ã€ŠSpiritbound [Spirit Magic, Military, Progression]ã€‹


 1. The Dynamic Duo

    A sharp, metallic hum cut through the night as a silver coin spun in the air. It reflected the moonlight several times before landing in the palms of Tucker¡¯s leather gloves. He stared at the coin, its surface glistening on one side while the other dull, and then at the trade caravans approaching the city in the darkness.

    Armed guards were patrolling the very route they were overlooking, their torches burning and flickering along the winding road that led to the kingdom. In their hands were halberds with a blue banner fluttering at the ends. From afar, Tucker could see two white swords crossing each other within a golden reef, while the wagons were pure white with gold accents on the exterior.

    To the side, Alex¡¯s pale fingers wrapped around his sword¡¯s handle. In one precise motion, he brought his cloak to the blade; dragging it against the fabric. The fresh blood dripping from the weapon¡¯s edge vanished, leaving a clean surface that shined beneath the moonlight. His black eyes lingered on the bandit¡¯s corpse with a hint of worry. The pristine armor and well-maintained weapons left a sense of unease on his mind. Something about these bandits felt wrong, yet he couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on it.

    Ignoring the veteran, Tucker pulled the green hood over his brown hair. He stepped onto the fallen tree trunk and struck a heroic pose. ¡°And so, here we are once more. Protecting our kingdom from the clutches of evil.¡±

    ¡°Would it kill you to take this seriously?¡± Alex asked.

    Tucker rolled the coin between his fingers with a smile. ¡°I am. This is part of the process.¡±

    ¡°The only process I see here is you acting like a fool.¡±

    ¡°Am I a cool fool?¡± Tucker jokingly asked, pocketing the coin.

    ¡°You¡¯re about to be downgraded to an idiot if you keep this up,¡± Alex replied with an unamused look in his eyes.

    ¡°Oh, come on! They¡¯re just bandits. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s uncommon for them to die in the middle of nowhere.¡± Tucker dismissively waved his hand to the side, his hazel-colored eyes scanning the bodies. He unrolled his sleeves, covering his white skin, and sighed. ¡°If anything, we shouldn¡¯t be surprised.¡±

    ¡°Still, for this many of them to be killed without us knowing? That¡¯s some bullshit if you ask me.¡± Alex brushed the dirt from his pants and gave Tucker a hard stare. ¡°We¡¯re watchmen. It¡¯s our job to find the cause of any threats and eliminate them. You shouldn¡¯t brush aside something just because you think they¡¯re worth less than shit.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know.¡± Tucker rolled his eyes and brushed the matter to the side. ¡°We¡¯re the Kingdom¡¯s heroes and all that. You don¡¯t have to lecture me all the time about it.¡±

    Alex¡¯s hands twitched at the word hero. He shook his head and grumbled, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have to lecture you all the time if you got it through your thick skull.¡± The old man scoffed before quietly mumbling. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s nothing heroic about what we do.¡±

    The rookie raised an eyebrow at what his senior had said. There were faint traces of disgust in the old man¡¯s voice. One that was barely noticeable, but before Tucker could respond, Alex turned away while brushing his gray hair to the side and adjusting his leather hat. The broad brim crafted from demonic hide, cast a veil that hid his face from any onlookers and even though Tucker couldn¡¯t see his expression, he could tell from how Alex carried himself that he didn¡¯t like the word hero one bit.

    Sensing the tense atmosphere, Tucker looked over his shoulder at the corpses behind them. ¡°How many more of these bastards do you there are? It shouldn¡¯t be that many with this much dead.¡±

    ¡°There could be a hundred of them for all we know.¡±

    ¡±Great¡­ just great,¡± Tucker muttered, following behind Alex with his arms behind his head. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest. I¡¯m sick of these missions. When will we get something that¡¯ll actually test our skills?¡±

    ¡°In case you¡¯ve forgotten, we¡¯re a secret organization.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, we¡¯ve done a pretty lousy job of staying a secret. Everyone knows about us these days.¡±

    Alex rubbed his eyes with his thumb and index finger, unable to refute the snarky greenhorn. ¡°Just be grateful that we only have to deal with low-threat missions. Especially since you haven¡¯t formed a proper bond with your spirit companion.¡±

    ¡°This again?¡± Tucker scoffed and shook his head. ¡°I told you I don¡¯t need my spirit companion. I¡¯m fine on my own.¡±

    ¡°No one¡¯s fine on their own,¡± Alex shot back. ¡°That¡¯s why the Order has us moving in pairs.¡±

    Tucker frowned, trying to make sense of Alex¡¯s words, but the old man didn¡¯t wait for him. They were currently investigating a series of disappearances along the southern border, but the past few days had been filled with nothing but eerie silence. Just the same old routine of scouting and tracking while protecting caravans moving between the Empire and the Kingdom. Yet no matter how much he protested to his senior that this task was a waste of time, Alex remained adamant about discovering something.

    If this continued for any longer, he would categorize it as one of Alex¡¯s unhealthy obsessions.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    As Tucker trudged along, his gaze lingered on the remains of a ruined village. A landmark of the war between their home and the Empire. Even though decades had passed since the peace treaty, the scars of that conflict still lived to this day. Like the other landmarks along the southern border, these refused to fade.

    With a weary sigh, Tucker stretched his arms. Soon, they would have to reposition and scout the next trade route from another position. Continuing on with this boring task. He rubbed his hazel eyes as Alex¡¯s spirit companion woke up from its slumber and poked its head out of his pocket. It was a small lizard with scales resembling embers. The creature softly yawned before climbing onto Alex¡¯s shoulder. Its smooth scales radiated a gentle warmth while emitting a faint light. One that was only visible to those that had an affinity with spirits.

    Sally stared at Alex with bright, azure eyes and softly growled before turning to Tucker and hissing in anger. Its frill expanded outward, revealing a bright combination of crimson hues that shook back and forth as it bared its fangs.

    Seeing this, Tucker looked down at the lizard and smirked.

    ¡°Could you not pick a fight with my spirit companion?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Fight? It¡¯s beneath a future Nightfall Ranger like myself to fight with a reptile. I¡¯m gonna be the best of the best.¡± Tucker placed his hand on his chest. ¡°If anything, I would battle against monsters or some sort of beast.¡±

    ¡°And what about knights?¡±

    ¡°Well, we haven¡¯t fought with knights in years, so I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have to worry about that. Right?¡±

    Alex gave him a long, deadpan stare before shaking his head and turning away. It was the first time he had ever encountered someone like Tucker and he felt it certainly wouldn¡¯t be the last. From what he heard, the entire new generation was a handful and possibly one of the worse yet best recruits they had ever found. At least, that was what the instructors said. But so far, he didn¡¯t see it.

    As they walked through the forest, Tucker stayed close to Alex and checked their surroundings. They were on a supposed stealth mission, and even though he may or may not have caused a ruckus earlier. It just supported his argument that there was nothing in this blasted foliage, since if there were, they would¡¯ve gotten ambushed. The rookie released a tired sigh. It was pointless to argue with the old man since he was dead set on flipping every stone on this side of the forest.

    Yet despite this, Tucker stopped in his tracks as if something had hit him. The air was thick with a scent like wet iron, a scent that clung to the back of his throat. It was something he had read in books, but experiencing it in person caused him to gag. Before them were more corpses that exceeded the number before.

    He held his hand over his mouth and nose. ¡°What the hell happened here?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but we¡¯ll find out soon enough.¡± Alex knelt beside a corpse and examined the wound. His gaze hardened as he rubbed the slick blood between his fingers. ¡°Something¡¯s off, these wounds¡­ they¡¯re too clean.¡±

    The old man signaled for Tucker to come towards the body with a grim expression. ¡°Slide your hand through this wound and tell me if you feel anything¡­ different.¡±

    The rookie followed the veteran¡¯s instructions and soon narrowed his brows. There was another wound hidden within the long gash on the bandit¡¯s chest. It was without a double a puncture wound that went several centimeters deeper than the cut above it. He locked eyes with Alex, who quickly scanned the area.

    ¡°Check the other corpses and see if it¡¯s the same,¡± Alex ordered.

    Both of them began examining the wounds on the bandit¡¯s bodies. After checking several bodies and confirming the striking similarities between each corpse, they looked at each other with troubled expressions.

    Tucker¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Who could have done this?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but they wouldn¡¯t have gone through the trouble of hiding these wounds unless they were up to no good.¡± Alex stood up and wiped the blood off his black gloves on the leaves of a nearby bush. ¡°We¡¯ll head further into the forest and see if we can track them.¡±

    Tucker agreed with the settlement as a sense of unease lingered in the back of his mind. The wind had stilled, and even the usual hum of night insects had faded into silence. There was something unsettling about the scene before them¡ªthe hidden wounds, the carefully placed bodies. It was as if someone, or something, was watching, waiting.

    He opened his mouth to speak, but the words never came.

    Suddenly, an eerie calmness descended around them, broken only by the faint flutter of wings in the distance. Tucker felt a shiver crawl up his spine. He instinctively moved closer to Alex, his hand hovering near his dagger. Seeing this, Alex mirrored the movement, their backs now pressed together as they scanned the treeline.

    ¡°Something¡¯s not right,¡± Tucker whispered, his eyes darting between the shadows of the oak trees.

    The presence grew nearer¡ªless than ten meters away now, and still closing in. Every muscle in their bodies tensed, ready to strike. Then, through the dense foliage, a small shape burst through¡ªa bird not much larger than Tucker¡¯s fist emerged. Its body dancing in the wind as the mist fluttered like a flame from a candle.

    The tension broke as the tiny creature spread its wings and gracefully slowed its approach, landing on Alex¡¯s outstretched arm.

    ¡°God dammit.¡± Tucker lowered his hand upon seeing the Order¡¯s messenger. ¡°Do they always have to appear like this? I swear it just gives me a mini heart attack every time this happens.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s better we stay on our toes than to die a fool¡¯s death. In the past, the Empire used to rig their carriers as one of ours.¡± Alex removed the parchment wrapped around the mist hawk¡¯s foot and released it. ¡°And because of that, we lost a few good watchmen. So if you ask me, it¡¯s better to be cautious than to die because of a false sense of security.¡±

    Tucker watched as Alex released the mist hawk into the air, flapping its shadowlike wings without leaving a trace. He paused for a moment before turning to the veteran. ¡°I don¡¯t get it. Was the five-year war really that bad?¡±

    ¡°It was.¡±

    ¡°But we won the war. We repelled the invaders.¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ but at what cost?¡± Alex read the letter. For a second, a trace of sadness flickered in his eyes. It was subtle, but just enough for Tucker to catch. ¡°I lost many friends during that war and even though we won. It was a hard fought victory that required sacrifice.¡± He clenched onto the corns of the page and ripped it into tiny pieces.

    It was always like this. Whenever something suspicious appeared, the administrators would order for them to return.

    He held the pieces of the letter close to Sally¡¯s mouth, and with a small puff. Sally spewed out a tiny flame onto the parchment, setting it ablaze.

    Tucker stood to the side and waited as the ashes from the parchment drifted with the wind. It was rare for the old man to get sentimental. He thought about what he learned from the academy but couldn¡¯t find the right words to say. Even if he tried to comfort him, he knew the old man wasn¡¯t the type to want to hear it.

    The rookie gazed at the fleeting embers, feeling a sense of sadness in his heart. ¡°So¡­ what was in the letter?¡±

    Alex glanced at Tucker before staring off into the distance. After a few minutes, he let out a deep exhale while shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s a mass recall order from the Administrators. We¡¯re to return to the Keep when the opportunity arises, but to be frank, it doesn¡¯t sit well with me to leave like this.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s your call?¡±

    Alex curiously raised a brow. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer?¡±

    ¡°Who knows? Maybe I felt bad and had a change of heart.¡± Tucker shrugged his shoulders before smiling. ¡°Besides, we¡¯ve spent weeks out here and now that something interesting happens, we¡¯re told to return? I¡¯ve never been a man of faith, but I know when God¡¯s fucking with me.¡±

    ¡°Then it looks like we have a long night ahead of us,¡± Alex smirked beneath his mask. Whether Tucker was doing it out of pity didn¡¯t matter. As long as they were on the same page then they could continue with their little adventure. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯re hunting bandits.¡±

 2: Footprints In The Dark

    ¡°We¡¯re hunting bandits? Seriously? Is that what we¡¯re going to tell them when we get back to the Keep?¡± Tucker jokingly asked with a hint of sarcasm. He stepped over a thick root several paces behind Alex and spun the coin on his fingertips. ¡°You know, the Administrators aren¡¯t going to like this.¡±

    Alex sighed and glanced over his shoulder while pushing aside some tree branches. ¡°They won¡¯t, but I¡¯ll handle it when the time comes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying I¡¯m all for finding what killed those guys, but I¡¯m not too keen on getting lectured again.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, kid, they won¡¯t bother you.¡± Alex confidently said before kneeling to examine footprints on the ground. ¡°You¡¯re with me, so just follow my lead and let me take responsibility.¡±

    ¡°Why would you do something like that?¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s part of my role.¡±

    Hearing this, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but frown. If there was one thing he hated, it was being a burden to others. During his time in the academy, he pushed himself not because he wanted praise but to make a statement. One that didn¡¯t rely on others. However, ever since he joined Alex on these missions, it felt like the old man was constantly underestimating him. Forcing them to do mundane work that others in the Order would never do.

    Tucker crouched beside the old man, pushing aside the fallen leaves. ¡°You know, I don¡¯t plan to let you lead all these missions. Once we¡¯re done here, I¡¯ll choose the next mission and trust me, it¡¯ll be a real adventure. This way, you won¡¯t have to worry about taking responsibility for something so small.¡±

    ¡°You talk a lot for someone who can¡¯t even put on their face mask properly.¡± Alex chuckled as Tucker hurriedly adjusted his mask. The old man brushed aside the leaves on the tracks and said, ¡°It seems like whoever left these tracks was in a rush. They did a half-assed job hiding their trail.¡±

    ¡°Or it could be a diversion.¡± Tucker pointed out.

    ¡°Perhaps, but so far, it¡¯s the only lead we have.¡±

    ¡°I see at least five different pairs of footsteps here. Whoever they are, it¡¯s bound to be quite a large party.¡±

    ¡°Large enough for careless mistakes.¡± Alex rose and glared in the trail¡¯s direction. ¡°Stay close. We¡¯ll stick to the treelines and move quietly.¡±

    Tucker nodded, nervously gripping the hilt of his dagger beneath his cloak. He carefully channeled his spirit essence within his heart and used it to control the surrounding wind, hiding their footprints as they followed the trail.

    As they reached the end of the path, Alex held his hand behind him, signaling Tucker to stop. Then he moved his hand down as they both knelt. They hid behind a thick bush, observing the shattered wooden barricades leading to a stone entrance. Blood stains, dark and dry, painted the rocks and soil near the mouth of the cave. Even though there were no bodies, the blade marks carved into the stone revealed the story for the two. With a light tap, Sally hopped out of his pocket and skittered towards the entrance.

    ¡°It looks like someone got to them before we did.¡± Tucker leaned forward and took a step closer, snapping a brittle wooden branch as a sharp crack echoed through the forest. He awkwardly stared at the branch, then at Alex, who shot him a glare.

    ¡°Focus. We¡¯re not here to play around,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°I¡¯m well aware of that,¡± Tucker refuted.

    Alex rubbed the side of his head. ¡°Then I trust I don¡¯t need to remind you that this mission counts towards your evaluation, right?¡±

    Tucker rolled his eyes and lowered his voice. ¡°I know. You don¡¯t need to remind me every single time.¡±

    ¡°Then get it together and keep your composure. You need to treat every mission like your last,¡± Alex replied while focusing on the entrance. ¡°One minor slip-up could cost you your life. Or worse¡­ your partners.¡±

    Tucker felt his chest grow heavy as the weight of Alex¡¯s words sank in. Each word struck a nerve in his mind, and to make matters worse. The old man was right. Despite his frustration at the old man for dragging him around and hovering over his shoulders, there was some respect hidden behind his criticism. It didn¡¯t feel like he was looking down on him, instead; it felt like there was some expectation that he wasn¡¯t living up to.

    As Alex examined the surroundings, Sally crawled back onto his arm. The salamander¡¯s body emitted a gentle warmth through his sleeve, yet a sense of unease crept down his spine. It was a simple signal he created to communicate with his companion but the look of worry in Sally¡¯s eyes shook him. He trusted his companion without a single doubt, and knowing Sally, they weren¡¯t the type to make mistakes while scouting. So why was it that an eerie feeling lingered in his mind?

    ¡°Remember, I¡¯m holding you accountable to that standard, and it¡¯s your job to prove to me that you¡¯re capable of meeting it.¡± Alex rose and signaled for Tucker to follow him. ¡°Sally scouted the interior for us. We¡¯re clear to enter.¡±

    Tucker hesitantly stood up. ¡°Do you think I have what it takes?¡±

    Alex stopped in his tracks, glancing back at the young watchman. He softly smiled for a moment before returning to his usual expression. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯re going to find out.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Alex moved toward the cave with his blade drawn. Leaving Tucker behind to soak in his own thoughts. He was frustrated and wanted to prove himself, to show that he was more than just a rookie. But he felt like an imposter and that he would never meet those expectations. That regardless of his background, his capabilities would never eclipse the expectations of those around him. But as he tightly clenched his fists with his knuckles turning white. He moved forward, wanting to know if he would ever meet those standards.Stolen story; please report.

    Slowly, the duo made their way into the cave. The stench of blood was thick in the air as Alex¡¯s spirit companion lit their path, conjuring a bright flame that hovered before them. Meanwhile, Tucker drew his dagger and scanned the twisting caverns. His eyes frantically darted around the many connecting tunnels as a bead of sweat dripped down his temple.

    Alex might trust his spirit companion, but there was no way Tucker would be able to. After all, it was just a reptile. One that probably didn¡¯t live for a long time. Before his eyes could dart to the next tunnel, he stood still as Alex pointed to the ground. Revealing a thin silver line that stretched across the floor, nearly invisible against the dark grey stone.

    ¡°Have you ever disarmed a trap before?¡± Alex quietly asked.

    ¡°Does triggering it from a distance count?¡±

    Alex stared at Tucker with a tired expression before shaking his head. He crouched down, revealing a small cartilage hidden just above the ground. He didn¡¯t have the time to humor the youngest and instead figured it would be faster to show. ¡°This here is a simple tripwire. Whoever set this up wanted to slow down or scare off anyone nosing around.¡±

    Tucker knelt down beside him and stared at the contraption. ¡°How do we disarm it?¡±

    ¡°First, identify the trap. This one¡¯s a step-and-release. The easiest way to disarm one of these is to remove the object it¡¯s attached to.¡± Alex carefully removed the fire crystal from the makeshift contraption hidden within the wall. He held the object in the air and slowly turned it, revealing the magic circle etched on the surface. ¡°It¡¯s important to remember not to nick the surface, or else you¡¯ll accidentally trigger it.¡±

    ¡°And if someone, which wouldn¡¯t be me, were to accidentally nick it¡­ how bad would it be?¡±

    ¡°If I were to guess, it would probably level the entire cave.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ oh no¡­ that¡¯s not good.¡±

    ¡°Correct, that¡¯s why I tell you to treat every mission like your last.¡± Alex delicately wrapped the fire crystal in a cloth before placing it in his satchel. ¡°A moment of carelessness is enough to end a person¡¯s life.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re bringing that thing with us? After the entire leveling the cave thing?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also good to be resourceful, kid.¡±

    Without saying another word, Tucker watched Alex as he moved further down the tunnel. He quickly picked up the abandoned wire and pin, stuffing them into his pouch before rushing after Alex. The deeper they ventured, the thicker the stench of blood became. The suffocating sensation grew stronger with each step, and soon, an eerie silence filled the area, replacing the distant winds and dripping water.

    As they entered a large, open cavern, Tucker could feel his stomach churn at the brutal sight before them. Ruined iron weapons and broken shields littered the ground alongside the mangled bodies of bandits. In the back, a single strike had cut several archers in half, leaving only their torsos. Even from afar, they could tell how unnaturally clean the wounds were on their bodies.

    ¡°Check for survivors,¡± Alex ordered.

    Tucker acknowledged the order and carefully walked around the area. He held the bandit¡¯s blades in his hand and narrowed his eyes. The bandit¡¯s blades were sliced clean through the middle without a single imperfection. Once he placed the sword back down, a nauseous feeling filled his mind. The slick footprints he left behind on the blood-soaked ground made him sick, but he forced himself to continue.

    Soon, Alex knelt by one of the bodies, inspecting the neat slit across their throat, and shook his head. He couldn¡¯t help but click his tongue. To put this much effort into killing every bandit was unheard of. ¡°Whoever did this wasn¡¯t here to leave survivors. It¡¯s thorough¡ªtoo thorough for bandit hunters.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s hand covered his mouth and nose, trying to block out the metallic tang of blood that grew stronger as they reached the center. ¡°Who could¡¯ve done this? I¡¯ve never seen such clean kills in my life. It¡¯s like they didn¡¯t even struggle.¡±

    ¡°Judging by the precision of these cuts, it had to be done by someone of high skilled. Most likely a knight, or something even stronger,¡± Alex replied, frowning as he rose and examined the room.

    ¡°But why send knights here? This is well out of our kingdom¡¯s jurisdiction.¡±

    Alex didn¡¯t answer right away. His gaze settled on the bodies scattered across the cavern floor. He was familiar with how their knight order operated, and even though his mind was racing with possibilities, there was one thing he was certain of. ¡°Our knight orders didn¡¯t do this. We would¡¯ve been informed of any operations in this region.¡±

    After getting a clear perspective of the situation, the old man crouched beside another corpse, lifting the arm of one of the dead bandits. ¡°Did they teach you anything about examining bodies at the academy?¡±

    ¡°They only taught the basics.¡± Tucker inched closer to him and stared at the bandit¡¯s face. ¡°Purple to red discolorations on the skin means someone killed them recently. Within the past few hours to half a day or something along those lines.¡±

    ¡°Good, and what else?¡±

    Tucker pressed his finger into the stiff biceps of the bandit. ¡°Their muscles are still partially stiff, so it further narrows down the timeframe. Maybe it¡¯s been six hours?¡±

    ¡°Not bad. Now we need to figure out who did it.¡± Alex avoided stepping on the corpses and walked around the room.

    Tucker looked around the room once more. ¡°Is there really a need? If it wasn¡¯t our knights, then it was probably some adventurers with a bandit-slaying contract.¡±

    ¡°It could be, but we can¡¯t stop until we¡¯ve checked all the blind spots.¡± The old man caught onto something unusual. He leaned over and pried a small piece of fabric from one of the bandit¡¯s hands. A torn scrap of a crimson cloth that drew the rookie¡¯s attention. ¡°Like this.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened as Alex held the red fabric in the air. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ the Avalon Empire¡¯s flag.¡±

    ¡°Keen observation, rookie. Now, why would a bandit be holding onto something like this?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe he accidentally grabbed it when he died or something?¡± Tucker glanced at the cloth. ¡°It¡¯s just a flag. It doesn¡¯t mean anything on its own.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re wrong.¡± Alex turned the red fabric over, studying the three silver crossing swords and the black shield beneath, bearing a white bear insignia. ¡°This isn¡¯t just any flag. It¡¯s a standard that¡¯s usually tied to the end of a spear. This poor bastard must¡¯ve grabbed it in his final moments.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s say it was the empire¡¯s knights. Why would they get involved now? It¡¯s been decades since the last war.¡±

    ¡°Your guess is as good as mine.¡± A conflicted look surfaced on Alex¡¯s face as he pointed to the insignia. ¡°However, this coat of arms belongs to the border knights¡ªthe ones under Viscount Markus.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s gaze sharpened, realizing what the old man meant. ¡°The empire¡¯s war advocator? That guy¡¯s notorious for stirring conflict along the borders. But¡­ don¡¯t you think it¡¯s too much of a coincidence that we¡¯d find this here? He¡¯s never crossed the border before.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll learn that there¡¯s no such thing as a coincidence.¡± Alex gestured to the cavern wall, where a deep sword slash marred the stone. ¡°If it¡¯s Viscount Markus¡¯ men, it explains a lot. The sloppily covered tracks, the defensive perimeter outside¡­ they were pursuing the bandits, probably tracked them straight to this hideout. Now we need to figure out what they were after.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way they would cross into our territory! It just doesn¡¯t make sense.¡± Tucker shook his head and stared at Alex, his voice growing tense with each word. ¡°It would violate the treaty. If the wrong people find out about this¡­ it could spark another war.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s jaw tightened. He clenched his hands as his voice wavered. ¡°If this blows up¡­ thousands of people will die.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we need to get to the bottom of this before it goes any further. But before we continue, I need to send a message back to the Keep and let the administrators know of what we¡¯ve discovered. Just in case things go south.¡±

    ¡°In case things go south?¡± Tucker blinked. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Alex pulled a small black gem from his pouch, along with a scrap of paper and a pencil. He wrote a quick message, then crushed the gem in his hand. As the fragments dissolved into mist, they coalesced into the form of a small bird. ¡°In case something happens to us.¡± Alex tied the note to the bird¡¯s leg. ¡°If we disappear, other watchmen will follow our trail.¡±

    ¡°What exactly are you expecting to happen?¡±

    ¡°The worst-case scenario,¡± Alex calmly replied, releasing the mist hawk into the air. ¡°Now, let¡¯s keep moving.¡±

    ¡°But what if we run into knights from the empire?¡±

    Alex glanced over his shoulder, a hint of a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Take a guess.¡±

    Tucker gulped. ¡°We, uh¡­ peacefully ask them to leave?¡±

    ¡°If they are still on their side of the border.¡±

    ¡°And if they¡¯re not?¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll have a few more graves on our side of the border,¡± Alex smirked as Tucker¡¯s expression turned pale.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?¡±

    Tucker watched as Alex looked over his shoulder before walking toward the entrance. The old man waved his hand in the air without uttering another word, causing the rookie¡¯s heart to sink.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking, right?!¡±

 3. Secrets Beneath The Leaves

    The small flame danced around them as they made their way back to the cave entrance. Tucker felt more relaxed retracing their steps, but the tension in his partner¡¯s posture told a different story. The air felt suffocating, with Alex on high alert. It was as if something deeper than the mission at hand haunted him. It always made him wonder why Alex harbored such a grudge against the Avalon Empire, like a curse that stained his very soul. Whenever the topic arose, the veteran¡¯s demeanor would change. Becoming more bitter, with traces of anger creeping in his voice.

    The rookie felt a sense of curiosity but knew better than to pry. Within the Order, there was an unspoken rule: personal matters were best kept private. Professionalism always came first, and most watchmen followed that code without question, except for him.

    Sensing Tucker¡¯s unease, Alex broke the silence. ¡°What is it? And don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I was just wondering why you hate the Avalon Empire so much. It feels more like¡­ a personal vendetta of sorts.¡±

    Alex¡¯s expression tightened as he brushed his gray hair aside, his black eyes growing distant. He stared out toward the cave¡¯s exit, his voice quiet but heavy. ¡°It¡¯s difficult to let bygones be bygones,¡± he muttered. His boots crunched against the dried leaves beneath him. ¡°During the war¡­ both sides crossed lines that weren¡¯t supposed to cross. One¡¯s that were deemed notorious by every other nation.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s grip tightened on his cloak. ¡°What lines did we cross?¡±

    Alex¡¯s face hardened, his jaw clenching as he took another step forward. ¡°That¡¯s a story for another time.¡± His tone made it clear that the conversation was over. Without another word, he gestured for Tucker to pick up the pace, his steps quickening as if eager to leave the subject behind.

    Tucker could feel the cold air nip at his face as the guiding flame flickered before vanishing. Emerging from the cave and into the moonlight, they approached the tree line. There were countless dark clouds in the sky. A sight that Tucker couldn¡¯t help but hate. Since it only meant one thing. Rain.

    He took one last look at the hideout and asked, ¡°is it really alright to not burn the insides of the hideout?¡±

    ¡°Yes, smoke attracts unnecessary attention. Even in the dead of night,¡± Alex replied, pushing aside several branches. ¡°It¡¯s the scent that leaves a trail. The smog lingers on the ground and spreads like a thick blanket, making it easier for people with keen senses to notice.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ if we aren¡¯t going to bait them. How do we plan to track down whoever killed those bandits?¡±

    ¡°Is that a serious question?¡±

    The rookie shrugged. ¡°I mean, yeah? I graduated with top grades, but it¡¯s not like we had a lot of hands-on experience with these types of things. If it¡¯s not in the textbook, then how am I supposed to know?¡±

    Alex couldn¡¯t help but feel annoyed thinking about the current dean. ¡°That¡¯s why I can¡¯t stand the current dean.¡± He pulled out a dull iron medallion with a wind pattern engraved on the surface and strapped the trinket to his belt. Letting the green ribbon dangle in place. ¡°She places too much emphasis on theory and not enough on practical experience.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing, you know? The kingdom needs more scholars.¡±

    ¡°If that was the case, then why didn¡¯t you become one?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not my cup of tea. I prefer more exciting things.¡± Tucker smiled before lifting his cloak. ¡°I also don¡¯t get why these things are so important.¡± He then pointed at the iron flame-pattern medallion attached to his belt. ¡°Aren¡¯t they just for decoration?¡±

    Alex glanced at the object and shook his head. ¡°They¡¯re our lifeline. If one of us dies, the other will know immediately.¡± The old man stepped over several stones and followed the tracks. ¡°We should be close enough. Use your spirit companion and follow this trail to see where it ends.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try, but it doesn¡¯t always listen.¡± The sharp glare from Alex cut Tucker¡¯s words short. He reluctantly held out his hand as an orb of swirling wind gathered within his palms, taking the shape of a white and green hawk.

    Seeing this, Alex smiled. It was a good sign that the spirit immediately answered. But before he could say a single word of praise, the spirit blinked at its contractor and then spread its wings before unleashing a flurry of pecks.

    Tucker winced but soon caught sight of Alex, who stood there with a blank expression. He blocked the onslaught of pecks from his companion and dryly coughed.

    ¡°Hey buddy¡­I¡¯m going to need you to do a little bit of scouting for us. Can you do that?¡± Tucker spoke to his spirit in the politest tone possible, and after several more moments of pecking, it took to the sky. ¡°Well, that went better than expected.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s better than expected, then I¡¯d hate to see the worst.¡±

    ¡°It ain¡¯t pleasant, I¡¯ll tell you that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take your word for it. Now, besides that, how will you know if it finds something?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s easy. If my companion finds something, it¡¯ll circle around it or send a gust of wind my way. If not, then¡­ it just disappears and comes back later.¡±

    Alex didn¡¯t even bother to hide his unamused expression. ¡°That¡¯s your method?¡±

    ¡°What? It works pretty well, you know.¡±

    The old man pressed his lips together into a thin line and took a deep breath before shaking his head. With Tucker trailing several paces behind him, they were making good progress following the tracks. Yet, despite his expectations, no one was in sight. He looked over his shoulder at Tucker, catching a faint glint of moonlight every so often.

    ¡°Do you always have to fiddle with something?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Yeah, it helps me stay focused.¡± Tucker pocketed the coin with a slight embarrassment. They were in the middle of pursuing someone, yet he had absent-mindedly done it without thinking.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bad habit for a watchman. You should work on getting rid of it.¡±

    Tucker frowned, speeding up to match Alex¡¯s pace. ¡°Do you always lecture your partner?¡±

    ¡°Only when it keeps them alive. Small things like that make you an easy target.¡±

    Tucker felt the surrounding breeze with his spirit essence, following the current of the wind a hundred meters away from their position, and frowned. ¡°There¡¯s no one within a hundred meters of us,¡± Tucker countered with a light tone. But before he could continue, Alex took cover behind a nearby tree and pulled him into the shadows.

    The rookie eyes widened in shock as the veteran covered his mouth. Once Tucker had calmed down, the veteran shot him a hard look and pointed toward the treeline ahead with his thumb. Two figures, clad in leather armor, were moving cautiously through the trees on the opposite side, exposed by a lantern that was swaying between them.

    Tucker had a nervous look in his eyes, taking cover behind the foliage. ¡°I guess they¡¯re further than a hundred meters.¡±

    ¡°You goddamn idiot,¡± Alex muttered, rubbing his eyes in exasperation. His gaze shifted back to the pair ahead. ¡°It seems like they¡¯re the only ones near the treeline.¡±

    ¡°Should we take them out?¡±The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°What¡¯s your plan if there are more of them?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ we kill them?¡±

    Alex shot a deadpan look at the rookie. ¡°You¡¯ve got a lot to learn.¡± The veteran twirled his finger in a slow circle, his eyes never leaving the two bandits ahead.

    ¡°What? You want us to tail them? That just seems like a waste of time!¡± Tucker protested in a hushed voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s our only lead. If we follow them and piece together the situation. We¡¯ll have a better understanding as to what we should do. That¡¯s how we approach the problem. If they¡¯re alone and we find their hideout, we can skip the tailing.¡±

    Tucker scoffed at the plan but soon pulled his hood lower while brushing his messy brown hair to the side. If it was bandits, then he was enough to deal with them. ¡°Fine, leave it to me.¡±

    Alex caught sight of the determined glint in the rookie¡¯s hazel eyes and returned a stare that was devoid of light. ¡°You idiot, we¡¯re going together.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    Alex closed his eyes and let out a deep exhale before opening them once more. ¡°Because we¡¯re a team. Have you not been listening to a single thing I¡¯ve been saying?¡±

    ¡°Ah, right¡­¡± Tucker let out a weak chuckle as the veteran glared at him and smiled.

    ¡°Ace of the academy, they say¡­¡± Alex muttered under his breath, shaking his head. He then glanced at the treetops. ¡°Did they teach you feather step back in the keep?¡±

    Tucker nodded. ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s one of the first things we learned.¡±

    ¡°Good. Then use it and try to keep up.¡± Without waiting for a response, Alex kicked off the ground and into the air. Landing on a nearby tree branch without making a single sound.

    To Tucker¡¯s surprise, the branch didn¡¯t budge at all under Alex¡¯s weight. It was faint, but he could see a shimmer of energy gather beneath the old man¡¯s boots. Following his teammate¡¯s lead, Tucker gathered mana beneath his feet and kicked off the ground, landing with a soft thud. His cloak fluttered behind him as the branches dipped slightly under his steps. It took considerable precision and control to decrease the impact of one¡¯s weight, but while Alex did it effortlessly, Tucker was still mastering the basics.

    They darted silently through the treetops, covering nearly two hundred meters in the span of seconds until they came to a stop. From their vantage point, they could observe the two bandits from a safe distance.

    Tucker studied the two bandits carefully. Underneath their leather armor were faint glimmers of silver chain mail glistening beneath the lantern¡¯s light. Even though it wasn¡¯t uncommon for bandits to have leather armor, it was rare for them to wear a full set, along with longswords and daggers strapped to their waists. For mere thugs, it was impressive at a glance, but without proper maintenance the equipment would lose its effectiveness. It was nothing more than a waste, and Tucker couldn¡¯t help but smile at how easy it would be to eliminate them.

    His gaze shifted to Alex, who raised a finger to his lips, signaling for the rookie to hold steady. He remained still, but soon a sudden gust caught his attention. Looking up, he spotted his spirit companion circling further in the depths of the forest. With a quick hand gesture, he alerted Alex to the hawk¡¯s position. The veteran acknowledged him with a brief nod and shifted his gaze back to the bandits. After a few tense moments, it became clear the two were alone.

    And seeing this, Alex ran his thumb across his neck. Clear enough for Tucker to see.

    Both of them drew their daggers in unison, the blackened blades absorbing the moonlight as they silently moved through the leaves. They positioned themselves directly above the oblivious bandits before nodding at each other. They dropped from the tree branch with weapons in hand. The veteran plunged his dagger deep into the skull of the leftmost bandit, blood dripping from the wound as the weight of his body fell on the unsuspecting victim without a single scream escaping their lips.

    While Tucker appeared behind the other bandit, covering his mouth before he could make a sound. He took his dagger and drove it into their heart again and again, but instead of sinking into their flesh. His dagger bounced off a shimmering blue light, causing his heart to race as he raised his arm once more and tried again. But as the blade slid off the barrier, a jolt of pain rushed through his arm. The rookie gritted his teeth, his eyes frantically darting around and his breath quickening.

    What do I do?

    Tucker searched for answers. He thought about the past drills and textbook examples of how to handle the situation, but those were meaningless now. Tucker hadn¡¯t expected their aura to be strong, but when it was concentrated in one place, it was a whole different story. Cold sweat ran down his back as the bandit violently twisted, flailing his arms and trying to throw him off balance. Their eyes locked onto each other for a moment, and when Tucker saw the crazed, bloodshot eyes. A sudden realization hit him¡ªhe was in danger.

    Lost in his thoughts, the bandit smashed his elbow into Tucker¡¯s ribs, knocking the air out of his lungs. The rookie stumbled back, hitting their body against a tree trunk while gasping for air and tightening his hold.

    This was real. This wasn¡¯t a drill from training and the bandit wasn¡¯t some inexperienced thief. If he failed now, he would be failing the expectations of his mentor and he couldn¡¯t let that happen. Not after all the confidence he had shown until now.

    Tucker gritted his teeth and adjusted his grip while pulling the bandit into the darkness. They were panicking just as much as he was, and right now, he needed to collect himself. With his hands around their neck, his hold tightened, feeling the bandit thrash beneath him. The panic was still there, but so was the anger. Anger at himself for hesitating, for being unprepared.

    Tucker squeezed harder, pushing past the burning sensation in his muscles. The bandit¡¯s resistance weakened, and with one last burst of strength, Tucker twisted violently.

    ¡°No! P-please¡ª¡±

    A sharp crack echoed through the trees, drowning out the bandit¡¯s voice as their body collapsed in his arms.

    It was the first time he had ever had to kill someone like that. Not with a sword or dagger, but with his bare hands. Each breath he took calmed him, and once it was over, he finally realized. His body was trembling. He stared at his bloodied hands, facing the reality of how close he was to dying if he had failed. It was his first real fight for survival, one that didn¡¯t follow the textbook examples he had known about. The sensation felt mortifying and numb. Yet, before that feeling could settle into his heart, he felt a hand pat his shoulder.

    ¡°Not the cleanest kill, but it¡¯ll do.¡± Alex nodded, giving his approval. They had taken care of outlaws and bandits, but every time, it was a smooth experience. He knew that eventually, the rookie would have to improvise when plans fell through, and this was such a case.

    Tucker took a deep breath and stared at the veteran. He took a moment to compose himself before speaking. ¡°I swear it¡¯s usually so much easier,¡± he muttered. ¡°I thought bandits were supposed to be easy to deal with regardless of their gear.¡±

    Alex wiped his dagger with the edge of his cloak before sheathing it. ¡°Not when they¡¯re using aura. It makes things tricker regardless of who they are. That¡¯s why you don¡¯t want to waste any movements. Keep that in mind for next time.¡±

    Tucker nodded, still trying to catch his breath. His hands felt numb from the struggle. It was his first time facing a bandit who could use aura, and the shock left him rattled. He hadn¡¯t expected it, not from mere thugs, and that¡¯s what made the whole encounter feel so surreal¡ªlike he¡¯d stepped into a world far more dangerous than he¡¯d imagined. As the veteran dragged the bandit¡¯s body into the bushes, Tucker quickly brushed away the tracks they¡¯d left behind.

    ¡°Looks like your hawk found their hideout.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but these guys didn¡¯t seem like ordinary bandits.¡± Tucker picked up one of their longswords and revealed the blade. ¡°Brand new swords. Unless someone is equipping our local thieves with new weaponry, they wouldn¡¯t bother carrying these.¡±

    ¡°Or they could¡¯ve stolen it from a merchant.¡±

    ¡°Without us hearing about it? Fat chance.¡± Tucker shook his head. ¡°You¡¯re right. Something feels off in these woods, and everything we¡¯ve seen so far can¡¯t just be some coincidence.¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re catching on.¡± Alex took one last glance at the bodies. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time until they realize they¡¯re missing. We¡¯ll head to their hideout before deciding our next course of action.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡± Tucker sheathed his dagger, following Alex as they dashed through the forest with swift yet silent movements. Their figures were a blur, navigating the terrain with ease, and once the hideout was visible, their hearts sank.

    What was in front of them wasn¡¯t just a hideout¡ªit was a fortress. Something that shouldn¡¯t be this close to the borders, as it would violate the treaty between the two nations. There were tall wooden walls wrapped around the compound¡¯s perimeter, blending seamlessly into the mountain. While torches lined up the structure, casting long shadows of guards patrolling the area.

    Alex click his tongue in frustration. Despite its size, the fortress had somehow managed to stay hidden deep within the woods, far from any major roads. He couldn¡¯t help but think of the possibility that the nobility managing this region had a hand to play in this, but there was no evidence. They would just feign ignorance even though the fortress had been operating for months.

    Tucker studied the guards¡ªthere were at least five on each section of the walls, making it nearly impossible to approach undetected. The only weak point was the side closest to the mountain, but even that was heavily guarded. Before he could plan out their next course of action, Alex¡¯s voice cut through the air.

    ¡°We¡¯re heading back.¡±

    Tucker blinked in surprise. ¡°What? You can¡¯t be serious.¡±

    ¡°I am. This isn¡¯t the right time, and you still have a lot to learn. Going in now would be beyond reckless.¡±

    ¡°I disagree. This is the perfect chance to teach me. Besides, we can¡¯t just walk away from something like this.¡±

    ¡°We can and we will. You¡¯ll have plenty of other opportunities to prove yourself, but you need to be alive to do so.¡± Alex averted his gaze from the compound. But before he could walk away, Tucker spoke out in defiance.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll do it myself.¡±

    Alex stopped in his tracks and shot a glare at the rookie. ¡°That¡¯s insubordination. You¡¯ll lose points.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care about points. I care about what¡¯s happening in there. This could be something bigger than anything we could¡¯ve ever imagined, and I¡¯m not about to let it go unchecked.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve seen enough. There¡¯s no need for us to risk our lives on an operation that isn¡¯t crucial.¡± Alex¡¯s voice was cold and sent shivers down Tucker¡¯s spine. ¡°Worse of all, you¡¯re going on a hunch.¡±

    ¡°You do that all the time. Why can¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Because this is far more dangerous.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s high risk, high reward,¡± Tucker shot back. ¡°If I¡¯m right, we expose something big. And if I¡¯m wrong, then you¡¯ll just have to deal with me for a bit longer.¡±

    Alex felt his headache, recognizing the same stubbornness he had as a young watchman. Tucker would probably try to go in alone if he refused. ¡°Fine,¡± he relented. ¡°But we need a plan.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Should we take out the guards one by one and sneak in?¡±

    ¡°No. We don¡¯t know how many are inside.¡± Alex weighed his options before looking at Tucker. ¡°And is violence always your first answer to everything?¡±

    ¡°It might be.¡± Tucker shrugged his shoulders as the veteran dropped his head in frustration. ¡°So what do we do then? Knock on the front gate and ask them to let us in?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ but I do have a better idea.¡± Alex shifted his gaze toward the mountain that loomed above the compound.

    Seeing this, Tucker¡¯s excitement faded. ¡°No. You¡¯re not suggesting we scale the mountain. That¡¯s insane, and we don¡¯t even have climbing gear!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll manage.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes gleamed at the challenge. ¡°Besides, getting up won¡¯t be the hard part. It¡¯s getting down that¡¯ll be tricky.¡±

    ¡°Getting down?¡± Tucker echoed, completely baffled, until the realization hit him. ¡°You don¡¯t mean¡­¡±

    Ah¡­ you insane bastard¡­

    Tucker followed Alex¡¯s gaze. Far above the compound was a steep cliff extending out from the mountain where several silhouettes could be seen patrolling. It would be difficult enough to deal with the threats on the cliff, but descending from there without being detected or killed was another story.

    ¡°I¡¯m dead serious,¡± Alex said, already moving. ¡°We¡¯ll climb while the clouds cover the moon.¡±

    Tucker stood there, watching Alex disappear into the shadows of the trees, and let out a defeated sigh. ¡°God dammit,¡± he muttered, following his partner. There was no telling what secrets were hidden within the fortress, but if there was one thing he was certain about. It¡¯s that tonight was the night they would make history.

 4. A Step In The Night

    ¡°We¡¯re really going to do this?¡± Tucker muttered, hoisting himself onto the edge of the stone cliff before rolling on his side.

    The climb was filled with agony, as each step proved treacherous on the jagged boulders and loose gravel. Yet, as Tucker reached the peak, Alex was already standing there. The old man kept his usual calm composure. Like it had been a casual stroll. After a few deep breaths, Tucker steadied his breathing, his gaze shifting to the stone beneath his feet littered with freshly fallen bodies.

    For a split second, Tucker witnessed something that made his blood run cold. A fountain of crimson erupting from the throats of three bandits. It had happened in an instant, almost too quick for his eyes to follow, and in the center of it all was the old man who was silently cleaning his blade.

    Before Tucker could blink. Their bodies collapsed in unison, and not a single muscle moved, like puppets with their strings cut. No struggle. No final breath. Just a quiet stillness enveloped them, as if someone whisked away their souls.

    The rookie stood there, stunned. His heart pounded in his chest, unable to comprehend how in the time it took him to scale the cliff. Alex had killed five men without breaking a sweat. His eyes flicked to the nearby watchtower, where two more bodies were propped against the wooden pillars with their blood-forming pools beneath them.

    ¡°You¡¯re slow.¡±

    Tucker wiped the sweat from his brow, looking at Alex, whose voice broke the silence. ¡°I have so many questions right now.¡± His words trailed off as his eyes settled on the mesh attached to the old man¡¯s cloak. ¡°No, wait¡ªare those branches?¡±

    Alex glanced at him with an unamused expression. ¡°What does it look like?¡±

    Tucker clenched his fists at the undermining tone. ¡°I get the camouflage, but while climbing? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re blending in with the rocks.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better to look like a pair of bushes than to look like two men.¡± Alex tossed him a handful of branches without hearing another word. ¡°Now attach those to your cloak and get ready to descend.¡±

    Tucker groaned as he reluctantly pulled out the lightweight mesh from his poach. ¡°Can¡¯t we just go through the front? I mean, you took out these guys without breaking a sweat.¡±

    ¡°And how many would you be able to handle if an entire group charged at you?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Tucker looked at the corpses sprawled around. ¡°Maybe seven?¡±

    ¡°And if there¡¯s more?¡±

    He fell silent. At most he could probably handle a few more, but if there was a horde of them then eventually fatigue would catch up to him.

    ¡°Remember, we¡¯re not here for a brawl. We¡¯re here to gather information.¡± Alex approached the edge of the cliff. A shred of doubt lingered in his mind. So far, they were just well-equipped bandits, but something about the situation felt off. His senses were telling him that there were more secrets within the compound than expected, but there was only one to find out. ¡°Pace yourself as you descend. It¡¯ll be hard even for me to clean up after your mistakes if you fall.¡±

    Tucker smirked, tying the last branch in place. ¡°Worry about yourself, old man. I¡¯d hate to hear you complain about your bad back once we¡¯re back at the Keep.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m not that old.¡±

    ¡°Really? I could¡¯ve sworn you were seventy. Maybe eighty?¡±

    ¡°This little¡ª¡± Alex stopped himself and rolled his eyes at Tucker¡¯s smug grin. ¡°Quit messing around. You know what¡¯s at stake here.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Tucker replied, adjusting his cloak one last time. He tested his footing near the cliff¡¯s edge, casting a quick glance over the ridge. While Alex tightened the straps of the short sword on his back. They were in the heart of enemy territory with no reinforcements. So, he collected himself and nodded once he was ready.

    ¡°Remember, we¡¯re here for information,¡± Alex said. ¡°Anything useful, anything we can carry, we take. The rest, we leave.¡±

    ¡°Right, a simple in and out mission. Easy enough, we¡¯ll be done in like twenty minutes.¡±

    ¡°If everything goes according to plan.¡±

    Tucker watched as Alex took the lead and began climbing down the mountain. The cold night air bit at his skin, and a cloud of fog escaped his lips. He gathered mana at his fingertips to strengthen his grip and steadied his heart. Despite all their training, descending was always harder than climbing since gravity worked against their every step. To make it worse, there was little room for error with the poor footholds and bandits lurking below.

    But there was nothing he could do except resolve himself with the weight of his gear pulling at his shoulders. He spared no time while clinging to a tiny ledge that was barely wide enough for three fingers. Even though they practically left at the same time, Tucker could see Alex several meters ahead of him. Occasionally pausing in the shadows for the rookie to catch up. Yet despite the good intentions, Tucker felt his heart sink.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    I can¡¯t slow him down.

    Gritting his teeth, Tucker wedged his boot into a gap between two rocks, forcing his body down toward the next ledge. Sweat stung his eyes and his palms grew slick, but he pressed on. Refusing to lag behind. He was one of the best in the next generation and had to live up to everyone¡¯s expectations. With the wind howling around him, tugging at his body. He closed the distance. Leaving only a few more paces to cross before reaching the old man.

    But just before he could get there. He felt his vision blur. In a moment of carelessness, Tucker¡¯s hand slipped and in an instant he was falling. Slamming against the cliff side with the jagged rocks digging into his skin as the ground rushed towards him. His mind blanked, but before he could plunge further, a sharp yank at his cloak jerked him back.

    Alex clasped the cloak with all the strength he had in his body. His knuckles were white as he held Tucker suspended in mid-air, his teeth clenched in desperation. With the rookie dangling helplessly in the air, there was little he could do, even though the guards below were oblivious to their commotion.

    It was a miracle Tucker didn¡¯t make a single sound, but Alex knew couldn¡¯t hold on for long. His hand was slipping, and he could see the makeshift disguise falling apart with the branches coming loose. Soon, the mesh would separate from the cloak, and there wasn¡¯t enough time to pull Tucker back.

    With all of his might, Alex swung Tucker forward. Hurling him directly at a bandit below. Tucker¡¯s heart pounded in his ears as he came crashing down onto the unsuspecting target. But before he landed, he drew his dagger and drove it directly into the bandit¡¯s skull with the entire weight of his body. His knees slammed into their shoulders, forcing the man¡¯s body to crumble into the ground.

    As the other bandit¡¯s eyes widened in shock, his jaw dropped, ready to scream¡ªbut before a sound could escape, Alex clamped his hand over their mouth. His dagger digging deep into the man¡¯s throat. He watched their arms desperately struggle with tears in their eyes, but after a few moments, silence filled the area once more.

    Without wasting a second, he dragged the body behind a nearby shed and flung the door open. ¡°Get rid of it.¡± He whispered, tossing the corpse inside.

    Tucker nodded, quickly stashing the second body inside as Alex checked their surroundings. A faint trail of blood marked their path, but there was nothing they could do about it. They were deep in enemy territory now, among a cluster of hastily built structures within the hideout. After yanking off the branches and mesh attached to his cloak, the old man tossed them into the shed as well. Once Tucker had done the same, Alex motioned for him to stand watch.

    With Tucker on lookout, Alex crouched by one of the bodies. He stared at the bandit¡¯s face and shook his head.

    Just a kid¡­

    The old man shifted his gaze from the man who seemed to be the same age as Tucker and cut the straps of the leather armor with his dagger. Beneath it, a gleaming chain mail vest caught his eye. It was far too fine for mere bandits to have. His eyes dimmed, pulling the sword from the dead man¡¯s waist and turning it over in his hand. The blade was well maintained, with a sharp and pristine edge as if it had never been used. It was another perfectly assembled kit. Something a ragtag group of bandits shouldn¡¯t have.

    He tossed the sword back into the shed, the dull thud briefly echoing in the quiet storage room. They were no longer dealing with ordinary criminals¡ªsomeone had outfitted these bandits with military-grade equipment. There were an endless number of possibilities as to what they were trying to achieve, but there was no time to dwell on it now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move,¡± he whispered, closing the shed door behind them. He patted his thighs while leaning against the shed for support. The years of service had taken their toll, and the rough terrain wasn¡¯t helping. From the side, he could see the rookie staring at him, then looking away. ¡°Out with it. If you have something to say, then say it.¡±

    Tucker scratched the back of his neck. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ my bad. I didn¡¯t mean to slip.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, kid. It happens.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I just felt like I should own up to it.¡±

    Alex gave him a sideways look and smirked before patting his shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s like I said, it happens. Just focus on doing your best and pace yourself. We¡¯ve got bigger concerns right now, and I trust you¡¯ll pull your weight.¡±

    Tucker nodded, keeping his head down in silence. Until a sudden flick hit him square on the forehead. He blinked in surprise, looking up to see Alex grinning with his hand raised.

    Did this old fart just flick me?

    Tucker stood there in disbelief¡ªno one had ever done that to him before. Not even his own parents. But, just as he was about to speak, Alex turned away and began dusting off his cloak with a smile. The sight made him frown.

    ¡°Good. Now that we¡¯re on the same page, let¡¯s figure out our next move. You got any bright ideas?¡±

    The rookie swallowed his annoyance and nodded. His mentor was right. There was a time and place for everything, and now wasn¡¯t the time to sulk. ¡°We could try sneaking around the back. Maybe even slip in through a door or window.¡±

    The old man played the scenario out in his head. It wasn¡¯t an awful idea, but there were too many bandits inside for it to work. ¡°We¡¯ll need a distraction if we want to hit the main building¡ª¡±

    SNAP!

    Both of them froze before instinctively kneeling close to the wall with their daggers drawn. They could see two shadows approaching from behind the shed. Tucker could feel his heart frantically beating in his chest. His eyes met Alex¡¯s, and in an instant, he knew that he would have to take the one further away.

    As soon as the first bandit came into view, Alex lunged forth and grabbed the man¡¯s arm, yanking him off balance before slamming them into the ground. With his knee pressed hard against the bandit¡¯s spine, Alex drove his dagger into the back of the man¡¯s neck, muffling any sounds with his other hand as he forced the bandit¡¯s face into the dirt.

    At the same time, Tucker rushed out. His dagger sank into the side of the second bandit¡¯s skull with a sickening crunch. The man¡¯s arms flailed wildly, but the rookie held firm, muffling his victim¡¯s mouth with a tight grip before dragging their limp body behind the shed. Adrenaline was pounding through his veins as Tucker flung the door open with one hand, tossing the corpse onto the pile of bodies. He glanced back to see Alex doing the same, swiftly disposing of his target before the door clicked shut.

    ¡°These a lot more of these bastards than I thought,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°Too many, if you ask me,¡± Alex replied, wiping his blade with the end of his cloak. He raised a brow upon seeing Tucker mimic his actions and nodded. ¡°So, any bright ideas as to what we should do next?¡±

    ¡°We could try checking the other buildings. There might be something useful there.¡±

    Alex couldn¡¯t help but agree. It wasn¡¯t a bad suggestion, and he already had an idea for a distraction. However, whether its effectiveness was fruitful would depend on what they uncovered. Without wasting any more time, he motioned for Tucker to follow.

    ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡±

 5. Hidden Secrets

    Tucker and Alex crept along the wall of the wooden building, their footsteps silent on the damp ground. The rookie glanced through a small window, squinting to make out the dimly lit interior. There were several swords scattered around and a haphazard stack of crates. Besides that, the darkness made it hard to discern what else was in the room. If anyone else was in the room, they would only know after entering.

    If possible, he would try to send his spirit companion in to check, but no matter how much he tried. His wind hawk ignored him. Tucker raised his eyes toward the sky, helplessly watching in frustration as his companion continued circling the compound without a care in the world.

    ¡°This damn spirit¡­¡± Tucker muttered under his breath.

    From the side, Alex lightly tapped his pocket with Sally popping their head out shortly after. The little salamander tilted its head before noticing the old man''s motion for it to explore the building. Without needing to speak a single word, Sally happily crawled down Alex¡¯s arm and scurried into the building through a narrow gap between the wooden planks. Soon Sally hopped on a crate that was visible to them from the window and wagged their tail happily back and forth.

    ¡°It¡¯s clear, let¡¯s go.¡± Alex motioned for Tucker to begin.

    The rookie nodded and took the dagger from his waist. He carefully wedged it between the doorframe and the wooden door, and with a quick jerk, pried it open. Before the door could fully swing open, creaking with each inch. He grabbed the handle and held it in place, carefully entering the building and holding the door for Alex before closing it shut behind them.

    There were wooden crates stacked along the walls, some in pairs, others alone. It was an organized storage unit, filled with stolen trinkets, animal hides and other valuables. One you typically wouldn¡¯t see in a bandit hideout. Since the army would have discovered their actions and destroyed it before it could reach such a scale. Looking around, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but feel impressed by the stash. They would have had to be active for years to build such a collection.

    ¡°You still haven¡¯t bonded with your spirit companion?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t tried,¡± Tucker grumbled, glancing out the window again. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to bond with that blasted thing for over a month, but it still ignores me. At this point, it¡¯s driving me crazy.¡±

    Alex narrowed his eyes. ¡°It sounds like you aren¡¯t treating your companion right. How do you see your companion?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they just tools for us to use during missions?¡±

    Alex froze for a moment, then stared in disbelief. ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯re one heartless bastard, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°What? Am I wrong?¡± Tucker irritatingly shot back.

    ¡°Yeah, it must be because you''re stupid, ignorant, or perhaps both. This is the first time I¡¯ve ever heard of someone being that candid about it.¡± Alex slid his hand across a wooden crate¡¯s surface and then stared at his fingertips. He watched as Sally climbed back up his arm, glaring at Tucker before hopping back into his pocket. ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why Sally can¡¯t stand you.¡±

    ¡°I thought your lizard hated everyone.¡±

    ¡°Not everyone. Sally usually gets along with most watchmen.¡± Alex wiped his hands clean and stared at Tucker. ¡°They¡¯re called companions for a reason. They choose us and gave us the chance to be who we are today. It¡¯s not the other way around.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re saying it¡¯s my fault my hawk won¡¯t listen?¡±

    ¡°To put it bluntly, yes.¡± Alex nodded. ¡°You¡¯re the one treating your companion like a tool. Spirits aren¡¯t mindless pets¡ªthey¡¯re partners. They have feelings and thoughts just like us. Some are more human than most, and until you get that through your thick skull, your spirit is going to keep ignoring you.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s not how others see it.¡±

    Alex¡¯s eyes hardened. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter how others see it. It¡¯s how you see it that counts. They¡¯re more than just tools, Tucker. I¡¯m disappointed just hearing you say that.¡±

    Tucker stood there in silence, reflecting on what Alex had just said. His words stung and hit all the sore spots in his head. All his life, he¡¯d been taught that what mattered most was their capabilities. Power and utility were everything. So why was Alex criticizing him for that? Why did his views clash with everything he¡¯d known? His companion was just a mid-tier spirit and soon he would get a high-tier spirit. So why did it matter?

    In the future, he could release his current contract and form another one with a higher tier. It was a form of progression that many were accustomed to.

    Seeing Tucker¡¯s frustration, Alex sighed and shook his head. ¡°Think about it later. For now, we¡¯ve got work to do.¡± He pointed at the boxes. ¡°Start opening these crates and see if there¡¯s anything unusual in here.¡±

    The rookie silently nodded, pushing the conflicted thoughts to the back of his head. In the meantime, Alex walked over to one of the crates, wedging his dagger between the gaps and with a sudden jerk. He popped the lid open and placed it to the side, filling the air with the scent of fresh timber and sawdust. But the moment the dust settled, his eyes widened.

    ¡°Rookie, come here and take a look.¡± Alex¡¯s sharp tone caught Tucker off guard, but once he moved closer and peered inside the crate, a bitter taste filled his mouth.

    There were countless iron arrows with sharpened tips and bright red feathers. Each one was in pristine condition, perfectly balanced and newly forged. It was something that ordinary bandits couldn¡¯t get their hands on. Not to this extent. Tucker¡¯s gaze shifted to Alex, who gestured toward another set of crates with a dire expression.

    ¡°Help me with this,¡± Alex muttered.Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    Together, they lifted one of the heavier crates and carefully set it aside. With as little noise as possible, they pried it open, revealing more weapons and armor pieces. Their expressions hardened one by one as they continued to open the crates until, finally, a cluster of magic crystals appeared before them. They both remained still, absorbing their discovery with heavy hearts. They were all military grade equipment.

    Alex looked around the storage room. The lingering scent of fresh timber and sawdust no longer remained, only a metallic tang that stung their nostrils. There were countless sharpened blades and spear tips glistening beneath the moonlight. He couldn¡¯t even image how much effort it would have taken to assemble this arsenal.

    ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± Tucker stared at the rune-engraved weapons, holding one in his hand and feeling it resonate with his mana. His hands were trembling as his eyes fell on Alex. ¡°I¡¯m seeing things¡­ right?¡±

    ¡°I wish that was the case.¡± Alex¡¯s face was grim as he tried to collect his thoughts. A well of emotions dwelled within him, but now wasn¡¯t the time to remember the past. He took a deep breath and bitterly clenched his fists. ¡°It¡¯s a damn supply depot.¡±

    Tucker leaned over with his hands on the edge of the wooden crate. ¡°But why would there be one so far out here? We wouldn¡¯t put a supply depot near the borders.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because we didn¡¯t. This isn¡¯t one of ours.¡±

    Tucker stared at Alex in disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re not saying the Empire did this, right?¡±

    ¡°I am, and there¡¯s no telling how many more are out there.¡±

    Tucker took a step back and released a long, drawn out breath. ¡°But why would the Empire go to war with us again? There has to be some sort of motive or goal in mind.¡±

    ¡°Even if we knew their motive, it wouldn¡¯t matter.¡± Alex leaned against the crates with his arms crossed. The old man looked at the ground with heavy eyes. ¡°We¡¯ve already seen their answer.¡±

    Tucker opened his mouth to argue but found no words. He looked back at the crates¡ªthe iron weapons, the rune-marked blades, the military supplies¡­ everything pointed to one conclusion. And even though he was searching for answers that never came, he knew there was no point in denying it.

    ¡°I just¡­ don¡¯t understand why they would do this?¡± Tucker whispered. ¡°Didn¡¯t they learn anything from the previous war? Didn¡¯t they experience enough grief? Enough heartbreak?¡±

    ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better not to understand.¡±

    Tucker flinched upon hearing those words. He glared at Alex, who didn¡¯t utter another word, and saw the well of emotions flickering in the old man¡¯s eyes. At first, he wanted to lash out and criticize him for being so indifferent to their situation, but once he realized the bitter and conflicted look on the veteran¡¯s face. His thoughts vanished.

    They both knew what this meant. It was just that the veteran had come to terms with it while he still refused to accept it.

    Tucker¡¯s hands were still trembling as he tried to process everything. The disbelief was still clear on his face, even beneath his mask. This wasn¡¯t the revelation Tucker had been hoping for, but there was nothing he could do to change it. He had grown up hearing stories about their victory over the Empire¡ªthe miracle of the five-year war. Yet he never thought he would be in a situation where another one would occur.

    The war inflicted heavy casualties on the Everheart Kingdom, nearly wiping it off the map. But in the nation¡¯s darkest hours, its leaders devised a tactic. One that managed to cripple the Empire by cutting off their supply lines. Some considered it reckless but the last ditch effort where countless men and women sacrificed their lives was one that changed the very history of their nation. Yet, despite their best efforts, Tucker was standing in the middle of the Empire¡¯s supply depot. Feeling the weight of a truth he wasn¡¯t ready for.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to destroy this supply point and get into the main building.¡± Alex¡¯s firm voice drew Tucker¡¯s attention. ¡°If there¡¯s any useful information, that¡¯s where we¡¯ll find it.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we send a mist hawk back to the order first?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°We already did. Those guys may be lazy, but they aren¡¯t stupid. If we go missing, they¡¯ll piece together the puzzle.¡±

    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±

    ¡°Because we¡¯re watchmen, it takes more than a couple of bandits to take us down. If something happens to us, the Order will know we found something we shouldn¡¯t have.¡±

    Without wasting a moment, Alex started counting the crates in the room. There were thirty crates in this storage building and judging by the scale of this operation. More were likely scattered in the area. They couldn¡¯t afford to waste any time scouting the other buildings, but destroying them was easy enough.

    ¡°Alright, what¡¯s the plan?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll search as many rooms as possible, starting with the highest floor.¡±

    Tucker let out a dry laugh but quickly stopped when he realized Alex was dead serious. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me. That¡¯s the same as blindly searching every room, and there¡¯s no guarantee we¡¯ll find anything on the top floor. For all we know, it could be on the first floor.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but people in power love their high vantage points. So I¡¯m willing to bet these bastards are no different.¡±

    ¡°And how are we supposed to get up there without getting spotted? Even if we had a distraction, we¡¯d have to be insane to get it to work.¡±

    ¡°If we do it right, no one will notice us.¡±

    Tucker hesitated, glancing around the compound through a nearby window. ¡°And if they do notice us?¡±

    Alex looked over his shoulder and smirked. ¡°Then you better be prepared to take down seven of them, like you said. If not, we¡¯ll be in quite a predicament.¡±

    Tucker frowned at Alex¡¯s chuckle, but the veteran¡¯s focus had already shifted. He stroked Sally¡¯s scales and pointed at the crate filled with iron arrows. ¡°Sally, can you set this place on fire after we leave?¡±

    The spirit happily wagged its tail and stood on its two hind legs while bringing one front leg to its chest. Gesturing a simply salute before skittering towards the wooden crates in the corner. Tucker felt envy at the sight of how well Alex communicated with his companion. His eyes instinctively drifted upwards at his spirit hawk still circling the compound.

    Would I be able to have something like that one day?

    Tucker shook his head and kept his thoughts to himself. He scratched the back of his head, trying to shake the nagging thought that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªhis senior was right. He had always believed spirit companions were just tools, a means to an end like himself. His peers all thought the same, so why bond with a low or mid-rank spirit when you could eventually form a contract with a stronger one? It made no sense why Alex stuck with Sally, but maybe with time, he¡¯ll understand.

    As Alex waited for Tucker to collect his thoughts, he carefully reached into his pouch, pulling out a dull grey orb. Tucker watched as the old man used his dagger to carve a shallow crater into the surface of the crates. When the groove was deep enough, Alex pushed the woodchips around the edge and placed the orb inside, securing it in place.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s our distraction,¡± Alex replied without looking up. ¡°We¡¯re going to blow up this blasted place.¡±

    ¡°Wait, you were serious about destroying it?¡±

    ¡°Dead serious. These bastards invaded our lands. They don¡¯t get to keep anything.¡± Alex¡¯s tone was cold and sharp. ¡°Normally, we¡¯d try to take some of it back for the kingdom. But it¡¯s too risky to leave it intact.¡±

    ¡°But couldn¡¯t we just return with reinforcements once we search the main building?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a chance they could move it before we return. It¡¯s better to leave a pile of ashes than to let them keep it.¡±

    Alex moved to the door and slowly cracked it open, scanning the surroundings one last time. Once he was sure the coast was clear, he motioned for the rookie to follow. But before Tucker left, he took one last look at Sally. The salamander tilted its head before hiding in the corner, ready to ignite the wooden crates. He felt another wave of frustration tighten in his chest but soon brushed it aside.

    Without another word, Tucker stepped outside, slowly closing the door behind him.

 6. Smoke And Flames

    Their faint footsteps echoed through the compound as Tucker and Alex slipped around the back of the main building. The rookie stared at the dark clouds hiding the moon. If it wasn¡¯t for the flickering torchlight, they would¡¯ve been completely shrouded in darkness. But nonetheless, they used it to their advantage, creeping along the compound¡¯s outer edge undetected. They had no choice but to weave in and out of the makeshift defensive structures near the mountain as cover. After all, it was the only way to avoid the keen glimpses of any curious onlookers who were patrolling the area.

    The process was tedious but necessary to avoid unwanted attention. Tucker tugged his hood lower to keep his face concealed in darkness. He could see the shadows of the bandits walk across the windows, and once the coast was clear. Alex motioned for him to cross over to his side. In the blink of an eye, Tucker pushed off the ground, harnessing the mana underneath his boots, and crossed the open distance before landing lightly beside his partner.

    They crouched behind a stack of dried planks hastily nailed into a wall. The scent of freshly cut timber hung heavy in the air, and as Tucker glanced around, it became clear they were in some sort of woodworking yard. His hands held onto the edge of the wooden barricade, carefully peering around the corner. There were far too many patrols closer to the main building than expected. The manpower they had also exceeded what he guessed.

    ¡°What¡¯s the holdup?¡± Tucker whispered.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got company,¡± Alex replied, his eyes fixating on the glowing lights approaching the fence. ¡°Seems like there¡¯s another patrol coming our way.¡±

    Tucker gulped, following Alex¡¯s gaze. A patrol¡ªno more than ten meters away. Without a second thought, he drew his dagger, the blade slipping quietly from its sheath. But before he could ready himself, Alex¡¯s hand gripped his wrist, stopping him. The veteran shook his head, silencing the rookie¡¯s intent with a firm look.

    ¡°Let them pass,¡± Alex whispered.

    ¡°Are you serious? They¡¯ll find us!¡± Tucker replied in a hushed voice as they hunched behind the wooden barricade.

    ¡°If they do, we¡¯ll handle it. But if they don¡¯t, we save ourselves a fight.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes flicked toward the oncoming light. There was no time for argument.

    Questions appeared one after another in Tucker¡¯s mind, but glancing over at the wooden obstacle before them, he saw the pair heading in their direction with no time to debate. He reluctantly sheathed his dagger while keeping a firm grip on the hilt. The echoing thud sent his heart racing, sweat forming on his palms as his body reacted to the sound.

