions, had never boasted the size of a full force. With fewer than a thousand soldiers left and only fragmented units stationed along the frontier, their situation was precarious. Time was their greatest enemy, and Rifi knew that the two reinforcements legions from Hepestus couldn¡¯t arrive soon enough.


    Rifi¡¯s mind churned as he walked toward the main hall. Why hadn¡¯t Argos pressed their advantage yet? They held the upper hand, and yet their forces were biding their time. The silence was unsettling. Whatever the reason, he could only hope Kaelin had insight¡ªor at least a plan.


    Suddenly a commotion near the gates caught Rifi¡¯s attention. He quickened his pace as Kaelin¡¯s figure emerged from the crowd, his movements hurried and his face dark with frustration. Rifi fell into step beside him.


    ¡°Good that you¡¯re awake,¡± Kaelin said, his tone sharp. ¡°Come with me. We¡¯ve lost some legionaries.¡±


    The words struck Rifi hard. ¡°Did Argos attack? Shouldn¡¯t our scouts have reported any movement?¡±


    Kaelin shook his head, his voice clipped. Two centurions followed closely behind him, their green-core mana faintly pulsing as they moved. ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t an attack on the camp. A group of our scouts was ambushed. Only Tessa and Bren made it back, and they¡¯re in bad shape.¡±


    Rifi cursed under his breath. ¡°Dammit.¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s expression remained grim. ¡°They¡¯re being treated now. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    A house near the gate had been converted into a temporary infirmary. The old Aemiliana healer worked tirelessly over Tessa, her hands glowing softly as she poured her mana into the charred and blistered flesh along the scout¡¯s left side. Tessa¡¯s groans of pain filled the room, though the healer¡¯s efforts seemed to provide some relief.


    Another healer knelt beside Bren, his unconscious form still except for the faint rise and fall of his chest. Deep gashes marred his back, and several projectile wounds marked his sides. Blood streaked his tunic, but his breathing, though shallow, was steady.


    Kaelin stepped forward, his voice tense. ¡°How are they?¡±


    The old healer glanced up, her lined face set with determination. ¡°Their injuries are severe, but they¡¯ll live. They got back just in time.¡±


    Tessa stirred at the sound of Kaelin¡¯s voice, forcing her eyes open. Her words came in strained bursts between groans of pain. ¡°Commander¡­ we were tracking a group¡­ but they surprised us. They were too good¡ªtoo fast. Voren and Cale¡­¡± Her voice cracked as tears welled in her eyes.


    Kaelin crouched beside her, his voice steady but firm. ¡°Focus, Tessa. What did you see?¡±


    Tessa swallowed hard, her face contorted with both physical and emotional pain. ¡°A hundred Argos mages¡­ heading for the south pass. An orange core leading them.¡± She gasped for air, her voice faltering. ¡°Voren and Cale¡­ they didn¡¯t make it.¡±


    Kaelin placed a steadying hand on her shoulder, his tone softening. ¡°You did well, Tessa. You all did. Rest now¡ªwe¡¯ll take it from here.¡±


    Her breathing steadied slightly under the healer¡¯s care, and Kaelin rose, his expression dark. As Rifi turned to follow him out, his gaze lingered on Tessa. Her tear-streaked face was turned toward Bren, the pain of loss etched into her features.


    As they left the infirmary, Kaelin¡¯s frustration was palpable, his mana flaring subtly around him, a faint wave of heat radiating outward. "Tch, Voren and Cole were two of our best scouts¡ªgreen cores, no less. Such talent, such potential¡­ wasted." His voice was tight, anger barely restrained.


    Rifi nodded solemnly. "At least Bren and Tessa made it back. We have to count ourselves fortunate, especially with an orange core nearby."


    Kaelin exhaled sharply, the heat around him intensifying for a moment before he reined it in. "You¡¯re right. But this war has barely begun, and already we¡¯ve lost so many. Half the West Border Legion, gone. Damn it all. Voren wasn¡¯t just talented; he was a fine legionary¡ªI spent time with him." His voice carried a bitterness that cut through the quiet.


    Rifi¡¯s jaw tightened as he sighed. "Cole, too. A damned waste." His fists curled at his sides, knuckles whitening. "Argos will pay for this. Greatly."


    Kaelin glanced at him, his expression hardening with grim resolve. "That, we can agree on. They¡¯ll pay. They¡¯ll pay in blood."


    The rest of the walk passed in silence, the tension between them simmering but unspoken. Both men focused inward, calming their emotions and steadying their resolve. Behind them, the two centurions followed silently, their faces grim as they shared in the weight of the moment.


    As they stepped into the hall, the weight of their previous conversation lingered like an unspoken shadow. The silence inside was oppressive, broken only by the faint rustle of maps on the central table. Rifi was the first to speak, his voice cutting through the stillness. "What do we do about the group with the orange core heading for the south pass? I know the plan was to delay and retreat until the reinforcement legions arrive, but something feels... off about this."


    Kaelin leaned over the table, his expression grim. "I¡¯ll give you that. This whole invasion¡ªor whatever it is¡ªfeels strange. I just don¡¯t see what Argos stands to gain by moving through the south pass or pushing further south of our border."


    One of the centurions, standing nearby, chimed in, his tone measured but confident. "Even if they make it through the south pass, it¡¯ll take them days to navigate around Brimstone Mountain. By then, our reinforcements will have secured the area."


    Kaelin nodded, his gaze sharpening as he straightened. "The Brimstone Mountain range is our greatest ally in this case. Their route south limits their options. They can¡¯t double back, not once our reinforcements arrive to cut off their retreat. That leaves them with two choices: either spend days flanking us¡ªtime they simply don¡¯t have¡ªor retreat back to Argos. But even that isn¡¯t straightforward."A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    He gestured to the map, tracing a finger across the marked terrain. "Returning to Argos would force them through Trakea City State. And as far as I know, Trakea isn¡¯t exactly their ally. On top of that, they¡¯re certainly not going after the southern mana veins." He tapped the southern region of the map, where three stronghold marks gleamed. "Each of the main clans down there has its own yellow core mage. That¡¯s more than enough to repel a force of a hundred, orange core or not."


    The centurions exchanged approving nods, but Rifi¡¯s face remained clouded, his unease still evident. Kaelin noticed but didn¡¯t press further, his gaze fixed on the map as if willing it to reveal the secrets behind Argos¡¯s moves.


    Rifi glanced toward the map and then back to Kaelin, his expression tight with concern. "Kaelin, can we have a word in private?"


    Kaelin caught the look on his face and didn¡¯t ask any questions. With a curt nod, he turned to the two centurions. "You two, fetch the Aemiliana leadership. We¡¯ll need them here for a full briefing."


    The centurions saluted sharply and left without hesitation, their footsteps echoing faintly in the hall. Once they were gone, Kaelin turned back to Rifi, his tone shifting. "Alright, what¡¯s on your mind?"


    Rifi crossed his arms, his voice low but urgent. "We both know which of the main clans lies just south of Brimstone Mountain¡ªEsquliana. I can¡¯t shake the feeling that they¡¯re somehow involved in this."


    Kaelin¡¯s face darkened, a faint flicker of heat radiating from him as his anger simmered. "Dammit. Either that, or Argos managed to patch things up with Trakea City State and is coordinating something with them. Though I¡¯ll admit, that seems less likely."


    Rifi nodded grimly. "Exactly. But we can¡¯t afford to give Esquliana the benefit of the doubt. If they¡¯ve betrayed us, it could open another front before we¡¯ve even stabilized in the west. Hepestus can¡¯t risk that. We¡¯re already stretched too thin, and losing our grip now could cost thousands of lives before our legions are fully mobilized."


    Kaelin leaned heavily against the edge of the table, his fists tightening. "Good point. If we intercept and stop the Argos forces at South Pass, we sever any direct communication between them and Esquliana. That might buy us the time and advantage we need to confirm where their loyalties lie."


    Rifi exhaled slowly, his shoulders tensing as he added, "Exactly. If Argos and Esquliana are working together, keeping them blind to each other¡¯s movements is crucial. But my concern is whether we have the strength to stop that orange core and their hundred-strong force."


    Kaelin pushed off the table, his posture straightening. "Don¡¯t sell us short, Rifi. This isn¡¯t my first campaign. We¡¯ll suffer losses, yes, but stopping Argos at South Pass is non-negotiable."


    Rifi frowned, his voice lowering. "We didn¡¯t even have the chance to properly bury our dead from the last battle, and now..." He trailed off, the weight of their recent losses pressing down on him.


    Kaelin¡¯s tone hardened, though there was no malice in his words. "This is war, Rifi. We don¡¯t have the luxury of playing it safe. Retreating here could mean certain death for thousands. You know that as well as I do."


    Rifi nodded reluctantly, his voice quiet. "I know. I guess I admire your ability to make these decisions, no matter how harsh they are."


    Kaelin allowed himself a faint, bitter smile. "Heh, don¡¯t speak too soon. You might change your opinion once we face them. Now let¡¯s figure out the best way to handle this."


    Moments later, the sound of boots echoed through the hall as the centurions returned, Mira and Arin close behind them. Both bore worried expressions, Mira¡¯s sharp eyes scanning the room as if trying to gauge the weight of the situation before anyone spoke.


    Kaelin straightened, gesturing for them to join him at the table. "Thank you for coming. Sorry if we interrupted anything, but this is urgent. Take a seat."


    Mira, ever the hothead, waved off his apology as she crossed her arms. "Don¡¯t worry about it. Your centurions already briefed us about the ambush and Argos forces moving toward the South Pass. What¡¯s the situation?"


    Kaelin chuckled softly despite the tension. "Makes my job easier. But it pains me to ask more of your clan after everything you¡¯ve been through. Yet, here we are."


    The fire in Mira¡¯s eyes dimmed slightly as she exchanged a glance with Arin. Then she turned back to Kaelin, her expression firm and resolute. "What¡¯s done is done. We can¡¯t change the past, but we can still fight for the future. My clan stands loyal to the City Lord, just as my brother did. So tell us¡ªhow can we help?"


    Kaelin paused, his expression thoughtful before it hardened with resolve. "Aemiliana is lucky to have a leader like you, Mira. To keep it short, Argos has sent around a hundred mages toward the South Pass, led by an orange core. We need to intercept and stop them. For this, we¡¯ll need every high-ranked mage we can muster. We only have to hold them for a day¡ªmaybe less¡ªuntil reinforcements arrive."


    His gaze swept the room, landing on each of them in turn. "Make no mistake¡ªthis is a dangerous mission. Calling it a suicide mission wouldn¡¯t be far off."


    Rifi listened quietly, his eyes on Mira as she absorbed Kaelin¡¯s words. Her expression didn¡¯t waver, determination etched into every line of her face.


    Kaelin continued, his tone grim. "The West Border Legion has been gutted. We¡¯ve lost more than half our numbers. Among those remaining, we can barely muster 30 high-ranked mages. Bren and Tessa are out of commission, which leaves us dangerously short."


    The West Border Legion had suffered devastating losses in the recent events, losing more than half its original strength. Although Tenax and Edran had deliberately taken mostly lower-ranked legionaries with them, the 500 legionaries still stationed at the Aemiliana compound had limited high-ranked mages to offer. Among their ranks, only six green-core mages remained, but even that count was misleading. With Bren and Tessa gravely injured and unable to fight, the number of battle-ready green-core mages realistically dropped to four.


    The blue-core mages fared slightly better, with 23 remaining in the West Border Legion, while the purple cores, numbering just over a hundred, offered little advantage in this specific scenario. Taking even lower-ranked mages (brown and black core) into such a high-risk mission was simply out of the question; they lacked the raw power and skill needed to make a meaningful impact against Argos''s force, particularly with an orange-core mage leading the enemy.


    Mira spoke up, her voice steady. "From Aemiliana, only Arin and I are green cores. We have 11 blue cores and 45 purple cores among our ranks. Of those, I¡¯d estimate 8 blue cores and around 30 purple cores are battle-ready. Arin and I will also join."


    Kaelin and Arin exchanged surprised glances, Kaelin speaking first. "I didn¡¯t expect you both to join. I would¡¯ve been satisfied with Arin and some of your blue cores. We have enough purple cores in the West Border Legion to make up the rest."


    Mira¡¯s tone sharpened, her resolve unshaken. "If my clan joins the fight, I join with them. I won¡¯t stand aside while others fight and die for us."


    Arin placed a hand on her shoulder, his voice low but pleading. "Mira, please. You¡¯re the clan leader now. Aemiliana needs you alive, at least until we stabilize."


    Mira shook her head firmly, her gaze unwavering. "That may be true, but I refuse to send my clan into battle without standing beside them. My decision is final."


    Just an hour later, the chosen legionaries were assembled and ready to depart, their ranks gathered with quiet resolve. The group of eighty-four battle-hardened mages, comprising 2 red cires, six green cores, thirty blue cores, and fourty-six purple cores, was a stark reminder of the toll the war had already taken. Among them stood Mira and Arin, their presence alongside Rifi and Kaelin a symbol of unity and determination. They marched out of the Aemiliana compound under the watchful eyes of those who remained behind.


    The camp itself was left under Tessa¡¯s command, the highest-ranked conscious green-core mage in their ranks. Her injuries were severe, but her spirit remained unbroken as she accepted the weight of leadership in their absence. Beside her, Bren still lay in the healer''s care, his body battered but his survival offering a glimmer of hope to those around him.


    Tessa¡¯s orders were simple yet critical: if Argos attacked, the remaining forces would fall back to Fabia to regroup and avoid unnecessary losses. They were to hold their position only until reinforcements from the City Lord arrived. Once reinforcements were on-site, Tessa was to send immediate aid to South Pass, ensuring no time was wasted in supporting Kaelin and Rifi¡¯s mission.


    Meanwhile, the chosen legionaries moved with urgency, their pace bordering on a sprint as they rushed to intercept the enemy at South Pass. The air crackled with tension as Kaelin led the column, his fiery determination evident in every stride. Rifi followed close behind, his expression grim but focused, his thoughts racing as fast as their feet against the ground. Time was of the essence, and they all knew what was at stake.


    The soldiers, though weary from battle, pushed their limits, their mana-enhanced bodies carrying them swiftly through the uneven terrain. Each step brought them closer to their objective and further from the relative safety of the compound. The rising sun glinted off their armor, streaking through the gaps in the trees and casting fleeting shadows on the dirt path. Behind them, the faint hum of the camp faded into the distance.


    Their goal was clear: reach South Pass before the enemy did and secure a defensive position. Every moment counted, and the sound of their hurried march echoed like a drumbeat of resolve.

 35. Brimstone Mountain

    The path southward was uneven, the terrain marked by the scars of time. Ancient trees stood like sentinels along the roadside, their roots tangled and knotted as though trying to grasp at the earth itself. Birds fluttered nervously from branch to branch, their calls muted, as if they too sensed the coming storm.


    Rifi walked near the front of the column, his storm-gray eyes scanning the horizon with unrelenting vigilance. Though his body moved with purpose, his thoughts lingered on the stronghold they had left behind. He could still picture Tessa standing tall despite her wounds, supported by the healer, as she delivered her orders to those who remained: hold the compound, retreat if necessary, and await reinforcements. Hers was a heavy burden, yet she bore it without complaint¡ªa quiet reminder to Rifi of the sacrifices war demanded.


    Kaelin¡¯s voice pulled him from his thoughts. ¡°We¡¯ll need to move faster if we¡¯re to reach the pass before Argos. They¡¯re covering more ground than we are.¡±


    Mira glanced at them both, her tone brisk but steady. ¡°The path we¡¯ve taken is shorter. If we maintain this pace, we¡¯ll reach South Pass before they can. But only just.¡±


    The confidence in her voice brought a small measure of reassurance. Mira, like the rest of the Aemiliana clan, knew these lands better than any outsider ever could. Her surety about their route eased the tension that gnawed at Rifi¡¯s thoughts, though only slightly.


    Kaelin gave a curt nod, his sharp gaze fixed ahead. ¡°Good. That gives us the chance to fortify our position. We¡¯ll make them pay dearly for every inch of ground.¡±


    The forest thinned as they pressed on, the land opening into rolling hills. The road, worn but passable, curved through the landscape like an old scar. As they crested a ridge, a sight came into view: a small village nestled in the hollow below, its thatched rooftops and winding paths bathed in the golden light of midday. It was the only village in this part of Hepestus¡¯s borders near Brimstone Mountain, positioned precariously close to the mountain¡¯s dangerous edge.


    The land surrounding the mountain was barren of significant mana veins, as though the mountain itself had drained the surrounding earth of energy. Brimstone Mountain, however, was a different story¡ªa massive reservoir of untapped mana, too dangerous for any to claim. Tales whispered of beasts so deadly that even yellow-core mages avoided the mountain, their power inconsequential before the ancient predators that called its jagged peaks home. The only safe route was South Pass, a narrow trail carved deep into the mountain¡¯s base. Anyone foolish enough to stray from the path often vanished without a trace.


    Kaelin halted abruptly, his hand raised. The column slowed, a hushed murmur rippling through their ranks as they took in the scene.


    ¡°A village,¡± Kaelin muttered, his tone neutral but laced with concern. ¡°A minor clan, no doubt. They¡¯ve staked their lives here over a small mana vein. No strategic value to us, but Argos might see it differently.¡± His voice grew grimmer as he turned to one of the centurions. ¡°Take a squad and warn them. Tell them to evacuate south immediately¡ªleave nothing behind.¡±


    The centurion saluted sharply, selecting five soldiers with a curt gesture before leading them down the slope toward the village.


    Rifi¡¯s gaze followed the squad as they moved with purpose, their figures descending the ridge into the hollow below. The cottages stirred to life as they approached, figures emerging cautiously from doorways and gathering in the open square. Men, women, and children clustered together, their movements hesitant and wary, eyes flicking toward the soldiers with mingled curiosity and dread.


    Kaelin stood beside Rifi, his arms crossed as he surveyed the scene. ¡°To think war would find its way here,¡± he murmured, almost to himself. ¡°A place like this should¡¯ve been spared. Remote. Quiet. It should¡¯ve stayed untouched.¡±


    Rifi nodded, his jaw tightening as he watched the villagers huddle together. ¡°But it didn¡¯t. War doesn¡¯t care. Even here, the shadows of armies stretch far enough to cast darkness.¡±


    Mira, standing a few paces away, kept her eyes on the village below. Her voice was softer, tinged with a sadness that broke through her usual fire. ¡°It¡¯s cruel. To tell them to leave the only home they¡¯ve ever known¡­ to flee east into Hepestus, where they might just die on different soil, far from their home.¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s jaw worked as he considered her words. ¡°It¡¯s not fair,¡± he admitted after a moment, his tone flat. ¡°But war doesn¡¯t ask what¡¯s fair. All we can do is warn them and hope they¡¯re lucky enough to stay beyond the clutches of this madness.¡±


    ¡°Luck,¡± Rifi echoed, bitterness creeping into his voice. ¡°It¡¯s all they¡¯ll have to count on if Argos comes this way. And if Argos doesn¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Then maybe they can stay,¡± Kaelin said, though his tone betrayed little optimism. ¡°Maybe this village won¡¯t matter enough for anyone to fight over. A small mana vein like theirs... Argos might not even care.¡±


    ¡°But if they do?¡± Mira asked, her gray eyes narrowing.


    Kaelin¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Then they¡¯ll have no choice but to leave. Or die.¡±


    The centurion returned, his squad trailing behind. His expression was grim, though there was a faint glimmer of hope in his eyes. ¡°They¡¯ve taken our warning seriously,¡± he reported. ¡°But they¡¯ve decided to stay for now. They¡¯ll keep watch and prepare to evacuate if the need arises.¡±


    Rifi frowned. ¡°Staying¡¯s a risk.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s their choice,¡± Kaelin replied, his voice steady but resigned. ¡°We¡¯ve done what we can. They¡¯ve been warned, and they¡¯re preparing. That¡¯s all we can ask.¡± His gaze swept over the column. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to linger. Prepare to move. Our small rest is over.¡±


    Rifi exhaled slowly, glancing back at the village one last time as the centurion moved to rally the troops. The villagers began to disperse, some retreating to their homes while others lingered near the central square, their unease visible even at a distance.


    ¡°They¡¯ll either be lucky,¡± Rifi said quietly, more to himself than anyone else, ¡°or they won¡¯t.¡±


    Kaelin didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he stepped forward, his voice cutting through the stillness. ¡°Legionaries, to formation! We march now.¡±


    The column resumed its march, the village fading into the distance behind them. The land grew steeper, the trail narrowing as it wound between jagged cliffs and dense thickets. Scouts moved ahead and to the flanks, their senses sharp for any sign of the enemy as they neared South Pass. Argos likely still had some ground to cover, but Kaelin¡¯s caution wouldn¡¯t allow overconfidence. The rhythm of boots against the rocky ground filled the air, broken only by the occasional barked order or the rustle of wind through the trees.


    Rifi found himself walking alongside Mira. The silence between them was not strained but thoughtful. The sparring match seemed to have shifted something between them¡ªa subtle change in how they measured one another. For all her fire, Mira was focused now, her gaze scanning the path ahead with the sharpness of a seasoned soldier.


    Rifi frowned, his thoughts lingering on the villagers. He still couldn¡¯t understand why they would risk everything for a patch of land with such little value. To him, the answer seemed obvious: flee, survive, live to rebuild. Yet the villagers¡¯ decision to remain had confounded him.


    Mira noticed his expression and broke the silence. ¡°What¡¯s troubling you?¡±This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°I was surprised,¡± Rifi admitted, his voice thoughtful.


    Mira arched a brow. ¡°Surprised about what?¡±


    He hesitated before answering. ¡°That they decided to stay. The villagers, I mean. I expected them to evacuate immediately.¡±


    Mira¡¯s expression hardened, though not in anger. ¡°They¡¯re tied to that land. To the mana vein, their homes. For them, leaving isn¡¯t just about safety. It¡¯s about giving up everything they¡¯ve ever known.¡±


    Rifi nodded slowly. ¡°I understand that. But if Argos comes¡­¡± He trailed off, unsure how to articulate the unease gnawing at him.