    They pressed their bodies against the wooden barricade, poised to strike if needed. The metal rattling of the lantern entered Tucker¡¯s ears as he held his breath. He could see the long shadows of the bandits through the crevices of the makeshift structures, and his heart raced as they stopped in front of them. It didn¡¯t seem like they noticed their presence, even though they were only a few feet away from each other. But Tucker didn¡¯t want to test his luck and held his breath. Not daring to move a single muscle.

    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, those bastards shouldn¡¯t even be in our base,¡± one bandit grumbled, his voice full of frustration.

    ¡°Would you shut up about that? The boss will have our heads if he hears you talking like that.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡± The first bandit sneered, crossing his arms. ¡°It¡¯s bad enough they took over our quarters, but they don¡¯t even treat us like people! Why the hell is our boss letting them push us around like this?¡±

    The second bandit quickly clamped a hand over his companion¡¯s mouth. ¡°Are you trying to get us killed?! If they hear you, you¡¯re as good as dead!¡±

    The bandit swatted the hand away, eyes glinting with anger. ¡°Let them! Just ¡®cause they can swing a sword better doesn¡¯t mean they own the place! We built this shithole with our own two hands, and now these guys show up and take it over? They can go fuck themselves for all I care.¡±

    Tucker remained still, every muscle tense as the wind shifted through the compound, carrying the scent of cold pine and earth. He pieced together their conversation, trying to process what he¡¯d just overheard. But his attention was pulled sharply to the wooden plank beside him, which creaked ominously.

    ¡°Hey!¡± one bandit barked. ¡°Don¡¯t lean on those planks! You¡¯ll knock ¡®em over.¡±

    ¡°Relax, I¡¯m barely even leaning on it. They¡¯re not gonna fall.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and if they do, guess who¡¯s cleaning it up? Us.¡±

    Tucker stared at the wooden plank that was inching closer and closer to the edge. His gaze shifted to Alex, who was on the other side, too far to help. He could tell the plank was about to fall, and once it did, they would come over to his side to pick it up. With painstaking caution, Tucker slid his hand toward the wooden board, fingertips brushing against the rough surface. He pressed firmly on the boards, just enough to push it back into place without making a sound as the bandits continued their bickering, oblivious to how close they had come to exposing the two watchmen.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    After seeing how close they were to being exposed, Alex silently picked up a small pebble and flung it to the far side of the yard, striking the wooden wall with just enough force to draw their attention.

    ¡°Did you just hear that?¡± one of the bandit asked, freezing mid-step.

    ¡°Hear what?¡± his partner grumbled.

    ¡°Over there, by the wall. Didn¡¯t you hear that sound?¡±

    The bandit gazed over at where his partner was pointing and sighed. ¡°It¡¯s probably one of the other guys. Stop getting spooked by every little thing, and let¡¯s just finish our lap.¡±

    Tucker released a sigh of relief as the patrol began to move again. Unlike the other bandits they had encountered earlier, those two wore full sets of iron armor, accompanied by iron swords resting heavily against their hips. If anything, they looked less like thieves and more like knights, and frankly, it was unsettling.

    A knot formed in Tucker¡¯s stomach. The bandits¡¯ appearance and demeanor raised even more questions. His frown deepened as the two armored figures continued their patrol. Their boots thudded loudly against the packed dirt. They stopped briefly in front of the storage building they had just left and seemed to examine the exterior for a moment. A sense of dread filled Tucker¡¯s mind.

    What if they find Sally? What if the fire starts too early?

    Tucker¡¯s thought gnawed at him, but when he glanced at Alex. His worries were replaced with disbelief. The old man was utterly unfazed by the situation. In fact, it was shocking how calm he was. Did he trust his companion that much, or could it be that Alex hadn¡¯t realized the situation yet? Tucker did his best to push his doubts away, but the unease still lingered in the back of his mind.

    As the armored figures rounded the corner of the storage building and vanished into the shadows, Alex gave Tucker a sharp nudge. Bringing some sense back to the rookie. They couldn¡¯t afford to waste a second. In an instant, Alex sprinted toward a pile of old logs with Tucker following closely behind and sliding into cover next to him.

    They crouched low and peeked over the logs. There were at least fifteen of them patrolling in pairs or loitering near the storage buildings. The sheer amount of guards made Tucker¡¯s nerves shake, while Alex remained perfectly calm. The veteran was already focusing on the layout of the courtyard as though he were calculating their next move. There was no room for error, yet after seeing the veteran. It felt like they had everything under control.

    Alex opened his leather pouch and examined its contents. ¡°While we have a moment. I suggest you also check the contents of your pouch. Make sure you¡¯ve got everything you need.¡±

    Tucker smirked, tapping the side of his temple with two fingers. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve got everything all up here.¡±

    ¡°Check it.¡±

    The sudden shift in Alex¡¯s voice sent shivers down Tucker¡¯s spine. He sighed and reluctantly opened his pouch to do a quick inventory check. Inside, he found a simple metal lighter, a whetstone, and a few small black gems engraved with a hawk. Not much else. As he fumbled through his belongings, he caught a glimpse of Alex¡¯s pouch. The neat organization of tools and trinkets caused him to stare awkwardly at his barren bag.

    With a quick snap, Alex shut his pouch and glanced at the main building. ¡°Keep your eyes on the windows. If we want to make it through, our timing has to be perfect.¡±

    ¡°And how exactly are we going to pull this off?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need you to boost me to the second floor, just like how you would normally do in training.¡±

    ¡°But they¡¯ll spot us,¡± Tucker spoke in a hushed voice. ¡°There¡¯s too many of them guarding the area, and there¡¯s no telling how well our distraction will work.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, the distraction will be enough.¡±

    Before Tucker could say another word, a vivid red glow caught his attention from the corner of his eyes. Flames erupted from the storage building, shattering windows as they surged through the cracks in the wood. The fire spread quickly, turning the wooden planks into charred remains while fiery embers drifted into the night air. Soon, the scent of burning timber engulfed the area. The earthy pine-like scent shifted into a smoky and bitter aroma.

    Thick smoke curled upward, and within moments, the bandits began rushing to the blaze in a frenzied panic. Their screams were like a symphony within the inferno, drawing everyone to the building like moths to a flame. They were afraid, afraid of losing their precious equipment. In the short period, Tucker and Alex were hiding behind the timber. They could see the frantic movements of the bandits on the first and second floor. Their figures scrambling out of the building while carrying wooden buckets.

    The fire had done its job¡ªperhaps even better than expected. With the bandits distracted, the path to the main building was clear.

    Alex turned to Tucker with a nod. There was no more room to argue, and even though Tucker wasn¡¯t fully on board, he had no choice but to follow Alex¡¯s lead. Both of them sprinted out from behind the logs, vaulting over the obstacles in their path and reaching the wall of the main structure. Tucker pressed his back against the wooden planks, fingers interlocking as he crouched low to give Alex the boost he needed. Without hesitation, Alex pulled out his dagger and stepped into Tucker¡¯s open hands.

    With a swift push, Alex launched himself upward, using the added momentum to drive his dagger into the gaps between the wooden planks. He steadied himself and quickly assessed the window before him¡ªa simple pane of glass secured by a thin black string.

    Peering through, Alex could see a deserted hallway. Without wasting a second, he ignited a small flame at his fingertip, running it along the string. The dried straw crumbled into ash almost in an instant, leaving the window unlocked. He gently pushed it open and slipped inside, pulling his dagger free as he entered.

    From below, Tucker watched as Alex leaned out and extended his hand. Taking several steps back, Tucker sprinted toward the wall and kicked off the ground. Their hands locked in a tight grip as Alex grunted. Soon, he hauled his partner up and swung Tucker onto the windowsill.

    Catching his breath, Tucker surveyed the empty corridor. ¡°I guess you were right. That distraction worked better than I thought.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised how often I hear that.¡±

    Soon, Alex moved to one of the nearby doors and gestured for Tucker to take the opposite side. They could hear the chaos below as the bandits were frantically trying to organize themselves to deal with the inferno outside. Their diversion was nearly perfect, but the two couldn¡¯t get comfortable. After all, there was no telling how long it would take to search each room and what they would find in the few precious moments they had.

 7. A Relic From The Past

    Tucker flung the first door open, revealing an empty room filled with nothing but dust and cobwebs. They were in the heart of enemy territory with limited time. One by one they searched, but nothing promising showed. Only the same barren rooms. His mind raced as the shouts echoing from below grew louder with each passing second. What began as a careful search was slowly turning into a desperate scramble as they opened one door after another.

    It was only when all hope was lost that the situation changed. Tucker rattled the next door knob and raised a brow. He tried turning it, but the handle wouldn¡¯t budge. He cursed under his breath, trying several more times before drawing his dagger and catching Alex¡¯s attention. With his arm raised, Tucker was ready to smash the lock as the veteran stood beside the door. But just before the dagger could make contact, Alex swiftly grabbed Tucker¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Let me handle this,¡± Alex muttered, waving Tucker aside as he pulled out a set of lock-picking tools from his pouch.

    Tucker watched as Alex began fidgeting with the lock. ¡°Do we really have time for this? We could get discovered any second now.¡± He pushed his messy brown hair from his eyes and nervously peered down the hall.

    ¡°We¡¯ve already lost our chance to leave without being noticed.¡± Alex listened for the faint clicks as each pin fell into place one by one. ¡°Now we just need to leave as little evidence as possible so they have nothing to work with.¡±

    Finally, the lock gave way with a soft click. Alex twisted the handle and pushed the door open, carefully peering into the room. It was a room unlike any they had seen so far. Bookshelves lined the left and right walls, filled with old tomes and scrolls. At the center stood a finely crafted desk, facing the door with a chair behind it that looks out of place¡ªnoble in design, with intricate wooden carvings and a red velvet backrest.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Tucker asked, shutting the door behind them.

    Alex didn¡¯t look up, his eyes scanning the spines of each book. ¡°Think about it. A fire starting in a storage unit that holds equipment with no torches or flammable materials? It doesn¡¯t take much to put one and one together, though it wasn¡¯t like we had much of a choice either.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re saying they already know someone¡¯s snooping around the compound?¡±

    ¡°Exactly. And stay away from the windows. We don¡¯t need a silhouette giving us away.¡±

    Tucker rolled his eyes. ¡°C¡¯mon, I know that much.¡± But as he spoke, his attention drifted toward the desk.

    The papers were scattered haphazardly across the surface. Without thinking, he started sorting through them, hoping to find something¡ªanything¡ªthat might give them an edge. Most of them seemed irrelevant at first glance. From supply orders to maintenance logs, nothing of value stood out that they didn¡¯t already know about. Apart from that, there was an unmarked map of the region, similar to the ones you could pick up from the towns near the border.

    Meanwhile, Alex was inspecting the bookshelf with a complex expression. The veteran noticed something odd. In certain sections, there were streaks of dust brushed off as if someone had recently pulled those books out. He stepped back, taking a closer look at the entire shelf. Someone had clearly moved seven books, while the rest remained untouched. It seemed almost deliberate.

    ¡°Tucker, come here.¡±

    Tucker looked up from the desk and joined Alex. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Alex pointed at the seven books. ¡°See these? Seven books, all recently moved. The rest, untouched.¡±

    ¡°So? They¡¯ve read seven books. Doesn¡¯t really ring any bells for me.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps not at first glance. But my gut tells me there¡¯s something hidden here, and at times like these, it helps to have another set of eyes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking for my help?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s time to put that theoretical nonsense you learned to use.¡±

    With a smirk, Tucker reached for an old, green book on the lower shelf. Pulling it free from the other books, but as the book was out, Alex noticed a thin piece of fabric attached to the end. Once it was fully in Tucker¡¯s hand, the fabric caught on the end of another book, yanking it out of position.

    Alex¡¯s eyes widened as the book crashed onto the floor with a resounding thud. They both froze, eyes locking in mutual alarm. The sharp sound echoed through the halls, and their heightened senses immediately told them that someone was heading their way. The veteran picked up the creak of approaching footsteps and stared at Tucker. Whoever was outside had heard.

    ¡°What the hell?!¡± Tucker whispered, pushing the other book back and scrambling to snatch the fallen book.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°You idiot!¡± Alex hissed, yanking the book from Tucker¡¯s hands and pushing it back onto the shelf. ¡°You¡¯re fucking lucky it just knocked down a book. What if it was trapped with an explosive?¡±

    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t know that,¡± Alex snapped, his voice barely above a breath. ¡°You can¡¯t just blindly grab things. Next time, think for a second before acting.¡± His eyes darted around the room, scanning for options. The walls were too bare to climb, and there were too many bandits outside to escape through the window. The only place left was the narrow space behind the door.

    The footsteps were close now, and they had only moments to decide. Alex twisted the lock with a soft click and motioned for Tucker to follow him. They slid into position behind the door, pressing their bodies flat against the wall. The air felt heavy with anticipation as the echo of the steps stopped right outside their door.

    Tucker¡¯s heart pounded loudly in his chest, and his breath fell short. It felt suffocating knowing he made another mistake. His palms were covered in sweat as he dropped his hand to the cold hilt of his dagger. From the thin gap beneath the door, he saw a dark shadow loom, and the knob rattled with a series of soft jigs. The handle refused to turn, and for a brief second, it seemed like they might escape detection. His pulse slowed, but only for a moment.

    Click. The lock turned.

    The door creaked open, slowly allowing light to fill the room inch by agonizing inch. Tucker tensed, ready to strike the second someone stepped into the room. But just as he tightened his grip on the dagger, he felt Alex¡¯s hand clamp down on his arm. The old man¡¯s eyes flashed a silent warning¡ªwait. Tucker held his breath and watched as the door swung inward.

    ¡°I told you, there¡¯s no one up here,¡± came a harsh, old voice from the hallway.

    ¡°And I¡¯m telling ya, I heard something fall,¡± a second, more stern voice insisted.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably just the fucking rats again,¡± the first voice grumbled. ¡°They¡¯ve been crawling around since we set this place up. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve got hounds by the food storage.¡±

    ¡°Nah, this was far louder than those pests.¡± The second bandit took a step inside and scanned the interior of the room. His gaze lingered on the desk and scattered papers. ¡°Well, at least I think it was far louder than those rats. I could be overthinking, but it doesn¡¯t hurt to check.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, well, your dumbass does overthink a bunch,¡± the first bandit muttered.

    The second bandit ignored him, taking another step toward the desk. ¡°It doesn¡¯t look like anything changed.¡±

    ¡°Probably because it hasn¡¯t. Now let¡¯s get outta here before the boss sees us.¡±

    Alex tightly held onto Tucker¡¯s arm, holding him in place so that he didn¡¯t make any rash movements. No matter how nerve-wracking the rookie felt, he couldn¡¯t afford to have him act out of impulse. Not yet, at least. One slip, one hasty decision, and the entire situation would come crashing down on them with no result in return. If the bandit found nothing and moved on, they might still have a chance to escape unnoticed.

    The creaking of the floorboards, the soft rustle of papers¡ªit all blurred together as the bandit neared the desk, unaware of the two watchmen lurking in the darkness just a few feet away. Hidden by the shadow of the wooden door.

    ¡°Well, I should at least check the desk. Maybe the boss left some coins¡ª¡±

    The ground shook as a thunderous explosion erupted, drowning the bandit¡¯s words in a burst of tremors and chaos. Their bodies swayed, and the walls viciously shook as the glass planes shattered from the far side of the hallway. Shards rained down, scattering across the floor like jagged confetti, while furious shouts erupted from every corner of the compound. Soon, a heavy stampede of boots followed, and chaos ensued.

    ¡°What the fuck!¡± The bandit in the doorway roared, his face contorting with fury as the acrid smell of smoke filled the air. ¡°Didn¡¯t those bastards have the fire under control?!¡±

    ¡°Who fucking knows! The boss is losing his shit right now, so we need to get moving!¡±

    The bandit rushed out of the room, slamming the door shut with a deafening bang. They felt another tremor throughout the room and stood perfectly still, with their bodies pressed against the wall. Listening intently as the bandits¡¯ footsteps gradually faded down the hall. Only when the noise had fully receded did Alex exhale quietly.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have much time,¡± Alex muttered, his voice sharp with urgency. ¡°That was the second diversion I set up. If this place goes up in flames, we need to be gone before the whole compound turns to ash.¡±

    Without wasting another second, Alex crossed the room to the bookshelf and yanked out the book Tucker had taken earlier. ¡°Since you already pulled this one and knocked down the other book, we¡¯ll know what to expect. Take out the rest in order¡ªleft to right, top to bottom. Be mindful of the same shenanigans we experienced earlier.¡±

    ¡°On it,¡± Tucker replied, moving swiftly as his hand lingered over the next book. He could feel the same old urge to yank out the book, but the scene of the book falling was still vivid in his mind. Slowly, his hands held onto the spine of the book and gradually pulled it free. Free of mistakes, unlike before.

    Tucker laid out the books on the desk, arranging them in neat stacks corresponding to their original positions on the shelf. As he worked, something caught his eye¡ªa peculiar detail that stood out among the worn tomes. The spines of each book had an excessive amount of glue or resin holding them together, far more than necessary for simple binding. Curiosity sparked, and he carefully picked up one of the books, giving it a firm shake. The pages fluttered loosely, catching Alex¡¯s attention.

    ¡°What did you find?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°The glue that¡¯s attached to the cover is practically falling apart. It¡¯s like someone glued it back in place,¡± Tucker explained, shaking another book. ¡°I don¡¯t know, it just feels off to me.¡±

    Alex inspected a different volume, flipping the cover back and pulling on the brittle pages. Despite his usual reverence for books, now wasn¡¯t the time for gentleness. The situation had changed and without hesitation, Alex tore the cover from the stack of pages, causing Tucker to quietly gasp. As the binding split, a thin strip of fabric slipped from a hidden compartment between the cover and the pages. Similar to the one Tucker found when removing the book from the shelf.

    ¡°The hell¡¯s this?¡± Tucker asked, peering over Alex¡¯s shoulder.

    The old man stretched the cloth between his hands, revealing rows of cryptic characters inked across the length of the fabric. The symbols bled through the fabric, staining both sides with their dark characters. Recognizing the pattern, the veteran¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°It¡¯s¡­a cipher.¡±

 8. Secrets Within Plain Sight

    ¡°A cipher? That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve actually seen one in use.¡± Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stared at the thin cloth in Alex¡¯s hands. The symbols appeared distorted, the numbers and characters rotating at strange angles. ¡°Any ideas on how to decode this?¡±

    Alex shook his head. ¡°No, I¡¯ve seen a similar one in the past, one that we cracked fairly quickly.¡± He tucked the cloth carefully into his leather pouch. ¡°But this one¡¯s different. It doesn¡¯t seem to be offset by a certain amount of characters.¡±

    ¡°I remember reading about that,¡± Tucker said, tearing the cover from another book. ¡°It was one of the first recorded instances of coded orders, according to the Order¡¯s archives.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. But this¡­ this is different.¡± Alex¡¯s gaze lingered on the cloth, his mind piecing together fragments of the past. His expression hardened¡ªa painful reminder of a conflict he had hoped was long behind him. But seeing how the enemy was encrypting their orders once more, only one thought lingered in his head. War.

    A wave of guilt and sorrow tugged at the veteran¡¯s heart. He had trained countless recruits in preparation for this day but had prayed it would never come¡ªat least not in his lifetime. It was too much to bear, and his old bones, weathered from years of battle, could only bear so much loss. Faces of fallen comrades and broken medallions flashed through his mind¡ªmen and women who had given everything. Everything they had for the hard-fought victories and bitter defeats that were etched into his body through the scars he carried.

    Of all who survived, he was certain about one thing and it was that he was the one who least deserved to.

    Tucker stared at the old man, noticing the shift in their demeanor, and let out a dry cough. ¡°Then what¡¯s the purpose of these ciphers? I don¡¯t suppose you would have any ideas as to what secrets they¡¯re holding, right?¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s like the past, it could be orders on when the war begins or whether more forces will arrive.¡±

    ¡°So basically, the logistics of the empire?¡±

    ¡°Correct, it''s typically key components and functions for their military,¡± Alex answered.

    Without another word, they tore through the remaining books, uncovering seven more clothes, each bearing its own cryptic set of symbols. Outside, the chaos had escalated to the point where the shouts of the bandits were like music to their ears. Echoing through the compound and providing that slightest bit of reassurance that they still had time. Yet even though this should be the case, Tucker¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.

    He motioned for Alex to peer out the window and watch as figures of bandits and squires frantically tried to extinguish the flames. They were lucky that a water mage wasn¡¯t in the area as the fire continued to quickly spread throughout the area, consuming wooden beams and furniture alike.

    But despite this, Alex couldn¡¯t help but curse. ¡°We¡¯re shit out of luck. They already have knights stationed here.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s our plan?¡± Tucker asked.

    Through the haze of the smoke and confusion, something small caught Alex¡¯s eye. A tiny lizard scurried across the scorched earth, pausing to glance up at him. It was Sally, happily wiggling their body and waving their tail in the air. His companions¡¯ way of supporting their master¡¯s efforts. In the next instant, the spirit companion darted toward a pile of logs, setting it ablaze.

    ¡°Sally¡¯s buying us some time. Let¡¯s search this desk and get the hell out of here. If there is anything that can help us decode these messages¡ªwe need to find it.¡± Alex grabbed the map and folded it neatly before slipping it into his leather pouch. ¡°We¡¯re running out of time. If you find something that looks remotely useful, don¡¯t hesitate to grab it,¡± he ordered, his eyes darting to the door. ¡°Once we¡¯re ready, we¡¯ll head for the west exit.¡±

    ¡°West got it.¡± Tucker pulled the drawer open. ¡°Is there anything else we would need to do?¡±

    ¡°Not that I¡¯m aware of,¡± Alex replied.

    Tucker nodded and stuffed a handful of letters into his pouch. He could see the veteran calmly search through the room, but there was nothing else of value for Tucker to grab.

    ¡°Keep an eye on the door,¡± Alex ordered, shifting his focus back to the desk.

    With Tucker carefully listening for approaching footsteps, that was one less thing the veteran had to worry about. He stared at the desk in frustration. There had to be something here, something to crack the cipher, but at first glance, nothing stood out. Alex searched the desk, examining each object with care. The bookshelves were a dead end¡ªno hidden mechanisms, no useful tomes. Even if a secret door existed, they didn¡¯t have the luxury of time to find or search it.

    He crouched by the desk, running his hand along the edge of the table, feeling for some sort of mark, but all that remained was a smooth surface. No hidden compartments or irregularities. The drawers were the same, with only a few melted candles, scraps of parchment, and a handful of writing tools.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    The veteran resisted the urge to slam the desk. Was this really another dead end?

    Outside, the shouts of men grew more frantic as they fought to contain the fire Sally had started. The heat was intensifying, and though the flames bought them precious time, it wouldn¡¯t last. They still lacked the key to the cipher, and every second brought the enemy closer. He could feel the tremors of boots pounding against the floorboards below¡ªreinforcements were coming.

    The sound of heavy footsteps and shifting armor echoed down the hall, causing loose papers on the desk to tremble. Tucker glanced at Alex, holding up two fingers before mimicking a walking motion. There were two guards nearby.

    Soon, doors banged open and slammed shut in rapid succession, filling the air with tension. The metallic clank of boots drew nearer to their room. Both of them stood perfectly still, scarcely breathing, waiting as the clamor passed their door. They had been lucky; someone had already searched their room earlier, but they couldn¡¯t rely on that luck to hold.

    What a mess.

    Tucker clamped onto his cloak. There were only two major discoveries so far. The location of the supply depot and the empire¡¯s new cipher. But they were cornered, and the enemy¡¯s numbers had increased since the explosion. He regretted his impulsiveness, knowing he had only made the mission harder on Alex, who wanted to regroup with the other watchmen. Hell, they might have avoided this situation altogether if he listened.

    He felt guilty for urging Alex to continue the mission. And so far he had done nothing except make things worse with one mistake after another. In the end, he clenched his fists. Maybe he wasn¡¯t cut out for this kind of work after all. Unlike him, Alex had navigated through the chaos and brought solutions while he stumbled and acted on impulse. The more he reflected, the more bitter he felt about his own inexperience. If he was in Alex¡¯s shoes, how would he come up with a way to get out of this situation? The fact that he couldn¡¯t think of a single reliable solution showed how useless he was.

    The last door slammed shut, followed by the fading curses of the furious guards. Once their footsteps disappeared, Tucker let out a deep exhale.

    ¡°Cut yourself some slack, kid. You¡¯re still learning.¡±

    Tucker tried to smile, but it barely reached his eyes. ¡°Was it that obvious?¡±

    ¡°Like reading an open book,¡± Alex replied, adjusting his hat. ¡°Besides, your idea of searching the compound wasn¡¯t bad. We just didn¡¯t have the time to plan it properly or expect for the Empire to be here.¡±

    Seeing Tucker¡¯s troubled expression, Alex added, ¡°Do you know what makes being a leader the hardest?¡±

    Tucker shook his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s being the one everyone turns to for answers, even when you don¡¯t have them. But the only reason I can perform my job so well is because of the support you¡¯ve given me. The tasks I give you, no matter how small, are crucial and I trust you to carry them out so I can focus on the bigger picture. Understood?¡±

    Tucker reluctantly nodded. He felt there was some truth in the old man¡¯s words but couldn¡¯t bring himself to believe it.

    Alex focused on the desk once more. There had to be a clue somewhere on the table. He wasn¡¯t going to believe that nothing here could help them decode the cipher. His gaze fell onto each object on the surface, then on the set of candles. Normally, they would all be identical, but this wasn¡¯t the case. Alex pulled open another drawer, revealing a new set of candles.

    With the candleholder on the desk holding a single stub. There were seven candles, the exact same amount of fabrics they had found. Was this a coincidence? No, not from the old man¡¯s experience, there were no such thing as coincidences. Before he could dwell further, a loud bell rang out, reverberating through the compound. As he peered through the window, Alex could see bodies being dragged out and laid on the cold ground¡ªtheir handiwork had been discovered.

    His jaw clenched. They¡¯d overstayed their welcome.

    He swiftly pocketed the candles and motioned to Tucker, signaling that it was time to move. But before he could take another step, Tucker shook his head and responded with a two-fingered signal revealing that there were guards on the second floor. Alex cursed under his breath¡ªthey were trapped.

    ¡°We need a diversion,¡± Alex muttered, his voice low but urgent. His hands moved quickly as he rummaged through his leather pouch, pulling out three small grey orbs and two black crystals that shimmered briefly in the light. ¡°How many mist hawk summoning crystals do you have?¡±

    Tucker quickly fumbled through his own pouch, pulling them out. ¡°How many do you need?¡±

    ¡°Just one,¡± Alex replied.

    Tucker tossed a crystal over, and Alex caught it with one hand. He placed the three black crystals on the desk, watching as a faint pulse of spirit essence surfaced. Without hesitation, he grasped the first crystal in his palm. As his fingers closed around it, embers flared between his knuckles, wrapping his fist in a soft orange glow before crushing the crystal into dust.

    As the fragments of the crystal disappeared, a dense and swirling mist of fog emerged, casting a shadow over the surrounding atmosphere. The smoke that lingered coiled into the form of a hawk, fully materializing and spreading its wings. The ethereal feathers shifted and twisted with every movement. Soon, two more emerged as Alex crushed the remaining crystals. Wasting no time, he placed each grey orb into their talons, watching as they tightly held onto it.

    ¡°Take these,¡± Alex instructed with urgency. ¡°Fly to the west side and target anyone in armor.¡±

    The mist hawks tilted their heads in unison, their glowing eyes briefly locking onto Alex before turning toward the window. As he pushed the narrow window open, allowing the warm night air to rush in. The sounds of chaos intensified as the crackling of fire, distant shouts, and clanging metal entered the room. One by one, the mist hawks took off from the windowsill, their wings hardly making a sound as they glided effortlessly into the smoky night.

    Before Tucker could even catch a glimpse of their figures. They disappeared into the darkness like shadows, leaving behind faint trails of vapor in the air.

    Alex¡¯s gaze swept over the room one last time, making sure they had everything. With the mist hawks setting the stage for their escape, they had only moments left to make their move.

    There was no need to exchange words. Once their gazes locked onto each other, the watchmen both nodded and stood by the door, unsheathing their blades. They had gathered everything they could, and now it was time to break through the fortress. With guards patrolling the second floor and countless foes below there was only one option left and that was a display of force.

    With everything packed and the plan in motion, Alex gripped his short sword. He held onto the handle, shooting one final glance at Tucker. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 9. Atleast Seven

    The distant toll of bells filled the compound, creating a chaotic symphony for the upcoming bloodshed. Both watchmen stood on alert, waiting for the patrol to pass by their door with their hands tightening on their weapons. It felt like an eternity as they remained frozen in place. As if the silence was drowning them and the only thing they could hear was the heavy chimes echoing across the burning buildings.

    When the metallic clanking grew louder, they each took a deep breath, focusing on the lone entryway. The iron plates shifting and scraping announced the incoming patrol and in just a few more steps. The guards would be right at their door. Whatever waited for them beyond this door was uncertain, but ambushing these two was far better than being in the middle of two groups.

    The veteran glanced at Tucker, who gave a firm nod. From here on out, their survival hinged on their skills and precision. Alex could see the tension written on the rookie¡¯s face. The sweat glistened down the side of the rookie¡¯s face.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Alex murmured under his breath, eyes fixed on the door.

    ¡°Yeah¡­just try not to get me killed, alright?¡±

    ¡°As long as you don¡¯t screw up.¡±

    The clang of metal was deafening as the patrol stopped outside their room. Without hesitation, Alex unlocked the door and flung it open, bursting through the doorway. His short sword plunged into the squire¡¯s neck, the blade piercing through the other side of their flesh as blood gushed out. With a brutal twist, Alex ripped the blade free, spraying crimson across the hallway.

    The gurgling sound of the dying squire made his companion take a step back. Panic flashed in his eyes, but before he could react, Tucker circled behind him. Kicking the back of the guard¡¯s knees and forcing them down. With a sharp thrust, Tucker drove his blade through the nape of the squire¡¯s neck. The body spasmed for a few moments before going limp. Blood stained his cloak, seeping through the wooden floorboards and onto the first floor. The sound of panicking voices entered his ears.

    ¡°I¡¯ll lead.¡± Alex swung his blade to the side, sending droplets of red onto the wall. Without looking back, he rushed forth. Trusting that the rookie would be there. Seeing this, Tucker wiped the blood off his sword with the end of his cloak, staring at the bodies one last time. They were teenagers younger than him, and the sight churned his stomach, but he had no choice but to push through before following suit.

    They sprinted down the hallway, racing past doorways that were left open and back to where they came. Glancing over his shoulder, Tucker could hear a chorus of footsteps echo behind them. Soon, a group would be upon them and as this thought crossed his mind. Several rushed out from the stairwell, their iron armor faintly reflecting the light from the candles.

    The squire paled at the sight of the bodies, his voice rising in anger as he pointed at their backs. ¡°Kill them!¡±

    Ignoring the shouts, Alex fixed his gaze on the path ahead. Flames danced along the edge of his sword, casting a bright red glow. There was little time left and coming out of the doors were several guards blocking their path. They drew their swords and stayed close together, bracing for impact.

    A faint blue aura surrounded the soldiers, wrapping around their armor and weapons like a shimmering veil. Tucker sensed a shift in Alex¡¯s mana as they closed in. Beneath his boot, a thin layer of energy gathered. In a blink of an eye, he vanished, his cloak fluttering behind him as he reappeared in front of the squires, their wide eyes betraying their shock. In one swift motion, the veteran swung his sword in a wide arc, releasing a torrent of flames that devoured their bodies.

    Their skin peeled off from the searing heat, and the stench of burnt flesh filled the hallway. The soldiers fell, one after another, collapsing like puppets whose strings were cut. Each one dropped their weapons as a metallic noise clattered on the wooden floorboards.

    ¡°Where do we go!¡± Tucker pulled three thin blades from his belt and hurled them toward their pursuers. Each blade cut through the air, propelled by a gust of wind, leaving behind faint silver trails. The knives pierced deep into the squires¡¯ bodies, causing them to cry out in pain as blood poured from their wounds.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed in pain as he tried controlling the wind surrounding them. With his spirit companion still circling the area from far away, it was difficult to focus. The mental strain was beginning to take its toll, and a sharp, throbbing pain pulsed at the back of his skull. Leaping over the fallen bodies, he considered mimicking Alex¡¯s feather step technique, but the narrow corridor made him hesitate. The sudden burst of speed was tricky to manage in such confined quarters, and if he accidentally collided with an enemy, there was no telling how much worse the situation would be.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to see! Right now, it looks like we¡¯re jumping out the window!¡± Alex shouted as he charged forward, plunging his sword into the heart of a soldier clad in leather armor. He tilted his head to the side as a spearhead grazed his right cheek and clicked his tongue.

    With a grunt, Alex planted his boot on the dying soldier¡¯s chest and kicked him into the advancing enemies, sending them stumbling back down the staircase.

    His gaze locked onto a spearman charging forward, the tip of the spear gleaming in the light. The soldier lunged, aiming the weapon low before thrusting it toward Alex¡¯s chest. But before the spear could gain momentum, Alex slammed his boot onto the shaft, forcing it into the wooden floor. It dug a long gash into the wooden planks, sending splinters in all directions with a sharp crack.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    The spearman¡¯s eyes widened in shock, but before Alex could strike, a dagger whistled past his ear, embedding itself in the man¡¯s skull with a sickening thud. The soldier¡¯s lifeless body collapsed, his grip loosening on their weapon. The veteran looked over his shoulder and nodded at Tucker while seizing the weapon, ripping it from the fallen foe¡¯s hands.

    Footsteps thundered up the stairs behind him. Without hesitation, Alex hurled his sword at the squire emerging from the stairwell, the blade striking them hard, disputing their balance as they stumbled backward. With his spear in both hands, he lunged after them, aiming for the soldier¡¯s chest. The spear tip clanged against their armor, but a shimmering veil of aura resisted, pushing back. Flames burst from Alex¡¯s arms, setting the metal spear alight as he drove it forward.

    The aura shield flickered, and dread filled the soldier¡¯s eyes. Alex gritted his teeth, taking another step as the fiery spearhead pressed deeper. The aura wavered, then shattered. Leaving the soldier in dismay as he screamed for help. His body burned with each step he took as their hands desperately clawed at the spear.

    With a loud crash, the soldier¡¯s back slammed into the wall, his screams echoing down the hallway. Guards gathered below, staring up in horror as the brutal struggle unfolded. The spearman, tears streaming down his face, tried to speak, but Alex refused to listen. He drove the spear through the soldier¡¯s ribcage, piercing their lungs. A mouthful of blood spewed out of his lips as his body slumped against the charred wall.

    Their eyes locked onto each other as their struggle ended. Alex saw the fear in the young boy¡¯s eyes and face filled with regret. The soldier¡¯s hand desperately reaching towards him as if grasping for a lifeline, but before anything could happen, gravity claimed him. Pulling his body from the second floor and sending it crashing onto the ground below.

    Alex hesitated, the horror of the moment searing itself into his mind. He glanced back to see Tucker beside him, a hand resting on his shoulder.

    Tuck worriedly stared at Alex. ¡°Can you move?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Alex collected himself and nodded. ¡°Thanks for the help.¡±

    ¡°No worries, that¡¯s what partners are for.¡± Tucker took several deep breaths. He turned to face the threat behind them, his eyes widening as the enemy formed a wall of interlocking iron shields.

    Trapped in the corner of the main building, they had nowhere to escape. Lines of soldiers with raised shields drew closer, marching in a unified formation. The fury in their eyes glinted with murderous intent as they pointed their weapons toward the two watchmen.

    I can¡¯t give up here. It¡¯s not hopeless yet.

    Tucker held his sword and used it as a catalyst while extending his hand. The air whirled around him, his cloak fluttering wildly in the air. It was like a tempest had formed in that tiny confined space waiting to be unleased as a bowstring of swirling wind materialized in his grip. He pulled the emerald colored bowstring back, nocking three bright green arrows crafted from his spirit essence and aimed at the interlocking shields.

    A soft chime resonated in his ears as he summoned the spirit essence, carefully managing the energy within him like pouring water from a chalice. Though he hadn¡¯t fully bonded with his companion, he had enough essence to make it count.

    As his fingers released the bowstring, the arrows soared towards the soldiers. A thunderous impact erupted as the arrows struck the iron shields, their aura weathering the force of the projectiles. The soldiers hid behind their shields as their formation was pushed back several feet. But after each impact, they glared at Tucker and took several determined strides forward in unison. Their shields dug into the wooden floorboards, scrapping the floors as they steadied their bodies.

    Volley after volley they endured, inching closer and closer to the watchmen, who were slowly driven further back. Tucker couldn¡¯t help but curse as the efficiency of his attacks failed against the tightly formed wall of shields.

    Panic seeped into Tucker¡¯s voice. ¡°What do we do?!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re jumping,¡± Alex said, assessing the number of guards waiting below.

    ¡°What?! That¡¯s insane! There¡¯s too many of them! How would we even¡ª¡±

    Without waiting for Tucker to finish his sentence, Alex grabbed the back of his cloak and smiled. ¡°Quit whining, it¡¯s time for you to prove that you can at least kill seven.¡± Before the rookie could open his mouth, he was hurled out of the opening. Desperately holding on to his sword as he fell from the second floor.

    Tucker¡¯s heart dropped as he felt himself free falling through the air, thrown from the destroyed wall that Alex had created. Time seemed to stretch, his stomach turning for a terrifying moment as the guards rushed to meet him. In a state of panic, he glanced around, desperately searching for a solution as his thoughts screamed inside his head.

    In a daring attempt to save himself, Tucker tightened his grip on his sword and swung with all his might. Releasing a gust of wind that swirled around his blade and rushed forth. Pushing against the ground and back at his body, slowing his descent just enough to stop the fall from killing him.

    His boots slammed into the ground with a bone-jarring thud. Followed by a burst of pain that shot through his legs and rattled up his spine. He wanted to scream at Alex for throwing him out of the second floor, but that thought vanished as several guards leveled their weapons at him. The flickering flames of their surroundings reflected off their iron swords, their fierce gazes promising death.

    They had him surrounded.

    A cloud of fog escaped Tucker¡¯s lips as the dark clouds obscured the moonlight. In the distance, thunder crackled ominously overhead, yet neither side dared to make the first move. Waiting for someone to break the tense standoff. Tucker clenched his sword, sweat trickling down his forehead. The droplet trailed down the left side of his face and to the end of his jaw. Leaving behind a glistening trail as the droplet fell to the ground, shattering the tension like glass.

    With a roar, Tucker charged at the nearest soldier, a silver flash following his blade as he aimed for the enemy¡¯s neck. Their swords clashed with a resounding ring, sparks flying as metal met metal. At that moment, their eyes met, each searching for a weakness. But with none in sight, Tucker knew he had to create one. With all his strength, he pushed their blades upwards, catching the soldier by surprise as Tucker let go of his sword.

    As the blade spun through the air, Tucker clenched his fist and struck the soldier in the throat, crushing their windpipe. The enemy gasped desperately, clutching his throat as panic filled his eyes. Blood gushed from the wound, and before the soldier could react, Tucker caught his sword and decapitated him in one swift motion, the head rolling away as the remaining soldiers closed in.

    His heart raced amidst the chaos, flames flickering in the background. Each breath filled his lungs with hot air, the cacophony of clashing metal ringing in his ears. He was on his own.

 10. Worlds Beyond Our Own

    Tucker¡¯s eyes hovered over the approaching enemies. Alex was still caught up in a fight on the second floor, and there was no telling when or if he would come to help. With his back pressed against the wooden wall, his mind raced. He knew the textbook move was to break through the weakest point. But there wasn¡¯t one! At least not one he could see. With a quick glance over his shoulder at the empty hall, Tucker made a snap decision and leaped through the window, arms shielding his face as shards of glass shattered around him.

    ¡°After him!¡±

    The squires quickly chased after the rookie, scrambling to the window. As one soldier held onto the window frame and climbed through. A flash of silver shot through the air and buried itself deep into his neck. Blood gushed out of the wound, their iron helmet clanging to the floor. Soon followed by their lifeless body with a sharp, metallic thud. But as one fell, three more emerged.

    Ah shit, I didn¡¯t think this far!

    Tucker felt his pulse race, but he couldn¡¯t let his advantage slip by. As a soldier burst through the window, he lunged forth, driving his sword deep into their chest. The gust of wind from his blade surged forth, ripping apart the faint aura shield protecting their body while staggering the remaining squires. With fewer foes now in front of him, Tucker could see the uncertainty flash in their eyes. They were afraid. And with that surge of fear, his confidence soared.

    He took a step forward, freeing his sword from the dying squire¡¯s chest. He listened as they released a gut-wrenching scream, desperately trying to stop the blood pouring out of their wound. While the other soldiers rushed to rescue their friend with a furious battle cry, mustering whatever courage they could summon. Tucker smiled, watching the disorganized chaos unfold. Seizing the opportunity, Tucker deflected a desperate swing from the closest squire and sent his opponent stumbling back. Without hesitating, he pushed forward, his muscles filled with tension as sparks flew between their clashing blades. His sword trailed upward, finding its mark and slicing open the squire¡¯s neck. A trail of blood blocked his sight.

    Right before he could think of his next move, a sharp pain raced through his body. Trails of silver entered his sight, scratching his chest plate as Tucker slammed his shoulder into the collapsing soldier beside him. Shoving them out of the broken window. At that moment, another blade aimed at his heart entered his view. He twisted at the last second, barely dodging the attack as a stinging sensation pulsed through his shoulder. Blood seeping out of a crimson line that opened on his left arm.

    He winced but didn¡¯t slow down. Kicking the attacking soldier away and ignoring the throbbing pain. Tucker gritted his teeth and reached for the dagger at his waist, flinging it toward the soldier¡¯s neck, but pain raced through his arm as he threw. Changing the blade¡¯s trajectory and clattering off the soldier¡¯s iron-plated shoulder.

    The soldier endured the pain. Eyes bloodshot and blazing with rage. He raised his blade into the air and swung downwards with all his might. Aiming at the near-defenseless rookie. Tucker could tell from a glance that the full weight of their foe was behind the downward strike. The air crackling as the soldier fought against the rush of wind Tucker summoned to protect himself. With no other choice left, Tucker raised his sword, daring to meet his opponents in a battle of strength.

    As their blades clashed against each other, Tucker could feel his body growing weaker by the second. The enemy forcing him back with each step as the rookie¡¯s arms cried out in pain. His heels hit the windowsill, splintering the wood as Tucker lost his balance and tumbled out of the building.

    He crashed into the dirt below, watching as his sword slipped from his grasp and slid several meters away. Helplessly staring at the cloud of dust marking its path. His fingertips dug into the soil. It wasn¡¯t over yet. The situation was still salvageable and clinging to that belief, Tucker forced himself to crawl toward the fall blade. Ignoring the sound of boots crunching on the broken planks above.

    I¡¯m almost there¡­

    With one last lunge, Tucker grabbed his sword¡¯s hilt, rolling onto his back just as the soldier loomed over him. Barely having time to react as the enemy¡¯s blade came crashing down.

    Just as the blade was about to reach him, a powerful kick sent the soldier¡¯s body flying to the side. Tucker laid there, stunned for a second before gazing at Alex, who snuffed the embers on his cloak.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing?!¡± Tucker spat out, his chest heaving back and forth.

    ¡°Saving your sorry ass.¡± Alex stabbed his sword into the fallen soldier¡¯s neck. ¡°I leave you alone for five minutes, and you¡¯re already on the ground.¡±

    Tucker took short but ragged breaths, trying to calm his racing heart. ¡°It might not look like it, but I had everything under control.¡±

    Alex glanced at the surroundings. ¡°If this is under control, I don¡¯t want to see a situation where you don¡¯t have everything kept under wraps.¡±

    Tucker held his breath. He wanted to retort, but before he could speak, Alex grabbed the straps of his chest plate and yanked him to his feet. Or at least, that was what he had hoped. Instead, his legs left marks in the dirt behind him as Alex hauled him away from the burning building at a frightening speed.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on¡ª?¡±

    Tucker¡¯s words trailed off as a deafening explosion tore through the second floor. Flames erupting as figures from inside the building screamed beneath the raging inferno. Their charred remains fell to the floor, with the next blast shaking the earth and sending debris flying through the air. Tucker stared in disbelief as part of the building collapsed into a heap of smoldering rubble. Amid the chaos, several figures emerged, causing Tucker to hold his breath. His eyes were trembling as the fire surrounding them was forcefully dispersed with each step they took.

    Their silver armor and red capes flowed freely in the glowing embers, casting long shadows. The insignias gleamed from the flames of the building, revealing three silver swords crossing one another. They were knights. Knights of the Avalon Empire. Trained soldiers meant for war that shouldn¡¯t be here.

    Tucker felt his chest tightened, his heart hammering in his chest as the sudden realization settled in his mind. This wasn¡¯t a skirmish. A deployment of knights meant the final stages of an invasion were underway. Knights weren¡¯t just soldiers; they were the spearhead of any military campaign and an elite force meant to crush resistance.

    No one could match their unparalleled skills except for other knights or their equivalents. Yet in front of him were such monsters. He locked eyes on a knight with a bright red plume on their helmet as they drew their blade. The sword gleamed as it left its scabbard, shifting the very world around them. A sudden, unnatural blue swallowed the night sky, and Tucker felt the dirt beneath his feet transform into pristine stone tiles. It was as if the battlefield had vanished, leaving behind towering ancient cobblestone walls and countless tombstones, all in different conditions.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    With the knight in the heart of it, Alex barely glanced at the spectacle, clicking his tongue in irritation. He shoved Tucker behind him, his own power unfolding in response. Tucker gazed at Alex¡¯s back, feeling a wave of heat caress his face as a different world emerged¡ªa realm of scorched earth, blackened wood, and the stench of burnt flesh.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes trembled in shock, feeling the once pristine stone tiles turn into blades of grass that disintegrated into ash. The energy surrounding them was aura, a power that was the reflection of one¡¯s soul and emotions. And for Alex to manifest his aura into a world meant that his mastery was high. Yet, as the surroundings came into view, Tucker felt his heart sink.

    Why was Alex¡¯s world like this?

    The two realities clashed violently, each fighting to dominate the space. With the air roaring with a force of colliding worlds, sending nearby soldiers reeling as they took cover. Tucker¡¯s head spun from the pressure, the sheer weight of it pressing down on his chest. It was like the very ground beneath him was quaking from the confrontation. But despite the force, he rose to his feet, sweat dripping down his face. His legs numb from the oppressive energy.

    It felt hopeless, but before that thought could fully ground itself into his mind.

    He saw Alex standing firm. The veteran¡¯s face was calm, indifferent to the chaos as if this was no different from any other mission. It was a confidence Tucker didn¡¯t expect from someone who usually dealt with minor threats.

    ¡°Get ready,¡± Alex muttered, reaching for something at his belt. Tucker saw the glint of a small glass cube, and his pulse quickened. The knights, emerging from the inferno of the compound, immediately honed in on it.

    Ignoring the searing pain in his arm, Tucker stood beside Alex, sword in hand. He wanted to believe they could fight, but even he knew the truth¡ªthey were outnumbered, and more knights could be lurking nearby.

    Alex¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper only Tucker could hear. ¡°We¡¯re running.¡±

    Tucker hid his shock and gave a quick nod. Every part of him screamed to fight, but he trusted Alex¡¯s judgment. Without saying another word, Alex hurled the glass cube at the knights. Their weapons gleamed as they prepared for impact, two knights stepping forward to intercept. With a synchronized strike, they shattered the cube into shards, but not before a thick cloud of smoke exploded from its core, swallowing them whole.

    ¡°Now!¡± Alex yelled, turning on his heel. Tucker followed instantly, sprinting across the ashen ground as fast as his legs could carry him. They weaved through the remnants of Alex¡¯s ruined world, the landscape shifting beneath their feet like a mirage.

    They could see the figures of the knights in the smoke weaving back and forth. By now they should have realized that the two watchmen had retreated, but maybe it was because they were using feather step that they couldn¡¯t tell.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t they following us?¡± Tucker¡¯s voice was strained, his chest heavy as they neared the compound walls.

    ¡°They know better,¡± Alex answered with a bitter tone. ¡°Their leader¡¯s seen this before.¡±

    As they ran, Tucker glanced over his shoulder in confusion. The knights weren¡¯t moving. It didn¡¯t feel right and even though the cloud of smoke blocked their view. It was hardly a reason to stop them. But then, a soft glow began to pierce through¡ªa thin, sharp line of light cutting through fog slowly emerged. Tucker¡¯s instincts screamed, and he dove to the side, tackling Alex with him as they fell behind a wooden barricade just as the pillar of light tore through the clouds.

    The shockwave that followed tore the ground asunder, leaving a deep gash within the earth while reducing the wooden structures to dust. Rocks rained down on them as Tucker stood there, nearly frozen in place. He shielded his body from the raining debris and took a moment to fully understand the devastating aftermath that caused his cloak to whip violently around his body.

    ¡°What¡­what the hell?¡± Tucker stared at his quivering hands, which somehow still held onto his sword. He looked at Alex for an answer but soon felt a hand shove him forward. It was Alex, his teammate, urging him forward while shouting orders.

    ¡°We need to go, now!¡±

    Alex didn¡¯t give him time to recover. There was no time to process what had just happened.

    They sprang to their feet and summoned every bit of strength into their legs. The ground beneath them groaned as they propelled themselves over the compound wall, leather boots barely gripping the unstable surface. Tucker twisted in midair, his eyes catching one last glimpse of the burning compound behind them¡ªthe flames roaring, the squires shouting, and finally, the jagged scar left in the earth by the pillar of light.

    It felt unreal, like something out of a nightmare.

    But there was no time for disbelief. They hit the ground running, cloaks fluttering in the wind as the chaos of battle raged behind them.

    .

    .

    .

    The knight with the red plume sheathed his sword, a faint trail of white vapor still rising from the blade. His hand rested on the hilt, fingers tapping lightly as if in thought.

    ¡°Sir Igneel, should we pursue them?¡± Noah asked, glancing in the direction Alex and Tucker had fled.

    ¡°No. Leave that to those cowardly mercenaries. For now, search the premises with the other actual knight attendants.¡±

    Noah hesitated. ¡°But¡­ what about our comrades who¡¯ve fallen?¡±

    ¡°Comrades?¡± Igneel¡¯s chuckle was cold, devoid of any sympathy. ¡°They were nothing more than bandits we picked up off the road. Don¡¯t confuse them with proper soldiers.¡±

    The sharp rebuke made Noah lower his head in submission. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    As the chaos of the burning compound continued around them, a faint, rhythmic tapping cut through the noise. The knights turned toward the source¡ªa figure emerging from the smoldering ruins. An old man clad in a flowing azure robe with gold accents. His long grey beard and bushy eyebrows framed a face marked by age and cruelty. In his hand, he carried a metal staff topped with a gleaming amber crystal, which absorbed the flames as they passed through them.

    ¡°Elder Pyron.¡± Igneel crossed his arms and stared down at the old man. His tone was edged with frustration. ¡°We could¡¯ve used your help dealing with those Watchmen.¡±

    Pyron grinned, his fingers combing through his beard. ¡°I would¡¯ve arrived sooner if your escort party hadn¡¯t died. Though I suppose that¡¯s to be expected from knights of your caliber.¡±

    The knights flinched at the Elder¡¯s harsh comment with their hands on the hilt of their swords. But before they could move, Igneel shot a glare over his shoulders, signaling them to stand down.

    The Elder revealed a dastardly grin while dispelling the magic circle hidden beneath the palm of his hands. His eyes swept across the remnants of Alex¡¯s world. ¡°I would have never arrived if it wasn¡¯t for Salamander¡¯s little campfire, and I suppose you aren¡¯t to blame for such an error. After all, no one would expect a relic like him to still be active in the field. Most would assume the old bastard would be sitting behind a desk.¡±

    At the mention of the name, Noah¡¯s eyes widened. Igneel, however, only scoffed while masking his unease. Among their ranks, everyone had heard the tales of the infamous Watchman known as Salamander. The devil of the southern front.

    ¡°How can you be so sure it¡¯s him?¡± Noah asked.

    Pyron¡¯s smile turned sly as he approached the edge of the ruined world, tapping his staff against the charred earth. ¡°Your attendant lacks experience, Sir Igneel,¡± he said, not bothering to look at Noah. ¡°During the war, the Watchmen were unpredictable¡ªspiritualists at their core, commanding elements and summoning familiars invisible to most. But no matter how powerful, they all shared one weakness.¡±

    As Pyron spoke, a sinister azure magic circle flared to life beneath him. Two concentric rings spun slowly, one acting as a timer while the other held a single cryptic symbol at its apex. As the outer ring faded, the inner ring hummed to life, drawing in the residual aura of Alex¡¯s ashen world. A fiery, ethereal eye materialized within the circle, snapping open and instantly locking onto the path Alex and Tucker had taken.

    ¡°This should be enough to test the limits of our covert forces.¡± Pyron¡¯s voice was almost gleeful as he tapped his staff again, sealing the magic in place. ¡°Leave the rest to them. It¡¯ll be an excellent experiment to see how far I¡¯ve come.¡±

    Igneel¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°How can you treat your own men as if they¡¯re disposable?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not men,¡± Pyron corrected, his tone turning cold. ¡°They¡¯re slaves¡ªspecifically trained for this task. This is a trial run of sorts to see how well they would perform. They may not be the best batch I¡¯ve crafted, but they¡¯ll do just fine to test our current procedures.¡±

    ¡°Even against Salamander?¡±

    Pyron¡¯s grin returned, more sinister than before. ¡°Especially against Salamander. We only need half the Watchmen¡¯s number to kill them.¡±

    Igneel sneered. ¡°I¡¯ll believe it when I see it. I doubt your forces will succeed. A group as heartless as yours will never bring results.¡±

    ¡°They were born for this purpose,¡± Pyron replied, voice dripping with certainty. ¡°And if they fail, we¡¯ll simply purge them and start over.¡±

    The knights nearby remained silent, their discomfort palpable. Even Igneel, known for his ruthlessness, felt a wave of disgust at Pyron¡¯s casual cruelty. But in war, there was no room for honor or chivalry¡ªonly victory. It was a hard truth they had all learned during the last conflict.

    War, after all, consumed everything it touched.

 11. Full Circle

    The twigs beneath their feet snapped with each step. Unlike Feather Step, which prioritized nimbleness and stealth, its counterpart, Swift Stride, focused purely on speed. By generating a burst of mana beneath the soles of their boots. They could use the force to propel themselves forward at an astonishing rate. Making the leaves turn into a sudden blur as the wind grazed their faces.

    How much further would they have to run?

    Tucker worriedly stared at the old man. He knew it wasn¡¯t possible for him to keep using Swift Stride. Even if the ability was less mentally taxing, the physical exertion it placed on his body was unbearable. They crossed a point where something had to break and Tucker knew it. Through the cluster of trees and thick foliage, a sense of dread crept up on him, and that feeling would only grow as their mana depleted.

    Alex looked back, watching Tucker struggle with each breath he took. At their current pace, they would reach the outpost within an hour. But for Tucker, it wasn¡¯t realistic. He lacked the experience and endurance for this. Mana control on rough terrain was a difficult feat to master. One that couldn¡¯t be gained from reading books.

    The veteran had to decide. Their pursuers, likely on horseback, would use aura to boost their mounts¡¯ speed and strength. Even for him, as seasoned as he was, felt the growing fatigue in his limbs. It was a sad truth that they wouldn¡¯t be able to keep this up for long.

    The old man waved his arm down sharply, signaling for Tucker to stop. Once Tucker noticed, he skidded to a halt. Leaving behind marks on the ground and a trail of dirt. They scanned the woods for any signs of movement. Ignoring the dark clouds drifting above their heads as droplets of rain softly pattered against their cloaks. What felt like an endless stretch of time soon caught up, casting a dreary, grey pall over the world. The sky cracked open with lightning, followed by a rumble of thunder that shook the earth.

    ¡°We¡¯ll move without mana for now,¡± Alex muttered, shoving aside a wet branch as they pressed eastward.

    ¡°Will we make it to the outpost in time?¡± Tucker asked, fighting to catch his breath.

    ¡°Hard to say. The terrain will slow the knights, but if they¡¯re desperate enough, they¡¯ll tear through the entire forest to get us.¡±

    ¡°Then how long would it take without mana?¡±

    ¡°Two, maybe three hours.¡±

    ¡°Shit¡­ we¡¯re that far?¡±

    ¡°Afraid so.¡± Alex tightened the straps on his pouch containing the information they retrieved from the compound. ¡°For now, we¡¯ll focus on what we can do and keep running. If things go south, we¡¯ll think of something then.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you can use that world of yours to fight against them?¡±

    ¡°Afraid not. It¡¯s practically useless and I can only use it once or twice in a day.¡±

    ¡°Why is it useless?¡±

    Alex forced a smile that never seemed to reach his eyes. ¡°It just is.¡±

    Tucker couldn¡¯t help but reluctantly nod. There was no point in forcing the subject, and Tucker knew Alex wouldn¡¯t answer anyway. Even if he was curious about the subject, prying would do nothing.

    He felt the muscles in his arm violently throb in pain. The small ragged gasps did little to ease the sharp sensations, but helped the rookie gather his thoughts. His injuries were deep but manageable, and with the brief window they had, it was well worth it to mend his wounds.

    Tucker reached for a small red vial in his pouch, popping the cork. He poured it over the cut on his arm, hissing as the liquid sealed the wound and bubbled in place, leaving a trail of red vapor in the air. They¡¯d escape with only minor injuries, but the mission had been worth the risk. He glanced over at Alex, who was treating a gash on his shoulder and seeing the old man wince in pain, showed that he wasn¡¯t invincible.

    ¡°We did well,¡± Tucker said with a faint smile. ¡°Even the administrators will be happy with what we¡¯ve found.¡±

    ¡°If we make it out, that is.¡±

    Tucker frowned. ¡°Come on, even if the knights were still after us. We¡¯d know by now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the knights I¡¯m worried about.¡±

    ¡°Then what could you possibly be worried¡ª¡±

    Before Tucker could finish, a crackling sound entered their ears. It felt like something was rushing through the terrain. Making a path directly at them. In an instant, a whirl of mana surged above Alex¡¯s head. They both froze, eyes locking on the swirling mass of red mana that took shape before them. As a flaming eye emerged from the raging vortex of energy, darting around as if searching for something. It scanned their bodies, then snapped toward the compound.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as he focused on the eye. ¡°What the hell is that thing?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a fucking tracker.¡± Alex gritted his teeth and began searching his pouch for anything that could help them.

    ¡°What would they be tracking? We didn¡¯t leave any traces.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t¡­but I did. It has to be when I used my world to escape that knight¡¯s grasp.¡± Alex clicked his tongue in frustration, realizing there was nothing he could do. ¡°There must have been a mage in the compound.¡±

    ¡°But we didn¡¯t see any mages at the compound!¡±

    ¡°Just because we didn¡¯t see any mages doesn¡¯t mean they weren¡¯t there.¡± Alex reached for his leather pouch and tore its straps from his belt before shoving it against Tucker¡¯s chest. He took a deep breath while closing his eyes. Listening to the sound of his heart beating loudly in his ears. He had lost many friends and rivals throughout his career, but after the war, he swore an oath¡ªan oath to himself that he wouldn¡¯t let another comrade die. ¡°Take this and go. I¡¯ll catch up to you later.¡±This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

    ¡°What¡­?¡± Tucker¡¯s voice wavered as he took a step back. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±

    ¡°You heard me.¡±

    ¡°No, I can¡¯t.¡° Tucker¡¯s hands trembled as he tried to push the pouch back. ¡°I can¡¯t just abandon you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not abandoning me. You¡¯re doing your job,¡± Alex replied with a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s just how life is for those in our line of work.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the same damn thing!¡± Tucker struck the tree with the side of his fist. Clenching his teeth with a bitter expression.

    They haven¡¯t tried everything, and he refused to believe there wasn¡¯t any other way. He felt the rain run down his face. The reality of the situation hit him like a wave, causing a numbing sensation to overwhelm his mind. He felt helpless.

    ¡°How can you say that? We¡¯re supposed to be a team.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you because we¡¯re a team,¡± Alex shot back. ¡°The tracker¡¯s locked onto me, not you.¡± He shoved the pouch back into Tucker¡¯s arms with a determined glare. ¡°If I can buy you enough time to escape, then that¡¯s one hell of a win for us.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to win like this! There has to be another way!¡± Tucker¡¯s voice cracked. He refused to hold on to the pouch but bitterly caught it as Alex dropped it in his hands. ¡°You¡¯ve had plenty of ideas so far. Can¡¯t you think of one now?¡±

    ¡°Sorry kid, I¡¯m fresh out of ideas this time. Whoever placed this on me must be of a high rank based on the mana density in the spell. It¡¯s not something I can remove, which might be a blessing in disguise since they¡¯ll be focused on me.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°This is what I meant when I said being a watchman wasn¡¯t as glamorous as you think. Sometimes, you have to make tough decisions to get the job done, and this is one of them.¡± Alex gave Tucker a rough shove, forcing him to stumble back. ¡°You wanted to be the best. Now¡¯s the time to prove it. Get this to the order. If you don¡¯t, then there¡¯s no telling what¡¯ll happen to our kingdom.¡±

    Tucker clenched his jaw, eyes squeezed shut as the weight of Alex¡¯s decision pressed down on him. Was this truly our only option? The information they¡¯d retrieved¡ªthe location of an enemy supply depot and a newly discovered cipher¡ªwas crucial. But¡­ despite knowing the value of what they found and how it could turn the tide of war for the kingdom. Tucker couldn¡¯t help but hesitate. Alex wasn¡¯t wrong; the mission had to succeed. But the thought of leaving him behind gnawed at Tucker¡¯s conscience, tearing at him like a wound that refused to heal.

    His fists tightened. As much as he hated to admit it, staying with Alex wouldn¡¯t change anything. He wasn¡¯t ready to face what was coming, and he knew it. But leaving? It felt like a betrayal of everything they stood for.

    ¡°Listen, this is my choice. You don¡¯t need to feel bad about it.¡±

    ¡°Then what about your family? What would they think?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re gone and I¡¯ve made peace with it.¡± Alex forced a smile and held out his hand. ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to worry about things like that.¡±

    Tucker bit his lip, suppressing the urge to argue. His eyes burned with frustration, frustration at himself for being so weak. Without wasting another second, he grabbed Alex¡¯s outstretched hand, his hand trembling with the reality of what was happening. ¡°I¡¯ll come back as soon as I deliver this. So, just focus on staying alive.¡±

    Alex gave a light-hearted push. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, kid. This isn¡¯t the first time I¡¯ve done this.¡±

    ¡°Be safe,¡± Tucker muttered, forcing himself to accept the situation. He took one last look at his mentor. Then, reluctantly, he turned away.

    Tucker ran with all his might. Allowing the forest to swallow his figure with each step as the rain masked his tears. He felt torn apart by the fact that his mentor wouldn¡¯t make it out alive. Alex was willing to sacrifice himself for the mission, but no matter how justified it was. It still felt wrong. His footsteps pounded through the mud, and the bitter taste of regret settled on his tongue. He wanted to help but couldn¡¯t, and as his heart grew heavy, all he could do was run.

    Back in the clearing, Alex watched Tucker disappear into the gloom. He exhaled slowly, allowing his relief and sorrow to mix in the rain-soaked air. It wasn¡¯t easy convincing the rookie, but that just showed how much potential the kid had. And if there was one thing he was certain of, it was that Tucker would make a damn fine watchman one day¡ªif he could survive long enough, that is.

    Unfortunately, it was something Alex wouldn¡¯t be able to witness.

    Alex glanced up at the glowing eye with a bitter expression. A reminder of how much had changed. The empire once shunned such tactics, but time had a way of reshaping even the most stubborn beliefs. He could even say the same about himself if it wasn¡¯t for his oath. The one promise he made to train the next generation and to protect those who came after.

    He felt bittersweet at the thought of being unable to prevent the tragedy that would soon unfold. Reliving the unforgiving memories of all the friends he¡¯d lost, hoping they would forgive him for surviving the war, but Alex knew such thoughts were pointless.

    Alex reached into the pocket near his heart, his fingers brushing the worn cigar he¡¯d carried for decades. It had been years since he last smoked. A sensation long forgotten after he made his promise to live long enough to train the next wave of recruits. One that he kept carrying on to the next.

    He smiled as he brought it to his lips, watching the rain drip off the brim of his hat. ¡°Has it really been that long?¡±

    Even with the preservation magic cast on the cigar, he could tell how much it had aged. He never thought he would live to this age, and after so long, it felt like the right time to finally break his vow.

    With steady hands, he brought the cigar to his lips, sheltering the tip with one hand while the other hovered close. His index finger glowed faintly as the spirit essence in his heart moved to his will and, with a light flick, an ember ignited the end of the cigar. Bringing the worn brown paper to life once more.

    He watched as the bright orange glow fought back against the surrounding darkness. Taking deep breaths with the cigar on his lips as he filled his lungs with a rich yet bittersweet taste of tobacco. With each exhale, a curl of smoke danced in the wind, mingling with the rain while carrying his thoughts away with it.

    One memory after another seemed to drift by¡ªa flood of faces and moments from the past of friends long gone, battles fought and lost, and promises made and broken, each carrying its own weight and reminding him of his purpose. Alex remained still, eyes half closed as the rain streamed down his weathered face.

    It was ironic how, after all these years, he still harbored such remembrances. Yet, at the end of his journey, he thought of Tucker. The rookie who ran west with the weight of their mission on his young shoulders. He couldn¡¯t help but laugh. It wasn¡¯t regret the old man felt, but something quieter. Something like acceptance. If there was one thing no one could cheat, it was death, and just like many others, death had finally caught up with him.

    This was his last stand, and even though he should be mortified. The feeling wasn¡¯t there. He felt a sense of freedom, a sense of relief, and in some way, it felt fitting.

    The embers at the end of his cigar came back to life, glowing brightly against the thunderous storm. Alex took another slow, deliberate puff with a smile. Feeling the warmth spread through him. It wasn¡¯t the heat from the tobacco but from the resolve that had guided him throughout the years. His life satisfied him. He had done what he could¡ªtrained the next generation of watchmen, fought for the kingdom, and even kept his oath. There was nothing left to prove in his career filled with strife¡ªno more battles to fight beyond this one.

    Even though everything had come full circle, Alex couldn''t help but let out a quiet chuckle that was drowned out by the wind. He watched as the smoke rose and disappeared into the stormy sky and accepted the harsh reality before him.

    With one last gaze at the night sky, Alex bitterly smiled. ¡°Some things never change.¡±

 12. Dancing In The Dark

    The rain hammered against Alex¡¯s cloak, pushing against his body as the fierce winds whipped against his face. The cigar smoke curled from his lips. Only minutes had passed since he and Tucker had split up, but the oppressive weight of danger settled over him like a dark cloud. He could feel it¡ªmurderous intent closing in from all directions. One that was so potent that the scenery itself seemed to change.

    They were herding him, forcing him along a narrow path with their auras, driving him towards their trap. Alex grumbled, his eyes glancing at the fiery eye in the sky that trailed him like a predator. The last puff of his cigar left a trail of fragrant smoke in the wind as he flicked the stub to the ground, watching the embers sputter and fade. He smirked while crushing the remaining embers beneath his boots. By now, they had him surrounded, and a direct confrontation was inevitable.

    From the shadows, figures emerged, cloaked in black and glinting with the dull sheen of armor over vital areas. Seeing their attire, Alex couldn¡¯t help but laugh.

    How ironic.

    He glared at the figures. Their garb mimicked the kingdom¡¯s watchmen and to see it on the empire¡¯s men was a sight to behold. The same empire that once condemned covert operations was now using them with ruthless efficiency. He clenched his fists into tight balls as a single word entered his mind.

    Hypocrites.

    Alex knew that the empire was working on some sort of countermeasure against them. But to see another covert organization was out of his expectations for a nation that valued honor. Their approach was sloppy. He¡¯d felt their killing intent long before they revealed themselves, and now they stood there, poised but still. Alex could tell they were standard aura users, not even spirit contractors, and seeing how they were waiting. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if they were arrogant or just inexperienced, but it didn¡¯t matter. Each second they wasted gave him more time to assess his options.

    His hand closed around the hilt of his sword. In an instant, the enemy lunged. Five of them, coming from different angles. They were fast, too fast for him to fully draw his blade, but Alex didn¡¯t hesitate. He dashed forward with his blade nearly drawn from the scabbard and bashed the nearest attacker¡¯s skull in mid-leap. Blood splattered and landed on his face as the figure collapsed to the ground. Using feather step, the old man landed on a branch overhead, his sword fully drawn and gleaming in the dim light as the cover fell.

    He kicked off the branch and propelled his body through the leaves. Facing a group all at once was far too risky and offered little in return. There was only one reason they waited so long and it was so that the other members of their organization could catch up. If that was the case, then it meant there would be lag between them. A weakness he could exploit.

    Alex felt the rain lash down harder against his body. He listened for the thunderous steps behind him but didn¡¯t spare a glance. There was little he could do with the fiery tracker above his head, acting like a beacon within the darkness. It was pointless to hide with the spell still active, and his mission was clear. He needed to stall for time while luring the enemy away, giving Tucker a chance to escape. That was all that mattered now.

    His focus flashed to the next attack. Drowning out the sound of the rain and crackling flames above his head. It was faint but he could hear it. The noise of something being pulled back, followed by a soft low-pitch groan. Like a string being pulled back before being released.

    His eyes flickered toward the gleam of light that shot forth from the shadows. Feeling the tension within his arm shake while swinging to meet the projectile. With a ringing clang, he deflected the aura-infused arrow to the side. Sparks erupting along the blade¡¯s edge as he honed it against the impact.

    The veteran scanned the area and thought about his next course of action. But before Alex could continue his trail of thought, another flash of silver drew his attention. Unlike before, there was no subtle cue, instead only a barrage of needles that raced through the air, aimed at his chest. Alex did what he could and swung his sword once more. The thin metal needles were struck back, dancing and spinning in the air. Leaving behind a splatter of dark purple liquid that dyed the veteran¡¯s arms and cloak.

    Poison¡­

    Alex clicked his tongue as black vapor rose from his arms, seeping into his body and clouding his vision. Without wasting a second, he channeled his spirit essence from his heart. Bringing the energy to life with flames erupting around him. In a chaotic battle for control, the essence raced through his body, chasing after the toxins that desperately escaped through his veins. Heat and light from the embers surged and scattered in all directions, forming a barrier of fire that repelled the approaching enemies while scorching the surroundings. The downpour slowly extinguished the blazes as steam rose from the burning vegetation.

    Even though his vision slowly cleared, the toll on his body left him trembling. From all directions, he could feel the enemies shift around him. They hung back, sending blurred streaks of silver through the darkness. The metal melting as they struck his fiery defense. He could hear their movements, the faint rustle of leaves and the slick sound of water scrapping beneath their leather boots.If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Before, they were swift and calculated, but now they were hesitating. Leaving a brief pause that allowed the veteran to purge more of the poison from his body. Charred grass and scorched branches surrounded him as he rose to his feet, wincing in pain. His reserves were dwindling and without Sally, he couldn¡¯t sustain this much longer. After all, there was only so much spirit essence he could store within his heart.

    The fire around him dimmed, but it wasn¡¯t gone. It clung to his blade like a living creature, an extension of his own will. He had to act. The enemy wouldn¡¯t give him another chance. In a moment of desperation, Alex lunged forward, flames licking at the edges of his sword as he clashed with the nearest attacker. Steel met with steel in a violent explosion of aura¡ªcrimson and azure energy painting the forest in vivid streaks of light.

    His palms burned, skin tearing as he gripped the hilt with all his strength. With a final burst of force, he disarmed his opponent, sending their sword spinning into the air. Breaking their stance as he drew a dagger from his waist and slit their throat in one swift motion. Blood gusted out of the wound as the veteran hurled the body over his shoulders, using it as a shield as more projectiles flew towards him. The enemy¡¯s corpse jerked with the impact of multiple hits, causing Alex to stumble before hastily discarding it. As they pulled out their next set of projectiles, Alex advanced deeper into the forest. Taking refuge behind the trees as an arrow blew a clean hole through its trunk. Leaving a hollow space several diameters wide.

    His muscles screamed in protest, each step more grueling than the last. The poison still coursed through him, slowing his movements, but he couldn¡¯t stop. The distance between him and his pursuers was the only thing keeping Tucker safe. He had to keep them focused on him, to pull them further into the woods and away from his partner.

    Pain throbbed through his limbs with every movement, but Alex gritted his teeth and kept going. He cast a glance behind him, trying to focus on the figures despite his blurring vision. The enemies were relentless, but he couldn¡¯t let them close the gap. Not yet.

    There was still a chance to win. Even if it cost him everything.

    Analyzing his opponent¡¯s behaviours, there were a few elements he noticed. Their movements were erratic, almost inhuman to a certain degree. With each step, their bodies moved through the terrain like marionettes. Jerking and swaying frantically, without a care in the world. Even though the veteran had crossed through areas of the forest that most would consider challenging, the pursuers desperately continued their pursuit. Breaking branches and charging straight through bushes without a care in the world. Like rabid beasts released during a hunt.

    He couldn¡¯t find the right words to describe it, but their advance was mindless. Unnerving even, and most importantly, beyond reckless.

    Yet as he was deep in his thoughts, a chill prickled down Alex¡¯s spine. He froze as a fierce gust of wind howled through the trees, followed by the wrenching sound of something splitting apart. Skidding to a halt, he spun around as a vile slash of energy ripped horizontally through the forest, cleaving the trees cleanly in half. Just like the attack in the caves. Alex dove to the ground, barely escaping the deadly arc as it swept over his head and blew off his hood, tearing through his pursuers in a brutal spray of carnage. When he rose, he glanced back to see limbs and bodies scattered, the few survivors crawling on the ground, screaming in pain.

    The sickening scene caused Alex to frown, but soon, a slow, mocking sound of clapping cut through the air. Alex¡¯s damp grey hair clung to his face as he brushed it to the side. He clenched his jaw and turned towards the figure stepping out of the shadows. He brushed the mud off his shoulder and shook his head.

    ¡°Do you find this entertaining?¡± Alex asked, glaring at the figure who brought their hands together slowly and methodically.

    ¡°Very much so,¡± Hemlock sneered, drawing his sword from the earth. ¡°The infamous Salamander, rolling around in the dirt like a dog. A fitting end for the kingdom¡¯s devil, wouldn¡¯t you say?¡±

    A bitter smile tugged on Alex¡¯s mouth. ¡°How ironic of you to call me a devil when you kill your own comrades with no remorse. Since when did you become so vile to utter those words, Hemlock?¡± Alex snapped back. ¡°I thought you would have learned some dignity after losing in the tournament between our nations. But I guess I was wrong. Instead, I see you returned as a bastard. Leaving behind the honor you cared so much about.¡±

    Hemlock¡¯s smug expression faltered, his eyes narrowing. ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me about honor, not after what your Order did during the war. You watchmen are the real butchers and we both know that.¡±

    The old man didn¡¯t utter a single word. His grip tightened on his sword as flames spiraled up the blade, casting a fiery glow against his grim expression.

    Hemlock sneered. ¡°Did you really think everyone would have forgotten about what you¡¯ve done? What your so called Order has done?¡± Hemlock¡¯s voice was filled with fury as he coated his sword in a violet aura, its dark energy winding around the blade like a serpent.

    ¡°We had no choice.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s always a choice.¡±

    A tense silence settled over them, thick with unsaid histories and blood-soaked grievances. The cries of the wounded agents behind him mingled with the wind and rain. Alex focused on the threat before him, his gaze sharpened. He knew that Hemlock wasn¡¯t like the foes from before. His stance was flawless, leaving no visible openings, and around the edge of his blade was a violet aura pulsating with controlled menace and rage. This wasn¡¯t a careless soldier. No, Hemlock was a seasoned veteran. One that was possibly greater than him, and to make matters worse, his aura was layering around him like an impenetrable armor.

    The rain fell harder, evaporating against the dying embers still swirling around Alex. His green cloak whipped in the wind, revealing his battered armor and worn gauntlets. His dagger sheathed and dull from use, an almost useless weapon against Hemlock¡¯s plated armor. But even now, with his equipment exhausted and his strength fading, Alex held his ground.

    A silence fell between the two. Broken only by the wind and the distant lightning that flashed through the sky, followed by the crackle of thunder. Alex knew he stood no chance against Hemlock. The constant battles had weakened and battered his body to such an extent that it was even impressive for him to still stand. And while he had grown stagnant, he knew that Hemlock¡¯s mastery of aura had only improved over the years. Yet, despite the overwhelming odds stacked against him, his resolve remained unwavered. He had already fulfilled his role, and now, no matter the result. Alex knew his efforts weren¡¯t in vain.

 13. Battle Beyond Wills

    Alex¡¯s fingers brushed over his pocket, feeling the cold surface of the magic crystal he¡¯d picked up earlier in the caverns. He pulled it out, smirking as Hemlock¡¯s face darkened. Spirit contractors who had reached a certain degree of mastery could absorb a portion of mana from magic crystals that corresponded with their element and strengthen themselves temporarily. Even though it was dangerous and there was a chance of backlash, it was a risk he was willing to take.

    He crushed it with one hand, releasing the flames within. Without warning, a colossal column of fire exploded upwards into the darkness with him in the blazing center. Waves of heat surged, sending hot, smoldering air outward in a ripple that charred the surrounding foliage. The sheer intensity of the sight was enough to deter most foes, but not Hemlock. Instead, a dastardly thrill filled his mind. It would be far too easy to kill Salamander in his current state. This was the bare minimum he needed to do for his demise to be all the more satisfying.

    Hemlock raised his sword, shielding himself from the force. His eyes fixated on Alex through the blaze. He could see the flames cradle the old man¡¯s body in a warm embrace. From the reports, he knew Salamander could manipulate natural and mana-born fires¡ªbut what about those infused with aura? The blazes fanned outward, scorching the forest¡¯s floor. Hemlock¡¯s gaze drifted to the embers gathered along Alex¡¯s blade, examining the bright crimson glow that seared the night.

    It was a sight many knights had seen just before their last breath. But for him, it was different.

    Hemlock¡¯s hands twitched with anticipation as he focused on Alex, waiting for the slightest bit of movement. Before he could even blink, the old man¡¯s figure vanished. Leaving only a trail of smoke drifting to the right.

    The knight¡¯s grip tightened as his eyes darted in the opposite direction, following the traces of mana left by the spell. Tilting his sword to the side as Salamander appeared beside him, blade blazing through the air. Their swords clashed with a burst of sparks, sending violet and crimson flares scattering through the trees. They moved in sync, navigating the terrain while exchanging attacks and fighting for control over each other¡¯s movements.

    With his entire weight behind his strike, Alex¡¯s blade arced down, aiming to break Hemlock¡¯s guard. Yet Hemlock met each strike with precise counters, deflecting each one with care while retreating. The old man bitterly hid his emotions even though his frustration was growing. They were on equal footing, but Alex knew it was temporary. The crystal¡¯s flames had amplified his strength yet placed a heavy strain on his core. Making his spirit essence difficult to control. Like a chalice rocking back and forth in his body, barely overflowing and leaking.

    Their exchange and movements grew more precise, carefully adjusting to each beat of their blades. From afar, it would look like a dance, one not with elegance but desperation.

    Alex kept the pressure against Hemlock, constantly seizing ground with each step, but they were at a stalemate. He needed to break their current flow and add irregularities that would change the pace of their battle. His grip loosened as he took a deep, exasperated breath and a single step back, Inviting Hemlock for an opportunity to strike.

    Seeing this opportunity, Hemlock immediately pushed in, thrusting his sword at Alex¡¯s throat. Before his arms could fully extend, Alex drew closer, creating a crimson crescent by swinging his sword in a counterclockwise rotation and striking the midsection of his opponent¡¯s blade. The strike sent flickers of aura in the air with Hemlock¡¯s sword deflecting upwards, but before Alex could land his next attack. Hemlock shrouded his hand in aura and parried the watchman¡¯s blade in the opposite direction.

    They were less than an arm¡¯s reach away from each other as their chaotic clash began once more. Unlike before, the pace had shifted dramatically; instead of Alex¡¯s relentless assault, both fighters were now evenly trading blows with equal ferocity. Searching for a weakness that would leave one vulnerable.

    The sound of metal clashing erupted through the forest. Flashes of crimson and violet drew clear trails beneath the shadows of the leaves, cleaving through the night like thunder and lightning in the stormy sky.

    Alex felt his spirit essence pulse wildly as he glanced at the blazing eye that hung above him. He could feel the rain hit his face, along with the wind blowing violently in his ear with each clash. Over time, it became clear that a direct duel with a knight of Hemlock¡¯s caliber was beyond his limits. But there was no hiding; the spell¡¯s flames betrayed his every step and marked his location no matter where he went.

    Aura-infused flames were beyond his control as they were bound with one¡¯s soul. And it seemed whoever cast this spell was well aware of his limits. The caster used their own aura as a lynchpin and mixed it like a toxin. One that would destabilize his heart if he even tried to absorb it.

    The old man raised his sword to meet another attack. Flinching as a sharp pain coursed through his arm¡ªHemlock¡¯s blade had nicked him. He cursed under his breath but didn¡¯t let the attack go unanswered. Lunging forth, the veteran aimed for the vulnerable gap in Hemlock¡¯s armor, thrusting his blade with both hands at the narrow opening. Sparks flared as the impact jolted up his arms and through his bones, black vapor rising from his shoulders. His grip tightened, struggling to push further as the blade scrapped against the reinforced armor. Before he could move any further, a sharp recoil pushed back against his body, his blade ricocheting off the violet aura.

    Alex¡¯s balance was broken as he stumbled backwards while barely hiding his shock. It was a miscalculation. A rash decision that he made in a rush to end their battle, and now Hemlock was advancing once more. With no other choice, Alex rolled on the ground and scooped a handful of mud in the palm of his hands. Flinging it at Hemlock, who quickly shielded himself.

    The knight clicked his tongue in annoyance as the soil obscured his view. ¡°Do you really think such petty tricks will work on me?!¡± He cursed.

    Hemlock swung his sword, cutting through the empty air before him. Soon, he felt a surge of pain course through his body. Using the opening created by the blind attack, Alex circled around and drove his blade under Hemlock¡¯s arm, cracking his aura shield that was already weakened from the first strike. The blade inched deeper into the knight¡¯s defense, chipping away at the wavering aura that barely held itself together beneath the pressure of the stab.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    The muscles in Hemlock¡¯s jaw clenched. In an instant, he released a shockwave of aura with him in the center that threw Alex back. He touched the wound inflicted by the watchman, staring at the blood on his fingers before tightly curling them into a fist. ¡°You cowardly vermin!¡±

    ¡°Cowardly? It¡¯s called being resourceful greenhorn.¡±

    Alex¡¯s mocking tone sent waves of rage through Hemlock¡¯s mind. His face flushed with fury, and his hand squeezed the hilt of his sword. This was his moment of fame. His moment of glory, and he had his prey cornered with their backs against a wall. There was nowhere for him to run, yet that unyielding, snarky, and unholy persistence made his blood boil. No matter how much Hemlock thought about it, he couldn¡¯t understand where this annoying tenacity came from. But, as he stared at the old man, he couldn¡¯t help but smile. They were battered and beaten, and soon, it would all be over.

    Hemlock stepped forward and took a deep breath, pointing his blade at Alex, who couldn¡¯t help but smirk. The old man held out his arm and curled his fingers, taunting the knight to make a move.

    I can¡¯t let this bastard reach Tucker.

    Alex kept his composure and examined the knight. He was emotional and rash. Similar to Tucker, except with a temper that was far worse. Even though he was far more gifted, he lacked patience. The old man watched as Hemlock channeled aura into his blade and swung it horizontally. In the blink of an eye, a relentless wave of aura rushed forth. Sweeping through the area and tearing apart the landscape while leaving deep scars across the forest floor.

    Hemlock knew he was supposed to deal with them quietly, but he no longer cared. His eyes were bloodshot, and he had made it his goal to tear the old man limb from limb before hanging his corpse for the entire kingdom to see.

    The old man took a deep breath, focusing while firmly grasping his blade. He raised it above his head and with a single, precise slash. Cut through the air while releasing a blazing trail in its path, splitting Hemlock¡¯s aura attack in two. Everything around him seemed to move in slow motion, droplets of rain trickling from the sky along with a vibrant streak of violet light that flashed by him.

    Yet, as his view cleared, Hemlock was already a few centimeters before him. Alex braced himself, gritting his teeth and feeling the searing energy crackle around him as he parried the knight¡¯s sword, barely deflecting it to the side. The ringing sound of their blades echoed firmly in his ears. His own blade whistling in a swift counterattack that only met the air, passing inches above Hemlock¡¯s head as the knight dodged just in time while falling to one knee.

    The low pivot by Hemlock was enough for him to transition to a low cut aiming for Alex¡¯s legs. But his attack was a beat too slow as the veteran leaped into the air, returning the slash with a devastating kick that met the knight¡¯s chest. The heavy thud took the air out of Hemlock¡¯s lungs and sent him staggering backwards. His foe¡¯s glare burned, but Alex could tell his body was at its limits. He was falling behind. Barely pushing through the poison and fatigue by using vast amounts of spirit essence to counter their effects. To make matters worse, Hemlock¡¯s attacks weren¡¯t easing up, and Alex knew he was running out of time.

    Their swords collided once more in a vicious, relentless rhythm, each blow sending sharp jolts of pain through Alex¡¯s bruised palms. The metallic echoes traveled into the depths of the forest with each swing. His old bones and torn muscles screamed at him to stop, but Alex resisted. Pivoting on his heel, he kicked Hemlock¡¯s blade that came down from the sky to the side before stepping forward and driving his fist into Hemlock¡¯s skull. The blow forced Hemlock back several paces yet had little to no effect. He¡¯d faced knights like Hemlock before and knew that if he got through, Tucker would be as good as dead.

    He had to see this fight through to the end.

    With a nimble leap backwards, Alex steadied himself. Running his hand along his blade while gathering the embers at his fingertips to form a bowstring of flames. He pulled his arm back and nocked several arrows before releasing a volley of scarlet that pierced through the rain-filled sky, creating a trail of blazing hues in their wake. The glistening light was mesmerizing, but Hemlock didn¡¯t care to admire such views. As the arrows arced towards him, he sought shelter behind the trees, dodging the flames that ignited the forest. The wildfires desperately crawled upwards, trying to consume their surroundings, yet only struggled beneath the strengthening rain.

    ¡°You should be proud,¡± Hemlock¡¯s cold voice cut through the storm, his aura wrapping around him like a suit of armor. ¡°No one else has ever forced me to go this far.¡±

    ¡°Not surprised,¡± Alex replied in a low voice. He ripped his cloak and wrapped his sword in his hand. ¡°The only thing you knights ever had going for you was your numbers.¡±

    Hemlock glared at Alex and raised his sword once more. ¡°We¡¯ll see if you can keep that attitude of yours.¡±

    ¡°Against a fool like you? Easily.¡±

    As Alex took several steps back, putting more distance between himself and Hemlock, a chill gripped him. The ground trembled violently, pulsing with energy as if the very earth beneath him were tearing apart. His eyes locked onto Hemlock, who stood still, grasping his sword with both hands. The violet aura around him solidified above him until a massive, spectral figure began to take form and slowly manifest into their world.

    His eyes widened in admiration, recognizing the feat. A feat he should have been able to meet if it wasn¡¯t for his own devices. He had seen seasoned aura knights summon manifestations like this before, but it was rare. A grueling technique that was only possible for those who crossed a certain threshold of power and will. One that resonated with their very soul, and for someone as young as Hemlock to wield it¡ªwas a rarity and one that demanded respect. But awe would have to wait. His body instinctively tensed, every nerve warning him of the imminent danger.

    The weight of the aura was suffocating, pressing down on him like a massive boulder was on his shoulders. His heart raced, refusing to remain calm as if every instinct screamed at him to retreat, yet he raised his sword once more. Sweat dripped down his forward as he braced himself.

    The old man knew this could very well be the end. He watched the manifestation take shape behind Hemlock, a towering knight with overlapping plates of armor and a helmet plume swaying in the storm. Its movements mirroring Hemlock¡¯s as if bound to his will. Alex¡¯s muscles burned as he concentrated every last drop of spirit essence left in his weary heart into his blade. Determined to not yield a single inch of ground.

    As Hemlock raised his sword, the ethereal knight followed perfectly in sync. For an agonizing heartbeat, time seemed to freeze. Raindrops hung suspended in the air, and flashes of distant lightning stretched into what felt like an eternity. Alex¡¯s movements grew sluggish as if he were wading through thickened air, while Hemlock alone moved freely, his sword cutting down in a single arc. The landscape buckled under the force, trees splintering and wind roaring in their wake. Even though Alex could see the torrent of destruction surging toward him, the world around him fell into a calming silence.

    In that stillness, Alex made his choice. His fingers clenched the hilt of his blade, and he summoned every last bit of aura left within him, strengthening his tired body. He firmly planted his feet into the ground, shattering the dirt floor beneath his boots, and raised his sword. Before swinging upward with all his might, aiming to meet the attack head-on.

    Their swords collided, sending a sharp pain through his body, his muscles tearing under the strain as he held his ground. It felt like the world was coming back to life as the rain crashed down on his skin. The thunder roared in the sky once more. Yet as the clash reached its end, his vision began to blur, fading to white.

 14. What Was Written In The Past

    Hemlock took several deep breaths. His hands were shaking uncontrollably as the lavender vapor from his body seeped into the air. He felt the icy rain land on his armor and the exhaustion pull him back. It was the first time he had manifested his will into the world, and the toll was unbelievable. As the rain fell, the violet knight¡¯s aura behind him dissipated, leaving only darkness. Even though it had only been in the world for a few minutes. It had used nearly every fiber of his being to summon, and the aching pain in his muscles nearly caused him to collapse.

    His last attack left nothing but devastation, and the only thing standing between him and total victory was the watchman, who was barely holding their ground. Hemlock lifted his visor and spat out a mouthful of blood. Looking at the old man, he grinned. The watchman had a long gash down his chest that painted the ground with his blood. It might not have been a fatal wound, but it was severe enough to settle the battle.

    A sense of joy filled his heart, and he couldn¡¯t help but grin. He had done it. Hemlock watched Alex stab his sword into the ground to support himself and felt his hands tremble with excitement. The old man had split his aura knight¡¯s blade in half as it came down at him, but it wasn¡¯t enough to fully stop his attack. It still left a devastating wound. All he had to do was deliver the final blow, and his life would be over. Then, the empire would etch his name into history as the hero who killed the devil of the kingdom.

    Yet, despite everything, a sense of unease crept down his spine. Hemlock remained fixated on his prey. The old man staggered with each subtle movement yet remained unfazed. It was that unyielding attitude within each soldier from the Kingdom that made Hemlock utterly disgusted. His hands tightly clenched his sword as he pointed it at the Watchman. Even in the records, when the Empire cornered the Kingdom of Aurora, they remained stubborn and caused unnecessary causalities. It was pointless to do anything else. The watchman had already lost, yet that smirk on his face made Hemlock¡¯s blood boil.

    Hemlock¡¯s frown deepened as he observed Alex¡¯s smug expression. He couldn¡¯t understand what was going through the old man¡¯s head. If it was him, he would be devastated. Broken. Yet¡­that will which never seemed to fade remained.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Hemlock raised his guard and glared at Alex.

    The old man chuckled and focused his gaze on Hemlock. ¡°It¡¯s just funny to see how much you bastards have copied us.¡± He had poured a healing potion over his wounds as the dust was settling. It wasn¡¯t enough to heal his wounds, but enough to stop the bleeding. Now, all he had to do was stall.

    ¡°So what? We merely adapted to the times. Besides¡­ why does that matter when you¡¯re already dead?¡±

    Alex chuckled at Hemlock, who lowered his visor. He gazed back at the corpses of enemy agents who chased him. ¡°Really? All this to kill some old man who¡¯s nearing retirement?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not just some old man,¡± Hemlock shot back.

    The veteran watched as a violet aura surged forth once more from Hemlock. He couldn¡¯t help but laugh at his predicament. There was no point trying to stall anymore, as the person in front of him was determined to kill him. Even if he had an abundance of spirit essence left, it wouldn¡¯t help. The only thing he could do was reinforce his sword with whatever leftover aura he had.

    He endured the stinging pain in his chest and pointed his blade at Hemlock. The icy rain numbed his body. After applying the mid-tier healing potion, his condition improved but was nowhere near its ideal state. Alex¡¯s vision faded in and out with each fleeting moment. He felt lightheaded, and no matter how much he tried to focus, his body failed to listen. In a span of seconds, Alex felt the world spin around him and fell to his knees as if the world came crashing around him. His sword plunged into the mud, and he inclined his head towards Hemlock. Grasping the mud between his fingers while trying to steady himself.

    Move god dammit!

    Alex gritted his teeth and helplessly watched as Hemlock approached him. No matter what he tried to do, his body failed to listen. The embers on his blade slowly faded, causing the knight to reveal a vile grin. His mind raced as he desperately tried to think of a solution to his current predicament. Yet a lingering sense of doubt filled his head. He had already bought enough time for Tucker, so what was the point in pushing himself? His body hardly listened to him, and even if it did, there was little he could do.

    He had accomplished his task and life goal of raising several new generations of watchmen, and no one would blame him if he died here. No one would care. But¡­ at the same time, he felt like there were still many things he needed to do. There were still members of the Order that needed his guidance, and a feeling of regret grew in his heart as he recalled those he owed.

    Alex glared at Hemlock, who stood before him and raised his sword. The blade glistened in the moonlight and drew the watchman¡¯s attention. His muscles ached as he tried to move them, but the poison that crept into his veins and the physical exertion on his body restrained him. He could see the triumphant grin behind the knight¡¯s visor, and there was nothing he could do. Yet he kept his head up and welcomed death.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    As the sword drew a crescent arc down towards his neck. He felt a hand grab his shoulder and throw him back. A dark green cloak fluttered in the wind as a figure stood before him. Their hood fell back, revealing dark strands of brown hair that swayed with the wind.

    ¡°Tucker?¡± Alex¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the ground beneath Tucker caved in.

    ¡°The one and only.¡± Tucker forced the words out of his mouth as his arms violently trembled. Their eyes met for a second before the rookie focused back on Hemlock. Sweat dripped down the side of his face as he locked eyes with the knight who cornered his mentor.

    Their blades grinding and shrieking against one another as the two foes battled in a contest of strength. Unleashing sparks of emerald and violet energies into the surroundings. This was the first time Tucker had ever directly encountered a knight, and from their current exchange, he could tell the person he was facing was a bastard. A weakened bastard, to be exact.

    ¡°You fucking vermin just keep coming.¡± Hemlock¡®s arms shook as their blades repelled each other. Clumps of wet earth scattered across the ground, leaving a trail from where he once stood.

    The violet knight stared at his chipped blade. He felt bitter losing in a contest of strength, but there was nothing to be done about that. He had already used most of his strength in the fight against Salamander, so it was within expectations that fatigue would build up in his body. However, he didn¡¯t expect for it to be so soon.

    Tucker slowly exhaled, releasing the cold air from his lips to ease his racing heart. A single droplet of sweat trailed down his chin, and his hands were shaking uncontrollably. It was the first time in his life that he had seen such a sharp killing intent permeate through the entire forest. He would be lying if he said he wasn¡¯t scared, but seeing how Alex was still alive buried one of his worries.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing here?!¡± Alex forced himself to stand and coughed up a mouthful of blood as Tucker caught him.

    ¡°To rescue you, of course.¡±

    ¡°By yourself?¡± Alex spat out. ¡°I knew you were an idiot, but I didn¡¯t think you would be stupid!¡±

    ¡°Relax. Did you really think I would come here alone?¡± Tucker revealed a smirk that made Hemlock¡¯s face contort with anxiety. ¡°I might be dumb, but I¡¯m not suicidal.¡±

    The words that came out of Tucker¡¯s mouth caused Hemlock to take a step back, crunching the blades of grass beneath his boots. He briefly scanned the treelines, but it was impossible to tell if anyone was lurking in the shadows. The only way would be to manifest his world and lure them out. A feat that wasn¡¯t possible in his current state.

    His chest rose and fell in quick successions, as if each breath were trying to claw its way out. It was impossible to gauge how many were lurking in the darkness. One mistake was all it took to end his life, and he couldn¡¯t help but curse the situation he was in. All Hemlock could do was wait for them to make the first move, then react accordingly.

    Tucker grinned upon seeing Hemlock¡¯s dire expression. ¡°Seeing how he couldn¡¯t even notice them means they¡¯re just a half-baked knight after all. I¡¯m surprised you struggled so much, old man.¡±

    Hemlock flinched. ¡°You fucker¡­¡±

    Tucker raised a brow at the enraged knight. ¡°Am I wrong? I mean, if you were anything special, you wouldn¡¯t be struggling so much.¡±

    ¡°Struggling? If it was just you two, I would easily skewer you.¡±

    ¡°What did you expect? You came into our backyard. Of course, we would have reinforcements just like that.¡± Tucker followed the end of his sentence with a quick snap. ¡°You¡¯d have to be delusional to think otherwise.¡±

    ¡°This land was originally ours to begin with,¡± Hemlock snapped back.

    ¡°Not after you lost the war.¡±

    Hemlock¡¯s voice was low, each word strained from rage. ¡°We only lost because of the crimes you Watchmen committed.¡±

    ¡°Crimes? Alex, do you hear the bullshit this guy is talking about? You lost because¡ª¡± Tucker¡¯s words fell short at the conflicted expression written on the veteran¡¯s face.

    Hemlock raised a brow upon hearing this, but soon pieced together the puzzle once he saw Salamander¡¯s expression. ¡°Oh? He doesn¡¯t know.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s voice dropped. ¡°Know what?¡±

    ¡°Seems like they kept you in the dark.¡± Hemlock sneered. ¡°About what you did. About what they did.¡±

    ¡°What does he mean?¡± Tucker stared at Alex and watched as he averted his gaze. ¡°Alex, what the hell is he talking about?¡±

    Alex broke his silence. ¡°There¡¯s a reason I told you that there was nothing heroic in what we do. During the last war, we had to make difficult decisions.¡±

    ¡°Difficult decisions?¡± Hemlock erupted in a furious laughter that echoed throughout the entire forest, sending chills down Tucker¡¯s spine as the bloodlust penetrated deep into his soul. ¡°Is that what you call it when you massacred innocent women and children? The men I could understand since I would¡¯ve done the same, but even those who couldn¡¯t even feed themselves? Even I wouldn¡¯t do that!¡±

    Alex kept his head down in shame. It was a tale that was still fresh in his head, as if it had happened the day before. The innocent lives that were lost because of their actions were necessary for them to win the war. That much was clear, and the weight of his regret consumed him for the rest of his life. Back then, he was nothing more than a young man blindly following orders, but that was only an excuse. Maybe if they had more time, the administrators of the Order could have devised a better plan. A plan that would have reduced the amount of causalities for both sides, but they were desperate. And that desperation shattered their line of morality.

    The rookie¡¯s body froze when he heard those words. He knew that right now, Alex needed to be brought to safety, but he couldn¡¯t shake the lingering questions in his mind. His blade still pointed at Hemlock, and with a quick glance, he could see the defeated light in the veteran¡¯s eyes. There were so many things he wanted to ask, but it had to wait. Right now, they needed to deal with the problem in front of them.

    As Hemlock stood there, the air around them grew cold. He felt the breeze crept in through the gaps of his armor and the leaves sway around him. The wind filled the surroundings, and in a split second; he saw a silver light soar towards him. In one swift motion, he swung his sword with all his might to meet the object, deflecting the dagger into the air. Its blade spun in the moonlight, but Hemlock ignored it. His attention focused back on the Watchmen behind him, yet the moment he turned back, his anger erupted. They were gone.

 15. What Carries Into The Future

    Tucker held onto Alex¡¯s arm and supported him as they dashed through the forest. Icy rain trickled down their faces, masking sweat and exhaustion. They moved in silence without uttering a single word. Only the sounds of their breathing and the crunch of leaves filled the forest.

    In Tucker¡¯s mind, questions were piling on top of one another. His heart hammered against his chest as more thoughts gnawed at his mind. He wanted answers but knew that now wasn¡¯t the time for such things. Their situation was less than desirable and with Alex¡¯s current state, there was no telling how long he would last without proper medical care. A sense of helplessness filled his head, but he knew he couldn¡¯t give up.

    They were being hunted by numerous enemy agents and even with the use of feather step. It wasn¡¯t enough to outrun them. Tucker could roughly gauge the distance between them and their pursuers. Somehow, they were narrowly avoiding confrontation, but it wasn¡¯t enough, even with Gale guiding them through the maze of trees and foliage. And to make matters worse, they were slowly drifting further and further away from the extraction point.

    ¡°You fucking idiot. You didn¡¯t actually come with reinforcements, did you?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t afford to wait for them. If I did, you would have died,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°Then that attack was¡­?¡±

    ¡°A simple string holding back a branch I set up with a dagger at the end.¡±

    Alex shook his head in frustration. ¡°Then what about the pouches? Did you deliver them to the headquarters?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I had the mist hawks take it the rest of the way.¡±

    The veteran couldn¡¯t help but feel bitter. ¡°I told you to leave me behind.¡± Alex spat the words from his mouth while applying pressure to his wound with his blood-stained hands. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just listen?¡±

    ¡°I thought about it when I ran away the first time, but I realized¡­ I probably wouldn¡¯t be able to live with myself if I abandoned you.¡± Tucker forced a weak smile. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be the type of person who reaches their goals by sacrificing others.¡±

    ¡°You really are¡­ an¡­ idiot¡­¡±

    As Alex¡¯s words trailed off, Tucker strengthened his resolve. It was still possible to save the old man, and judging by the state of his wound, the bleeding had stopped. It was a fragile glimmer of hope but one less burden on his mind. Now, all that remained was for them to escape their pursuers.

    Tucker took a quick glance at Gale and clenched his jaw. His damp cloak felt like shackles, constantly slowing them down as the wind brushed against his face. He knew it was impossible to outrun them while carrying Alex, but that didn¡¯t mean it was hopeless.

    He scanned their surroundings, searching for some sort of answer. Their enemy was roughly two hundred meters away from them and would soon catch a glimpse of their figures within minutes. As Tucker was racing through the forest, a silver gleam caught his attention from the corner of his eyes. He stared at it for a moment and soon a sudden realization flashed through his head.

    Tucker sprinted toward the glint of silver, skidding to a halt as he came upon the corpses of the bandits they had encountered earlier. Rain had soaked their lifeless bodies, turning their skin pale and slick, but the downpour worked in his favor. A desperate plan formed in his mind and whether it worked was up to the gods. He quietly whistled for Gale and stripped the cloaks from himself and Alex before handing the drenched fabrics to his spirit companion.

    ¡°Lead them away from us. Keep those empire bastards close enough to stay on your trail but far enough so they can¡¯t catch you,¡± Tucker whispered the instructions to his companion and watched as Gale nodded in response before taking flight.

    There wasn¡¯t a moment to spare. Tucker set Alex gently at the base of a nearby tree before grabbing one of the nearby corpses and dragging them over him. Only one last detail was needed to sell the scene, and as Tucker picked up a discarded iron sword. He drove it into the tree trunk beneath Alex¡¯s arm. It was a bullshit disguise, but it was the only choice he had.

    The air shifted. Tucker dropped to the ground and pulled another corpse over him, biting back a gasp as the cold body pressed against him. He pressed his ear to the ground, listening to the sound of grass crunching beneath someone¡¯s feet. They were less than a hundred meters away from them, and thankfully, it didn¡¯t seem like they noticed their presence. From the corner of Tucker¡¯s eyes, he could see twenty or more figures crashing through the foliage. Their voices screamed orders as they chased Gale¡¯s diversion.

    Once they were out of sight, Tucker let out a small sigh of relief but had to hold back as a nearby twig snapped. He held his breath as two figures came into view, stopping a few feet from Alex¡¯s hiding spot.

    ¡°Hm¡­ that¡¯s odd. I don¡¯t think we¡¯re supposed to leave a sword like this.¡± Hannah narrowed her eyes at the scene with her hand on her chin.

    ¡°Oh, who cares?¡± Todd waved his hand, barely sparing a glance. ¡°It¡¯s probably one of those other fuckers that did it. Besides, we just need to follow our orders and look for the two watchmen that escaped. And let¡¯s be real here Hannah. Your hunches haven¡¯t exactly been the best. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t have these stupid fucking seals on our hearts.¡±

    Hannah shot him a glare. ¡°Todd, are you really holding that against me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not holding it against you. I¡¯m just saying that working for these bastards is by far the worst decision we¡¯ve ever made.¡±

    ¡°Like we had a choice!¡± Hannah shouted at the top of her lungs. ¡°If we hadn¡¯t agreed, we¡¯d still be rotting in those cells! We might be prisoners doing their dirty work, but at least we¡¯re alive!¡±

    ¡°Alive?¡± Todd scoffed and rolled his eyes. ¡°We barely survived their bullshit training, and now we¡¯re hunting watchmen. Are you out of your goddamn mind? This is anything but being alive!¡±

    ¡°So! You saw what they did to the other guys that said no!¡± Hannah¡¯s voice cracked as she stared at Todd, and he took a step back, seeing her expression.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I took it too far.¡± Todd scratched the back of his head. ¡°Look, just relax, alright? We¡¯ll make it through this.¡±

    Tucker remained perfectly still, every muscle in his body filling with tension as mud from Todd¡¯s boot hit his face. He did his best not to react to the lover¡¯s quarrel even though his body ached from not moving for so long.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare tell me to relax.¡± Hannah glared at Todd before focusing her attention back on the sword beneath Alex¡¯s arm. ¡°I¡¯m telling you, this isn¡¯t something we would do. They would kill us for making a mistake like this, and it doesn¡¯t even follow procedure in the slightest. We weren¡¯t trained for this and there¡¯s no way the other guys would make mistakes like this.¡± She leaned in closer, noticing the faintest wisp of breath escaping Alex¡¯s lips. Seeing this, her heart immediately pounded. ¡°Todd, I knew it! This person¡¯s alive!¡±If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°I would be careful with your next move, missy.¡±

    Hannah¡¯s body froze, her hands just above the sword¡¯s hilt. She slowly turned around and locked onto the source of the voice. Tucker stood behind Todd with a dagger pressed against his captive¡¯s throat. Todd nervously glanced at Hannah with his hands raised in the air.

    ¡°Step away from the elderly,¡± Tucker ordered. ¡°One wrong move and I¡¯ll kill your friend.¡± He pressed the blade into Todd¡¯s pale skin, blood slowly trickling down the blade from the small incision.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking do it Hannah! Keep that blade near that guy¡¯s neck. It¡¯s the only way we¡¯ll get out of this alive!¡±

    Tucker¡¯s expression hardened. He smacked the back of Todd¡¯s head, making him flinch. ¡°Hostages don¡¯t talk.¡± The rookie stared at the trembling girl, then back at Todd. ¡°If you try anything again, it¡¯ll be the last damn thing you do,¡± Tucker sharply declared. ¡°You two lovebirds have more to lose than me, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Todd¡¯s face turned red with anger, but he bit back any retort he had as the blade pressed at his throat. Tucker could feel the slight tremble from the young man. They were barely adults, and it was unpleasant to see them used as disposable pawns. He drew the line at killing civilians and innocent lives, not at those who had blood on their hands.

    ¡°What do you say?¡± Tucker asked, fixing his gaze on Hannah.

    ¡°Hannah, don¡¯t you fucking listen to him, do you hear me? He¡¯s trying to make you lose your advantage!¡± Todd¡¯s flush disappeared once he noticed Tucker¡¯s sharp gaze. He gritted his teeth and spat out, ¡°You piece of shit! Have you no shame?¡±

    Tucker didn¡¯t utter a single word, keeping his dagger close to Todd¡¯s neck. He knew his position still had the advantage, and even though the young boy would gamble with his life, he wouldn¡¯t gamble with hers. If it came down to it, Tucker could kill his hostage and then easily deal with the other agent, but whether he could do all that in the short time to save Alex was another story.

    Hannah¡¯s hands shook as she bit her lips. Finally, she let out a deep sigh and threw her sword to the side. ¡°Fine.¡± As she took a step away from Alex and raised her hands. She angrily asked, ¡°What now?¡±

    Tucker grinned beneath his mask. ¡°Take a guess.¡±

    Hannah bit down on her lips even more, drawing blood down the side as she glared at Tucker. ¡°You bastard¡­¡± Her hands moved to the collar of her shirt, slightly trembling as she unbuttoned the top.

    ¡°What in the hell are you doing?¡± Tucker immediately asked with a stern tone, stopping her in place.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t this what you wanted, you savage?¡± Hannah¡¯s voice cracked as tears swelled in her eyes.

    ¡°Are you stupid? I wanted you to disarm yourself and pick up the old man. Not do whatever the hell you¡¯re doing right now.¡± Tucker pressed the dagger further into Todd¡¯s throat and glared at Hannah. ¡°You empire freaks always come up with these stupid delusions. No wonder you can¡¯t tell what¡¯s right and wrong.¡±

    Hannah¡¯s eyes were filled with anger, but Todd was the first to speak. His voice had a venomous tone. ¡°Stupid delusions? You fuckers did this in the past when you kidnapped women and children after the war was over. Don¡¯t you dare try to lecture us on what¡¯s good or bad, you piece of shit!¡±

    Tucker scoffed and rolled his eyes. ¡°Just shut up and keep moving.¡±

    The rookie ignored Hannah¡¯s sharp glare and watched as she carried Alex over her shoulder with obvious strain. Her legs wobbled under the weight with each step, and Todd reluctantly followed. His eyes darted nervously as they ventured further into the forest.

    Tucker scanned their surroundings. More and more questions filled his mind, but he had no choice but to bury them for now. His goal was to save Alex and himself. Whatever concerns he had could be answered after the mission. And just as he was plotting their next steps, a sharp pain throbbed in his heart. He faltered as his spirit essence quivered. It was something he read about in books, but experiencing firsthand was something else, and in a moment¡­the sensation vanished. Gale was gone.

    His heart sank, but he needed to keep his composure. For someone to take down his wind spirit meant that they had to be a powerful adversary¡ªsomeone that was beyond his current capabilities. They had gained enough distance and crossed the border, but if it was someone who could catch his spirit, then it wouldn¡¯t be long until they caught up. And with Hannah and Todd struggling from exhaustion, the odds were stacked against him.

    Should I just kill them and carry Alex the rest of the way by myself?

    The thought crossed his mind, but before he could act. A subtle rolling sound reached their ears. He turned his head to the object and caught sight of a blood-slick object tumbling across the forest floor. Frustration filled his mind, but he couldn¡¯t reveal it. Not while he was unsure of who or what could''ve caused it. But seeing Todd and Hannah''s pale expressions, he knew it wasn''t from their side.

    A dismembered head with lifeless eyes was a few meters from his feet.

    Tucker¡¯s mind raced as it was thrown into chaos. How the hell did they get so close, so soon? He had kept his spirit essence spread out through the forest like a net, extending over two hundred meters with Gale¡¯s aid. A hundred without. Yet it seemed pointless, as he didn¡¯t receive a single bit of warning.

    They had outmaneuvered him in lands he knew like the back of his hand.

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of hiding when you¡¯ve already given yourself away?¡± Tucker¡¯s voice cut through the rain-soaked silence as he scanned the treeline. Parts of him prayed it was a bandit so he could tell them to kick rocks, but as a lone figure emerged, he knew they weren¡¯t your common thief.

    Their dark green cloak fluttered in the wind with droplets of rain sliding off the fabric. Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed at the sight. He couldn¡¯t help but be skeptical of the person before them, as they normally operated in pairs.

    ¡°You should be more careful, rookie.¡± A voice whispered beside Tucker¡¯s ear, sending shivers down his spine. Before he could react, a tap on his shoulder froze him in place. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t rely so much on your spirit essence to detect your surroundings.¡±

    Tucker held his breath as several figures emerged from the forest with their hands on their blades. The majority of their bodies were hidden beneath the cloaks they wore, and half-masks shielded their identities. They were members of the Order, but seeing so many gathered in one place was beyond shocking.

    ¡°Well, this is an unexpected twist.¡± A small woman stroked her chin and walked closer to the trembling agent beside Alex. She spun her dagger and examined the petrified girl in front of her. ¡°It seems we¡¯ve found Salamander and his little fledging.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re reinforcements from the Order?¡± Tucker asked, tightening his hold on Todd, who was trembling under the pressure.

    ¡°We came after receiving Salamander¡¯s message. Though we never expected for you guys to be in a predicament like this.¡± She spun on her heel and tapped Hannah¡¯s shoulder. Her smile betrayed the light in her eyes, and, with a swift motion, she passed Alex to a nearby watchman. With a blade to Hannah¡¯s neck, she locked eyes with Tucker. ¡°Now, what to do¡­ what to do¡­¡±

    ¡°You fucker! Get your hands off of her¡ª¡± Todd shouted, but soon felt a sharp pain from the back of his knees as he fell to the ground. Dirt smearing on his cheeks as he struggled to move.

    Tucker pressed Todd¡¯s head into the mud with his dagger still pointed at their neck. ¡°These guys are the Empire¡¯s answer to us. It seems like they¡¯re a new type of covert unit.¡±

    ¡°Interesting! Very interesting, but¡­¡± She playfully grabbed Hannah¡¯s chin, tilting her face up. The dagger at Hannah¡¯s throat gleamed for a moment in the darkness. ¡°Why would that matter? We¡¯ve already dealt with their comrades, and they were weak. Far too weak to even be a concern.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, but that doesn¡¯t mean we know everything the empire has to offer.¡± Tucker took the end of his dagger and struck Todd¡¯s temple, knocking him out. Soon, their squirming stopped, and the area grew quiet once more. ¡°These two seem to care about each other more than their organization. So it¡¯s well worth a shot to get information out of them.¡±

    She raised a brow and exchanged a glance with the other watchmen, who all gave silent nods. Her crimson eyes seemed to glow in the darkness as she scratched her brown hair and reluctantly nodded. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t see why not.¡± As she finished her sentence, she swiftly struck the side of Hannah¡¯s lower jaw with her fist and caught their body as they fell.

    Tucker watched as she flung Hannah to another watchman. He watched as they prepared to move and said, ¡°There¡¯s a supply depot east of this location. If we move now, we¡¯ll be able to destroy it before they move locations.¡±

    ¡°Those weren¡¯t our orders. We were only sent out here to find Salamander and you, rookie. Anything else is out of our jurisdiction.¡±

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Another word and I¡¯ll consider it treason.¡± May sharply cut him off followed by a glare. ¡°Do I make myself clear?¡±

    Tucker hesitated before nodding. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±

    He watched the other watchmen move towards the outpost with a sense of bitterness. They had enough manpower to decimate the outpost, but chose not to. It didn¡¯t make sense to him, but none of the others opposed. They followed their orders and moved without wasting a second. Yet, seeing how they operated, he couldn¡¯t help but feel the difference between them.

 16. Uncovering The Truth Through Words

    Alex slowly opened his eyes to a grey stone ceiling. His body felt numb, and the pain in his chest had vanished. The old man slowly scanned his surroundings and rose from the bed. He was in a closed room with no lighting from the outside. A few simple decorations were in the room: a round table with two chairs to the side of his bed and a closed door on the far wall from him.

    ¡°I¡¯m back at the keep,¡± Alex muttered, stretching his arms in the air with a tired groan. ¡°I guess that idiot managed to do something after all.¡±

    ¡°Idiot? Who the hell are you calling an idiot?¡± Tucker kicked the door open, holding a basket full of fruits in his hands. ¡°Is that how you refer to your lord and savior? Tucker the almighty?¡±

    ¡°Maybe if I was trapped in hell, I would refer to you as that. But as of now, not a chance.¡±

    Tucker walked into the room and set the fruit basket on the table. The next moment, he reached for an apple and held it in his hand before taking a bite.

    ¡°Wait, those weren¡¯t for me?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°No? I didn¡¯t even know you were awake when I went to get them,¡± Tucker replied, crumbs flew out of his mouth.

    ¡°You...¡±

    ¡°Relax, I¡¯m just joking.¡± Tucker chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve been asleep for a few days, so I just started bringing this in case you randomly woke up.¡±

    Alex raised a brow. ¡°A few days? How many is a few?¡±

    ¡°About four, you didn¡¯t miss much. Just the Administrators scrambling while talking to the nobles.¡± Tucker took another bite of the fruit, the loud crunch shifting the mood in the room.

    ¡°¡­Scrambling?¡± Alex grabbed onto the edge of his blanket and pulled it off, but before he could get out of bed, Tucker took an apple from the basket and tossed it towards him. The old man caught it and gazed at the rookie.

    ¡°Take it easy. There¡¯s no need to rush. We¡¯ve got some time before the assembly, and besides¡­¡± Tucker¡¯s voice carried a hint of sorrow, and the dark circles under his eyes showed the exhaustion he had been experiencing over the last few days. ¡°You owe me some answers.¡±

    Alex exhaled a deep, tired sigh. He recalled their discussion with Hemlock and knew there was no point in hiding the truth. Tucker was a member of the Order¡ªhe deserved to know. ¡°What would you like to know?¡±

    Tucker felt his hands tremble as he placed the apple on the table. The soft yet distinct sound filled the room with a hollow thud. ¡°If¡­ if I learned the truth behind our actions and what we¡¯ve done¡ªabout what we did in the past¡­ would it change how I see the Order?¡±

    ¡°I would be lying if I said it didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Did¡­¡± Tucker hesitated for a moment, his heart sank. ¡°Did it change how you saw the Order?¡±

    Alex chuckled bitterly. ¡°No, it didn¡¯t change how I saw the Order. Not after what I¡¯ve been through. Times were different back then. All I felt was resentment and regret. Hell, even a sense of emptiness after our victory.¡±

    ¡°A sense of emptiness?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, looking back, maybe it was because I was still rough around the edges. After all, I was a rookie, just like you back then.¡±

    Tucker pulled his hood down and brushed his brown hair to the side. He took a deep breath and slowly exhaled, his lungs shaking as the air left his body. ¡°We didn¡¯t stop at their supply lines in the last war, did we?¡±

    Alex leaned against the old wooden headboard with a conflicted expression. He paused for a moment and closed his eyes before finally answering, ¡°I¡¯m afraid not. We did more than just burn down their supply lines. We destroyed all of their villages near the front lines and moved further towards their capital. Burning and killing whatever was deemed a threat.¡±

    Tucker felt like someone had shattered his heart into a million pieces. He fought back the urge to argue and yell at Alex for saying such a thing but knew that he couldn¡¯t¡ªnot to someone who lived through that part of history.

    ¡°It was a policy devised by the Head Administrator. A controversial but effective tactic that changed the very outcome of the war,¡± Alex quietly said, each word weighing heavily upon his shoulders. ¡°Some would say that what we did was unnecessary and cowardly. But most scholars agreed we would have lost otherwise.¡±

    ¡°But there had to be some kind of line, right?¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyes lingered on the old man but soon dropped his head while clenching onto the fabric of his green pants. His nails dug into the palms of his hand, drawing tiny droplets of blood. He closed his eyes. The veteran¡¯s silence was enough of an answer, and with it, Tucker could feel his body grow numb.

    They didn¡¯t spare anyone.

    After a moment of silence, Tucker asked, ¡°Couldn¡¯t we have spared the children? Did we really have to kill them too?¡±

    ¡°They died by proxy,¡± Alex replied softly. ¡°It wasn¡¯t intended, but they were an unavoidable causality. If the events had unfolded as expected, then perhaps the outcome would have been changed, but it didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Shit¡­¡± Tucker muttered under his breath.

    Alex¡¯s voice grew faint, his words heavy with regret. ¡°Believe me when I say this. If I could, I would¡¯ve tried to do something different. We just didn¡¯t know how great of an impact our actions would have down the line. We didn¡¯t know that this would lead to the events of the famine in the Avalon Empire.¡±

    ¡°All those stories, all those deeds,¡± Tucker said, his voice trembling. ¡°Were those tales of how the watchmen infiltrated deep behind enemy lines, destroying supply lines, killing generals¡ªwere they lies? Just propaganda to cover up the raids on the villages?¡±Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°No,¡± Alex said, shaking his head. ¡°That much is true. We just left out the grimmer details of it all.¡±

    Tucker bitterly shook his head and fidgeted with the apple, spinning it in place. ¡°Is that why you told me not to bury myself in my books? Because we left out what was deemed as unnecessary details?¡±

    ¡°Correct, whether it¡¯s our history or the Empires. Both sides paint a different narrative of each other.¡± Alex threw the apple back at Tucker. ¡°We didn¡¯t intend to create a famine, but it happened as a consequence of our actions, of what we¡¯ve done.¡±

    ¡°But surely, after the war, we did something to help them, right?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be na?ve, Tucker. They started the war by invading our lands and slaughtering our people. Would you try to help those who murdered your family?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think with just your emotions,¡± Alex cut him off. ¡°Look around you, if the previous watchmen didn¡¯t do what they did back then. Our kingdom wouldn¡¯t exist. It would just be another record within the Empire as one of their conquered territories. We didn¡¯t do what was right¡ªwe did what was necessary.¡±

    ¡°By killing children!¡± Tucker shouted, his voice cracking.

    ¡°By crippling their economy!¡± Alex snapped back. ¡°They were on a warpath to conquer the surrounding nations.¡±

    Tucker clenched his fists and struck the table, wanting to deny what Alex had said. Blocking out the image the old man¡¯s words had painted. He wanted to scream and deny it, but on what grounds? They were supposed to be heroes¡ªsaviors of the Kingdom who turned the tide of battle. People who sacrificed themselves for the greater good, yet the truth left a bitter taste in his mouth.

    ¡°I take no pride in what we did during the war,¡± Alex said, his voice heavy with sorrow and regret. ¡°But after seeing the result, I knew the administrators were right in their decision.¡±

    ¡°How can you say that when you¡¯ve seen what happened to their people after the war?¡± Tucker whispered. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just soldiers and knights that died, but citizens who had nothing to do with the conflict!¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what it takes so that our people can live to see another day, then so be it,¡± Alex firmly said. ¡°You weren¡¯t there when the Empire invaded. You don¡¯t know the choices and decisions we¡¯ve had to make so that we would survive. Each hard-fought victory. Each coffin we buried. Back then, everyone in the Order knew. We knew what we were doing, and we knew it was wrong, but that didn¡¯t mean we could do nothing but watch! Losing the war meant our people would have been reduced to mere slaves or sent to the gallows.¡±

    Tucker bit his lips and kept his head down. It was a concept that used to be practiced widely in the past by the empire but had been outlawed before he was born. He couldn¡¯t argue back because he was fully aware of their treatment. But still, it didn¡¯t make the truth any easier to accept.

    ¡°I¡­ I just can¡¯t believe it,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°I know¡­ it¡¯s a difficult subject to stomach,¡± Alex replied.

    No matter how much Tucker tried, he couldn¡¯t believe it. He wanted Alex to say it was all a lie, a joke but knew that the veteran wasn¡¯t the type to make such comments. In the end, he asked in a voice that seemed to fade into the distance. ¡°What happened to the Administrators who gave the order? Back then, the Chivalious King was leading the Kingdom, so when he found out about it, something must have happened, right?¡±

    Alex gave a slow nod. ¡°The King would have never approved of it. That¡¯s why the administrators acted without his consent.¡±

    ¡°What? But that¡¯s treason!¡± Tucker exclaimed.

    ¡°They knew what they were getting themselves into and accepted all responsibility for their decision.¡±

    ¡°Then what happened to the old administrators?¡± Tucker asked in disbelief. ¡°The King wouldn¡¯t have let them walk away unscathed. Did they get exiled to some foreign country? To live the remainder of their days in peace despite what they¡¯ve done?¡±

    Alex grew quiet as his tone shifted. ¡°They were executed, all five of them along with their families.¡±

    The air seemed to thicken as Tucker heard this. He leaned back in his chair with a pained expression, and every breath felt harder to take.

    ¡°They requested for the highest possible punishment to be carried out as an example for the rest of the officials to see. To demonstrate the fate that awaited those who defied the King¡¯s orders.¡± Alex held onto the wound on his chest that had fully healed and gazed at the ceiling. ¡°You¡¯re right. The King wanted to banish them, but that¡¯s not what the administrators wanted.¡±

    Tucker sat there in silence. His fists tightened at his sides, with his nails digging into the palms of his hands.

    ¡°Maybe it was because they didn¡¯t want the nobles to drag us common folks into a battle of politics or some other blasted reason. But because of their actions, not a single watchman received blame for carrying out their duty, and the Administrators shouldered all the responsibility.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it¡­ if that¡¯s the case, why were the Watchmen viewed as heroes? The King and the other nobles who knew of this could have covered this story, hid it from everyone.¡±

    ¡°Because only a selected few of nobility knew the truth and most importantly¡­ because it won us the war.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the Empire tried to use this against us?¡±

    ¡°They did, but it didn¡¯t matter since they didn¡¯t keep their slate clean either. Their hands were just as red as ours.¡±

    Tucker looked down at the apple in his hand, spinning it idly with a tired look in his eyes. ¡°Then what happened to the rest of the watchmen?¡±

    ¡°After the execution, only twelve of us remained out of the original eight hundred members that joined the war. Some retired, others went on with their lives, but a handful of us stayed in the Order to lead the future generations¡ªto make sure we wouldn¡¯t make the same mistakes as before.¡±

    ¡°So we didn¡¯t kidnap women and children then?¡±

    Alex scoffed and shook his head. ¡°It would have been impossible for the remaining members to kidnap anyone, given the circumstances.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Tucker asked.

    Alex¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°The four members that left the order¡­ took their lives shortly after the war. They couldn¡¯t live with the guilt of surviving the war, and the ones that retired were crippled or far too old to move normally. Even those who stayed in the Order couldn¡¯t move freely because the Royal Guards and the nobles were always waiting for them to make a mistake.¡± He rose from the bed, his wrinkles looking years older than when Tucker first met him. ¡°Now, does that answer your questions?¡±

    Tucker closed his mouth and nodded, stopping himself from speaking the moment he saw the pain etched on Alex¡¯s face. He could tell from one glance that the past events still hurt him. That his heart had suffered a wound that never recovered.

    Everything made sense now. The reason Alex was so careful with each mission and why he meticulously planned each operation. He wasn¡¯t just a veteran but a man haunted by his past. One of the few remaining members who carried the burden of truth on their shoulders.

    ¡°It¡¯s quite a bit to think about, and I¡¯m sorry to burden you with this, but right now, we don¡¯t have the luxury of discussing the past.¡± Alex walked towards Tucker and patted his shoulders. ¡°We¡¯re in a state of war, and now we must prepare ourselves for what lies ahead.¡±

    ¡°Wait, but you aren¡¯t in a state to¡ª¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Alex cut Tucker off and grabbed his equipment at the end of the door. ¡°In times of war, every watchman that can move has a duty to fulfill.¡±

    Tucker watched in silence as Alex slung his gear over his shoulders. The old man gestured for him to leave the room, and the rookie couldn¡¯t help but sigh.

    ¡°Help yourself to the fruits,¡± Tucker said, walking to the old wooden door and opening it. He shut the door behind him and shook his head, thinking about what Alex had said before driving his fist into the surface of the rigid stone walls.

    A disheartening pain swelled in his chest, even though so much was on his mind. He didn¡¯t know what to do. His dreams were built on lies, and maybe¡­just maybe¡­ being a watchman wasn¡¯t suited for him after all.

 17. Return To The Keep

    The heavy thud of footsteps echoed through the cold stone halls as Alex and Tucker made their way to the teleportation platform. They were deep in the Order¡¯s keep, where each division kept to themselves, and the true location of their headquarters remained a mystery. Soon, a light broke the dark ambiance at the end of the hallway, guiding them to their destination.

    Moonlight shined down upon the device centered in the middle of the courtyard. Drizzles fell gently from the sky, and soon, the first hints of dawn would rise from beyond the horizon. The scene felt almost surreal after everything they endured, but as the two watchmen gathered beneath the old oak tree. Tucker¡¯s eyes widened with wonder. Their fatigue had recovered, and it seemed like the being welcomed them with an abundance of spirit essence. Its shimmering leaves caused the rookie to stand there in awe as the waves of essence drifted upwards.

    ¡°It¡¯s a gift from the noble race,¡± Alex said, staring at the ageless being that had witnessed countless seasons. ¡°Some say it¡¯s a fragment of the world tree, but after so long, no one really knows what it is anymore.¡±

    ¡°Even you don¡¯t know what it is?¡± Tucker jokingly asked.

    Alex rolled his eyes and shook his head. ¡°I may be old, but I¡¯m not that old. This tree predates even my time. Maybe the old administrators knew the finer details, but if I had to guess, it¡¯s tied to the spirit realm.¡± He unhooked the medallion from his waist, and as it drew closer to the tree, a soft hum filled the air. ¡°Stay close to the platform, and try not to make any sudden movements.¡±

    ¡°Wow¡­ do you think the world tree in Elarindor is something like this?¡± Tucker¡¯s eyes followed the branches reaching for the heavens. Each leaf emitted a faint, translucent glow that drifted upward before fading. Unlike the teleportation device they had used, there was something completely different about this one.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably even more fascinating than this.¡±

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll ever go there?¡± Tucker looked at the old man, who seemed to smile at his question.

    ¡°For me? It¡¯s probably too late for that.¡± Alex grinned and raised the medallion towards the circular groove in the ancient tree. Perfectly filling the space. ¡°But for you, I think it¡¯s more than possible.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that!¡± Tucker gave Alex¡¯s shoulder a light tap with his fist. ¡°Once I sort out my thoughts a bit more, I¡¯ll make sure to drag you with me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be a dark day if you have to drag me anywhere,¡± Alex lightheartedly added.

    Alex channeled his spirit essence into the tree. The carved grooves in the bark glowed a warm, fiery light. The roots shifted and the earth beneath them trembled, revealing a magic circle etched into an old iron plate. Light from the tree flowed into the engravings, filling the surroundings with an abundance of colors as the two stood in the center.

    Alex stretched his arms, easing the stiffness in his joints, and sighed before glancing at Tucker. The runes beneath them beamed with energy. ¡°Alright, you ready?¡±

    The rookie squared his shoulders and nodded. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m ready. Let¡¯s do¡ª¡±

    Before he could finish his sentence, Alex took his medallion from the groove. The magic circle beneath their feet instantly flared, and a blinding white light consumed their vision. Tucker felt his feet float for a moment before being pulled back down to the ground. His body wavered as a sense of dizziness filled his mind, but a steady hand grabbed onto his shoulder.

    ¡°Still not used to it, I see.¡± Alex held him in place as the rookie shook their hand off and took a deep breath. ¡°Don¡¯t puke now. The custodians will kick your teeth in if you do.¡±

    Tucker leaned over, nearly vomiting on the silver platform beneath their feet before holding back the contents of his stomach. He glanced down at the intricate design on the floor. Its runes faintly glowing on the ground. ¡°I know, I know. I¡¯m just¡­ admiring the engravings.¡± He pushed Alex¡¯s hand away and stood up. ¡°Besides, we¡¯re the only ones here at the keep. Everyone else is probably still out on their missions, so there¡¯s no need to be so uptight.¡±

    Alex scanned the stone arches forming a circular tower around the platform. Then, to the reinforced black stone that lined the area with a smirk. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so sure about that,¡± he muttered, casting a glance at the faint shadows before the pillars.The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Really? I don¡¯t see anyone, though?¡± Tucker followed Alex¡¯s gaze, darting from arch to arch. He squinted at the shadows, causing Alex to let out a pitiful sigh. ¡°Are they hiding somewhere?¡±

    ¡°Nope! Just right behind you!¡±

    Tucker felt his ears ring as someone screamed into it from the side. He stumbled backwards and crashed into a solid mass that remained unfazed. With widened eyes, he turned around, finding himself staring up at a giant of a man. Eyes like crimson embers set in tanned skin. The man gave a brief and stoic nod before extending a massive hand holding a small vial of red liquid.

    ¡°You. Injured. Before.¡± The giant¡¯s deep voice resonated as he gently placed the vial into Tucker¡¯s hand. ¡°Heal Good. Hurt. Bad.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­ thanks.¡± Tucker nodded to Mark and tucked the vial into his pouch. He then watched as the giant did the same to Alex, who accepted it without question. ¡°Wait, why are you guys back so soon? Weren¡¯t you supposed to be patrolling the southern border with the other guys?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cause of you.¡± May teased while moving to the other side of Tucker¡¯s ear. Her short brown hair was just above her shoulders and even though she shared the same features as her brother. She was tiny in comparison.

    Tucker felt shivers down his spine as she blew cold air into his ear. He felt her hair brush against his cheek and quickly leaned away. ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± He glared at her and shook her off while hiding behind Alex. The veteran raised a brow at the scene, then stared at Mark, who was indifferent.

    ¡°Could you not tease my rookie?¡± Alex tiredly said, glancing at Tucker, who seemed to hiss at May. ¡°If Owl heard of this. He¡¯d be heartbroken.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, that old man always gives me a hard time when it comes to other men.¡± May pouted once she heard her father¡¯s nickname. ¡°If I¡¯m not married, it¡¯ll be because of him.¡±

    Alex smirked. ¡°Well, if he met Tucker, then he would definitely disapprove of your taste. He¡¯s not exactly what I would call husband material.¡±

    ¡°Guys, I¡¯m right here, you know?¡± Tucker peeked out from behind Alex. ¡°Also, I would make a great lover, and I don¡¯t appreciate you two tarnishing my good name.¡±

    ¡°Now, now, Tucker, there¡¯s no need to be delusional here.¡± Alex nudged Tucker behind him and quietly chuckled before returning to his hardened demeanor. ¡°I see the three of you have gotten quite close while I was recovering. Did I miss anything important?¡±

    ¡°I mean, besides May¡¯s personality disorder between missions, I wouldn¡¯t say so¡ª¡±

    Before Tucker could finish his sentence, a small rock flew from May¡¯s hand and struck him right in the stomach, knocking the air out of his lungs. He fell to his knees and fought back the urge to puke as May¡¯s smile faded.

    ¡°You missed a lot, Salamander.¡± May ignored the crumbling rookie; her tone was stern, and her playful expression faded. Alex could feel the tension in the air as the nearby watchmen carefully tuned in to their conversation. ¡°The entire order is in chaos because of what you two discovered. For better or worse, that is.¡±

    Alex raised a brow and thought for a moment. ¡°Are you saying we caused this?¡±

    Her gaze met his, and soon May nodded. ¡°The Administrators are in an uproar and so far, everyone was ordered to return to the keep.¡±

    ¡°Everyone?¡± Alex repeated the word, realizing the severity of the term. He glanced around the pillars, staring at the many ranks of watchmen in the area. She was right. Nearly everyone who had been stationed in other countries has returned.

    ¡°Well, almost everyone,¡± May clarified. ¡°Only those guys on tier-eight missions and above were excluded.¡±

    ¡°But how does that even make sense?¡± Tucker plopped down on a nearby bench with his arms draped over the backrest. ¡°I mean, we brought back new intel, but the Order would still need to verify it with other sources. Excluding today and the day we returned, that¡¯s only two days to check.¡±

    ¡°Correct, but if ours was the last piece of evidence they needed. Then it would warrant the current situation,¡± Alex replied in a stern tone.

    ¡°Salamander¡¯s right. From what we know, the Empire is on the move again, and with what you two discovered, we have enough evidence to push the King to make a decision.¡± May glanced over at the other watchmen, who carefully listened to their conversation and then sighed. ¡°The Administrators ordered to see you, Salamander. You¡¯re to head to the gathering hall and make a report of what you found.¡±

    ¡°Wait, but I already made the report. Why would they want another one?¡± Tucker asked.

    May shrugged her shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s not my place to say.¡±

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s fine for us to go¡ª¡± Tucker reached out to grab Alex by his shoulder but nearly fell over as he swiped the air. Before Tucker could say another word, Alex was already walking away. He quickly stood up and shot an apologetic glance over his shoulders. ¡°Sorry, we¡¯ve got to go. You know how that old bat is. He never waits when things get serious.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine! It¡¯s just like Salamander to move from one point to another once something happens.¡± May smiled at Tucker and quickly nudged Mark, causing him to give a subtle nod in response. Once the two were out of sight, May dropped her cheerful demeanor and sighed. ¡°To see Salamander like that¡­it may already be too late.¡±

    Her voice resonated through the chamber, sinking into the mana-infused walls and into the ears of every watchman. The silence that followed was heavy, suffocating even. It had been years since an order like this appeared. Reaching nearly every tier within their ranks and possibly one of the greatest assemblies known in the history of their organization.

    The light from the silver platform waned as the custodian defused the mechanisms, keeping the steady hum. Soon, the spirit essence within the runes faded into the cold air, and the watchmen shifted back into the shadows. Their hands fell to the hilt of their weapons. Waiting in silence as they guarded the platform. The tension in the air was heavy, and they all knew the reason the administrators had ordered them to keep watch.

    It was war.

 18. Decisions Across Lines

    Tucker stared at the gothic interior stone designs in awe. No matter how many times he walked down these halls, the designs never failed to amaze him. Over time, each brick had weathered and aged, adding a sense of history to the building. The high ceilings held up by countless arches gave the impression of walking through a grand cathedral. With each step echoing through the hall. The only source of light was the bright ember glows from the magic lanterns embedded into the pillars. If not for those, the entire area would be pitch black with no natural lighting.

    Soon, Tucker and Alex reached a pair of grand doors with two heavily armored guards on each side. Their obsidian-scaled armor and dragon-shaped helmets matched their intimidating presence. They stood still and gazed at Salamander. The verdant capes draped over their shoulders seemed to flutter for a moment as they held onto their black iron spears etched with glowing runes. They weren¡¯t the Nightfall Rangers that Tucker knew about, but from one look, he could tell they were elite soldiers tasked with safeguarding the Order¡¯s headquarters.

    ¡°You think they¡¯ll let us in?¡± Tucker whispered.