    She didn¡¯t let him finish. ¡°Then they¡¯ll face the same cruelty so many others have already faced in this world. But for them, that land, that mana vein¡ªit¡¯s their home. The only place they feel they belong. They know the risk, but they choose to hope. I can¡¯t say I blame them.¡±


    He regarded her for a moment, noting the tension in her jaw, the way her fingers flexed and curled as if resisting the urge to draw her weapon. ¡°And what about you? You¡¯ve chosen to hope too, haven¡¯t you?¡±


    Mira snorted, a faint, bitter smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Hope? No. I¡¯ve chosen to fight. There¡¯s a difference.¡±


    Rifi tilted his head. ¡°Is there?¡±


    She met his eyes, her gray gaze sharp and unyielding. ¡°Hope is wanting something to happen. Fighting is making sure it does¡ªor stopping it if it¡¯s not.¡±


    Her words settled over him, and for a moment, Rifi said nothing, turning them over in his mind. He couldn¡¯t argue with her logic¡ªit was clear, resolute. But where her conviction burned like a steady flame, he felt his own resolve flicker uncertainly, buffeted by doubt.


    ¡°You carry a lot,¡± he said finally, his voice quieter than he intended. ¡°More than most.¡±


    ¡°So do you,¡± Mira replied without hesitation. Her voice carried no malice, only certainty. ¡°We all do. It¡¯s what makes us legionaries.¡±


    Rifi chuckled faintly, though it lacked humor. ¡°I¡¯m not sure what I am these days. A legionary? A battlemage? A survivor?¡±


    Mira¡¯s gaze lingered on him, steady and unreadable. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re all of those things. Maybe none of them. But you¡¯re here, and that¡¯s what matters.¡±


    Her words were blunt, practical, and final. They hung in the air between them, settling over Rifi like a cloak. He didn¡¯t reply, instead turning his gaze to the trail ahead as it grew steeper. The column slowed, adjusting to the uneven terrain. Their conversation lapsed into silence, but the weight of it remained. For all their differences, he and Mira shared an unspoken understanding: neither had the luxury of hope, but they would carry on nonetheless.


    As the ridge leveled out, Kaelin¡¯s voice cut through the stillness. ¡°We¡¯re nearing the pass! Scouts, report back!¡±


    Mira gave Rifi a curt nod before quickening her pace, her figure moving with purpose as she rejoined Arin near the front of the column. Rifi lingered for a moment, his steps slowing as his thoughts churned. For all her sharp edges, Mira was right about one thing¡ªthis wasn¡¯t about hope. It was about action.


    The idea gnawed at him, a cold truth he had tried to avoid acknowledging. Since starting the mission with Kaelin and Serra, he had felt his confidence eroding day by day, replaced by the growing weight of doubt. It had taken everything he had to survive against Argos, yet Argos wasn¡¯t even his greatest enemy. The Devils loomed far larger, their plans stretching beyond his understanding. And as much as he tried to bury that truth, it clawed its way to the surface now, tearing at his resolve.


    What chance did he have against beings like that? How could he keep the promise he made to his sister, to his Master Nala? Those promises had felt noble when he¡¯d made them, his heart full of determination. But now, standing on this unforgiving path, they seemed impossibly distant¡ªweights dragging him down when he could least afford it.


    His mind flickered back to the battle at Aemiliana. The Scarred Battlemage¡ªhe had won, hadn¡¯t he? But it hadn¡¯t felt like victory. Without Kaelin, would he have survived at all? If defeating a single battlemage had taken everything he had, how could he possibly stand against the Devils? The desperation had seeped into him slowly since that day, but here, now, it felt suffocating.


    Yet Mira¡¯s words echoed in his mind, a steady drumbeat cutting through the chaos of his thoughts: hope is wanting something to happen; fighting is making sure it does. She was right. He couldn¡¯t afford to be paralyzed by the enormity of the task ahead. He couldn¡¯t think about the Devils¡ªnot now. Not yet. He had to focus on the fight before him, the one at South Pass.


    One step at a time.


    He squared his shoulders, forcing the doubts back into the shadows where they belonged. The path was steep, the cliffs of South Pass looming in the distance like silent sentinels, but he kept his pace steady. It wasn¡¯t about conquering everything at once. It was about putting one foot in front of the other, taking the next breath, and fighting the next fight.


    By the time the column reached South Pass, the sun hung low on the horizon, bathing the rugged landscape in hues of deep gold and crimson. Shadows stretched long and jagged over the rocky terrain, the air growing cooler as the towering cliffs of Brimstone Mountain cast the pass into an early twilight.


    South Pass was a natural chokepoint, carved by time and elements into a narrow, winding trail no more than a few meters wide. The jagged cliffs on either side rose sharply, towering over fifty meters high, their sheer faces streaked with veins of dark stone. Above, the steep slopes disappeared into misty heights, their treacherous beauty concealing dangers that few dared to name.


    Kaelin raised his hand, his voice ringing out with sharp authority. ¡°Halt! This is where we make our stand. Spread out and begin fortifying the position.¡±


    The column stopped immediately, and for a moment, there was silence as everyone surveyed the stark and forbidding landscape. Then the legionaries sprang into action, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the face of clear orders. Shields made of eath mana were stacked, tools brought out, and mages began carving makeshift defenses into the stone. The clink of picks and the crackle of mana-enhanced efforts filled the air, mingling with the faint whistle of wind threading through the cliffs.


    Kaelin¡¯s gaze swept over his soldiers, his expression hard. ¡°Listen carefully. I don¡¯t want anyone venturing too far from the pass. The trail may seem open at some points, but these mountains are not safe. The beasts that roam above don¡¯t care whether you¡¯re a scout or a battlemage¡ªthey¡¯ll rip through you all the same. The pass is the only safe route. Stay close, stay sharp, and stay alive.¡±


    His words carried the weight of grim experience, and the soldiers exchanged uneasy glances. Brimstone Mountain¡¯s reputation was well-known¡ªa wild, untamed expanse where even the most skilled warriors could vanish without a trace. It wasn¡¯t just the Argos forces they had to fear; the mountain itself was a predator.


    Rifi helped reinforce one of the barricades near the pass¡¯s narrowest point, his hands moving with practiced ease even as his mind churned. The events of the day played over in his head¡ªMira¡¯s sharp words, the villagers¡¯ fear, and the heavy mantle of responsibility that pressed down on all of them. Around him, other legionaries worked tirelessly, their focus unbroken despite the impending battle. The rough sounds of their labor echoed against the cliffs, creating an eerie rhythm that mingled with the whispering wind.


    Nearby, Mira and Arin directed the Aemiliana soldiers with quiet efficiency. Mira¡¯s sharpness had softened into something more measured, her commands precise and steady as her troops assembled defenses along the narrow trail. Arin, ever the calm presence, moved between groups, lending his strength where it was needed most. Together, they brought a cohesion to the Aemiliana forces that Rifi couldn¡¯t help but admire.


    Kaelin, meanwhile, was a blur of motion. Despite his rank, he worked alongside his soldiers, his fiery mana flaring as he split a boulder blocking part of the path. The stone cracked and tumbled away with a thunderous crash. Kaelin didn¡¯t pause, moving on to oversee the carving of small defensive positions into the steep cliffs surrounding the pass. These pockets of space, cut carefully into the rock, allowed legionaries to take higher vantage points from which they could unleash their magic down on advancing enemies.


    The positions were placed no farther than twenty meters up the sheer walls¡ªany higher risked provoking the mountain¡¯s dangerous beasts, a peril none dared invite.


    As the sun dipped lower, the sky shifted into deep indigos and purples, the fading light casting long shadows over the rocky terrain. Scouts returned to the camp, their faces drawn and grim. Their news sent a ripple of tension through the troops: the Argos forces were close¡ªless than half an hour away.


    Kaelin wasted no time. He called his centurions to gather near a small fire at the camp¡¯s center. The flames flickered and danced, casting shifting shadows over his face, highlighting the hard lines of his jaw and the fierce determination in his eyes.


    ¡°This is where we hold,¡± he said simply, his voice calm but unyielding. ¡°No matter what comes, we do not yield.¡±


    The words hung in the air, heavy and absolute. The centurions nodded in solemn agreement, their expressions mirroring the gravity of the moment. Hesitation had no place here; the time for doubt had long passed.


    Rifi nodded as well, his resolve firming. Despite the lingering weight of doubt gnawing at him, he knew there was no room for retreat. South Pass was the line they had to hold. Failure was not an option.


    As the column settled into final preparations, the temperature dropped sharply, the biting wind snaking through the narrow pass like a ghostly lament. The towering cliffs loomed overhead, silent sentinels to the battle about to unfold. Rifi tightened the straps of his armor, checked his weapons, and adjusted his stance, his gaze locked on the trail ahead. The enemy was near, and soon, there would be nothing but the fight.


    In the deepening night, South Pass seemed like a world unto itself, suspended in fragile anticipation. The quiet stretched thin, taut with unspoken fears and unyielding resolve. Whatever awaited them beyond the shadows, Rifi knew one thing with certainty: they would meet it head-on.

 36. Wrath of the Mountain

    Dusk painted the jagged cliffs of South Pass in fiery oranges and somber violets, the fleeting light casting long, creeping shadows over the rugged terrain. Among those shifting shadows, movement stirred¡ªa sinister prelude that sent a chill through the hearts of the Hepestus legionaries standing vigilant at the narrow pass. The sheer walls loomed above them, ancient and unyielding, as if silently judging the mortal struggle about to unfold.


    Mira stepped forward, her gray eyes blazing with defiance, a fiery spark igniting her every word. ¡°Fear not, my fellow Aemiliana brothers and sisters! Let us show our comrades of Hepestus what we are made of¡ªwhat my brother was made of! If we must fall tonight, then we fall knowing our name will echo through the annals of Hepestus history!¡±


    Her voice carried like a flame in the cold, cutting through the fatigue and dread that had clung to the legionaries after the grueling week. Both the Aemiliana forces and the Hepestus legionaries had endured loss and hardship in a somewhat equal measure, yet Mira¡¯s words kindled a spark of resolve. The weary legionaries straightened, gripping their weapons tighter as her conviction spread among them.


    A low hum of approval rippled through the ranks, followed by the rhythmic clang of weapons striking armor. The sound grew louder, resonating through the pass like a heartbeat.


    The shadows of the enemy loomed closer, slinking into the uneven contours of the terrain, merging seamlessly with the gathering darkness. The enemy halted, their forms obscured by the dimming light as they blended into the surrounding cliffs. No doubt they were preparing their assault. The scouts had already clashed earlier¡ªboth sides were acutely aware of the other¡¯s readiness.


    Yet for the legionaries, Mira¡¯s words had done their work. What had seemed moments ago like inevitable dread now felt like the prelude to a fight they could face.


    Kaelin turned toward Mira, a flicker of admiration lighting his eyes. ¡°Hear that, Hepestus legion?¡± he called out, his voice rising above the murmurs of the soldiers. ¡°Our brothers and sisters¡¯ resolve stands unshaken. We will not let them down!¡± With a sharp motion, he struck his sword against his armored chest, the resonant thrum echoing like a battle drum. ¡°Hmmm,¡± he intoned deeply, his voice rich with conviction. The sound was taken up by the legionaries, their hums building into a steady rhythm that pulsed through the air like the heartbeat of their defiance.


    Rifi¡¯s heart skipped a beat as the surge of energy rippled through the ranks. Goosebumps prickled his skin, the shared resolve of the soldiers wrapping around him like an unyielding flame. His eyes lingered on Kaelin and Mira. Though Mira stood a magic realm below the likes of Kaelin, her unwavering stance and fiery determination seemed to outshine them both. It was impossible not to admire her.


    The fire of purpose reignited in their hearts¡ªthe kind of fire every mage needed when standing at the precipice of a life-and-death battle. And just as the last tendrils of twilight were swallowed by night, the enemy struck.


    A barrage of fire and ice lit up the darkness, mana-infused projectiles shrieking as they hurtled toward the defensive line. The Hepestus legionaries sprang into action, counterspells bursting like fireworks in the night. Bright flashes illuminated the pass, the air filled with the explosive symphony of colliding magic. Each projectile dissipated into harmless bursts of light, their energy dispersing harmlessly into the rocky terrain.


    Then, as the air still sizzled with mana from the first volley, a second wave followed¡ªa cunning attack. Projectiles of wind and earth surged forward, hidden within the dissipating mana trails of the initial barrage. Their mana signatures were faint, nearly imperceptible amidst the chaos, and their forms invisible in the brief darkness following the blinding flashes. It was a tactic designed to cripple less experienced mages, and under different circumstances, it might have been devastating.


    Kaelin¡¯s sharp voice rang out, cutting through the cacophony like a blade. ¡°Defensives, incoming!¡±


    He and Mira moved as one, launching precise, long-range spells to intercept the brunt of the assault. Lightning cracked across Rifi¡¯s swords as he surged forward, meeting what projectiles remained with swift, fluid strikes. His blades sang with mana-infused energy as he deflected the attacks, sending them scattering harmlessly to the ground. Behind him, the legionaries caught whatever slipped through or allowed the projectiles to crash harmlessly into the mana-reinforced earth walls.


    For a moment, the onslaught paused, the pass bathed in silence broken only by the faint hum of residual mana. Their defense had held. For now.


    Mira¡¯s voice shattered the tense silence that lingered after the attack, her tone sharp with unshaken bravado. ¡°They think they can break us? They have no idea what we¡¯re capable of. I just hope you can keep up, Rifi. I¡¯d hate to have to carry the team.¡±


    Rifi chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing slightly as lightning crackled along the length of his swords. ¡°Carry the team? I wasn¡¯t aware you were doing anything besides splashing water and steam from a nice, safe distance.¡±


    Her smirk widened, her gray eyes gleaming as she leveled a mock glare at him. ¡°Safe distance? Someone has to keep them off your back while you flail around with those oversized knives.¡±


    Arin, ever the cautious second-in-command, stepped closer, his voice low but insistent. ¡°Mira, perhaps a little respect is in order. Battlemages deserve¡ª¡±


    ¡°Respect?¡± Mira cut him off with a teasing edge. ¡°Oh, I have plenty of respect for the guy. I just wish he¡¯d stop showing off long enough for me to catch up.¡±


    The exchange drew faint chuckles from the nearby legionaries, their tension loosening in the brief spark of camaraderie. Even Arin allowed himself a reluctant grin, shaking his head at Mira¡¯s antics. Rifi felt a flicker of something¡ªkinship, perhaps. Despite the chaos surrounding them, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the growing bond between them, a connection that reminded him of the sibling he¡¯d lost so long ago.


    Kaelin¡¯s dry voice broke through the levity, tinged with faint amusement. ¡°Are you two done flirting?¡± His smirk betrayed the humor behind the remark. ¡°I¡¯d hate for Argos to think we weren¡¯t taking this seriously.¡±


    The banter evaporated as the next volley of spells tore through the night, their fiery and icy trails illuminating the darkened cliffs. Argos struck with relentless precision, their mana-infused projectiles screaming toward the defensive line. Hepestus legionaries answered in kind, their counterspells bursting in dazzling flashes of light and thunderous sound. The confined pass became a chaotic symphony of detonations and shouted commands, each spell collision dissipating into harmless bursts of energy.


    Rifi¡¯s gaze shifted toward Kaelin, who stood at the heart of the defensive line, issuing orders with unwavering authority. Yet, something about him felt... off. His movements, though sharp and calculated, carried a deliberateness that seemed unnatural. His voice, steady and commanding, had an edge of intensity that Rifi couldn¡¯t ignore. Was this the weight of leadership pressing down on him? Or was there something deeper lurking beneath the surface?


    Rifi brushed the thought aside, resolving to ease his commander¡¯s burden the only way he could¡ªby being the perfect soldier. Kaelin had already earned his respect and, in the short time they¡¯d fought together, his friendship. Though barely a week had passed, Rifi regarded him with the same trust he¡¯d once reserved for Lucilia and Rudeus.


    The sharp hum of his mana sense pulled him from his thoughts. His finely tuned lightning-attuned awareness caught the subtle distortions ahead¡ªa movement within the swirling waves of dissipating mana. His storm-gray eyes narrowed as the faint signatures of Argos mages emerged from the chaos, advancing under the cover of the shockwaves.


    A smirk spread across his face. This was his moment. His element. Finally, the enemy had entered the realm of close combat.


    Lightning coursed through his body, sharpening his senses and quickening his pulse. His twin blades flared with energy as he stepped toward the narrowing entrance of the pass. This would be his domain, and the enemy was about to learn why.


    Rifi¡¯s lightning mana roared to life, surging from his core and coursing through his veins like a tempest. It spread through his body, electrifying every muscle, sharpening every sense, and propelling him into a state of heightened strength and alertness. With a flash of movement, he stepped just beyond the entrance of the pass, his twin blades shimmering with crackling arcs of lightning. Here, in the narrow confines of the choke point, his agility and power would dominate. Against him stood a group of green and blue-core mages¡ªformidable, but not insurmountable. The absence of higher-ranked foes only bolstered his resolve.


    The enemy unleashed a volley of spells, fire and ice streaking toward him, but Rifi darted through their paths like a storm incarnate. His speed made him a phantom, his every step charged with precision. As he closed the distance, his first blade arced upward, sliding along the sword of the closest mage. With his second blade, he deflected a retaliatory strike, lightning snapping between the clashing metals.


    The enemy mage flinched as Rifi¡¯s sword reached his hand, delivering a shocking jolt that sent spasms through his body. The hesitation was all Rifi needed. In a fluid motion, his blade traveled up the enemy¡¯s arm, its lightning edge searing flesh and steel alike, before slicing cleanly through the mage¡¯s neck. The lifeless body crumpled, the head rolling to the side, eyes frozen wide in shock.


    Rifi¡¯s sharp gaze followed the falling figure for only a fraction of a second before he spun into a full circle, a surge of lightning-infused energy propelling his twin swords outward. The arc of his spin deflected the spells hurtling toward him, their mana dissipating harmlessly into the air as they struck his charged blades.


    Not a moment wasted, Rifi pressed forward. Another five enemies loomed close, their movements tense and uncertain in the face of his relentless advance. He gripped his swords tighter, his body crackling with power, his mind singularly focused. He would make every second count and ensure that as many foes as possible fell before he was forced to retreat.


    The Argos forces were already gripped by fear, though their mana-infused eyes allowed them to see clearly in the dark. Yet, what they faced was no ordinary foe; it was a figure that seemed to rise from their nightmares¡ª"It''s a Lightning Wraith cloaked in human form" one of them shouted what they all thought. His glowing, storm-gray eyes burned with an otherworldly light, framed by faint tendrils of crackling lightning that danced sporadically across his armor. His silhouette, dark and imposing, was broken only by the sudden flashes of electricity leaping from his frame. But it was the twin swords that truly chilled their hearts.


    The blades, wreathed in pure lightning, illuminated the surrounding shadows in bursts of eerie brilliance. Their sound was unnatural¡ªa constant buzzing and crackling that whispered of barely contained fury. When swung, the weapons screamed through the air, their thunderous arcs a stark reminder of the power they wielded. To the Argos soldiers, this was no mere man; it was a storm given form, relentless and merciless.


    In the blink of an eye, another of their comrades fell. The mage¡¯s head was severed cleanly, tumbling to the ground with a sickening finality. The horrifying efficiency with which the Lightning Wraith fought left the remaining Argos mages paralyzed. Before the first body hit the ground, another mage crumpled under the flashing arcs of lightning, their defenses utterly meaningless. Panic rippled through the ranks. Their mana-imbued blades and spells, once their pride, felt like fragile toys against this force of nature.


    Shouts from their commander broke through their terror. ¡°Fall back!¡± he roared, his voice a mix of fury and desperation as he unleashed his own attacks toward the Lightning Wraith to cover their retreat. It was a lifeline they eagerly seized, scrambling back from the figure that had made their formation his hunting ground.


    Rifi¡¯s assault slowed, his blood humming with the surge of lightning mana. Three mages lay slain by his hands¡ªtwo green cores and one blue. Yet, as he stood poised to strike again, a new presence emerged from the Argos forces. An orange-core mage stepped forward, his gaze fixed and calculating, and the very air around him seemed to hum with menace.


    The difference was immediate. This wasn¡¯t an enemy Rifi could dispatch in a single breath. The orange-core mage¡¯s attacks were on another level entirely, their speed and precision forcing Rifi to shift from relentless offense to measured defense. Each spell crackled with compressed mana, denser and more destructive than anything he had faced so far. His lightning-infused swords repelled the onslaught, but with every strike, he felt the strain. The air itself seemed alive with tension as he parried, dodged, and countered.


    Rifi knew he was overexposed. His mana reserves were holding, but the risk of a fatal mistake loomed larger with each passing second. Calculating his options, he allowed himself a final burst of movement. Lightning surged through his legs, propelling him back toward the defensive line. As he retreated, he deflected several more spells with deft strokes, his blades humming with effort. The Argos orange-core mage, cautious and calculating, ceased his advance. The Lightning Wraith had been forced back, and that was enough¡ªfor now.


    Rifi paused behind the safety of the mana-infused earth walls, his breathing heavy but controlled. He noted the enemy¡¯s withdrawal and allowed himself a faint smirk. It was clear they had learned their lesson: close combat against him was a futile endeavor. For all their power, none dared face the Lightning Wraith in his domain.


    As Rifi retreated into the pass, he cast a teasing glance toward Mira, his lips curling into a faint smirk. ¡°See? You don¡¯t need to carry alone after all.¡±


    Mira raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with mock indifference. ¡°Pff, as if I¡¯d let myself fall short to you, Mr. Battlemage.¡±


    Rifi chuckled softly, the sound cutting through the tension like a knife. The surrounding legionaries, still catching their breath, exchanged awed glances, their expressions a mixture of disbelief and admiration at the display of power they had just witnessed. Even amid the chaos, a ripple of pride seemed to pass through the ranks, their spirits bolstered by the Lightning Wraith in their midst who had fought so fiercely on their behalf.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    For the next several hours, the enemy shifted tactics, abandoning close combat entirely. They relied instead on long-range barrages, their spells crashing against the defensive line in waves. The night stretched on, punctuated by flashes of mana and the steady hum of counterspells. Despite the constant pressure, the legion held strong. Only four casualties marred their defense, the result of cunning enemy snipers exploiting moments of carelessness. Each loss weighed heavily on the remaining soldiers, but they held their ground, refusing to give even an inch.