    ¡°Probably not. If they¡¯re standing guard, then the situation is far more grave than we could imagine,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°So¡­ I guess we weren¡¯t the only ones reporting to the administrators?¡±

    ¡°Afraid not. If the Head Administrator¡¯s guards are here, then that means all the administrators from different branches are present as well.¡± Alex took his hands out of his pockets and held them to his side. ¡°Just make sure your hands are visible to them.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why?¡±

    ¡°Cause they¡¯ll bash your teeth in if you don¡¯t.¡±

    Tucker immediately held both hands in the air and slowly moved behind Alex. ¡°Alright, say no more.¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­¡± Alex closed his eyes and rubbed them with a heavy heart. ¡°Just try not to make a scene.¡±

    They stood before the steel doors with engravings of two cloaked figures facing each other in the middle of a forest. The guards tapped their spears on the ground and in an instant, both of the watchmen felt an overwhelming pressure press down on their bodies. Tucker¡¯s body trembled as he fought back and tried to keep his head up. While Alex stood still, unfazed by the sudden display of force.

    The guards tapped their weapons once more. Their expressions were hidden by their helmets, but from a glance, Tucker could tell they were smirking beneath their visors. He curiously watched as the guard on their right turned to Alex, who was gently patting his shoulders.

    ¡°Salamander,¡± the guard¡¯s cold voice resounded through the halls. ¡°The administrators are in a session. No interruptions are permitted unless requested or of grave importance.¡±

    Alex met the sentinel¡¯s icy gazes. ¡°Is their current matter regarding the Empire?¡±

    Neither of them responded. Instead, one of them raised their hand, cladding it in a green aura and tapped onto the steel door once. Sending a powerful burst of aura through its surface as a loud thud erupted through the hallway. The ripple of energy hummed for a moment before dissipating. A few moments later, the door slowly creaked open, the low groan of the ancient hinges giving way to the grand chamber within. Revealing several tables along the perimeter of the room, each marked by a banner representing an administrator¡¯s region.

    As they entered, Tucker trailed behind Alex and nervously kept his head lowered to avoid eye contact with the Administrators. It was his first time being in the presence of this many influential figures and, truth be told, he didn¡¯t know how to act. He could feel their piercing gazes, examining every inch of him for a sign of weakness. Yet, despite his discomfort, Alex marched forward as if he¡¯d seen worse.

    In the center of the room, unhidden by the shadows, was the solitary figure of a bald-headed man with a large scar down his eye and across his forehead. His tanned skin and black eyes stared into his soul, and the pressure was suffocating. Yet despite his muscular build and intimidating appearance, he cracked a warm smile at the two watchmen.

    ¡°Salamander, I¡¯m glad to see you have arrived in one piece. We feared the worst when we received the pouches your mist hawk delivered,¡± the Head Administrator calmly said.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been through worse, but luckily, I had a competent teammate supporting me.¡± Alex jerked his thumb over his shoulders at Tucker, who was hiding behind him. ¡°He¡¯s a bit rough around the edges, but he gets the job done¡­ sometimes, that is.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes?¡± Tucker whispered but soon felt a sharp pain in his shin as Alex kicked him.

    A chuckle passed through the Administrators. Tucker raised his head and noticed the high-ranking members of the Order staring at him before lowering his gaze.

    The Head Administrator nodded his head in amusement. ¡°That¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen you not call a rookie an idiot in front of us.¡±

    Alex shrugged his shoulders. ¡°I blame my old age. He definitely wasn¡¯t as good as you guys and I know I called you folks all sorts of names.¡±

    ¡°Happens with age, old friend.¡± The Head Administrator leaned back. ¡°Now, I assume you didn¡¯t come to us to reminisce about the past. What news do you bring to us?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. We found the Empire¡¯s supply depot near our side of the border and I¡¯m certain there are more hidden just out of our reach.¡±

    ¡°Ah yes, that¡¯s what your greenhorn wrote in his report.¡± The Head Administrator held a stack of papers in his hand. ¡°A bit too extensive for what was found, but are you certain it¡¯s the Empire doing, Salamander?¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Sadly, I am. They even stationed several five-star knights in the region and a six-circle mage,¡± Alex added.

    The Administrators gasped while hearing the news. Their murmurs at the table were filled with discussions of worry and debate. Only brought to a sudden halt as the Head Administrator raised his hand, signaling for silence as he fell deep into thought. The ancient wooden chair creaked as he rested his elbows on the table. He could tell from the grave expressions of his colleagues that this matter had already escalated to a point of no return. Any last-second negotiation was now off the table. The stern sight of the veteran only confirmed his suspicions, and seeing how he was among the Order¡¯s most trusted voices, there was no need for a follow-up investigation.

    Sensing the tense atmosphere, the Head Administrator finally asked, ¡°Is there anything else to report, Salamander?¡±

    Alex nodded. ¡°We obtained critical information in our pouches. Have they been delivered to the Order safely?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Head Administrator replied. ¡°We sent them to the scholar¡¯s chambers to have them examined. Librarian Charles is handling it as we speak.¡±

    ¡°Understood. That¡¯s the end of my report. I have nothing else to say.¡± Alex saluted the Administrators and subtly stared back at Tucker, who quickly did the same.

    The Head Administrator¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°Remain within the keep and await further orders. We¡¯re officially in the initial stages of war preparation.¡±

    Alex¡¯s expression deepened, his eyes locked with the Administrator¡¯s one last time before respectfully nodding. Without sparing a moment, he turned around and made his way to the exit. Tucker blankly stared at Alex, watching him move further towards the door and then at the Administrators. He quickly bowed before following suit. Just barely trailing behind the veteran as the steel doors swung open.

    Tucker listened as the steel doors soon sealed shut. The sound of the metallic rumbling finally ending as it reverberated through the stone corridor. Leaving behind a heavy thud like a hammer striking an anvil that shattered his lingering thoughts.

    They walked down the dim corridors in heavy silence. The weight of the Order¡¯s decision loomed over them, and Tucker didn¡¯t know what to do. He searched for answers, thinking about what to do next, but none came. To make such a cold and decisive decision like that on the spot felt unsettling.

    Would I be able to do the same?

    Tucker bit his lips while clenching his fists. He was overconfident and rash, but not heartless. He glanced at Alex, hoping for a flicker of doubt or hesitation. Yet none was there. Only a gaze that stared at the path ahead as if it held all the answers Tucker sought but couldn¡¯t find.

    Alex glanced over his shoulder, noticing Tucker¡¯s unease and stopped in place. ¡°If there¡¯s something on your mind, say it,¡± he said bluntly.

    ¡°Is it that obvious?¡± Tucker asked, forcing a weak smile.

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re the type of idiot who constantly talks or does something. So it¡¯s out of character for you to go a moment without saying anything.¡±

    Tucker quietly let out a strained laugh while staring at the ground. ¡°I guess it¡¯s just that I finally realized how inexperienced I am. I mean, you saw how they were back there. They weren¡¯t even scared of going to war with the Empire. Yet here I am with these useless thoughts¡­¡±

    Alex examined the rookie before him and sighed. "That kind of composure is something that comes with experience. You don¡¯t need to rush. You¡¯ll naturally reach it with time.¡± He patted Tucker on the shoulder. ¡°But more than that¡ªyou should understand that it¡¯s not that they aren¡¯t afraid. It¡¯s that they can¡¯t afford to be. They¡¯re the ones leading us in the war, so any sign of weakness will have a greater impact on those that are following.¡±

    He stared at the rookie, who had just graduated from the academy and completed his training. Tucker was no more than eighteen years old. It was understandable for him to be hesitant and even afraid, but finding the cause was far more important.

    ¡°What exactly troubles you? Alex asked.

    The air felt far colder than it did before. Tucker could feel the blood drain from his face as he stared at his hands. Memories flooding back from when they were in the forest and compound. His gloves, stained with blood from the men he¡¯d fought. Their faces of anguish were still vivid in his mind, one¡¯s that he pushed to forget but couldn¡¯t. With soldiers, it felt justifiable, with bandits even more so. But could he keep going if he had to carry out those orders against civilians? The question haunted him. He knew how the other watchmen were. They were veterans who followed orders to the bone. But for him, the very idea tangled his stomach.

    The watchmen he¡¯d idolized as heroes felt like strangers now, and the ideals he¡¯d clung to were beginning to feel like illusions.

    He glanced at Alex, the man who had sacrificed so much for the Order. The man who had never flinched when carrying out a mission. Tucker knew he should say something, but the words fought back. How could he voice his doubts to someone who had dedicated their entire life to a cause they believed in? It felt disrespectful.

    Noticing the rookie¡¯s discomfort, Alex spoke in a calm tone, ¡°You¡¯re free to speak your mind.¡±

    The reassuring words from Alex caused Tucker to let out a tired sigh. He rubbed the back of his neck before shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯ll be honest... I¡¯m not sure if being a watchman is for me anymore.¡±

    Alex raised a brow before subtly nodding. ¡°With what you¡¯ve been through recently, it¡¯s understandable why you have your doubts.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ and it¡¯s not like I have much time to think about it either.¡± Tucker muttered, hesitating for a moment and before staring at the veteran. ¡°Do you think I should stay as a watchman?¡±

    ¡°Are you asking that question looking for a realistic answer or my personal opinion?¡± Alex asked.

    Tucker gave a weak smile. ¡°A bit of both.¡±

    ¡°Well, on paper, you¡¯re fine, and in the field, you¡¯ve held your own¡ªexcept for the insubordination, but that¡¯s typical for rookies. Especially for those who have personalities like yours.¡± Alex revealed a smirk before looking away from Tucker, motioning for him to follow before continuing down the hallway. ¡°But I would say the main issue is your romanticized fantasy of the Order. You¡¯ve built it into something that it¡¯s not. If you can leave that behind, then you should stay.¡±

    ¡°And if I can¡¯t?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°You¡¯re smart enough to know the answer to that,¡± Alex replied, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°You just need to come to terms with it.¡±

    Tucker fiddled with the coin in his pocket, knowing that Alex was right. He¡¯d idolized the Order his entire life, reading about the stories of famous watchmen and their heroism. Even now, he wanted to believe in those stories, but reality was often far more complicated. The thought that maybe he¡¯d never come to terms with it disturbed him. But after hearing Alex¡¯s words, maybe it was possible.

    ¡°Besides, you don¡¯t have to rush to make a decision.¡± Alex stared at the scholar chambers a few meters in front of them and smirked. ¡°If fieldwork doesn¡¯t suit you, then there are plenty of other ways to serve besides going on missions.¡±

    Tucker kept his head down with a heavy heart. ¡°But I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m meant for any of this. I don¡¯t know if I have it in me to follow orders like the other watchmen. I don¡¯t know if I can force myself to take innocent lives.¡±

    ¡°And you won¡¯t need to.¡± Alex¡¯s voice carried a profound weight that was far more stern than before. ¡°The Order has changed since then. Each of us has the right to draw a line¡ªa point that we won¡¯t cross. No matter the circumstances. The same applies to you.¡±

    ¡°But what if that line gets in the way of the mission? What should I do?¡±

    Alex stopped in his tracks and looked over his shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s for you to decide.¡±

 19. The Life Of A Scholar

    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Alex stood before a pair of steel doors with scriptures scattered across the surface. Their grey characters reflected the watchmen¡¯s principles on the metal surfaces. Almost blending seamlessly against each other. Yet, out of all the passages, one sentence stood out.

    We serve with loyalty in silence, and honor in deeds.

    Their old motto that was like a creed. One that they followed to the bone, yet now it rested, forgotten. Nothing more than mere letters decorating the scholar¡¯s chambers. Alex pressed his palm against the cold steel, sending forth a surge of spirit essence that resembled flames. Soon, the door slid open and the light from the chamber pierced into the hallway. The radiant glow was nearly blinding, and in a few brief moments, their eyes adjusted to the brightness. Revealing a room with countless bookshelves along the walls and many work desks lined up row by row in the center.

    Alex couldn¡¯t help but smile at the familiar sight with each step they took towards the center of the chamber. As the steel doors slid shut, the sound reverberated in their ears, but once the doors were fully closed, only a comforting warmth remained in the room. In front of them was a single old man who was meticulously examining several books at once as they drifted into the air. He looked up at Tucker and Alex. His expression brightening as he brushed his long, grey beard. His wrinkles seemed to have reversed in age, and the blue robe he wore brushed against the edge of the table.

    ¡°Is this the reinforcements the Administrators promised?¡± Charles asked.

    ¡°Reinforcements is a strong word, my old friend.¡± Alex stood before Charles and smiled. ¡°Though I suppose we could lend a hand.¡±

    Charles grabbed hold of Alex¡¯s outstretched hand and vigorously shook it with a delighted expression. He couldn¡¯t help but notice Tucker, who was behind Alex, before focusing back on the old man. ¡°Oh? That¡¯s interesting. You usually head to your quarters after a mission. It¡¯s rare for you to visit the scholar¡¯s chambers.¡±

    ¡°What can I say? It¡¯s been a rough few days, so I figured a change of pace would be nice,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°To be fair, I thought you two were dead once I received these.¡± Charles held out their pouches and tossed it towards them. ¡°Watchmen don¡¯t tend to leave their pouches unless what¡¯s in them is more valuable than their lives.¡±

    ¡°In this case, I hope it¡¯s true. Whatever¡¯s in those pouches almost got us killed.¡± Tucker pulled out a chair and took a seat, causing the other two to stare at him. ¡°What?¡±

    Alex glared at him before sighing. ¡°Apologies Charles. It seems like my rookie hasn¡¯t learned any manners.¡±

    ¡°No no, it¡¯s fine. Please take a seat as well.¡± Charles gestured at the chairs. ¡°It gets lonesome here these days. I wouldn¡¯t mind some company¡­ maybe you could retire and join me as a librarian?¡±

    Alex let out a small chuckle. ¡°You wish. Maybe you can convince our self-proclaimed greatest rookie here instead.¡±

    Charles glanced over at Tucker, whose face contorted at the idea before forcing a smile. ¡°It seems like the child isn¡¯t too fond of the idea either. Funny enough, he takes after you quite a bit,¡± Charles said with a grin. ¡°If you told me you two were related, I¡¯d believe it.¡±

    Alex¡¯s deadpan expression made Charles chuckle. Despite their different appearances, their personalities were very similar to each other. Yet soon, Charles¡¯s smile faded. He glanced at the candles and thin pieces of cloth evenly spread out on the table and sighed. Until now, he had achieved few results. With little to work with apart from what laid in front of him.

    Seeing the troubled look on his old friend¡¯s face, Alex leaned forward and took off his gloves. ¡°We¡¯ll provide some assistance. I can¡¯t vouch for Tucker, but he did graduate top of his class if it means anything.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ that would be handy.¡± Charles tapped on a piece of paper and turned it around before sliding it towards them. Each one had several characters written out to form a jumbled mess of a sentence.

    Tucker stared at the page and raised his brows. To call the sentences coherent would be a stretch and, at first glance, he didn¡¯t know what to make of it. As Tucker was about to reach for one page, Alex grabbed hold of his wrist, firmly stopping him.

    ¡°Gloves off. It¡¯ll make it easier to handle the paperwork,¡± Alex said.

    Tucker stared at his worn leather gloves and nodded. ¡°Ah, right, my bad.¡± He pulled off his gloves and placed it in his pockets. Then, carefully held the page in his hands and scanned each sentence line by line. ¡°Did you make these combinations by lining them up with the other fabrics?¡±

    Charles nodded in amazement at Tucker¡¯s guess. ¡°Indeed. It was the best approach I could devise of but it seems that approach only leads to gibberish.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we could try to solve what these characters mean?¡± Tucker asked.Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°It would be a decent starting point. Has there been anything meaningful in the documents we retrieved?¡± Alex pointed at the stack of pages beside Charles, but he simply shook his head.

    ¡°Not that I can recall. Most of it was information regarding items currently stored in the depot. Like an inventory count of sorts,¡± Charles answered.

    ¡°Inventory count? Like swords, spears, and bows?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Precisely. I compiled a report and sent it to the Administrators for examination. Besides that, there wasn¡¯t anything else of grand importance that I could see.¡± Charles gently pushed the stack of documents towards the two. ¡°Please feel free to take a look yourselves. It helps to have another set of eyes on the matter.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, we destroyed the supply depot, so I doubt the report would have much value besides letting the administrators know the Empire had enough equipment to field a small army.¡± Alex scanned through the papers one by one and passed the ones he finished to Tucker. ¡°Dates in the corner and small reports on trade routes going between the Empire and kingdom. Apart from that, there is not much else recorded.¡±

    Tucker turned the pages and held them to the light. Then he brushed his fingers along the corners of each, catching the attention of Alex and Charles, who watched from the side. Once that was done, he stared at the lantern on the desk and then at the old man beside him. Charles silently sat there and watched as Alex slid it over.

    Soon, Tucker held the page carefully before the magic orb. Warming each section of the page at a time and after he was done, he placed it on the table and sighed.

    ¡°Well, did you discover anything?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Nope. Nothing at all,¡± Tucker replied.

    Alex leaned back and closed his eyes before rubbing them, causing Charles to chuckle. He released a deep exhale. ¡°Are you taking this seriously?¡±

    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m just covering the basics.¡± Tucker retorted. ¡°You never know. Sometimes, it¡¯s the most basic things we miss.¡±

    Charles watched as the two argued back and forth. Reminiscing about the past for a few brief moments before dryly coughing. Catching the duo¡¯s attention. ¡°No need to be so hard on the child, Salamander. It¡¯s the same steps I went through as well.¡± Charles moved the seven candlesticks to the center of the table. ¡°If I had to guess, these are a key part of the puzzle we seek to solve. We just haven¡¯t figured out how.¡±

    ¡°Has there been any correlation between the fabrics and the papers?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Not that I¡¯ve noticed. I have my apprentice investigating that as we speak. But¡­ she¡¯s a tad bit slow, so it¡¯ll take some time,¡± Charles answered.

    ¡°Have we tried wrapping the thin pieces of cloth around the candles?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°No, but it wouldn¡¯t make much sense to wrap fabric around an object that¡¯s usually set aflame,¡± Charles replied.

    ¡°Unless¡­ it¡¯s like that on purpose to dispose of any traces,¡± Tucker countered.

    Charles and Alex both locked eyes before staring at the candles. Alex took one in his hand that was only a few centimeters long and then looked around. Seeing this, Tucker grabbed a blank piece of paper and handed it to the old man as he wrapped it around the candle to create a larger surface. ¡°We¡¯ll use this one as the starting point and repeat the same action with the other objects.¡±

    ¡°Seven cloths and seven candles. We¡¯re looking at forty-nine different combinations. About sixteen for each of us, assuming my guess is right,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°It¡¯s a start, which is better than what we currently have.¡± Alex stared at the characters that were before him and pointed at the pencil on the table, which Charles swiftly handed to him. ¡°Mark down each character, line by line that you see. It could lead to something.¡±

    ¡°What could it lead to?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Perhaps their old encryption method, if I had to take a guess. Back during the first war, they had a simple method that had us pulling our hair out,¡± Charles answered, sliding a pencil across the table to Tucker.

    ¡°We only found out how to uncover it after the war, but we would have been able to decipher it sooner if it hadn¡¯t been for the circumstances.¡± Alex clicked his tongue and began organizing his space on the table. ¡°If we¡¯re lucky, it¡¯ll still follow the same principles.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ this sounds good on paper, but does the Empire know we solved it?¡± Tucker asked.

    Alex¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°We? You weren¡¯t even born when we solved it.¡±

    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± Tucker shot back.

    Alex smirked as Charles held back his laughter to the side and said, ¡°The Empire probably doesn¡¯t know we solved it, but they could have swapped it for something else. Regardless, we should try give it a shot.¡±

    ¡°Might as well. Who knows, maybe they still think it¡¯s invincible,¡± Charles added, brushing his long grey beard.

    Tucker watched as his seniors began their work and then glanced at his papers. They were efficiently fulfilling their tasks, and the soft scratching of their pencils filled the room. It reminded him of his days back in the academy, where he studied in the library for upcoming exams. Yet now the stakes were much higher, and the work vastly different.

    He examined the interior of the chamber. Taking in the sight of the evenly spaced chandeliers adorning the ceiling and well-maintained stairs leading to the next floor. The scholar¡¯s workplace wasn¡¯t bad by any means and Tucker could see himself working here while staying in the order. But a sense of unease grew within his chest, like a bundle of wires that tightened around his heart.

    Even if this is a choice, is it the right one?

    Tucker wrote the characters row by row. The duty of a scholar was honorable, and to say otherwise was disrespectful. It was a role that was necessary within the Order, and he understood that. They were record keepers and renowned researchers within the kingdom. However, he knew Alex wasn¡¯t the type to do administrative work or one to sit at a desk. The only reason the veteran had brought them to the scholar chamber was so that he could see how they operated. To see if it was another option for him if he wanted to change his mind and retire from the field.

    He glanced over at Alex, who quietly continued his work. Everyone treated him with respect, and the way they addressed him was vastly different compared to how he did. Even though it was nosey of him to bring them here, Tucker knew the old man meant well. If anything, this was so that he could broaden his perspective. That there was more to being a watchman than being out on missions. That he could still be a part of the organization without crossing any lines.

    But Tucker knew he wanted to do more than just this. He felt his heart steadily beat while recalling Alex¡¯s words. To draw a line for himself. One that wouldn¡¯t move, no matter what the circumstances were. He couldn¡¯t change the past or the dark history of the watchmen, but he could learn from it. And by doing so, forge a new standard of what it meant to be a member of their Order.

 20. There Was A Pattern

    ¡°Aha!¡± Charles held up a piece of paper and stood up, knocking back his seat. ¡°It seems we¡¯ve reached a crucial part in our decryption if I do say so myself!¡±

    Tucker lifted his head off the wooden desk and stared at his trembling hand. ¡°Are you sure? It¡¯s been hours since we¡¯ve started, and I feel like my arm has gone numb.¡±

    ¡°Just be grateful that we discovered something,¡± Alex said, dropping his pencil and tiredly leaning back into his seat. ¡°Alright Charles, what did you find?¡±

    ¡°Now, gentlemen, would you like the full discovery or just the important bits?¡± Charles asked.

    ¡°Just the important bits¡ª¡±

    Before Tucker could finish his sentence, he felt a sharp pain ache from the side of his kidney. He held back the urge to cry out in pain and glared at Alex, who sent a quick jab to his sides.

    ¡°Ignore him and just tell us what you think we should know, Charles,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Will do! So starting off, your little greenhorn here was on the right track and, thankfully, from what you¡¯ve told me in the past few hours, he¡¯s the one that helped safely deliver these candles.¡± Charles spun the candle in his hand before placing it before him. ¡°These are what those cloths are supposed to wrap around. It¡¯s the first part of the puzzle, a starting point of sorts if you will.¡±

    ¡°Right, that makes sense,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°Now that leads us to the next piece of the puzzle. The messages that we wrote, how many possible variants were there for this set?¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s an obvious answer. It¡¯s seven,¡± Tucker replied.

    Charles chuckled, ¡°not exactly. We only have seven because our old bat grabbed seven candles. But let¡¯s say he didn¡¯t take seven, or in fact any. Then how many variations would we have?¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at the candles. ¡°We¡­we wouldn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, right now the one fact that we know is true. Is that these pieces of fabric are supposed to wrap around those candles to reveal the encrypted message, but that doesn¡¯t mean we would be able to find the contents of the message right away.¡± Charles triumphantly snapped his fingers with a smile as Alex was still grumbling from the previous comment and said, ¡°In such cases, we need to devise of a method that¡¯ll help determine the correct result.¡±

    ¡°Since it¡¯s possible, we would be missing the candle or because the circumference of the candles could differ depending on the message,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°You, sir, are spot on.¡± Charles stroked his long grey beard and grinned. ¡°We may need to discover a method to create the first sequence of sentences, but that¡¯s only one of our many worries. It¡¯s what comes after that has me troubled.¡±

    ¡°Is it the Empire¡¯s encryption method during the first war?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Indeed.¡± Charles gave a quick nod, causing Alex to let out a deep and tired sigh.

    ¡°But didn¡¯t we already learn how to encrypt it?¡± Tucker asked. ¡°Why are you guys reacting like that?¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s a very tedious process, and we kept it a secret within the Order. Few know of it besides those in this room and the Administrators,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Right, but it can¡¯t be that bad, right?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it is greenhorn. It is¡­¡± Charles¡¯s words faded just like his smile. He soon released a tired sigh before clapping his hands together. ¡°But regardless, gentlemen, we¡¯ve made progress. Good progress, in fact.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem? Solving it is the hard part. Now that we know how it works, everything else should be easy,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°You have much to learn, my dear greenhorn.¡± Charles gently nudged Alex, who tried to ignore him but soon caved in.

    The veteran dejectedly dropped his gaze before focusing on the blank pages in front of him. ¡°Well, the next part of the encryption that we solved is one that takes the contents of the messages and shifts the letters in certain positions.¡± Alex shook his head and wrote four words with the pencil in his hand onto the piece of paper. He then pushed the page to the rookie. ¡°I shifted these characters seven positions down in the alphabet. Solve it.¡±

    [ Aopz pz h jpwoly ]

    Tucker stared at the characters written on the page and scoffed. ¡°Alright, easy enough.¡±

    This is a cipher.

    He read it out in his head and nodded. ¡°Simple enough.¡±

    ¡°At a glance, yes, but this leads us to our current dilemma,¡± Charles explained.

    ¡°Huh? What do you mean?¡± Tucker asked.

    Charles bitterly laughed and rose from his seat. Making his way to a particular part of the chamber, he took out a crate that was filled to the brim with countless pieces of paper and then returned to the table. A loud thud echoed through the room as the box fell onto the table, sending dust flying in all directions.

    From the corner of Tucker¡¯s eyes, he could see Alex sink down with an exhausted expression. His head slowly turned to the crate in horror as he realized what Charles meant. ¡°No¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Charles replied.

    ¡°You have to be kidding me. Are all of these what I think they are?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what your partner and I worked on in the past,¡± Charles said.

    Tucker rose from his seat and slammed both of his hands on the table. ¡°But there has to be hundreds of these!¡±

    ¡°I wish it was only a few hundred. That¡¯s one of six crates,¡± Alex corrected.

    Tucker stood there, baffled. ¡°Wait, did you two solve all of them?¡±

    Their defeated expressions were enough of an answer for Tucker. He reached into the crate and pulled the pages, examining its contents one by one. A date in the top right-hand corner, then a series of sentences that were scrambled. Each page had the same format, and after briefly checking the contents of the crate, it became clear that it was the same on all the following pages.

    ¡°We did most of the work, but it wasn¡¯t just us. The Administrators used their free time to knock out a page or two occasionally.¡± Alex pushed the crate over to Tucker. ¡°Feel free to take a look. It¡¯s been years since I¡¯ve last checked these pages, but I can¡¯t be fucked with to check them again.¡±

    ¡°Have you tried using the dates as a point to find the shift?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so¡­ it¡¯s been so long. I¡¯m afraid my age has gotten the best of me.¡± Charles turned to Alex, who shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Perhaps we did try using it, but there was still an offset, and we couldn¡¯t find the correct shift.¡±Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°Yeah, it was an awful time.¡± Alex shook his head and pointed at the top left corner of the page in Tucker¡¯s hand. ¡°I wrote the offset of each page in the corner in case I ever had to see one of these damned things again.¡±

    ¡°But there has to be some sort of pattern. Some way for the Empire to decipher their own messages quickly.¡± Tucker wrote the offset and the dates on a separate page. ¡°We just need to figure it out so let¡¯s write down whatever seems useful.¡±

    ¡°Easier said than done, but fuck it. There¡¯s not much room to complain, so we¡¯ll try to provide the best support we can.¡± Alex leaned forward and started copying down the numbers. ¡°Might as well write the names of the sender and who it¡¯s to, as well.¡±

    The three men pushed in their chairs and picked up their pencils once more. Tucker and Alex looked at each other and let out a tired sigh before beginning their work. While Charles was happily humming at the new task. Bit by bit, the pages within the crate decreased. Forming three separate neat piles on the table. Tucker felt his hand grow numb, but seeing how the other two were diligently working, he forced himself to continue. Even though it was his idea, he hated it and found it boring.

    I can¡¯t do this. Not for a living.

    It was quiet, and his body was sore from constantly sitting in one place for too long. To add to his discomfort, the chairs were made of solid wood and provided no sympathy. He rustled his hair and couldn¡¯t understand how Charles could do this for a living. To be alone in a single area surrounded by only books with no one to talk to would make him crazy. Yet seeing the calm composure from Charles was unexpected. Among the three, he was the quickest, and his level of efficiency was beyond their comprehension. Before he knew it, they were done with the stack and had compiled a collection of records.

    Tucker stared at Charles, who looked up. ¡°I¡¯m just wondering, but don¡¯t you get bored staying here by yourself?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t suppose I do. My family has served the Order as librarians for decades. It¡¯s part of our lineage,¡± Charles replied.

    ¡°Really? But don¡¯t you miss going out into the field?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Frankly, I don¡¯t miss it at all. I¡¯ve already been through my fair share of missions.¡± Charles smirked and pointed at Alex. ¡°Unlike a certain someone we know, I actually prefer being a librarian.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not my cup of tea.¡± Alex groaned while stretching his arms. ¡°Sitting in place for too long makes my joints sore.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, unlike your fearless senior over there. I¡¯m the opposite.¡± Charles leaned back with his arms crossed. ¡°I detest field work and prefer to be indoors without needing to socialize.¡±

    ¡°But don¡¯t you want fame and to be well known for what you¡¯ve accomplished?¡± Tucker asked.

    Charles burst out into a joyful laughter before shaking his head. ¡°Believe me when I say this child, those who need to know of my accomplishments already do. Besides, not everyone in the Order needs to know every detail of my career.¡±

    ¡°But wouldn¡¯t it mean more to you if others told your tale?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Charles thought for a moment before stroking his beard. ¡°Would others not knowing about it make it any less valuable?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­no¡­ but¡ª¡±

    ¡°Then you have your answer.¡± Charles gently tapped the stack of papers on the desk. ¡°Like the work we¡¯ve done to decipher the Empire¡¯s secrets, few know of this except for those in this chamber and the Administrators themselves. But when the time comes, it¡¯ll play a crucial role.¡±

    ¡°I get that, but wouldn¡¯t having more people see your accomplishments be better?¡±

    ¡°Be better for who? Is it yourself or someone else?¡± Charles asked.

    Tucker froze at Charles¡¯ question. He was at a loss for words as he avoided eye contact with the librarian. It was difficult for him to find the right words to say, but throughout his life he¡¯s always felt an urge to prove himself. To show those around him that he wasn¡¯t a failure and that he could accomplish more.

    ¡°Regardless of who you¡¯re trying to impress, young watchman. Let me give you a word of advice.¡± Charles¡¯ tone shifted as the light in his eyes shined. ¡°The most important work often happens in the quiet, unseen moments where dedication and persistence outshines the need for recognition.¡±

    ¡°I get that, but I just don¡¯t want others to look down on me.¡± Tucker kept his head down. ¡°I want others to say my name in awe.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t believe anyone who matters is looking down on you. Am I correct Salamander?¡± Charles asked.

    ¡°Correct. I may occasionally call you an idiot, Tucker, but you know me. I call everyone I know an idiot. No hard feelings attached.¡± Alex took out a slender blowpipe from his pouch and brought it to his lips. ¡°If anything, the only one who is placing such heavy burdens on your shoulders is yourself.¡±

    The old man held out the palm of his hand and watched as flames gathered within the center. As the fire swirled in his hands and took shape. It soon dissipated in all directions, leaving only a small salamander in its place. Sally happily waved its tail and climbed onto Alex¡¯s shoulder. With a delicate shake, its scales shimmered a bright orange hue before shooting a tiny ember from its mouth into the end of the blowpipe, lighting the dried leaves.

    ¡°I try not to pry into the matter of others, but why are you so hard on yourself?¡± Alex asked, inhaling a puff from his blowpipe. "

    Tucker watched as Sally scurried into Alex¡¯s chest pocket with a downcast gaze. ¡°Well, it¡¯s the same sob story you hear everywhere else¡­¡± He scratched the back of his head but stopped once he saw Alex and Charles¡¯ dumbfound expression. ¡°Family issues and failed expectations, I guess.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ I can tell it¡¯s not a pleasant situation, but you shouldn¡¯t let others hold you back,¡± Charles said.

    ¡°If only it was that easy,¡± Tucker quietly replied.

    The librarian kept quiet, finding it difficult to provide words of comfort. Sometimes, the heaviest burdens were ones that others placed on you, and constantly failing to meet such expectations must have placed a large mental strain on the young watchman. He looked over at Alex and watched as the old man released one last puff of smoke.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a pleasant story, but it won¡¯t change how we see you.¡± Alex lowered the blowpipe and smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll still see you as the idiot who came charging back after your senior''s valiant sacrifice.¡±

    ¡°In my defense, it all worked out in the end, so I deserve some credit.¡± Tucker retorted, waving the smoke away with his hand with a forced smile. ¡°Honestly, the fact it went so well should only support my capabilities.¡±

    Alex rolled his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t you think calling out your capabilities is a bit of a stretch?¡±

    ¡°I mean, when you graduate top of your class like me, I wouldn¡¯t say it¡¯s much of a stretch,¡± Tucker replied with a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s just one of my many talents.¡±

    ¡°He graduated top of his class?¡± Charles asked with a hint of surprise.

    ¡°Yeah, I know it¡¯s hard to believe,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°No¡­that actually makes quite a bit of sense.¡± Charles scanned the papers and wrote the difference between the offsets and the dates. ¡°Because Tucker was right. There is a pattern.¡±

    Both of them raised their brows at Charles¡¯ words and leaned over. On the sheets of paper that were carefully laid out before Charles, there was a distinct but clear pattern. One that they wouldn¡¯t have found when they initially began deciphering the contents years ago.

    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%" border="1">

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Offset</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Date</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sender</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Receiver</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">5</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 10</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Windsor</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">13</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 6</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Ester</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Captain Novah</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">5</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 16</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Windsor</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Liam</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">34</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 21</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Liam</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Ester</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">21</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 25</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Captain Novah</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">32</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 31</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Captain Novah</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">5</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">August 10</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Windsor</td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    ¡°Look at these two dates. July 10th and August 10th.¡± Charles tapped the two lines on the table he created. ¡°See if we can find any other dates between these two individuals. Salamander, see if you and Tucker can get me the other records.¡±

    ¡°Which ones do you need?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°The ones labeled in red. It should be the left one from the empty spot on the shelf.¡± Charles gestured towards the area where the first crate was, causing Alex to nod.

    The old man stood up from his seat and walked towards the section that held the other crates. One by one, he pulled them out and placed them on the ground. ¡°Oi Rookie. Take this and move it over to the table.¡±

    ¡°On it.¡± Tucker dragged the crates across the wooden floor, scrapping it against the stone ground, and brought it beside Charles.

    Soon Charles pulled out several pages and copied their contents down into the table he created. As the papers rustled against each other, Charles frantically continued to copy the records onto the pages. Line by line, the table grew, and in a brief moment, Charles placed his pencil down and leaned back. Staring at the newly created rows with a dumbfounded expression.

    Tucker glanced over at one page and held it in his hands. ¡°The offsets the same for General Windsor and Sir Liam on January 16th.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also the same for General Ironguard and Captain Novah on October 31st¡­¡± Alex looked at the other two, who reached the same conclusion as him.

    There was a pattern.

 21. An Oath Made Of Essence

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it.¡± Tucker stared at the results. His hands trembled as he analyzed the pattern on the sheet. ¡°We¡¯re already this close to solving it?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up. After this many years, I¡¯m sure they¡¯ve improved their methods.¡± Alex let out a puff of smoke and leaned back. ¡°We¡¯ll need to be prepared in case there are changes.¡±

    ¡°But how would they know that we¡¯ve solved their secret messages?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°They don¡¯t. However, I reckon they have some tricks up their sleeves.¡± Charles smiled and copied the results onto three separate pages for the other two. ¡°Now, let¡¯s solve this final piece before we call it a day.¡±

    Tucker read the results over and over in his head. As of now, the following were true. Between two individuals, there was the same offset if the days were identical. This meant that the individuals had to be assigned a certain value. The only issue was identifying it.

    If it¡¯s a cipher from back then... Most likely, the formula they used wouldn¡¯t have been that complicated or advanced. It would have to be something simple and easily solvable.

    He looked around the chamber and then turned to Charles. ¡°Is there anything we could use to help solve this?¡±

    ¡°Not that I know of.¡±

    Tucker scratched the back of his head. ¡°There has to be something, like the Empire''s history or at least who these people were?"

    ¡°Well we don¡¯t really have any records of their personal history besides their houses. But if you want to see the history of the Empire from the start of the war to now, you could check that corner over there beside the fairytale section.¡±

    ¡°The fairytale section?¡± Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed once he heard this. ¡°Why is it beside the fairytale section?¡±

    ¡°Because I don¡¯t like them.¡±

    The rookie eyes widened in shock once he heard Charles¡¯ response.

    ¡°He¡¯s being pity. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Alex watched the swirls of grey smoke float into the air. ¡°Charles probably hates the Empire more than me. He just shows it differently.¡±

    ¡°Shows it differently? Wait¡­how do you show it?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°How would anyone else show it? I curse them out,¡± Alex replied.

    Tucker was at a loss for words. Were all his elders like this? ¡°Right¡­ so where in that corner is the books on the Empire¡¯s history?¡±

    ¡°I believe it¡¯s in the second row on the first shelf. But if you want to know about the Empire¡¯s history, you have an expert right here,¡± Charles said.

    ¡°An expert? You¡¯re an expert on the subject Charles?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°No no, not me.¡± Charles cupped his hands beneath his chin and rested his elbows on the table. He then tilted his head towards Alex, causing Tucker¡¯s gaze to shift.

    ¡°Alex? He¡¯s the expert? What would he know about the Empire¡¯s history?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve lived it,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°And he¡¯s still living it. In his free time, he returns to this chamber and records every bit of detail from his missions regarding the Empire into the archives,¡± Charles added with a smirk. ¡°Alex may not look like it, but he¡¯s the type of person to hold grudges straight into the afterlife.¡±

    Tucker stopped for a moment and thought about it before nodding. ¡°Honestly, I can see it happening. It¡¯s not surprising either.¡±

    ¡°Shut it,¡± Alex said.

    Charles chuckled. ¡°Your new rookie''s not half bad. He has a good sense of humor.¡±

    ¡°Glad to see someone gets along with him,¡± Alex said, placing his blowpipe on the wooden table with a heavy sigh. ¡°Now, why are you bringing this up?¡±

    ¡°Well, in my opinion, their encryption method has to be simple. Something that could easily be solved just like this.¡± Tucker snapped his fingers with a smile. ¡°It can¡¯t be something that takes too long since it¡¯ll cause a delay in executing orders.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ does make sense,¡± Charles replied. ¡°It would have to be something simple in that case.¡±

    ¡°Right, so out of all the pages we got. At least from this crate, we know that if the dates are the same, then the offset would be the same between the two individuals,¡± Tucker said, pointing at the stack of pages. ¡°So if we assume there¡¯s some sort of formula, it¡¯s likely that it¡¯s the same format for all the pages or at least follows a similar structure.¡±

    ¡°That means¡­ the encryption isn¡¯t so random after all,¡± Alex said with a grin.

    ¡°Right, so if we assume the formula is the same, then we just need to figure out the format that they used.¡± Tucker slid the paper to Charles, who raised a brow. ¡°If we all give it a shot, we could probably find something.¡±

    ¡°Trial and error?¡± Charles asked.

    ¡°Trial and error,¡± Tucker replied.

    Both of them nodded at each other as a silent gesture of agreement before going back to work. While Alex simply stared at the page and shook his head tiredly. The old man thought to himself while reluctantly playing with the numbers. Logically, it made sense for the Empire to have a form of formula that was hidden in plain sight, but he was highly skeptical about it. If so, then the Empire was far more careless than he thought.

    Meanwhile, Tucker carefully organized the numbers and analyzed the table he had drawn. If he factored in the receiver and sender along with the date, then there were four variables to work with. Since the offset was the same when the date, receiver, and sender were all the same. His base formula was something like this.X = Offset, A = Date, B = Sender, C = Receiver

    [ X = A +/- B +/- C ]

    Assuming it was basic arithmetic, obtaining the offset had to be something very quick and simple. After all, there were more individuals sending these letters than just generals, so it had to meet some form of basic requirement. This meant that commoners had to find the offset as well.

    Tucker rearranged the formula and tried a series of numbers.

    First, there was [ X = A + B + C ]. A formula that instantly failed in the first row.

    Then there was [ X = A - B - C ]. Another formula that failed in the second.

    His pencil frantically scribbled across the surfaces of the pages. After several more attempts, he had finally reached a conclusion, a formula that was accurate enough to solve the table.

    [ X = A + B - C ]

    He stared at the formula and looked at his result sheet with a slight frown. There was only one case where his formula failed, and after finding the culprit. He grinned while staring at Alex. It was done. This was the key to the Empire¡¯s offset, and after double-checking his findings. Tucker looked at the veterans and waved his hand to get their attention. Once their gaze was on him, he slid the results over to them.

    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%" border="1">

    <tbody>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Offset</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Date</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sender</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Receiver</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">5</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 10</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard (6)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Windsor (11)</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">13</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 6</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Ester (9)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Captain Novah (2)</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">5</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 16</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Windsor (11)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Liam (22)</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">34</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 21</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Liam (22)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Sir Ester (9)</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">21</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 25</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Captain Novah (2)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard (6)</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">32</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">July 31</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard (6)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">Captain Novah (2)</td>

    </tr>

    <tr>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">5</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">August 10</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Ironguard (6)</td>

    <td style="width: 24.0861%">General Windsor (11)</td>

    </tr>

    </tbody>

    </table>

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Guys, I think I found it,¡± Tucker said, barely holding back his excitement.

    ¡°You solved the puzzle?¡± Charles asked.

    ¡°Yeah, look at the table; by using the formula, it¡¯s just plug and play.¡± Tucker pointed to the numbers with the end of his pencil. ¡°You just need to add the date and sender values together, then subtract the receiver¡¯s value to get the offset.¡±

    Charles stroked his beard with a puzzled expression before looking at Alex, who leaned forward. Both of them were in disbelief for a moment, but after checking with the other records in the table, everything seemed to play out nicely. Everything except for the second last row.

    The old man stared at the result. ¡°It seems like it passes all cases except for this row.¡±

    Tucker grinned once Alex said this. ¡°It does. I was stuck on this for the longest time, but after double checking with the encrypted letter, I realized that you made a mistake.¡±

    The words that came out of Tucker¡¯s mouth caused the old man to frown. ¡°I made a mistake, you say?¡±

    ¡°Yep, I even decrypted the letter myself to be sure.¡± Tucker slid another page towards them. ¡°Take a look.¡±

    Both of them stared at the letter and quickly put Tucker¡¯s method to the test. After a few moments, Charles quietly chuckled while covering his mouth. They turned to Tucker, who wore a smug grin. Even though Alex didn¡¯t want to admit it. The rookie was right. He had made a mistake in the offset, and the correct value for the second last row was actually thirty-five.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be damned,¡± Alex muttered in a low voice.

    If there was one thing they were certain about at this point, it was that Tucker had done it. He had solved their encryption and devised a formula for them to use.

    ¡°Charles, what do you think? Is it concrete?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°It would seem so from our current results. I¡¯ll have to check with some more examples, but right now, I would say that this¡­ this is it,¡± Charles replied.

    Alex stared at Tucker and nodded his head in approval. ¡°Well done.¡±

    Tucker smirked. ¡°What can I say? It¡¯s just that easy.¡±

    The veteran let out a tired sigh, knowing that the rookie¡¯s ego was through the roof. ¡°You really don¡¯t know how to take a compliment, do you?¡±

    ¡°Right now? Nope, not at all,¡± Tucker answered, waving his hand to the side. ¡°Besides, just because this formula works doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re done. If it¡¯s the Empire, I doubt they would make everyone try to brute force the offset. So there¡¯s probably some quick way to deduce it.¡±

    ¡°Some quick way to deduce it? How so?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Right, I mean, to me, it would make sense because commoners are typically slower when it comes to arithmetics,¡± Tucker replied. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t make sense for them to guess the values like what we did. They would already know the values for the sender and receivers.¡±

    Charles gazed at the numbers before him and nodded. ¡°He¡¯s right. They would need a way to quickly reach a conclusion. It wouldn¡¯t make sense for them to be left in the dark, especially if they¡¯re important enough to receive an encoded message.¡±

    Alex crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. Gently setting aside his blowpipe while staring at the numbers. Soon, he released a subtle laugh while shaking his head. ¡°Well, if we¡¯re going off what Tucker is saying, then it¡¯s likely that the number for General Ironguard¡¯s value is a six because he led the sixth army.¡±

    ¡°Then that would mean General Windsor¡¯s value is an eleven because he led the eleventh army,¡± Charles added.

    ¡°It¡¯s highly possible for that to be the case. As for the other names, we¡¯ll have to figure that out later.¡±

    They all looked around the room, then at the countless pages that were scattered in the area except for Alex¡¯s side. Charles felt an overwhelming amount of joy in solving the puzzle, and he knew Alex was the same. The countless days they spent locked up in this ancient chamber filled with nothing but weathered tomes and antique furniture were beyond miserable. However, that was all in the past, and now they had a counter to the Empire¡¯s encryption.

    The librarian smiled while clapping his hands together. ¡°It seems we¡¯re in agreement.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, we are,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Then, in that case! It seems it¡¯s a job well done, gentlemen. We¡¯ve done a great bit of work today, so I believe it¡¯s best for us to take some time off and rest. That¡¯s why we should head to the tavern¡ª¡±

    ¡°No no no,¡± Alex immediately cut Charles off. ¡°We still have a lot of work to do, and we need to be coherent to carry them out.¡±

    ¡°You sure? I may never make an offer like this again,¡± Charles replied.

    Alex stared at him with skepticism. ¡°Let¡¯s not kid ourselves here. We both know you¡¯ll make the same offer the next time we visit.¡±

    The librarian happily chuckled with warmth, unbothered by his friends¡¯ accusations while stroking his beard. He turned to Tucker. ¡°Well, what about your promising little rookie here? Perhaps he would be interested in joining me. This field does seem to be his calling.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯ll have to pass,¡± Tucker answered, the corner of his mouth twitching in an awkward half-smile. He felt bad seeing Charles¡¯s tragic expression but knew that if he stayed in the scholar¡¯s chamber for too long¡ªeventually, he would lose his mind.

    ¡°A shame,¡± Charles said dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ve seen many promising rookies in my time, but you might be one of the best.¡±

    ¡°Um, thanks?¡±

    Charles shook his head. ¡°Well, if you ever change your mind. You know where to find me.¡±

    Alex rose from his seat and walked over to Charles, patting him on the shoulder. ¡°Take care of yourself Charles. We¡¯ll visit when we can.¡±

    ¡°I know. You tend to come and go like the wind,¡± Charles replied with a grin. He picked up the blowpipe from the table and handed it to Alex. ¡°Try not to get into too much trouble. We¡¯re not as young as we used to be.¡±

    Hearing this, Alex smirked. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± He slipped the blowpipe into his pouch after smothering the embers. Then adjusted his hat and strode past Tucker, who seemed to be in a daze with a wide grin on his face. ¡°You going to follow or just stand there?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m following!¡± Tucker shot back, hurrying after the old man. ¡°Can¡¯t I just have a moment to savor the praise I just received?¡±

    ¡°You can, just not now,¡± Alex replied, walking past the steel doors.

    Tucker blankly stared at Alex once he heard this. He followed in the old man¡¯s footsteps, but for some reason, the veteran¡¯s back seemed lonelier than before.

    The old man gazed down the hall and gestured at the rookie to follow. As they walked down the hall, several watchmen moved out of the way and saluted the veteran. Tucker followed behind and quickly saluted each one as they passed by, but Alex continued down the hall. Soon after several minutes, they were standing before the entrance to a large, well-maintained courtyard.

    Along the edge of the courtyard, the trees stood tall and still, their branches gently swaying in the breeze. Tucker could feel the cold air brush past his face as he stepped into a puddle, sending small ripples throughout the surface. Distorting the simple reflection of the moon that proudly lit up the night sky.

    ¡°Why have you brought me here?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°For a change of scenery,¡± Alex replied, removing a cigar from his pouch and passing it to Tucker.

    ¡°You know I don¡¯t smoke.¡±

    ¡±Who knows, maybe you would change your mind.¡± Alex sat down at a nearby bench and slumped forward while rolling the cigar in his palms. ¡°What did you think of being a librarian?¡±

    Tucker took a seat beside Alex and leaned back with his arms spread out along the top of the bench. ¡°Honestly, it was boring at the start.¡±

    ¡°Heh, can¡¯t deny that, but there are rewarding moments,¡± Alex said, holding the cigar between his fingers as Sally peeked out of his pocket and ignited the end. ¡°Well, you saw the current state of the scholar¡¯s chamber. It¡¯s not what it used to be. Besides Charles and his apprentice, there aren¡¯t many of them left.¡±

    ¡°So, is that why you introduced me to him?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s a good reference to get you in.¡±

    Tucker tightly clenched his fists. ¡°Are you saying this because you don¡¯t think I have what it takes to work in the field?¡±

    ¡°No, not in the slightest. I¡¯m just giving you an option. One that many don¡¯t get the chance for.¡± The old man turned to face the rookie. ¡°I¡¯m not saying this because I don¡¯t think you have what it takes. It¡¯s so you know there are more choices. Choices that weren¡¯t available in the past.¡±

    ¡°Alright, and what if I wanted to go back to the field? Would I be able to change my mind?¡±

    ¡°Not if the war starts.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Because you wouldn¡¯t have a partner, and most teams would already be deployed.¡±

    Tucker felt his heart sink. He knew about what the watchmen did in the past and barely had time to come to terms with it. Everything was moving so fast that he could hardly follow along. ¡°It¡¯s a lot to think about.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Alex whispered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose I¡¯ll have much time to think it through then.¡±

    ¡°No, you won¡¯t. I thought you would have more time, but I was wrong. The administrators could make the call any second now.¡± Alex closed his eyes and released a heavy sigh. ¡°I noticed things were wrong when we first returned. There wouldn¡¯t be so many of us stationed at the platform. Not unless we were already planning for a full-scale war.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s smile was brittle, hardly moving upwards as he forced the words out of his mouth. It was clear to Alex that the rookie hadn¡¯t fully processed the situation yet, and he empathized with him. They were born too late to enjoy the golden age of the Kingdom and too early for days of harmony. Just like him, the rookie was right on time for an age of strife.

    ¡°Ah fuck it.¡± Tucker took the other cigar from Alex¡¯s pouch and held it towards Sally. The salamander ignited it for him, and with one big puff, he slowly exhaled. ¡°Tell me, if I were to remain a watchman, would I even make a difference?¡±

    ¡±You would.¡±

    The rookie leaned his head back and stared at the swirls of smoke that drifted into the sky. ¡°Are you messing with me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    ¡°Then I don¡¯t suppose I can ask you to promise me something, can I?¡±

    ¡°Depends on the promise.¡±

    ¡°If I were to remain a watchman¡­¡± Tucker¡¯s voice faltered for a moment, shaking as if it was carried off by the wind. As if his words were barely holding themselves together. He closed his eyes, knowing that his question was unreasonable¡ªmaybe even foolish. But still, he had to ask. He needed to hear it, even if the answer was a lie. ¡°Would you promise¡­ never to order me to take an innocent life? Even if it could cost us the mission?¡±

    The veteran thought about it but soon nodded. ¡°That much I can do.¡±

    The flames from the embers flickered as Alex spoke, carrying a weight that Tucker had never seen before. He was mesmerized by the glowing characters that seemed to dance in the air. They were slowly converging into a sentence. Each one was so fragile yet resilient, like a promise that was meant to last a lifetime.

    Alex held the words before his heart, swearing an oath that was as ancient as time itself. Tucker couldn¡¯t hold back his shock; it was something he had read about in books, but he never thought he would witness it in person. The flames represented each word that Alex uttered, forming an oath that was bound to his soul through his spirit. To break such an oath was to sever the thread of life itself. Something no sane mortal would ever dare to do.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to go that far,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t, but sometimes words aren¡¯t enough.¡± Alex brought the cigar to his mouth and inhaled before slowly letting out a cloud of smoke. ¡°Think of it as my sincerity to you.¡±

    Tucker tapped the cigar, letting the ashes fall to the ground, and smiled. ¡°Well, I appreciate it.¡±

    The old man nodded and touched the wound that was on his chest. Even though the potions had healed the injury, he knew the Empire had grown stronger. Much stronger in fact compared to the past. They may have foiled one supply depot, but odds are there were many more hidden along the borders.

    Countless mist hawks soared above the keep, their wings beating rhythmically as they delivered a constant stream of orders and messages. The night had yet to end, but Alex knew they would make an official call to arms by daybreak. Armies would assemble at the borders and hoist banners above the horizon.

    An era of strife had begun, and all that was on Alex¡¯s mind was how many of those in the Order would survive. How many lives would be lost once more?

 22: For Our Homeland

    The sounds of bells tolling in the distance filled the empty halls of the keep. Each chime was heavy and resonated with the hearts of every single watchman gathered within the assembly chamber. Hundreds of members filled the seats on the first floor while others stood along the rails on the second and third levels. In the center was a green carpet that stretched from the doorway all the way to the top of the stage, right over the stone steps that were built in the center.

    Tucker stared at the gothic stone arches that were evenly spaced out on the upper floors and overlooked the center of the dark chamber. Currently, the administrators were all seated at the center stage with their respective banners behind them, signifying each region. Their grand wooden chairs with engravings of their area''s specialty were eye-catching, but the seat that drew the most attention was the Head Administrator. The empty seat made of stone had no elaborate designs nor engravings or decorations to accompany it. Only a clean slate that stood tall beneath the light.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen so many of us gathered in one place before,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°Yeah, and it¡¯s not a good thing either.¡± Alex adjusted his attire and fastened his scabbard to his belt. ¡°Did you follow the list of supplies I gave you?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this time I brought everything.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°So¡­what happens now?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡±

    Their voices were quiet, and like theirs, many others were whispering among themselves. The other watchmen with their green cloaks and dull iron armor chest plates muttered with one another on the first floor. Their look of worry and concern was apparent, unlike those on the upper floors. The stark comparison left Tucker speechless, yet Alex remained unfazed. Their quiet demeanor and stern gazes were enough to show the severity of the situation.

    Tucker observed the rookies on the first floor and knew that he should have probably been down there as well, but Alex told him to follow along. He could see his fellow trainees, some of which who noticed him on the second floor. But before he could say anything, a metallic groan reverberated through the air. The iron hinges creaked as the steel doors at the entrance of the chamber filled with verdant spirit essence and soon parted.

    The grinding of metal and squeaking friction echoed through the chamber, drawing everyone¡¯s attention to the light that pierced the darkness. One by one, the watchmen rose to their feet as the magic lamps on the walls flared to life. In the light that followed, a figure stepped forward, clad in black steel armor. A gleaming shoulder plate bore the insignia of the order: a black hawk with its wings outstretched beneath a crown. Draped over their left shoulder, a vivid green cloak flowed, its fabric contrasting with the dark metal beneath.

    No one dared to utter a word as the Head Administrator walked towards the center of the stone stage. His steps were heavy as the watchmen on the first floor bowed their heads and knelt in his presence. Even though Tucker couldn¡¯t clearly see their appearance in the conference room, he could tell that the Head Administrator wasn¡¯t wearing his usual attire. Tucker¡¯s eyes briefly met Alex¡¯s and then the other veterans. Confirming his greatest fears.

    As the Head Administrator approached the podium with a heavy gait, he turned and faced his fellow administrators, who all rose and stood behind him. They stayed together, unified before the incoming crisis. Their leader stared at the watchmen on the first floor, witnessing the fear that lay dormant in their hearts. Then gazed at the veterans who stood along the rails, causing an immediate hush to fall over the gathering as they focused on the figure before the podium,

    Everyone waited in tense anticipation for their leader to speak, the stillness in the room almost suffocating. Tucker¡¯s heart raced as the silence stretched on, each moment feeling like an eternity. Finally, the Head Administrator raised his hand, signaling for them to be seated. Their green cloaks fell back against the long wooden benches as they all sat down in unison. Seeing this, the Head Administrator nodded and took a deep breath.

    ¡°As of dawn break, His Royal Majesty King Alexander Von Aurora has decreed that the Kingdom of Aurora is now in a state of war against the Avalon Empire following the discovery of several supply depots located along the southern borders of our kingdom.¡±

    Those on the first floor exchanged worried glances and quietly muttered to each other upon hearing the news. While the veterans exchanged concerned glances with one another on the other floors.

    The Head Administrator placed his palm on the podium, causing everyone to fall silent. ¡°I fear that the time of words has passed, and as such, our services are called upon once more to serve His Highness in safeguarding our home, our motherland. While we have done so for the past century, this will be no different except for one case. That being the arrogance of the Avalon Empire.¡±

    His stern gaze swept through the chamber, his voice calm yet heavy. ¡°Years upon years have they tested our patience. Pushed our limits to see how much we would tolerate, and I do not speak these words lightly, but they will learn of our might, of our resilience.¡±If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    The Head Administrator held onto the edge of the podium. ¡°It is with a heavy heart that I ask of you, my fellow brothers and sisters, to answer our motherland¡¯s call. We did not choose this war nor wish for it, but the time has come for us to take up the mantle once more. Not for ourselves, but instead for those who can not. Those who are too weak to protect themselves, too ill to fend for themselves.¡±

    The watchmen nodded amongst their peers while some tapped on the rails.

    ¡°Know this, I will not force you to remain in the Order as our missions differ greatly from our counterparts. If you wish, you may depart and join another regiment, as the days ahead will be filled with sorrow. Filled with sacrifices and moments when we question if the cause is worth the price we pay.¡± The Head Administrator straightened his posture and continued, ¡°However, let it be known that with each successful mission, the closer we¡¯ll be to victory. In the days of darkness that lies ahead, our achievements shall be the beacon of light that guides our fellow countrymen towards the end. Towards victory!¡±

    ¡°In an era as prosperous as this, let us show the Empire of our tenacity, of our courage! Let us emerge from this war not hardened by hate but instead by our unity. As our purpose for marching differs from others, not for honor, not for glory, but to our duty!¡±

    The watchmen on the first floor rose one after another and cheered as the Head Administrator raised his fist into the air. Tucker felt the entire room shake under the tremors and kept his mouth shut while tightly clenching his hands.

    ¡°¡°¡°To our duty! To our Kingdom!¡±¡±¡±

    They watched as the energetic young watchmen were filled with a sense of pride and even a bit of excitement. But the veterans on the upper floors remained quiet. Not daring to utter a single sound. Tucker knew the situation was far more dire than predicted from his previous encounters with the Empire. It was clear that they were fully prepared for a long, drawn-out conflict. The Empire wanted blood, and this war would be one of annihilation. Us versus them.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes followed the watchmen on the first floor as they made their way towards the exit. Once all the greenhorns left the chamber, the administrators stared at the veterans on the upper levels and nodded upon seeing those who had attended before leaving.

    ¡°What happens now?¡± Tucker asked, holding onto the rail with his head down.

    ¡°We head to the armory and prepare our equipment. The rookies won¡¯t be leaving so soon, but that¡¯s different for us,¡± Alex pointed out.

    Tucker looked around and saw the veterans all leaving in the same direction. ¡°Will we be fine?¡±

    ¡°Depends on what you define as fine.¡± Alex moved towards the exit, with Tucker following closely behind. ¡°The Empire has only grown stronger in the past few decades. There¡¯s no telling what sort of preparations they¡¯ve made throughout the years.¡±

    ¡°Will we be able to win this time?¡±

    ¡°As long as we perform.¡± Alex pushed the steel door open and looked over his shoulder. ¡°For now, we need to prepare ourselves, and when I say this. I mean it. Potions, whetstones, smoke bombs, regular bombs, emergency first aid kits, and all the other trinkets.¡±

    Tucker nodded in response, entering the dimly lit stone corridor. But before they could go any further, a guard wearing dragon-scaled armor blocked their path. The guard stared at Alex and bowed his head. ¡°Sir, the Head Administrator wishes to see you.¡±

    ¡°The Head Administrator? What does he want from us?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t tell you, for I do not know the reason. I was simply told to deliver the orders to Salamander,¡± the guard said.

    ¡°Very well, we¡¯ll head there now.¡± Alex lifted his cloak and prepared to remove his weapons but was soon stopped by the guard.

    ¡°There is no need for that, sir. The Head Administrator instructed us that such precautions weren¡¯t necessary.¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­¡± Alex reluctantly lowered his cloak and left his dagger and sword there. It was natural to meet the Head Administrator unarmed, but it seemed like his old friend still didn¡¯t care about such formalities. ¡°Alright, lead us to him.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir.¡± The guard nodded and escorted them towards the Head Administrator¡¯s office.

    As they walked down the long, dimly lit hallway, their heavy footsteps and rattling armor echoed against the stone surfaces. A handful of iconic portraits decorated the pathway, some of who Tucker recognized. Yet, as he looked around, he noticed a row of empty frames. Each with a crossed out nameplate.

    ¡°Are those¡­¡± Tucker¡¯s words trailed off. He stopped in place, falling behind the group, but soon caught the old man¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Correct. They¡¯re what you¡¯re thinking of,¡± Alex answered, signaling the guard to wait as the group came to a halt.

    ¡°But why are they still hung up? Shouldn¡¯t they have been taken down?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Because they¡¯re still a part of our Order¡¯s history. Something we should look back and reflect on.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes rested on the frames with a deep, lingering sadness. ¡°Let¡¯s keep moving. We don¡¯t have time to waste right now with the Head Administrator waiting.¡±

    It was the first time Tucker had seen the veteran with such a heavy and distant gaze. He took one last look at the frames before following them. Leaving behind the empty frames of the first generation of administrators as they walked through the office doors.

    If he had to describe the decorations in the room with one word, it would be simple. There was nothing eye-catching or impressive on display, only bookshelves and a fragile wooden table that had long passed its time. Even from afar, Tucker could tell that the wood polish had run its course and had now faded to a rich patina with deep grooves and scratches. Once they were inside, the guards saluted them and closed the door, sealing the office.

    ¡°I see you have arrived.¡±

    The Head Administrator¡¯s voice entered Tucker¡¯s ears, but looking around, no one else was in the room except for them. He tried focusing in the direction the voice came from, yet no matter how hard he tried, it was pointless.

    Is he invisible?

    ¡°Close, but not quite greenhorn.¡± The Head Administer rose from the chair and stared at Alex. ¡°It seems your new partner hasn¡¯t experienced this technique before.¡±

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t seen much of the world yet, but he isn¡¯t bad,¡± Alex commented, staring at his old friend, Dale, who seemed to nod in agreement.

    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡± Dale brought his thumb and middle finger together as a snap cut through the air like a crisp crack. In an instant, the mist that distorted his presence vanished, revealing his figure. ¡°After all, I have a task for you two¡ªone that¡¯ll let your rookie see more of the world and possibly determine the outcome of this war.¡±

 23. Their Next Task

    ¡°A task? What kind of task?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°One that we won¡¯t like.¡± Alex grumbled while crossing his arms. He could see the smile on Dale¡¯s face and knew that something troublesome was being pushed their way.

    ¡°Relax old friend. I just need you to escort someone out of a certain location.¡± Dale casually retrieved an envelope from his desk and slid it over. ¡°It¡¯s someone you know very well, in fact. His daughter and son saved you recently.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make it anymore reassuring.¡± Alex sighed, dropping into the velvet chair. ¡°Let me guess, is it Owl?¡±

    Dale nodded, his smile fading. ¡°He¡¯s gotten himself into quite a predicament behind the enemy lines and has requested for assistance to escape from the Empire.¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­I¡¯m not surprised. He always gets himself into those types of situations. It¡¯s a bad habit I told him to fix.¡± Alex glanced at Tucker and gestured for him to sit down. ¡°But why us? We¡¯re not exactly the best fit for a rescue operation, much less a stealth one.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the best part. You don¡¯t have to be.¡± Dale took a pencil and drew a line on the map mounted on the wall behind his desk. ¡°You just need to get him and whatever he has out.¡±

    Tucker watched as Dale drew several circles throughout the front lines and then marked them with an ¡°X¡± before placing the pencil down. He narrowed his eyes. The areas of interest were all several kilometers behind the enemy lines, and there was no straightforward way to approach them. Yet for some reason, Tucker could see Alex clicked his tongue to the side.

    Alex glared at Dale as he smiled. ¡°You don¡¯t want us to be stealthy. You want us to make as much of a disturbance as possible.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, even though Owl needs to escape from the Empire. It doesn¡¯t have to be quiet. You¡¯re free to use whatever means necessary,¡± Dale said.

    ¡°But what is Owl doing that far behind enemy lines? He should have been able to evacuate through one of our safe houses.¡±

    ¡°His previous task was investigating the inner circles of the Empire, but now that the war has arrived, there¡¯s no longer a need for him to continue.¡± Dale tapped a region further behind enemy lines, then a location of a well-known safe house beside the city. ¡°As to why he hasn¡¯t evacuated yet¡­ let¡¯s just say one of our greenhorns that were stationed in the region caused some unexpected issues.¡±

    ¡°Unexpected issues?¡± Alex raised a brow and scoffed. ¡°Like what?¡±

    Dale forced a smile. ¡°They blew up the safe house with the teleportation device.¡±

    Tucker sat there in shock upon hearing this while Alex rubbed his temples in frustration. The old man then turned to Tucker and asked, ¡°Are all of you this bad?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, we¡¯re a bit of a black sheep in the Order, but I didn¡¯t think someone from my group could fuck up that much,¡± Tucker replied, shrugging his shoulders. ¡°If anything, I would blame the training process. It¡¯s clear it¡¯s not working¡ª¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Alex immediately smacked the back of Tucker¡¯s head, causing him to wince in pain. ¡°My apologies Dale, my rookie still hasn¡¯t learned manners yet.¡±

    Dale gazed at Tucker and smirked. ¡°That¡¯s fine. It seems we¡¯ve been complacent with our methods. I honestly thought that the recent batch was fairly prepared.¡±

    ¡°It seems like you¡¯re wrong on that one,¡± Alex tiredly said, burying his face in the palm of his hands. ¡°I swear, is that entire batch this much of a headache?¡±

    ¡°Come on, we¡¯re not that bad. Right?¡± Tucker chimed in.

    The room fell silent at the question, with neither the old man nor the Head Administrator commenting on the matter.

    ¡°I mean, at least we¡¯re better compared to the previous generation, right?¡± Tucker watched as both of them focused on the map with a dumbfound expression, but soon closed his mouth as they ignored him.

    ¡°I take it we can¡¯t refuse this mission?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Not unless you want to be trialed for treason,¡± Dale replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s an abuse of authority.¡±

    ¡°Not for those in my role,¡± Dale refuted.

    Alex bitterly shook his head and rose from his seat, picking up the brown envelope. ¡°Alright, so how would we even get there then? Is there another safe house close by?¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯ll have to take the teleporter to the neighboring kingdom and use a caravan to get closer.¡± Dale took out an obsidian coin with a skull engraved on it and flicked it towards Alex, who easily caught it. ¡°You can choose which kingdom you want to enter from, doesn¡¯t matter to me which one you pick. As long as you get to Owl in time.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Alex tossed the coin over to Tucker and ignored the rookie as he clumsily caught it. ¡°If we¡¯re going that far, then I take it we¡¯re not the only ones tasked with this mission.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I already sent two other watchmen over there. The brother and sister duo,¡± Dale replied.

    The veteran¡¯s face immediately contorted as his sharp eyes fell on Dale. ¡°You should know that isn¡¯t the best choice. Owl would never approve of this.¡±

    ¡°I know, but they¡¯re the only ones we could spare.¡± Dale returned Alex¡¯s gaze with eyes that seemed to cut right through him. ¡°Whether Owl approves doesn¡¯t matter. As long as it meets the result.¡±

    The old man pressed his lips together and reluctantly nodded. ¡°I see, then I take it all the information we¡¯ll need is in here?¡± Alex waved the envelope and stopped once Dale acknowledged his gesture. ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll leave now then.¡±

    ¡°I pray you¡¯ll return safely with the others.¡±

    Alex pushed the rookie along. ¡°We¡¯ll report back to you once we¡¯re done.¡±

    Once Alex and Tucker left the office, a voice echoed throughout the room. ¡°Sir, are you sure it¡¯s acceptable to have Salamander on this mission?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Dale gazed out the window and watched as the sun rose above the horizon. ¡°It¡¯s what he wants after all.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ he is well in his rights to retire.¡± The figure knelt before the Head Administrator, their green cloak plopping on the ground. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we have him spend the rest of his days within the Keep?¡±

    ¡°You know I am not one to cage my companions.¡±

    ¡°Yes however¡ª¡±

    Dale turned to the figure and coldly interrupted. ¡°We both know that this is what Salamander wants, and you are well out of line to say otherwise. Even if you share his blood.¡±

    The figure¡¯s shoulders shook as she unwillingly nodded before a thick mist shrouded her body. Without uttering another word, she vanished from the Head Administrator¡¯s office, leaving Dale to himself.

    He placed his hand on his forehead and closed his eyes. ¡°I hope everything goes smoothly.¡±

    .

    .

    .