    Yet, as the hours dragged by, unease gnawed at Rifi¡¯s thoughts. The orange-core mage leading the Argos forces was no fool¡ªthis drawn-out stalemate felt wrong. Dawn was fast approaching, and the Hepestus reinforcements were surely on their way. Why was the enemy stalling? What were they waiting for? The back of Rifi¡¯s mind whispered grim possibilities, but he pushed them aside, unwilling to darken the fragile hope that kept the legion fighting.


    As the first light of dawn painted the sky in pale shades of gold and rose, a sudden roar of cheers erupted from the rear ranks of the Hepestus line.


    ¡°Reinforcements!¡± one soldier shouted, his voice cracking with relief. ¡°Esquiliana is here to support us!¡±


    The cry rippled through the ranks, legionaries raising their voices in jubilant shouts. Relief swept over the line like a breaking wave, shoulders sagging with the release of tension as weary soldiers dared to hope.


    Rifi¡¯s brows knitted in confusion, a dark suspicion rising in his chest. Esquiliana? It was possible¡ªthey might have come through the pass to reinforce them¡ªbut something didn¡¯t add up. If Esquiliana had been on their way, why had Argos pressed the attack here? Why not simply wait and box them in? The pieces didn¡¯t fit.


    Before he could voice his doubts, the cheers turned to screams.


    It happened so fast¡ªa surge of mana, the clash of steel, and the unmistakable cries of men dying. Rifi¡¯s stomach dropped as he turned, his worst fears realized. Esquiliana¡¯s forces weren¡¯t reinforcements. They were slaughtering his comrades, cutting down the unsuspecting legionaries at the rear. Their elite forces moved with precision, their red-core mages leading the charge, scything through the ranks like reapers in a field.


    ¡°Esquiliana... now we know for sure what side they are on.¡± Rifi¡¯s voice was barely a whisper, his throat tightening as he stared at the unfolding betrayal. His eyes darted forward to the enemy ranks still pressing from the front. ¡°We¡¯re surrounded,¡± he muttered, his voice growing grim. ¡°Argos in front, Esquiliana behind. The worst possible case.¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s expression grew steely, his gaze darting between the two advancing forces. There was no time to deliberate, no space for second-guessing. His voice, sharp and commanding, rang out. ¡°There¡¯s only one way out. We break through Argos. It¡¯s our only chance.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s jaw tightened, his hands gripping his twin swords with such force his knuckles whitened. ¡°But what about Esquiliana?¡± he demanded, his voice thick with rising fury. ¡°They¡¯re the ones who killed my¡ª¡±


    ¡°No time!¡± Kaelin snapped, cutting him off. His tone was harsh but carried an undertone of urgency rather than reprimand. ¡°If we don¡¯t move now, we¡¯re finished. You¡¯ll get your chance to face them, Rifi. But not today.¡±


    Kaelin turned to Mira, his fiery gaze steady despite the chaos erupting around them. ¡°Rifi, you¡¯re going with Mira. Take the troops. Lead the charge. Aim for their weakest line and push through. I¡¯ll stay behind and hold Esquiliana as long as I can.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Rifi said, stepping forward, his voice low but firm. A storm brewed behind his storm-gray eyes, anger threatening to consume his reason. ¡°I¡¯ll stay. You go.¡±


    Kaelin¡¯s gaze locked onto his, their shared defiance sparking a silent, intense battle of wills. For a moment, neither spoke, the weight of their determination pressing against each other. Then Kaelin exhaled, his shoulders dropping slightly as his expression softened, though his tone remained resolute. ¡°You¡¯re not ready for this, Rifi,¡± he said quietly, almost gently. ¡°You have a future. I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving you,¡± Rifi shot back, his voice shaking under the weight of emotion. ¡°Not like this.¡±


    Kaelin sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Stubborn as ever.¡± His voice dropped, almost wistful. ¡°Fine. But don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±


    Mira¡¯s hesitation was palpable, her eyes darting between the two men. Her expression twisted with conflict as she opened her mouth to speak but found no words. Around her, the Aemiliana soldiers rallied, awaiting her command.


    ¡°Kaelin... Rifi...¡± she began, her voice trembling with unspoken grief.


    ¡°Go!¡± Kaelin barked, his voice a whipcrack of authority that left no room for argument. ¡°This is an order, Mira. Save yourself. Save your clan. Save our legionaries. That¡¯s an order!¡±


    Tears glimmered in her eyes as her lips parted in silent protest. But there was no time to argue. With a reluctant nod, she swallowed hard and turned away. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare die,¡± she whispered, her words barely audible over the din of battle.


    Gathering herself, Mira raised her voice with commanding authority, rallying her soldiers. The Aemiliana forces surged forward with fierce determination, their loyalty to their leader unwavering. The Hepestus legionaries followed in their wake, their desperation matched only by their resolve. Together, they crashed into Argos¡¯s weakened line, cutting through the enemy with the desperation of those who had nothing left to lose. Behind them, Kaelin and Rifi stood shoulder to shoulder, bracing for the storm that would soon engulf them.


    Behind them, Rifi and Kaelin stood firm against the advancing storm of Esquiliana forces. The narrow pass seemed to amplify their defiance, the two battlemages radiating power that lit up the darkness around them. Rifi¡¯s lightning flared violently, his body steaming as the mana surged through his veins, pushing his limits. Each crackle of electricity around his twin swords illuminated his form in ghostly flashes, making him appear otherworldly¡ªa storm given human shape. Kaelin¡¯s fiery aura burned beside him, a blazing contrast to Rifi¡¯s storm. His blade glowed white-hot, heat waves rippling from its edge like the shimmer of a desert horizon.


    ¡°Rifi,¡± Kaelin said, his voice low, trying to cut through the rising tension. ¡°We need to¡ª¡±


    But Rifi didn¡¯t respond. His eyes were locked on the advancing Esquiliana forces, specifically on the crest they bore. The symbol of betrayal, of everything he despised. As his gaze fixed on the insignia, rage boiled over, shattering his control. Memories he had long buried clawed their way to the surface: his sister¡¯s lifeless eyes, her bloodied form¡ªimages that struck like daggers into his mind.


    All he could see was red. ¡°I will kill them all.¡±


    The words hissed from his lips, more a growl than a declaration, and before Kaelin could stop him, Rifi moved. Thunder roared in the pass as his lightning-fueled body surged forward with terrifying speed. His twin blades met the fiery and wind-laden strikes of Esquiliana¡¯s orange-core battlemage, Siroth the Embergale, one of the most infamous warriors of Hepestus¡¯s rival clan. Sparks exploded as their blades clashed, lightning against fire and wind, the sheer force of their duel sending ripples of energy through the air.


    Their strikes blurred into a deadly rhythm, ten¡ªperhaps more¡ªexchanges in the span of a heartbeat. Siroth¡¯s precision was surgical, each strike aimed to disable, while Rifi¡¯s was raw and relentless, driven by the searing rage within. For a fleeting moment, it seemed as though the two were evenly matched.


    But the balance shifted as a barrage of spells from Esquiliana¡¯s red-core mages joined the fray. Fireballs and razor-sharp wind blades rained down toward Rifi. He deflected most with his swords, his movements fast but fueled by reckless fury. One, however, struck his right side, searing flesh and armor alike. Pain tore through him, but it only sharpened his focus. With a calculated feint, he drew close enough to Siroth to land a shallow cut on the orange core¡¯s arm. Lightning crackled along the wound, forcing Siroth to pull back.


    Breathing hard, Rifi leapt back toward Kaelin¡¯s position. The blow to his side burned more than he expected, the smell of charred skin filling his nostrils. The sting of pain snapped him momentarily from his rage, grounding him in the reality of their desperate situation.


    ¡°Kaelin!¡± he shouted, his voice hoarse but commanding. ¡°You need to go. I can hold them. I¡¯ll buy us some time.¡±


    But even as the words left his mouth, a searing pain erupted in his chest. For a moment, confusion overtook him as he looked down. The tip of a fiery blade protruded through his armor, its glowing edge bathing his blood in an eerie, molten glow. The heat scorched everything it touched¡ªhis armor, his flesh, his lungs, his very heart.


    Kaelin¡¯s voice came from behind him, low and almost mocking. ¡°You should have left when I told you, boss man.¡± A cruel snicker followed, reverberating in Rifi¡¯s ears like a death knell.


    Rifi¡¯s instincts roared to life. He summoned the last reserves of his lightning mana, channeling it into his limbs. With an agonized cry, he twisted, wrenching the blade from Kaelin¡¯s grasp. The searing pain of the fiery sword leaving his chest nearly dropped him, but adrenaline and rage kept him upright. He spun and kicked Kaelin with all the force he could muster, a move that sent both of them skidding back.


    Kaelin landed with ease but Rifi stumbled. His boots scraped against the stone, his movements unsteady. As he fell to his knees, he grasped the sword still embedded in his chest. His trembling hands wrapped around its burning hilt, and with a guttural roar, he tore it free. Blood poured from the wound, each heartbeat pushing more life out of his failing body.


    Rifi¡¯s breaths came shallow and ragged, each inhale a fight against the searing pain in his chest. One lung felt useless, burned beyond repair, while his heart struggled to pump against the overwhelming damage. His vision blurred, but through sheer will, he forced his gaze to focus on Kaelin.


    ¡°Why¡­¡± he rasped, blood trickling from his lips. ¡°Why?¡± His voice was raw, a mixture of anger, confusion, and heartbreak.


    Kaelin smirked, his fiery blade still glowing in his hand. ¡°I warned you, didn¡¯t I? Do I really owe a dead man an explanation?¡± His words were laced with cold amusement, the cruelty of betrayal evident in every syllable.


    The Esquiliana red cores began to advance toward him, their movements precise and unrelenting. Rifi, battered and bleeding, forced his faltering body toward the cliffs, each step a struggle as he fought against the weight of his injuries. The only path left was up¡ªinto the treacherous heights of Brimstone Mountain. Spells rained down around him, their force shattering rock and sending debris scattering in all directions. Though his mana-infused body pushed him forward with bursts of speed, it came at a cost; his bleeding worsened with every desperate motion, his overworked heart driving his life force from him.


    Each step was agony, his chest burning with every shallow breath, but he pressed on. Stopping meant death¡ªdeath at the hands of those he had sworn vengeance against. That thought alone propelled him upward, even as the sharp edges of the rocks tore into his already broken body.


    Then, it came.


    A roar unlike anything Rifi had ever heard before ripped through the air, the sound so immense it seemed to shake the very foundations of the mountain. It froze the Esquiliana forces in their tracks and stopped Rifi dead in his climb. The air around them grew oppressive, charged with an ancient power that made the mana coursing through him feel like a flicker against a hurricane. He turned, his bloodied face pale as he stared at the source of the sound.


    Rifi could barely discern the beast¡¯s massive shape before its clawed swiped at him with unrelenting force to his side. He raised his blades in a desperate attempt to block, but the sheer power of the blow sent him hurtling through the air like a discarded doll. His body crashed against the unforgiving ground, carving a shallow crater into the jagged terrain on the mountain. Pain erupted through every nerve, a relentless symphony of agony. His limbs felt leaden, refusing his commands to move. Blood welled in his mouth, and each ragged, shallow breath scraped against his lungs like shards of broken glass.


    Then the beast unleashed a force unlike anything Rifi had ever witnessed¡ªraw power interwoven with an ancient magic that defied comprehension. Energy rippled through the air, a devastating wave of destruction that tore through the Esquiliana forces like dry leaves in a storm. Mages screamed as their bodies were shredded to pieces, the beast''s roar shaking the very mountain. The carnage was absolute.


    Rifi, struggling to draw another breath, felt a bitter pang of regret. Kaelin and Siroth weren¡¯t among the slain, their treachery left unpunished. But still, the sight of four red cores and countless lesser mages falling to the beast¡¯s fury brought the faintest, fleeting smile to his bloodied face. It was a small consolation, one that lasted only a moment before pain seized him once more.


    The beast turned its colossal form toward him, its molten eyes locking onto his battered frame. Rifi¡¯s heart sank. He knew what came next. He closed his eyes, his broken body sinking further into the earth. Perhaps, at long last, he would find peace, reuniting with his sister and Master Nala in the beyond.


    But the end never came. Instead, the air grew thick with an unnatural stillness, and a voice thundered into his mind, deep and resonant as the roots of the mountain itself.


    ¡°Why does a human weakling like you bear a spirit imprint?¡±


    Rifi¡¯s mind swirled in disbelief as he forced his eyes open, his breath catching as the colossal beast loomed mere meters away. Its gaze bore into him, molten gold eyes alight with an unearthly brilliance that seemed to pierce straight into his soul. The creature was beyond anything he had ever imagined¡ªa being both awe-inspiring and horrifying, embodying the primal majesty of nature¡¯s wrath and the terrible grace of a nightmare made flesh.


    Its immense body towered over him, easily dwarfing a house. Each scale that armored its form shimmered like polished metal, their surfaces alive with shifting hues that seemed to reflect not just the light but the essence of the world around it. Every movement of the beast exuded a fluid power, its iridescent glow casting eerie patterns on the jagged rocks.


    Wings spread from its back, vast and commanding, like sails of shadow interwoven with threads of ethereal silk. They rippled slightly in the breeze, promising a terrifying grace that could blot out the sky in an instant. Its head was the very embodiment of predatory perfection: angular and elongated, its golden eyes blazing with an ancient wisdom and fury that spoke of countless eons spent above mortal struggles. Jagged, curling horns crowned its skull, lending it an air of sovereign menace.


    Its maw, slightly ajar, revealed rows of dagger-like teeth, each gleaming with lethal intent. It was a cavern of death, a promise of destruction that could obliterate anything in its path. A low growl emanated from deep within its throat, rolling like distant thunder, the kind that heralded the oncoming fury of a storm. The very air around Rifi grew heavy and hot, as though it trembled at the beast¡¯s restrained wrath. Its talons, thick as ancient tree trunks, flexed against the stone, leaving deep gouges in the rock as if it were mere parchment.


    The creature defied comprehension. It was a being of pure contradictions: indescribably beautiful in its design yet capable of unfathomable devastation. To behold it was to feel the insignificance of one¡¯s existence¡ªa fleeting breath in a world this beast had likely witnessed since its dawn.


    Rifi¡¯s mind reeled, questioning if he had already died. Perhaps this was no longer the mortal plane, and this creature was but a servant of death itself, here to ferry him to the afterlife. His thoughts flashed to the whisker his master Nala had entrusted to him, the strange artifact imprinted with a spirit beyond his understanding. A name surfaced unbidden in his mind, resonating with clarity: Felis Silvestris.


    The beast¡¯s growl rumbled through the air, its molten eyes narrowing with a mix of confusion and anger. ¡°Felis Silvestris?¡± its voice thundered, carrying both disdain and intrigue. ¡°That is no human spirit imprint. Explain yourself.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s body betrayed him, his strength fading rapidly as the edges of his vision blurred. Darkness crept closer, threatening to pull him under, but before he could succumb, a familiar voice resonated deep within his mind¡ªgentle, steady, and unmistakable. His master, Nala.


    ¡°My silly disciple,¡± Nala¡¯s voice carried warmth and sorrow in equal measure. ¡°I had hoped this would last you longer¡ªthat it would save you when you stood against the Devils. Yet fate has brought it to bear now. Even so, I still believe in you. Do not give up on yourself. Do not give in to doubt. This is the last I can give you, for my spirit can do no more. This is our final farewell. Please, live.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s tears fell freely, streaking his bloodied face as his heart began to heal, ever so slowly, from the wounds that should have claimed his life. The bond he felt for his master deepened in that moment¡ªa connection forged in sacrifice and unyielding belief. His master had given everything for him, even beyond the grave, just as his sister had on that fateful night. Those final words, ¡°Please, live,¡± echoed in his heart, intertwining with memories of love and loss.


    For a moment, Rifi forgot the colossal beast standing before him, so consumed was he by the flood of emotions and the warmth of Nala¡¯s gift. But the beast¡¯s voice shattered his reverie, its guttural growl a stark reminder of his precarious reality.


    ¡°I shall honor the wishes of the warrior Nala,¡± the beast rumbled, the words not spoken but reverberating directly in Rifi¡¯s mind. Its tone was laced with reluctant respect. ¡°I will permit you to remain on my mountain until you recover, but heed my warning, human: weaklings like you are not welcome here. Do not overstay your welcome, and do not return. If you do, I will not show mercy again.¡±


    With a final, earth-shaking roar, the beast unfurled its vast wings and took to the skies, its powerful ascent creating gusts that whipped across the rocky terrain. The wind howled as the beast disappeared into the misty peaks, leaving Rifi sprawled on the ground, battered but alive.


    Rifi lay still, his insides a chaotic mess, his heart struggling to mend under the remnants of his master¡¯s gift. Though the wound was no longer fatal, his body screamed in protest with every shallow breath, every feeble movement. Yet, as broken as he was, he clung to the faint pulse of life within him.


    His master¡¯s final gift had spared him, and now, even in the shadow of death, Rifi knew one thing with certainty: he would endure.

 37. The Crucible of Brimstone

    As Rifi lay there for days, teetering on the precipice of life and death, each agonizing heartbeat felt like both a fragile tether to existence and a relentless shove toward oblivion. The faint pulse of his master Nala¡¯s spirit force still coursed through him, working tirelessly to mend the grievous wound that should have ended his life. It was nothing short of a miracle¡ªa final gift layered atop the many he had already received in his turbulent journey. And yet, salvation felt impossibly distant, hovering just beyond the horizon of his suffering.


    Despite the pain that consumed him, Rifi¡¯s mind fixated on a single, unyielding emotion: rage. It burned hotter than the wound in his chest, searing away every other thought until it stood alone, a furious beacon in the darkness.


    Kaelin¡¯s smirking face haunted him. The blade, scorching hot and unyielding, tearing through his flesh¡ªthe betrayal etched into every mocking word. Rifi¡¯s fists clenched weakly at the memory, his nails digging into his palms with what little strength he could muster. ¡°How could he?¡± he rasped, the words barely audible over his ragged breathing.


    The memory replayed in fragments: Kaelin¡¯s reassuring presence, his unwavering loyalty during the battles, his camaraderie that had felt as real as any bond Rifi had ever known. It had all been a lie. A bitter laugh escaped him, dry and humorless. ¡°I should have seen it,¡± he muttered, the words laced with self-loathing. ¡°I should have known.¡±


    But how could he? The City Lord¡¯s advisors had vouched for Kaelin and Serra, their trust seemingly unshakable. Helvia¡¯s keen discernment was renowned¡ªshe could unearth lies with the precision of a scalpel. Was she blind to Kaelin¡¯s duplicity? Or was she complicit? Rifi¡¯s mind churned with possibilities, each more damning than the last.


    Kaelin had played his part perfectly: the loyal ally, the steadfast friend, the flawless confidant. His camaraderie had felt genuine¡ªthe way he lessened Rifi¡¯s burden, the way he stayed by his side in the infirmary, the way he offered to stand in harm¡¯s way so Rifi wouldn¡¯t have to. It had been so convincing. Too convincing. The realization tore at Rifi¡¯s already fractured resolve, the betrayal cutting deeper than the fiery blade that had almost ended his life.


    Through the haze of anger and despair, another thought crept in¡ªa darker one. Perhaps the Devils should kill them all. The Esquiliana, the Argos forces, even the Hepestus elites who had let this betrayal fester. Rifi clenched his jaw as the thought lingered, cold and venomous.


    But then, as quickly as it came, another voice rose within him, quiet yet firm. Luciliana. Rudeus.


    Rifi¡¯s thoughts drifted to his true friends¡ªLuciliana, steadfast and unwavering, and Rudeus, who now had a family of his own to protect. They were his tether to this world, a world a moment ago he thought to forsake. Yet, as much as he cherished them, he knew they were vulnerable, weaker than him, and even he was painfully aware of his limitations. He had barely survived his confrontation with the Esquiliana, a major faction within the City State of Hepestus. The thought gnawed at him¡ªHepestus wasn¡¯t even the most formidable among the many City States in this world, and if he struggled here, how could he hope to face greater threats?


    Even Mira, whom he had known for barely a week, had carved out a space in his thoughts¡ªa bond that felt almost sibling-like in its intensity. Perhaps it was naive, the kind of vulnerability he had just learned he should guard against. But Rifi refused to let cynicism govern his life, not when it came to people like her. The world had already stolen too much from him; it wouldn¡¯t take the capacity to trust again. Not entirely. Not because of one bastard like Kaelin.


    I can¡¯t give up, he resolved, his jaw tightening as he clung to the thought. There are still people worth fighting for¡ªpeople like Luciliana and Rudeus. If I fall now, who will protect them?


    His rage, which had burned like a wildfire moments ago, tempered slightly, transforming into a more controlled and enduring flame. It still smoldered deep within him, a quiet, unrelenting vow of retribution¡ªnot only against those who had wronged him but also against those who preyed upon the weak and defenseless, needlessly adding cruelty to an already unforgiving world. Yet, it no longer consumed him entirely; instead, it became a tool¡ªa weapon to forge his resolve.


    Rifi¡¯s lips curved into a cheeky, almost defiant smile as another thought struck him. At least this mountain has one thing going for it: the mana here is denser than anywhere I¡¯ve ever been. It¡¯s like sitting atop a living vein of power.


    The fleeting moment of levity was snatched away as a searing pain ripped through his chest, each heartbeat sending fresh agony through his battered body. His face twisted, the smile replaced by a grimace as he fought to steady his ragged breaths. Despite the pain, the flicker of determination remained. It was fragile, but it was there¡ªa spark of hope ignited amid the ashes of despair. He would endure, he would grow stronger, and he would ensure that those who betrayed him would never forget the consequences of their actions.