    ¡°What just happened?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°We just got screwed, that¡¯s what happened.¡± Alex paced down the hall while opening the brown envelope. ¡°When the Head Administrator personally delivers a task, it¡¯s never a simple one.¡±

    At first Tucker was troubled, but soon he smiled. ¡°But that just means he trusts us, right?¡±

    Alex paused for a moment before agreeing. ¡°I suppose so.¡±

    Tucker couldn¡¯t help but rub his nose. ¡°What can I say? It¡¯s about time someone noticed my capabilities and who else except for our boss? You should take some notes old man.¡±

    Alex rolled his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s enough of you tooting your own horn. We¡¯ve got work to do.¡± Alex examined the contents of the mission and frowned. ¡°It¡¯s not going to be easy. We¡¯ll have to pay a visit to the Reinhart dwarves and see if they¡¯ll cooperate with us.¡±

    ¡°Dwarves? Like the ones that are part of the Earthen race?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eye¡¯s flashed with a hint of excitement but soon faded as he stared at the envelop. ¡°But will they help us?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps. I know a few of them quite well, but it depends on their mood,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Then should we wear disguises and sneak past them?¡±

    ¡°Denied. They¡¯re dwarves Tucker, our height is a dead giveaway.¡± Alex watched as Tucker jokingly shrugged his shoulders. He could tell the suggestion was half baked, but if they were facing a human settlement, then he would have entertained the idea. ¡°They¡¯re also not our enemies, if they can¡¯t help us. They¡¯ll just send us back. What we need to focus on is getting to Owl.¡±

    ¡°How long do we have to find him?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°A few days, maybe longer, if he does a good job at hiding.¡± Alex passed the pages to Tucker. ¡°Read it through in your head and pass it back to me when you¡¯re done. We¡¯ll burn the contents before leaving.¡±

    Tucker nodded and skimmed through the pages with a curious expression. Besides the general appearance of Owl, a forty-year-old man with grey and brown hair and golden eyes, and where he was last seen. One piece of information caught his attention. ¡°We need to retrieve a canister? What¡¯s so important about this canister?¡±

    ¡°I have no clue, but according to Owl¡¯s notes, it¡¯s more important than his life.¡±

    ¡°What? So if we had to choose between it and Owl, we would abandon him?¡±

    ¡°Correct.¡±

    Tucker crumpled the paper and tossed it over to Alex. ¡°What could be so important that we would sacrifice one of our own?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not for us to know.¡± Alex caught the crumpled pages and held it for Sally to ignite.

    As the paper ball ignited in flames, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but feel disgusted at the idea. ¡°We¡¯ll rescue Owl and bring back the container.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s possible¡ª¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it possible.¡±

    Alex glanced at Tucker and saw something unexpected. The usual carefree attitude had vanished and instead a newfound resolve took its place. The old man couldn¡¯t help but grin. ¡°If you say so. For now, how we approach it is up to us to decide.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you have some sort of plan in mind?¡±

    ¡°I do, but whether it goes according to it is another story.¡±

    As they reached the end of the stone halls, the gothic arches in the chamber came into view once more. Countless watchmen were checking their equipment and swapping out their weapons for ones that suited their task. Tucker couldn¡¯t help but be taken aback as it was the first time he had seen so many of them within one room, and the reality of the war finally sank in. Yet the old man carried on through the chamber as if nothing had changed.

    Alex stepped onto the teleportation platform and waited for the custodian. Once they were ready, he whispered a set of coordinates into their ear. After a few moments, the custodian nodded, shifting the runes on the pedestal shifted several times.

    The custodian stared at Salamander and gestured for their companion to hand something over to the Old Man. Soon another custodian stepped onto the platform, carrying a satchel of tools for the veteran. Once Alex received the satchel, they moved away from the teleportation device.

    ¡°Alright, you ready rookie?¡± Alex asked, pulling up his half mask.

    Tucker quickly did the same. ¡°Hold on, give me a second to compose myself¡ª¡±

    Before Tucker could finish his sentence, a shimmering glow filled the platform and, in an instant, their bodies momentarily hovered in the air. Soon their figures vanished from the area with Tucker screaming his lungs out and Alex covering his face with his palms. Their next location was the stronghold of the Reinhart Dwarves.

 24. Reinhart Dwarves

    In the blink of an eye, their surroundings shifted. Their bodies briefly defied gravity, hovering in mid-air before being pulled downwards by its force. Tucker fell to his knees and hit the cold stone floors as nausea overwhelmed his mind. He looked up at Alex and watched the veteran roll his shoulders back and forth before smirking at him. They were in a new location, one with barely any light except for two torches that were directly in front of them.

    ¡°Need a hand?¡± Alex asked.

    Tucker grabbed a hold of the outstretched hand and stood up with Alex¡¯s help as his body swayed back and forth. ¡°I fucking hate these teleportation platforms.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll get used to it sooner or later. You just need time.¡± Alex patted him on the back and took a step forward. ¡°Let¡¯s get a move on. We gotta be quick, or else those stubborn blacksmiths will refuse our requests.¡±

    Tucker looked up and stared at the grand iron gates before him. On the surface of the aged oak timber were layers of iron spikes that pointed towards the platform with towering walls that stood twelve feet high. Around the two were iron barricades that were firmly planted into the ground, with their sharpened ends directed to the center.

    Yet despite the overwhelming presence of the defenses before him, what drew his attention were the two guards standing before him. The skillfully crafted interlocking steel armor they wore strengthened their bulky frames, and their helms, adorned with runic engravings that exposed only their eyes and beards, caught his eye the most.

    Tucker was slouched over, but for some reason, he managed to make eye contact with the guards before them while barely raising his neck. Their short stature and muscular build, with thick arms and broad shoulders, were one of the most defining features of their race. Combined with their weathered skin, firm jaws, and large noses, Tucker instantly knew who they were.

    ¡°Ya bastas better not puke on our newly polished floor!¡± The heavily armed guard glared at Tucker and planted the end of his great axe into the ground before crossing his arms.

    ¡°Da laddies worse than da previous one!¡± Another guard complained, stroking his long grey beard that was separated into two halves and then braided over one another. ¡°Watchmen these days have no manners, I tell ya!¡±

    Alex raised a brow at the familiar voices. ¡°Ofnir? Fargrim?¡±

    The veteran lifted his hood and lowered his mask before the two dwarves, whose expressions immediately changed.

    ¡°Alex? Is that you? My word!¡± Fargrim rushed onto the platform and wrapped his arms around him before lifting the old man into the air. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you too. I didn¡¯t think I would see you again.¡± Alex laughed as Fargrim placed him back on his feet. He gestured towards the dwarf sporting a long brown beard and then towards the one with a lengthy grey beard. ¡°Tucker, meet Ofnir and Fargrim. They¡¯re old friends.¡±

    ¡°These are dwarves?¡± Tucker asked, tilting his head. ¡°I see why you said our disguises wouldn¡¯t work. They¡¯re a lot shorter than I expected?¡±

    ¡°Short?! Why I oughta beat da living daylights outta this piece of shit!¡± Ofnir raised both his fists and approached Tucker, but before he could take another step forward, Fargrim held him back. ¡°Lemme at this runt! I¡¯ll kick his knees in! Then kick his head in!¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­¡± Alex peered at Tucker. ¡°Do you have to cause trouble wherever you go?¡±

    ¡°My bad, it¡¯s just that this is the first time I¡¯ve met dwarves. They¡¯re a lot more¡­impressive in person.¡± Tucker watched as Ofnir raised his great axe above his head with both arms as Fargrim desperately held him back. The rookie leaned over to Alex and whispered. ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll settle down in a bit?¡±

    ¡°Who knows, but if they decide to beat the living shit out of you while working with us, then it¡¯s a small price to pay.¡± Alex leaned closer to Tucker. ¡°Did you bring the coin?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Good, give it to them.¡±

    Tucker took out a small obsidian coin and flicked it towards Fargrim, who easily caught it with one hand while releasing Ofnir. As the other guard stumbled forward, he examined the coin for a split second before tightly clenching onto it with a troubled expression. ¡°Alas¡­it seems you aren¡¯t here to visit. Is it the Empire?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°My dear friend¡­I¡¯m afraid we have not what you need.¡± Fargrim inspected their equipment and shook his head. ¡°If it¡¯s spirit weapons you¡¯re after, we don¡¯t have any materials we can spare to forge one.¡±

    ¡°Do you know when you¡¯ll have enough materials?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Nay, the Forge Lord of the Clans has declared that all dwarven holds are to seal their vaults,¡± Fargrim answered while shaking his head. ¡°The only reason this device is still active is because the Clan Chieftain deems it so.¡±

    ¡°Can you tell us why the Forge Lord of the Clans ordered all the clans to seal their vaults?¡± Tucker asked, nervously leaning over. ¡°Um, sir.¡±

    Fargrim raised a brow and laughed. ¡°Who would have thought that someone so tall would look so small!¡±

    Laughter erupted all throughout the stone chamber that surrounded the silver circle. As Tucker looked up, several heavily armored dwarves were above them with crossbows and ballistas pointed towards the platform. While some had lowered their weapons, many remained poised and ready to fire at the slightest bit of movement.

    Alex quietly chucked upon seeing Tucker¡¯s flabbergasted expression. ¡°You finally noticed?¡± Alex said, taking out a notepad. ¡°They¡¯ve been there the entire time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I had a hard time seeing because of how dark it is, but now that my eyes have adjusted. I can see why their Forge Lord ordered for their vaults to be sealed,¡± Tucker replied.

    He stared at the vicious blade marks that scarred the stone surfaces. It was sporadic and seemed to have formed from utter chaos. There was no trace of elegance or technique, only the sheer intent of destruction. He clenched his hands and frowned. Then, shifting his gaze to the object that was directly above the gate.

    The object was enormous, comparable to the size of a dragon¡¯s head, yet its features were completely different. Three horns protruded from each side of its skull, with four empty eye sockets aligned in a row. Its upper and lower jaw had sharp, razor-like fangs, with two short sword-sized fangs at the top. Without a doubt in his mind, what was before them was the head of a demon. One that the Gods would banish had they detected its presence.A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    How the hell did they manage to kill something like that?

    Tucker shook his head in bewilderment and watched as the old man made a rough sketch of the skull. Unbelievable. That was the only word in his mind after seeing the demon¡¯s skull. Although dwarves weren¡¯t known for possessing divinity, the God of the Forge, Durus, granted them an unbreakable spirit. One that didn¡¯t directly change their prowess but filled their hearts with profound courage.

    Yet, to Tucker, it was outstanding. Demons were foes that couldn''t easily be killed, and seeing the dwarves assemble a kill zone after being ambushed by one was beyond resourceful. To add to that, he couldn¡¯t believe they would be so bold as to keep their teleportation device running despite knowing that a demon crawled through it.

    ¡°The young lad is just like ya,¡± Fargrim said, grinning upon observing Tucker.

    ¡°So I¡¯ve been told.¡± Alex approached Fargrim and whispered. ¡°Would it be possible for you to arrange a caravan for us to get into the Empire??¡±

    ¡°Afraid not, old friend,¡± Fargrim spoke in a low voice. ¡°The Forge Lord has made it a dwarven decree. Even our trade caravans are stuck within our holds.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything you can do?¡± Alex asked.

    The hardened dwarf thought for a moment and rubbed the back of his neck. He let out a dejected sigh and said, ¡°The best I can do is temporarily open the gates for ya folks to leave.¡±

    ¡°Could you also provide us with some horses?¡± Tucker asked.

    Fargrim and Ofnir both looked at each other before bursting out in laughter.

    ¡°Did ya really think we could ride a beast that is triple our size?¡± Fargrim jokingly asked.

    The rookie pictured the dwarves trying to mount a horse and then shook his head. ¡°I guess not. Then are we walking the rest of the way there Alex?¡±

    ¡°Most likely, but that won¡¯t be too much of a problem.¡± Alex followed behind Fargrim as the dwarf banged on the gates.

    The iron doors creaked open, revealing an enormous area before the group. Seeing how Alex was already several steps ahead of him, Tucker scurried on behind them. He glanced back at where they came from, watching as the dwarves on top of the wall disappeared once more. Above them, Tucker could see countless forges set ablaze once more. Spanning hundreds of meters above their current position with many magic lanterns lighting the stone walls. Countless blue banners with gold outlines came into view. Every banner displayed the symbol of a golden great axe resting within an iron wreath¡ªthe standard of the Reinhart Dwarves.

    The symphony of a thunderous metallic clang entered Tucker¡¯s ears the further they went. Every forge had a dwarf relentlessly hammering away with their iron tools. The heat and embers blazing from their forge as if it had a life of its own.

    ¡°Wow.¡± Tucker stood there awestruck as he did a three-sixty turn. ¡°You guys built all this?¡±

    ¡°Aye, laddie. We even helped rebuild your Keep,¡± Fargrim said, pointing at himself, then Ofnir.

    ¡°Wait, what? You guys helped rebuild our Keep? You¡¯re joking. Our Keep has been standing for over a hundred years,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°They¡¯re telling the truth. Dwarves typically have a longer lifespan than humans. Besides, these two have been around since my predecessor was alive,¡± Alex said.

    Tucker couldn¡¯t hide his impressed expression, causing Fargrim to smile. ¡°He really is like you in your younger days, Alex. The laddie wears his heart on his sleeve, like an open book.¡±

    Alex scoffed. ¡°Except he¡¯s more of a handful. I don¡¯t recall ever causing my mentor so much grief.¡±

    ¡°Well lad, I bet your mentor would think otherwise.¡± Fargrim released a heartfelt laugh as Alex grumbled in the background.

    The veteran¡¯s eyes narrowed as he caught sight of something flattering on Fargrim¡¯s shoulders. On the shoulders of the dwarf were iron badges of crossing hammers with azure ribbons attached to the ends. Each ribbon was inscribed with words in dwarven tongue. It was something that Alex hadn¡¯t seen in decades, but their meaning was clear.

    ¡°So, was that demon easy to kill?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Nay, we were lucky,¡± Fargrim answered with a grim expression. ¡°If that poor bastard could properly swing its weapon, perhaps we wouldn¡¯t be standing here today.¡±

    ¡°Aye, but the blasted creature cracked the runes on our teleportation device. And it ain¡¯t just our hold sufferin¡¯. Many in the dwarven realms are facing demonic foes,¡± Ofnir added.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you disable the platform to stop them from coming through then?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°By my beard! If we had to disable the platform for one meager transgression, we wouldn¡¯t be the Reinhart dwarves!¡± Ofnir hit the end of his great axe on the stone¡¯s surface, causing the other dwarves to cheer in unison. ¡°Those dastardly fiends will make a fine addition to our collection! Am I right lads?!¡±

    ¡°¡°¡°Aye!¡±¡±¡±

    The sudden camaraderie of the nearby dwarves took Tucker by surprise. They raised their weapons into the air and then brought them back to the ground. Striking the ends to the ground in unison as they cheered in the background.

    ¡°The poor bastard didn¡¯t know what hit dem,¡± Ofnir answered with a grin. ¡°With our workshops above the walls, we pummeled it to death with our anvils.¡±

    ¡°Your workshops above these walls? No, wait¡­¡± Tucker held his head with one hand. ¡°You pummeled it to death with what now?¡±

    ¡°With our anvils,¡± Ofnir repeated, gesturing towards one of the many ten-ton anvils that were suspended in midair above the teleportation platform.

    Tucker blinked multiple times while holding back the urge to drop his jaw. There were numerous cranes holding the anvils in the air, but he couldn¡¯t imagine defeating a demon by just pummeling it to death. It didn¡¯t make sense whatsoever.

    ¡°It¡¯s because their teleportation device is mainly used to transfer equipment and resources. Since it¡¯s deep within their hold, they use cranes to hoist the resources rather than carry it out.¡± Alex placed the notepad and pencil back into his pouch as the sound of hammering began once more. ¡°It¡¯s a creative use of their surroundings.¡±

    ¡°So, if you haven¡¯t seen something like that before, do you think Charles will have an idea?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Perhaps¡ª¡± Alex stopped himself and frowned before staring at Tucker. ¡°How did you know I¡¯ve never seen anything like that before?¡±

    ¡°Because usually you would go correct, back in my days, or something along those lines,¡± Tucker replied, mimicking the old man¡¯s tone.

    ¡°Damn brat¡­¡± Alex pressed his lips together with displeasure as Fargrim and Ofnir chuckled in front of them, but soon he released a deep exhale. ¡°I¡¯m guessing the demon¡¯s body isn¡¯t accessible?¡±

    Fargrim tilted his head back and forth. ¡°Eh¡­ we scorched its flesh off and disposed of the carcass.¡± he then shrugged his shoulders. ¡°Got nuthin to show ya sadly. We even dismantled the wicked things blade.¡±

    ¡°Though if ya want one piece of advice from us, it¡¯s best to gouge da bastard¡¯s eyes out.¡± Ofnir¡¯s gaze lost its light as he tapped the end of his great axe onto the stone surface. ¡°Even with a weapon as great as this, we could hardly cut through its flesh.¡±

    ¡°Aye, the best we could do was restrain it until the chieftain arrived.¡± Fargrim signaled a dwarf warrior at the main gate, and soon, the sound of chains scrapping against one another filled the area.

    ¡°Is there anything else we should know?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Aye,¡± Fargrim replied with a solemn voice. ¡°If the teleportation platform glows purple. Kill whatever comes out ''cause it ain¡¯t a friend.¡±

    ¡°Purple? Doesn¡¯t it only glow blue?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°No clue lad, our runesmiths are working on that one,¡± Fargrim answered.

    The group stopped before a pair of towering black iron gates. Each gate was six meters tall and wide enough for several carriages to pass through. The plates were bolted together with massive rivets that seemed to form a defensive barrier as the runes on the surface gently hummed.

    ¡°It looks like this is as far as we can take ya,¡± Fargrim said.

    ¡°I see. Thanks for the advice, old friend.¡± Alex held out his hand and shook hands with Fargrim and Ofnir.

    ¡°Same to ya.¡± Fargrim grinned and then smacked Tucker¡¯s back. ¡°We¡¯ll forgive ya this time for the short comment, but not the next!¡±

    ¡°Haha, I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Tucker smiled after shaking hands with them. ¡°You guys stay safe, you hear?¡±

    ¡°You as well ya breezy bastard!¡± Ofnir took out a small iron whistle that hung from a red thread around his neck and then blew into it. He roared with all his might. ¡°Open da main gates!¡±

    The horns above blared, and their echoes filled the area as the large stone gates parted. Alex nodded at Fargrim. ¡°Thanks, I won¡¯t forget this favor.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it laddie.¡± Fargrim waved his hand and brushed it off. ¡°Till we meet again youngin.¡±

 25. Through The Plains

    Tucker adjusted the mesh over his cloak and rolled his shoulder. It had been hours since they had left the dwarven stronghold, and the foliage he attached to his cloak weighed his body down. Even with the brief rest they had at the stronghold, it wasn¡¯t nearly enough to keep him at peak performance, but given the circumstances, it was understandable. He glanced at Alex, who was hardly noticeable as he crouched beside a bush.

    ¡°Stay close.¡± Alex pushed the leaves to the side, revealing a long brick road that stretched beyond the horizon. ¡°We¡¯ll need to follow this road from a distance to get to Everfall. If we¡¯re lucky, this will be enough to keep us hidden.¡±

    ¡°Do we have any ideas what¡¯s up ahead?¡±

    Alex looked over his shoulder at Tucker, his appearance blending smoothly with the woodlands as dense natural textures covered his body. ¡°Besides the usual, nothing new that I see.¡±

    Tucker moved beside Alex as they examined the terrain. Beyond the tall trees and overgrown vegetation, a vast field of tall grass stretched out before them. After they crossed the hills, the city of Everfall would be before them. He held out his hand as a gust of wind swirled within his palms. Soon, Gale emerged from the clump of spirit essence and flapped its wings. It glared at Tucker and pecked him several times out of annoyance before taking off into the sky.

    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll make it in time?¡± Tucker asked, rubbing the sore spot on his hand.

    ¡°Knowing Owl, most likely. He¡¯s a tricky one to track unless you¡¯ve worked with him before.¡± Alex gestured for Tucker to follow as they walked through the forest. ¡°For now, we¡¯ll move along the treeline and use it as cover while collecting information.¡±

    ¡°Wait.¡± Tucker stared at the sky and stopped for a moment.

    The surrounding wind grew fierce and chaotic as he focused on a creature approaching their direction. Its wings sliced through the air with each powerful swing. Sending gusts of wind downward and propelling itself forward. It was the first time he saw one in person, but he knew what it was from the sharp talon claws and glistening aqua scales.

    ¡°There¡¯s a wyvern coming in our direction.¡±

    Alex clicked his tongue. ¡°Stay low and in the forest¡¯s shadow. We¡¯ll let it pass before moving. We don¡¯t want that thing to notice us.¡±

    The rookie knelt down beneath the tree¡¯s shade and kept his head down. He could feel the wind caress his face as the shadow soared above them, nearly pulling his hood off as he grabbed onto the seams. As the beast passed, the leaves on the nearby trees began to sway and shake. Once the coast was clear, Tucker raised his head and stood up. ¡°We¡¯ll need to move fast before that wyvern circles back.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    Alex scanned the surroundings. There wasn¡¯t a soul in sight, but something didn¡¯t feel right about the situation. As they made their way through the forest, they reached the lush rolling hills before the city. Vast overgrown vegetation took over the area, reaching beyond the landscape. Rising and falling in smooth waves like ones you would normally see on the coast. Yet even though this should have been the last stretch, reality often differed from expectations.

    In front of the two were hundreds of tents lined up row by row. Countless guards were stationed at the perimeter of the encampment, patrolling the outside, and from afar, they could see many more in the hills scouting the terrain. There had to be several thousand soldiers resting in those tents, with their commander in the grand tent in the center.

    ¡°Stay low. We don¡¯t want them to see our silhouettes on the hill,¡± Alex muttered, following the patrols as they made their way through the plains.

    Tucker laid flat on the hill beside Alex. ¡°Shit¡­ what do we do?¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t afford to kill any of them. It¡¯ll only draw attention.¡± Alex gazed at the soldiers. ¡°We¡¯ll have to sneak around and pray to god that they don¡¯t discover us.¡±

    ¡°Wait, but shouldn¡¯t we do something about the encampment?¡±

    ¡°Just because we got lucky once on our home tuff doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯ll get lucky again.¡± Alex moved back before standing. ¡°If we even try to fuck with those guys, forget about rescuing Owl. We wouldn¡¯t even be able to save ourselves.¡±This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Tucker took a step back and slowly crept along the bushes. ¡°How do we plan to get past them?¡±

    The old man examined the encampment and the landscape. Because of the terrain, it seemed like the General who was managing the army mainly created patrols along the outer perimeters. Creating a line of guards that carefully secured the area, yet in the center beyond their initial line of patrols, there was a drastic decrease in patrols.

    ¡°Follow me. We¡¯ll have to sneak by them.¡± Alex used the hill as cover while sliding down the side.

    ¡°And how are we going to do that?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±

    ¡°You know, I don¡¯t know why, but I don¡¯t like the sound of that.¡± Tucker followed closely behind Alex as they made their way towards the hill. He nervously looked at Alex and proned on the ground.

    They had walked around the general direction of the encampment where the patrols were heaviest and took a slight detour to the side. Yet Tucker couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart beat wildly in his chest. As he laid down on his stomach, the hair on the back of his neck stood up.

    ¡°Keep your head down, and don¡¯t make a noise. If needed, make small movements at a time to get out of their way,¡± Alex quietly instructed.

    ¡°What¡ª?¡±

    ¡°Shh.¡±

    Tucker remained still, not daring to move a single muscle as the sound of leaves being brushed aside drew closer. The sound of footsteps crushing the blades of grass vividly entered his ears. He kept his head down and moved his eyes upwards. Gazing at the guards that came into view with their weapons drawn. The fluttering noise of the Empire¡¯s banners entered his ears as they approached and with it a sense of dread.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get why we¡¯re stationed out here when the other armies are pushing towards the Kingdom,¡± one soldier said.

    ¡°Just shut up and keep moving. The job is easy and pays well, so why the fuck are you complaining?¡± Another criticized.

    ¡°Well, if we want to quickly rack up merits, then obviously we want to be where all the fightings at,¡± the soldier replied.

    Tucker held his breath as one guard walked past him. He felt the ground quake under their steps as his entire body froze, watching as bits of dirt were kicked aside. The muffled noise of their armor plates shifting, combined with the metallic scrapping sound of their boots, meant that they were practically right above him. Yet he didn¡¯t dare to move. His eyes moved to Alex, who was carefully crawling out of the way of the guards. The seasoned veteran was using every opportunity to inch out of their way and despite the cold sweat dripping down Tucker¡¯s face. He knew he needed to do the same.

    It was beyond risky, but there wasn''t a choice. He bitterly cursed in his head while hugging the ground. His knees and elbows dug into the dirt as he cautiously crawled out of the soldier¡¯s path. But before he could fully move out of the way, the sound of their footsteps stopped. Tucker paused as his eyes trembled. His heart fiercely hammering in his chest.

    They found us.

    The sinking realization hit him like a punch to the gut¡ªthey were caught. He screwed up, and there was only one way out of this situation now. They had to deal with these soldiers and move on, but the chances of Alex noticing were slim. He was too far away. If they wanted to keep their advantage and swiftly kill the patrol, it would have to be now.

    But before he could act, a sudden shift in the wind stopped him. The breeze swelled into a chaotic gust once more and Tucker¡¯s eyes widened as he realized the familiar sensation. A chill crept through his spine despite the warm spring air. He tightly held onto his mesh and kept his head as close to the ground as possible. The wind roared as a thunderous current erupted through the area. Ripping the leaves off the nearby trees once more as a shadow blocked out the sun for a brief moment.

    ¡°Fucking wyvern bastards. Flying so low just to fuck with us. They always do that shit,¡± the soldier cursed.

    ¡°Who cares? The breeze is refreshing, and we should be glad they¡¯re on our side,¡± another replied.

    ¡°Whatever, let¡¯s just keep going and finish this stupid patrol!¡±

    The soldiers bickered amongst each other as they continued walking down the hill. Once they were far enough from the duo, Alex gestured for Tucker to follow while crawling to the top. After confirming that there was no one nearby, they quickly descended to the other side.

    He crouched and let out a sigh of relief. ¡°Thank god we got through that. I thought we were fucked.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that was far too close, even for my liking,¡± Alex muttered.

    Tucker wiped the sweat from his forehead, leaving behind a dirt smudge. ¡°Should I have Gale scout up ahead?¡±

    ¡°No. Knowing the Empire, they probably have spirit contractors now as well. They would easily detect your companion and expose our cover. Just have Gale watch from afar.¡± Alex gazed at the narrow ditch that was before them. ¡°We¡¯re going to follow this to the end. It¡¯ll give us enough cover to slip past the rest of the patrols.¡±

    Tucker slid down the side, brushing aside the tall grass on the slope and landing on the dirt and loose pebbles scattered beneath his feet. He gazed at Gale, who seemed to notice him, and then made a circle with his index finger. Once his spirit understood the gesture, it immediately took off and disappeared from their sight.

    ¡°How far do we have to go?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Probably an hour or two at our current pace. The terrains changed, but I have a general idea of where we are.¡± Alex peered over the slope between the tall grass before ducking back down. ¡°There¡¯s three more groups heading the way we came. We¡¯ll need to move fast.¡±

    Tucker nodded in response. There wasn¡¯t much room for discussion; right now, they were only moments away from Everfall. One patrol after another, they carefully maneuvered through the tall grass and hid in the shadow of the trenches. Seeing Alex¡¯s leadership once more, he felt a sense of admiration and understood why everyone in the Order held him in high regard. It was unbelievable how smoothly things were going, and after witnessing it firsthand, Tucker knew that before he could be a ranger, there were other skills he needed to master.

 26. Everfall City

    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Alex crouched beside the iron grate embedded in the stone headwall of the city. His dagger hummed with a scarlet energy, the edges glowing with a bright crimson light. As he drew the blade across the iron bars, it slowly turned bright red before leaving faint curls of smoke in the air.

    ¡°You¡­ you can¡¯t be serious,¡± Tucker said with a faint hint of disgust. He watched as the grate was moved to the side, and his stomach churned from the awful smell in the tunnel. ¡°We¡¯re really going in there?¡±

    Alex flashed him an unamused glance, his expression half-hidden by the shadows. ¡°Got any better ideas, genius?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I mean¡­¡± Tucker tilted his back and forth and forced a weak smile before shrugging his shoulders.

    ¡°Thought so. Now get over here.¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­¡± Tucker gagged as he approached the grated opening. Even through his mask, the stench of sewage hit him hard, thick, and unbearable. ¡°Not what I imagined... but if it works, I¡¯m in.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll work.¡± Alex tossed his woodland camouflage mesh into the bushes, exposing his standard dark grey cloak. ¡°Now, how well can you detect people in the tunnels?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I have no clue. I¡¯ve never tried something like this.¡± Tucker mirrored Alex¡¯s actions, peeling off his disguise and tossing it in the bush. ¡°But I guess we¡¯ll have to find out.¡±

    Alex nodded, but before he could say another word, he felt a tingle in his hand. He glanced at it for a second before stepping aside and motioning toward the jagged opening. ¡°You¡¯re leading this one.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, don¡¯t make me change my mind.¡±

    Tucker cracked a smile before taking a deep breath in to prepare himself. But soon gagged at the awful smell and coughed. It was disheartening that they couldn¡¯t choose their next mission, but that much was expected since circumstances had changed. They were at war, after all.

    His boots clanged against the cold iron as he slipped through the gap, the putrid air rushing past him like a weight pressing on his chest. As Alex followed behind carrying the iron grate, he quickly secured it in place with a translucent string from his pouch. A subtle knot that would hold¡ªfor now.

    ¡°How do we find Owl in all of this?¡± Tucker whispered, his voice dampened by the tunnel¡¯s oppressive fumes.

    ¡°In situations like these, Owl always leaves a trail for other watchmen to follow. His spirit essence lingers in the air like a thread. If we fuse spirit essence into our eyes, we¡¯ll be able to see it.¡± Alex followed behind Tucker, his boots barely making a sound on the cobblestone floors. ¡°If the trail ends, then it¡¯s just up to luck on whether we find him.¡±

    Tucker let out a short, bitter laugh. ¡°Damn, well, my luck¡¯s been pretty rotten lately.¡±

    Alex smirked with the faintest flicker of amusement. ¡°Yeah, but who knows, maybe it¡¯s due for a change.¡± The veteran played out the scenarios in his head. They were so close to their objective¡ªyet so far at the same time. With no clue as to what awaited them in the shadows ahead. ¡°From this point on, lethal force is on the table. You make the call.¡±

    Tucker paused for a moment and glanced over his shoulder before focusing on what was ahead. ¡°Never thought I¡¯d hear you say that.¡±

    ¡°It was bound to happen eventually, besides wind contractors are usually better at this part than others.¡± Alex gave him a firm pat on the shoulder. ¡°If things go south I¡¯ll take over, but I trust your judgment.¡±

    Tucker gave a subtle nod and steadied his breathing. He focused, channeling his spirit essence into his eyes. The tunnel¡¯s darkness retreated, revealing in-depth details such as moss-covered stone walls and subtle cracks in the flooring. He extended his hand, weaving a thin gust of wind through the air that moved ahead of them. It was delicate work¡ªdifficult to control¡ªbut manageable as it spiraled along the narrow pathway.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Tucker whispered with a firm resolve.

    There were questions that plagued him, that gnawed at his mind, but he couldn''t spare a moment to think them through. There was no point in wondering why the Empire wanted to go to war with them, nor was there a reason to. Yet it still bothered him. His eyes gazed into the darkness of the tunnels¡ªthe unsettling feeling creeping against his body, along with the rancid smell clinging to his clothes. Everything felt off, but whether Tucker would find the answers he was looking for would only be determined by God, and together, they ventured deeper into the depths where the light failed to reach.

    <hr>

    Meanwhile, in the Abandoned Church

    Darkness clung to the church like a veil, broken only by a thin beam of light seeping through the fractured ceiling. Blaire knelt on one knee, his hands clasped, staring at the dusty floorboards. War loomed on the horizon¡ªhis homeland versus the Empire of Avalon. And in his possession, a canister that could change everything: years of dirty deals and critical intelligence on Avalon¡¯s leadership. The kind of information that could sow discord among the most trusted branches of the empire¡¯s military command.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Most of his findings had made it back to the Order, but within the past month, word had reached him of a fractured leadership¡ªone where the dukes didn¡¯t all see eye to eye. But despite the gravity of his mission, doubt gnawed at him. Something felt wrong¡ªtoo wrong.

    His gaze drifted to May and Mark, the siblings sitting on the church pews with conflicted expressions. Their youthful faces couldn¡¯t hide their anxiety. Even though May wore her trademark smirk and her arms stretched lazily across the back of the pew. He could see the worry in her eyes.

    They were family to him, but they weren¡¯t supposed to be here. He had given strict orders¡ªorders they¡¯d ignored.

    ¡°Did the administrators give you any intel?¡± Blaire asked, eyes narrowing.

    ¡°Nope,¡± May casually replied, rocking back in her seat. ¡°Just ¡®Find Owl. Protect him.¡¯ You know how it is.¡±

    Blaire clenched his fists. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be on this mission. This is a cut above the fifth tier. You haven¡¯t even earned your titles yet! Do I mean so little to you that you would ignore my teachings and risk your lives?¡±

    Hearing this, Mark leaned forward with his hands before him. He was always the more reserved of the two, and as he spoke, his voice quivered. ¡°You. Us. Family¡­¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s what makes it worse.¡± Blaire exhaled sharply. ¡°You two are all I have left, and now you¡¯re putting yourselves in such a shitty situation for me. I would have never asked for reinforcements if I knew you two were the ones being sent.¡±

    The siblings exchanged a glance, their mentor¡¯s disheveled appearance revealing the toll this mission had taken on him. His once-tidy hair now hung in strands of brown and grey, his usually bright eyes clouded with frustration and fear.

    May¡¯s smile nearly broke. ¡°Please¡­ don¡¯t be like this. I¡¯m sure Salamander and his rookie are on their way. We¡¯ll be fine once they get here¡ª¡±

    ¡°A rookie?¡± Blaire slammed his hand on the pew. ¡°Another rookie? Haven¡¯t I been through enough?¡±

    May watched as the pew shattered into countless tiny pieces and covered her face from the debris. ¡°Salamander¡¯s good. His rookie¡¯s not bad either.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not the point,¡± Blaire snapped. ¡°Rookies don¡¯t belong in operations like this. Not without proper experience. The Order has procedures for a reason, and we¡¯re risking everything because someone broke protocol.¡±

    As he spoke, unease clawed at him¡ªa growing suspicion that something far darker was unfolding.

    ¡°We have Salamander, so everything should go smoothly. Besides, they actually survived something far worse than what we¡¯ve encountered. You¡¯re overreacting.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare say I¡¯m overreacting, May.¡± Blaire gave May a stern look before shaking his head and proceeding towards the platform. With his hand, he gathered his azure spirit essence and placed it on the podium, marking it with an insignia for their Order. ¡°The first lesson that Salamander teaches those who learn from him is the very same lesson I taught you two, and it¡¯s knowing your limits. I am disappointed that you overstepped them and even though I can¡¯t say much about Salamander¡¯s rookie. I am very much furious at the administration, but odds are they were the only ones available.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± May was at a loss for words and broke eye contact with her father.

    He looked over at the siblings and clicked his tongue.

    What a fucking mess.

    Blaire examined the insignia on the podium. It was by no means perfect, but good enough for Salamander to follow. For now, they had to remain hidden until the others found them, but something didn¡¯t feel right. This sense of unease crept through his bones, constantly gnawing in the back of his mind. How was it that a rookie accidentally blew up the teleportation device the moment they were about to leave? The amount of explosives you would need wasn¡¯t a small amount, and he knew after checking that rookie¡¯s energy level that they weren¡¯t strong enough to physically destroy it. It was too much of a coincidence, one he found hard to believe.

    He signaled for the siblings to follow him as he pried open the wooden door leading to the basement. In the darkest depths of the church, through the broken stone pillars and rotting wooden beams was a single room sealed with an iron door. Owl pressed his palm against the cold metal, allowing his spirit essence to flow through the frame.

    A series of clicks echoed through the empty cellar as the iron door slowly creaked open, revealing a small room filled with various tools used by members of their Order. ¡°Mark, grab the canister. We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    Mark nodded and reached for the metal canister resting on the center of the stone table. It was cylindrical with a matte black finish that seemed to absorb all light. The lid was the exact same, with hatches connecting it to the main body.

    ¡°No¡ªwait, we can¡¯t go.¡± May grabbed Mark¡¯s wrist to stop him and stared at Blaire, who ignored her pleas.

    ¡°Make sure you grab whatever else you two may need.¡±

    ¡°Owl, listen to me. We need to wait for Salamander to arrive,¡± May desperately pleaded, but Blaire shook his head, not willing to acknowledge it.

    ¡°May, enough.¡± Blaire¡¯s stern voice cut through the air like a sharp blade. He took five daggers from the shelf, each crafted out of black iron, and strapped it to his belt. ¡°It¡¯s been lingering in my mind for a while now, but ever since our teleportation device was destroyed, I¡¯ve felt like something was off. The timing was too convenient, and I lost contact with the other watchmen in the cities further in the Empire.¡±

    ¡°They probably went back to the headquarters. There was the mass recall sent out to all watchmen.¡± May dejectedly grabbed a satchel from the shelf and flung it over her shoulders.

    ¡°Not without sending me a message.¡± Blaire stared at the old wooden desk that was buried in the corner with a single open letter. ¡°We made a pact to notify each other in case one of us ever left our post. Our predecessors upheld this tradition for decades and we did the same. So I don¡¯t believe for a damn second they returned to the Order without sending a message.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the only one that stayed back this long. You didn¡¯t even return when you received the order.¡±

    ¡°I know, but that¡¯s because I had to see this through to the end. To make matters worse, we lost our rookie as well.¡±

    ¡°But maybe¡ª¡±

    Owl covered May¡¯s mouth and pressed his index finger to his lips. He glared at the entrance they came from as a chill ran down his spine. It was faint, but he could hear it. The sound of something dripping down the staircase, through the stone corridor. They focused on the doorway and saw a figure wearing a dark green cloak with a half mask standing before them.

    ¡°Triss? Is that you?¡± Blaire asked.

    He watched as she nodded her head but soon frowned. The movements were stiff and erratic. Something that seemed beyond unnatural and as he slowly reached for the hilt of his sword. A small object rolled towards their feet. Blaire¡¯s eyes widened as he immediately realized what it was, and in an instant, he pushed May behind him.

    May watched as everything moved slowly from her perspective. The hissing sound from the orb entered her ears and drowned out the desperate shouts from her mentor. Her gaze fell to Mark, who was quickly rushing towards them, and before she knew it. A deafening noise filled the room.

 27. Into The Depths

    Blaire¡¯s eyes immediately widened as he grabbed a wooden chair and stuck the object back towards the doorway it came from. In a split second, the grey orb exploded into fiery flames and surged towards Blaire and May from the corridors.

    As the mentor hurled the chair into the inferno, he extended his hand, gathering his spirit essence from his heart. His essence formed thin threads while converging to a single point, conjuring a wall of water that emerged before them. The wall stood firm as its surface boiled from the relentless flames, billowing steam into the air at the point of contact.

    Blaire¡¯s eyes locked onto the entrance as his heart raced. ¡°Mark! Take the canister and get out from the other side!¡±

    His voice cut through the tension like a blade and left no room for hesitation. In a blur of motion, several daggers tore through the mist, but before they could find their mark, Blaire effortlessly snatched each one out of the air. Without missing a beat, he returned every single one back in the direction they came from. Creating several silver trails of light into the darkness of the doorway. Blood curdling noises leaked from the entrance and soon a crunching sound followed.

    He grabbed May with his free hand and stared directly into her eyes. ¡°I need you to protect Mark. Make sure nothing gets to him. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    May bit her lip hard enough to draw blood. She reluctantly nodded and turned away as Blaire released his grip to focus on the figures charging through the doorway. Their cloaked bodies, wrapped in a thick mist like robe, stormed through the steam, brandishing their weapons as they charged at Blaire. His gazed focused on the stone masks, taking in every bit of detail from the rigid, deformed surfaces.

    He steadied his breathing as he lunged forward, drawing his sword from its scabbard. The double-edged sword gleamed in the light as streaks of silver lines crossed the air. His blade met the aggressor¡¯s sword as a resounding clash blew away the mist. With one heavy step forward, he deflected the enemy¡¯s blade into the air and pushed closer. Crossing his arm above his head, he brought the blade back in a circle, slicing open the opponent¡¯s neck with a single fluid motion.

    Blood sprayed in a crimson arc, dying his face in a slick metallic hue, but the mentor didn¡¯t hesitate. His sharp gaze took in three more foes charging toward him, their eyes hollow yet burning with an eerie, unnatural light. Their dark cloaks were familiar, resembling the watchmen¡¯s gear¡ªbut something was disturbingly wrong about them. It was like their clothes had mended with their flesh.

    Without a second thought, Blaire seized the limp body of his fallen enemy and hurled it toward the incoming attackers. In one brutal swing, they sliced the corpse clean in half. Splatting the old blood all over the stone walls as they rushed forward.

    As the blood obscured their vision, Blaire quickly pulled out several daggers from his belt and hurled them at their throats. The daggers cut through the air at a frightening speed, but to his shock, each one missed its mark. Narrowly grazing them as the daggers bounced off the ends of their blades.

    He drew a deep breath, firmly planting his feet on the ground as the spirit essence surged through him. In a split second, an azure light came to life and engulfed his blade in an ethereal glow that chilled the surroundings. As he sliced through the air with his blade, a single arc formed. One that tore the air apart as it rushed forth, turning the ground walls into a frost-ridden wasteland.

    The attack froze their bodies in place, their hearts ceased to beat, and they stood there like statues. Yet even though he had dealt with the intruders. Blaire could sense an overwhelming presence further down in the passageway. It was a sensation he had never experienced before, and it caressed his entire body, trying to break his spirit. However, no matter how long he waited. The figure that was leaking out the presence refused to move.

    Blaire fixated his gaze on the doorway before smashing his fist through a stone brick. Pulling the hidden lever in the wall as a series of mechanisms creaked within the basement. Before the figure in the shadows could respond, a series of iron-plated walls sealed the entrance they had come from. Blaire turned towards the direction May went and immediately sprinted after them.

    As he ran down the corridor, there were no dead bodies in sight, but the sound of weapons clashing drew closer. Blaire gathered mana beneath his feet as his footsteps became muffled. In an instant, he burst through the open bulkhead doors that lead to the surface.

    The bright sunlight momentarily obscured his vision, but soon he focused on what was before him. His children, May and Mark, were standing back to back, desperately struggling against some unknown force. They were incompetent enough to get stalled by standard foot soldiers, and he knew they needed to get out of here before whatever lurked in the church emerged.

    Despite his speed, he made nearly no sound. Closing fast behind the ambusher with his blade soaked in their comrade¡¯s blood. Without sparing a moment, Blaire thrusted his sword through the heart of the enemy agent before him. Their body squirmed as the mentor¡¯s hilt reached its end. Blood droplets plastering the floor as Blaire drove the enemy forward and impaled another foe with his long sword. Using the entire weight of his body, he push both of them towards May and Mark like a battering ram and kicked their corpses to the side as he pulled out his blade.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Stay close.¡± Blaire¡¯s voice was cold and unyielding, each word heavy with authority as chills crept down their spines. He held his blade before him as the azure light gleamed in the sunlight.

    As cold vapor left his lips, he turned his blade downwards and plunged it deep into the soil. Releasing a wave of frost that swept over the ground. What started as a soft crackling sound soon erupted into a thunderous snap as the ice clawed its way through the terrain, forming large jagged sheets that pierced the enemies surrounding them.

    ¡°Follow me! We¡¯ll lose them in the slums!¡± Blaire rushed forward with May and Mark close on his heels.

    From the corner of his eyes, he could see several figures charge after them. Their black robes fluttering in the wind as they pursued them. He clicked his tongue and directed May and Mark into a narrow alleyway leading to the slums. Once they passed him, he followed closely behind and struck the entrance, creating a wall of ice to block their pursuers.

    ¡°Who the fuck were those guys?¡± Blaire asked.

    "I don¡¯t know! But according to Salamander¡¯s report, they could be the empire¡¯s special forces that he ran into during his last mission!¡± May desperately ran through the alleyways while checking each corner. ¡°Ahhhh I hate this! I didn¡¯t think we would run into them so soon!¡±

    Minutes passed, and Blaire¡¯s sharp glances behind revealed no pursuers. But as they rounded a corner, May and Mark suddenly halted. Blaire raised a brow, scanning their surroundings but soon saw May gesture for them to hide. They pressed their backs against the cold stone wall, blending in with the shadows of the buildings as the rattling of iron plates grew louder.

    As a group of soldiers emerged from the distance, he held his breath and quickly laid out his options. The soldiers were heavily armed and a direct confrontation would take too long. If they ran back, their pursuers would get them and there was nowhere for them to hide. In a desperate search for an answer, his eyes soon fell on a nearby manhole cover. Without wasting a single second, he lifted the lid and signaled for Mark and May to enter. Once they leaped down to the sewers, he quickly followed, sliding the cover back into place as he descended into the darkness.

    The moment his feet hit the cobblestone floor, a sharp blade pressed against his back.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±

    The voice was muffled but familiar. Blaire¡¯s gaze shifted to May and Mark, their hands raised in surrender. Bitterness crept into his chest. Out of all the bullshit he could have fallen into, this was the one he least expected.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Owl.¡± Alex lowered his sword, signaling for his companion to do the same. ¡°Didn¡¯t expect to run into you here.¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Tucker chimed in. ¡°Told you we weren¡¯t lost.¡±

    Alex stared at Tucker with a deadpan look in his eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear you utter a single word after the tomfoolery you put me through.¡±

    ¡°Salamander?¡± Blaire turned around and let out a sigh of relief as he held out his hand. ¡°It¡¯s a relief to see you, old man.¡±

    ¡°Likewise.¡± Alex smiled as his hand tightly clasped on Blaire¡¯s. ¡°I honestly thought we would have a hell of a lot of trouble finding you. It¡¯s a miracle you found us first.¡±

    ¡°Hey guys, I don¡¯t want to ruin the joyful reunion, but we should probably get the hell out of here.¡± Tucker pointed at the dust that fell from the top of the circular stone walls. ¡°We¡¯re already walking on a thin line with the amount of guards crawling down here.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. Now isn¡¯t the time for pleasantries.¡± Alex signaled for Blaire to take the lead. ¡°Guide us to the safe house. We¡¯ll continue our conversation there.¡±

    Blaire closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ¡°We can¡¯t. We¡¯ve been compromised.¡±

    ¡°Compromised?¡± Alex thought for a moment and stared at May and Mark. The only ones who knew of this mission were those with him now and the Head Administrator. But it was unlikely that any of them would have been traitors, especially the siblings. ¡°Then in that case, what would you suggest Owl?¡±

    ¡°Frankly, I don¡¯t know. We could try sneaking through the city¡¯s gates, but it¡¯s heavily fortified now.¡± Blaire signaled for them to follow him as he walked along the cobblestone path leading further into the sewers. ¡°There¡¯s a chance we make it out, but not with the canister. Would it be possible to leave the way you two came in?¡±

    Alex shook his head. ¡°When we tried retracing our steps, there were far more soldiers patrolling the route we went. It was like they were expecting us.¡±

    ¡°Plus, causing a commotion on that side of town would just bring the entire encampment to us,¡± Tucker added.

    Blaire looked over at May and Mark, who shrugged their shoulders. ¡°In that case, we don¡¯t have many other options left.¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± May raised her hand to draw their attention. ¡°We could use the old teleportation device at the base of the sewers. It¡¯s something we found when we were stationed here in the past. It might still be there.¡±

    ¡°That thing? It¡¯s unreliable,¡± Blaire criticized.

    ¡°But unreliable doesn¡¯t mean dysfunctional.¡± Alex stared at each member of the group. ¡°Does anyone else have any other suggestions?¡±

    ¡°We could break through the gate,¡± Tucker said.

    Everyone stared at Tucker with a series of disappointed expressions before turning away.

    ¡°Any serious suggestions?¡± Alex asked.

    After a moment of silence, Tucker turned to Alex and nodded. ¡°I guess we¡¯ve made our decision.¡± Tucker gestured for them to lead the way, and as he did this, a cold flicker of light flashed through Blaire¡¯s eyes.

    So that¡¯s the rookie.

    He glanced at Tucker, then went back to Mark, who held the canister. It wasn¡¯t worth trusting a greenhorn with something so important, and knowing Salamander, the old man would probably protect his partner. While he would have to protect Mark and May. It wasn¡¯t unexpected once he heard about them, but knowing that another burden was added didn¡¯t make him feel any better. He would die for his children, but not for some kid. Especially a kid that had yet to prove himself.

    Blaire had been in this city for years, and suddenly, everything was thrown into chaos in a single night. The rattling of their equipment made his heart sink. He clenched his fist, stretching the leather over his knuckles with a bitter feeling in his mind.

    There was a darkness lurking in Everfall. One he had never known existed, and it was rotten to the core.

 28. What Comes From The Darkness

    May cautiously peered over the rigid stone corner of the intersection. Tucker and Alex¡¯s advice was still fresh in her mind, and so far, it had been spot on. The guards would always patrol in pairs, and it was best to avoid interactions with them completely. Since another pair was never far behind. If it hadn¡¯t been for Tucker scouting the area ahead of them with his ability, they would have run into more than a few deadly confrontations.

    Once she was sure the coast was clear, May crossed the intersection without making a sound, with Tucker close on her heels. They pressed their backs against the stone wall and checked once more before signaling for the rest of the group to follow. By infusing mana into the soles of their boots, their footsteps became nearly silent, enabling them to easily detect approaching patrols from the metallic echoing noise that reverberated from the walls.

    As they reached the next intersection, Tucker¡¯s hand shot out and clung to May¡¯s shoulder, pulling her back. He pointed in the direction ahead of them and firmly shook his head. She quickly nodded and then signaled for the others to stack up against the cobblestone wall to the side, away from the direct line of sight of the guards.

    May leaned ever so slightly over the edge of the wall and stared at where they were going. Soon, two shadows emerged, followed by a sharp glow of a torch from the previous intersection. By focusing her spirit essence into her eyes, she was able to enhance her sight and make out the finer details of their equipment but before she could examine them further, Tucker tugged her back into the protective darkness of the tunnel.

    She shot a glare at him but soon froze when Tucker pressed a finger to his lips. From the other side, they could hear another set of footsteps gradually drawing closer to them. He raised three fingers and then flipped it upside down to form an ¡°M¡°, causing her eyes to widen in alarm. Another patrol was closing in, and they were less than ten meters away. May nervously stared at Alex and Blaire, who both held onto the hilt of their weapons.

    Seeing her shaking eyes, Alex gave a quick signal for them to step aside, allowing him and Owl to take the lead. They had done a superb job so far getting them past the guards, but he knew from experience that these types of missions rarely stayed smooth for long. Keeping his body low, he caught Blaire¡¯s attention and raised two fingers.

    Wait for my mark.

    Blaire nodded and tightly pressed the hilt of his sword. As May and Tucker crouched behind Mark, their hearts pounded in their chests like drums of war. The growing anxiety made every second feel like an eternity. Even though Tucker¡¯s sharp senses had picked up that the second patrol was much closer than the first. The timing had to be perfect, or else the first patrol would notice. A single misstep could expose them.

    With their weapons hidden. They all held their breath as the cold clang of iron boots scrapped against the cobblestone floor, echoing louder with each step. The tension in the air was suffocating, tightening around their necks like a noose. Yet the only ones who appeared unfazed were Alex and Blaire. Despite being the first ones to face the patrol, they remained frighteningly composed, waiting for the precise moment the second group would pass.

    As the lantern¡¯s light pierced the shadows, Alex burst forth from the darkness with his dagger gleaming in hand. He slammed into the first soldier using the entire weight of body to drag him across the intersection. A muffled grunt barely escaped the guard¡¯s lips, just loud enough to draw his comrade¡¯s attention, but it was already too late. The old man sank his dagger into the soldier¡¯s throat, silencing him as blood gurgled from his mouth, his eyes dimming as the darkness devoured him.

    Before the second guard could react, Blaire struck from the shadows. He clamped a hand over the soldier¡¯s mouth and drove his sword through his back. The blade pierced through the iron armor with ease and right through their heart. As the guard struggled violently for a few seconds, clenching onto the azure light that emitted from the sword. He desperately fought back, with tears trailing down his cheeks until his last ragged breath. Feeling the life seep out of his body, the lantern slipped from his fingertips, but before it could hit the floor, Tucker lunged forward and caught it, raising it into the air to prevent it from rattling.

    ¡°Oi! What the hell are you guys doing over there?¡±

    They all froze as the voice echoed through the tunnel. The guards from the first group had called out to the second group despite their careful antics. Tucker¡¯s eyes darted to Alex and Owl, who remained deathly quiet.

    ¡°We heard something back here. We¡¯re just checking it out!¡± Tucker called back, his voice steady as he lifted the lantern higher, waving it toward the approaching guards from around the corner. He placed his free hand over his heart, feeling each beat stretch longer as tension filled the air. The rookie swallowed his saliva and waited, praying for the ruse to work.

    ¡°Did you guys find anything?!¡± a voice called out again, sharp with suspicion.

    ¡°Just some damn rats!¡± Tucker shouted back in a firm tone. Sweat trailed down his forehead as he kept the lantern steady. ¡°We¡¯ll head back after we check a bit more!¡±Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°Fucking idiots, they¡¯re just wasting time,¡± the guard from the other patrol grumbled, but soon the sound of retreating footsteps followed.

    Tucker released a sigh of relief as the footsteps from the first group moved in another direction. He glanced around, noticing their bewildered expressions, and raised a brow. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re... sharper than you let on,¡± Blaire remarked, his tone a mix of surprise and disbelief.

    Tucker furrowed his brows, blowing out the flame in the lantern before setting it on the floor. ¡°Is that supposed to be an insult?¡±

    ¡°Maybe if I said that before, but now it¡¯s a compliment,¡± Blaire smirked. ¡°It¡¯s always Salamander that gets lucky with his rookies.¡±

    ¡°Lucky? I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s the word I would use.¡± Alex quietly chuckled before carefully propping the body against the stone wall. He wiped the blood off his dagger with his cloak before returning it to its sheath. ¡°But it¡¯s good to see you haven¡¯t lost your touch.¡±

    ¡°Ha, I should be saying that to you,¡± Blaire quietly replied.

    Alex couldn¡¯t help but agree. His gaze shifted to May. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time before they notice. How far are we from the teleportation device?¡±

    ¡°Probably a few more minutes if we ran there,¡± May replied.

    ¡°Good,¡± Alex said, nodding as he signaled for May to take point. ¡°Then it¡¯s time to pick up the pace. Let¡¯s move.¡±

    The group moved swiftly and quietly. Their footsteps were barely audible against the cold, damp cobblestone walls. The air was thick with the stench of rot and sewage, making each breath a struggle, but they pressed on. Soon, they could see a faint glow marking the end of the tunnel and from where they stood. They saw an immense chamber teeming with wreckage and the remnants of once-majestic structures, which had once served as the hallmark of an impressive facility. Broken crates littered the floor, and decaying wooden planks filled the area. The former glory of such facilities was now nothing more than a heap of trash.

    ¡°What the hell... why is there a place like this beneath the city?¡± Tucker muttered, filled with disbelief.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably because people treat this place as a trash heap. No one in their right mind would come down here,¡± Blaire replied.

    Tucker scanned the chamber. Soon, his eyes fell on an elevated platform and a large stone pillar that seemed like it would collapse with the slightest touch. ¡°Is it even safe to be in here?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± May said with a small smile, leaning lightly against her brother. ¡°Mark and I used to come here to relax after missions. Isn¡¯t that right, Mark?¡±

    Her brother nodded with his usual blank expression.

    ¡°Right¡­but how do you deal with the smell?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°The smell?¡± May tilted her head and blankly blinked. ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t smell anything. Lost that sense years ago.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­ and you?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ suffer,¡± Mark kept his deadpan tone as May quietly laughed beside him.

    Tucker worriedly smiled upon seeing May¡¯s playful demeanor return. It was a relief that the two¡¯s usual composure had returned. ¡°So this is it? We just need to enter the coordinates of one of our teleportation gates, and we¡¯re back at the Keep?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± May nodded.

    ¡°Well, we wouldn¡¯t set it to the Keep. That would be reckless,¡± Alex added, watching as Blaire and May stepped onto the platform. ¡°We¡¯ll route through Reinhold, then make our way to the Keep from there.¡±

    ¡°The dwarven keep?¡± Blaire asked, glancing back. ¡°You think they¡¯ll even accept our request?¡±

    ¡°They will,¡± Alex replied. ¡°We redeemed the Order¡¯s token there. As long as we use the usual code, they¡¯ll let us through.¡±

    Satisfied, Blaire nodded and moved to inspect the device. He placed his hand on the cold pedestal, and a soft, translucent blue light flickered to life above it. ¡°Well, at least the blasted thing still works.¡±

    Tucker narrowed his eyes at the platform. He felt something gnaw at the back of his head. ¡°Are you sure this will actually get us to the dwarf stronghold?¡±

    Blaire glanced at the rookie before shifting his gaze back at the interface hovering before him. ¡°Sure? I never said I was sure. I said it¡¯s unreliable¡ªwhich means it¡¯ll either take us there or not work at all. One or the other.¡±

    As he entered the sequence of numbers, the runes softly pulsed, filling with energy. ¡°There. All set. Now we wait for it to finish charging.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡ªcharging?¡± Tucker¡¯s frown deepened, and he shot a questioning look at Alex, who remained silent. ¡°Since when do these things take time to charge? I swear the tech behind these hasn¡¯t changed in ages. Is this normal?¡±

    ¡°Who knows?¡± May shrugged her shoulders as she stood beside Blaire. ¡°This wasn¡¯t made by the Kingdom or the Empire. From what the custodians told me, this thing is a poor attempt from another country.¡±

    The rookie and the old man exchanged uneasy glances once the realization settled in with their rising suspicions.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us about this earlier?¡± Alex asked, his voice low but sharp.

    ¡°Relax, guys,¡± May replied, rolling her eyes as she looked between Salamander and Tucker. ¡°A custodian from the Order already examined and cleared it. It¡¯s just an older version of a teleportation device that we¡¯ve used once or twice already. Is it that big of a deal?¡±

    ¡°Yes, because there was an incident with the dwarves,¡± Tucker shot back. He locked eyes with May, with each word firmly echoing through the chamber. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this seem the least bit suspicious to you?¡±

    Before anyone could answer, a faint humming filled the chamber, and the runes on the platform flickered. The pillars surrounding it came to life, and before Tucker could press for answers, May opened her mouth.

    ¡°See? We didn¡¯t even have to wait that long,¡± May smirked, but her confidence faltered when her gaze met Tucker¡¯s. His eyes were wide with fear. Without warning, he shoved Mark aside, shouting something¡ªwords she might¡¯ve understood if it weren¡¯t for the sudden ringing noise and blinding light that erupted from the platform.

    Everything became a blur. Salamander¡¯s usual calm composure was no more. Instead, a frantic look in his eyes took place as he bolted toward the platform. He hovered his hand near the hilt of his sword and clad his body in aura, forcefully enhancing his physical capabilities.

    Then, the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed closer, snapping May from her thoughts. She turned just in time to see Blaire barreling toward her, shoving her off the platform with all his strength. His brown and grey hair whipped in the sudden wind as the teleportation runes flared to life, bathing the entire chamber in a damning violet glow.

    In that same instant, a massive, jagged blade sliced through the air right where May had stood. The force of the strike collided with Blaire¡¯s body as he was blown far away and into the walls of the chamber. With the impact leaving behind a sickening crack.

 29. Evil Within

    Blood dyed her trembling hands, providing a fleeting warmth that was soon stolen by the cold winds that carried the clouds of dust across the chamber. Her vision flickered as a throbbing pain jolted through her battered body. The faint blue residue of spirit essence lingered on his fingertips and as she tried to hold onto it. It vanished, leaving behind an emptiness that struck her heart.

    May¡¯s body shuddered uncontrollably as she lay amidst the rubble of the ruined teleportation platform. Blaire¡¯s final moments flashed through her mind, causing her to grab onto shoulders in disarray while tugging the fabric of her clothes. Slowly, she turned her head, locking onto the trail of blood that led to Owl¡¯s motionless body. Her breaths came in short bursts of ragged and uneven gasps. While sweat mixed with the dust and trickled down her forehead, stinging her eyes.

    It can¡¯t be.

    Her mind screamed the truth, but her heart clung to the lie. Whispering in her mind.

    He¡¯s alive. He has to be.

    But that was a lie, a lie she told herself to believe that everything would be fine. Yet no matter what she said, or did. Her body continued to shiver uncontrollably as she lay there on the broken stone tiles. She struggled to crawl towards her mentor¡ªher father¡ªwho gave his life for hers with every bone in her body fighting against her will.

    Her instincts told her to run away. To get as far away as possible from the sinister aura wrapping around her like a thick veil. Cradling her in a malicious energy that sought to invade her mind and break her spirit. Her fingers scraped against the cold floors as she squirmed back.

    The sinister energy refused to let go and clung to her. Oozing into the surroundings like a living miasma that tainted everything it touched and soon a voice whispered into her ear.

    [You killed him.]

    No, I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª

    [But you did, and you liked it.]

    Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

    [Why? You know the truth, after all. I can feel it. I can see it in your memories.]

    The voice tore apart May¡¯s mind bit by bit, gnawing at her thoughts as it tried to deconstruct every part of her life. She could feel her heart quiver in pain as she tried to focus on the platform. Feeling the malevolent aura leaking from the center of the teleportation device like a plague. Still, she felt powerless to do anything.

    A hand reached out from the depths of the platform. Pulling itself free as it rose from the debris, with rubble falling off its shoulders. The shadow loomed over her and the other watchmen, relishing in its newfound freedom. With two obsidian horns jutted from the sides of its ashen head, sharp and curved like scythes. Its smog-colored skin was unlike anything they had ever seen before. Its fingers wrapping around a single, jagged object. A blade resembling that of a rusty cleaver. The weapon hummed a chaotic tune that seemed to shake their very souls as its distorted appearance shimmered with corrupted energy like the abyss.

    Yet despite the noise, Tucker raced to the platform and pushed through the thick miasma that leaked from the platform before grabbing onto May. ¡°May! Can you move!¡± He stared in bewilderment at her upon noticing how much she was trembling and then threw her towards Mark along with the broken metal canister as pages flew out from the side. ¡°Get out of here and bring this back to the Order!¡±

    Mark held the broken canister and May. His eyes shifted towards the demon, but before they could move any further. Tucker¡¯s desperate voice entered his ears. ¡°Listen, you need to finish the mission. We¡¯ll buy time for you!¡±

    The giant nodded and quickly took May and what was left of the canister before heading to the entrance of the tunnel. He gazed back at the other watchmen and bitterly gritted his teeth before sprinting down the tunnels.

    Tucker watched as Alex engaged the figure that came from the teleportation device and gritted his teeth. He wanted to help the old man, but right now, he needed to check on Owl. His eyes scanned the area for the injured watchman, but instead, the other half of the pages came into sight. He felt his spirit essence waver as he stared at the contents.

    The information was the key to their mission. A crucial piece of the puzzle that could change the very outcome of the war. Tucker knew this but felt his hands shake as he reached for the pages. They were scattered throughout the area and if he wanted, he could gather them all but¡­

    Why am I hesitating?

    The thought gnawed at him as he clenched his jaw. If he grabbed the papers and ran with Alex, they would easily complete the mission. It was everything the Order needed. Yet the idea didn¡¯t sit well with him. It didn¡¯t feel right to abandon one of their own, and if he did. He would be no better than the watchmen before him.

    There was also no telling how far the pages had flown through the area, and if he did try to search for it, Owl would definitely die before he found them all.

    What would Alex do?

    Tucker asked himself with frustration tightening in his chest. He knew the answer but couldn¡¯t bring himself to move, and as he thought this, a gust of wind from Gale pushed him forward. Forcing him to step towards Blaire as if a snapping realization grabbed hold of him. The pages would have to wait. First, he needed to save Blaire, then face the demon.

    Running through the clouds of dust, Tucker waved his hand, fanning out the smoke that blocked his vision. The metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air. Guiding him towards Blaire who was buried beneath a pile of stone bricks and wooden planks, and with sparing a second, Tucker rushed over. Dropping to his knees as he scrapped and clawed through the debris to free the watchman.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    When Blaire¡¯s broken body finally came into view, Tucker popped the cork off of the healing potion and held their body while pouring the crimson liquid over his wound. It sizzled and bubbled on the large gash, but as Tucker stared at his bloodstained hands, his heart sank.

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Tucker dropped the empty vial, listening to it bounce on the floor. A knot formed in his throat as he stared at Owl¡¯s motionless body. His mind struggled to process what had just happened¡ªlike time itself had frozen, but the evidence was right in front of him.

    Owl was dead. The ambush instantly killed him.

    Tucker clenched his fist. An overwhelming sense of guilt filled his mind, and he didn¡¯t know what to do.

    I should have checked the platform. I should have told them about the issue with the dwarf¡¯s teleportation device.

    Tucker¡¯s mind raced as he played the scenario out in his head. He pressed on the wound, trying to keep it shut, and poured another vial over it. Then another, and another, until finally he ran out. The last vial hit the ground, shattering into countless tiny pieces as Tucker knelt there, thinking about how he could have done to change the outcome. A way to save Owl, yet no matter how much he tried, it was impossible. And that reality left him shocked.

    ¡°Focus!¡±

    Tucker snapped out of his thoughts and followed the voice to Alex, who shouted at the top of his lungs. He watched the old man swiftly deflect the jagged cleaver to the side and slash at the creature¡¯s chest. His blade nicking the surface as his flames flared in desperation to penetrate its defenses.

    He stood there frozen, but knew that now wasn¡¯t the time to grieve. He needed to help his partner, or else the old man would suffer the same fate as Owl. Tucker bit his lip and took the medallion from Blaire¡¯s body with a pained expression. It was impossible to retrieve his body, but the least he could do was to carry his memento. Yet, as he inspected the small medallion, his eyes widened.

    Not a single scratch was on the surface of the cold owl-shaped metal with an azure ribbon on the end. The medallion was perfectly fine.

    Despite the intense bleeding from Owl, the watchman was still alive. Even if it was just barely. Otherwise, the medallion would have snapped in half, signaling their death as the spirit essence that bridged their soul to his companion would cease to exist. Without wasting a second, he grabbed hold of Blare¡¯s arm and threw him over his shoulder.

    The rookie stared at the demonic creature. It was more than double the size of Alex and could single-handedly swing its cleaver with ease. He needed to do something to turn the tides of the battle. To help his mentor, and after scanning his surroundings. His gaze fell on the stone bridge above the platform.

    As the demon clashed with Alex beneath the shadow of the stone bridge. An idea came to mind. Alex held his ground against the monstrous beast, locking it in a feral dance that pushed and pulled the air in the chamber. In an instant, Tucker gathered his spirit essence within the palm of his hands, letting it coalesce into a verdant swirl as Gale emerged from the sphere of energy. With a flutter of its wings, Gale took to the sky. A look of anger flashed in its eyes at the Hellspawn perched on the platform. An undeniable fury containing pure hatred and spite.

    ¡°Gale! I need you to break that stone bridge above the platform!¡± Tucker frantically ordered, praying that his spirit companion would cooperate and sensing the urgency in his voice. It immediately flew towards the cobblestone bridge and flapped its wings, releasing a fierce slash of wind that destroyed the two outer sections of the cobblestone bridge.

    Alex, who sensed the abundance of spirit energy in the chamber, looked up and watched as the structure above him crumbled. The falling stone and dust landed all around him as he battled the demon. Their blades clashed, shockwaves erupting through the area. His eyes narrowed while strengthening his body with aura. There was only one way they would win, and it was crushing the demon under a mountain of stone.

    Bit by bit, more rubble descended onto the platform. Catching the demon¡¯s attention as it glared at the collapsing bridge with its violet eyes. Yet before it could move out of the way, Alex circled around the fiend and concentrated his essence on the edge of his sword. In one swift motion, he severed both of the demon¡¯s achilles tendons, forcing it to cry out in pain as it struggled to stand.

    The collapsing stone bridge fell, and without wasting a single moment, Alex drove off the platform and rolled to his side before standing. Dust flew everywhere as the large section of the bridge fell on top of the demon. With a resounding crash, the platform quaked as it shattered beneath the pressure of the large stone fragment. After moments of silence, the two stood still.

    ¡°Did we get it?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°If the dwarves managed to kill a four-horned demon by dropping an anvil on it. Then it should be as good as dead with that bridge on top of it.¡±

    Tucker let out a sigh of relief, watching as Alex walked over to the other half of the broken canister Mark had dropped. The pages were torn and shattered throughout the filth and sewage. Any hopes of recovering the reports were hopeless now, but before he could think about what to do next, Alex¡¯s gaze fell on the rookie. Tucker clenched Owl¡¯s body with a bitter expression and, seeing this, Alex lightly patted his shoulder.

    ¡°There¡¯s still hope. If we leave now and reach the dwarven stronghold, there¡¯s a chance he¡¯ll make it.¡± Alex¡¯s soft tone was quiet but firm. The old man was sincere in his words causing Tucker to nod with a hope filled gaze.