    He couldn¡¯t move¡ªany attempt to do so would only tear open his fragile wounds further, each motion threatening to spill what little life remained in him. Using his mana for anything beyond healing was out of the question. His lightning mana, though a source of immense power, was also a dangerous double-edged sword. If he dared to summon it, his body would demand more blood to fuel the surge, a strain his battered heart could not possibly endure.


    And so, Rifi lay still, trapped in a tormenting limbo for days.


    The wound to his side, while painful, had proven relatively shallow and healed within a few days. His lung, however, remained in complete disarray, shattered by the same devastating strike that had nearly torn through his heart. Breathing was a laborious task, each inhale sharp and shallow, yet it was manageable. His focus remained singular¡ªhis heart. It was the most pressing priority, its damaged walls demanding every ounce of his willpower and mana.


    With painstaking slowness, he directed the small reserves of mana he could muster toward the wound. His efforts felt endless, each beat of his heart pulling at the fragile tissue, threatening to undo the little progress he made. Yet, even amidst the daunting task, there were faint signs of improvement. Day by day, the bleeding lessened, and the raw edges of the injury began to knit together, fragile but holding.


    Weeks bled into one another, and the relentless gnaw of hunger and thirst began to take its toll. Of the two, it was the thirst that became truly unbearable, a searing torment that invaded his every thought. The meager water supply he¡¯d carried had run dry in the first week, leaving him to endure a parched existence under the unrelenting weight of his injuries. He found himself wishing, not for the first time, that he possessed water affinity mana¡ªthe ability to conjure life-sustaining drops from thin air. But such a gift was not his, and he had to rely on his meager reserves of strength instead.


    Mana itself offered some reprieve. As a mage, his body could subsist longer than most without sustenance, the ambient energy feeding his cells and dulling the edge of his suffering. Yet even mana had its limits. No matter how skilled or resilient a mage was, they could not escape the laws of nature. Without water, his blood began to thicken, forcing his already battered heart to labor harder with each beat. The recovery of his injurie slowed, and at times completely stalled, the fragile healing process he had so carefully cultivated.


    The realization struck him like a cruel blow¡ªstaying still was no longer an option. If he did not act, his heart would fail him long before it had time to recover.


    Crawling to the nearest water source¡ªa modest spring nestled among jagged rocky outcrops¡ªbecame his sole focus, his one thread of hope. What might have taken an hour for a healthy man stretched into a grueling, agonizing day. Each strained movement tore at his wound, the fragile scab reopening again and again, leaving a trail of blood smeared across the rocks. Pain clawed at his every nerve, and his mind screamed for him to stop, to surrender to the inevitable. But his rage silenced those pleas. He couldn¡¯t die. Not yet. Not before Kaelin and the Esquiliana clan paid for their betrayal.


    When he finally reached the spring, his strength gave out, and he collapsed beside it, his shaking hands dipping into the cool water with agonizing slowness. The first sip was pure bliss, the liquid quenching the fire in his throat and easing the searing ache in his chest. Relief, fleeting but profound, coursed through him as he drank deeply, ignoring the sharp pains that accompanied each gulp. He knew the effort of reaching the spring had cost him dearly, likely setting his recovery back by at least a week. But at that moment, it didn¡¯t matter. He was alive. That was enough.


    After quenching his thirst, Rifi allowed himself a moment of stillness, his body slumped against the rocks. The faint coolness of the water pooled in his belly, buying him precious time. But Rifi wasn¡¯t naive. He knew hunger would soon rear its merciless head, and the challenge of survival was far from over. Focusing his will, he turned his attention back to the wound at his heart. It was still his greatest obstacle to recovery, and every ounce of energy he could muster was directed toward healing it.


    As days passed, Rifi¡¯s body began to adapt while his heart was getting ever so slightly stronger, now he was able to freely draw the dense ambient mana of the mountain into his core. The volume he absorbed was staggering, enough to make even him uneasy. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if the divine beast¡ªthe master of this peak¡ªwould notice and take offense. Yet he pressed on, his desperation outweighing his caution. He reasoned that the beast might not care about such a small drain on its territory¡¯s abundant energy, and perhaps, in some unspoken way, it had already granted him more grace than he deserved.


    Throughout his time on the mountain, not a single beast or dangerous creature ventured near him. The absence of predators, in a place so wild and untamed, was no coincidence. Rifi was certain this eerie solitude was the work of the divine beast that ruled over these heights, its unseen influence a silent yet undeniable force keeping the wilderness at bay.


    Rifi didn¡¯t truly know the divine beast¡¯s intentions. Its warning had been cryptic, its presence more felt than seen. But he knew one thing for certain¡ªif he was to survive the trials ahead, he had to grow stronger. Whether the beast saw him as an interloper or a potential challenger didn¡¯t matter. Staying on Brimstone Mountain was a gamble he had to take, and Rifi was no stranger to risk.


    With fresh water now available, he had one less immediate worry gnawing at him. The cool liquid soothed his parched throat and offered a reprieve from the relentless ache in his chest. Yet hunger¡¯s insidious grip was growing stronger, a dull ache that whispered promises of weakness and eventual collapse. Before that could happen, his heart wound needed to heal, to close fully and stop its slow deterioration. There was no room for error¡ªany misstep, any overexertion, and all his efforts would be undone.


    For the next two weeks, Rifi barely moved. He remained perfectly still, shifting only to drink from the spring. Each sip felt like a battle won against the encroaching darkness of starvation. His heart beat low and steady, a fragile rhythm that carried the weight of his survival. The reduced strain allowed his body to divert precious energy toward recovery, and he clung to that hope as fiercely as he clung to life itself.


    In the meantime, his body waged a silent war against itself. With no external sustenance to rely on, it began consuming what little reserves it had left. First, the fat reserves vanished¡ªthough there had never been much to begin with. Then, it turned on his muscles, devouring their strength with an unrelenting hunger. Every day, he felt himself growing lighter, weaker, more hollow. It was a cruel, calculated sacrifice, but one his body seemed willing to make to keep him alive.


    Weeks blurred into each other, a haze of thirst and pain interspersed with the faint pulse of mana weaving its way through his core. He counted time not by the rising and setting sun but by the steady, excruciating depletion of his strength. His ribs pressed visibly against his skin, and his limbs felt like brittle sticks, each movement threatening to snap them in two. Yet through it all, his heart persisted, inching closer to closure with every passing day.Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.


    Finally, after a month of torment, Rifi felt it¡ªthe wound in his heart had sealed. It was not a moment too soon; he was nearing the edge of what his body could endure. His muscles were stripped bare, his frame reduced to little more than skin stretched tightly over bone. His reflection in the spring¡¯s water was unrecognizable. Sunken eyes stared back at him, hollow and shadowed, framed by gaunt cheeks and a ghostly pallor. He looked like a specter, a wraith clinging to the threads of mortality.


    But the fire in his eyes remained unextinguished. Weak and trembling, Rifi dragged himself upright. The effort was monumental, each movement deliberate and measured, accompanied by sharp reminders of his fragility. Every ache, every protest from his battered body was a testament to the hell he had survived.


    He crouched by the water¡¯s edge, staring at the ghost in his reflection. For a moment, he simply gazed, letting the image settle in his mind. Then, a wry grin tugged at his cracked lips.


    ¡°Well, at least now I can admit the Argos legionaries were right¡ªI do look like a wraith,¡± he muttered, his voice rasping against the stillness.


    The sound startled him. It was the first time he¡¯d heard his own voice in weeks, a hoarse echo of the man he used to be. Yet the small act of humor, however bleak, felt like a step forward¡ªa reminder that he was still Rifi, still alive, still burning with the promise of vengeance.


    Finally, Rifi could move again. The sharp, immediate risk of tearing his heart wound open had passed, but he knew his limits all too well. Instinctively, he understood that using lightning mana¡ªor even channeling non-elemental mana to empower his body¡ªwas out of the question. The fragile tissue of his heart, though mended, wasn¡¯t strong enough to withstand such forces. Not yet.


    Still, he could walk, even manage a tentative run if absolutely necessary. That alone was a victory. It gave him a measure of freedom, and with it, the means to survive. He experimented cautiously, finding that he could manifest mana outside his body to a limited degree. Firing less dense bolts of lightning was within his grasp, a last resort for defense if the need arose. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough.


    Weak and unsteady, Rifi ventured into the forest that bordered his rocky refuge. Every step sent a dull ache through his chest, a reminder of how close he had come to death. His heart, though healing, still labored with the exertion, each beat a deliberate and heavy drumbeat in his ears.


    The forest was quiet but teeming with subtle signs of life. The rustling of leaves, the distant call of birds, and the faint scurrying of small creatures played a symphony of survival. It felt both alien and comforting after weeks of isolation on the bare slopes of the mountain.


    As he moved through the trees, he spotted a flicker of movement ahead. Two rabbits darted between patches of tall grass, their twitching noses oblivious to his presence. Rifi froze, his body tensing instinctively. His first thought was to summon his lightning mana, to channel the crackling energy into his limbs and strike with the speed he once commanded. But the thought alone sent a ripple of unease through him¡ªhis body rebelled at the idea. The strain would be too much; the fragile stitches holding his heart together would rip apart with the force.


    Instead, he steadied his shaking hands and summoned only what little energy he could muster. A single, focused thread of lightning began to coil at his fingertips, its hum faint and subdued. He aimed carefully, his breath hitching as he released the bolt. He only had strength for this one¡ªor, at most, one more.


    The arc of energy leapt forward, striking one of the rabbits squarely. The creature crumpled instantly, its still form a stark contrast to the other, which bolted into the underbrush in a blur of motion. Rifi didn¡¯t care. One was enough.


    He staggered toward the fallen rabbit, his body trembling with exhaustion as he crouched beside it. The simple task of skinning the animal with his knife proved to be a monumental challenge, his weakened hands fumbling more than once. But the scent of fresh meat as he worked sharpened his focus, driving him to finish.


    When the rabbit was finally skinned, Rifi held it up, examining his handiwork with a faint smirk. "Well," he muttered, "it¡¯s not going to win me a cooking competition."


    A small chuckle escaped him as he sent a thin jolt of lightning into the rabbit, cooking it with uneven patches of heat. The scent of charred meat filled the air¡ªa mixture of tantalizing and acrid. He took a cautious bite, wincing at the half-cooked texture but relishing the sustenance nonetheless.


    ¡°It¡¯s not completely raw. Just¡­ creatively cooked,¡± he said aloud to no one, a dry humor threading his words.


    He ate every single bit of it, sparing nothing but the bones. The rabbit was small, but for a starving man, it was a feast. His stomach protested at first, unused to solid food after weeks of deprivation, but he forced himself to continue. The nourishment, meager as it was, sent a flicker of strength back into his limbs. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough to remind him of what it felt like to live.


    Rifi¡¯s stomach was full¡ªfor now. Even the small rabbit had been enough to satiate the gnawing hunger of a starving man like him. He knew better than to overexert himself just yet. His body needed time, and the modest meal was a step in the right direction. Today, it was enough.


    Each day that followed brought new challenges, but also small victories. Rifi hunted and foraged with cautious determination, scouring the surrounding area for anything edible. Wild fruits, tough and bitter, became a staple, alongside the occasional catch of another rabbit or bird. Over time, his hunts took him deeper into the forest, where the prey grew larger, and the shadows of the wilderness seemed to stretch farther.


    It was during one of these excursions that he first noticed the puma.


    The sleek, tawny predator moved silently through the underbrush, its golden eyes tracking prey with an intensity Rifi found strangely familiar. At first, he thought it might attack him, its gaze sharp and unrelenting. But it never did. Instead, the two hunters watched each other warily, neither making the first move. Over time, a strange understanding developed between them¡ªa mutual respect forged in silence and necessity.


    Rifi found a quiet companionship in the beast¡¯s presence, something he hadn¡¯t expected. It was simple, unspoken, and untainted by betrayal or deceit. The puma took only what it needed to survive, one rabbit or gazelle at a time, waiting patiently if Rifi hunted first. Rifi, in turn, repaid the favor, stepping aside when it was the puma¡¯s turn to strike. There was a purity to the exchange, a shared acknowledgment of the unyielding rhythm of survival. He found it¡­ comforting. In a way, the beast¡¯s company was more pleasant than most humans he had known.


    Weeks bled into months. The steady rhythm of life on the mountain allowed Rifi¡¯s body to slowly rebuild itself. His muscles, once stripped to the bone, began to return, the sinew knitting together stronger than before. His movements became steadier, more confident, and the ache in his chest faded into a distant hum. Yet, despite his growing strength, he never pushed himself too far. The memory of his near-death experience loomed like a shadow, reminding him to tread carefully.


    His mana channels, painstakingly cultivated over years of grueling training, remained intact as his muscles regrew¡ªan unexpected blessing. More than that, he began to notice something extraordinary. With each passing day, Rifi shaped new mana channels, his will guiding their formation with a precision earned through relentless practice. Yet here, on the mountain, the process felt different¡ªeasier, almost as if his very spirit was being nurtured by the dense ambient mana. The effort, once grueling and deliberate, now flowed with a surprising fluidity. By now, his body was littered with channels. From a distance, it might appear as though his entire form was a single, seamless mana conduit. But upon closer inspection, one would see an intricate lattice of countless microchannels branching like rivers through his muscles and organs, each one connecting with deliberate efficiency.


    A few days ago, Rifi had felt the unmistakable pull of his core reaching the peak of red¡ªa threshold that marked the height of his current tier. And yet, he didn¡¯t dare to attempt a breakthrough. Not now. Not while his heart was still fragile.


    The wound was healing, but it wasn¡¯t there yet. Each day, he could feel the walls of his heart growing thicker, stronger, as if forging themselves anew. The sensation was strange, almost alien, but not unpleasant. It was progress, and progress was enough. He estimated he was only halfway there¡ªhis heart not yet the unyielding organ it once was. Until it reached its proper form, he would wait. Patience, he reminded himself, was a weapon as powerful as any blade or bolt of lightning.


    Two more months passed, with Rifi and the puma continuing their silent, respectful dance of survival. Each day, their unspoken agreement played out¡ªone hunter yielding to the other in a quiet acknowledgment of need. Between these hunts, Rifi pushed his body to its limits, infusing mana into his muscle fibers and tearing them apart, only to grow them stronger with each cycle. Again and again, the process repeated, an unrelenting ritual of destruction and renewal.


    What would have driven a regular mage to madness¡ªthis constant breaking and rebuilding¡ªbecame Rifi¡¯s anchor. His mind remained steady, the fire within him burning ever brighter. Day after day, he extended the practice beyond his muscles, delving into his organs, breaking them down and reforging them to endure more, to grow stronger. Not just stronger¡ªhis body became more attuned to the searing, crackling nature of his lightning mana. Each fiber of his being seemed to hum with its essence, adapting with a precision that was as terrifying as it was awe-inspiring.


    The sheer focus and consistency of his efforts were frightening. How many would have faltered under such unyielding strain? How many would have turned back, unwilling to suffer for the possibility of something greater?


    Was it ever truly a question if the breakthrough would succeed?


    When the time came, the breakthrough didn¡¯t feel forced. It came as if it was inevitable, as if the universe itself found it unnatural that Rifi remained red core. It was no longer a matter of willpower but of alignment¡ªa natural correction to a state of imbalance. The laws of existence demanded it.


    The moment Rifi willed it, mana surged into his core, condensing with a force that felt almost alive. The transformation to orange core was swift, the energy folding in on itself, compacting and intensifying. Yet the flow didn¡¯t stop. The mana seemed almost eager, as if it had been waiting for this moment. It continued to hurl itself into his core, driving him effortlessly to the late stage of orange.


    Before he fully realized what had happened, he stood on the brink of taking more, of letting the mana flood in further. He could feel the temptation tugging at him¡ªa tantalizing whisper of unimaginable power. But then the divine beast¡¯s warning echoed in his mind: ¡°Do not overstay your welcome.¡±


    If there was one thing Rifi despised, it was greed. He wouldn¡¯t stoop to it now, not after everything he had endured. To antagonize the divine beast for more, when it had already granted him this grace, would be to spit in the face of the very balance he sought to uphold.


    And so, with quiet resolve, Rifi stopped. He took what was given, nothing more.


    As Rifi stood at the edge of the forest halfway up Brimstone Mountain, the mist-shrouded peaks loomed high above, their jagged silhouettes lost in swirling clouds. The dense ambient mana still hung heavily around him, a reminder of the trials he had endured. Those peaks, shrouded in mystery and danger, had always been out of reach. Even now, stronger and sharper than he had ever been, he didn¡¯t dare to approach them. This place had been his crucible, a sanctuary of survival and transformation¡ªbut it was time to descend.


    A low, resonant growl rumbled through the air, vibrating the ground beneath his feet. The sound carried weight, an unmistakable warning. The divine beast¡¯s presence pressed down upon him, its aura filling the forest like an unseen storm.


    ¡°You have grown,¡± the beast¡¯s voice echoed in his mind, deep and measured, tinged with ancient authority. ¡°You respect the balance. For that, you may leave this mountain alive. But do not forget¡ªthis grace was not yours to claim. You were granted this only because of your master, Nala. It is his memory that spares you.¡±


    Rifi stiffened at the words, his jaw tightening as the weight of Nala¡¯s legacy pressed against him. ¡°I understand,¡± he replied, his voice steady. He wondered, fleetingly, if his Master Nala would have been proud of how far he¡¯d come.


    After a pause, he asked quietly, ¡°I hope I¡¯ve honored him.¡±


    The beast¡¯s growl deepened, a sound like distant thunder rolling through the mist. ¡°You have endured. That is enough¡ªfor now. But do not return to this mountain. My mercy does not extend twice.¡±


    For a moment, Rifi hesitated. The beast¡¯s presence was overwhelming, but a question lingered in his mind, one he could not ignore. ¡°You honored him by allowing me this chance. But the devils¡ªthey threaten my world. Could you help us?¡±


    The silence that followed was suffocating, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves in the breeze. When the beast spoke again, its tone was colder, detached. ¡°We do not meddle in the affairs of this world. The balance here is for you mortals to preserve¡ªor destroy. Heed this warning, mortal. Should you defy me and return, the punishment will be severe.¡±


    The finality of the words left no room for argument. Rifi nodded, his resolve unshaken. The divine beast¡¯s presence receded, leaving only the stillness of the forest and the faint hum of mana in the air.


    He turned his gaze downward, toward the rocky slopes that led to the base of the mountain. Seven months¡ªhe had spent seven months here, healing, training, and fighting to survive. During that time, the faces of those he had left behind had never left his mind. Luciliana, steadfast and unyielding. Rudeus, quiet but determined. Mira, fiery and resolute. And Kaelin¡ªKaelin¡¯s smirk haunted him still, the blade that had pierced his chest carving a memory far more painful than the jagged scar it left behind.


    Rifi looked at his reflection in a small pool of water by his feet. His body was lean and hard, forged through months of grueling effort, but the scars remained. The one from Kaelin¡¯s blade, piercing through his back and into his heart. The long slash from his shoulder to his stomach, the mark he received on that fatefull night as his sister died. The circular scar from an ice spear above his stomach, a wound that still ached in the cold. And smaller marks scattered across his body, faint reminders of projectiles and spells.


    They weren¡¯t just scars¡ªthey were reminders. A map of his survival, a testament to the blood he had shed and the strength he had earned. They weren¡¯t marks of weakness. They were proof that he had endured.


    Rifi took a deep breath, the crisp mountain air filling his lungs. Seven months of grueling survival had reshaped him, body and soul, into something stronger than before. But seven months was a long time, and he couldn¡¯t help but wonder how much had changed in Hepestus while he was gone. His friends, his enemies, his vengeance¡ªeverything waited for him beyond the horizon.


    The mountain had taught him patience, but now it was time for action. Rifi adjusted the knife at his side, his eyes narrowing as he began his descent. The world awaited.


    And Rifi would meet it head-on.

 38. Somewhere in the South...

    The sun dipped below the horizon, its golden light threading through the canopy of trees. The forest seemed tranquil, yet Diana found no peace in its quiet. Twilight cast long shadows across their path, the interplay of light and dark a mirror to the turmoil within her. For a fleeting moment, she allowed herself to take in the beauty, willing her heart to find rest. But the reprieve was brief. A tug on her arm jolted her back to reality.


    ¡°Big sister,¡± Darius said, his voice small and weary, ¡°can we take a rest? I don¡¯t think Uncle Lucius and Aunt Cassandra can keep up anymore.¡±


    Diana turned to her little brother, her expression softening despite the weight in her chest. His dark eyes, rimmed with exhaustion, gazed up at her, wide and pleading. His face, smudged with dirt, seemed too fragile, too young to carry the strain of their journey. His clothes, stained with mud and dust, hung loosely on his thin frame. The sight of him made her heart ache. He was so much like their mother¡ªkind, selfless, always thinking of others before himself.


    Her gaze shifted to the rest of the group trailing behind them. Nine people in total, their steps heavy with fatigue. Among them were three children and two elderly neighbors, their faces etched with weariness. The middle-aged men and women who had joined them clung to hope as desperately as Diana did. Their tattered and grimy clothes bore the marks of hardship, the journey taking its toll on them all.


    They were heading toward Cassentis, a city-state far to the south where they hoped to find safety. Diana knew they were close¡ªonly a few more days, and they would be beyond Esquiliana¡¯s reach. It was that thought, the promise of safety, that had driven her to push the group harder over the last few days. But looking at them now, she realised that they were in desperate need of rest.


    She placed a hand on Darius¡¯s shoulder, her grip gentle but firm. ¡°We can rest now,¡± she said softly, her voice carrying a reassurance she barely felt. ¡°Go tell the others.¡±


    His face lit up with relief, and he darted off to share the news. Diana watched him go, a bittersweet smile tugging at her lips.


    Turning her attention back to the forest, she activated her eye technique, her vision sharpening as she scanned their surroundings. It wasn¡¯t much¡ªjust enough to sense movement within a modest radius¡ªbut it was better than relying solely on her instincts. Her father had only just begun to teach her the art of sensing mana before¡­ everything. The thought tightened her chest, but she forced it away. Now wasn¡¯t the time to dwell.


    The group quickly settled into their routine, one they had practiced every night since fleeing Hepestus. No fire. No loud noises. They ate quickly, their meager rations barely enough to stave off hunger, and then huddled together in their sleeping bags for warmth and safety.