    Before another word escaped, they both felt the earth shake. Their eyes narrowed as the noise of a deep rumble filled the chamber, accompanied by a sharp crunch of stone reverberating behind them. The dust cloud had yet to settle, and the unease in their bodies wouldn¡¯t clear. Tucker¡¯s gaze fell on Gale, and soon his companion flew towards the thick wall of smoke. With one powerful beat of its wings, it blew away the dust surrounding the broken platform, causing a well of emotions to fill their minds.

    The demon had yet to fall. Its weapon buried itself in the ground before it, and with one knee on the ground, it held the colossal bridge with both arms as the object rested on its shoulders. The two watchmen stood there in disbelief as the fiend released a terrifying howl that shook them to their very core. Its muscles tensed as the veins bulged along its forearms and neck. It pushed its arms upwards. Each inch gained from the demon¡¯s display of raw prowess caused their breath to fall short. In an instant, it raised the bridge above its head in defiance and hurled the object to the side as its bloodshot eyes locked onto them.

    They felt the ground shake once the bridge slammed into the ground. Their thoughts wandered for a moment as the demon reached for its blade. Once it held the hilt of its cleaver, the beast slowly swung its blade to the side, cutting the empty air before the fallen structure. Before they could comprehend what had just happened, the bridge blew up into countless tiny pieces, sending rubble flying in all directions.

    Alex clicked his tongue and took out several white cubes from his pouch. ¡°We¡¯re leaving.¡±

    Without waiting for Tucker to respond, he threw the orbs onto the shattered ground, breaking the spheres into tiny pieces as a cloud of smoke filled the entire chamber. Both of them immediately turned tail and sprinted towards the tunnel they came from, but as they reached the entrance, a terrifying chill crept up their spines. Tucker¡¯s entire body broke out into a cold sweat as he felt his heart stop. Something was looming over him, and he couldn¡¯t tell what it was. His entire body trembled in fear as it crept upon them, and then the world suddenly faded into darkness.

 30. Resilience

    Darkness filled his vision. The sound of water dripping against the cold cobblestone bricks loudly echoed in his ears. Then, the earthy musk of the dirt entered his nostrils, overwhelming his senses as he failed to move his limbs. Everything felt overloaded for seconds, then minutes, before finally vanishing into nothingness.

    The only thing he could feel was the outline of the objects around them. As he was sinking into despair, a familiar scent filled the air. A stench that hit him like a wall, one that was thick and foul, leaving a bitter, unpleasant taste in one¡¯s mouth. Tucker¡¯s eyes widened once he realized what it was. The surrounding area shifted as ashes fell from the sky. Burnt flesh filled the air as the veteran faced the direction of the demon.

    Before Tucker could even react, a powerful aura slash collided against them. The aftershock sent his body flying back into the tunnels as Alex stood his ground and split the attack in half. Tucker felt his body ache in pain from the recoil of the attack but pushed through the agony and brought himself to his feet. He tightly held onto Owl. His entire body shivered, with his vision fading in and out.

    I need to hold on¡­

    His eyes slammed shut as the ear-piercing sound in his ears rang. The rookie¡¯s body trembled in pain from the bruises he suffered from the backlash. There were small cuts on his limbs that bled slowly and a stinging pain to his side, but he ignored it and pushed through. Dragging Owl to safety while narrowly dodging the falling debris from the crumbling chamber. He could feel the ground shake from the fierce battle between the veteran and the demon. Flashes of red and grey clashed violently from their thunderous exchange.

    He looked over to where Alex stood. His sword was enveloped in flames, and from a glance, he could tell that the veteran was running out of breath. The demon, on the other hand, wore a dastardly grin as it frantically swung its cleaver in the air. Tearing apart the surroundings without a care in the world. The look of ecstasy on its face struck fear into Tucker¡¯s very heart as its twisted grin grew wider.

    BANG, BANG, BANG.

    The sound of their blades colliding shook the chamber. Each one tearing through the layered stone floor with a powerful rumble.

    Tucker placed Blaire down at the entrance of the tunnel with Gale beside him. His companion rested on his shoulder, and he knew the situation was far more dire than expected.

    ¡°Gale, do you think you could do something?¡± Tucker asked, watching his companion shake their head. ¡°I see¡­ in that case, it¡¯s probably best you head back.¡±

    His companion stared at him with a puzzled light in their eyes. Gale tilted their head and softly landed on his shoulder.

    ¡°It took me a while to understand why you were so mad when I summoned you. But it¡¯s probably because of how I used you as bait.¡± Tucker checked his pouch and saw the explosive grey orbs. He only had two, but it was likely enough to deal a significant wound against the demon. ¡°Go.¡± He knew that if Alex could barely wound the fiend, then even with Gale here, there wasn¡¯t the slightest chance in hell he would be able to.

    He was only a three-star aura user at best. An aura user who could barely hone aura around his body, let alone his weapon. Hopelessly outmatched by the demon, whose world-manifesting power equaled that of a five-star aura user. Even if there was a mage here, they would need to at least have formed their sixth circle to bend the laws of the world in their favor to interfere against the fiends¡¯ domain.

    Alex could match the bastard for now, but there was no telling for how long. If he could use his life to create an opening to kill the demon, then it would be worth it.

    With one last look at Gale, Tucker brushed his companion off his shoulder. ¡°Return to the spirit realm.¡±

    The stench of decaying flesh permeated the chamber, and there was little he could do to turn the tides of battle. But that didn¡¯t mean everything was hopeless. Their surroundings had wrapped into a chaotic cluster, with the stone surroundings shrouded in a dark hue. Meanwhile, ashes from Alex¡¯s world descended from above like snow.

    He didn¡¯t understand what it meant to be a watchman anymore. Nor did Tucker know how valuable it was to be a spirit contractor, but if there was one thing he knew. It was that he would pave the way for himself with actions.

    I¡¯ll make an opening.

    Tucker clenched onto the orbs and took a step forward. Yet, despite his wishes, Gale blocked his path.

    The rookie gazed at his companion. The wind lashed against his skin. It coiled around his body, gathering around his fingertips with a seamless sense of unity as if holding his hand. His spirit essence thrummed in rhythm with the steady beating of his heart. Then he noticed it¡ªa thin, ethereal thread of string gently caressing his heart. It was something subtle yet profound and had somehow escaped his awareness until now.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    His brows knit slightly in confusion, but for some reason, the thread felt soothing. Like a refreshing breeze that swept through the grass plains of his homeland on a bright and cloudless day. Swaying the countless blades of grass in harmony.

    Curiosity filled his mind as he tugged on the thread with his spirit essence. Strumming a pleasant note that resonated with his soul. Unlike the clump of raw essence that was stored in his heart before. This was something different¡ªsomething refined and deliberate that guided the flow of energy. Yet, no matter how much Tucker tried to understand it, the thread eluded him. It wasn¡¯t like aura, the pure manifestation of one¡¯s soul, nor mana, the natural gift granted by the world. The thread seemed to connect only to Gale, yet nothing felt new. After all, their contract had been forged months ago. So why now?

    The chaos erupting on the devastated platform snapped Tucker¡¯s focus back to the battle. He didn¡¯t have the time to dwell on what the thread was¡ªnot when Alex needed him. But before he could take another step, Gale hovered in place with each beat of its wings, urging him to try using his spirit essence even though Tucker knew it wouldn¡¯t work. He conceded and placed the orbs back in his pouch.

    There wasn¡¯t a point in arguing with his Gale and as he channeled his spirit essence. He felt something different. The sensation of his spirit essence flowing out of his heart was far more pure than before. It moved naturally through his body, becoming more refined as he held out an arm and pulled back with his other arm like he was drawing a bowstring.

    Tucker focused as the air around him seemed to ripple with raw energy. The wind coalescing into an arrow in his grip, one that was far more powerful and volatile than before. Strengthening with every beat of his heart, but the newfound power was unsteady and wild. Raging like a storm that wanted to break free from its constraints. His arms quivered as he tried to hold the arrow in place, nearly losing his focus with the force whipping against his face.

    He gritted his teeth, pouring every ounce of concentration into stabilizing the energy. There was no room for mistakes, and Tucker had only one shot¡ªone chance to create an opening for his comrade.

    And, as the demon swung its cleaver downward, Alex returned the strike back into the air. Deflecting the massive weapon back from where it came. Tucker¡¯s instincts kicked into action upon seeing the outstretched demon. This was his chance and with a quick release of his bowstring. The arrow nocked in place soared through the clouds of dust, free from its constraints. Drawing a single emerald trail across the chamber in less than a second.

    Before the demon could react, the arrow tore through the wrist that held the cleaver. It screeched in agony, dropping the cleaver behind it. Pitch-black blood gushed out of its wrist, its murky liquid staining the ground. Without wasting a single second, Alex tightened his grip on the hilt. A fine line of embers formed on the blade¡¯s end and glowed in a bright orange hue, with his aura fanning the flames. Every muscle in his body filled with tension as the old man took a step forward, swinging the blade with a devastating force that tore apart the ground in front of him. The ashes in the surroundings danced around him like thousands of falling leaves and rushed forth. In one clear motion, the sword whistled through the air, cutting a precise arc that blurred with the speed of the strike.

    With the full weight of the attack pushing forward, a thunderous crack echoed throughout the chamber as a vivid orange line appeared horizontally on the demon¡¯s stomach. The sheer force behind the strike left a fierce scar on the terrain as the walls on the other side of the chamber mimicked the smoldering line on the demon¡¯s body.

    The demon stood there with its eyes rolled back, leaving only its black sclera visible to them. As both its arms slumped over to its side, and its head fell forward with its severed torso clear in sight. Alex sheathed his weapon and walked towards Tucker. The veteran took one glance at Owl¡¯s body.

    Whatever was left of their objective had been destroyed in the aura slash, and his world had charred the pages. It was too late to gather the pieces that were left, and all Alex could do was shake his head. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Tucker nodded before looking over his shoulder at the darkened hues of the platform. Compared to the deafening clash before, an eerily silence now hung heavily in the aftermath of the battle. Both of them were battered and bloodied from the fight. They had narrowly failed the mission, and Blaire was barely alive. It was nothing short of a miracle. A bittersweet victory if Mark and May made it out with the other half of the canister.

    He turned away from the chamber, trailing closely behind the veteran with a heavy heart. Was this what it meant to be a watchman? If they made one mistake, and the scales tipped even slightly in the demon¡¯s favor. Then, they would have had to abandon Blaire, even though he was still alive.

    But as Tucker was lost in his thoughts, the hair on the back of his neck stood still. He felt the air shift. His eyes darted back towards the platform, and Alex, sensing the change, followed his gaze.

    Horror grabbed hold of them as their bodies were rooted in place. The demon¡¯s body slowly rose. Its legs stood firmly on the ground as the black ichor oozed from its severed torso, pulling its mangled form together like countless strings on a grotesque puppet. Bones cracked and groaned, realigning the torn flesh around an object that embedded itself within its chest before sinking into its ribcage.

    Before the demon could continue to heal itself, Tucker¡¯s instincts kicked into action. His spirit essence channeled itself into several small arrows and soon drew bright green arcs in the air. The volley met the demon¡¯s vulnerable body, each strike snapping bones and twisting flesh, but it was useless. The creature didn¡¯t falter one bit and welcomed the attack with unnerving indifference.

    Once the demon was firmly standing in place, its eyes rolled back into place as its violet iris focused on the watchmen. It didn¡¯t speak. It didn¡¯t roar. Not a single sound escaped its lips. It simply stretched out its remaining hand towards the cleaver that had fallen several meters away from it. The cold steel scrapped across the cobblestone floor with a horrific screeching sound. Sparking bright embers against the grey tones of the landscape before flying into the demon¡¯s grasp.

 31. A Necessary Diversion

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ that¡¯s impossible¡­¡± Tucker¡¯s face twisted with horror as the demon took a step forward. ¡°Didn¡¯t we kill it?¡±

    Alex fell silent. He knew for certain the attack was fatal and that there were no signs of life in the demon¡¯s body. So, how was it possible for it to recover that quickly? Was it because of the object he caught a glimpse of? He stared at Tucker and gestured for the rookie to pick up their fallen comrade before drawing his sword. With a loud crash, Alex sent a slash of energy at the entranceway of the tunnel causing the stones to break free.

    ¡°We¡¯re leaving. We have what we need, so stay close.¡± Alex locked eyes with Tucker, who quickly nodded as their face turned pale.

    The rumble of collapsing stone fell as the entrance to the chamber caved in. With little time left, they sprinted deeper into the darkness of the passageways, but just as they reached an intersection. A thunderous explosion erupted behind them, splitting the air as the demon tore through the blocked entrance with an unrelenting force no mortal had seen. The force of their outbreak hurled stones and jagged rocks after them. Narrowly striking their exposed figures as the projectiles flew past.

    Desperation flickered in Alex¡¯s eyes as his gaze locked with the demons. In another futile attempt to buy time, the old man released another slash of flames towards the ceiling behind them. Igniting the surface and caving in the section between them and the demon.

    ¡°Shit! Will that slow it down?¡± Tucker hit the ground running as his breathing grew more ragged and uneven.

    ¡°No clue, kid, we¡¯ll have to see!¡± Alex gazed behind him with an anxious light in his eyes as they continued sprinting down the sewers. The rookie was close on his heels, but a sense of unease gripped his heart.

    Just as the tunnel fell silent, the sound they feared the most filled their ears once more. With a deafening roar, the blockade exploded with rubble scattering like shrapnel. They had a clear sight of the demon, enraged with its muscles tensed beyond belief. The demon crushed the cobblestone floor with every step, its cleaver held high like a battering ram

    ¡°We can¡¯t outrun it.¡± Alex¡¯s stern voice caused a flash of worry to surface in Tucker¡¯s eyes. ¡°We need to delay it. It¡¯s the only way we¡¯ll escape.¡±

    ¡°Delay it? How the hell are we going to do that!¡± Tucker retorted.

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you some time¡ª¡±

    ¡°Hell no!¡± Tucker shot down Alex¡¯s suggestion and swallowed his saliva once he heard this, but soon he had an idea. Gale was flying several meters ahead of them, scouting the route for them, and normally, they would move along the safest path. However, that wasn¡¯t necessary. ¡°Follow me!¡±

    Alex raised a brow as they made a sharp turn at the intersection. He immediately sent an attack at the ceiling, destroying the section as the rubble came down. Soon, he saw a large group of heavily armored guards before them. It clicked in his head what Tucker wanted to do, but it would be a miracle if it worked. Their large rectangular shields were interlocking one another as they lowered their spears in their directions, forming a tight-knit shield wall.

    We won¡¯t be able to easily pass them.

    As Alex thought this, he watched Tucker gathering mana within the soles of his boots and running at an angle up the circular walls. He swiftly passed the human barricade, causing the soldiers beneath him to stare in awe. It was the first time he had ever seen feather step used in such a situation, and he immediately increased his momentum.

    The veteran ran along the walls of the tunnel and quickly passed the shield wall. He looked over his shoulder as the soldiers raised their aura in unison. They fully devoted their attention to the stampeding demon, watching its blade create long gashes within the walls. With a roaring clash, screams and battle cries could be heard behind them as they raced to the exit.

    There was only one way out that they knew of, and it was the way they came from. The guards swarming the sewers had formed groups and were now approaching the direction of the battle. All they had to do was reach the exit and escape towards the Dwarven stronghold. Yet no matter how far they ran, the stone tiles quaked as something drew closer.

    ¡°Is that thing really still chasing us?!¡± Tucker looked back, watching a group of soldiers rush into the tunnel leading towards the chamber. Soon, their limbs were blown back as the demon peered over the corner. Its body was riddled with blade marks and impaled with broken spears. It released a deafening howl that shook the entire area before frantically charging at them.

    ¡°How much further are we from the exit!?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Probably five minutes!¡± Tucker¡¯s arms felt like lead at this point. They had been running nonstop while strengthening their body with aura, even if they made it out of the sewers. They were still hours away from the dwarven stronghold. ¡°But what do we do about the encampment? We won¡¯t be able to sneak past them!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. We don¡¯t need to sneak past them this time,¡± Alex replied with a smirk. ¡°We¡¯ll bring this bastard straight to them.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened in shock for a moment, but he soon nodded. The iron grate was in front of them, and with one simple push, it fell over as they rushed out from the sewers. In a split second, Alex picked up their ghillie suits before setting the nearby bushes on fire. He quickly threw it over his cloak, barely securing it while running towards the rolling hills with Tucker doing the same.If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    It was an open field to the encampment and whether they had enough energy to make it out of there was another story. Each step felt heavier than the last. Alex glanced at Tucker, whose pace had decreased. He could tell that the rookie was struggling to keep up, and he was in a similar situation. They were both heaving as though the air was too thick to inhale. From the trails of sweat that fell down their face, stinging their eyes and blurring their vision, it would be a miracle to make it past the encampment unscathed.

    Alex took Owl without hesitation from Tucker¡¯s grasp, praying that the change in weight would make a world of difference for the rookie.

    ¡°I¡¯m... fine...¡± Tucker¡¯s words came out spaced between his breaths, and a dazed look filled his eyes. He took several deep breaths to soothe his mind. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯ll make it.¡±

    Alex stared at Tucker with unease but nodded. He had no choice other than to trust his words. They both dashed towards the encampment, drawing the attention of several patrols. Gale did what it could and conjured a gust of wind to propel them forward. However, hot on their trail was the demon that destroyed the headwall with a single swing. Stepping forth into the sunlight for the first time in centuries.

    A look of ecstasy filled its expression. It held out both arms and embraced the sunlight while grinning. The demon felt joy at the warmth that hit its skin, but soon, its eyes scanned the area. Right before falling onto the two watchmen sprinting across the field. It had a contract to fulfill. One that it had agreed to complete once it had been brought into this world. Even though the other two that were in the tunnel had escaped far before them. They were already marked for death. It would find them eventually.

    Seeing the flames to the side, the demon grinned and held the bloody cleaver over it. Slowly, the embers crawled onto the blade and engulfed the weapon. The world around it faded to black once more, with grey and white outlines of figures throughout the area. Its foes were clever, using other mortals as fodder to buy time so they could escape, but sheer numbers meant nothing to it. The longer it remained in this realm, the closer it got to its true strength.

    With a single swing of its cleaver, a line of flames surged forth. Cutting down the trees in its path as the attack shot forth. Flames engulfed the land and smoke billowed into the air. With anticipation, it waited to see if the two would be severed in half, but to its dismay, they narrowly avoided the attack by diving into a ditch. It grinned while licking its lips. The hunt would be too easy if they had fallen for a strike of that caliber. The cleaver rested on its shoulder as it took a step forward.

    Alex and Tucker felt the hair on the back of their necks stand. They rose from the ditch and turned towards the walled city. A look of disbelief filled their faces. The demon had twenty spears within its body with broken shafts and countless scars. Its hand was still missing, but it had peeled the flesh from its wrist back and sharpened the bone to form a new weapon.

    The rookie stood there in shock. ¡°Is that thing fucking immortal?¡±

    ¡°Who knows? But if there¡¯s one thing I know for sure. It¡¯s that those guys in the encampment won¡¯t sit still.¡± Alex pulled Tucker beneath the cover of the foliage. Both of them huddled over Owl¡¯s body, concealing him with the thick vegetation from their suits.

    Soon, the ground trembled beneath the synchronized rhythm of hundreds of boots striking the ground in unison. The two watchmen glanced over the ridge of the trench. Soldiers were marching out to meet the demon in the open field. The patrols from the outer perimeter were closing in, but they weren¡¯t focused on them. Their sole focus was on the demon that released an unrelenting amount of killing intent like a thick fog that seemed to wither whatever it touched.

    As row after row of figures advanced towards the city, the blades of grass crunched beneath the soles of their boots. Their armor made a soft metallic sound as they marched with their weapons, swaying with each step. The sheer mass of soldiers felt like an unstoppable force, demonstrating the empire¡¯s military prowess. Yet the demon welcomed the challenge. It leaped off the ground, crossing the distance in an instant. As it landed, the ground cracked, and a force of wind burst forth from the center of impact. The soldiers stood there in shock, not expecting the foe to charge head-first into them.

    But before they could react, the demon swung its cleaver through the air, striking their shield wall with all its might. Each strike of the demon sent countless bodies into the air, and in retaliation, many soldiers pushed in, using the opening to thrust their weapons into the fiend¡¯s flesh. But to their horror, their weapons failed to pierce through its skin. With its spear-like arm, it impaled three soldiers who recklessly charged at it and crushed another beneath its foot. The ashen skin turned a bright crimson as blood stained it, making its ghastly appearance even more prominent during its rampage.

    Seeing the carnage before them, the watchmen quickly moved towards the encampment. Tucker could hear the screams and sounds of battle even from this far away, but now the demon was no longer their problem. They carefully evaded the soldiers who were sent out to reinforce the main army and climbed over the makeshift walls. Staring at the near-empty encampment as the majority of its forces sallied to fight the fiend, leaving only servants and stable masters left behind.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to take their horses and escape,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°But what about the servants?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°We¡¯ll deal with them like normal. They¡¯re war personnel, so it¡¯s expected that they¡¯ll put up a resistance.¡±

    Tucker nodded and closely followed Alex as they dashed through the encampment. The empty tents and gazes from afar caught his attention, but it didn¡¯t matter at this point whether they were detected. The demon was keeping most of the army stationed here busy, and from the chaotic symphony being played beyond the walls, they could tell it was a desperate battle in the field.

    The old man carried Owl over his shoulder, and as they approached the stable, Tucker drew his blade. The servant had noticed them long ago and was cowering in fear. Yet the moment Tucker took a step forward, the stable master immediately sprinted away. Faster than any person Tucker had ever seen before.

    ¡°Well, not much resistance there,¡± Tucker said, shrugging his shoulders.

    ¡°That¡¯s better for us.¡± Alex fastened the saddle to the horse and swiftly mounted the beast. ¡°Take a horse, and let¡¯s get the fuck outta here.¡±

    The rookie nodded and mimicked the veteran¡¯s actions while mounting another horse. He gazed at the open gates and held onto the reins of his mount. With a light tap, his horse raised both of its forelegs above the ground and then hit the ground with a powerful gallop. Leaving a cloud of dust as it kicked off the path.

 32. What It Means To Be A Watchman

    ¡°Ahhhhh! General Windsor! General Windsor!¡± The stable master screamed at the top of his lungs as he burst through the general¡¯s tent. ¡°Sir! Sir! Sir! I have horrible news! Awful news!¡±

    Ernest slapped Bryan twice across his face and gritted his teeth. ¡°Speak then, you idiot! What is it?!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s the watchmen. They¡¯ve come, and they stole our horses!¡±

    ¡°Watchmen? This far behind the front lines?¡± Ernest raised a brow. ¡°Are you absolutely sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes! Green cloaks and all that. They even had some sort of body with them!¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Ernest went deep into thought. He then looked at his second command, Isaac. ¡°Have the fifth calvary chase after them. I¡¯ll deal with the abomination battling our men.¡±

    ¡°But sir, we can¡¯t afford to have you waste your energy on some foe our army can deal with,¡± Isaac protested. ¡°We need you in perfect condition to hold off the dwarves in case they attack us like in the last war!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll do as you¡¯re told.¡± Ernest lifted his great sword from the ground as he rose from his chair. It was nearly two-thirds of his powerful frame, and now that he was standing, his shadow towered over the stable master.

    ¡°General Windsor, if your son finds out I let you go. He¡¯ll beat the shit out of me!¡± Isaac stood his ground and blocked Ernest¡¯s path. But before he could draw his sword, Ernest drove his fist into their chest. Shattering their black iron chest plate. ¡°Congratulations Bryan, you''re now second in command until Isaac wakes up.¡± He glared at Bryan, who trembled in place. ¡°Gather the fifth calvary with Sir Noah leading and have them capture the watchmen.¡±

    ¡°Yes sir, Mister General Windsor sir!¡± Bryan bowed and quickly scurried away.

    As Bryan left the command tent, Ernest kicked the unconscious knight into a chair and frowned. The thunderous sounds of battle drew closer as his boots scraped against the ground. Even though it had been decades since he last encountered them. He knew from a glance that this wasn¡¯t their doing. They were dishonorable bastards, but they would never dance with demonic beings. After all, watchmen were spirit contractors by blood. Beings whose sole existence detested devils.

    .

    .

    .

    Tucker held onto the horse''s reins and kept his heels behind his hip as they rested in the stirrups. The wind lashed against his face, carrying the scent of dust and sweat. His surroundings became a blur and the sound of the hooves galloping against the stone bricks entered his ears. They were close to the stronghold and had been riding for over an hour. With no signs of someone chasing them.

    ¡°How much longer until we reach the stronghold?¡± Tucker asked, his voice a bit strained from unease.

    ¡°Not far,¡± Alex replied, glancing over his shoulder. ¡°We¡¯ll be there any minute now at our pace.¡±

    ¡°Well, I sure as hell hope so.¡± Tucker forced a smirk and glanced at the sky. ¡°That wyvern¡¯s still out here somewhere, and I don¡¯t want to see that thing again.¡±

    Alex nodded. ¡°That we can agree on.¡±

    As they passed another set of crossroads, a distinct, relentless rhythm of rumbling began to build beneath the thunderous clattering of hooves. Tucker glanced over his shoulder and towards the treelines, feeling the ground tremble with a sense of unease. It was as if something was pushing them aside, aiming straight for their location. His eyes widened in shock, catching glimpses of shadows shifting through the leaves. Then, with a splintering crack, the branches of the trees snapped as several figures burst through the foliage.

    Their silver armor gleamed in the sunlight as their cloaks danced like banners in the wind. The unmistakable red surcoats in the chaos revealed who they were, and Tucker¡¯s stomach dropped. The Empire¡¯s knights had arrived.

    Alex asked in a low voice. ¡°How many are there?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. It¡¯s hard for me to tell when we¡¯re moving this fast.¡± Tucker worriedly stared at Alex. ¡°Should I try having Gale scout for us?¡±

    Alex nodded. ¡°See if your companion can clear the path ahead of us.¡±

    Tucker nodded, his fingers trembling as he channeled his spirit essence. The thread that linked their souls strummed as Gale continued to soar high into the sky with a sharp cry. As their spirit essences fused together, a rush of clarity flooded his mind. He could feel the winds shifting, the hooves pounding, and the steel armor clamoring. Nearly ten knights were closing in on them with their trusted steeds, but Tucker couldn¡¯t help but feel that something was off. Why weren¡¯t they charging directly at them? What were they waiting for?

    ¡°They aren¡¯t charging at us,¡± Tucker spoke in a low voice. One that only the two of them could hear.

    ¡°They aren¡¯t?¡± Alex couldn¡¯t hide his puzzlement and soon asked in a stern tone. ¡°What about their equipment? What are they using?¡±

    Tucker shook his head. ¡°I can¡¯t tell. We¡¯re too far apart.¡±

    Before Tucker could figure out their tactics. A sharp but distinct noise entered his ears. He looked above him, and to his surprise, a bright red light illuminated itself above their heads. It felt as if they were signaling for something far out of their reach in the clear sky.

    But before he could think about it, the sound of their pursuers grew louder¡ªshouts and the distant glint of steel reflecting the sun¡¯s light caught their eyes. It felt as if the forest quivered beneath the stampede of hoofs, and soon, two knights burst through the foliage. Their bodies leaned forward, urging their already exhausted horses onwards to close the gap. In their hands were long bows made of a single piece of wood with a reddish hue.

    Tucker glanced over his shoulder and clenched his jaw. They were close, far too close for his liking. He couldn¡¯t help but run their choices through his head, but once he saw Alex shielding Blaire. He sprung into action. With a powerful yank, he pulled his mount back and positioned himself behind the old man. His heart raced as several projectiles whistled through the air. His sword was out in an instant, filled with a wavering flow of emerald aura. With a twist of his blade, he barely deflected the first arrow. Sending sparks in all directions from the point of contact. His arm cried out in pain and trembled as a surge of pain rushed through his shoulder. He stomached the pain and kept his balance, overcoming it with sheer will as the skin on his palms tore.

    Blood gushed out of his hands, but he couldn¡¯t afford to take his eyes off the incoming threat. Even though they were so close to the stronghold, it felt like miles away. He needed to buy time¡ªjust a little more time to make a difference. Tucker pulled his bloody hands back, manifesting a bow made of wind within his fingertips. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword and extended his arm while pulling back with his free hand.

    In a single breath, Tucker released two arrows of pure wind formed within the bowstring. The arrows hummed with life and tore through the air. Clashing head-on with the other projectiles in a chaotic bout of strength. Tucker could feel the wind whipped against his face, sending crackling energy in all directions.

    But the second his attack failed to destroy their arrows, he knew it wasn¡¯t enough. In a moment of defeat, the aura-infused arrows pierced through the wind, hurtling towards them with an unyielding force. And at that moment, only one thought crossed Tucker¡¯s mind.

    I won¡¯t let them get past me.

    Tucker gritted his teeth and raised his sword, barely parrying the second arrow to the side. His arms cried out in agony as the arrow¡¯s force nearly knocked him off his mount. He pressed both of his legs against his steed and felt his body jerk back, taking the full force of the last arrow. The shock raced through his spine, but not a single wail left his body. He could feel the muscles in his shoulder tear, but refused to cry out.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Biting back the urge to scream, Tucker broke the arrow shaft in half and left the rest in his wound to stop the bleeding. A dull numbing sensation took over his arm, but he ignored it. Focusing on the riders that were flanking them. From the corner of his eyes, he could see the archers maneuvering into position. Planning to strike from both sides.

    ¡°Gale!¡± Tucker locked eyes with his companion and pointed to the rider on the right, followed by a whistle. The spirit responded instantly, diving at a terrifying speed, its wings cutting through the air like blades as it plunged at the projectiles.

    There was no time to watch Gale¡¯s attack. Tucker snapped his gaze to the other side, his heart pounding as he assessed the incoming threat with a bitter expression. Alex¡¯s blade was drawn, but what could he do while defending Blaire? Their defenses were stretched thin, and the knights were pressing closer, closing the gap between them.

    Seeing Tucker¡¯s distress, Alex took a deep breath. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me!¡± His voice was firm while he prepared to face the incoming danger. ¡°Focus on yourself¡ª¡±

    Even as he spoke, a flash of silver shot out from the treelines. A single arrow came towards the veteran, who was ready to meet the attack head-on. The embers dancing on the edge of his blade roared to life, casting a bright glow that drew the attention of several archers. With a single decisive swing, Alex met the arrow mid-flight. His muscles tensed from the recoil, feeling the impact ripple through his arm as he absorbed the blow. The flames and sparks erupted, charring the very ground beneath them and with a show of force. Alex diverted the projectile into the ground.

    The arrow caved in a section of the ground and blew charred debris everywhere. Tucker let out a gasp of awe before regaining the balance on his mount. He pressed both of his legs against the horse¡¯s body. With each gallop bringing them closer to the crater. In one simultaneous motion, he leaned forward and rose from the saddle, bringing his body closer to the beast¡¯s neck. As his steed kicked off the ground and leaped into the air. While Tucker drew his bowstring made of wind once more and aimed at the knight to the left.

    His eyes focused on their target, carefully observing them navigate through the forest. Once the knight¡¯s body was in clear sight, he released the wind arrow and set it free. Watching as the projectile pulled the surrounding breeze and rushing at the foe. Before striking their chest with a powerful thud and knocking them off their mount. The metallic clatter of their armor entered his ears, followed by a loud thud as the knight¡¯s body slammed into the ground, rolling several times until colliding directly into a tree.

    Despite the result, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but click his tongue in frustration. The jarring impact of his horse landing on the dirt-covered bricks brought him back to reality. His intention was to puncture a clean hole through their body, but as the knight fell, he could tell that the arrow hardly made a dent in their armor. It wasn¡¯t possible with how strong their aura was, and the stinging pain in the back of his shoulder throbbed, warning him of his limits. A sense of lightheadedness filled his mind, but he fought back, trying to stabilize his body.

    Alex nodded at Tucker¡¯s quick thinking, but soon his expression hardened when he looked over his shoulder. Several arrows had stuck into the rookie¡¯s body. One in his shoulder and two on his lower back. He could see the anguish written on Tucker¡¯s face, their jaw clenched in pain.

    Even though Alex wanted to give some words of encouragement. He held himself back. Tucker needed to endure, and there was nothing he could do to help.

    The veteran observed their surroundings. What he needed to do now was think of a solution. One that would get them out of their current predicament. His gaze locked on the grand gates of the dwarven stronghold emerging in the distance. It was a flicker of hope buried beneath layers of uncertainty. A constant reminder of how close, yet far, they were from their goal.

    He wanted to attack their pursuers with all his might, to reduce them to mere piles of ash, but knew he couldn¡¯t. Not with Blaire on his back. Alex¡¯s body may be resistant to the flames, but that wasn¡¯t the case for others. To make matters worse, Blaire was unconscious, so he couldn¡¯t even protect themselves.

    Alex leaned to the side, forcing Blaire¡¯s body to follow as the rope that kept them together moved in one motion. Soon, a silver arrow sliced through the empty space they were moments before. His brows knitted together, drawing a dagger from his belt and sending it flying towards the attacker¡¯s mount. However, right before the blade could hit the beast¡¯s leg, a coat of aura repelled it to the side.

    How frustrating.

    The veteran¡¯s shoulders grew tense and he let out a sharp exhale. If they had been closer, he would have easily been able to kill their mounts, but their foes were clever. Keeping a fixed distance while whittling down their defenses. They knew there wasn¡¯t a need to engage in close-quarters combat, and the risk would be too great. If they were close enough, Alex would have slit their throats and end their lives, but with how they fought, it was impossible. He glanced once more at Tucker, noting the blood-soaked clothes on the young man¡¯s body.

    They were minutes away from the stronghold and just needed a bit more time to reach the end. But before Alex could continue his train of thought, a piercing chill ran down his spine. Instinctively, he looked over his shoulders and saw a figure in the sky. Hundreds of meters away from them. The rider, perched on the back of a wyvern, hovered ominously in the distance. Their silhouette framed by the sun with a single weapon in hand. By the time Alex realized what was happening, it was already too late. The knights had already retreated, pulling back in perfect synchronization.

    I made a mistake.

    Alex desperately looked at Tucker, shouting words that never reached. ¡°Get to cover¡ª¡±

    It was too late. Before Alex could warn him, a flash of violet tore through the sky. Releasing a devastating eruption behind them and splitting the ground apart into countless pieces in a shockwave of raw power. Tucker was thrown off his horse, his body slamming into the stone road with a sickening thud. Blood spilled from Tucker¡¯s wounds as he tumbled across the floor. Even though Alex was barely out of range. The old man felt his body shoved forward in his saddle. Struggling to keep his balance on his mount despite the iron grip on the reins. He had no other choice but to resolve himself and urged his mount onward, riding the momentum.

    As the dust settled, Alex grabbed the reins of his mount and pulled it back, stopping his steed from advancing. His gaze darted through the smoke. Worriedly searching for Tucker, who was blown off his mount and into the shattered remains of the road.

    ¡°Gahhh!¡± Tucker screamed out in agony, slamming his fist on the ground and pulling himself forward. He clawed at the broken stone bricks, dragging his body out of the crater.

    Alex¡¯s heart clenched as he watched Tucker crawl in agony. His horse had already collapsed from the attack. Its ghastly wails fading into silence before finally succumbing to its wounds. He could hear galloping drawing closer, and soon, he locked eyes with Tucker, who looked up from the ground. It was heartbreaking looking at the young watchman helplessly lay there, but he couldn¡¯t carry both of them.

    Tucker clenched his fists before looking over his shoulders. He could see the red surcoats drawing closer, and the arrows that were in his body had burrowed themselves deeper with every movement. A mouthful of blood escaped his lips as the excruciating pain filled his body. The tremors in the ground mirrored the frantic beats of his heart. Each step filled his mind with fear.

    He felt panic sink into his chest. Every instinct of his body screaming to run even though he had nowhere to go. His legs were twisted with the bones sticking out of his flesh, sending him on a downward spiral into despair. Until finally, a sinking realization hit him.

    I¡¯m going to die.

    He stared at the old man, who had frozen in place. His fingers clasping the dirt on the ground. The pain shot through his body as he tightly closed his eyes, and he gritted his teeth while trying to stomach the searing sensation in his chest. It felt like he was broken beyond repair, yet beneath the anguish and dread, a flicker of will remained.

    I can¡¯t let them die here.

    Anger overwrote the fear in his heart. It wasn¡¯t directed at the old man but at himself for placing his teammate in such a difficult position.

    It was my fault. I should have stopped them from using the platform. If I had just said something.

    Constant thoughts of regret filled his mind, but if there was one thing he knew. It was that the burden of such a decision shouldn¡¯t be in Alex¡¯s hands but instead his own. It wasn¡¯t right for Alex to have to make such a difficult decision once more to leave his comrade behind. That weight should be on his shoulders. His burden to bear. Tucker knew that Alex wasn¡¯t the type of person to abandon his comrades. Not out of his own free will.

    Tucker kept his head down and held back his tears. He had a good run, and if this was the life of a watchman, then so be it. He mustered every bit of courage and shouted at the top of his lungs. ¡°Go!¡± He locked eyes with Alex, his voice filled with determination. ¡°Go! Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll catch up!¡±

    Alex staggered for a moment as he pulled on the reins of his mount. He knew the rookie was lying. He could see the young watchman¡¯s broken legs and knew that if he left Tucker now, then he was as good as dead. A pitiful light shined in his eyes. Once again, he was forced to abandon his comrade, and the realization nearly broke his resolve.

    What right did I have to abandon one of our own?

    The veteran knew that he should have been the one in that position. Not a young boy who was barely even eighteen, yet seeing the determined light in Tucker¡¯s eyes made him bitter. The world was cruel, and there was nothing he could do. Not while escorting Blaire.

    If there was anything he could do to switch places with Tucker, he would in a heartbeat. But life wasn¡¯t that kind. His knuckles were white as he dug his fingers into his palms while holding the reins of his mount. He pressed his calves against the horse¡¯s side and, with a single motion, signaled for the horse to gallop once more.

    Tucker held back the urge to cry and quietly laughed, watching as the trail of dust continued to move further away.

    Just a little longer.

    The pain was excruciating, but he needed to hold on. Just long enough for Alex to be out of earshot. As his body dropped to the ground, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but smile. If this was what it meant to be a watchman, then it wasn¡¯t so bad after all.

 33. Was It Enough?

    Tucker laid there with his vision fading in and out. Flickering like a flame in the wind. There wasn¡¯t anything he could do, and he was tired. Tired of fighting and trying to change. He wanted to save lives and live a life that was different from his brothers. One that he could be proud of.

    Yet as he laid there, covered in his blood and slowly bleeding out on the stone path, he realized there was nothing he could do. Not anymore. He put up a strong front to convince Alex and himself that everything would be fine, but now that he was left by himself on the cold, rigid floor, reality gradually began to set in.

    Was it enough?

    That single thought entered his mind as memories began flooding in. Moments filled with joy, heartbreak, and everything in between. Precious in a way no one else would understand. Yet, as the fleeting memories passed one after another, the last thing he saw was Alex¡¯s figure. The back of a man who dedicated his entire life to changing the fate of his home. The ideals of a man who never gave up no matter the situation, and soon, a realization struck him.

    I haven¡¯t done enough.

    Tucker bitterly laughed as his gaze fell onto his mount. He scrapped his arm against the broken road, blood smearing across the stone bricks as his fingers clawed the rigid surface. He crawled with every last bit of strength in his limbs toward his mount, fighting back the agony in his aching body. His dark green sleeves tore against the jagged rocks as he dragged himself further. There was no one waiting for him. No place left to call home. Yet he continued to fight. For the slightest bit of hope that it would be enough for his comrades to escape.

    It was the last thing he needed to do.

    His trembling hands held onto the reins of his mount and with every ounce of strength left in his body. He pulled. ¡°Get up.¡± Tucker¡¯s hoarse voice fell on deaf ears as the dust settled around him. His mount had perished long ago, with its lower body torn apart from the wyvern rider¡¯s ambush. The dark crimson pool of blood beneath it drowned out whatever hopes he had left as the warmth from his steed slowly faded. Slipping away like everything else, he held dear.

    Yet before he fell into despair with his battered body, Tucker caught a glimpse of Alex¡¯s distant figure. A well of emotions swirled in his heart, but he knew the veteran had stopped. Their eyes met, and Tucker found his voice from the sorrow and grief. His will against the despair threatening to consume him.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Tucker¡¯s voice cracked as his body screamed in protest. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me and finish the mission!¡±

    Alex¡¯s face twisted in anguish as he shut his eyes. He was hesitating and knew that he needed to finish the mission. But he couldn¡¯t bear the sight any longer as he dismounted from his horse and tore the rope holding Owl to his back. He fastened Blaire to the mount¡¯s saddle with whatever rope remained and signaled the beast to take off. Watching as it galloped towards the dwarven stronghold once more before dashing back to Tucker.

    ¡°What are you doing? You need to go!¡± Tucker¡¯s eyes shook in disbelief. He watched as Alex stopped beside him and then glanced back at the knights that were rushing towards them. The wyvern rider who had shot the arrow had taken off, accomplishing their goal, and now it was the cavalry that had to finish the task.

    ¡°Saving your life,¡± Alex answered.

    ¡°But the mission¡ª¡±

    ¡°Enough.¡± Alex focused on the knights that were encircling them and held his sword. ¡°The mission will continue, with or without us.¡±

    The old man kept his gaze on the gleaming sets of armor surrounding them. There wasn¡¯t a guarantee that Blaire would make it safely to the stronghold, and there wasn¡¯t a guarantee that they would live to see another day. But if a lifetime of service had taught him anything, it was to live without leaving behind any regrets.

    He knew he could drastically increase the mission''s success by escorting Blaire to the stronghold, but to leave another comrade behind to do so didn¡¯t sit well with him. He had seen many exceptional watchmen perish in the line of duty. Times when others gave their lives to save him and times when he had no choice but to abandon them.

    But now wasn¡¯t those times, not anymore.

    Tucker watched as Alex stood beside him. Even though he was fully prepared to die, Tucker fought back the tears in his eyes. He didn¡¯t expect the old man to stay with him. Especially with how close they were to the stronghold and how high the stakes were. Since they lost half of the contents in the canister, the only one who could fill in that gap was Owl.

    He gritted his teeth and stomached the pain. Propping his back against the horse and fought back the despair. The cloud of dust shrouded their foes, obscuring their vision. From the silhouettes and gleaming reflections from bits of their armor. He could tell they had already nocked their arrows and were preparing to unleash another set of volleys. They moved with precision, maintaining their formation as they released their arrows.

    Each one cut through the air, aimed at the two watchmen. Tucker channeled his spirit essence into a bow, clenching his fingers as he drew his bowstring. The pain made it unbearable as he tried to focus on the knights. They were a clear shot, and it was nearly pointless to try blocking the enemy¡¯s arrows. The best he could do was disrupt their formation and leave the rest to Gale and Alex.

    As lines of silver crossed through the air, Alex swung his blade, parrying the arrows to the side. While Gale swooped down and snatched the projectiles. There were brief moments of weakness, and in that split second, Tucker released his bowstring, sending a spiraling arrow of wind towards one of the knights.

    The arrow struck them straight in their chest and blew him along with his mount back. Yet the remaining knights remained unfazed and continued their assault. Arrows rained down on the watchmen from different angles and frequencies. Some all at once, and others staggered.

    Tucker could feel the surge of adrenaline flow in his body. Along with a warm sensation from the back of his shoulders. The hooves that were stomping on the ground, the dust that surrounded them, and the countless arrows that flew at them made his mind race. He knew they needed a solution to their current predicament, and the longer they fought under these conditions, the more disadvantageous their situation would be.

    We need a large attack. One large enough to catch them off guard and throw them off their mounts.

    Tucker released a deep exhale as the bow of wind faded from his palms. He closed his eyes and held one hand over another as a swirl of wind slowly swelled between them. The thread from his heart sung and flowed into the sphere, forming a single loop.

    Spirit contractors weren¡¯t like mages and aura users. They were a category of their own and followed a different line of mastery. Their souls remained untouched, and their minds untainted. Instead, their emotions remained, and a series of doors were set out before them. Each choice altering their fate bit by bit.

    He kept his eyes focused, entering a trance as he conjured more essence into the sphere. Weaving the thread through the vulnerable gaps while ignoring his surroundings. Tucker knew he wasn¡¯t strong enough in his current state to fight against knights that could manifest their worlds, but if it was against foes who had yet to reach that realm, then they were within his limits.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Alex¡¯s eyes widened for a moment as he felt the nearby gusts of wind get pulled in towards Tucker. He didn¡¯t know what the rookie was up to, but it was enough to draw everyone¡¯s attention. Even Gale, who was maneuvering through the rain of arrows, changed its behavior and began circling the skies. The veteran frowned before leaping on top of the dead horse and changing his stance.

    He held his sword in one hand and a set of thin-bladed knives in another. Blood spilled from the grazes on his body, and sweat dripped down from his forehead. He focused his attention on the three projectiles currently flying towards Tucker, whose defense had fallen. With three knives in his hand, he held it by the blade and threw them at each arrow. Letting it slide between his fingers as flames shrouded the blades.

    Each clash released a sharp ringing sound that caused the horses to jerk violently in pain as the flames and auras wrapped around each other. As Alex¡¯s eyes were frantically darting around the area, a gleam of light flashed from the side. He immediately swung his sword upwards, deflecting the arrow to the sky as a sharp pain ran down his thigh. An arrow buried itself deep into his leg in his brief moment of weakness.

    Using his free hand, he grabbed hold of the wooden shaft and snapped it in half before throwing it like a dagger at one of the nearby knights. Yet before it could reach the slit in the knight¡¯s visor, their hand intercepted it and struck it away.

    ¡°Fucking tedious bastards.¡± Alex glared at them and took short and uneven breaths.

    They were pseudo-knights, a tier below the standard knights that could dye the world in their colors. Typically, he wouldn¡¯t have such difficulties, but their approach was methodical and beyond practical in terms of minimizing loss. Even though they had whittled down their spirit essence constantly throughout the pursuit, the enemies showed no signs of fatigue or struggle while maintaining their aura.

    But before they could launch another set of arrows, a fierce current of air swirled in the area. Alex felt the air pull on his clothes and armor, and the surrounding mounts seemed to slow down.

    ¡°Alex!¡± Tucker glared at the veteran with hazy eyes while pointing at the tornado surrounding them. He then pointed at the flames in the old man¡¯s hands, and without hesitation, Alex channeled his spirit essence and sent a string of blazes into the wind. Turning the entire tornado into a fiery vortex that shielded them from the projectiles.

    Alex tapped on his chest pocket as Sally poked their head out and immediately twirled his finger in a circle around them. Seeing the order, the young spirit leaped out and released a stationary shield that absorbed the heat and flames leaking towards the two watchmen.

    Without sparing a second, Alex grabbed Tucker¡¯s shoulder and threw him over, causing the rookie to scream out in pain. He scanned the wounds on their body. One arrow buried deep in the back of their shoulder, and two long gashes. It was a miracle the other two arrows only tore out his flesh and didn¡¯t dig further in. And another miracle was that the rookie accidentally applied pressure to both areas by propping themselves against the fallen steed.

    He reached for the vials in his pouch while resting his sword on the ground. Only three mid-tier potions that could quickly seal wounds and a low-tier potion to disinfect the wound. The broken legs would have to wait for when they returned to the Order. The veteran took out a dagger and cut the fabric, blocking the straps of Tucker¡¯s battle-scarred armor. Before removing the plating and tearing their shirt. He applied the first potion evenly on the gashes, watching as both wounds sizzled while slowly closing.

    It wasn¡¯t enough to fully seal the wound, but it was better than nothing. Then Alex took his dagger and looked at the last wound. ¡°Bite down on something or grit your teeth.¡±

    ¡°Wha¡ª¡±

    Before Tucker could finish his sentence, Alex dug the dagger into the rookie¡¯s shoulder. Tucker violently flailed in place as Alex pressed his knee on their spine and tried to keep him still. He needed just enough time to fish the arrowhead out of the wound without prolonging Tucker¡¯s suffering, and after a minute, the arrow was out. The old man then took out a green vial, one used to clean the wound, and poured it on top of the newly carved hole in Tucker¡¯s back. Once the green vapor faded, Alex poured the last mid-tier potion on top, sealing the hole.

    ¡°Fuck!¡± Tucker cursed as the stinging sensation burned from his wounds.

    ¡°Enough complaining. We need a solution. This little vortex of ours isn¡¯t going to hold them back for long.¡± Alex flipped Tucker once more and checked if he had any other serious wounds. Besides a few scratches, it was safe to say that overall, the rookie wasn¡¯t in a terrible condition. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±

    Tucker stared at his broken legs. ¡°One without leaving me behind?¡±

    Alex nodded.

    ¡°I can still roughly tell where the knights are positioned because of Gale. They have five between us and the stronghold and the other four covering the other directions.¡± Tucker groaned in pain as he tried to stand, but soon fell back down. ¡°Two of them are off their mounts.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing they¡¯re part of the guys between us and the dwarves?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Just our luck.¡± Alex clicked his tongue. ¡°How long do we have until you run out of essence?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. With Gale here, maybe five to ten minutes?¡± Tucker bitterly laughed at himself before shaking his head. ¡°How many do you think you¡¯ll be able to kill if you don¡¯t protect me?¡±

    ¡°None if they stay on their mounts. Even with feather step and swift stride, war mounts are always hard to catch because their muscles are strengthened with aura and magic,¡± Alex replied with a tired expression. ¡°They were bred for endurance and strength, so it¡¯ll be tricky.¡±

    Tucker pressed his lips into a thin line as anger simmered under every thought. If only he had dodged the attack that came out of the sky. Then they wouldn¡¯t be in this situation. Or if he was stronger, he could have blown a hole through the knight¡¯s chest and decreased the number of foes chasing them.

    ¡°There¡¯s no point in brooding over what¡¯s already happened,¡± said Alex.

    Tucker stared at his mentor, who was rummaging through his leather pouch. ¡°Aren¡¯t we in a pretty bad situation though?¡±

    ¡°Correct. It¡¯s a very shitty situation if I¡¯m being honest.¡± Alex took out a grey orb from Tucker¡¯s pouch and grumbled before placing it back. ¡°But if we want to survive this predicament. Then we better think of ways to survive.¡±

    ¡°You should leave me behind and¡ª¡±

    Alex stared at Tucker and immediately struck his face. The area on Tucker¡¯s cheek swelled as he spat out a mouthful of blood and gazed at the old man.

    ¡°It¡¯s the logical choice. You can¡¯t carry me out.¡± Tucker wiped the blood from the corner of his lips. ¡°If anyone should survive, it¡¯s you. I¡¯m just some kid that keeps fucking up every chance I get.¡±

    Alex lifted Tucker by his collar and furiously glared at him. ¡°If you want to be a ranger, then you need to get your shit together and think! The type of missions those guys go on are far worse than this and as long as we draw breath, there¡¯s still a chance. A chance that many would beg to take. We only fail if we give up here. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    Tucker kept quiet and nodded as Alex threw him back down. He knew the veteran was right, but what could he do? He didn¡¯t have the confidence to fight against the Empire¡¯s forces and he would only slow down his partner.

    ¡°Now, tell me. Can you push this tornado closer to the stronghold? Yes or no!¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°No¡­ I¡¯m not nearly skilled enough to do something like that,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll figure something out,¡± said Alex, extending his hand to Tucker as the rookie grabbed hold. With a strong pull, Alex hoisted him to his feet and quickly supported the rookie as he leaned against him.

    With seconds ticking down, Alex ran through the next move in his mind. They had wasted four minutes, but even if they had efficiently used their time. It wouldn¡¯t matter since they were still far from the stronghold. The rookie would have already known this because he was the one most familiar with calculating distance.

    But that didn¡¯t mean they should have accepted their fate and did nothing. Every second counted, and fighting till one¡¯s last breath was the best way to go. Even if he used his aura to shift the terrain in their favor, the knights would easily evade his technique, causing him to drain his energy. If they were proper knights, they would have tried to trap them in their world, but since they didn¡¯t, they were most likely pseudo-knights. Soldiers who couldn¡¯t manifest their own nor apply their will to the world.

    Alex glanced at the wavering tornado and then at Tucker, who took deep, ragged breaths. Their little trick would soon run out, and what awaited them were several knights who were fully capable of ending their lives.

    Yet, despite the wind fiercely blowing around them. A sound came from the direction of the stronghold. It was a deep, thunderous note that rolled out through the area. Drawing the attention of the watchmen and the knights alike. It shook the air and their bones, carrying a weight that Tucker had never experienced before.

    As the tornado dispersed, a line of warriors stood before them, their weapons drawn, past the Empire''s forces and beyond their reach. Yet, a single figure drew their attention. A single dwarf wielding a great axe with an iron badge of two crossing hammers and an azure ribbon.

    It was Fargrim.

 34. Standstill Between Nations

    ¡°Fargrim¡ª¡±

    Alex cut off Tucker¡¯s words by clamping a hand over his mouth. Pulling the rookie back with a firm grip. The muffled sounds from his partner slowly died in his throat as their gazes focused on the dwarf before them. Fargrim¡¯s eyes swept over the two with indifference before shifting to Noah, whose frown deepened at their unexpected arrival.

    There were rows of heavily armored dwarves standing before them. Shoulder to shoulder with their shields interlocking each other to form a tight-knit wall with their halberds aimed skyward, gleaming in the sunlight. Behind the first row of dwarf warriors was another line of men carrying a long-barreled metallic weapon. Their runic weapons were pointed upwards with the mechanism locking the trigger in place, clearly in view. The warmth and camaraderie they had seen earlier had disappeared. Instead, in its place was a grim determination and unyielding air of defiance.

    They weren¡¯t here to save the watchmen but to deal with the looming threat of military presence before their doorsteps. Fargrim took a step forward. Shattering the stone beneath his steel boots as fragments floated around him. The grey crackling aura around his body surged and coiled around him, hammering with each beat of his heart while tugging on the metal from the knight¡¯s armor.

    Noah stared at the dwarves, trying to make sense of the situation. They were barely on the borders of the Reinhart stronghold, and normally, the dwarves wouldn¡¯t sally out unless it was absolutely necessary. Yet here they were, outside their dwelling and standing between two forces that shared no alliances.

    The pseudo-knights drew their bowstrings back and infused the silver arrow with their aura, strengthening the object and increasing its destructive power. Each one aimed for the narrow gap between the dwarves¡¯ armor, ready to unleash their attack at the barricade made of steel shields. While the other two dismounted soldiers shifted their stances towards Tucker and Alex.

    ¡°Sir Noah, what are your orders?¡± One knight asked in a strained voice.

    Noah¡¯s jaw tightened as his gaze swept through the battlefield. He needed time to think. ¡°Maintain formation and keep them at a distance. If they charge at us, we¡¯ll retreat,¡± Noah ordered.

    No matter how much Noah analyzed the situation, it didn¡¯t make sense. The watchmen appearing from the city; the demon rampaging against their army, and finally, the dwarves marching out into the open fields. It was a cascade of chaos. One that he had no control over. Right now, he didn¡¯t have the authority to engage the dwarven forces, and one small mistake could open another war front for the Empire.

    Noah cursed them under his breath. He glanced at the injured watchmen. With their mobility, it was possible to capture them and evade the dwarves, but there was no telling how long it would take and how much of a struggle the watchmen would put up. There was also no way to tell if the dwarves would sit back and watch. Since they didn¡¯t immediately attack them, it was safe to say that the dwarves weren¡¯t there to save the watchmen. Instead, it must have been because of the fiery vortex that appeared in front of their gates.

    ¡°We surrender!¡±

    Alex¡¯s stern voice stole Noah¡¯s attention immediately and made him grit his teeth. His eyes darted to the watchmen who surrendered on dwarven soil. The other knights who heard this flinched as well, but before any of them could react. Fargrim slammed his great axe into the ground, causing cracks to form on the surface of the world.

    The dwarf stroked his beard and nodded. ¡±Very well, under the continental laws. The Everheart soldiers will be treated as prisoners under dwarven laws.¡± His booming voice filled the area, causing the knight¡¯s steeds to jolt. ¡°Disarm your weapons and drop to your knees,¡± Fargrim ordered.

    ¡°No wait¡ª!¡± Noah raised his voice in protest, yet his body froze. The air felt heavy and their mounts were panicking from the sheer pressure Fargrim exerted on them. Every instinct in his body told him that one wrong move would kill him. But he couldn¡¯t let it end like this.

    The dwarves¡¯ steel armor glistened beneath the sun, casting long shadows on the ground. They moved in unison and formed a half-crescent formation. Their mighty figures all faced the knights, outnumbering them ten to one.

    In his mind, Noah wondered where it all went wrong. Was it because he tried to minimize their losses that we ended up in this situation? He bit his lips to where blood slowly trickled down his chin. He regretted his approach. It was out of his expectations for the watchman to use international treaties to their advantage. The entire situation felt off, and he knew this. He knew it down to his bones, yet there was nothing he could do. If he tried to capture them after they surrendered to the dwarves, then he would have no choice but to face them, and to do that with his current men was suicidal. There was only one choice left, and that was to reason with the dwarves.

    Noah held one arm up with a closed fist and signaled for his comrades to gather around him. They formed a line and faced the dwarves, who stood several feet in front of them and lowered their bows.

    ¡°This is a matter involving the Empire. I trust you dwarves will entrust this to us.¡± Noah said, his voice steady as he locked eyes with Fargrim, who scoffed at his words.

    ¡°Trust?¡± A bitter laugh escaped Fargrim¡¯s lips once he heard the word. ¡°Nay, ya folks aren¡¯t worthy of such words. Did ya forget about the pact that was broken decades ago?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure if you give me the chance, we can sort something out and¡ª¡±

    ¡°And what exactly can ya do? Your Emperor spoke of atonement, of promises that were never fulfilled.¡± Fargrim¡¯s words cut deep into Noah¡¯s consciousness, causing the knight to frown. ¡°We will not retreat from our lands. Dwarven laws will dictate the fate of those two soldiers. Push us further, knight, and you¡¯ll find no mercy. No quarter. But as an act of kindness, we shall overlook this transgression and spare your lives. Leave our lands and never return.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    The knights tightly held onto their weapons at the dwarf¡¯s words. They stared at Noah, waiting for his signal before beginning their assault. Yet that signal never came. Noah looked at Fargrim and clenched his fists. There was only one transgression the dwarf was referring to, and it was crossing their borders. After the previous war, the two nations were already on bitter terms, and one mistake would ignite this fragile standoff into a sea of bloodshed. He needed to play his cards carefully and try to turn the situation in their favor.

    With a deep breath, Noah¡¯s voice fell. ¡°They killed innocent lives. We had no choice but to chase them this far. If it was your people, would you let them go like this? Please understand our frustration¡ª¡±

    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Tucker yelled at the top of his lungs. ¡°We didn¡¯t kill any innocent lives. They¡¯re lying through their teeth!¡± Forcing himself to take a step closer, Tucker¡¯s leg screamed out in pain as the flesh tore against his bones. He groaned in agony, fighting back the urge to pass out with Alex barely supporting him. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for us, countless citizens would have died!¡±

    The Oathguard¡¯s gaze flickered between the two. Suspicion clouded his mind, and after seeing the brief crack in the dwarf¡¯s resolve, Noah struck again. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to them! I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard the stories of what happened in the previous war and the atrocities they committed! Can you stand by and let history repeat itself!¡±

    Before Fargrim¡¯s lips parted to respond, Tucker¡¯s voice broke through again. ¡°Their hands are just as red¡ª¡± His words dissolved into a violent coughing fit as a mouthful of blood escaped his lips. The crimson liquid seeping through his torn half-mask and dying the ground in a scarlet hue. The rookie swayed on his feet, but before Tucker could finish his sentence. Noah seized the opportunity and cut him off.

    ¡°If you give us the chance to detain them, we¡¯ll never forget this favor.¡±

    Fargrim stared at Tucker with eyes that were devoid of warmth. A gaze that was like glass, reflecting nothing but indifference. ¡°It seems we have two very different tales.¡±

    Hearing the words escape Fargrim¡¯s mouth, Noah couldn¡¯t help but feel a swell of anger bundle up in his chest. ¡°Helping them will do you no good. Can¡¯t you see this?¡± Each word dripped with a hint of rage. Yet the dwarf remained unfazed.

    ¡°Either surrender yourself as well or leave thy presence.¡± Fargrim¡¯s eyes fell upon Noah and his knights.

    Their metal plates shook. They struggled to control their horses against the dwarf¡¯s overwhelming presence. Yet, despite this, Noah refused to give up. With no other option, he asked in a low voice. ¡°What is your name, honorable dwarf?¡±

    Fargrim held onto the axe and fixated his gaze on Noah. The air seemed to shift under his unbreakable figure, with the sun shining brightly behind him. He declared, ¡°I am Fargrim Grimnir of the Eternal Mountains, Oathguard to the Forge Lord of the Clans.¡±

    The declaration caused the knights to tightly hold the reins of their mounts. Pulling their mounts back as each word struck fear into their hearts. The group collectively shuddered at the mention of the dwarven war hero¡¯s name. Their knees faintly buckling in the straps of the saddles. Even Noah, their stubborn and fearless leader, was at a loss for words. Fargrim was one of many individuals added to the Empire¡¯s Deathwish Directory. A list of key individuals standard soldiers should avoid at all costs.

    Noah knew he should retreat, but he was hesitant to return empty-handed. The watchmen were his only source of information about the demon; losing them would make him the subject of ridicule for his incompetence. But Fargrim was far more reasonable than he expected. They were somehow maintaining a civilized conversation, and if he chose his next words carefully, he could¡ª

    ¡°Oi, what is this ruckus ya bastards are making here?¡± Ofnir stepped forth and placed the end of his great axe on the ground while holding the hilt. ¡°Don¡¯t cha know this is dwarven territory!¡±

    Noah looked at Ofnir and quickly said, ¡°We may have trespassed a bit, but¡ª¡±

    ¡°But what?¡± Ofnir cut Noah off, anger swelling in his voice. He slammed the end of his great axe once more. Tearing apart the ground beneath them with the sheer force of his muscles. ¡°Don¡¯t think we¡¯ll let ya fools off so easily for launching an attack on our stronghold!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a misunderstanding! If you would just give us a chance¡ª¡±

    ¡°Bullshit! It¡¯s not the first time ya folks dared to cross the border, and did ya really think we would¡¯ve forgotten what happened after so many years!¡± Ofnir furiously shouted and stomped the ground, causing the other dwarves to enter formation and lower their halberds. ¡°I¡¯ll give ya one chance to get the fuck outta our lands!¡±

    ¡°We were just¡ª¡±

    Before Noah could finish his sentence, Ofnir¡¯s aura rushed forth like a powerful tide. Nearly sweeping the knights off their mounts as the horses panicked and tried to run away.

    ¡°Just?! Did ya think you could get away with your pathetic excuses?¡± Ofnir roared, lifting his great axe above his head. ¡°Why I outta beat the living daylights out of ya! Are you blasted idiots daft? This is dwarven lands, and in such lands, you shall follow dwarven rules!¡± Ofnir looked over his shoulders. ¡°Am I right, lads?!¡±

    ¡°Aye!¡± The dwarves shouted in unison.

    Noah and his men pulled back with each step as the dwarves advanced. The knights nervously glanced at each other, and Noah felt blood rush to his cheeks. There was nothing he could do now. Things had escalated beyond his control, and he never expected the dwarves to leave their stronghold. They were supposed to be sealed in their vaults. Nothing was moving as the strategist had planned in the grand scheme, and if he were to cause any more unnecessary friction between the two nations, it would prove detrimental to the Empire¡¯s war effort.

    He didn¡¯t want to retreat, but with only a handful of men, even if they were to capture the watchmen, there was no telling how many lives he would need to sacrifice. Nor would he know how the dwarves would react on a political level to their battle. If it was any other race, he would risk it, but knowing how the dwarves held onto their grudges for generations, the risk wasn¡¯t worth it.

    ¡°You¡¯ll regret this,¡± Noah declared, pulling the reins of his horse as he led his men to the side.

    ¡°I¡¯ll regret nothing from ya cowardly, low-life, tin-foiled vermin!¡± Ofnir shot back. ¡°If I see your faces back on dwarven lands again, I¡¯ll bash your skulls in and snap your backs like the wooden planks they are!¡±

    Noah glared at Ofnir and clicked his tongue. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Together, he and his men retreated from the dwarven lands. Leaving behind the injured watchmen and armed dwarves. He felt bitter returning back empty-handed, but it would be far more disadvantageous to lose knights in unnecessary confrontations. As they passed by Alex and Tucker, his eyes met with the rookie. A trace of anger flickered in his mind, and soon a devious thought.

    Suppose he were to kill them right now. How would the dwarves stop him?

    He entertained the thought, but before he could move a single muscle. The ground quivered violently. Releasing a deep rumble that rose as if the earth itself was crying out in pain. Soon, the surface between the watchmen and the Empire¡¯s knights split apart with a thunderous crack that shook the world itself. Jagged lines of aura raced through the gaps, sending chunks of stone and dirt into the air like a volcanic blast as a large gash manifested itself through the land.

    Their mounts immediately jolted and tried to run, but the knights calmed their spirits and kept them firmly in place. Noah looked over his shoulder at Ofnir, who swung his axe downwards. The attack wasn¡¯t meant for them, but its intent was clear. If they crossed that line, they would die.

    ¡°Fucking dwarves,¡± he mumbled under his breath.

    With one last glare at the watchmen, Noah and his men left the dwarven lands with bitter emotions. They may have escaped their clutches this time, but he knew they would see more of their kind throughout the war. And when they did, there would be no mercy.

 35. Aftermath Recovery

    Is it over?

    The thought lingered in Tucker¡¯s mind as his vision faded in and out. He struggled to keep standing but knew he needed to stay upright. Just long enough so that the enemy knights were out of sight. It was all he needed to do. All that was left so that they could safely reach the stronghold of the dwarves.

    Every muscle in his legs burned as if someone had encased it in a smoldering cast of iron, and the bones protruding out from the side scraped against his dark green trousers. A faint ringing noise echoed from his ears, but he could still feel the refreshing breeze with Gale circling above them.

    His eyes shifted to the sky even though he couldn¡¯t see his companion. He felt a sense of relief knowing that they were still okay and stayed with him to the end. If it wasn¡¯t for Gale sharing their essence with him, then they wouldn¡¯t be standing here. They would have been dragged back to the encampment long ago. He didn¡¯t believe it, but Alex was right. The bond with his companion is the most important aspect of being a watchman.

    He felt a single thread connecting him and his companion. One that began from his heart and flew into the sky.

    Once the knights had left the area, Tucker smiled. Finally, collapsing in place as Alex struggled to support him. Each step the watchmen took to the dwarves was filled with pain and agony, but the two endured. Yet now that they were safe, both of them fell from where they stood. Even though Alex didn¡¯t show it, he had overexerted himself in the past few days with little time to rest. His body was fully recovered from his battle against Hemlock, but his aura and essence were still nearly depleted.

    The last thing the veteran saw was the sight of Ofnir and Fargrim rushing to their aid, and soon everything faded.

    .

    .

    .

    Muffled sounds entered the old man¡¯s ears. Sounds of a conversation that was barely understandable. Alex¡¯s hands ran through the soft fabrics that covered his body. Feeling the silk threads through his fingertips as his eyes slowly opened. He calmly searched his surroundings and felt his body. Their equipment had been stripped off; instead, they wore white clothes that typical patients would wear.

    Soon, a figure loomed over him, and then another. Both of them were above his head, and their grey and brown beards brushed against the sides of his face.

    ¡°Do ya think he¡¯s awake?¡± Ofnir asked.

    ¡°Perhaps the poor fella doesn¡¯t seem very coherent, though,¡± Fargrim replied.

    Alex stared at the ceiling and slowly propped himself against the stone headboard of the bed, but before he could move any further, Ofnir stopped him.

    ¡°Easy lad, it¡¯s too soon for any sudden movements like that,¡± Ofnir said, his voice filled with concern. ¡°Sorry about da cold treatment out there. We still had to keep up our appearances, after all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, what about the knights?¡± Alex weakly asked.

    ¡°They left long ago, been a few hours since then,¡± Fargrim replied with a weak smile. ¡°You¡¯re quite lucky the guards stationed at the gate noticed the battle. If we were a moment too late, I fear that would have been the last time we would¡¯ve seen ya.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t thank you enough old friend, for saving us,¡± Alex groaned as he laid down in the bed.