    But Diana didn¡¯t sleep.


    She sat alone, her back pressed against the rough bark of a tree, her gaze fixed on the stars peeking through the canopy. Just weeks ago, her father would tease her, calling her the shining star of their family¡ªthe prodigy who had broken into the Brown core at such a young age, destined to lead their family to greatness. Now, the stars seemed to sneer at her, their cold, distant light mocking her for daring to think she could shine among them.


    Her parents had poured everything they had into her. Every mana stone they could spare went toward her training, and every moment of their lives was dedicated to ensuring her future. She had been their hope, their pride. Now, they were gone, their lives lost in their final stand as the City was breached some three weeks ago. The weight of their sacrifices pressed down on her, heavier than any burden she had ever carried.


    The memory surged unbidden once again, and Diana clenched her fists, struggling to keep the grief from overwhelming her. Three weeks ago, the City of Hepestus¡ªher home¡ªhad fallen. The chaos of that day was seared into her soul: the shouts of soldiers desperately rallying, the terrified screams of civilians fleeing for their lives, and the deafening clash of steel and magic as the forces of Esquiliana and Argos breached the gates.


    No one had expected such a swift and devastating assault. Esquiliana¡¯s treachery was ruthless, but they hadn¡¯t acted alone. Another of Hepestus¡¯s own major clans had turned traitor, aligning with the invaders and Esquiliana clan to secure their victory. The cursed stones the Esquiliana forces wielded were more then enough on their own, but together with Collina clans betreyal their power was overwhelming the city¡¯s defenders like a tidal wave. The unrelenting assault left no room for counterattacks, and the once-proud legion of Hepestus crumbled under the sheer might of their adversaries.


    Her father had stood at the forefront, commanding a squadron of legionaries with the authority of his Purple core. Her mother had been beside him, her Brown core strength a steadying presence amid the chaos. Together, they had been a beacon of resilience, but even their combined strength could not stem the tide.


    When the carnage spilled into the western district and word spread that the Colina clan had allied with Esquiliana, the defenders'' morale shattered. On top of that the rumor that the City Lord had fallen sent ripples of despair through the remaining forces. It was clear then that Hepestus had no hope of holding its ground.


    In those final, desperate moments, Diana¡¯s parents made the ultimate sacrifice. They stayed behind, holding the line against the advancing enemy to buy precious time for the civilians to escape. The Esquiliana clan was infamous for its cruelty; anyone who had stood by the City Lord would face only death or unrelenting torment. Her parents had known this¡ªand they had chosen to give their lives so Diana and others might live.


    Her father¡¯s voice echoed in her mind, steady and unwavering even in the face of the inevitable. ¡°Diana,¡± he had said, gripping her shoulder with an intensity that still burned in her memory, ¡°it¡¯s not your time yet. You and Darius are our shining stars¡ªour hope in the dark. We¡¯ll hold the line so your light can keep shining.¡±


    Her mother¡¯s face, calm yet resolute, haunted her. ¡°Keep Darius safe,¡± she had whispered, her hands pressing Diana¡¯s trembling ones into her brother¡¯s. ¡°He¡¯s your priority now. Promise me.¡±


    The memory of those words twisted in her chest, sharp as any blade. She had been tasked with leading the evacuation, ushering panicked citizens toward the southern gates as the Esquiliana forces stormed through the streets. Her own Brown core had felt insignificant that day, her powers a flicker against the raging inferno of the invaders'' assault.


    Her parents had bought them time. Time for her to save Darius. Time for her to save the few people she could gather. Time she had spent looking over her shoulder, hoping against hope to see them appear, alive and unscathed.


    But they never came.


    Her chest tightened, pain welling up like a storm she couldn¡¯t release. She wanted to scream, to let the anguish tear through the quiet forest, but the scream remained trapped, lodged behind the weight of her duty. Even the tears refused to come¡ªnot yet. She couldn¡¯t afford them. Not while her brother and the others still relied on her. She had promised to get them to safety, to Cassentis. Only then could she allow herself to grieve.


    Diana¡¯s decision had been clear from the moment they fled. Cassentis, a city-state far to the south, was their best hope for sanctuary. Once her group was secure, she would return to find the Legion¡ªor whatever was left of it¡ªand join their ranks. The thought of reuniting with her comrades offered a glimmer of solace, a fragile thread of redemption. Leaving her parents and the Legion behind had been a wound she carried, one that only action might mend.


    She wasn¡¯t certain the Legion of Hepestus still existed, but she clung to the possibility. In the chaotic first week after the city fell, she and her group had hidden in a small settlement just outside the city. Rumors had been as thick as the smoke rising from Hepestus¡¯s ruins. Some claimed the City Lord and the Legion had retreated southeast, regrouping for a counterattack. Others whispered that they had been annihilated, their remnants scattered to the winds. Diana didn¡¯t know what to believe, but in her heart, she refused to accept defeat. The Legion had to survive. It was the only way forward.


    Their journey south had been grueling. Avoiding the main roads meant traversing dense forests and treacherous trails, always on edge for signs of Esquiliana patrols. Supplies dwindled faster than expected, leaving them to ration what little they had. Every step was a battle of endurance, and Diana bore the heaviest burdens, both physical and emotional. At seventeen, she was still a child in many ways, yet circumstances had thrust upon her the weight of an adult¡¯s responsibilities. There was no room for hesitation, no time for fear.


    Sleep had become a distant memory. Her mind was a constant whirlwind of calculations and plans, her body pushed to its limits as she drove herself to keep the group moving. The thought brought her no comfort, only resolve. They needed her to stay strong. She would not falter¡ªnot now, not ever.


    The next morning, they rose with the dawn, the first rays of sunlight barely piercing the dense forest canopy. Diana led them southward, her senses sharpened by sleepless vigilance. The forest was unnervingly still, the muffled rustle of leaves underfoot the only sound accompanying their march.


    Hours passed in silence, the sun climbing higher into a pale blue sky. Then, a prickle of unease crawled up Diana¡¯s spine, sharp and insistent. She froze, her hand shooting up to signal the group to stop.


    ¡°Stay here,¡± she whispered to Darius, her voice low but firm. Her little brother¡¯s wide eyes reflected fear, but he nodded, clutching the arm of an elderly neighbor for support. Diana¡¯s gaze narrowed as she activated her eye technique, her vision sharpening to detect the faint traces of mana in the trees ahead.


    That¡¯s when she saw them.


    Four figures emerged from the shadows, their movements calculated and predatory. The insignia of the Esquiliana clan adorned their armor¡ªa phoenix rising from a blazing inferno, a burning mark that Diana would never forget. Her stomach twisted as she noticed one of the mages already looking at her, his eyes giving of the purple shine, he was a purple core, way too high of what she could handle. The others were already grinning and instigating their mana, clearly showing of that there was nother purple core among them and two brown cores.


    Diana¡¯s heart sank. She and her group had been found, and worse still, they were drastically outmatched.


    ¡°Well, well,¡± the leader drawled, his voice thick with mockery. ¡°What do we have here? Trash from Hepestus, fleeing south? And with a Brown core among them? How quaint.¡±


    ¡°We mean no harm,¡± Diana said, stepping forward, her body tense as she shielded the group. ¡°We¡¯re just travelers passing through.¡±


    The leader¡¯s grin widened, a predator toying with its prey. ¡°Travelers, huh? From Hepestus, no doubt. Which side were you on? The City Lord¡¯s faction?¡± He spat the words like a curse.


    Diana clenched her fists, her silence betraying the truth. The man¡¯s grin twisted into something cruel.


    ¡°Thought so,¡± he sneered. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts, I¡¯ll give you that. But loyalty to that bastard won¡¯t get you far. We¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    She squared her shoulders, forcing her voice to steady. ¡°We mean no trouble. Please, let us pass.¡±


    ¡°Trouble?¡± He chuckled darkly. ¡°Oh no, my dear. Trouble is what you¡¯ve brought by being here. You see, deserters¡ªtraitors¡ªdon¡¯t get to walk away so easily.¡±


    Before Diana could react, one of the Brown-core soldiers stepped forward. He grabbed Uncle Lucius, the oldest member of the group, and shoved him violently to the ground. ¡°You like the City Lord now?¡± the soldier sneered, driving a brutal kick into the man¡¯s ribs. ¡°Filth like you doesn¡¯t deserve mercy.¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Diana shouted, her mana surging instinctively. Dark smoke-like energy erupted from her hands, lashing out at the soldier. The strike hit his shoulder, sending him stumbling back. For a moment, hope flickered in her chest.


    Then the Purple-core mage moved.


    He was on her before she could react, his dagger glowing faintly with mana. She raised her arms to block, but his strike came with the force of a hammer. The blow sent her sprawling to the ground, her lungs burning as the air was driven from her chest.


    He stood over her, smirking. ¡°Interesting mana you¡¯ve got there. Shame it¡¯s wasted on trash like you. Was this the best Hepestus had to offer? Still pathetic.¡± He pressed his boot against her head, grinding her into the dirt.


    ¡°Diana!¡± Darius¡¯s voice cracked with desperation as he tried to push past another soldier. The man backhanded him viciously, sending him sprawling to the ground. Blood poured from Darius¡¯s nose and cheek as the soldier sneered, ¡°Little shit. Wait your turn.¡±


    One of the others grabbed Emilia, a girl barely older than Darius, yanking her forward by her hair. She cried out, her voice trembling with terror. ¡°How about we start with this one?¡± the soldier jeered, drawing a blade and holding it against her neck.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    ¡°No!¡± Diana screamed, struggling against the boot pinning her down. Her pleas came out broken. ¡°Please, let them go! They¡¯re just kids. They can¡¯t even use magic!¡±


    Her words only drew laughter from the soldiers. The Purple-core mage leaned closer, pressing his boot harder into her head. ¡°Oh, we¡¯ll let them go,¡± he said, his voice dripping with cruelty. ¡°Piece by piece.¡±


    Diana¡¯s vision blurred, her strength waning as her body screamed in pain. But through the haze, she saw it¡ªa figure in the distance, shrouded in the twilight. It moved with purpose, an indistinct shadow at first, before vanishing in the blink of an eye.


    Hope flared, desperate and fragile. Was it real? Or was her mind conjuring illusions to shield her from despair?


    None of the Esquiliana soldiers seemed to notice, so it must have been just an illusion, a desperate conkotion of her brain in what seemed to be final moments. Diana was completely overwhelmed by the purple core, even when fully empowering her body, she simply couldnt do anything.


    But then the figure reapered, almost as instantly as it vanished, yet now it was closer only few meters away from the group.


    There was something strange about him. His presence was otherwordly, even air seemed to become much thicker, he was commanding attention even as he remained silent. She blinked, trying to focus her vision. As her vision became a little clearer, Diana could make out more details. He was tall, his figure lean yet powerful, wrapped in a tattered cloak that seemed to absorb the light around it. His face was obscured by the hood.


    Finally, one of the Brown-core mages noticed him. The man spun around, his hand instinctively reaching for his sword. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± he barked, his voice laced with suspicion.


    ¡°Leave them,¡± the stranger commanded, his voice simmering with a rage that sent an involuntary shiver down Diana¡¯s spine.


    The Brown-core mage sneered, emboldened by his companions. ¡°Leave them? Who do you think you¡¯re talking to? You think you can just stroll in here and play the hero?¡±


    The stranger tilted his head, his gaze sweeping over the Esquiliana soldiers as though they were insects beneath his notice. ¡°You have one chance,¡± he said, his tone cold and dismissive. ¡°Leave, and there will be no pain.¡±


    The Purple-core mage barked a laugh, stepping away from Diana¡¯s prone form. ¡°Do you even know who we are?¡± he growled, his voice brimming with disdain. ¡°We¡¯re Esquiliana. And you¡ª¡± his lip curled in a sneer, ¡°¡ªare either a fool or suicidal.¡±


    The stranger remained motionless, his silence unsettling. Even the Purple-core mage faltered slightly, hesitation flickering in his eyes.


    ¡°I warned you,¡± the stranger said softly, the edge of a grim smile visible beneath his hood.


    And then he vanished.


    No, not vanished¡ªmoved. Faster than Diana¡¯s eyes could track, he was suddenly behind the Purple-core mage who had just sneered at him. The air grew suffocating, heavy with a palpable sense of impending death. The only sound was a faint, electric hum, growing louder until it crescendoed into a sickening wet gasp.


    The Purple-core mage clutched at his neck, blood gushing between his fingers as he collapsed to his knees. The stranger stood beside him, his hand dripping crimson, arcs of lightning dancing across his fingers like living threads. In his open palm, something dropped¡ªa piece of flesh that hit the ground with a grotesque thud. The man fell over, lifeless, his body twitching as residual energy crackled through him.


    The remaining soldiers froze, horror etched across their faces.


    ¡°Kill him!¡± the second Purple-core mage roared, mana flaring as flames burst to life around his hands. He charged forward, his blade alight with searing heat.


    But the stranger was already moving. Sidestepping with unnatural ease, he avoided the blow as though it were telegraphed a lifetime in advance. Lightning flared around him, faint at first, then surging with a brilliance that lit the clearing. Diana could barely process his movements¡ªfluid, precise, devastating.


    The second Purple-core mage joined the fray, his fists blazing with fiery mana. He hurled a barrage of strikes at the stranger, but each blow was met with effortless evasion. In one swift motion, the stranger closed the distance, his lightning-infused fist slamming into the man¡¯s chest. The impact sent him hurtling through the air, crashing into a tree with a sickening crack. He didn¡¯t rise.


    The two remaining Brown-core mages exchanged frantic looks, their confidence shattered. Panic overtook them as their gazes darted to the stranger, who stood amid the chaos, unscathed and radiating lethal intent. They knew, they needed to run, as fast as their leggs could carrie them.


    ¡°Leaving so soon?¡± the stranger asked, his voice cold and venomous.


    One of the Brown-core mages dropped his weapon, raising his trembling hands. ¡°Wait¡ªplease! We were just following orders¡ª¡±


    The stranger moved in a blur. In an instant, his hand pierced through the man¡¯s chest, lightning surging in an explosive arc. The soldier let out a strangled cry before collapsing, smoke rising from his body.


    The last mage stumbled backward, his face pale and drenched in sweat. ¡°No! Please! I¡ªI was forced¡ª¡±


    The stranger¡¯s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as the man¡¯s desperate pleas fell on deaf ears. ¡°Forced?¡± he spat, his voice a crackling snarl. ¡°Did you hesitate when you dragged these people to their knees? Did you show mercy to the children?¡±


    The man crumbled to his knees, his hands clasped in a frantic plea. ¡°I¡¯ll do anything! Just¡ªplease!¡±


    The stranger¡¯s eyes burned with fury, the arcs of lightning around him intensifying until they seemed to warp the very air. He raised his hand, a surge of lightning cascading from his fingers in a torrent of unstoppable power. The soldier¡¯s screams echoed through the clearing, fading into silence as his body fell, charred and lifeless.


    The clearing grew still, the acrid scent of burnt flesh and ozone lingering in the heavy air. Lightning crackled softly around the stranger¡¯s form, illuminating him in a pale, otherworldly glow. His breathing was steady, but his gaze remained hard, unyielding.


    A faint whimper broke the silence. The stranger¡¯s head snapped toward the source, his piercing eyes landing on Darius and the children, who stared at him in mute terror. Their wide eyes, glistening with unshed tears, were locked on him as though he were a monster that had stepped out of their worst nightmares.


    Diana struggled to rise, her body trembling with exhaustion and pain. Her vision swam, but she forced herself to speak. ¡°Who¡­¡± she croaked, her voice raw and weak. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    The stranger turned his gaze to her, his hood falling back slightly to reveal sharp, unrelenting eyes. He held her gaze for a moment before extending a bloodied hand toward her. His voice was calm, almost eerily so, as he spoke a single word.


    ¡°Rifi.¡±


    Diana stared at the bloodied hand extended toward her. The faint hum of residual lightning still danced around Rifi¡¯s figure, casting fleeting shadows across his face. His sharp, piercing eyes bore into hers, unreadable yet commanding.


    She hesitated, her body trembling from pain and exhaustion, her mind reeling from what she had just witnessed. Slowly, she reached out, her own hand shaking as she clasped his. His grip was firm but not rough, pulling her up with ease that belied the effortlessness of his movements. For a moment, she stared at him, trying to process what kind of man could wield such overwhelming power.


    Darius¡¯s voice broke the silence. ¡°Big sister¡­ is he¡­ is he a monster?¡± The boy¡¯s small frame trembled as he clung to the hem of her tunic, his wide eyes darting nervously toward Rifi.


    Rifi turned his gaze to Darius, his expression softening just slightly. ¡°No,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m not a monster.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ but what you did¡­¡± Darius stammered, his voice barely a whisper. ¡°It was so scary.¡±


    Rifi crouched to the boy¡¯s level, his bloodied hands resting on his knees. His tone softened, though it retained its weight. ¡°Sometimes scary things have to be done to protect people. To stop those who would hurt others.¡±


    Darius¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t leave Rifi¡¯s, his small face torn between fear and awe. Diana placed a protective hand on her brother¡¯s shoulder, drawing him closer. She took a deep breath, forcing her voice into calmness.


    ¡°Forgive my brother, Darius,¡± Diana said, her tone measured despite the storm of emotions within her. ¡°That was¡­ a very brutal experience for all of us.¡± Her gaze flicked to Rifi, and she dipped her head slightly in gratitude. ¡°I¡¯m Diana. Thank you for saving us.¡±


    Rifi stood, brushing his bloodied hands against his cloak, his expression unreadable. ¡°You have nothing to thank me for,¡± he said curtly. ¡°I had my reasons.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ different,¡± she said after a pause, her voice quiet yet probing. ¡°Your eyes. When you fought, they didn¡¯t glow like ours do when we use mana. Was that even mana?¡±


    Rifi straightened, the faintest hint of irritation crossing his features. ¡°Of course, it was mana,¡± he replied, his tone calm but dismissive. ¡°I simply didn¡¯t need the eye technique for someone as weak as them.¡±


    Diana blinked, stunned by the sheer confidence laced in his words. ¡°But¡­ what are you, then? You fought like¡ª¡± she hesitated, searching for the right words, ¡°¡ªlike something beyond human.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. ¡°I¡¯m no divine being, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re thinking,¡± he said, his tone carrying a touch of dry humor. ¡°I¡¯m just a battlemage.¡±


    The words hung in the air, and Diana felt her heart skip a beat. A battlemage. The title was not given lightly. It was reserved for those whose skill and power placed them far beyond the reach of ordinary mages¡ªwarriors who could dominate battlefields alone, shaping the tide of war with their might. And yet, here he was, speaking of it with an almost dismissive ease.


    ¡°Battlemages,¡± she murmured, her voice tinged with awe. ¡°You don¡¯t just¡­ call yourself that. It¡¯s a title. To earn it, you have to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Be strong,¡± Rifi interrupted, his tone steady but heavy with meaning. ¡°Strong enough to survive. Strong enough to make sure others don¡¯t die because you weren¡¯t.¡±


    Diana flinched at the bluntness of his words, the truth of them hitting her like a blow. She had lived those very moments¡ªfighting to be strong enough, not just for herself, but for those who relied on her. And yet, hearing it spoken aloud by this stranger, someone who wielded power far beyond her comprehension, made the burden feel heavier.


    Her eyes lowered, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I¡¯ve tried,¡± she said, her hands balling into fists at her sides. ¡°Every step of the way, I¡¯ve tried to be strong. But it¡¯s never enough, is it?¡±


    When she looked up, her gaze locked onto his, searching for¡­ something. Understanding, maybe. Or judgment. But his expression remained unreadable, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce through her.


    ¡°Strength isn¡¯t about trying,¡± Rifi said, his tone steady but laced with a quiet bitterness. ¡°It¡¯s about surviving¡ªsurviving so you can grow stronger from it. Because it¡¯s never enough. There will always be something that tries to break you. Like I¡¯ve been broken, again and again. Yet here I stand, and here you are. Your mana element holds promise. Make sure you survive¡ªnot just to fight, but to grow stronger. Trying won¡¯t save you; enduring will.¡±


    Diana hesitated, absorbing Rifi¡¯s words. His demeanor was unyielding, almost cruel in its honesty, yet there was a strange wisdom in it¡ªa hard-earned truth she couldn¡¯t ignore. She looked away, her hands clenching briefly before she released a slow breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Diana admitted quietly, her voice steadying as the initial shock of his presence began to settle. ¡°Surviving is all that matters now.¡±


    Her response seemed to satisfy Rifi. For a moment, there was silence between them, broken only by the faint groans of the others as they began to gather themselves, their bruised and battered bodies still holding some strength. Despite their fear of him, Rifi¡¯s presence had brought a fragile sense of safety, allowing them to focus on tending to their wounds and catching their breath.


    Diana turned her attention back to her group, moving swiftly to direct them in setting up a small, discreet camp. The forest was still, the air thick with tension, but the immediate danger had passed. For the first time in weeks, they could afford a moment to regroup.


    Some of the children clung to the adults, their tear-streaked faces etched with fear. Their wide eyes flickered nervously toward Rifi, awe and terror mingling as they regarded the man who had turned their captors into ash and blood. He stood at the edge of the clearing, his back to them, scanning the surrounding trees with the stillness of an unyielding sentinel.


    Diana approached him cautiously, lowering herself onto the grass nearby. Exhaustion radiated from her every move, but her mind churned with questions. For a moment, she studied him¡ªhis unwavering stance, his sharp focus, and the quiet, palpable power that seemed to radiate from him.


    ¡°We were heading to Cassentis,¡± she said at last, her voice hesitant. ¡°It¡¯s the only place we thought would be safe.¡±


    Rifi didn¡¯t turn, his gaze fixed on the distant tree line. ¡°Why Cassentis?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s far,¡± Diana replied, forcing steadiness into her tone. ¡°And we heard rumors that they¡¯re accepting refugees.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re running,¡± he said bluntly.


    Her jaw tightened at the accusation, stinging her pride more than she wanted to admit. ¡°We¡¯re surviving.¡±


    Finally, he turned his head slightly, just enough for her to catch the sharp edge of his gaze. ¡°Surviving doesn¡¯t end at Cassentis,¡± he said, his voice low but cutting. ¡°What then?¡±


    The question struck a chord, a doubt she hadn¡¯t allowed herself to confront. Her hands clenched briefly, but she refused to look away. ¡°Hopefully, they can live in peace,¡± she said after a moment, her voice quiet but resolute. ¡°But I was going to find the Legion after that. If they still exist.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s piercing eyes lingered on her for a moment, his expression unreadable. ¡°What happened to Hepestus?¡± he asked, his tone devoid of curiosity but weighted with something deeper. ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors, but I want to hear it from someone who was there.¡±


    Diana hesitated, the weight of memory pressing down on her chest. But there was no avoiding it. Slowly, she recounted the fall of Hepestus¡ªthe sudden breach, the Collina clan¡¯s betrayal, and the overwhelming force of the Esquiliana and Argos assault. She spoke of her parents¡¯ sacrifice and the chaos of the evacuation, her voice steady but carrying the ache of loss.


    Rifi listened in silence, his expression hardening as she spoke. When she finished, he nodded slightly, his gaze distant. ¡°So you think the Legion regrouped?¡±


    ¡°They have to,¡± Diana said, her conviction unwavering. ¡°The City Lord wouldn¡¯t just give up. And the Suburana clan¡ªthey were loyal. If anyone knows where the Legion is, it¡¯s them.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken thoughts. Finally, he nodded, his voice quiet but firm. ¡°Suburana,¡± he repeated. ¡°That¡¯s where I¡¯m going next.¡±


    Diana¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. ¡°You¡¯re looking for the City Lord?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied simply, his tone leaving no room for elaboration. ¡°And the Legion. I have¡­ unfinished business.¡±


    The weight of his words hung in the air, stark and unrelenting. Diana glanced back at her group. They huddled together, still shaken but alive¡ªa fragile semblance of hope amidst the ruins of their lives. The decision was clear now. They were safer with Rifi than without him. And if he was heading to the Suburana clan, perhaps that was where they should go too. Cassentis wasn¡¯t their home; they would be strangers there, reliant on the mercy of its residents. The Suburana clan was part of Hepestus¡ªat least there, they might find allies and safety. With Rifi among them, they had a good chance to break through any Esquiliana forces that had undoubtedly blocked off the Suburana clan.


    ¡°We need to rest,¡± she said softly. ¡°If we¡¯re to come with you, we¡¯ll need the strength.¡±


    Rifi nodded curtly. ¡°One night,¡± he said. ¡°Then we move. If you¡¯re coming with me, keep up.¡±


    Her stomach tightened at the thought of pushing the group so soon, but she nodded nonetheless. ¡°We¡¯ll manage.¡±


    As the others settled in for the night, Diana¡¯s gaze drifted back to Rifi. He stood apart from the group, motionless at the edge of the clearing. The air around him felt heavier, a subtle but undeniable presence that hinted at the immense power he carried within. He didn¡¯t look like a savior or a soldier¡ªjust a man, cloaked in quiet strength and something far more enigmatic.


    Diana exhaled, steadying herself as she returned to her group. The faint whispers of the children and the subdued murmurs of the adults quieted as she approached. She knelt beside them, her voice firm yet calm. ¡°Change of plans,¡± she began. ¡°We¡¯re not heading to Cassentis anymore. We¡¯ll go with him¡ªto the Suburana clan. They¡¯re part of Hepestus. If there¡¯s any chance of finding allies, it¡¯ll be there.¡±


    Her words hung in the air, met with hesitant nods and murmurs of agreement. Even Darius, still clutching his bruised arm, looked up at her with trust in his tired eyes. The idea of following Rifi, though daunting, seemed safer than venturing into the unknown alone.


    As the group began to settle into uneasy rest, Diana stole one last glance at Rifi. He hadn¡¯t moved, his figure still and imposing, a silent guardian against the darkened forest. There was no visible aura of power around him, no hum of magic, just the sheer presence of someone who seemed stronger then the world in Diana''eyes.


    She turned back to her group, the weight of their survival resting heavy on her shoulders. Whatever mysteries Rifi carried, whatever storm he had endured, they were in his shadow now. And for the first time in weeks, she felt that shadow might be enough to keep them alive.

 39. The Road to Suburana

    Rifi moved through the forest, his lightning mana gently pulsing outward in rhythmic waves, like a web spun from electricity. Each pulse electrified the air, its faint charge brushing against trees, rocks, and even the smallest creatures in the undergrowth. The feedback returned quickly, a vivid mental map forming in his mind¡ªevery branch, every stone, every living being within a two-kilometer radius was laid bare before him.


    There it was again¡ªa cluster of human-sized resistances, ten distinct shapes flickering faintly within his mental map. Their signatures were weak and poorly concealed, with barely any mana clinging to their bodies. Low-ranking mages or overconfident soldiers, most likely. Rifi¡¯s brow furrowed. He didn¡¯t sense any higher cores among them, but he knew better than to make assumptions. Assumptions were dangerous.


    ''Cut it off. Now.''


    The thought was instinctive, drilled into him by years of training and reinforced by his master¡¯s voice echoing in his memory: ¡°Arrogance is a blade that cuts both ways.¡±


    He immediately stopped his mana pulses, allowing the web to fade. The last thing he needed was for an enemy mage, however unlikely, to detect his probing. The odds were slim, but Rifi knew better than to rely on luck. Experience had taught him that even the smallest mistake could have deadly consequences.


    He adjusted his course, letting out a quiet sigh. Steering the group around this patrol was the only option. Fighting them wouldn¡¯t be difficult for him¡ªhe¡¯d torn through stronger foes before¡ªbut the people following him wouldn¡¯t survive a confrontation.


    ''They can¡¯t handle more death.''


    Rifi¡¯s grip tightened briefly on the hilt of his weapon as the thought struck. He wasn¡¯t just protecting their lives; he was shielding them from more loss. Too many had already died. Too many homes had been destroyed. And too many of Hepestus¡¯ people were now scattered, hopeless, and hunted.


    He couldn¡¯t let these ones share the same fate.


    Rifi spent the next half-hour scouting alternative routes, his movements precise as he navigated the forest. He climbed over gnarled roots and through tangled thickets, his mana senses attuned to every shift in the electric resistances in the atmosphere. It became clear that no matter how much he tried to maneuver around the dangers, the terrain was unforgiving. Somewhere, they would have to break through. A direct encounter with an enemy patrol was inevitable.


    When Rifi returned to the group, the scene before him only deepened his resolve. Diana stood at the center, her expression vigilant despite the weariness etched across her face. She was a natural leader, though she didn¡¯t seem to realize it. Her younger brother, Darius, clung to her side, his small hands gripping her tunic like a lifeline. The boy¡¯s once-curious eyes were now dulled by fear and exhaustion.


    The rest of the group didn¡¯t fare much better. Elderly men and women leaned heavily on one another, their movements sluggish. The handful of children among them sat quietly, their faces pale and drawn. These weren¡¯t soldiers or even trained civilians; they were survivors, hanging on by a thread. Rifi knew that tomorrow he they would need to push harder then ever.


    ¡°We¡¯ll rest soon,¡± Rifi said, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°There¡¯s a clearing up ahead. We¡¯ll stop there for the night so you can get good rest.¡±


    Diana approached him as the group began to stir, her steps deliberate but weary. ¡°Rifi, are you sure stopping is the right call?¡± she asked, her voice low enough to avoid alarming the others. ¡°We still have some daylight left. Shouldn¡¯t we use it to get farther away?¡±


    Rifi glanced at her, his expression calm but firm. ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°They¡¯re barely holding on as it is. I need you all to be rested because tomorrow¡­¡± He paused, his gaze shifting toward the distant hills. ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll have to fight. Rest is more important now.¡±


    Diana¡¯s eyes widened slightly. ¡°Fight?¡± she repeated, her tone edged with alarm. ¡°Are you saying¡ª¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no way around it,¡± Rifi interrupted, his voice softening slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve found a path with fewer enemies, but it¡¯s not clear. We¡¯ll have to break through.¡±


    She opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself, glancing back at the group. Her shoulders sagged as she took in their condition¡ªthe trembling hands, the hollow eyes, the way the children leaned heavily on the adults. She swallowed hard, the weight of their survival pressing down on her.


    ¡°You¡¯re certain this is the safest way?¡± she asked finally.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have chosen it otherwise,¡± Rifi said. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the patrol. You just need to make sure they can move when the time comes.¡±


    Diana studied his face, searching for any hint of doubt or hesitation, but found none. She nodded reluctantly. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll get them ready.¡±


    As she turned to leave, Rifi added, ¡°Diana.¡±


    She paused, glancing back.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing well,¡± he said, his voice unusually gentle. ¡°They trust you. Keep them steady.¡±


    For a moment, her expression softened, a flicker of gratitude breaking through the exhaustion. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly before walking back to the group.


    The refugees were already settling into the idea of rest, their relief palpable as they began to ease themselves onto the forest floor. A few of the elderly muttered quiet prayers, their voices blending with the rustling leaves, while others simply stared blankly, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear. The children sat huddled together, their silence unnerving in its unnaturalness, their innocence lost too soon.


    ¡°Why are we stopping so early today?¡± one of the older men asked, his voice trembling as he leaned heavily on his walking stick. His gaze flicked toward the darkening woods as though searching for unseen dangers.


    Diana turned to him, her tone steady but kind. ¡°We need to be well-rested for tomorrow,¡± she explained. ¡°One last push before we enter Suburana territory.¡± She forced a reassuring smile, even as her own unease simmered beneath the surface. ¡°But don¡¯t worry. Rifi will go ahead and make sure nothing happens. Besides, you¡¯ve got me with you.¡±


    The man nodded slowly, though his eyes remained troubled. ¡°That boy¡­ he¡¯s strong, isn¡¯t he?¡± His voice carried a mixture of awe and doubt.


    ¡°He is,¡± Diana said firmly. Her voice softened as she added, ¡°And he won¡¯t let anything happen to us. You¡¯ll see.¡±


    Behind her, Darius tugged at her sleeve. ¡°Big sister,¡± he whispered, his voice barely audible. ¡°Are we going to see the bad soldiers again?¡±


    Diana crouched beside him, brushing a strand of matted hair from his face. Her heart ached at the fear in his wide eyes, a fear no child should bear. ¡°Not if we listen to Rifi,¡± she said gently, her tone light but firm. ¡°He¡¯s keeping us safe, and all we have to do is follow his lead. Okay?¡±


    Darius hesitated, his lip quivering, before nodding. ¡°Okay.¡± But his small hand remained firmly clasped around hers, refusing to let go.


    Diana glanced toward Rifi, who stood at the edge of the clearing, his back to them as he scanned the forest. His silhouette against the dimming light was imposing, yet somehow reassuring. She didn¡¯t fully understand him¡ªhis silences, his barely concealed anger¡ªbut she trusted him.


    Turning back to the group, she clapped her hands lightly to gather their attention. ¡°Everyone, get comfortable. Eat something if you can. We leave at dawn.¡±


    A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the group as they began settling in. The old man lowered himself carefully to the ground, muttering under his breath about his aching knees. The children, despite their fear, found comfort in the closeness of one another, huddling together for warmth and safety.


    Diana stayed crouched beside Darius, holding his small hand tightly in her own. ¡°We¡¯re almost there,¡± she said, more to herself than to him. ¡°Just one more push.¡±


    Standing at the edge of the clearing, Rifi let his senses expand once more, ensuring they weren¡¯t being followed. The patrol he¡¯d sensed earlier was still there, their presence unchanged. Good. They hadn¡¯t detected his probing. He drew his mana back, grounding himself.


    His gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the forest gave way to rocky hills. He could already see the path they would take in his mind¡ªthe steep incline, the exposed terrain, and the inevitable confrontation waiting below.


    The quiet crackle of his mana was almost imperceptible, yet Diana could feel it as she approached him. The air seemed to grow heavier with every step, a subtle pressure that hinted at the power he held tightly in check.


    Diana folded her arms, her expression tightening. ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s no other way?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s always another way,¡± Rifi said, finally turning to meet her gaze. His face was calm, but his eyes carried a weight she couldn¡¯t ignore. ¡°But the others can¡¯t take it. Not without putting themselves in even more danger.¡±


    The bluntness of his words stung, but Diana knew he wasn¡¯t wrong. Still, frustration flickered across her face as she glanced back at the group.


    ¡°And this way isn¡¯t dangerous?¡± she pressed, though the answer was already clear in his expression.


    ¡°It¡¯s the least dangerous,¡± Rifi said firmly. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the patrol. The rest of you will follow after it¡¯s clear.¡±


    Diana¡¯s jaw tightened as she struggled against the knot of fear in her chest. She had seen what Rifi was capable of¡ªhis overwhelming power, his precision, his ruthlessness¡ªbut the thought of him facing another fight alone sent her heart racing. Still, she knew better than to argue. ¡°Fine,¡± she said softly. ¡°But don¡¯t take unnecessary risks.¡±


    Rifi gave her a faint nod, his gaze already shifting back to the forest. ¡°Get some rest while you can,¡± he said, his tone a quiet command. ¡°Tomorrow will be a long day.¡±


    Diana lingered for a moment, watching him, before turning back to the group. She didn¡¯t miss the way his shoulders stiffened as she left, as though even in this brief moment of stillness, he couldn¡¯t let his guard down.


    Morning came too soon. The cool air of dawn carried a biting chill, and the group stirred reluctantly, their movements sluggish but determined. Diana helped the elderly to their feet, offering quiet reassurances to the children as they prepared to move. Despite their rest, the weight of the journey ahead pressed heavily on them.


    Rifi led the way, his steps deliberate as he tested the path ahead. The incline grew steeper as they ascended the ridge, the rocky terrain forcing the refugees to move even slower than before. The sound of their labored breathing filled the silence, and Diana could feel the strain in every step she took.


    When they reached the crest, Rifi stopped and turned to face Diana. The rising sun cast his face in sharp relief, his expression as unreadable as ever.


    ¡°Wait here with the group,¡± he said, his voice steady. ¡°Ten minutes. Then follow.¡±


    Diana frowned, her pulse quickening. ¡°What are you planning?¡± she asked, though deep down, she already knew.


    ¡°There¡¯s a patrol below,¡± he said simply. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of them.¡±


    Her heart sank, the weight of his words settling heavily in her chest. She clenched her fists, resisting the urge to protest. ¡°Be careful,¡± she said, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Rifi gave her a slight nod, then turned and began descending the ridge without another word. His movements were smooth, his mana tightly controlled, each step deliberate and measured. Diana watched him go, her chest tightening with worry.


    Turning back to the group, she forced herself to speak, her voice firm despite the fear clawing at her. ¡°Stay close,¡± she said. ¡°Be ready to move when I say.¡±


    The group huddled together, their anxiety mirrored in their quiet murmurs. Darius clutched Diana¡¯s hand tightly, his wide eyes fixed on the path Rifi had taken. ¡°Will he be okay?¡± he asked, his voice trembling.


    Diana crouched beside him, squeezing his hand reassuringly. ¡°He¡¯ll be fine,¡± she said, though her own uncertainty lingered in the back of her mind. ¡°He knows what he¡¯s doing.¡±


    Darius nodded hesitantly, his grip on her hand unwavering. The tension in the air was almost suffocating, every second dragging by with excruciating slowness. She could only hope that the storm Rifi carried within him would be enough to see them through.


    The patrol was exactly where Rifi had sensed them, moving with the easy confidence of soldiers who believed they owned the forest. Their armor glinted faintly in the morning sun, and their casual chatter echoed through the trees. The group was well-armed but utterly unprepared for what was coming, their weapons held loosely as if the thought of danger hadn¡¯t crossed their minds.


    There were six of them¡ªvery little mana clinging and resonating to them, Rifi¡¯s senses marked them as mages of lower cores¡ªat least, that was his assumption. He knew better than to rely entirely on appearances. Overconfidence could be dangerous, but carelessness was lethal.


    Emerging from the shadows, Rifi stepped into their line of sight, his silhouette framed by the dappled morning sunlight filtering through the trees. The patrol came to an abrupt halt, their idle chatter silenced as all eyes snapped to him.


    ¡°Who goes there?¡± one of the soldiers barked, his voice sharp, his hand reflexively gripping the hilt of his sword.


    Rifi remained silent. There was nothing to say to these Esquiliana bastards. Words were wasted on them.


    One of the mages flared his mana as a warning. The faint shimmer of blue danced across his irises as he infused them with energy, signaling his core level. ¡°You¡¯ve got guts,¡± he sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. ¡°But you must have a screw loose if you think you can just stroll past us.¡±


    One by one, the others followed his lead, their mana stirring as their eyes took on faint glimmers of color¡ªblue for the leader, purple for the mid-tier mages, and a dull brown for the weakest among them. Rifi¡¯s initial assumption was confirmed; their cores were unremarkable, and their skills weren¡¯t worth fearing.


    They just don¡¯t know it yet.


    Without a word, Rifi continued forward, his steps calm and measured, the shadow of his lowered hood concealing the gleam in his own eyes.


    ¡°Kill him,¡± the leader ordered, his voice steady but lacking the edge of someone truly seasoned in battle.


    The soldiers reacted immediately, their training kicking in as they fanned out to flank Rifi. The Brown-core mage hung back, his hands glowing faintly as he conjured small fireballs and hurled them forward in rapid succession. Meanwhile, the Purple-core mages began channeling more destructive spells, their mana weaving into jagged streaks of fire and bursts of ice aimed at encircling and overwhelming Rifi.


    Rifi didn¡¯t stop walking. His pace remained calm, almost leisurely, as though their efforts were beneath his notice. The air around him grew heavier, his mana flaring with each deliberate step. A thick shield materialized, its surface faintly shimmering as it fully enveloped his body.


    Since advancing to Orange-core, Rifi had noticed subtle changes in his abilities. His soul space had expanded slightly, extending just beyond the surface of his skin. At first, the effect had been barely noticeable¡ªa faint hum at the edge of his awareness. But as his control improved, so did the shield''s potential.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Now, for the first time, he allowed his elementless mana shield to fully manifest. The barrier formed a protective cocoon, a near-invisible shell that clung to him, just a few centimeters thick.


    He had never tested it in combat¡ªuntil now.


    The incoming spells slammed into the shield, their energy disintegrating on contact. Fireballs fizzled out into harmless embers. Shards of ice shattered, their fragments dissolving into vapor. Even the stronger more mana dense spells from the Purple-core mages¡ªspells designed to pierce through conventional defenses¡ªfailed to breach the barrier. The impact was so negligible that Rifi barely registered it, feeling nothing more than faint pinpricks where the projectiles landed.


    The Blue-core leader¡¯s snarl broke through the chaos, his frustration mounting as he infused his mana with greater intensity. He stomped his foot, sending a barrage of earth projectiles hurtling toward Rifi. Each spike of hardened stone whistled through the air with deadly precision, aimed to pierce through any defense.


    Rifi responded with a flick of his will. His mana surged outward, the barrier rippling as it took on the properties of his lightning element. Arcs of electricity crackled along its surface, leaping out to meet the incoming projectiles. The earth spikes shattered mid-air, reduced to harmless dust before they could come within striking distance.


    The leader¡¯s expression faltered, the confidence in his gaze giving way to something closer to panic. ¡°Don¡¯t hold back!¡± he shouted, his voice tinged with desperation. ¡°Hit him with everything you¡¯ve got!¡±


    The soldiers redoubled their efforts, their mana flaring brighter as they poured everything into their attacks. Spells flew through the air in rapid succession¡ªfireballs, ice shards and earthen spikes converging on Rifi¡¯s position.


    He stopped walking.


    For the first time, he acknowledged their efforts with a faint smirk, his lips curving upward as his voice cut through the cacophony.


    ¡°My turn.¡±


    The air around him ignited with raw energy as Rifi let his lightning surge through his body. The atmosphere crackled, the oppressive weight of his mana pressing down on the battlefield like a storm about to break. The faint hum that had accompanied his shield erupted into a sharp, resonating crackle, the sound of lightning ready to be unleashed.


    In an instant, he was gone, a blur of motion that left the spells flying through empty air.


    The first soldier barely had time to comprehend the blur of motion before Rifi appeared behind him. His hand crackled with concentrated arcs of lightning, humming with a deadly intensity. Without hesitation, Rifi struck, his fingers driving into the man¡¯s back with precision. The soldier convulsed violently, his weapon slipping from his grasp as his lifeless body hit the ground. Steam rose faintly from his armor, mingling with the faint metallic tang of ozone in the air.


    Rifi glanced down at the blood on his hand, his lips pressing into a thin line. He reached for the sword strapped to his side, instinct guiding him to draw it¡ªbut he hesitated. The weapon, reliable in most situations, simply couldn¡¯t handle the full intensity of his lightning mana. He had learned that theafter breaking into the orange core, the blade cracking and warping under the strain.


    He grimaced, his mind racing. The soldier¡¯s lifeless form at his feet was a reminder of the raw, untamed potential coursing through him. There had to be another way¡ªsomething more controlled, more fitting for the power he wielded.


    Closing his eyes briefly, Rifi let his mana surge to his palm, the dense energy swirling and crackling as he shaped it. Slowly, deliberately, the lightning condensed, extending outward into a blade-like form. The weapon hummed with power, arcs of electricity dancing along its edges, its shape sharp and fluid, as though alive.


    Rifi regarded the blade with quiet satisfaction. It felt natural, as though it was an extension of him. A weapon forged from his own power. He raised it slightly, the hum deepening as the lightning pulsed, resonating with his core.


    The remaining soldiers faltered, their previous confidence giving way to hesitation. Fear was plain on their faces now, their bravado crumbling under the weight of Rifi¡¯s silent menace. The crackling of his blade reverberated through the tense air, a grim prelude to what was to come.


    With a burst of speed, Rifi closed the distance to the next soldier, his lightning blade slicing cleanly through the man¡¯s weapon¡ªand his chest. The soldier crumpled to the ground, the faint glow of the blade reflecting in his lifeless eyes. Rifi turned sharply, his movements fluid and precise, his blade arcing toward the next target.