    ¡°Aye, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Ofnir brushed the matter aside with a smile. ¡°Ya watchmen have done a lot for us dwarves in the past. We¡¯re merely returning the favour.¡±

    ¡°Regardless, it seems we¡¯ve stacked another debt.¡± Alex¡¯s back ached, and his white robes brushed against the bedsheets. After seeing Ofnir and the other dwarves in the field, Tucker had collapsed from exhaustion and pain. While he only managed to hold out for a few more moments before nearly bleeding out. He turned to the side and stared at Tucker and Blaire. ¡°How are the other two idiots doing?¡±

    ¡°Your little greenhorn is nearly crippled. Would need a priest or a few high tier potion to fix those legs of his before he¡¯s able to walk again,¡± Fargrim answered while shaking his head. ¡°As for the coldhearted bastard, his condition isn¡¯t as serious as it seemed. Though it¡¯ll be hard for something to kill a high-tier spirit contractor like him.¡±

    ¡°Sadly, we¡¯ve done what we can, Salamander. It would be best if ya head back to your Keep for better medical aid.¡± Ofnir glanced over at the two beds where the other watchmen rested. ¡°What even did this to ya? At first, we thought it was the knights, but after seeing the wound on Owl, it became pretty obvious it wasn¡¯t their doing. I¡¯ve never seen a team of watchmen in such a sorry state before.¡±

    Alex¡¯s hands clenched onto the blanket¡¯s seams. ¡°A demon came out of a teleportation gate we used,¡± he replied, rubbing the back of his arms. ¡°If you guys didn¡¯t warn us about the purple glowing light, then we probably wouldn¡¯t be standing here.¡±

    Ofnir looked over at Fargrim with a raised brow. ¡°A demon? Within the confinements of the Avalon Empire? Such a thing shouldn¡¯t be possible.¡±

    ¡°It is. We experienced it firsthand.¡± Alex released a deep exhale. ¡°It took out Owl first, then immediately tried to go for the others.¡±

    Ofnir wanted to voice his concerns but was soon halted by Fargrim, who shook their head. The aged dwarf stared at Alex and said, ¡°He isn¡¯t one to lie, Ofnir. We both know this.¡±

    ¡°Aye¡­ but¡­¡± The brown-bearded dwarf scratched his head. Moving the long braided strains of hair on his head. ¡°This is far more grim than we expected. Did ya at least manage to kill it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not,¡± Alex spoke in a stern tone. ¡°The only reason we got out was because we passed it along to the Empire¡¯s army to deal with. That thing that crawled out from the depths of the sewers wasn¡¯t anything live I¡¯ve seen before. Even after I severed its body in half, it came back alive and adapted to our spirit essence. It felt like¡­ it was learning, growing to be exact.¡±

    ¡°But such a foe must have some sort of weakness. Is there anything you can remember?¡± Fargrim asked.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Alex rubbed the side of his temples with one hand and closed his eyes. Falling deep into thought as he tried to recall what happened. From the bridge falling onto the demon to Tucker creating an opening for him. Everything became a blur, yet his eyes soon widened in realization.

    ¡°Right¡­ it was brief, but for a moment after, I severed it in half. Something in its chest stood out. Like a crystal that kept the demon together,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Was there one of those from da demon we encountered?¡± Ofnir asked, staring at Fargrim, who shrugged his shoulders.

    ¡°If there was, I wouldn¡¯t know. The foul fiend lifted nearly fifteen anvils on its shoulders and took over three hundred magic rounds and cannon shots. It¡¯s part of the reason we switched to just bolts, so we could at least recover the munitions,¡± Fargrim replied with a grim tone. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the clan guards and us restraining that foe, then things would¡¯ve been far more sinister. Did our runesmiths discover anything yet?¡±

    Ofnir shook his head with a troubled look in his eyes. ¡°Nada, they¡¯re stumped.¡±

    ¡°To make matters worse, I can¡¯t even fathom where that blasted demon came from.¡± Alex forced himself to sit up with a tired groan. ¡°It used a teleportation platform that was dated. Something that should have been out of service for years before we arrived. Yet emerged the second we activated it.¡±

    ¡°A dated teleportation platform? Do ya know where it came from?¡± Fargrim asked.

    ¡°No, all we know is that it was made by a foreign country. Apparently, our custodian vetted it before and found nothing out of the ordinary,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°By my beard¡­¡± Ofnir raised a brow. ¡°To think that someone would use a teleportation platform to ambush another. It¡¯s unheard of.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I didn¡¯t even think it was possible until now.¡±

    ¡°Ai, but it seems that now you¡¯re fully awake¡­ I have unfortunate news for ya.¡± Fargrim crossed his arms and stared at Alex once more. After a while, he revealed a grim expression. ¡°Alex, you¡¯ll need to take your comrades and leave this stronghold when they wake up. Once word reaches the Forge Lord, it¡¯ll be difficult for us to help ya. The inner politics of the dwarven realms are in chaos right now, and if the Empire demands us to hand ya over, the Forge Lord may comply.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be difficult for any dwarven stronghold to help them, ya mean,¡± Ofnir corrected.

    ¡°Can I ask why?¡± Alex stared at their stern expressions, waiting for them to respond. But soon nodded at their silence. It was enough to tell him that the matter was far more severe than he could imagine.

    However, after a few more moments. Fargrim broke the silence. ¡°One of our dwarven strongholds has fallen.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± The disbelief on Alex¡¯s face caused the silence that followed to be deafening. ¡°But how is that possible? Dwarven strongholds are known to be nearly impenetrable to take because of their network of defenses and logistics.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t know. It happened in less than a day, and we have no clue how,¡± Ofnir said, crossing one leg over another. ¡°Once Forge Lord Rungrod hears of what we¡¯ve done. We¡¯ll probably receive a stern warning, but he¡¯s known to only give forgiveness once. So, at worst, we¡¯ll get a slap on the wrist, but the next, he may chop off our arms.¡±

    ¡°I see... it seems I have troubled you two.¡± Alex bowed his head to his old friends but was soon met with a burst of merry laughter.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We might¡¯ve overstepped our boundaries, but it ain¡¯t a big deal.¡± Ofnir grinned for a moment but soon noticed Fargrim¡¯s stern gaze. ¡°Is there anything else ya can tell us about the demon?¡±

    Alex scratched the back of his head. He gazed off into the distance before closing his eyes. ¡°Its body was difficult to cut into. Like I was cutting through reinforced stone, but that wasn¡¯t the problem.¡± Alex stared at his hand. ¡°Besides its immense strength and regeneration¡­ it felt like it was absorbing my aura with each exchange.¡±

    ¡°Impossible¡­ aura is a manifestation of one¡¯s soul. How could such a thing be possible?¡± Fargrim asked in disbelief.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but you know how I fight. My spirit essence is only so strong because it¡¯s mixed with my aura,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Are ya sure it wasn¡¯t deflecting or dispersing it?¡± Ofnir asked.

    Alex nodded, recalling his fight. Each strike they exchanged sent sparks flying in every direction, yet as their blades pulled away. He could feel his aura getting ripped from his sword. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the fact that I was a spirit contractor. I probably would have died in my battle.¡±

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t absorb spirit essence?¡± Fargrim stroked his grey beard while raising a brow. After seeing Alex nod in response, the old dwarf couldn¡¯t hold his surprise. ¡°The demon we fought couldn¡¯t do such a thing, but it nullified our runes and engravings.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Alex sat there in shock. ¡°How? I thought once weapons were engraved, it couldn¡¯t be removed?¡±

    ¡°We thought so too, but after witnessing it in person, we know that¡¯s no longer true,¡± Ofnir replied.

    Alex ran through the scenarios in his head, with each one becoming more troubling than the last. A demon that was born to perfectly counter rune magic, and another to neutralize aura. If such specialized foes existed, then it was within the realm of possibility to imagine one born to fight against spiritualists as well. The mere thought left him in shambles, but if there was one thing Alex was certain about. It was that this was critical information¡ªone that the Order had to know.

    ¡°What about its appearance?¡± Fargrim¡¯s voice broke through Alex¡¯s thoughts, pulling him back to reality. ¡°Any distinct features we can use to differentiate our foes?¡±

    ¡°It had ash-white skin, two pitch-black horns, and some sort of rusted cleaver,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Just like da other one¡­¡± Ofnir brushed his brown beard and fell deep into thought. His long brown hair flowed freely before he grabbed his helmet and wore it. ¡°The Forge Lord will need to hear of this.¡±

    Fargrim watched as Ofnir rose from his seat. Not uttering a word as the Oathguard made his way to the exit of the infirmary. Even Alex, who was accustomed to their traditions, remained silent. Once Ofnir was at the door, he looked over to his friends and nodded before leaving.

    The veteran stared at Blaire and Tucker. He bitterly exhaled, a trace of sadness flashing through his eyes. Fargrim, noticing this, walked over with light strides and patted him on the shoulder. ¡°Fear not, old friend. I¡¯ve had the finest dwarven healers care for them. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll wake up soon.¡±

    ¡°I know you aren¡¯t one to cut corners, but I worry that the empire will retaliate.¡±

    Fargrim revealed a bright smile and sat down on the wooden chair. ¡°Let them.¡± He leaned over with his arms resting on his thighs and said, ¡°Besides, even if they did something, it wouldn¡¯t be until after the war with the kingdom is resolved. Those bastards know better than to fight a war on multiple fronts.¡±

    Alex closed his eyes and nodded. ¡°It seems my old habit of worrying about unnecessary things has come up again.¡±

    Fargrim chuckled. ¡°It comes with age.¡± His gaze shifted to Tucker, and soon, he grinned once more. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would train another recruit at your age instead of retiring.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just how things came to be.¡±

    ¡°Well, what are your thoughts on him? He seemed pretty reliable in creating that tornado and whatnot.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, you would never have me praising him outright, but you¡¯re right. He has a few flaws here and there, but with time, he¡¯ll probably be one of the best idiots I¡¯ve had the pleasure to train.¡± Alex recalled the last mission and smiled. ¡°He¡¯s a gem in the rough as you dwarves say. But once he¡¯s focused, you can tell the difference in performance.¡±

    Fargrim brushed his grey beard and let out a heartfelt laugh. ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to praise your recruits.¡±

    The old man raised a brow. ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing that a lot lately. Have I not complimented my previous rookies?¡±

    ¡°No, are ya crazy? Whenever you talk about them, it¡¯s usually about how slow they are or how they can¡¯t use your twinkle toe shuffle.¡±

    ¡°Twinkle toe shuff¡ªyou mean feather step?¡±

    ¡°Aye, that¡¯s the one.¡± Fargrim nodded.

    Alex shook his head and smirked. ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll admit it. While he lacks experience, everything he has done so far has exceeded my expectations. It''s a pity he joined the Order at such a time; if it had been sooner, things would have been more gradual. Instead, he''s thrown straight into the fire.¡±

    Fargrim couldn¡¯t help but agree after recalling the fiery tornado inching closer and closer to their stronghold. It was an attack that had even the empire¡¯s archer calvary speechless. The old dwarf brushed his beard, but before he could utter another word. A small, subtle laughter entered his ears.

    Alex and Fargrim glanced over at Tucker, who remained perfectly still in bed. They watched as the corner of the rookie¡¯s lips slightly curled upwards and frowned.

    Alex felt his eye slightly twitch as he glared at Tucker. ¡°This fucker¡­¡±

 36. What Makes Him Unique

    Tucker rubbed the bump on the top of his head. ¡°This is outrageous. I can¡¯t believe you would do this to me. There was no need for violence!¡±

    ¡°Shut up, you damn brat.¡± Alex¡¯s brows knitted together, casting a dark shadow over his eyes. ¡°If you¡¯re awake, just say something instead of pretending to be asleep.¡±

    The rookie pressed his fingers together. ¡°I just wanted to hear what you had to say.¡±

    Alex felt his eyes twitch once more. ¡°Fargrim, I take back everything I said about this free-spirited idiot. I don¡¯t like him one bit, and he has an ego bigger than the mountains.¡±

    Meanwhile, Fargrim had a wide grin on his face, but before either of them could respond, Tucker flipped his white blanket over. Examining his legs with a bitter expression. He didn¡¯t feel pain, but instead, a numbness that took over.

    ¡°Will I be able to walk again?¡± Tucker asked.

    The two veterans stared at each other before nodding.

    ¡°You should be able to. We just need you to visit a priest, but that means they¡¯ll probably put us into recovery for a few days,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°And if they can¡¯t fix my legs?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s highly unlikely. Their Gods wouldn¡¯t let such a thing happen in their presence.¡± Fargrim crossed his arms before his chest and leaned back. ¡°They aren¡¯t the kind to abandon those seeking help.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s only if they favor you,¡± Alex coldly added. ¡°I¡¯ve seen many prayers fall on deaf ears.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him.¡± Fargrim glared at Alex as if to lecture him that he wasn¡¯t helping with the situation. ¡°He¡¯s just being a hardass.¡±

    The old man rolled his eyes. He knew the personalities of the Gods dwelling in the Holy Kingdom and sighed. They reigned the Celestia Souldom with an iron fist, not to the extent of the Empire but enough for there to be fanatics.

    Alex sat back down on his bed and gazed at the stone ground. ¡°Unlike your gods that stay with every dwarven hold, ours plays favorites and abandon those they deem unnecessary.¡±

    ¡°Alas, that may be the case in the past, but I¡¯ve heard that the Souldom has changed their stance,¡± Fargrim said. ¡°They¡¯ve dispatched priests to both the kingdom and the empire to provide healing.¡±

    ¡°What? They¡¯re playing both sides?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°That¡¯s one way of looking at it.¡± Fargrim wiped his bald head with a cloth. ¡°They have worshippers in both nations, so it makes sense how they choose not to abandon either. But that being said, they may have some underhanded tactics in mind.¡±

    Tucker clenched onto the bedsheets, creasing the fabric, but soon released his grip. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the case.¡±

    Alex raised a brow. ¡°You changed your mind pretty quick.¡±

    ¡°Well, after nearly dying, I can see why it¡¯s important for there to be healers.¡± Tucker gently touched the back of his shoulder. ¡°I would have probably died if the dwarves hadn''t saved me. It''s probably the same on the front lines. Countless soldiers were critically injured and being healed by priests from the Souldom. So I don¡¯t think they have ill intentions.¡±

    Alex kept quiet. He knew each word that came out of Tucker¡¯s mouth was right. The gods were merciful in their own way, but he couldn¡¯t accept it. Even Fargrim felt bitter hearing this. It was the first time he had ever heard of the Celestia Souldom aiding both nations at war. In fact, he considered it some kind of ruse.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s enough outta me. I best leave ya to rest now,¡± Fargrim said, rising from his seat. After taking several strides, he flung open the door and stopped. ¡°That reminds me, Salamander. We¡¯ve sent word to the Order and told them about your situation.¡±

    ¡°Oh? And what did they say?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Nothing useful just said to wait, but for some reason, the damn custodian just kept talking about spring flowers and how pretty they were as they bloomed. They¡¯re still a bunch of weirdos if ya asked me,¡± Fargrim replied.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°The custodians have always been a bit odd, to be honest,¡± Tucker added.

    ¡°Well, they¡¯re good at their job, so it ain¡¯t a big deal.¡± Alex shrugged his shoulders and stared at the stone ceiling. ¡°Do you know how the war is going so far, Fargrim?¡±

    ¡°Afraid not, but it¡¯s probably best you don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening there.¡± Fargrim examined the three bedridden watchmen and smirked. ¡°It¡¯ll do no good for you to worry about such things. Focus on recovering. We¡¯ve prepared your things under the bed and repaired what we could. Like I said, once Owl wakes up. It¡¯ll be best to leave. Though knowing you, Salamander, you¡¯re probably keen on leaving.¡±

    ¡°You know me well.¡± Alex cracked a smile as Fargrim scoffed. ¡°We appreciate all the help you¡¯ve given.¡±

    ¡°No worries, laddie, it¡¯s a small favor compared to what you guys have done for us.¡± Fargrim returned a simple nod before stepping out and slowly closing the door. Leaving the three alone.

    Once Alex was confident that no one else was around them. He released a deep breath before tightly closing his eyes. ¡°The Order has planned their spring offensive.¡±

    ¡°Without us?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s probably too late for us to even participate. We¡¯ve been out for a while, and Owl still hasn¡¯t woken up.¡± Alex stared at Blaire, who was still unconscious. ¡°Though even if we did make it back in time, we would probably be forced to recover for a while to regain our strength before being assigned to higher-ranked missions¡ªwhat the hell are you doing?¡±

    Tucker froze and looked back at Alex. ¡°What does it look like I¡¯m doing?¡±

    The old man glared at Tucker, who was manipulating the wind to pull Blaire¡¯s bed closer to his. ¡°It looks like you¡¯re about to disturb someone¡¯s rest.¡±

    ¡±Exactly.¡± Tucker continued his actions but soon stopped as his spine shivered. Soon, he let out a dry cough and moved the bed back. ¡°I was just kidding. I was just testing out my new ability.¡±

    ¡°Your new ability? Like what?¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s probably easier to show it than to explain,¡± Tucker said, holding out his hands as a thin thread of spirit essence manifested between his fingers. Unlike the translucent energy that usually hovered without form. This one was clearly visible and had a clear shape.

    ¡°You¡¯ve manifested a spirit thread?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Yeah, if that¡¯s what you call it, but what does this mean for me?¡±

    ¡°Well, it means you¡¯ve entered the first step of bonding with your companion. The more threads you create, the stronger your bond and the higher your chance of ascending your spirit to their next form.¡±

    ¡°Wait, but if that¡¯s the case, how many threads have you manifested?¡±

    Alex remained still for a moment. Watching as Sally poked their head from beneath the blanket with a cheerful smile. ¡°Zero.¡±

    Tucker watched as Alex gently brushed his fingers against Sally¡¯s scales. Noticing the trace of sadness in the old man¡¯s eyes before quietly shifting the topic. ¡°In that case, how many threads would I need to make in order to counter an aura user that has created their fifth star?¡±

    ¡°You mean someone that¡¯s managed to create their own world?¡± Alex asked, thinking carefully as Tucker nodded. ¡°Well, normally, a spirit contractor isn¡¯t enough to fight within someone¡¯s domain. Only by creating your own world would you be able to fight on even ground.¡±

    ¡°I mean, hypothetically, how would you do it without the use of aura and magic?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be difficult, but you¡¯ll be relying on your companion for most of it. You need aura or magic to contend against those foes. Otherwise, you pray you¡¯re skilled enough to fight under their constraints or pray that their world doesn¡¯t restrict your movements.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ I¡¯m just fucked then?¡±

    ¡°Afraid so, that¡¯s why you shouldn¡¯t rely too heavily on your companion. They¡¯re essential in the sense that they add in another factor for your opponent to worry about, but aura and magic depends on the strength of the individuals themselves.¡±

    Tucker sat there with a conflicted expression. He fell deep into thought but soon opened his mouth. ¡°Then why is it that spirit contractors are so important in the Order?¡±

    ¡°Because the average contractor is stronger than the average mage or aura user. The threshold for each concept differs, but typically, if you were to group four-star aura users and lower with their mage counterparts. You¡¯ll see that most individuals are around the same strength, give or take.¡±

    ¡°Right, because the early stages for both of those concepts are weak, then you get exponentially stronger.¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why when you join the Order, we only have two requirements. To either be a four-star aura user or to be a fifth circle mage. As well as have a contract with a spirit.¡±

    Tucker nodded. ¡°Yeah, that makes sense, except I don¡¯t meet any of the first requirements.¡±

    Alex blankly stared at Tucker with a dumbfounded expression. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I mean, I thought you knew. I even stated it in my application,¡± Tucker pointed out.

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t look at the applications. I just take whoever the administrators assign to me,¡± Alex shot back.

    ¡°Uh¡­ surprise?¡± Tucker forced a weak smile, causing Alex to raise a brow.

    ¡°Are you fucking with me?¡± Alex asked with a deadpan expression. ¡°You¡¯re not serious right?¡±

    ¡°No, no! Of course, I¡¯m not fucking with you. I really thought you knew.¡± Tucker shook his head and held onto the pillow as his aura enveloped the object. ¡°I¡¯m a three-star aura user.¡± Then he held out his hand with his palm facing the ceiling. ¡°And a one-circle mage.¡±

    Alex¡¯s frown hardened even more as he saw the feeble mana circle form above Tucker¡¯s hand. It wasn¡¯t anything like he had seen in his years of service and was barely maintaining its form. Coupled with the aura-covered pillow and spirit thread, the sight was a spectacle to behold. ¡°What in the hell?¡±

 37. Dynamics Within The Empire

    ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be possible,¡± Alex said with full disbelief. ¡°To have all three energies coexisting in your body is something I¡¯ve never even heard about. It¡¯s either you¡¯re a mage and a spirit contractor or an aura user and a spirit contractor. Never all three.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m living proof of it, right? I mean, how else would I be able to use all three?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never even seen you use magic.¡± Alex countered.

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s because I can only store mana and direct the flow of it. I can¡¯t use any meaningful spells until I form my second circle,¡± Tucker commented with a grin. ¡°But if it counts, I can use one spell.¡±

    ¡°Really, like what?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Oh, you know, a basic spell with a single ring that can transfer mana.¡±

    ¡°Is the single ring a repetition ring or an enhancer?¡±

    Tucker grabbed the collar of his white robe and shook it a few times, before mumbling, ¡°It¡¯s¡­ ahem¡­ a timer.¡±

    Alex blankly looked at Tucker, who held both of his thumbs up before deeply exhaling. ¡°You¡¯ve got to be fucking with me. That¡¯s awful.¡±

    ¡°Oh come on, it¡¯s not that bad.¡± Tucker held out his hand and revealed the ring surrounding the magic circle that slowly ticked away. ¡°If I¡¯m the first individual you know that can use all three, surely that just shows how unique I am, right?¡±

    ¡°I mean¡­¡± The veteran made a strained expression as he sucked the air through his teeth. Clenching his jaw at the rookie¡¯s words with a bit of awkwardness. ¡°Yeah¡­ let¡¯s go with that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true! I actually have a lot of unique traits besides this.¡±

    ¡°For some reason, I find that hard to believe.¡± Alex sighed. "So how does this work then? Technically speaking, you would have to be blessed by the world to have a large mana pool."

    "Well, from what my instructor said, I had the potential to form a mana circle even when I created my aura star."

    "I see... then, you could have been a magic swordsman, but how did you form a contract with your spirit if that''s the case? They typically don''t establish a contract with someone if they are a magic swordsman because spirits drain either aura or mana to replenish their essence if they aren''t in the spirit realm."

    "Honestly, your guess is as good as mine. I have no clue." Tucker shrugged his shoulders and forced a weak smile. "All I know is ever since I formed a contract with Gale, I couldn''t form a new aura star or create another mana circle."

    Alex nodded with a subtle interest. "How do you feel? Is there any strain on your body?"

    "Nope, none whatsoever."

    "Have you gone through a pain tolerance test? Should we try one now?"

    "No, no, I''m good. I honestly don''t feel any strain, and if you''re wondering, that''s why I got into the Order without meeting the requirements."

    "I see... and I''m guessing you''re supposed to report on it after each mission for any potential changes."

    "Exactly, but so far, I haven''t written anything crazy. Well, except this time, I''ll probably add that I can create a thread of essence with Gale now."

    "Right... but that''s typically normal for mid-tier spirits. Only low-tier spirits can''t create threads," Alex pointed out.

    "Yes, which is why I''m constantly wondering why..." Tucker''s words trailed off as he stared at Sally.

    Alex, noticing the gaze, chuckled. "You should know me by now, Tucker. I''m not one to abandon those who trust me." He motioned for them to move on from the current conversation. ¡°We¡¯ll need to bring Owl back to the organization to report on what he remembers.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Tucker bitterly remembered the canister that was destroyed. He played the scenario in his head multiple times. Maybe, just maybe, if he had acted sooner. He could have recovered the pages as well. ¡°Sorry, I should have tried to get the pages as well.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Alex glanced over at Tucker and waved his hand to the side. ¡°There¡¯s no point in dwelling on something that¡¯s already happened. Besides, you made the right call following your heart. You would have probably regretted the situation even more if Owl was the one to die there.¡±

    ¡°Probably. Could it be that I¡¯m getting soft?¡±

    Alex¡¯s eyes remained steady, devoid of any flicker of emotion. ¡°You were always soft.¡±

    ¡°True.¡± Tucker nodded. ¡°It¡¯s one of my many strengths.¡±

    The old man tilted his head to the side, with eyes filled with doubt. His deadpan expression hardened, and even though he didn¡¯t say anything. It was clear from his body language that he completely disagreed.Stolen story; please report.

    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t make that face.¡±

    ¡°Ah, my bad, I was just surprised how¡­ simple-minded you are.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Were you about to call me stupid?¡±

    ¡°I would never,¡± Alex protested while laying back down on his bed with his eyes closed. ¡°Also, try to keep it down; you¡¯ll wake up, Owl.¡±

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t bother with that. I¡¯m already awake.¡± Blaire sighed and rolled over on his side to face them. ¡°Your rookie dragged my bed, and I could feel the metal frame scrap against the stone tiles. It¡¯s not a very pleasant feeling.¡± He glanced at Tucker, who clearly noticed the displeasure in his voice before dropping his shoulders and scratching his head. ¡°I should be mad¡­ but I¡¯m not one to take things for granted, so thanks.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it,¡± Tucker brushed the matter aside with a grin. ¡°These days, I¡¯m usually saving everyone I encounter.¡±

    ¡°Saving everyone you encounter?¡± Blaire stared at Alex and watched as he reluctantly nodded his head. ¡°Wow¡­ you¡¯ve really gotten old Salamander.¡±

    ¡°This bastard¡­¡± Alex frowned at Blaire and Tucker, feeling his blood rise. ¡°Did you forget who trained you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not saying much, considering how you trained practically everyone in the order,¡± Blaire replied.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened once he heard this. He turned towards Alex with a flabbergast expression. ¡°How old are you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your question? Ah fuck it, I don¡¯t even care anymore.¡± Alex covered his eyes with his hand. ¡°I¡¯m turning eighty-one this year.¡±

    ¡°Damn.¡± The one word that escaped Tucker¡¯s mouth nearly caused Blaire to snicker. While Alex felt his eye twitch in response.

    ¡°The fuck does that mean?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯re just a lot older than I thought.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you know, I''m a young eighty-one, you brat.¡±

    As Tucker grinned while leaning slightly to the side to dodge the incoming pillow. His hand moved beneath his chin. ¡°Though, I¡¯m surprised. I noticed everyone treats you differently, even though you¡¯re a lower rank than them.¡±

    Alex rolled his eyes before leaning back against the headboard. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s not about saluting the rank kid, but the person behind it.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s face twisted briefly before focusing on the old man. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s hope you don¡¯t find out,¡± Blaire commented. He rose from his bed and groaned in pain while holding his wound. ¡°Shit¡­¡± His wounds ached in agony as he fell back down. ¡°No high-tier healing potion?¡±

    ¡°Nope, the dwarves couldn¡¯t afford to give us any.¡± Tucker pointed at his legs, which were heavily wrapped with bandages and straightened with a splint. ¡°But, if they did, you¡¯ll have to wait in line.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ how are Mark and May?¡± Blaire asked.

    The other two watchmen remained silent, glancing at one another before breaking the silence. Tucker¡¯s lips parted. ¡°We don¡¯t know what happened with them. When we got ambushed on the platform, May was unable to fight, so I told Mark to take her and what was left of the canister to run.¡±

    ¡°What was left of the canister?¡± Blaire¡¯s hands were tightly clenched by his sides. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°It got half destroyed when you were ambushed. There was nothing we could have done about it,¡± Alex replied.

    Blaire clenched his fists. ¡°All that work¡­ lost in a single night.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not all lost. You probably sent some information back to the Order every so often, right?¡± Tucker stared at Blaire, who revealed a bitter expression.

    ¡°I did, but it just so happens the last month had crucial information that could have changed the war,¡± Blaire said.

    Alex crossed one leg over another. ¡°What information was inside the canister?¡±

    ¡°A list of houses and their representatives that were against the war.¡± Blaire sat facing the two. ¡°It turns out the house of nobles within the Empire isn¡¯t united in this endeavor, so with the information in the canister, there was a chance to break their unity.¡±

    Alex scoffed. ¡°Then in that case, the canister isn¡¯t as important as we thought.¡±

    The words that came out of Alex¡¯s mouth caused Blaire to frown. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±

    ¡°It means that even if we had the canister, nothing would change,¡± Alex replied, shaking his head. ¡°In the Avalon Empire, the Emperor¡¯s word is absolute. Even if a handful of lesser nobles plot against the royal family, it wouldn¡¯t matter with the current dukes.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s still a chance to turn the tide of war. We could sway them to our side,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°War between nations isn¡¯t only about numbers. It¡¯s about their capabilities. That¡¯s why whenever a strong foe steps onto the battlefield. Everyone is told to run.¡± Alex shook his head. ¡°Unless it¡¯s one of the dukes, there¡¯s not a chance in hell the war will be stopped.¡±

    Blaire grinned once he heard this and stared at Alex, whose expression hardened. ¡°There is one duke that is against the war. He¡¯s someone you¡¯re quite familiar with.¡±

    Alex raised a brow. ¡°One that I know?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s the former Duke of Riverdale. The leading figure during the five-year war,¡± Blaire replied.

    ¡°Wait, but shouldn¡¯t that Duke be over a hundred years old?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Age differs depending on their mana and aura,¡± Alex answered. ¡°It¡¯s hard to guess how long someone is going to live when they pass a certain threshold. But that¡¯s beside the point; why would the man who won against four nations be against the war?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t manage to figure out the reason, but what I do know is that his family and his followers aren¡¯t taking an active role in the war,¡± Blaire replied.

    ¡°Then this means if we could arrange a meeting with him, we could possibly sway them against the Empire,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so keen on that. His family has served the Imperial family since its founding,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then why aren¡¯t they taking part in the war?¡± Tucker turned to Blaire and watched as he shrugged his shoulders.

    ¡°I had a list of meeting locations and dates all perfectly organized in the canister. The information isn¡¯t completely trustworthy, but it was a good enough starting point with enough manpower. Though that¡¯s all gone to shit now.¡± Blaire dropped his hand and sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll have to meet with the Administrators and discuss the next steps.¡±

    ¡°Would it have made that much of a difference if we had all the contents of the canister?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°It could have,¡± Blaire replied with a distant look in his eyes. ¡°There¡¯s no guarantee that those families are truly planning a rebellion and we would only know once we meet them.¡±

    ¡°It would practically be a death sentence if those families were still loyal to the Empire,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°Correct, but it¡¯s a sacrifice that¡¯s worth making.¡° Blaire reached under the bed and retrieved his belongings. His eyes fell onto his owl-shaped medallion. ¡°The lives of a few to save thousands if executed correctly. Just the way it¡¯s always been for us watchmen.¡±

    The words that came out of Blaire¡¯s mouth struck Tucker into silence. Like a heavy punch to the gut that took the air out of his lungs. Deep down, he knew Blaire was right, but to hear him say it with such stark coldness was appalling. It was something Tucker thought about many times, yet actually hearing someone say it was an entirely different sensation.

    ¡°Then¡­ how many of us do you think will live to the end?¡± Tucker quietly asked.

    Both of them held their words at Tucker¡¯s question, and the deafening silence was enough of an answer.

 38. Morality And Necessity

    ¡°Forget it. I shouldn¡¯t have asked such a thing,¡± Tucker muttered. He took a deep breath before running his hands through his hair and gazing at the ground.

    The veteran let out a dry cough to clear his throat. ¡°No worries, kid. Now, let¡¯s avoid such topics like that in the future.¡± Alex reached under his bed to recover his belongings. He popped open his pouch, retrieved three cigars, and held them for the other two to see.

    Seeing the cigars, Tucker shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll pass.¡±

    ¡°Well, if the rookie doesn¡¯t want it, then I suppose I¡¯ll take you on your kind offer,¡± Blaire said as he held out his hand. ¡°He should learn to adapt and enjoy life while he can. Most of us don¡¯t live long in this field, well, except for the lucky few.¡±

    Alex stared at Blaire with indifference as he flicked the cigar over. As it arced through the air, Tucker instinctively pointed at it with his index finger, guiding it with a faint gust of wind and into Blaire¡¯s hand.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean we should change how we live our lives,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°Oh, but it does. It dictates the very nature of our occupation,¡± Blaire said with a distant gleam in his eyes. He twirled the cigar between his fingers before finally pointing it at Tucker. ¡°We¡¯re watchmen. The work we do has a greater impact than one would expect. Isn¡¯t that right, Salamander?¡±

    Alex shot a glance at Blaire but soon gave a slow nod. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±

    ¡°See?¡± Blaire pointed his cigar at Alex and gave a subtle nod to prove his point. ¡°If you¡¯re a watchman, you need to adapt. It¡¯s the nature of our work.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°Yes... but that''s regarding missions. Surely some things stay the same, right?¡±

    ¡°Not if they don¡¯t align with the Order,¡± Blaire countered, quickly cutting him off. He leaned forward and sat with one leg crossed and the other hanging off the side of the bed. ¡°Come on, you should know this by now. You¡¯re a rookie that¡¯s been working with Salamander for how long? Weeks? Months?¡±

    Tucker kept quiet, listening to Blaire''s rant with each word hammering against his convictions.

    ¡°Well, no matter; that¡¯s beside the point.¡± Blaire waved his hand in the air. ¡°What I¡¯m getting at is that you¡¯re good enough to be on tier-five missions, but what you lack is the resolve to fulfill your duties.¡± He held his index finger near the end of the cigar. "If we''re at war, you need to prepare yourself to do things that others won''t."

    Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed as a magic circle formed at the end of Blaire¡¯s finger. It was a simple design with no outer rings and a single word that spelled out ignire. Yet what caught his attention wasn¡¯t the fancy gesture but the hint of bitterness hidden behind Blaire¡¯s words.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°He¡¯s saying you¡¯re soft Tucker,¡± Alex replied, staring at the cigar in his hands before tucking it into his pocket.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Blaire said, triggering the magic circle with a flicker of mana. The characters in the center overlapped with each other. Lighting the end of the cigar as a swirl of smoke drifted into the air. ¡°It¡¯s my advice to you because you saved my life. I know Salamander wouldn¡¯t tell you such things, but it¡¯s better to prepare yourself now than later.¡±

    Tucker scoffed, dropping his gaze to his hands as he tightly clenched them. ¡°So what exactly are you trying to say?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m saying that you shouldn¡¯t think so much about unnecessary shit.¡± Blaire took a puff of the cigar before allowing the smoke to escape through his lips. Filling the air with an acrid scent as the smoke curled into the air. ¡°Stop thinking so much about what we do and just follow your orders. We don¡¯t need fucking heroes. We need people who can perform.¡±

    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean we can just kill whoever,¡± Tucker shot back. ¡°If we just kill everyone we see, then we¡¯re no better than savages.¡±

    ¡°Savages?¡± Blaire raised a brow, smirking as the ashes fell onto his white garment. ¡°So? What¡¯s your point?¡±

    ¡°My point is that there has to be a limit. If we just kill whoever indiscriminately, then we¡¯re no better than the Empire.¡±

    A flicker of a smile tugged on the corners of Blaire¡¯s lips. ¡°We¡¯ve never been better than the Empire.¡±

    The bluntness from Blaire caught Tucker off guard, leaving him speechless for a moment. But soon, he couldn¡¯t help but shake his head. Although he wanted to disagree, a part of him knew Blaire was right. The Order had a history buried deep within the darkest confines of the Kingdom. One that he only scratched the surface of.

    ¡°We need to be calculative and resourceful. It¡¯s the only way we¡¯ll win against the Empire,¡± said Blaire with a bitter expression. Watching as the cigar burned closer to his fingers. ¡°Otherwise, we¡¯ll find ourselves cornered and, quite frankly, fucked.¡±

    ¡°Then how many would need to die?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°As many as needed.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s lips tightened into a grim line as he stared at Blaire. ¡°If we just kill whoever is on the Empire¡¯s side, then nothing will change. Our peace would be artificial, and it¡¯ll only lead to more bloodshed and our people clawing at each other''s throats.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, but there¡¯s no such thing as eternal peace. The only reason our peace lasted so long is because of our actions in the previous war.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t mean¡­¡±

    ¡°I do. By destroying the villages on the borders of the Empire, we managed to buy nearly sixty years of peace.¡±

    Tucker tightly clenched onto the bedsheets, his frown deepening. He shook his head and stared at Blaire. ¡°So, what are you saying? That we should do the same thing this time as well?¡±

    ¡°If it means we win the war and buy more time for our people.¡± Blaire released a bitter chuckle devoid of warmth. ¡°Then yes, that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m saying. The life of a stranger means nothing to me.¡±

    Bullshit.

    The words spoken by Blaire echoed in Tucker¡¯s mind like an unwelcome guest. He knew that watchmen still had a very different ideology than him, but to see how many of his comrades were on a different path was beyond disheartening. Secretly, he had hoped Owl was like Alex¡ªa man of conviction and someone who understood the weight of morality, but after their brief conversation, that wasn¡¯t the case. He drew a line for himself with his morals. Setting the standard, the barrier that would protect his conscience. However, not everyone did the same, and soon, a gripping thought gnawed at his mind.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.

    Would he be able to turn a blind eye to the actions of his comrades?

    The reality of the war wrapped around him. It was us versus them, and he could control his actions but not those around him. His heart wavered, trembling at the wall he came to face. If he stood by and allowed something he knew was wrong to happen¡ªif he chose to look away from the tragedy unfolding before him¡ªthen how would he be any different from those who smeared the line in blood?

    Before his mind could wander further and trace the possible outcomes, a creaking sound broke his concentration. Tucker¡¯s gaze rose, focusing on the wooden door that slowly eased open. Soon, he saw a dwarf peer through the narrow gap between the door and the wall. Their brown hair and braided beard sticking out from the crevice.

    ¡°Oi, da hell is that smell? Are ya fellas smoking in here?¡± Ofnir asked, marching into the room. The sound of something creaking followed closely behind. Yet once he entered, the dwarf raised a brow upon sensing the tense atmosphere in the room. ¡°Is¡­ this a bad time?¡±

    ¡°Not at all old friend,¡± Alex replied, gesturing for Ofnir to come in.

    Ofnir dragged behind him a wooden chair with two large wheels on the side. ¡°I came back ''cause I had something for ya, little rookie.¡±

    ¡°A wheelchair?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Aye, it won¡¯t do ya any good to walk on those legs before a priest takes a peek.¡± Ofnir glanced at Alex, who motioned at Tucker. ¡°Neither would it be good for a young lad such as yourself to stay in this dastardly room.¡±

    ¡°Ah no, I¡¯m okay¡ª¡±

    ¡°Shhh¡­¡± Ofnir gently lifted Tucker like a sack of vegetables over his shoulder and threw him in the wheelchair, causing his face to twist in pain. Then he reached under the bed and took Tucker¡¯s belongings, throwing them onto his lap as well. ¡°When ya two are rested, you¡¯re free to come join us at the teleportation device.¡±

    ¡°Will do.¡± Alex nodded and waited until they had left. Once the door was fully closed, he turned towards Blaire.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like him, Salamander,¡± Blaire stated.

    ¡°I can tell,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°He¡¯s too green and na?ve.¡±

    ¡°I know, but he¡¯s gotten better.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a mistake for him to be doing missions with others of our rank. He should be on the front lines like the rest of the rookies, acting as scouts for the army.¡±

    ¡°You forget that if it wasn¡¯t for him, you wouldn¡¯t be with us.¡±

    Blaire fell silent before holding the cigar to his lips. With a deep inhale, the embers at the end glowed. "You have a point there, but that doesn¡¯t change my opinion. He needs to understand that having a good heart isn¡¯t enough to win wars. It never has been.¡±

    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s not just about having their heart in the right place, Blaire. It¡¯s about believing in what you¡¯re doing that¡¯s right and having the decency to follow those beliefs.¡±

    ¡°Those beliefs only weigh you down like shackles,¡± Blaire retorted.

    ¡°Perhaps, but it¡¯s the only notion that separates us from our foes.¡±

    The silence that fell after Alex uttered his last words caused Blaire to sigh. Finding the balance between morality and necessity was always a difficult topic. But Blaire couldn¡¯t find it within himself to see past his disdain and hatred. The Empire planned another war against them. They were the victims of the Empire¡¯s self-righteous crusade, and now he was told they needed to find it in themselves to be lenient? Bullshit.

    .

    .

    .

    ¡°Well lad, it seems ya three are doing good,¡± Ofnir said, pushing Tucker down the hall and through the stone halls.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if doing good is the right word.¡± Tucker stared at the dwarves as they made their wall out of the clearing.

    Before them were hundreds of dwarves heavily fortifying the inner perimeters of the stronghold. Hammering away at the steel bolts that held numerous large elder wood barricades together. Each plank glowed with a dim blue light as mana coursed through the timber. While forges roared to life once more. The flames danced as ember spirits flew in the air, assisting the dwarven blacksmiths and engineers in their masterful creations. Each furnace radiated an intense heat that Tucker could feel on his skin, even though they were several meters away.

    Tucker listened as the hissing of oil filled his ears. Bubbling as the scorching hot blades fell into the stone basins, rapidly cooling the metal. The dwarf held the tongs upwards after quenching the blade and bitterly cursed before setting it aside.

    ¡°As ya can see, we¡¯re in the process of arming ourselves after hearing of your encounter,¡± Ofnir said, wheeling Tucker towards the platform.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I didn¡¯t expect you guys to take us seriously.¡± Tucker held back his bewilderment. His brown eyes trailing upwards. ¡°I see you also have more anvils now too.¡±

    ¡°Ya never know, it could come in handy.¡±

    ¡°True, it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have more, but it feels pretty safe here with you and Fargrim protecting the stronghold.¡±

    ¡°Nay, not safe enough if ya ask me. Take a peek to ya left.¡±

    Ofnir pointed at a group of muscular dwarves standing by with their rune-engraved helmets covering the majority of their heads except for the area where their beards freely dangled. The interlocking plates on their bodies, along with thick chain mail to protect the vital gaps between their armor, was a sight to behold. But what was even more impressive was that their weapons seemed to radiate a powerful aura that shook the very ground.

    From afar, Tucker couldn¡¯t make out the finer details of their gear, but once he was close. His eyes widened in shock. The azure ribbons with the scarlet seals that were stamped to the shoulder pads of their armor were the exact same as the ones Ofnir and Fargrim wore.

    The eight dwarves in front of him were all Oathguards. Which meant that they were all as strong or stronger than the two Oathguards he knew. It was something Tucker didn¡¯t expect in the slightest.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re surprised, but it¡¯s the bare minimum amount the Lord of the Dwarven realms could send that out.¡± Ofnir continued pushing Tucker to the teleportation device but soon stopped by a table with several small stones. ¡°I thought about what could help ya lads if a demon appeared again and came up with a nifty idea.¡± He grabbed a few rune stones with a glyph of an ¡°E¡± that had an accent striking through the center.

    ¡°This is¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an earth rune, one we used to create walls. A few of these in your arsenal would do wonders, I tell ya.¡±

    ¡°But is it alright for you to give this to me?¡± Tucker asked.

    Ofnir let out a heartfelt laugh and smacked Tucker¡¯s shoulder before dropping his expression. ¡°Probably not. Just dun let Fargrim know. He¡¯ll give me an earful if ya do.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for this gift. I¡¯ll make sure to cherish it.¡± Tucker held onto the runes and carefully placed them into his pouch. He then stopped for a movement and looked upwards. ¡°How do I activate these?¡±

    ¡°Ya just need to put a bit of mana in it and toss it on the ground. After a second or two, da ground will shake, and then ya got yourself a new set of walls.¡± Ofnir wheeled Tucker further down towards the closed gates that led to the teleportation platform and stopped. ¡°Ahem¡­¡±

    Tucker glanced back at Ofnir, who let out a dry cough. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be nosy or anything, but I couldn¡¯t help but overhear your conversation with da others. The door doesn¡¯t block sound that well.¡±

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s fine. It isn¡¯t a big deal if you heard what we were talking about. We weren¡¯t discussing anything important.¡±

    ¡°Mayhaps, but I just wanted to say that I believe you¡¯re on the right path.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m on the right path?¡±

    ¡°Aye, ya have a heart of gold lad. It¡¯s rare nowadays but a noteworthy trait if ya ask me.¡±

    Tucker''s lips curled upwards, revealing a faint smile as he heard Ofnir¡¯s words. He gave a subtle nod before staring at the gates. ¡°Has there been any new developments with the teleportation device and the demon?¡±

    ¡°Nada, but if there was, I hope we¡¯ll be able to use it against them. Maybe invade them instead.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit dangerous, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Ofnir held out his chest and grinned. ¡°Not for us mighty dwarfs!¡±

    The sound of laughter drew Tucker¡¯s attention as the guards stationed at the platform cheered in admiration for Ofnir¡¯s bravery. Yet, as Tucker forced himself to smile, he felt a heaviness grab hold of his heart. His gaze fell to the stone tiles beneath him. Soon, they would be back at the Order, and within days, he would have to begin treatment to mend his broken legs. He had a trace of doubt in his mind that it would be enough¡ªenough to heal his body and perhaps his thoughts.

    But even as he tried to focus on the camaraderie surrounding him. The sight of the demon clawing its way back into his mind flashed before him. Its dastardly grin and violet eyes pierced straight through his soul as if it was eagerly waiting. Waiting for them to meet again and the sheer helplessness Tucker felt after facing it felt suffocating. Yet, amidst the fear and despair, something else stirred inside of him. A surge of anger grew. One that burned in his heart like an unyielding flame that refused to die out. This feeling, this fire, wasn¡¯t just anger. It was resolve forged through the heat of endurance and pain. One that resonated with the souls of every dwarf in the stronghold and if there was one thing he was certain about. It was that the next time they met, he would kill it.

 39. How It Feels To Be The Weakest

    ¡°Alright, are we all good to go?¡± Tucker asked, sitting in his wheelchair.

    Ofnir held his thumb up with a grin as all the watchmen were on the platform. ¡°Are ya ready, lads?¡±

    ¡°I suppose,¡± Blaire said.

    Alex gave a nod. ¡°We¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°Aye, say no more!¡± Ofnir signaled the runesmith to start the teleportation device as the platform shimmered with light blue energy.

    ¡°Thanks for all the help Ofnir,¡± said Tucker.

    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it lad. I would say try not to die, but it seems like that would just be jinxing ya.¡± Ofnir cracked a smile followed by a heartfelt laugh. ¡°Just take care of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Will do till next time.¡± Tucker gave a simple nod as the humming sound echoed through the area.

    Tucker held onto the armrests of the wheelchair. They were all wearing their standard watchmen attire with their green clothes and face masks down. It had been a while since they left the Order, and the rookie couldn¡¯t help but let out a sigh of relief. He felt his body briefly float in the air for a moment, and the insides of his stomach churn. Soon, a blinding light engulfed them, and the force of gravity hit their bodies once more. Pulling them back to the ground with a loud thud as they returned to the same gothic arches they had seen before.

    His head spun for a moment, along with the jolting pain of his broken legs coursing through his body. Tucker struggled to stay focused but soon felt someone hold onto his shoulder.

    ¡°You good?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m good. It wasn¡¯t so bad this time¡ª¡±

    ¡°Owl!¡±

    The voice interrupted them as they turned their head towards May and Mark. Behind them were several more watchmen who rushed towards the three as they moved off the platform. Tucker sat there and watched as May and Mark wrapped their arms around Blaire with tears in their eyes. He didn¡¯t utter a single word and stayed motionless while more people approached them.

    ¡°Salamander!¡±

    Another group of watchmen called out to Alex, who raised a brow and released a small chuckle. Seeing this, Tucker gave the old man a gentle nudge with his elbow. ¡°You should get going too. It seems like the others must have heard what happened.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. I need to head to the infirmary anyway and have a priest see me.¡±

    ¡°You want me to accompany you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Tucker replied, grabbing onto the top of the wheels. ¡°Besides, it seems like you have some friends waiting for you.¡±

    Alex gave a subtle nod. ¡°I¡¯ll check up on you later.¡±

    ¡°You worry too much, old man.¡± Tucker dismissively waved his hand and slowly began pushing himself down the corridors.

    He looked back for a moment, through the dimly lit stone hallway and arches at the people surrounding Blaire and Alex. His comrades were well-loved, and it showed. Yet a sense of sadness held onto his heart. Tucker held onto the wheels and lightly pushed it forward as the creaking sound reverberated against the walls. There was no one waiting for him, but it was fine. He hadn¡¯t done enough and knew of his shortcomings. The only thing he could do now was move forward and try to be a better version of himself. One step at a time.

    As Tucker¡¯s wooden wheelchair shook against the rigid surface of the stone tiles. A gentle push from behind him moved him forward. He glanced over his shoulders and stared at the old man with a long grey beard. Their blue robe with gold embroideries along the seams was eye-catching, but what drew his attention the most was the large circular iron frames of their glasses.

    ¡°Charles? What are you doing here?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°I heard you chaps had returned, so I figured I would stop by the platform and say hello,¡± Charles replied with a smile. ¡°But to my surprise, I saw someone leaving all by his lonesome and figured he could use some company.¡±

    Tucker let out an awkward laugh. ¡°Did I look that pitiful?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say pitiful is the right word for this situation.¡± Charles carefully pushed Tucker down the hall. ¡°But I do see a young fella going through a period of growth.¡±

    Tucker kept his gaze forward as the light from the magic lanterns passed over him. ¡°It really doesn¡¯t feel like I¡¯m going through much growth.¡±

    ¡°Why do you say that?¡±

    ¡°It just feels like I¡¯m not good enough, or I keep making mistakes, and I can¡¯t help but blame myself for it.¡±

    Charles quietly thought for a moment. ¡°Well, it sounds like you¡¯re comparing yourself to the other two too much.¡±

    ¡°Am I?¡± Tucker quietly asked.

    ¡°You are. I¡¯ve seen many young watchmen go through this,¡± remarked Charles with a slight smile. ¡°Alex is an exceptional watchman who has been in the field for generations, and Blaire¡ªdespite being a tad bit cold and stubborn has performed many challenging feats that defined his career.¡±This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get what you mean.¡±

    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is that no one is exceptional from the moment they are born. They are built up slowly by what they experience and are defined by key moments in their life. You simply haven¡¯t lived through enough of those milestones.¡±

    Tucker clenched his worn trousers with a downcast gaze. The wheelchair jolted briefly, passing into the infirmary, where priests cared for the wounded. There were hardly any watchmen in the area, and the single priest sitting on their wooden stool looked up from the book they were reading and smiled.

    ¡°My, it seems I have a patient.¡± The priest kept her face hidden behind the darkness of their white hood and stood up. ¡°Please, help him to a bed.¡±

    Her peaceful and soothing voice calmed Tucker¡¯s heart, but he frowned and glanced at Charles. The subtle nod from his elder made him a bit uneasy. However, before he could do anything, two custodians appeared from the side of the chambers and lifted him onto the bed before them.

    ¡°Greetings, Bishop Mary. It¡¯s our pleasure to be under your care,¡± said Charles, slightly lowering his head.

    ¡°The pleasure is all mine,¡± replied Mary. ¡°Now, how may I be of assistance?¡±

    ¡°The poor fella here seems to have broken both of his legs.¡±

    ¡°Hm¡­ I see... well. It¡¯ll only take a brief moment for me to heal him.¡± Mary leaned closer to Tucker¡¯s face. Her smooth pale skin, like the moonlight, and almond-shaped violet eyes were the first thing he noticed. Then, her short black hair that stopped before her shoulders.

    She held her hands above his bandaged leg, slowly unwrapping the linen fabric, and examined the wound. Soon, a glimmer of admiration crossed her face. ¡°Whoever treated you must have been a noteworthy field healer.¡±

    Tucker thought back to Ofnir and Fargrim and nodded. ¡°I guess you could say that.¡±

    ¡°Let me just check the other leg as well.¡± Mary unwrapped the linen fabric on the other leg and nodded. Examining the torn flesh on the side of Tucker¡¯s calves. The bones were properly aligned with the splints, and a healing potion was applied to stop the bleeding. ¡°Do you feel any discomfort moving them?¡±

    ¡°Besides the stinging pain from the wound, not really,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡± Mary smiled and held her hands slightly above the wounds.

    A faint golden glow emerged from her hands, followed by a soothing warmth wrapping around Tucker¡¯s legs. Charles¡¯ eyes widened at the sight of divinity overflowing from the priest, but just as it started, it ended. The moment took no more than a few seconds, but that was all she needed.

    ¡°Try moving your legs now,¡± said Mary.

    Tucker raised his left and right leg slowly and raised a brow. ¡°Well, I¡¯ll be damned. That was a lot easier and painless than expected.¡±

    Mary quietly giggled. ¡°You have the person who treated you to thank for that. It must have been very painful to have your bones forcefully realigned like that. But because of their hard work, I didn¡¯t have to tear through your flesh and align them myself.¡±

    Tucker worriedly stared at Mary, who revealed a charming smile with her head tilted. He turned to Charles and watched as his friend looked the other way.

    ¡°I see¡­ I¡¯ll make sure to thank them then.¡± Tucker nervously stared at her, causing their eyes to meet. Mary tilted her head to the side, with her hair falling to the side. She curiously waited for what Tucker was going to say next.

    Meanwhile, Charles slowly backed away with the other custodians and watched from afar. He couldn¡¯t help but silently laugh at this development. The two custodians also shared this settlement. Yet the next words caused their expressions to turn grim.

    ¡°Have you ever killed a demon before?¡± Tucker asked.

    The light from Mary¡¯s eyes faded, and her expression hardened. ¡°I have. Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°Because we encountered one on our last mission and nearly died.¡±

    ¡°Hm¡­¡± Mary sat back down on his chair with a distant look in her eyes. ¡°I can see why that would be the case. Normally, you would need to kill it with divinity or destroy whatever it has as a catalyst, but it¡¯s hard to tell what type of demon you fought.¡±

    ¡°It had ashen skin and two black horns¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s not what I mean. Some demons are summoned through contracts or sacrifices. Others merely enter our plane through a temporary gate between our realms, but if that was the case, they would weaken over time.¡±

    ¡°So it¡¯s not just about their appearance?¡± Tucker focused on her expression to see if there were any changes but sighed once he saw her shake her head. ¡°Then, if we don¡¯t have divinity, how would we kill it?¡±

    ¡°It would have to be through sheer force, but you¡¯re too weak for that,¡± Mary answered. ¡°If you ever run into a demon again, I would advise you to run.¡±

    Her response caused Tucker to flinch. ¡°And what if I can¡¯t?¡±

    Mary remained silent, unable to answer his question; seeing Tucker¡¯s bitter expression made it even harder for her to answer earnestly. If she had told him the truth, it would only have angered him, and soon, the young watchman rose from the bed and gestured at Charles for them to go.

    ¡°You can keep the wheelchair for whoever else needs it, and thanks for the treatment.¡± Tucker walked past Charles, who wore a blank stare, and went down the hall to the training area.

    Once Charles saw this, he gave an awkward smile at Mary and thanked her for her services before chasing after Tucker. ¡°Wait! Why are you in such a rush?¡±

    ¡°Because I can¡¯t afford to waste time,¡± Tucker replied without sparing a glance. He continued through the stone hallway. Passing by the other watchmen and members of the order with powerful strides.

    ¡°Tucker, were you not listening to a single thing I said chap?¡± Charles hurriedly walked beside Tucker and stared at him. ¡°It¡¯s okay to move at your own pace¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not Charles!¡± Tucker furiously shouted, and as they entered the empty training yard, he stopped. "You don¡¯t realize the extent of how terrible it is to always drag my team down! Every single issue we¡¯ve run into could have been resolved if I was just a little bit stronger. Every single fucking one!¡±

    Charles quietly stood there and stared at the back of the young watchman before him. He could see the frustration mounting on their shoulders. A common sight he had seen throughout his years and one he could relate to. Since he was the weakest recruit since the Order¡¯s founding.

    After a moment and a deep breath, Tucker shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m sorry to yell. I¡¯m not mad at you but at myself because it really is just like that. If Alex had left me to die on the last mission, I wouldn¡¯t have blamed him. I would have wanted him to do that, but he tried to save me.¡±

    Charles stroked his grey beard and quietly listened.

    ¡°I used to think I was the best. That I could easily handle any problem that came up and move through the ranks with ease.¡± Tucker gazed at the stone ceiling above him. Watching the faint traces of mana fade from the crystals that lit up the area. ¡°But mission after mission, I realized that I was just a na?ve and immature brat. One who couldn¡¯t deliver and pull his own weight when it mattered the most.¡±

    He turned around and stared at Charles. ¡°I almost got Alex killed, and that feeling where things could have changed if I was just a little bit stronger. It just tears me apart.¡±

    Charles took a deep breath and nodded. Sometimes, the ones who were the hardest on themselves were the ones who couldn¡¯t see their own value, and that was Tucker right now. In ordinary circumstances, he would have gained more experience and grew gradually through the Order, but times were different. They were at war, and one simple misstep could easily cost them their life. The young boy in front of him wasn¡¯t scared of dying. He was scared of burdening those around him, and there was no easy way to help Tucker grow. So Charles helped in the only way he knew.

    With light steps towards the weapon rack, he took two dull iron swords and threw one at Tucker. ¡°I can¡¯t help you ease your worries. Nor can I help you see your value because that is something you must realize yourself, but¡­¡± Charles rolled up his sleeves. ¡°If there¡¯s one thing I excel at, it¡¯s killing those who are stronger than me.¡±

 40. Mind Games

    Tucker stared at the iron sword laying in front of his feet. While Charles was standing at the other side of the training area with a sword in hand. The old man stretched his arms and legs and let out a tired groan. He saw Charles pat his shoulders several times and frowned.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t done this in ages, but I suppose now would be better than any, my dear chap.¡± Charles rested the spine of his sword against his shoulder. ¡°Now, I don¡¯t know how you fight, so it¡¯s best you come at me with all you got. I''ll give you the first move.¡±

    ¡°No offense, Charles, but I don¡¯t see how this is going to¡ª¡±

    Right as Tucker was about to finish his sentence, Charles took a step forward and lunged at him. Thrusting his sword right toward Tucker¡¯s heart. The blade scraped against Tucker¡¯s dull iron chest plate, releasing a metallic screech that filled Tucker¡¯s ears. He barely evaded the attack by stepping to the side, but soon, a sharp pain rushed through his arm.

    His eyes fell on the hilt of Charles¡¯ blade. The librarian had pivoted on his leading foot and drove the end of the hilt into Tucker¡¯s arm, knocking him back several paces.

    Tucker struggled to stabilize his body. ¡°You said I could attack first.¡±

    ¡°Tis but a lie.¡± Charles could see the pain in Tucker¡¯s eyes, but that didn¡¯t matter. He needed to endure. ¡°Prepare yourself because right now, I¡¯m showing you how someone who is weak fights.¡±

    ¡°Wait¡ª¡±

    Before Tucker could utter another word, Charles swiftly closed the gap and stood within an arm¡¯s length of the rookie. Tucker couldn¡¯t help but grit his teeth in frustration. The old man didn¡¯t plan to spare him a second for conversation, seeing as he had no choice. He needed to launch his counterattack.

    Tucker watched as Charles raised his sword. Drawing a silver arc that raced towards his head. It was a simple strike using only the force behind one arm and something that he could easily block, but he guarded against it. Shivers ran through his entire body. He couldn¡¯t believe the amount of force that was exerted behind the strike, and the throbbing pain from earlier made it all the more difficult to block the attack. The only possible solution in his head was to try and lead the attack to the side, but with each passing second, it felt more and more impossible.

    Before he could put his plan in motion, he felt a powerful blow land on his cheek as the weight behind the downward strike shifted. Charles¡¯ fist nearly knocked him back, but the librarian wouldn¡¯t let him retreat so easily. The old man stomped on his foot, locking him in place as another slash aimed at his sword shook his body. Each strike numbed Tucker''s hands. The relentless attacks battered his blade until it was knocked out of his hand. Glimmers of silver trailed through the air as the sword spun several times, drawing Tucker¡¯s attention before falling blade first into the dirt.

    ¡°Do you know what scares folks the most when they think they''re the strongest?¡± Charles asked.

    Tucker quickly shifted back to Charles but soon groaned in pain as a devastating kick sent him flying several meters away from the center of the arena. His body hit the ground with a heavy thud and scrapped against the floor. Leaving behind a trail of dust.

    ¡°It¡¯s when they realize they are outmatched but don¡¯t know why.¡± Charles walked over to the iron sword and freed it from the ground, sending it back towards the rookie with a stern gaze. ¡°You see, I am by far physically weaker than you, but right now, it doesn¡¯t feel like it.¡±

    Tucker spat out a mouthful of blood. The fist that landed on the left side of his face had busted his lip. ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡± He quietly asked, picking up the sword and standing once more.

    ¡°There¡¯s more to fighting than just raw strength,¡± Charles¡¯ response was cold but carried a sense of sincerity. "When you were distracted, I stole the initiative and struck your arm. Weakening your stance before you even knew what was happening."

    Such an obvious answer was already in Tucker¡¯s head, and he knew this. But when he thought back to the demon, his blood boiled. He wanted to overcome it, yet it felt like a tremendous wall stood before him. If he was stronger, he could have easily exchanged attacks with the demon. However, that wasn¡¯t the point Charles was trying to make.

    Charles held his sword in front of him and pointed it at the ground. His grip was loose, and anyone could tell that he was purposing lowering his guard. ¡°So what do you do?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Tucker¡¯s strained voice filled the area. He felt his emotions swell in his chest. Tightening the area around his heart.

    ¡°You figure a way to overcome it through other ways,¡± Charles softly said. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re trying to defeat, but battles are more than just pure strength.¡±

    Tucker kicked the dirt floor, leaving behind a trail of dust. In a chaotic burst of speed, his aura enveloped his weapon, bolstering his strength as he struck at the aged man. His eyes focused on Charles in anticipation of the slightest bit of change in their movement. Yet, right before his attack could land, the old man swung his sword into the air. Colliding with the rookie¡¯s weapon as it pushed the blade upwards. Tucker gasped as all his momentum was redirected, but before he could adjust his body. Charles took a step closer, placing his blade beside their neck.This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°It¡¯s a mind game, one that involves tactics and philosophies.¡± Charles retraced his steps, gazing at the chip in his auraless blade. ¡°How you approach a fight matters more than simply being stronger than your opponent. I can¡¯t use aura yet I managed to provoke you into falling into my trap. Strength without meaning holds no value.¡± He pointed his sword at the ground once more and loosened his grip. ¡°Battles are, at its core, a matter of utilizing resources. Now, try again.¡±

    Blood trickled down the tiny wound on Tucker¡¯s neck. He gently touched it with his index and middle finger. Staring at the smudge on his fingers. Charles shouldn¡¯t have deflected his sword so easily, yet that wasn¡¯t the case. He saw it for a split second. Through the wavering gaps on his weapon, Charles had struck where his weapon was the weakest. A feat that was beyond unbelievable.

    He knew Charles was right. Every single word and move had a purpose. It felt like the old man was trying to guide him, but he couldn¡¯t understand it. There was no guarantee that something like mind games would matter against someone who was solely stronger than him.

    Yet despite this, he listened and rose. If Charles couldn¡¯t use aura, then that was something he could use to his advantage. Without wasting a second, the rookie lunged forth again, causing Charles to shake his head at the wavering aura on the blade.

    ¡°This again? It seems like you haven¡¯t fully grasped the concept yet," said Charles.

    The old man stepped forward, swinging his sword at the gap between Tucker¡¯s aura, but right before the two blades could make contact. Charles¡¯ eyebrows shot up. The aura surrounding Tucker¡¯s sword consolidated at the bottom. Instead of covering the entire weapon, he only covered the area where his blade would strike.

    Tucker grinned as his attack pushed through. The old man¡¯s blade snapped from the point of contact. Yet, for some reason, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but feel like his victory was too easy. Something like this wouldn¡¯t be enough to break Charles¡¯ spirit.

    Even though his sword was aimed at the librarian¡¯s heart. The old man was unfazed, instead he raised his hand into the air and immediately brought it down. Striking the top of the sword and breaking it in half with his verdant aura-cladded hand.

    ¡°What¡ª¡±

    Two strikes landed on Tucker¡¯s chest as he felt the air get knocked out of his lungs. He stumbled back several feet and vomited on the ground.

    ¡°Ah, sorry about that.¡± Charles chuckled and stroked his beard. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I used aura, so I couldn¡¯t completely control my strength.¡±

    ¡°You¡ªyou said you couldn¡¯t use aura.¡± Tucker forced the words out and wiped the vomit from his lips. The smell of bile made him sick as his eyes trailed upwards onto Charles¡¯ triumphant figure.

    ¡°Ah, I lied. It¡¯s all mind games, Tucker; just because I said I couldn¡¯t use aura during a fight doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s the truth.¡±

    The rookie¡¯s gaze lingered on the old man. A bitter feeling of loss fell over him. He knew what Charles was getting at but found it hard to cope with. ¡°But how will this help me fight a demon? Those things don¡¯t even understand us, so how will words trick it? And to make it worse, those things are insanely durable and can regenerate.¡±

    ¡°My dear Tucker, just because something can regenerate doesn''t mean you can''t kill it. You just need to make it burn through its regenerative abilities until it can no longer sustain itself. If the demon lacks intelligence and relies solely on instinct, I wouldn¡¯t be concerned.¡± Charles picked up the blades and discarded them in a nearby trash bin. ¡°Since they would fall for the blandest of tricks. Instead, I would be concerned with demons that could think. Those are the ones that are truly frightening.¡±

    Tucker hunched over and slowly rose. ¡°I get what you mean, but would these mind games even be enough?¡±

    ¡°It may not, but it gives you an opportunity. An opening that you normally wouldn¡¯t have. For example, if I had increased my strength just now. You would have had a hole blown through your chest,¡± Charles replied.

    Thinking back, Tucker held onto his stomach and nodded. Even the lowered guard from earlier was just something Charles had used to provoke him into attacking. He didn¡¯t have the time or luxury to train and get stronger. There was no telling when they would be sent out again, and as he thought this. The sound of footsteps entered his ears. He shifted his gaze towards the entrance of the training area, and soon Charles did the same.

    A figure walked down the hall, their footsteps reverberating against the walls. Tucker kept focused as Alex entered the area with his arms behind his back. He raised a brow at the sight and frowned at the god-awful smell.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re training the rookie Charles,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°Indeed! Just teaching him a few things about mind games in combat.¡± Charles held the bin in the air for Alex to see and then lowered it.

    ¡°Ah... fools guard?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Fools guard,¡± Charles replied.

    ¡°And I¡¯m guessing Tucker was the fool?¡±

    ¡°Indeed!¡± Charles pushed his glasses up, watching as Alex adjusted his triangular hat. ¡°So I take it you have some spare time now?¡±

    ¡°Afraid not, I came to get the rookie.¡± Alex glanced at Tucker and gestured for him to follow. ¡°We have our orders. We¡¯re being sent out again.¡±

    ¡°Wait, already? But we just got back,¡± Tucker protested.

    ¡°That¡¯s just how it is, and we¡¯re the only ones available.¡± Alex shrugged his shoulders and nodded at Charles. ¡°We don¡¯t know when we¡¯ll be back, but it¡¯s good seeing you, Charles.¡±

    ¡°Same to you, old friend.¡± Charles walked up to Alex and patted him on the shoulder. He then watched as Tucker walked towards them. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. Just take some time to absorb what I said.¡±

    ¡°I will. Thanks for the help. Alex, what¡ª¡± Tucker glanced over his shoulder, catching a glimpse of Alex quickly walking away. ¡°I swear... he does this every time.¡±

    ¡°Haha, he¡¯s never been one to wait.¡± Charles pitifully stared at Alex and patted Tucker on the back, urging the young man to go.

    As Tucker left the training area and followed Alex back to the stone halls. Charles¡¯ words lingered in his mind. He knew that even if he had spent the past few moments trying to train his aura and form his next star, it would be futile. He had yet to master the ability of his third star, which was to hone his weapon. Yet he wanted to do more. He wanted to reach the next stage, where he could imbue a property into his soul.

 41. A Needed Artifact

    ¡°So¡­ what exactly are we doing then?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°We¡¯re meeting up with Owl. The Head Administrator wanted to talk to him for a bit longer, but he¡¯ll have the details of what we need to do,¡± said Alex, casting a quick side eye at Tucker. ¡°Also, don¡¯t face towards me when you talk. Your breath smells awful.¡±

    Tucker faced forward. ¡°Do you think it¡¯ll be an easy mission?¡±

    ¡°Probably not if it¡¯s given by the Head Administrator,¡± Alex replied, walking down the stone halls.

    Tucker followed closely behind with quick strides. ¡°Then do you think I should go on it?¡±

    The veteran stopped in his tracks and stared at the rookie. He raised a brow at the youngster with eyes filled with confusion. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ let¡¯s be honest, I¡¯m not the best at these missions.¡± Tucker released a bitter laugh. ¡°Even last mission, I almost fucked it.¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t your fault,¡± Alex said in a stern tone. ¡°Anyone in that situation would have been fucked. It was unfortunate and not something you could control.¡±

    ¡°It seems like I¡¯ve only had unlucky encounters,¡± remarked Tucker.

    ¡°Perhaps, but it is what it is,¡± said Alex.

    Tucker clenched his fist at his side. ¡°Then next time, you should abandon me.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Listen, Alex. I respect you, but there¡¯s no chance in hell I would want someone else to die for me.¡±

    The words that came out of Tucker¡¯s mouth were something Alex never thought he would hear. But upon hearing it, he could see the trouble in his eyes. Alex placed his hands on his hips and let out a long sigh. His clothes were ragged, and both of them had yet to change into a new set of equipment.

    ¡°Kid, I can¡¯t say this about everyone in the Order, but take a look at us.¡± Alex held out his arms, showing his blood-stained and tattered clothes. ¡°We¡¯re a mess, yet alive. Had a few close calls but pulled through.¡± He laughed. ¡°You¡¯ve saved my life once, might have fucked up and caused the situation, but that doesn¡¯t change the fact you came back.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your point?¡±

    ¡°Most would abandon their partner in such situations, but you sent a mist hawk to the Order and came back. Completed the mission and risked your life to save an old man such as myself,¡± Alex added. ¡°Not only that, from my conversation with the other scholars, you actually managed to find a reliable pattern that was used as a starting point for their encryption.¡±

    ¡°I mean, anyone could do that. The pattern wasn¡¯t hard to solve,¡± Tucker countered.