    ¡°Keep your formation!¡± the Blue-core leader barked, his voice tinged with desperation as he infused his blade with mana, the weapon glowing faintly with earth energy. ¡°This bastard¡¯s nothing! We¡¯ll take him down together!¡±


    Rifi turned his gaze toward the leader, his eyes narrowing as he took in the man¡¯s stance. Unlike the others, this one moved with purpose, his aura stronger, his resolve unshaken¡ªat least for now. Respect flickered briefly in Rifi¡¯s mind, but it didn¡¯t linger. Esquiliana or not, the man was an enemy.


    The leader roared as he charged, his blade coated in a dense layer of mana, jagged earth spikes forming along its edge. His comrades followed his lead, their weapons and spells directed toward Rifi in a desperate attempt to overwhelm him.


    Rifi met the leader head-on, their blades colliding with a deafening crash. The force of the impact shook the ground beneath them, a shockwave rippling through the air. The two clashed again and again, sparks flying as lightning and earth mana clashed violently. The leader was skilled, his movements precise and his strikes calculated, but he was no match for Rifi¡¯s superior speed and precision.


    A faint smirk tugged at Rifi¡¯s lips. ¡°Not bad,¡± he said, his tone almost respectful. ¡°But not enough.¡±


    The leader barely had time to react as Rifi shifted his stance, his lightning blade flickering in a feint before striking true. The blade pierced the man¡¯s chest, its energy surging through him in an instant. The leader gasped, his weapon falling from his grasp as his body crumpled to the ground. His death was swift, a clean strike to ensure it was painless.


    The remaining three soldiers froze, their courage drained as they finally noticed the faint orange hue shimmering in Rifi¡¯s eyes. One of them dropped his sword, his hands trembling. ¡°Please!¡± he stammered, his voice barely audible. ¡°We¡¯ll leave¡ªwe won¡¯t tell anyone, I swear!¡±


    Rifi¡¯s gaze shifted to the man, cold and unyielding. There was no trace of pity, no hesitation. His voice was quiet, almost calm, as he replied, ¡°Too late.¡±


    A flash of lightning illuminated the clearing, blinding in its intensity. When the light faded, the last of the soldiers lay lifeless on the ground, their bodies scorched and motionless. The forest fell silent once more, the only sound the faint hum of residual energy dissipating into the air.


    From the ridge, Diana watched in stunned silence. The fight had lasted mere moments, but the raw display of power was burned into her mind.


    For a moment, awe and fear battled within her, each vying for dominance.


    She forced herself to look away, turning back to the group huddled behind her. Their expressions ranged from shock to quiet horror, the children clinging to their elders as though seeking refuge from the blood-soaked reality below.


    ¡°We move now,¡± Diana said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Her voice was firm, but there was an edge to it, a tension that betrayed her own unease.


    The others nodded mutely, their movements sluggish as they prepared to follow. Diana continued, her voice steady as she urged the group forward. ¡°Stay close. Don¡¯t look down.¡±


    As they passed through the battlefield, the stench of blood and ozone hung heavy in the air. The ground was slick with gore, the bodies of the Esquiliana patrol scattered like broken dolls. The children buried their faces against the adults, their small hands trembling as they clung to their protectors. Diana¡¯s stomach churned, but she kept her eyes fixed ahead, refusing to let her revulsion show.


    ¡°Keep moving,¡± she murmured, her words as much for herself as for the group. ¡°We¡¯re almost there.¡±


    Rifi was already ahead, his figure barely visible as he scouted the path. His senses were finely tuned, his mana pulsing in measured waves as he searched for any sign of lingering threats. The group moved with haste, though their pace was more a desperate shuffle than a march. The weight of exhaustion hung heavy over them, every step a monumental effort.


    Even though Rifi had taken down the first patrol with surgical precision, it wasn¡¯t enough to ensure their safety. The enemy was relentless. Twice, Rifi had fallen back and disappeared into the dense forest, leaving Diana to manage the group as he dealt with the pursuers. Each time he returned, his cloak bore fresh bloodstains, the sharp tang of lightning mana clinging to him like a second skin. His expression remained unreadable, his movements brisk and purposeful, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his mounting frustration.


    No one dared to ask what had happened during those brief disappearances. The answer was evident enough in the silence that followed his return¡ªand the way the children instinctively shrank away from him, even as they relied on his protection.


    ¡°We need to keep going,¡± Diana urged, her voice tight with urgency. She glanced at the elderly, their faces pale and drawn. The last half hour had been brutal, with the weaker members of the group barely able to walk. Some of the men had taken turns carrying them, their own exhaustion evident in their strained expressions.


    Diana¡¯s brother, Darius, tugged at her sleeve, his small voice breaking through the tense silence. ¡°Big sister, will we make it?¡±


    She crouched beside him, forcing a smile she didn¡¯t feel. ¡°Yes, we will,¡± she said, her voice soft but resolute. ¡°Just a little further. Stay close to me.¡±


    The boy nodded, his trust in her unshaken despite the fear in his eyes.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached a clearing where the dense forest gave way to open land. The sight that greeted them brought an audible gasp of relief from the group. A patrol of armored soldiers stood at the edge of the clearing, their weapons drawn but lowered, their armor emblazoned with the unmistakable insignia of the Suburana clan.


    The Suburana patrol moved into formation the moment  the group emerged from the treeline. Their heavy armor gleamed under the mid-afternoon sun, and their eyes were sharp as they assessed the ragged group before them. Despite their battle-ready stance, there was no immediate hostility, only caution.


    The leader of the patrol, a broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence, stepped forward. His helmet was tucked under one arm, revealing a weathered face lined with years of service. His sharp eyes swept over the group, taking in their dirt-streaked faces, trembling children, and the barely conscious elderly being carried on makeshift stretchers.


    ¡°Halt!¡± the leader¡¯s voice boomed, cutting through the heavy silence. ¡°Identify yourselves, or we¡¯ll assume you¡¯re Esquiliana spies.¡±


    Diana stepped forward, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. ¡°We¡¯re refugees from Hepestus,¡± she said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. ¡°We¡¯ve been fleeing Esquiliana forces for weeks. Please¡ªwe need your help.¡±


    The commander¡¯s gaze swept over the ragged group, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in their condition¡ªthe dirt-streaked faces, hollow eyes, and trembling children clinging to their elders. The refugees stood in an uneasy huddle, their exhaustion palpable, but there was a faint glimmer of relief in their expressions. His attention shifted sharply when Rifi emerged from the forest moments later. Rifi stood slightly apart from the group, his cloak streaked with blood, his stance calm but commanding. Even without flaring his mana, his presence was unmistakable¡ªthat of a strong mage.


    ¡°And you?¡± the commander asked, his tone cautious, almost guarded. ¡°You don¡¯t look like a refugee.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s gaze locked with the commander¡¯s, his sharp eyes assessing the man before him. He noted the faint green shimmer in the commander¡¯s pupils, a telltale sign of his rank. A Green-core mage, impressive. In Hepestus, Green-core mages were rare, fewer than five hundred among the city-state¡¯s entire population. That alone explained the man¡¯s commanding presence.


    ¡°I helped them get here safely,¡± Rifi said simply, his voice steady. ¡°I am a legionary of Hepestus.¡± He reached into his cloak, retrieving the small, tarnished tag that marked his allegiance. The faint metal glinted in the sunlight as he held it up for the commander to see.


    One of the Suburana soldiers stepped forward, his brow furrowed with suspicion. ¡°This could be another Esquiliana trick,¡± he muttered to the commander, his hand hovering near the hilt of his blade.


    The commander¡¯s eyes flicked to his subordinate, then back to Rifi. He studied the bloodstained cloak, the unwavering calm in Rifi¡¯s stance, and the way he carried himself¡ªnot as a defeated refugee but as a warrior with purpose. Something in the stranger¡¯s demeanor struck a chord of truth.


    ¡°Something tells me,¡± the commander said slowly, his gaze still fixed on Rifi, ¡°this time it¡¯s not so simple.¡±


    He straightened, addressing both Rifi and the group. ¡°We will take you to our camp, but first, you will surrender your weapons. Don¡¯t be offended, but trust is a luxury we can¡¯t afford in these times.¡±


    Rifi glanced at Diana, giving her a subtle nod. The message was clear. Without hesitation, she turned to the group. ¡°Drop everything you have,¡± she said, her tone firm but reassuring. ¡°They¡¯re here to help us.¡±


    The refugees hesitated, some of the older men and women clutching their makeshift tools as though letting go of them would strip away their last defenses. But as Rifi moved to unbuckle his own sword and dropped it onto the ground without protest, the others began to follow suit. Knives, rusted swords, and simple staffs were added to the growing pile. Diana herself set down her blade, glancing nervously at the soldiers.


    Rifi removed his gear last, stepping forward to place it atop the pile. His voice was calm, measured. ¡°It¡¯s only natural that you take precautions.¡±


    The commander nodded in approval, gesturing to his soldiers. ¡°Go and collect the gear,¡± he ordered. ¡°And don¡¯t drop your guard just yet.¡±


    The Suburana soldiers moved with practiced efficiency, gathering the weapons while keeping a watchful eye on the group. Though the refugees murmured quiet words of thanks, the soldiers¡¯ stances remained alert, their hands never straying far from their weapons. Despite the tension, a palpable wave of relief began to spread through the group. A few of the elderly wiped tears from their eyes, whispering their gratitude as they looked toward the patrol.


    The commander¡¯s gaze returned to Diana, his expression softening slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve come a long way,¡± he said, his voice less commanding now. ¡°We¡¯ll escort you to the outpost. The clan leaders will decide what happens next.¡±


    Diana let out a shaky breath, one she hadn¡¯t realized she¡¯d been holding. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly, her sincerity clear despite her exhaustion.


    The commander nodded, then turned to Rifi, his tone regaining its edge. ¡°And you? Something tells me you¡¯re not just another legionary.¡±


    Rifi met the man¡¯s gaze evenly. ¡°I just want to find the City Lord and rejoin the fight as soon as possible,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ve done my part when it comes to this group. They¡¯re your responsibility now.¡±


    The commander¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained thoughtful. ¡°I see,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t have the authority to share much with you. Only those above me can make those calls.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Rifi said, his voice firm but calm. ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    Satisfied, the commander turned back to his soldiers. ¡°Form up. We¡¯re moving.¡±


    The group began their slow march toward the Suburana outpost. Though the patrol maintained a defensive perimeter, the tension in the air had lessened. For the first time in weeks, the refugees dared to hope. Some exchanged quiet, tearful thanks, their gratitude spilling over in whispered prayers.


    Diana walked beside the commander, answering his questions as best she could. She explained their escape from Hepestus, the attacks they had endured, and the lives they had lost. Her voice wavered at times, but the commander listened intently, his expression grim.


    Rifi walked right besides them, his senses still tuned to the forest. Though he remained silent, he caught snippets of conversation and saw the subtle shifts in the group¡¯s demeanor. The weight of their ordeal was still heavy, but there was a newfound lightness in their steps¡ªa small, fragile spark of hope.


    The commander cast a sharp glance at Rifi as they approached the gates of the Suburana outpost. The heavy wooden fortifications loomed ahead, the guards on the walls peering down with weapons ready, but it wasn¡¯t their scrutiny that held the commander¡¯s focus.


    ¡°You¡¯re not just any legionary,¡± the commander said, his tone cautious but probing. ¡°There¡¯s something about you.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver as he reached into his cloak. With a quiet motion, he pulled out a small emblem, the mark of a battlemage, polished but a little damaged from his battles. He held it out in his palm, the sigil catching the fading light.


    A hushed murmur rippled through the soldiers around them. Eyes widened, and a few whispered to one another, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. A battlemage wasn¡¯t a rank seen often, especially not just casually like this.


    The commander¡¯s brows rose, and though he quickly masked his reaction, the curiosity lingered in his gaze. ¡°A battlemage,¡± he repeated, his voice lower, almost reverent. ¡°That explains why this group of mere humans made it so far.¡±


    Rifi said nothing, slipping the emblem back into his cloak. He didn¡¯t feel the need to elaborate.


    One of the younger legionaries couldn¡¯t help himself. ¡°I¡¯ve heard of battlemages,¡± he blurted, his voice filled with wonder. ¡°They say they¡ª¡±


    ¡°Keep your mouth shut,¡± the commander snapped, though his tone held no real bite. His gaze returned to Rifi. ¡°I won¡¯t question the title. It explains a lot, but don¡¯t expect it to shield you from scrutiny in Suburana. Our clan leaders will decide if you¡¯re worth trusting.¡±


    Rifi¡¯s voice was calm, steady. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect otherwise.¡±


    The murmurs hadn¡¯t fully died down as the group resumed their march toward the outpost. The soldiers¡¯ awe wasn¡¯t lost on Rifi, but he ignored it. Titles were meaningless unless backed by actions, and his actions would speak for themselves when the time came.


    Diana glanced sideways at him, her voice low enough not to be heard by the others. ¡°That... explains a lot.¡±


    ¡°Does it?¡± Rifi replied simply, his tone giving nothing away.


    She shook her head, her voice colored by a mix of relief and frustration. ¡°I was worried sick when you went off alone to fight. You could¡¯ve at least told me you were a Battlemage. You don¡¯t think it would have been reassuring to know that you¡¯re a Red core?¡±


    Rifi glanced at her, his tone as nonchalant as if he were discussing the weather. ¡°More like Orange core.¡±


    The words hung in the air like a lightning strike. Diana¡¯s jaw dropped, and even the commander, who had kept a measured composure until now, took an involuntary step back. The legionaries exchanged wide-eyed glances, murmurs rippling through their ranks.


    ¡°Orange core?¡± Diana repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Before the war, there were only twenty Orange cores in all of Hepestus. You are that... strong?¡±


    ¡°Sounds about right,¡± Rifi replied, his expression betraying no emotion. ¡°Not exactly something you drop in casual conversation.¡±


    Diana stared at him, torn between disbelief and awe. ¡°You really are impossible.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± he said with a faint smirk, turning his attention to the road ahead. ¡°But at least now you know why I wasn¡¯t too worried about that patrol.¡±


    Diana shook her head again, this time with a small, incredulous laugh. ¡°I don¡¯t know whether to strangle you or thank you now.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s save that decision for after we get to the outpost,¡± Rifi replied, his smirk deepening as he began walking again.


    The commander finally found his voice, his tone a mix of respect and newfound caution. ¡°An Orange core¡­. what a day to be alive. I suppose the stories about Battlemages weren¡¯t exaggerated after all.¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Diana said, falling in step beside Rifi, her voice laced with dry humor, ¡°welcome to traveling with Rifi. It¡¯s never boring.¡±


    Her smile faded as a sudden thought hit her. She slowed her steps, her mind racing. Orange core¡­ She was joking with him, teasing him like a friend. Someone of that rank¡ªthe kind of rank that inspired reverence, the kind of rank she¡¯d only heard about in stories¡ªand she¡¯d treated him so¡­ casually.


    Her feet faltered as the realization sank in, and she stared at Rifi¡¯s back, her stomach twisting. ¡°Orange-core...I¡­ I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª¡±


    Rifi glanced over his shoulder, his expression softening slightly. ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he said. ¡°Titles mean nothing. You did more for these people than I ever could.¡±


    Diana hesitated, searching his face for any hint of condescension, but there was none. His tone was firm but kind, his eyes steady. She nodded slowly, her steps quickening to catch up.


    ¡°Thank you, Rifi,¡± she said, her voice tinged with relief but still wry. ¡°For a Battlemage, you¡¯re surprisingly easy to talk to.¡±


    Rifi chuckled softly, the sound rare but genuine. ¡°Don¡¯t get used to it.¡±


    Diana rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a faint smile. ¡°Too late.¡±

 40. Suburana Stronghold

    The outpost stood firm, its stone walls bearing the scars of past battles. Faint traces of mana pulsed through the fortifications, a reinforcement that could be fully activated by mages inbuing their mana into the walls in the event of an attack.


    Inside, the fortified space was divided¡ªone half rigid with military precision, the other overflowing with desperation.


    The inner walls were lined with makeshift shelters, patchwork tents, and collapsed wagons repurposed into homes. Smoke curled from shallow fire pits, doing little to mask the staleness of damp cloth and the acrid scent of sickness.


    The refugees looked torn and exhausted, yet hope still lingered in their eyes as they watched their children play with makeshift toys, small remnants of a world that once was.


    In contrast, the legionaries occupied the center of the outpost in stark military order. Their camp was a grid of canvas tents, arranged in neat, disciplined rows, each entrance facing inward toward a central command post. Racks of weapons stood at the ready¡ªswords sharpened, shields and spears lined in formation, waiting.


    Though they were better off than the refugees, the wear of war was unmistakable. Their armor, once polished and engraved, now bore scratches, dents, and dried streaks of old blood. Many had wrapped strips of cloth around their gauntlets where plating had broken, and some wore patched-up tunics beneath their chestplates to keep out the cold.


    As Rifi and his group entered alongside the Commander, they drew only a few fleeting glances from the legionaries and civilians alike. Most simply returned to their duties, unsurprised that yet another group of refugees had joined them.


    The commander of the patrol worked swiftly, wasting no time in organizing shelter for the newly arrived refugees.


    There wasn¡¯t much he needed to do since the shelters had already been prepared. This was not the first group of refugees to pass through, nor would it be the last. The process had been repeated many times, and yet, despite its routine nature, it was clear that the commander took extra care in ensuring everything was handled properly. Perhaps it was his natural sense of duty¡ªor perhaps he was simply looking to get in the good grace of an Orange-Core.


    With the war dragging on and casualties mounting, the number of high-tier mages had dwindled. An Orange-Core was not just another soldier; they were a rare resource, an asset that could shift the tide of battle. Whether out of respect, caution, or self-preservation, the commander ensured that the group Rifi was traveling with was accommodated without issue.


    After the refugees had been settled, Severus personally led Rifi toward the main command structure, where the mage overseeing the outpost awaited them.


    Unlike the grand keeps of major clans, this outpost was built for function. Its position was no accident. Flanked by uneven terrain, it acted as a natural chokepoint, with little room for a full-scale assault. Strategically placed for defense, it stood in contrast to most outposts, which were simply constructed around mana veins.


    Severus moved with purpose as they stepped inside the main building.


    The meeting chamber was as utilitarian as the outpost itself. A heavy oak table stood at its center, covered with maps pinned down by iron markers and scattered notes written in hurried script. A single dagger had been stabbed into the wood, holding down a parchment¡ªits placement not decorative, but deliberate.


    The walls bore faint scorch marks, remnants of spells cast in anger or frustration, and the air carried the scent of old parchment and burning mana. A single iron sconce, its surface dulled with age, flickered with enchanted flame, casting long shadows across the chamber.


    As they entered, the man standing at the far end of the table rose. His movements were steady and controlled¡ªnot the motions of a man unsure of his place, but of one accustomed to command.


    Septimus Sobriana was a man of governance before he became a man of war. His posture was upright, disciplined, yet his movements had the calculated efficiency of a statesman rather than a lifelong soldier. There was no wasted motion, no brashness¡ªonly a quiet control that spoke of years spent in negotiation halls rather than battlefields.


    His uniform, though practical, still carried traces of the refinement expected of a leader¡ªa dark, reinforced tunic woven with mana-threaded embroidery, tailored for comfort as much as protection. Unlike seasoned warriors who wore their scars openly, Septimus bore only faint markings of battle, as if conflict had been an unwelcome but necessary addition to his life. His half-cloak, embroidered with the sigil of the Sobriana clan, proudly displayed.


    His gauntlets, polished and well-maintained, had few scratches, their edges showing wear from defensive use rather than prolonged combat. He was not a man who reveled in battle, but neither was he one to shy away from it. His presence was not one of brute force, but of measured authority, the kind that carried more weight in council chambers than on the front lines.


    His eyes, however, were sharp¡ªnot the reckless gaze of a warrior eager for blood, but the piercing, assessing look of a man who had spent years studying people, weighing intentions, predicting outcomes. Even as he regarded Rifi, there was no immediate instinctual challenge¡ªonly calculation, curiosity, and a mind constantly at work.


    On his uniform, clearly visible, he carried his rank insignia¡ªthe marking of a Red-Core spellbound mage.


    ¡°Welcome to our Sobriana clan¡¯s humble outpost,¡± he said, his voice even and measured. ¡°Rifi, is it?¡±


    Rifi inclined his head slightly. ¡°It is. Thank you for your help.¡±


    Septimus nodded once, speaking with the efficiency of a man who undoubtedly carried himself well in political circles.


    ¡°No, no. I should be the one expressing gratitude. Ah, but where are my manners?¡± He straightened slightly. ¡°Septimus Sobriana. I believe you are already acquainted with my son, Severus Sobriana.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Rifi said. ¡°I had the pleasure.¡±


    There was a flicker of something in Septimus¡¯s gaze¡ªsomething unreadable¡ªbut it passed quickly, his expression returning to its usual pragmatism.


    Septimus¡¯s expression grew more serious, his brows knitting together in thought. "My son tells me you are a legionary of Hepestus¡­ and an Orange-Core at that. Forgive me if I am blunt, but I do not recall any of Hepestus¡¯s Orange-Cores bearing the name Rifi."


    "It would be worrying if you did," Rifi replied evenly. "I only recently broke through."


    "Ah," Septimus said, tilting his head slightly in acknowledgment. "That does explain it¡­ to an extent. But it also raises more questions."This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    Rifi nodded, his tone calm and measured. "Naturally. However, the City Lord or one of his trusted officers would surely be able to confirm my identity."


    Septimus and Severus exchanged a glance, their concern evident.


    "We cannot simply bring anyone before the City Lord, especially not in his current state," Septimus said cautiously. "Even though you are stronger than us, we still need to exercise caution and common sense. Surely, you understand our position."


    It was clear to Rifi that while they were making an effort to remain respectful, both men were wary of him. Their unease stemmed not only from their strict leadership but also from Rifi himself. They did not trust him¡ªyet they did not dare risk offending him either.


    Recognizing their apprehension, Rifi relented, recounting the events of his last mission and the circumstances of his disappearance. As he spoke, Septimus¡¯s expression shifted several times¡ªmoving from skepticism to contemplation, and finally, to grim understanding. The weight of Rifi¡¯s story was not lost on him.


    "Your story does make sense," Septimus said finally, his voice heavy. "Kaelin is a name well-known to us. He played no small role in the fall of the City. The bastard is hated by all, but I don¡¯t need to tell you that. Even now, he plagues our legionaries, his blade claiming more lives by the day."


    Rifi¡¯s eyes narrowed, his mana surging involuntarily as anger gripped him. "So that piece of shit is still alive?!"


    The oppressive weight of his mana filled the chamber instantly. Severus instinctively took a step back, his hand brushing against the wall for balance. Even Septimus, seasoned and composed, adjusted his stance, shoulders squaring to withstand the force pressing against him. The heavy air crackled with restrained power.


    Only when Severus muttered, "Scary," did Rifi realize what he was doing. With a slow breath, he reined his mana back into his core, letting the tension in the room settle.


    "My apologies," Rifi said quietly. "It seems I let my emotions get the better of me."


    Septimus exhaled slowly, smoothing the front of his tunic. "No apology necessary. It was my fault for carelessly bringing him into the conversation." His voice, though calm, carried an edge of awareness now. "Let¡¯s return to the matter at hand."


    He studied Rifi for a moment longer before speaking. "I believe you, even under these circumstances."


    Turning to Severus, he gave his orders. "Gather two more legionaries and prepare to depart in an hour. You will escort Rifi to the main clan."


    Severus gave a sharp nod before swiftly leaving the room.


    Septimus turned back to Rifi. "I appreciate your patience. The situation demands caution, and I must take my duties seriously."


    "The situation demands such, so do not worry," Rifi replied.


    A rare chuckle escaped Septimus. "Refreshing, to meet such an understanding Orange-Core." His tone, though lighter, did not lose its edge of calculation. "I won¡¯t hold you much longer, but as a precaution, you will be questioned again before entering the main compound. However, you arrived at a fortunate time¡ªa delegation from the City Lord¡¯s forces is present. They will likely be able to confirm your story."


    Rifi inclined his head. "That is reassuring news. Thank you."


    Septimus returned the nod before gesturing toward one of the maidens waiting near the door.


    "Take our guest to wash up," he instructed.


    Only then did Rifi truly notice himself. His uniform was caked in dried blood and dust, his hair tangled and stiff with sweat. The scent of battle clung to him¡ªiron, smoke, and blood¡ªa lingering reminder of the path that had brought him here. He had grown used to it, but now, within the walls of relative safety, he realized just how out of place it must seem.


    The maiden, a young woman with tied-back auburn hair, bowed lightly, though there was fear in her blue eyes. ¡°This way, honored guest.¡±


    Rifi followed, casting one last glance at Septimus, who had already returned to his seat, deeply in thoughs. The weight of leadership never left a man like him.


    The bathing chamber was simple but functional¡ªa stone basin filled with heated water, a wooden bucket, and fresh uniform folded neatly on a stool. As he stripped away the layers of grime and stepped into the water, the heat seeped into his muscles, loosening the tension that had become so familiar he had almost forgotten it was there.


    For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Rifi took a breath that did not carry the scent of war.


    By the time he emerged outside, clad in fresh clothes provided by the Sobriana, Severus and the two legionaries were already waiting in front of the barracks, their gear polished and pristine¡ªno doubt wanting to present a certain image as representatives in front of their main clan, Suburana.


    Just as he approached, a familiar voice rang out.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Diana.


    The young woman hurried toward him, her expression tense, her hands balled into fists. The deep cerulean hue of her mana flickered faintly around her fingertips, barely contained. Rifi had seen that glow before¡ªthe odd, shifting, ever-changing nature of her element¡ªsomething he still couldn¡¯t quite categorize.


    He turned fully to her. ¡°Diana.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving already?¡± she asked, her voice sharp, as though accusing him of slipping away without saying goodbye. Her golden eyes searched his face, looking for something¡ªperhaps reassurance, perhaps a promise.


    Rifi hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice softer than usual. ¡°I have no choice. The situation is¡­ delicate.¡±


    Diana exhaled through her nose. ¡°I know. But¡ª¡± She bit her lip, then straightened. ¡°You owe me.¡±


    Rifi arched a brow. ¡°I owe you?¡±


    She crossed her arms, chin raised defiantly. ¡°Yes.¡± Then, as if scrambling for justification, she quickly added, ¡°I did tell you what happened to Hepestus¡­ and that the City Lord was probably alive. That has to count for something.¡±


    Rifi studied her for a moment. That was true¡ªbut the way she said it, the sheer boldness of it, amused him. Ambitious, brazen, completely unwilling to back down.


    He let out a genuine, heartfelt laugh.


    Rifi let out a genuine, heartfelt laugh.


    ¡°Pretty bold for someone who, mere hours ago, was lost for words because of a scary Orange-Core mage.¡±


    Diana scoffed, shaking her head. ¡°My parents always told me that if I wanted to succeed, I had to be bold.¡±


    Rifi smirked. ¡°I just cant catch a break seems.¡±


    Then, after a brief pause, he nodded. ¡°Fine. Once this is over, I¡¯ll train you.¡±


    Diana¡¯s posture relaxed slightly, but she quickly masked her relief with a huff. ¡°Good. I¡¯ll hold you to it.¡±


    Severus, who had been quietly observing, cleared his throat. ¡°We need to leave.¡±


    Diana took a step back, but before Rifi mounted his beast, he placed a hand on her forearm, his grip firm. ¡°Stay alive.¡±


    Diana¡¯s lips parted slightly, caught off guard, but she didn¡¯t look away. ¡°I intend to.¡±


    And with that, he departed with Severus and the two legionaries.


    The journey was swift, the wind whipping past them as they traversed battle-worn plains and dense forests on foot. Even through the trees, the looming walls of the Suburana stronghold were visible¡ªdark stone reinforced with high-rank beast bone, its pale, jagged traces running like veins through the structure, fortifying it against magic. The walls stood high, an immovable bastion against the encroaching dangers of war.


    The gates towered six meters high, the crests of the Suburana clan etched into the archway. Flanking the entrance, guards stood at attention, their armor well-maintained despite the wear of constant conflict.


    As they approached, Severus slowed his pace, lifting the Sobriana clan¡¯s insignia¡ªa token of authority.


    ¡°Severus of the Sobriana clan,¡± he declared. ¡°I bring information that must be shared with the main clan.¡±


    One of the guards, a broad-shouldered man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, his eyes scanning the group. His gaze lingered on Rifi for a fraction longer, his expression unreadable, before he finally spoke.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t expect you so soon. Did something happen?¡± The guard¡¯s tone was cautious, his gaze flicking between Severus and Rifi.


    Severus met his stare evenly. ¡°Ah, nothing much. We just happened to stumble upon a lost Orange-Core,¡± he boasted, a hint of amusement in his voice. ¡°So we rushed to inform the Matriarch and, well, confirm his identity.¡±


    The guard studied Rifi for a moment, his expression unreadable, before finally motioning toward the gatekeepers. ¡°Open the gates.¡± Then, turning back to Severus, he added, ¡°You¡¯d best report to Selmak first. You know how things are¡ªgoing straight to the Matriarch would stir up a storm.¡±


    Severus gave a slight nod. ¡°Naturally. Thank you.¡±


    With a heavy groan, the reinforced doors swung open, revealing the city beyond.


    Inside, the Suburana stronghold was a city of its own. Though smaller than Hepestus, it was meticulously structured¡ªstone buildings lined the streets, watchtowers strategically placed at high vantage points, and markets interwoven with training grounds where legionaries sparred in disciplined formations. The scent of treated beast hide, fire, and earth lingered in the air, a testament to the city''s dual nature as both a military bastion and a place of governance.


    Severus turned to Rifi. ¡°Welcome to the Suburana stronghold,¡± he said. ¡°A bit more cramped than usual.¡±

 41. The Matriarch鈥檚 Court

    Calling it a stronghold barely did it justice. Though smaller than the great city of Hepestus, this was no mere outpost¡ªit was a true city in its own right. It stood proud, carved into the surrounding hills, fortified and alive, home to one of Hepestus¡¯ most powerful clans: the Suburana.


    Its tall gates boasted defenses rivaling those of Hepestus itself. Now that he had reached the rank of Orange-Core, Rifi could feel the mana pulsing through the walls¡ªintricate channels etched into the stone, quietly humming with magical energy.


    It would be hard for any mage to breach these walls with brute force, he thought with no small amount of admiration.


    And he was right. When fully channeled, these walls could withstand even the destructive might of an Orange-Core battlemage. But as always, walls only stood as long as the mages defending them held the line. And if those defenders broke, no fortification could hold forever. Still, the cost of assaulting this place would be immense.


    Unlike the grim atmosphere of the outpost they''d left behind, the streets here were bustling. The voices of merchants rose above the crowd, hawking goods and fresh supplies. Children ran between stone archways, laughing, while legionaries strode through in polished armor, some nodding at familiar faces.


    It was in this tide of activity that they encountered him.


    ¡°Oh, if it isn''t our faithful servant Severus,¡± came a voice dripping with mockery.


    A tall young man stepped into their path, his crimson-lined cloak brushing against his boots. Varek. His features were handsome in the most arrogant way possible¡ªsmirking lips, half-lidded eyes, the smug confidence of someone who believed the world owed him deference.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me,¡± Varek went on, ¡°the Sobriana cowards need our help again?¡±


    Severus¡¯s face tightened, his steps slowing but not halting. ¡°Greetings, Lord Varek,¡± he said evenly. ¡°I¡¯m afraid we don¡¯t have time for idle talk. We¡¯re on official business.¡±


    He moved to step around Varek, but the man side-stepped with him.


    ¡°Official business?¡± Varek repeated, eyes flicking to Rifi. ¡°Let me guess. Another stray you picked up from the mud?¡±


    His gaze lingered on Rifi, trying to provoke something. But Rifi didn¡¯t react. He¡¯d seen men like this too many times. Loud mouths, soft hearts.


    ¡°You¡¯re fortunate,¡± Varek added, taking a step back, ¡°that the clan head summoned me. Otherwise, I¡¯d teach both you and your mute companion a lesson in manners.¡±


    Severus gave a sharp nod and pushed forward. Rifi followed, letting the encounter wash off him like rain from stone.


    Once they were clear, Severus exhaled. ¡°My apologies, Battlemage Rifi. I hope you took no offense.¡±


    Rifi glanced at him. ¡°None taken.¡±


    Some of the tension visibly left Severus¡¯s shoulders. But the silence between them afterward was heavy. The memory of Varek¡¯s words lingered.


    Humanity is always the same, Rifi thought bitterly. The strong abuse, the weak endure.


    He wasn¡¯t a man easily moved, but moments like this reminded him why he held so little love for the world. If not for the promise he had made¡ªto his sister, long ago¡ªhe doubted he¡¯d even be walking among the living now.


    But there was no time for brooding. The stronghold demanded attention.


    Unlike Hepestus, with its grand halls and layered districts, the Suburana city was compact and militarized. Roads twisted through rows of buildings reinforced with beastbone and hardened spells. Barracks, forges, and armories dominated the skyline. It was clear: this was a city made for war, not comfort.


    They passed a training ground where youths sparred with controlled ferocity. An older mage barked instructions, pausing only to correct poor form with a swift jab of his staff. Further down, soldiers took meals in open-air mess halls, their conversations low and focused. Most gave Rifi only a brief glance.


    ¡°The Suburana are nothing if not orderly,¡± Rifi remarked, watching a patrol pass by in perfect formation.


    Severus nodded. ¡°Discipline means survival. Every one of us knows our place. We don¡¯t have the luxury of chaos.¡±


    ¡°Like the Sobriana?¡± Rifi asked, his voice quiet but pointed, recalling Varek¡¯s sneer.


    Severus didn¡¯t respond.


    They turned a final corner and approached a modest structure nestled against the inner walls. Compared to the grand command towers they had passed, this building was understated. Yet there was no mistaking its importance. The air around it thrummed with magic, dense and coiled.


    ¡°Selmak resides here?¡± Rifi asked.


    Severus nodded. ¡°The last Orange-Core of our main clan. He values silence over ceremony.¡±


    Two guards stood before the door, unmoving. One stepped forward as they approached, his eyes briefly assessing Rifi.


    ¡°You¡¯re expected,¡± he said, and stepped aside.


    Severus pushed open the door.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not keep him waiting.¡±


    They entered. The air was heavier here¡ªsaturated with the subtle pressure of something thick and unyielding, the lingering imprint of high-tier mana. Every breath carried the scent of parchment, old mana residue, and something faintly metallic¡ªlike storm-touched stone. The chamber¡¯s stone walls were lined with relics of campaigns long past: worn banners, preserved beast horns, and shelves of scrolls aged to yellow. At the far end sat an old man whose presence filled the space far more than his wiry frame should allow.


    Selmak looked up from a scroll he had been reviewing, eyes narrowing slightly as he acknowledged them. ¡°Severus,¡± he said, voice calm but edged with an expectant note. Then his gaze shifted to Rifi. ¡°And you must be the lost one.¡±


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    Rifi stepped forward, posture straight. ¡°Rifi.¡±


    Selmak leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping the wood in a quiet rhythm. ¡°A name unfamiliar in this stronghold. I¡¯m told you seek to rejoin the war effort among our ranks. But why should we trust you?¡±


    Severus stepped in, voice steady. ¡°My father is willing to vouch for Battlemage Rifi. He brought a group of Hepestus refugees safely through the lines of Esquiliana forces. It was no small feat.¡±


    Selmak¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Perhaps. But would there be any refugees at all if not for betrayal within our own ranks? If memory serves, one of Battlemage Rifi¡¯s own team helped bring about the city¡¯s fall. What assurance do we have that he is not another knife in our back?¡±


    Rifi¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°Long before Kaelin turned on the city, he put a blade through me.¡± He pulled off his upper tunic in one swift motion, revealing a jagged, pale scar on his chest, right where his heart had been pierced. ¡°This was his gift to me.¡±


    Selmak¡¯s gaze lingered on the wound but remained impassive. ¡°Scars can be bought. Faked. Inflicted in a dozen ways.¡±


    Rifi let out a quiet breath. ¡°Then see for yourself. Circulate your mana through me.¡±


    The room went still.


    Selmak blinked once. ¡°You would allow me that?¡±


    Allowing another mage to thread their mana through your body was a sign of profound trust¡ªor desperation. If Selmak wished, he could rupture Rifi¡¯s core where he stood.


    Rifi simply said, ¡°I¡¯m tired of all these charades.¡±


    They stared at each other, long and silent.


    Finally, Selmak nodded. ¡°Very well.¡±


    Severus shifted, uncertain, but didn¡¯t speak. Selmak rose from his seat, his movements slow but purposeful. He approached Rifi, still cautious¡ªfew would be so bold as to offer up their defenses to a stranger.


    The elder mage lifted his hand, his mana blooming like a quiet sunrise. A muted orange glow suffused the room, not oppressive, but deep and resonant. His eyes gleamed as he reached forward, allowing his mana to sink into Rifi¡¯s body.


    Rifi didn¡¯t flinch.


    Selmak¡¯s magic roamed carefully, tracing the path of injury. When it reached the scar, it paused¡ªand pulsed. The wound was deep, stretching from the back to the front, directly through the heart. Selmak could feel where the blade had torn through and what it had left in its wake. It wasn¡¯t a wound one walked away from easily.


    He pulled back with a sharp breath. ¡°How¡­ how are you alive?¡±


    Severus, who had been still as stone, looked between the two in confusion.


    Rifi gave a humorless smile. ¡°I think death sees me as a pest¡ªkeeps refusing to take me.¡±


    There was a beat of silence¡ªthen, to Severus¡¯s shock, Selmak let out a dry, genuine laugh.


    ¡°You''ve lived through more scars than most see in a lifetime,¡± he said, shaking his head. ¡°Either death fears you¡­ or it¡¯s saving you for something worse.¡±


    He turned to Severus. ¡°You¡¯ve done your part. Return to your father with my thanks¡ªand tell him I¡¯ll see the matter of his reward seen to.¡±


    Severus saluted and bowed, stealing one last glance at Rifi before exiting.


    Selmak turned back to Rifi. ¡°Come. It¡¯s time you saw the heart of this place.¡±


    The corridors that followed were narrow but rich in history. Carvings of Suburana victories adorned the walls¡ªstone murals depicting ancient battles, mages weaving legendary spells, warriors astride beasts long extinct. The deeper they walked, the more the very air shimmered, thick with the ambient hum of old magic embedded in the stone.


    ¡°Everything here was built with intent,¡± Selmak said as they walked. ¡°Defense. History. Memory. The stronghold remembers those who earned their place.¡±


    Rifi didn¡¯t reply. But he understood.


    At last, they reached the grand chamber.


    The Matriarch sat high upon a raised dais, cloaked in layered robes of black and gold that shimmered faintly with protective enchantments. Her yellow eyes¡ªbright, sharp, and completely unreadable¡ªmet them with cool interest. To the right side of the chamber, a short distance away from the dais, stood members of the City Lord¡¯s delegation. Their cloaks were marked with sigils of rank and house, and they stood apart from the clan leadership, observing quietly. Rifi barely caught a glimpse of their faces as he bowed low.


    Selmak stepped forward. ¡°Matriarch, I present to you Battlemage Rifi, a true Hepestus Legionary.¡±


    Her gaze locked onto Rifi, and a slow smile curved her lips. ¡°Such bold words, coming from Selmak of all people. You must have truly charmed him. Perhaps you intend to charm your way into my heart as well?¡± She winked.


    Rifi blinked, caught entirely off guard.


    Selmak sighed and shook his head. ¡°Our Matriarch is fond of theatrics. You¡¯ll get used to it.¡±


    She snorted. ¡°You always ruin my fun. Tell me again why I haven¡¯t killed you yet?¡±


    A rare smile touched Selmak¡¯s face. ¡°Because I¡¯m your only Orange-Core mage, you empty-headed hag. And your older brother.¡±


    Their playful banter left Rifi bewildered. But before he could adjust, his instincts screamed¡ªa strike was coming.


    In an instant, his lightning mana surged. His body flickered aside, dodging a blur of movement. He spun, poised to counter¡ª


    ¡ªand froze.


    The attacker was a young woman, her eyes brimming with tears even as she continued to throw wild strikes at him.


    ¡°Mira,¡± he whispered.


    The blows landed¡ªbarely a sting to him¡ªbut she didn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°You bastard!¡± she cried, her fists striking his chest in trembling bursts. ¡°You walked into that storm with him¡ªand then you were gone! Days turned into weeks, and we all feared the worst. I hoped¡ªgods, I hoped¡ªbut when we learned Kaelin had betrayed us...¡± Her voice faltered, her eyes burning into his. ¡°I thought he killed you. Why did it take you so long, you bastard?¡±


    Rifi stood still, letting her fists fall. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mira.¡±


    The chamber had gone deathly silent.


    Selmak chuckled. ¡°Well, to be fair¡­ I don¡¯t know any mage who could survive a wound like his. Cut him some slack.¡±


    The Matriarch rested her chin on her palm, clearly enjoying the disruption. ¡°Ah, young love forged in fire. Always the loudest reunions. Oh, how I envy such passion¡ªif only I were younger, I¡¯d forge a few more of those myself¡­ preferably with someone half as charming.¡±


    Mira froze mid-punch, her face flushing. ¡°Love? With this suicidal lunatic? I¡¯m just giving him what he deserves¡ªfor letting us believe he was dead!¡± She huffed and took a quick step back, wiping her eyes.


    Selmak cleared his throat, as he gestured toward the adjecent room, intended for the meetings. ¡°There will be time for catching up. For now, we have matters to discuss. We¡¯re stronger by one more Orange-Core. Let¡¯s start our meeting.¡±


    Still trying to gather herself, Mira shot Rifi a puzzled look.


    He gave a faint smile and let the faint orange flicker into his eyes.


    Her mouth opened slightly. ¡°But¡­ how?¡±


    ¡°Later,¡± Rifi murmured, guiding her toward the large round table at the center of the chamber. ¡°You deserve the full story. But first¡ªthis.¡±


    She followed, reluctantly, still dazed.


    As Mira and Rifi took their seats, murmurs stirred across the chamber. Toward the right end of the table, one figure sat in uncharacteristic silence.


    Varek sat stiffly, his eyes wide with the kind of realization that turned arrogance into dread. Just beside him sat a well-composed man¡ªolder, noble in bearing, wearing the distinct insignia of a Red-Core mage. Lord Hastor. His father.


    Selmak took his place opposite the Matriarch and gave them a long look. ¡°Ah, Lord Hastor. I trust you¡¯ve now seen the missing piece of our strength.¡±


    Hastor looked like he was about to offer a greeting, but Varek¡ªperhaps out of panic¡ªspoke first.


    ¡°We exchanged words earlier, Matriarch,¡± Varek said, his voice overly formal. ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware of his standing at the time. Had I known¡ª¡±


    The Matriarch raised a brow, her expression glittering with amusement. ¡°Oh? And what exactly did you say to our new Orange-Core before you knew who he was?¡±


    Varek hesitated. That alone was answer enough.


    Rifi gave no reaction¡ªjust a calm, silent glance that spoke volumes.


    Lord Hastor cleared his throat. ¡°My son can be... impetuous at times. I assure the court it won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°How responsible of you,¡± the Matriarch said with a smirk. ¡°Swift apologies are rare in these halls.¡±


    ¡°Unity is paramount,¡± Hastor replied smoothly. ¡°Especially now.¡±


    Across the table, a tall delegate from the City Lord¡¯s party gave a subtle nod. His dark hair was slicked back, his sharp gaze resting on Rifi just long enough to be noticed. Felix. A face from the past


    Selmak leaned forward, folding his hands. ¡°Then let us begin. With the return of an Orange-Core, we have much to adjust¡ªnew tactics, new responsibilities.¡±


    The table quieted. Varek kept his head low. Whether it was shame or calculation, Rifi didn¡¯t care.


    Let him stew.