    ¡°Perhaps, but you were the one that discovered it, and now you have managed to save Owl,¡± added Alex. ¡°It takes a lot to admit you¡¯re wrong. With your ego, I expected you to hold your ground and not blame yourself, but you didn¡¯t. You were genuinely apologetic.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ that¡¯s obvious it¡¯s because it was my fault,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°Yes, but you¡¯d be surprised at how many people refuse to accept that.¡± Alex motioned for Tucker to follow and began walking once more. ¡°You can¡¯t change the past, but you can learn from it. And so far, you¡¯ve learned.¡±

    Tucker quickly walked beside Alex. ¡°Yeah¡­ but aren¡¯t you too lenient with me?¡±

    The veteran¡¯s lips remained sealed for a moment before slowly parting. ¡°Some would say so, but they wouldn¡¯t understand. Besides, you aren¡¯t the only one that¡¯s still learning. If I didn¡¯t think you were good enough, I would have told the Administrators and had you assigned to a lower-tier team. Now stop worrying about it, and let¡¯s go.¡±

    The rookie¡¯s gaze lingered on the veteran¡¯s back for a second. He watched the old man calmly move through the corridors and cracked a small smile. There was a feeling of doubt that persisted, but for now, he shook it off. With light steps, he followed the old man through the stone hallways, passing by the gothic arches and magic lanterns hung on the walls. After a few minutes, they stopped in front of a room with a metal plate that said the numbers one thousand two hundred and twenty-one.

    Alex gently knocked on the wooden surface several times and waited. Soon, a voice from inside called out to them, ¡°Come in.¡±

    As the two walked in, Blaire glanced at them with his palms resting along the edge of the table. He was standing along the side, leaned over while reading the documents, and gestured for them to take a seat. Tucker trailed after Alex and quietly closed the door behind him before pulling out a wooden chair and sitting beside Alex around the round table.

    ¡°Welcome, now that you fellas are here, I¡¯ll go over the task the administrator assigned us,¡± said Blaire.

    Tucker narrowed his eyes. ¡°Wait, us?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m not too keen on it either, but it¡¯s what the Administrators want, so we¡¯re now a three-man team,¡± Blaire replied.

    ¡°Not too surprising seeing what we¡¯re dealing with,¡± Alex said. ¡°I take it you¡¯ve already checked the finer details with the custodians?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a mess, to say the least, but I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll get through it.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to see. Our record hasn¡¯t exactly been pristine.¡±

    Blaire glanced at Tucker and sighed. ¡°I suppose so.¡±

    Tucker rolled his eyes, ignoring the sharp jabs from the veterans. ¡°Hilarious. Now, I hate to break up your joyful reunion, but what exactly is our next mission?¡±

    ¡°In short, it¡¯s a sabotage mission behind the enemy¡¯s front lines,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Really? That shouldn¡¯t be too bad,¡± Tucker smirked, opening the envelope. He carefully read through the contents, the muscles of his face slowly contorting. ¡°Are they fucking serious?¡±

    ¡°It would seem so,¡± Alex said with a grim expression. ¡°This one isn¡¯t going to be easy.¡±The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Yeah, how in the hell are we supposed to steal an artifact behind enemy lines and bring it back?¡± Tucker asked, throwing the envelope on the table. ¡°We don¡¯t even know how big the damn thing is or what it looks like! We just know it¡¯s in a carriage that looks like this?¡±

    Tucker held up an image of a carriage that was simple in design, with a single crest of a tower wrapped in vines and an emerald gem at the peak. ¡°This means nothing to us! What if there¡¯s multiple carriages with this crest?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. We need to make this work.¡± Alex took out a cigar and held it close to Sally¡¯s mouth. Once the cigar was lit, he took a small puff. ¡°It¡¯s not the first time something like this has happened, and certainly not the last.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯s okay.¡± Tucker turned the page around and stared at the drawing, frowning even more. ¡°And isn¡¯t this the damn mage organization that¡¯s neutral within the empire? Even if we did finish the mission, our relations with them would crumble!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s already crumbled,¡± Alex replied with a stern glare. ¡°Our relations with them¡­ is more along the lines of formalities. If they wanted to be our ally, they would have supplied us with artifacts as well, but they¡¯ve only helped the empire.¡±

    ¡°It would have been a smarter move on their end to play it out, but I guess even those bastards didn¡¯t think that far ahead,¡± Blaire added.

    ¡°Regardless, we take it in stride. It¡¯s one less betrayal to worry about,¡± said Alex.

    Tucker clicked his tongue and held back his frustration. He knew it was a stretch to get the Emerald Tower to assist them, but to think they would openly support the empire was another matter entirely. ¡°Is there any other mage tower that¡¯ll help us?¡±

    ¡°Not unless we pay a price.¡± Alex leaned back in his chair and exhaled a steady stream of smoke that drifted into the area.

    ¡°Then we can just negotiate the price. Surely our war chest isn¡¯t that weak that we would lose to the empire,¡± said Tucker.

    The old man held the cigar between his index and middle finger and tapped the end against the ashtray. He looked at Tucker and shook his head. ¡°No, because the price is never gold for matters like these.¡±

    Tucker shifted his weight and leaned over. ¡°What exactly is it?¡±

    ¡°Experimentation rights,¡± Blare replied.

    The rookie fell silent at Blaire¡¯s words. He glanced at the veterans, whose gazes seemed to drift off into the distance, and gave a bitter nod of acknowledgment. ¡°I see¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not surprising, honestly.¡± Blaire released a deep and long exhale. ¡°War to them means new advancements in their research. Advancements that wouldn¡¯t be possible during times of peace.¡±

    ¡°Are we the only ones on the mission?¡± Tucker looked at Alex and Blaire, who were in mutual agreement, and nodded. ¡°Then¡­ what¡¯s the plan?¡±

    ¡°From what¡¯s in the report, the envoys carrying the package are leading north along this road.¡± Blaire held out a map and laid it out on the table. He pointed at the path near the center of the front lines. ¡°We approach from the eastern side, from this small batch of trees.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyebrows knit together. ¡°Beside the rest of the forest?¡±

    ¡°Right, it¡¯s a small patch of foliage, but enough for us to lie low,¡± said Alex.

    ¡°That¡¯s the idea, at least. Once they get close to the patch, I¡¯ll create a thick wall of mist. It¡¯s still early spring, and the Empire¡¯s terrain is notorious for this, so it¡¯ll be believable.¡± Blaire stared at Tucker. ¡°You¡¯ll have to blow the mist over the caravan.¡±

    Tucker pointed to himself. ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Unless one of us suddenly becomes a wind contractor, then yeah. It¡¯s all you.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ I can do that, but let¡¯s say we can¡¯t steal this artifact. What happens then? Do we destroy it?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°If we can¡¯t retrieve them, then we¡¯ll destroy it, but consider it a last resort. Barrier artifacts are hard to make and maintain. If we can secure them, it¡¯ll make it harder for the enemy to take our cities.¡±

    Tucker watched as Blaire and Alex stood over the table in silence. Noticing the dire expressions plastered on their faces. After a moment, his lips parted. ¡°Is the situation on the front lines that bad?¡±

    The old man sighed and stared at the cigar between his fingers. ¡°Our losses are minimal¡­ but we¡¯re being pushed back.¡±

    ¡°How? I thought we rallied our armies in time.¡± Tucker leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. ¡°We¡¯re not so weak to get pushed back like that.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t expect this either, but it seems like we made a miscalculation.¡± Blaire slid a piece of paper across the surface of the table and sent it to Tucker. ¡°The Empire seems to have made a new creation. One that requires knights who had manifested their world to face.¡±

    The rookie held the page in his hands, staring at the diagram of what seemed to be a heavily armored knight. ¡°What exactly am I looking at? Isn¡¯t this just a standard knight?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s the Avalon Empire¡¯s new weapon. They¡¯re far stronger than any golem mages have created and heavily equipped with runes and magic enchantments,¡± Blaire replied.

    ¡°I saw something like this in the previous war, but it was pitiful in comparison. They say this thing is the size of buildings.¡± Alex glanced at the diagram and shook his head. ¡°But their appearance shows how serious the Empire is in winning this war.¡±

    ¡°If these things are the size of buildings, then how the hell did we not discover this until now?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°They weren¡¯t made in the Empire,¡± said Alex with a sharp tone in his voice. ¡°They were made out of the country and transported in pieces through teleportation devices, then assembled in the Capital.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ how far did we get pushed back?¡± Tucker looked at Blaire, whose eyes slowly closed.

    ¡°Our forces have retreated to the city of Valin,¡± said Blaire.

    ¡°That far?!¡± Tucker couldn¡¯t hide his shock. Only a few days had passed, but the defensive perimeters of their kingdom had already fallen back to their first fortress city. Upon seeing the dire expressions on his comrade¡¯s faces, he bit his lips and kept his head down. ¡°Then¡­ what¡¯s the plan?¡±

    ¡°First off, you¡¯ll need these.¡± Blaire took out six small tablets and slid two to each of them. ¡°Now, I feel like I don¡¯t need to explain this, but I will anyway. These are poison tablets. If you think you are going to get captured, throw these in your mouth and swallow.¡±

    ¡°Wait, but didn¡¯t we take a spirit oath when we first entered the Order? Wouldn¡¯t that be enough of a failsafe?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°You never know,¡± Blaire replied. ¡°Think of it as an extra step of precaution.¡±

    ¡°You never were one to cut corners,¡± said Alex.

    ¡°Now, once Alex and I reach the carriage, we¡¯ll loop around and pick you up, kid. You have one chance to hop on the carriage when we pass by the starting position.¡± Blaire locked eyes with Tucker. ¡°Do I make myself clear?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but what should I do if we fail to meet up?¡± Tucker asked.

    Blaire gestured at the tablet. ¡°Either that or you figure some way to make it back to one of the safe houses in the cities. Most of the safe houses along the borders are closed. Your only choice would be to head to the southern border on the other side of the Empire.¡±

    ¡°Wait, how come I can¡¯t use the one we came from?¡±

    ¡°Because if you miss the timing to meet with us, that means we¡¯re already on the way there. Which means we¡¯re most likely going to be chased. In such cases, after we use the device, it would no longer be synchronized with the one in the Order.¡±

    ¡°Cause we would disconnect it, right?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Correct,¡± Alex replied.

    Tucker pocketed the two tablets and nodded. ¡°Then what about equipment?¡±

    Blaire pointed behind them at the far wall. ¡°Already sorted. Just switch it out, and we¡¯re ready to go.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Tucker rose from his seat and moved towards the wall, pulling Blaire¡¯s gaze along.

    Blaire focused on Tucker for a moment before sorting the pages and slipping them back into their envelope. He didn¡¯t like Tucker one bit, but knowing that someone like Salamander was supporting him meant that the kid had some redeeming traits. The only problem was that he couldn¡¯t trust the rookie to pull his weight on the mission, and that feeling alone was enough for him to hold his suspicions. That¡¯s why he left him in the foliage, so he wouldn¡¯t get in their way while they searched for the carriage.

    There was no telling what the Administrators saw in Tucker, but it didn¡¯t matter. He just needed to follow his orders and carry them out. Part of his deal with the Administrators was to be a part of their team. But it was a small price to pay if it meant that his children wouldn¡¯t get sent out on missions beyond their capabilities. He felt discomfort in his current situation, but thinking about how May and Mark ran to him and held him when they returned was enough to remind him of what he needed to do. There was no point in regretting that he couldn¡¯t change their minds and send them down to a different career. And knowing this, all that remained was to see this war to its bitter conclusion and fulfill his end of the deal.

    Blaire took one final look at the envelope. His children¡¯s laughter echoed in his mind once more, but war had no place for things like that. Such things were pointless, and in the end, war was always about someone else¡¯s sacrifice. He just had to make sure it wasn¡¯t them.

 42. Deviations

    <hr>

    Outskirts Of The Empire Near The Front Lines

    Tucker pulled his face mask over his nose and hid in the shadows. Observing the escort carriage slowly making its way through the area. There were lines of trees on both sides of the road, roughly a hundred meters away, and countless magic lanterns set up along the path. From a glance, Tucker could tell that the empire had invested a lot of wealth into its infrastructure. He stared at the cloudless sky and watched as the moon hovered peacefully overhead. From the side, Alex and Blaire both memorized the formation of the escort and quietly discussed their approach to the problem.

    They needed to steal the artifact, but with the current escort¡¯s formation, the difficulty was far greater than expected. Whether the mission was a success depended entirely on how the next sequence of events played out, and the best they could do was carefully tilt the scale in their favor. It wasn¡¯t a pleasant situation, yet they had to make do, even if none of the carriages had the crest.

    ¡°There are far more guards than what was in the report,¡± Alex grumbled, cursing under his breath. He knew the mission was extremely difficult, but couldn¡¯t blame the Administrators. Since they probably had no choice due to the shortage of manpower.

    Even Tucker felt the pressure of the situation sink into his bones. ¡°What should we do? Should we retreat since the information doesn¡¯t match?¡±

    ¡°Not without results. We¡¯ll need to alter the plan.¡± Blaire crouched behind the foliage. ¡°From how I see it, we only have a few options. Either we take out the soldiers from the back and disguise ourselves as one of them, or we proceed with our original plan.¡±

    ¡°The first option is far too dangerous. We don¡¯t know how strong our opponents are,¡± Alex said.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll have to figure out a distraction, but I don¡¯t know what we could do besides one of us acting as bait.¡±

    ¡°That is also rejected. We aren¡¯t going to sacrifice one of our own. Not for a mission like this.¡±

    Tucker turned to Blaire. ¡°Any other ideas?¡±

    ¡°Well, that leaves our original plan¡­ but it requires a tremendous amount of execution for this scale,¡± Blaire replied.

    Tucker and Alex both glanced at each other. Soon, Tucker let out a dry cough and said, ¡°A tremendous amount of execution from whom exactly?¡±

    Blaire locked eyes with Tucker. ¡°I believe you know.¡±

    ¡°Ha¡­ha¡­¡± Tucker gulped at Blaire¡¯s words. ¡°Surely you¡¯re not serious.¡±

    ¡°I am, if Alex and I create a wall of steam with our spirit companions. You can blow the mist over the caravan and obscure their vision.¡± Blaire motioned at Sally and an azure avian that was perched on his shoulder. The creature let out several soft hoots before brushing its head against Blaire¡¯s. ¡°If we do it right, it¡¯ll get us closer to the artifact.¡±

    ¡°But there¡¯s no guarantee that you two will make it there before the guards catch on,¡± Tucker countered.

    ¡°Life isn¡¯t full of guarantees. We just have to make do with what we¡¯re given and the situation we¡¯re in.¡± Alex crossed his arms and peered at the escort caravan. ¡°Do we have any other ideas besides that one?¡± The old man stared at Tucker, who shook his head. ¡°Then we have our plan.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try to cover the artifact. If I can¡¯t, I¡¯ll cover as much area as possible,¡± Tucker said before bringing two fingers to his lips and letting out a low whistle. Soon, Gale flew down from the sky and landed on his arm. ¡°We don¡¯t have much time before they enter the plains, so if we want to move with this plan. We need to start now.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡± Blaire nodded to Alex and held out his fist to Tucker. After the three exchanged a light fist bump, they parted ways and the two veterans moved closer to the escort from behind. ¡°We¡¯ll leave our spirit companions here to help you. Just let Newton know when to begin.¡±

    Once the other two were gone, Tucker stared at the companions. In truth, he was still skeptical about the plan. But they were pressed for time, and he needed to act. The rookie held his hands before his chest, one over another and left a large gap in between. His heart wavered for a moment. A sinking doubt filled his mind, but he buried it deep in the back of his mind. Gathering the spirit essence within his heart and from his companion, he slowly channeling the surrounding breeze. His cloak fluttered in the wind, and slowly, the leaves were being pulled towards him.

    As Alex and Blaire slowly approached the escort caravan, he nodded at Sally and Newton. In an instant, Sally¡¯s body was engulfed in flames. Their bright ember-like scales glistened in the flames as Newton flapped its wings above the tiny Salamander.

    Tucker had no idea how the small Owl was going to create enough water to generate a wall of mist. But for now, he could only have faith that Blaire¡¯s spirit companion would pull through for them.

    He observed the water spirit and soon gasped as a magic circle appeared before it. No, to call it a magic circle was too much. Instead, it seemed like a portal and a second later. A tide of water burst through the opening and poured onto Sally. Immediately releasing a thick fog into the area.

    Seeing this, Tucker couldn¡¯t waste a single moment. He released the current of wind towards the escorts. Sending a fierce gust that pushed the mist towards the carriages and guards. It was an unbelievable amount of fog even after the initial batch. The owl was still going.

    Is this the capabilities of a high-tier spirit?

    Tucker thought to himself and glanced at Newton, who seemed unfazed by the effort, while Sally was barely holding on. The rookie cast a glance at Gale, who was helping direct the fog over the carriage, but soon frowned. After observing the situation, it became clear they didn¡¯t have enough to cover the entire area. It just wasn¡¯t possible with their current capabilities.

    At most, they could probably cover half of the escort caravan. Any more would be pushing their limits. Tucker clicked his tongue, staring at Alex and Blaire, who were in position. He needed to warn them about the current situation somehow, but before he could move a muscle. They entered the mist.

    ¡°Ah, shit¡­¡± Tucker¡¯s heart raced. The two wouldn¡¯t know that only half the area was covered. To make matters worse, he could no longer see them from where he was. ¡°This is bad.¡±

    .

    .Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    .

    Alex kept his hand over his danger and carefully trailed behind Blaire. They had memorized the formation of the guards and had a rough idea as to how far they were from the artifact. Assuming that the formation remained unchanged.

    They could hear the murmurs from the guards and the sound of hoofs clacking against the stone road. The old man knew they were close, and assuming the carriage was near the back. They had to pray that they could find the right one in time. Otherwise, it was doomed.

    Blaire stopped and looked back at Alex while holding his hand up. He gestured to the side, and immediately, the old man followed with his hand on the hilt of his sword. In a few more paces, they could vaguely see several silhouettes in the smoke. Unlike before, the guards were closer together. Surrounding the carriages from all sides while keeping a sharp lookout for any suspicious movements.

    Right now, the carriage and guards were between them, with two on each side. This was completely different from what they were expecting since, initially, there were six guards per carriage. If the carriage had fewer guards, it would imply that it was less critical. Something the two were familiar with.

    The old man cast a glance at Blaire, who shook his head. Both of them were on the same wavelength. This carriage wasn¡¯t their target. They needed to weave in and out of the area to determine which contained the artifact, but that would take too much time. With one hand, Alex signaled to Blaire to give him a boost into the air.

    They stayed back a few more paces and allowed the carriage to move further away. Once they were barely out of sight, Blaire cupped his hands together and watched as Alex stepped into the empty space. Using all the strength in his body, his muscles tensed as he launched the old man into the air.

    Blaire could see a thin layer of mana gather at the soles of Alex¡¯s leather boots, and soon witnessed him successfully land on the roof of the closest carriage.

    The old man remained perfectly still, waiting for the slightest bit of change in their movements to see if they detected him. After a brief moment, he scanned the surroundings and saw four more wagons with an equal amount of guards except one. He could feel the wind brush against his face and the steady rhythmic song of marching throughout the area.

    Even though they were at the back of the escort group. He noticed countless soldiers on horses guarding the sides, but his attention was drawn to a bright white light several meters away. It was hard to make out what it was exactly, but before he could make a move, Gale caught his attention. The spirit was flying barely out of his line of sight, drawing a shape in the sky as it flew from one end to another.

    Alex tilted his head, trying to piece together the message. It was hovering over a position and constantly moving back and forth as if forming a line. Then, a look of trouble surfaced.

    There isn¡¯t enough fog to cover the entire area.

    That was the only conclusion he could reach. The line Gale was creating had to be a boundary that they couldn¡¯t cross. There was no way for him to notify Blaire, nor was there a way for the other watchman to realize what was happening. This meant that their plan was limited to only the carriages in front of him. They couldn¡¯t go any further. Not without endangering their lives.

    The only choice he had was to steal the carriage with the most guards in front of him. Alex looked behind him and gestured with his hands to kill the guards at the end of the escort caravan after a minute. Something that Blaire immediately understood.

    The carriage Alex was on rattled back and forth. He could feel the anticipation and unease from the guards protecting the cargo. There was a mix of young and experienced soldiers within the group. Most likely as a way to quickly adapt the new recruits drafted from the surrounding villages.

    Right now, he needed to prioritize his targets before making a move. From a quick scan, he could tell that the eight guards protecting the carriage in front of him were most likely their target. Yet he needed to bide his time. Wait for Blaire to create some sort of distraction that¡¯ll be able to draw their attention.

    He reached into his pouch and pulled out three grey orbs. There was no telling what was in the other carriages, but that didn¡¯t matter. The empire wasn¡¯t going to see their precious cargo. Not today.

    As a crack of thunder erupted behind them, Alex immediately leaped off the carriage and onto the one in the center while hurling the two grey orbs to the adjacent wagons. He looked behind him, through the mist, and watched as flashes of blue light flickered in the fog. The eight guards around the center carriage formed a line behind the cargo as the carriage driver pulled onto the reins and whipped the horses.

    In an instant, the carriage shot forth, the horses stomping their hoofs on the stone tiles and kicking up dirt. With his blade drawn, Alex dropped down beside the driver and plunged his dagger into their skull. He quickly grabbed hold of the reins and pulled back. Forcing the horses to turn while kicking the corpse away from the seat.

    The body tumbled onto the ground, leaving dirt and dust in its path as the carriage¡¯s wheels ran over it. Alex gritted his teeth and quickly directed the two horses towards the forest where Tucker was at. He took a quick glance through the window behind him, peering into the interior of the transport. The only thing inside was a chest sealed with several layers of enchantments and a black chain that prevented the hatch from easily opening.

    It left an ominous feeling in the veteran¡¯s mind, but after seeing it; he was certain this was the artifact that they came for. Before the other carriages could even react to what was happening, a series of explosions erupted. Disabling the other carriages and creating a brief opening for Alex to push through.

    From the corner of his eyes, he could see Blaire releasing a torrent of ice towards the incoming guards. The seasoned watchman was carefully defending and distancing himself from the foes. Working out the tactics the guards were using while applying pressure to areas that were the weakest.

    ¡°Blaire!¡± Alex called out to him and drove the transport closer to him.

    The guards had caught on and began sprinting at Alex while the other mounted guards were struggling to control their horses from the chaos that was taking place over the battlefield. One after another, the grey orbs exploded causing the beasts to panic. Yet this only worked to their advantage as the mounts Alex was controlling frantically charged away from the caravan.

    Before the other guards could reach him, the old man felt the surrounding temperature rapidly drop. The melody of a soft tone entered his ears as a wall of ice tore apart the ground and blocked the soldiers. Alex held onto his dagger as he felt the carriage briefly shake and stared above him.

    ¡°Looks like I made it. Is this what we¡¯re looking for?¡± Blaire asked.

    ¡°To hell if I know, but it¡¯s probably something just as valuable,¡± Alex replied, focusing back on the road. He gritted his teeth and cursed. ¡°We need to get Tucker.¡± He pulled the reins and turned back towards where the rookie was hiding.

    Blaire glared to the side and frowned as several figures burst through the fog. Their horses raged and charged towards them in a frenzy. The rattling metal plates glistened in the night, and soon, a surge of aura shrouded their bodies, causing the watchman to shake his head. He clasped his hands together and slowly pulled them apart. Forming thin threads of spirit essence that seemed to dance within the palm of his hands. The four threads slowly intertwined with one another and formed a square. It drew in the surrounding spirit essence like a melody charming its spectators and soon solidified. Creating a single glyph in the center.

    Spirit magic wasn¡¯t like standard magic. Instead of creating magic circles with outer rings used to enhance the spell. It worked more like an instrument. Focusing on flexibility, elasticity, tension, length, and resonance. A concept that differed vastly from the methodical techniques of mages.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cover us! Get us to your rookie!¡± Blaire desperately shouted.

    Four similar shapes began to form around him. Spinning in place as sharp icicles manifested in the air. Once the threads collapsed together, the invocation was complete, and the projectiles were released from their prison. The icicles soared into the air. Slamming into the guards and ground alike as a frozen explosion of ice engulfed the poor guards. Leaving behind only a flower made of ice that shimmered in the moonlight. It wasn¡¯t enough to completely stop them, but enough to slow them down.

    The carriage rattled and jolted as they raced down the dirt path. Shaking with each moment, rounding the corner by the patch of trees they were before, but for some reason, Tucker wasn¡¯t in sight. The rookie was missing and had just missed their rendezvous point.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the rookie!¡± Blaire focused on the remaining guards who protected their bodies with aura and tried to conceal his frustration. ¡°He should be here right now!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Alex scanned the tree lines and steered the carriage on the dirt path. Tucker was supposed to hop on, but he was nowhere to be seen. ¡°Come on Tucker... where the hell are you?¡±

 43. Cat and Mouse

    <hr>

    A few Moments Earlier

    Tucker proned on the ground with his ghillie suit over his body. He held onto the two spirit companions and covered them beneath his arms. Their feathers and scale brushed against his face as the leaves beside him crunched under the enemy soldier¡¯s heavy steel boots and, with it, his composure.

    Ah¡­ I¡¯m so fucked.

    Tucker held his breath and grabbed a handful of dirt between his fingertips. The moment Gale left, the eyes within the detection magic immediately flicked in his direction. Like they were drawn to the scent of something sweet. He didn¡¯t even know it was possible, but if he had to guess, the eyes had locked onto his spirit essence. For such a thing to happen was unheard of, and if others told him of this. He wouldn¡¯t believe it. Yet here he was, witnessing it firsthand.

    His thick ghillie suit was composed of several leaves and branches, all hastily scrounged up that he threw over his body along with some tall grass. If it wasn¡¯t for the concealment drills his instructors ingrained into his heart and soul. He wouldn¡¯t have been fast enough to hide himself, much less Alex and Blaire¡¯s companions.

    Tucker kept Newton and Sally beneath his arms, trying to calm the spirits that had sensed the foes approach them. They were scared, and there wasn¡¯t much he could do. He needed to avoid detection somehow and sneak past the five soldiers who patrolled the area. Even though most of them were scattered around him, only one made the back of his hair stand.

    He couldn¡¯t quite place his hand on it, but an uneasy feeling crawled through his skin. Like a thick miasma wrapping around his body. No matter what he did, he kept getting chills through his body, and their voices seemed to phase out from recognition. All he could do was keep his head down and scan the area with his eyes. Remaining perfectly still with his heart pounding in his ears.

    It felt like death was watching over him. Slowly looming over him with a sharp blade pressed against his neck, yet he didn''t feel fear. His body felt cold from the frozen ground, and the early spring weather was still chilly at night. The only thing he could see from his perspective was the shins of the guards as they drew closer. They were all wearing armor from their head to their toes. Four were equipped with brand new armor, custom fitted to their bodies, while the last knight¡¯s armor had lost its luster. The group seemed to be a batch of fresh soldiers, excluding the aged knight. Each step crushing the blades of frozen grass. Once one of the knights came close enough. He could hear their voices.

    ¡°What are we looking for?¡± A young knight asked while adjusting his shining silver armor.

    ¡°The mages detected movement from over here. We¡¯re looking for anything that seems suspicious or tracks that could have been left behind,¡± an old knight wearing a lion-shaped helm replied.

    ¡°There¡¯s no telling if they¡¯re correct with that new spell of theirs. They said it was made to counter the watchmen, but they hardly even tested the blasted thing!¡± The young knight retorted.

    ¡°Well, that may be the case, but we¡¯ll have to inspect this area thoroughly, or else those guys will complain.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I get that. It¡¯s odd for this fog to suddenly appear, but it¡¯s spring! This happens all the time, even last night. Plus, it was only in the back of the caravan, so it isn¡¯t a big deal.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. We have what we need at the front. Whatever¡¯s in the back is something the mages wanted to bring along.¡±

    ¡°Those scholars always make a fuss over the most minor things!¡±

    The watchmen frowned once he heard this. From the bits and pieces of the conversation, it seemed like the artifact wasn¡¯t where they expected, and they had lost the fifty-fifty. But if that was the case, then what the hell did Alex and Blaire steal? Before he could continue his line of thought, Tucker felt the ground violently tremble.

    A cascade of deafening eruptions shattered the stillness of the night. Ripping through the air as flames climbed to the sky. Every head snapped in the direction of the noise, all except for Tucker, who didn''t need to see to know that it was Alex and Blaire. His heart hammered in his chest, but he forced himself to stay motionless. He needed to get ready to hop on the carriage, but how could he do that? The knights were drawn by the chaos and sprinted towards the forest''s edge with their gazes locked onto the escort caravan.

    ¡°Shit! There¡¯s been an attack at the back of the caravan. I knew that spell was too good to be true!¡± The young knight cursed. ¡°See what I said? Un-fucking-reliable.¡±

    ¡°Hm¡­¡± The old knight watched as the carriage took a sharp turn in their direction. He then grinned and stared at the other four knights. ¡°We¡¯ll wait here. It seems like this is the way they came, so they should pass by this location again.¡±If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Sir Quincy, you want us to ambush them?¡± The young knight frowned at the notion. ¡°That¡¯s a cowardly tactic.¡±

    ¡°Not during war, and maybe during duels,¡± Quincy corrected, motioning for the other knights to get into position. ¡°Alright Reynold, make sure you don¡¯t reveal our positions. Don¡¯t reveal your aura until I use mine. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    ¡°¡­Yes Sir Quincy.¡±

    Tucker watched as the knights knelt behind the bushes with their swords flat on the ground. Concealed beneath drab cloaks, their silver armor and bright blue plumes were almost invisible, except for the occasional flash of metal when they moved. It was something completely different from the surcoats he had seen before. Something he wouldn¡¯t have expected knights to wear.

    ¡°They¡¯re approaching. It seems like it was the right call to wait,¡± said Reynold.

    The rookie¡¯s eyes widened once he heard this. Alex and Blaire were returning to get him, but he had already sent Gale over to warn them about the issue with the fog. So, he had no other way to alert them about the knights. He needed to think of a plan. One that would either foil their ambush and draw the knights away from them or completely eliminate them.

    But could he even take on that many knights? He could hardly even fight one, and Alex, who was far better than him, had barely managed to repel another. No matter how much he thought about it, he was courting death if he tried. Yet, even though he would normally be scared, his hands weren¡¯t trembling. He didn¡¯t feel the urge to run and instead thought about how to draw their attention.

    Could I be growing?

    Perhaps, but nonetheless, Tucker shoved the thought into the back of his head. He locked eyes with the companions, who seemed to give supportive stares. Tucker glared at the knights and hid his killing intent. They were completely focused on the carriage and even though it might be pointless. He resolved himself to fight.

    He slowly rose from where he laid and took a deep breath. The sound of hooves stomping against the dirt path reverberated through the area. Gradually drawing closer with each fleeting moment. Tucker could tell that the knights were completely occupied with Alex and Blaire, so he had enough time to slowly reposition himself. Once he was a few feet away and closer to the edge of the forest, he held out his hands.

    What he needed to do was create an attack that was invisible to the naked eye. One that would draw their attention and keep him hidden. He couldn¡¯t afford to use his sword as a catalyst. The metallic scraping sound and potential gleam would only reveal his position. The only thing he could do was mimic what he had done before, except instead of having the wind fiercely manifest itself into a bow. He would concentrate every fiber of his body into strengthening the arrows at the last possible second.

    With the bare minimum essence needed to manifest his bow, Tucker extended his hand and drew the verdant string. His heart calmly pounded in his chest as he focused on the knights. They had yet to notice him, and the breeze he conjured lightly brushed against his face. He felt the spirit essence resonate with his desires. Fueling a flame he didn¡¯t realize he had. A desire to protect his teammates who were coming to help him.

    Five arrows for five targets.

    That was all that was needed. Whether they hit their mark didn¡¯t matter. He just needed to break their composure. Tucker channeled his spirit essence carefully through his body and slowly formed the five arrows. Before Tucker could release his volley, the old knight¡¯s ear twitched. His body immediately sensed a danger that had somehow remained undetected. He snapped behind and unsheathed his sword in an instant. Fixating his gaze on Tucker, whose eyes widened in surprise.

    ¡°Ambush!¡± The old knight¡¯s voice erupted through the area as the other knights immediately rose.

    The knights rushed to draw their swords, but were a second too late. Tucker released the volley of arrows in an instant and leaped backwards, creating more distance between them as the arrows shot forth at an alarming speed. The old knight cursed and swung his blade, infusing it with a bright blue aura as the two forces collided. His arms quaked as he held his sword, the numbing sensation spreading through his body.

    He could see a layer of frost form on his blade and soon glanced at his comrades. Their screams echoed through the forest, and as he looked back at the carriage, he could see the two watchmen meet his gaze and divert from their location. The carriage left a cloud of dust behind, shaking from the rough paths it rode on. There was nothing he could do about them.

    The old knight stared at the squire, who had luckily received no injuries, and said, ¡°Reynold, treat the others, then follow after me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going alone? That¡¯s far too risky!¡± Reynold raised his concerns, but the knight shook his head. The others were less fortunate and had suffered severe injuries.

    The old knight tore off his cloak, revealing his engraved armor and lion-crested tabard, along with a set of javelins hanging from a leather bag attached to his waist. He took a deep breath and adjusted his lion-shaped helm, letting the golden mane flow freely without bothering to listen to the squire¡¯s pleas. The hardened knight hit the ground running. Whatever the watchmen stole didn¡¯t matter to him. It was a problem for the mages of the Emerald Tower. He disapproved of their bullshit and was against their company from the start. Whenever they joined, the situation always took a turn for the worse, but more importantly, he still abided by the customs of old.

    It was disappointing to see the current state of the empire, but he couldn¡¯t openly voice his opinions for fear of being labeled a traitor. All he could do was to serve his country with the last bit of loyalty in his heart, and what better way to do so than to hunt down a watchman?

    He steadied his breathing and shielded his entire body with aura before charging into the treeline Tucker had retreated to. His blade glistened beneath the moonlight, and the dull luster of his silver armor soon disappeared. Leaving only faint traces of aura in its path. It had been years since he last encountered one of their kind, but his memories of those experiences were still vivid.

    The watchman¡¯s tracks were still fresh and judging by the attack from before; they were fairly skilled. But compared to the ones he faced when he was younger, this one paled in comparison. However, he knew better than to underestimate his opponent. After all, the game of cat and mouse had just begun.

 44. Difference In Value

    The old knight swiftly sprinted through the forest in pursuit of the watchman. It had been years since the Avalon Empire entered a direction confrontation with the Everheart Kingdom, but such a thing was inevitable. Their grudge was seething to the point where one would think that it was as old as the passages of time. Yet Quincy knew better. The entire war felt off, and according to his sources, the Riverdale family wasn¡¯t partaking because of threats from the neighboring nations.

    It was nothing more than a blatant lie that betrayed the very notion of their homeland.

    One that stung as much as the chilly spring air on his skin. His aching bones knew better than to believe such a thing. It was unprecedented for one of the Empire¡¯s most powerful families to remain idle. And it was far more shocking that they weren¡¯t charged with treason for their refusal. After all, what was the point in amassing such power and wealth if there were no intentions of using it? The people were already suffering, and with the sudden appearance of a demon within their borders, the situation only grew grimmer, especially after the military failed to kill it.

    Quincy shook his head after shoving his thoughts into the back of his mind. Cowardice and incompetence polluted their ranks, but there was nothing he could do except continue on his path. His figure turned into a streak of blue light, crossing through the terrain. The trees were a blur, and seeing the traces of mana that lingered on the forest floor was enough for him to track down the watchman.

    For a moment, it felt like his surroundings had died down. The ambiance of the forest fading into the distance as a shimmer of light entered his sight. Two distinct flashes of emerald cut through the air. Soaring towards him at a remarkable speed that caused him to frown. The blue veil surrounding his body hammered against his soul, rising to the challenge as his blade met the two projectiles head-on.

    The aura clashed with the essence, deflecting the arrows to the side while leaving a tingling sensation in his fingertips. He glanced at his hand before catching a glimpse of another emerald flash. His eyes snapped to the side as he caught the last one aimed at his temple with his bare hands.

    It appeared nearly out of nowhere, but soon several more flashes came into view and with a quick twist of his body. He narrowly dodged the projectiles as his armor scraped against the forest floor. Sliding to a halt, he rolled on his side and crouched on the floor with one hand on the ground, locking onto the source of the arrows.

    Tucker was several meters in front of him, and judging by the trajectory of the projectiles, it was only possible if he curved them. This meant only one possibility. Wind contractors.

    Quincy grunted before reaching behind him and pulling out one of the five javelins from the opened leather bag. In his years of experience, there was only one effective answer to dealing with those types of watchmen. He drowned out rustling leaves and the buzzing insects hidden within the foliage. Focusing solely on the sound of where the wind blew strongest.

    It was a rough guess at best, but enough to figure out their capabilities.

    His hand tightened around the wooden shaft as he took a fierce breath. Charcoal smeared the javelin¡¯s head, hiding the sharpened tip¡¯s luster from afar. The beating of his heart pounded heavily in his chest, fueling his body with strength as he took a step forward. Building momentum in his strides while lunging forward with all his might.

    Each step solidified the aura around the projectile. Filling it with power and once his final step hit the cold dirt path, his body jolted forward. Transferring the explosive power from his body, through his arm and into the javelin as he released it with a snap of his wrist. Soaring with a sense of purpose against the sky.

    <hr>

    Before Tucker could even react, he felt something tear through his cloak. Ripping the fabric before cutting through the open space between his arm and chest. The sheer pressure of the attack caused him to cough up a mouthful of blood as he gritted his teeth, holding back the urge to cry out in pain.

    His eyes focused on the javelin that embedded itself into the ground a few feet away from him, and in an instant, he fell to the side and took refuge in the bushes. Right before the object hurled into the ground, erupting the surface of the floor with a thunderous roar that shook the nearby branches of the trees. The shockwave rippled outwards like an object breaking the tension on the water¡¯s surface. Sending dirt, stones, and fallen branches flying in every direction.

    ¡°What the fuck was that?¡± Tucker cursed under his breath.

    He covered his face with his arms and took short, silent breaths to calm his racing heart. If the javelin had shifted a few more centimeters to the right, he would have died instantly. Tucker held onto the torn breastplate with his hand, feeling the bruised area pulse in agony while flinching.

    How did he know? The thought dug into Tucker¡¯s head like a nail hammered into a wooden board. He couldn¡¯t believe that some knight could easily pinpoint his position like that. Was it like a stroke of luck? No, impossible. If anything, he was lucky enough to live through that. There was only one possible conclusion after witnessing the eye that pinpointed his position. He had to have been marked with a spell that would reveal his general position. Just like Alex had been back at the bandit compound.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Tucker gritted his teeth and closed his eyes. Weighing the options in his head. The essence surrounding his body vanished, and soon Sally caught his attention. The spirit¡¯s azure eyes glistened while staring at him, followed by a subtle nod that seemed to urge him to make a decision. His companion and Newton were circling the skies at a constant pace. Fluttering their wings in steady beats while waiting for a decision. But he could tell that they were all on the same page. He needed to fight.

    The rookie closed his eyes and let his essence get drowned out by the natural breeze that swept through the air. Ignoring the clean puncture wound made within the trunk of the trees, it became clear the knight could easily attack him no matter what obstacles he put in between them. Only seconds had gone by, but the sound of heavy metal boots entered his ears.

    Thud. Thud. Thud.

    The steps drew closer. Each one matching the steady rhythm of his cold beating heart. There was no need to run. No need for fear. All he needed to do was focus on the task at hand and kill the knight that was approaching. A feat far more difficult than it sounds. But one that needed to be done since it directly affected his allies fighting on the front lines.

    Tucker kept his hand over the hilt of his sword, slowly pulling it out from its scabbard while holding the cover. The footsteps stopped, and he didn¡¯t dare to move a muscle. With the blade partially drawn and a tiny gleam revealed from the section that was exposed, he prayed the knight hadn¡¯t found his position. If the spell really tracked his spirit essence, then there would be no reason for his opponent to discover him. Yet as he peered over the branches, through the leaves, he could see the knight tightly grasp onto the javelin.

    <hr>

    An azure energy swirled around the weapon. The knight held it firmly in his hands with his eyes closed. He knew the watchman was trying to escape, but now it was harder to trace them. No longer could he feel any strong trail of wind in the forest and instead only the standard ambience. They had adapted. In such cases, they would either choose to fight or continue on foot without relying on their spirit essence and mana. He opened his eyes and stared at the lingering traces of mana that slowly vanished. The small bits slowly curling into the air like leaves being uplifted from the ground. Withering away with no visible sign left.

    Quincy adjusted the amount of aura loosely covering his javelin as he strengthened his hearing. It was safer to anticipate an ambush, since if the watchman decided to run away with feather step, their mastery of the technique would be far more advanced. Thus making it far more difficult to locate them.

    If they were inexperienced, then they would make a mistake. One that would easily be detectable by simply paying more attention, and soon it came. The soft metallic melody of a sword strumming against its scabbard.

    His soul flared as he raised the javelin above his head while pivoting on his left foot. He slid his other foot behind him and took a position akin to a lunge. With all of his might, he stepped forward with the foot behind him. Crushing the dirt floor before him, and hurled the javelin. Aura wasn¡¯t fully needed on an attack meant to drive out his foe. Only the bare minimum amount, the rest, would be supplemented with raw strength.

    The projectile whistled while crossing the open space. Blowing a large crater through the tree trunk and releasing an ear-shrieking noise from the splintered timber, followed by clumps of bark. His foe came into sight, desperately repelling the attack with his blade as the muscles in their arm filled with tension. The struggle was admirable, and soon, its efforts would come to fruition as the javelin¡¯s trajectory flew to the side. Tearing through the nearby trees as the watchman panted heavily with his body slouched forward.

    Tucker gritted his teeth while focusing on the knight. The throbbing in his fingertips slowly subsided, and his heart was at ease. The attack wasn¡¯t enough to break his spirit. He was strong enough to block a few more javelins like the one just now. It was simply a question of whether he could end this battle in a timely matter. At most, he had fifteen minutes. That was all the time he could spare before falling too far behind or until the other knights arrived.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re no longer hiding, watchman.¡± Quincy stabbed his sword into the ground before him and rested both of his hands on the cross-guard. It would be easy for him to kill a watchman of this caliber, but there was one thing that bothered him. ¡°Now, tell me¡ªwas that vile demon appearing in the backwaters of our nation your doing?¡±

    Demon? Tucker¡¯s brows knitted together as he held his tongue. There was the demon that appeared when they rescued Blaire, and they may have accidentally led it to their army, but they didn¡¯t summon it. It just appeared from that teleportation device May had found. ¡°Depends. Will you let me go if I answer?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t suppose I would, but it would change whether I decide to kill you or not.¡± Quincy¡¯s iron gauntlets released a small metallic rustle as he pulled the sword out.

    Tucker scoffed. ¡°In that case, why should I even bother answering your question?¡± He raised his sword in response and glared at the old knight.

    ¡°Because it¡¯ll give you a chance to live.¡±

    ¡°Bullshit. How can I trust someone I don¡¯t even know?¡±

    ¡°I swear it on my honor as a knight that if you surrender, I shall spare your life and grant you safe treatment as a prisoner of war.¡±

    ¡°Honor? Don¡¯t make me laugh. I¡¯ve seen how your comrades operate. They don¡¯t care about honor, so why would you¡ª¡±

    ¡°I am not those men,¡± Quincy interrupted, his voice etched with a firm sense of pride and belief. ¡°I am Quincy Armstrong, banner knight of Lord Albert Cameron, unlike those who are undeserving. I have not forsaken my pride.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s essence surged from his heart and out into the trees. He felt the warmth of Sally¡¯s scales through his shirt as the companion hid beneath his iron chest plate. The other two spirits carefully circled the sky, waiting for an opportunity to strike. If anyone drew near, Gale would let him know. So, all he had to do was focus on the knight before him. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±

    ¡°A shame you¡¯ve chosen to quicken your death.¡±

    Quincy¡¯s aura exploded, lighting up the area in a blue shimmer. The sudden light that rose from Quincy¡¯s body was unlike anything Tucker had ever seen before. The ground beneath him cracked as the knight stepped forward. But after surviving so many confrontations, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but feel at ease. He wasn¡¯t scared or trembling. What took place was a firm resolve to defeat his foe. Because if he didn¡¯t, then their mission would be compromised.

 45. An Undying Spirit

    Tucker lowered his sword and pointed it to the ground while observing Quincy. It was the same stance Charles had used against him, and whether it worked on the old knight was a gamble. One that he was willing to take. The air around Tucker turned cold as the breeze gathered around him and Sally. Forming a protective current against the fierce aura that burned like an undying flame. He could feel the overwhelming amount of dignity and pride emanating from the knight.

    Fifteen minutes. That was all he had.

    A direct contest of strength was futile and Quincy was an opponent far out of his caliber, but that didn¡¯t mean it was hopeless. Alex proved it was possible. Possible to overcome opponents through wits rather than brawn.

    He stared at the knight and watched as Quincy drew a javelin from the leather bag while holding a sword in his other hand. Tucker tightened his hold on his blade and examined Quincy¡¯s stance. The javelin was at eye level, and the visor made it difficult to see where the old man was focusing. Slowly, the weapon lowered to a certain angle. An angle that made little sense from this distance. It was as if he wasn¡¯t aiming directly at the watchman.

    Tucker immediately kicked off the ground and sprinted towards Quincy. Focusing on the end of the javelin as it left the knight¡¯s outstretched hand. The form was nearly perfect¡ªa textbook example yet highly predictable. Tucker adjusted his body and shifted his weight, sidestepping the projectile just enough to avoid a fatal blow. Blood gushed out the side of his leg. Followed by a burning sensation racing through as he gritted his teeth. The torn fabric of his green trousers barely contained the flow of blood.

    Two more javelins remained and if he wanted any chance to escape, he would need to get rid of them. Pushing closer, Tucker raised his sword and took a step forward. He swung his blade horizontally, aiming to force Quincy into a defensive position, but the old knight was prepared. Quincy twisted his sword downwards, catching Tucker¡¯s strike and redirecting it along the spine of his blade towards the ground. Sparks ignited from the emerald and azure auras as the weapons clashed, and before Tucker could recover, the knight countered.

    A flash of silver cut through the air, following a tight counterclockwise arc and towards Tucker¡¯s neck. The sword¡¯s luster shined beneath the moonlight. His aura flickering like a torch in the wind, undeterred by the clash of steel.

    The slash cut through the empty space as the rookie pulled back and ducked beneath the blade. Tucker raised his sword once more, feeling the strike reverberate through his body along with the clash of metal ringing in his ears. The impact sent a jolt of pain through his palms and nearly knocked him off his feet, but he steadied himself and retreated. Creating a brief window of safety before being pushed back by Quincy as another strike landed.

    The knight''s relentless assault continued as metal met metal. Not giving Tucker a single inch of ground to stand on. His sword came around again, slashing at the watchman¡¯s arm. The strike caused Tucker to wince in pain, tearing into his leather gloves. His thin layer of aura barely covering his sword failed to fully protect his wrist, but luckily, it prevented the attack from severing his hand.

    His grip tightened, retaliating with a sharp strike that landed on the midsection of Quincy¡¯s blade. The force deflected their blade into the air, creating a brief opening for Tucker to take advantage of. He channeled every ounce of strength he had into his next attack and carved a narrow arc. Cutting through the azure aura that protected Quincy¡¯s throat with such ferocity that a clean line etched itself into the old man¡¯s protective armor.

    The knight retreated several steps and touched the wound on his iron armor. It barely left a dent at the plate protecting his neck, but for a moment, he was centimeters away from death. Even though this was the case, Quincy was certain of one thing after their exchange.

    The wavering green aura barely covered his opponent¡¯s blade and the fool¡¯s guard earlier. They were all signs of an experienced duelist but a weak aura user. The gash in his armor was hardly enough to deter him, but if there was one thing Quincy was confident about. It was that he could capture the watchmen without killing them.

    A throbbing pain ached from Tucker¡¯s thigh and wrist. He wanted to pull out a potion and pour it on his wounds, but this wasn¡¯t some sort of game. There¡¯s no way in hell Quincy would just stand there and watch. He had to endure. Endure the burning sensation and come up with a way to win. Just now he had lost miserably in the duel, but that was because he approached it wrong.

    Sweat dripped down the side of Tucker''s face as he angled his sword to the ground once more and slowly circled around Quincy. Both of them took slow yet deliberate breaths, trying to find a flaw in each other¡¯s movements. The grass swayed in the wind, moving in unison with their steps, and the leaves rustled delicately against each other.

    Before Tucker could even blink, Quincy rushed forward. Launching off the ground and instantly closing the distance between them. He thrust his blade towards the watchman¡¯s chest and soon felt a force strike the bottom of his sword. Parrying the attack into the air.

    Tucker couldn¡¯t help but smile seeing how it all played out, and immediately drew closer, lunging at Quincy with his sword aimed at their neck. The strike landed with a heavy thud that cut deep into the knight¡¯s aura but soon slid to the side. Leaving a moment of weakness in Tucker¡¯s stance as Quincy tilted his body to the side and drove his fist into his opponent¡¯s skull.

    Right before the strike connected, Tucker used his aura to shield his face. Feeling the shockwave blow his head back. He stumbled and took several steps back, shaking from the pain that coursed through his head. But before he could collect his thoughts, he felt a hand grab onto his thigh and dig into his wound. Tucker held back the urge to scream, feeling his leg pulled off the ground. He gritted his teeth as his back slammed into the cold, hard ground. Digging his free hand into the dirt, he threw it at Quincy, who swung his sword down. The knight clicked his tongue and shook his head in disappointment, but before he could cut across the area in front of him. A wave of flames blocked his view.

    The burning sensation stung even through his armor, but soon, he followed through and sliced the area before him. Narrowly missing Tucker, who rolled behind him and pulled the javelin free from Quincy¡¯s leather bag, dropping several small stones from his pouch in the process.

    ¡°You¡­ you aren¡¯t just a wind contractor,¡± Quincy said, brushing the flames off his shoulder.

    Tucker held his sword against the javelin¡¯s wooden body with both hands. ¡°Perhaps, but that''s not something you should be concerned about with how weak you are.¡±

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°Ha!¡± Quincy grinned at the pitiful taunt and pointed his blade at Tucker. ¡°You must have fought some decent opponents to deploy such tactics.¡± He stared at the emerald-cladded point on the javelin and pushed forward.

    ¡°Decent? None of them have managed to beat me so far.¡± Tucker replied, thrusting the javelin several times at the gaps between Quincy¡¯s armor where it was weakest. Retreating with each step as Quincy deflected his strikes.

    ¡°The way you carry yourself and handle disadvantageous situations is praiseworthy, but¡­¡± Quincy solidified the aura in his hand once more and grabbed hold of the javelin. Locking the weapon firmly in place. ¡°You¡¯re far too arrogant.¡±

    The muscles in Quincy¡¯s arm filled with tension, yet Tucker didn¡¯t completely release his grasp. He held onto the javelin and stepped closer, grabbing onto the knight¡¯s forearm. Just before they could pommel his head with the end of his sword.

    ¡°This is what I mean.¡± Quincy grinned at the rookie''s quick decision-making. ¡°Your reflexes, decision-making, and adaptability are traits well suited for a knight. So why have you chosen to be a watchman? Relying on the strength beyond one¡¯s own is pathetic.¡±

    Tucker¡¯s eyes narrowed once he heard this. Clenching his fist around the knight¡¯s gauntlet. ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern.¡±

    ¡°It isn¡¯t, but I just find it pitiful.¡± Quincy slammed his head against Tucker''s, yet to his surprise. It felt like he was hitting a stone wall as a veil of aura shimmered before his eyes. The young watchman¡¯s aura management was outstanding. Possibly one of the best he had seen in his years as a banner knight if it wasn¡¯t so weak.

    Blood dripped down from Tucker¡¯s forehead as he glared at Quincy. His hands were shaking, barely keeping the knight locked in place, but he just needed to hold on for a bit longer. "It¡¯s funny you say that because, from my position, you bastards are the ones that are pitiful. Holding onto grudges that should have ended long ago.¡±

    ¡°That we can agree on.¡± Quincy released a torrent of aura that pushed against Tucker¡¯s body. He tightened his hold on the javelin and slowly lifted it into the air, pulling Tucker off the ground.

    The overwhelming pressure caused Tucker to nearly lose consciousness, his mind racing from the ringing sound in his ears. He didn''t want to release his hold on the javelin but had no choice and immediately grabbed onto the hilt of his sword while changing his grip. Freeing the blade that was aligned with the javelin and sliding it across the surface of the weapon. In a futile attempt to slice Quincy¡¯s fingers off in one swift motion. Yet Quincy was prepared for such an action. He spun the javelin in his hand and controlled the path of Tucker¡¯s sword, guiding it to the side.

    Tucker hid his shock at the masterful redirection and gathered the remaining spirit essence from his heart, channeling it into his leg. The thread wrapped around his foot, strengthening the attack as he kicked the knight back with all his might while releasing a surge of wind that rushed forth and propelled both of them away from each other.

    Quincy squinted his eyes as he shielded his face with his arms. The wind sliced at his limbs, chipping against his defenses. One after another, blades of wind seemed to slash his limbs, growing stronger with each fleeting moment. There were no traces of mana from the flames or wind, and the only plausible conclusion that the knight could reach caused his expression to turn grim. Tucker had to be a multi-contractor. He crossed the javelin and sword before him and created a wall of aura that endured the strikes. It was rare for spirit contractors to be attuned with multiple elements, just like how mages mainly used one element as mana tended to match one element. But he was witnessing such a case firsthand. Quincy felt the ground tremble, the patches of grass shifting in place as if the earth were tearing apart. In a split second, four walls of stone and clay emerged from his surroundings. Originating from a small stone that caught his eye with characters etched into the surface. Along with a tiny magic circle that fed mana into the stones with a single outer ring.

    Quincy couldn¡¯t help but stand there in shock. Runes were commonly used by those of the earthen race, not by humans! It was rare for them to even obtain such things. Yet what shocked him the most was the fact that the runes were activated out of Tucker¡¯s hands. It shouldn¡¯t be possible, not for someone who wasn¡¯t a mage.

    The stone walls encased Quincy from nearly every side except for the gap facing Tucker. Quincy could feel his body get pushed back deeper into the center of the walls, helplessly watching as the watchman held his hands together while leaving a small space as if he were compressing a ball. The knight''s steel boots left skid marks in the ground as lumps of dirt piled beside his feet. There was nothing he could do against the fierce wind that surged wildly from the opening, restraining his movements and forcing him on the defensive. His azure aura flared like a beacon in the night, shielding his body from invisible blades that sought to cut his flesh.

    The vortex limited his view, and from his encounter so far, the watchman seemed to have staked his life in a contest of endurance. He would either die against the onslaught of wind or survive and face a depleted warrior.

    Quincy¡¯s lips curled upward at the overwhelming perseverance of his opponent. It was an honorable fight, one that he didn¡¯t expect from a watchman. Their fight was entertaining, but as Quincy examined his aura, he knew that Tucker didn¡¯t have enough strength to overcome him. The attack was strong, but not strong enough to completely tear through his defenses. He just needed to play this game of attrition, then capture the watchman. With the sound of wind tearing around him like a raging storm. Quincy stood there with his javelin and sword in hand. Enduring the barrage of attacks with the sheer strength of his aura.

    His armor suffered cuts and scratches throughout its surface. The attacks hammer against his ears, clawing at his body in a desperate attempt to break his spirit. Yet he remained unfazed even though the wind grew louder. It was only until the breeze stayed consistent that he felt a sense of dread creep up his spine. The hairs on the back of his neck stood. An unseen threat was approaching, and Quincy immediately raised his weapons to defend against it. But it didn¡¯t matter.

    In an instant, flames swelled from the opening. Bursting through the gap like a dam that failed to hold back the currents. The fire fed off the wind, fueling itself as an inferno of scorching heat filled the makeshift cauldron. A loud crackling sound consumed the area as embers danced in the wind.

    Tucker stood from afar and held Sally in his hands before letting out a sigh of relief. He stared at the column of fire that pierced through the night sky. The single thread of essence he used to form the loop in his hands faded and from the inferno before him, he was certain that his foe had perished.

    Tucker pivoted on his foot and immediately began running. Too much time had been wasted dealing with the knight, but it was a miracle he won. The remnants of the battle and the crater in front of him would scar the land for years. Like the ruins he saw along the southern border but that was just how things would be.

    He gazed at his spirit companion, who flew several meters away from him and smiled. ¡°I guess I¡¯m relying on you a lot more than I expected.¡±

    The hawk, as if agreeing, gracefully circled in the air with slow flutters of its wings. Seeing this, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but smile as he petted Sally on the head. Even though Newton didn¡¯t do much, it was a relief to see the owl unharmed from the exchange.

    ¡°See Sally? What did I say? Just lend me some of your spirit essence and it¡¯ll work out.¡± Tucker gently patted the salamander¡¯s head, who seemed to reluctantly agree.

    Even in the spirit world, it was rare for someone to use essence of different elements. So when Tucker asked Sally to lend their essence, the spirit couldn¡¯t help but be puzzled, knowing that such a thing wouldn¡¯t work. Yet to their surprise, Tucker had managed to pull it off.

    With quiet steps, Tucker sheathed his sword and pulled out a healing vial from his pouch. His head ached from the blow that Quincy inflicted on him, but for now, he poured the crimson liquid on the gash in his arm. The wound bubbled and burned, causing Tucker to wince. No matter how many times he used them, the same pain always coursed through his body.

    Combined with the flames flicking in the background, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but sigh. The undying embers that seemed to flutter with life. The frantic breeze felt surreal. They were all chaotic sensations he didn¡¯t expect to experience after overcoming such trials.

    He did it.

    He defeated a knight from the Empire.

    So why was it that a sharp pain filled his body as if something had crashed into him?

 46. Remembrance Of A World

    From Within The Makeshift Cauldron

    The knight stabbed his sword into the ground with the raging flames scorching his body. His equipment burned, and the leather bag carrying his other javelin crumbled into ashes. Charring parts of his armor that couldn¡¯t stand the heat. He embraced the inferno with his body as his aura flared in defiance. It was brief, but he could tell from the howling wind that the vortex that imprisoned him was wavering. Something had gone wrong with the watchman''s plan, and from the faint silhouette beyond the embers, he could see Tucker stagger.

    A sign of weakness that could easily be exploited. Yet, Quincy didn''t do that. He could march from the shackles of the vortex and attack the watchman, but his conviction wouldn''t let him. He needed to overcome this, not by running but by facing his opponent head-on. The inspiration for his azure aura was similar to that of ice. A reflection of his life spent in the cold winters in the northern territories and a perfect counter to the rookie''s vortex of flames. With his hand tightly grasping the javelin, his aura came to life. Answering his call and freezing the surrounding air, just enough to keep the flames from engulfing his body.

    There was only one word that came to Quincy¡¯s mind.

    Remarkable.

    It had been ages since he had met such a worthy foe that would fight like this. Despite the conditions, despite the odds stacked against them, and with that he would give them the greatest respect a knight could deliver. One that requires the entire fabric of his being.

    He wasn¡¯t as strong as the knights of the current age, but in his time, four-star aura knights were outstanding. If the third star was to hone your aura into your weapon, then the fourth would be to apply properties to what you honed. Such a feat was standard in today¡¯s age and many had ridiculed him for being a banner knight of low prowess.

    But that didn¡¯t matter to him.

    Loyalty and honor, the proud principles of his knighthood, and the words of his Lord were all he needed. His sole purpose in continuing to serve. A passion that would never wither like the everlasting flowers in the barren north. Unyielding to the conditions of the world around them.

    The aura around him roared as he raised his arm, angling the javelin at the center of the fleeing figure. His vision was clear, and it seemed like, for a moment, the world had changed in his view. The cold wind gently brushed his face as fields of snow came into sight, shifting the surrounding terrain into one from the north. A fleeting second of clarity was all he needed and with it, the javelin soared once more.

    With a flick of his wrist, his arm whipped forward. Hurling the projectile at an astonishing spear that tore through the fiery vortex in its wake. Once the weapon left his hands, Quincy fell to his knees in near exhaustion. Sweat dripped down his chin as shards of ice emerged from the trail, like proud pillars that supported his cause. Each inch it crossed froze the ground with a thin layer of black ice and darted towards the center of Tucker¡¯s body.

    In a matter of seconds, the projectile had already made its way to the young watchman, but before it could land. Gale dove down from the skies and tackled Tucker with all its might, while Newton came from the other side and launched a spike made of ice at the javelin. Narrowly changing the trajectory of the object as the icicle shattered against the brute force of the weapon.

    Tucker¡¯s body ached as blood dripped into his right eye, dying his vision in a crimson hue. His arms trembled as he tried to stand. Looking behind him, he could see Quincy¡¯s charred armor emerge from the steam that filled the makeshift stone cauldron. The vials in his pouch had shattered from the impact, and there was nothing he could do to treat the remaining injuries.

    Yet he didn¡¯t give up. Tucker pulled out several gray cubes filled with mist and crushed them in his hands. The smoke filled the area and immediately blocked Quincy¡¯s view.

    The knight had expected more tricks, but after awakening his world, he never expected the tow on his body to be so great. He had finally broken through the hurdles that many others had ridiculed him for. Yet the cost of manifesting his world nearly caused him to pass out from exhaustion. Was such a feat too much for his old soul?

    He shook off the thought and freed his sword from the frozen ground. Even if it was a burden that strained his body, he had to fulfill his goal. He needed to capture the watchman.

    The banner knight rose from the ashes and frost. Urging his broken body to stand once more as he took a step forward. His metal boots crushed the frozen blades of grass, and in an instant, he kicked off the ground. Forcing his aching muscles that cried out in pain to move. He endured, just as he always had, and charged through the smoke.

    It was careless, but he couldn¡¯t afford to draw it out any further. The situation had changed, and he needed to adapt accordingly. He scanned the area, eyes darting around frantically in search of his opponent. And finally, he caught sight of the green cloak fluttering in the wind. Several meters away from his current position and past the deep crater he created from his initial attack.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    In a heartbeat, he dashed forth with a surge of adrenaline. Leaping over the crater, he kicked off the edge, yet his heart stopped at that moment. His breath grew short, and his eyes immediately fell into the crater in shock. The swirling breeze of energy that had manifested at the last possible second caught him off guard. He was certain that he saw the watchman retreat into the forest, so why was it that Tucker was below him with one arm holding a bow and another drawing its string?

    Every instinct in Quincy¡¯s body told him that Tucker¡¯s attack was dangerous. Far more dangerous than anything he had seen in the past few years, but at the same time, another familiar spirit appeared from the corner of his eyes. An owl with bright blue feathers on its wings and a large white body. Spirits were typically invisible to those who lacked affinity unless they had reached a degree where their physical forms directly interacted with the world.

    The spirit had threads of essence forming from its wings, weaving a shard of ice that seemed to briefly hover before shooting forth like a star in the night''s sky. A sense of dread filled his mind. He needed to block one of the attacks and endure the other. That was the only choice he had.

    Yet his mind was spiraling into chaos for the first time in his countless years of peace. Two question lingered. From what he knew, a single contractor couldn''t have three spirit companions, so how was it possible for this young watchman in front of him to possess them? Was this a new feat that the current generation of watchmen were capable of?

    One by one, more questions filled his mind. He gritted his teeth in disappointment at himself. He had been careless, but if there was one thing he was confident about, it was that no matter how many spirits someone had. The spirits couldn¡¯t be stronger than the one that brought them into the world. Such laws were the foundation of Arcadia and one that couldn¡¯t be broken no matter how hard one tried.

    Using every fiber of his body, Quincy gathered his aura into his blade and swung it at Tucker as he released the bowstring. The verdant arrow rushed forth to meet the blade in a desperate act of resistance, yet fear filled Quincy¡¯s mind once he saw the corner of Tucker¡¯s lips curled upward.

    His sword easily broke the arrow made of wind as the icicle buried itself deep into the side of his body, penetrating his aura''s defense in one swift blow. A mouthful of blood spewed out from his lips as he quickly adjusted his form to minimize the damage. The shard¡¯s force flung him sideways. His body repeatedly slammed against the floor before crashing against a tree with enough force to shatter its trunk.

    The old knight had made a lapse in judgment but grabbed hold of the broken trunk. Tearing the splintering wood while pushing himself to stand. It felt like the world was spinning. Spinning in a downward spiral of dread yet he stood in defiance of it. Focusing on the young watchman, who climbed out of the crater.

    Tucker stared at the half-dead knight with pitiful eyes. He knew he would have been dead long ago but had managed to outwit the knight at the very end. The last attack took everything in him to conjure, and the fact that Quincy decided to block his attack instead of Newton''s was the sole reason he won. His condition was slightly better than Quincy¡¯s, but fatigue had already set in long ago, and he no longer knew how long he had spent in this battle. He couldn¡¯t afford to keep track of time, not against someone like him.

    ¡°For what it¡¯s worth..." Tucker forced the words out with each ragged breath. "We weren¡¯t the ones that summoned the demon.¡±

    As the words left Tucker¡¯s mouth, Quincy froze in place and stood still. Tucker could tell the knight was in no condition to fight, and frankly, he wasn¡¯t either. His body was in a constant state of pain, and his spirit essence was nearly depleted, but the more significant issue was the burning sensation in his heart that constantly stung as he tried to draw more strength. After borrowing Sally''s spirit essence, something had gone wrong. It felt like the flames had devoured every bit of energy in his body, making it all the more difficult to replenish. If it wasn¡¯t for Gale sharing their essence with him, the battle would have long been over.

    ¡°Do you swear it?¡± Quincy firmly asked.

    ¡°I swear.¡± Tucker kept his guard and held his sword before him. ¡°There was a teleportation platform buried deep within the sewers of the city. We wanted to use it to escape but got ambushed by the demon there. I swear we had no intentions of unleashing that thing in your city. We did what we could and lured it out without endangering the civilians.¡±

    Quincy felt the blood drip from his frozen wound. Between the gaps where the ice met his flesh. His armor was torn open from the impact, and he didn¡¯t have much time left. The knight staggered in place but forced himself to stand by using his sword as a way to support himself. His blade dug deep into the roots of the stump as he held onto the end of the hilt.

    ¡°Go,¡± Quincy''s voice steady and unwavering. His gaze fixated on the young watchman before him.

    Tucker watched as the knight stood there. Blood was seeping out from his lion-shaped visor, and the large fragment of ice covering the side of his body was beyond gruesome. If it wasn¡¯t for the ice, he would have surely bled out, and with how long Tucker had spent here. Quincy¡¯s reinforcements would soon arrive.

    The watchman pulled out the last grey cube from his pouch and instantly crushed it, obscuring the knight¡¯s vision as he leaped backwards. He could try to finish the knight, but he knew that Quincy still had enough strength to defend himself. The resilience of veterans wasn¡¯t something to scoff at, and his goal wasn¡¯t to kill whoever came his way. It was to extract with the package.

    Wind blew through the forest once more, swaying the branches of the trees and blades of grass. Quincy could feel the breeze gently brush against his armor. Watching as the smoke slowly dissipates over time. He was dying, and there was nothing he could do. Parts of him knew that if he didn¡¯t awaken his world, he would have won the fight. But besides serving his Lord, it was a lifelong dream of his. The sensation of the world changing around him and the soft snow of his homeland brought emotions he had long forgotten.

    One that he wished he could cherish just a second longer.

 47. Something Useful

    Tucker held onto the wound on the side of his body, ignoring the throbbing pain, and moved further to the rendezvous spot. His legs felt like lead, but with just a few more steps, he would break through into the clearing. Pushing past the thick bushes and branches in the way, he stood at the edge of the treelines. In front of him was an open field with several dirt roads meeting at a crossroad. From here, they were several kilometers away from their Order¡¯s teleportation device.

    This was the last checkpoint for them to regroup, and if Alex and Blaire had already passed through this area, then he would be all on his own. He focused on the marks on the dirt road and held back the painful urge to cough. By now, the cut on his head had partially clotted, and the blood that obscured his vision slightly cleared. He felt the warm trickle slide down the side of his face and pressed forward, leaning against a tree at the edge of the clearing while holding his ribs.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for Gale and Newton, he would have died to the knight¡¯s final attack. He was beyond grateful to say the least, but Gale had without a doubt broken his ribs when he knocked him out of the way. The gut-wrenching pain and indented chest plate were enough proof.

    Using his free hand, Tucker pulled the straps on his armor and released the damaged plates it held. Each piece was designed for high mobility and protection, but right now, it only held him back. Weighing his body down and preventing him from freely breathing. The pieces of metal fell with a heavy thud, crushing the blades of grass it landed on. Leaving his torn brown collared shirt visible. He stared at the moon and cloudless sky with a heavy heart.

    Parts of him wanted to believe that Alex and Blaire hadn¡¯t made it past the checkpoint yet, but the carriage tracks in the path said otherwise. Once they were far enough, Sally and Newton would return to the spirit world and it would only be Gale and himself left.

    ¡°Ha¡­ just my luck,¡± Tucker mumbled with his back pressed against the tree trunk. He soon fell to the ground, hitting the roots of the tree. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re going to have to cross back on our own.¡±

    His chest pocket rustled for a moment, and soon, a small reptile popped its head out and smiled while happily waving its tail. From above, Newton and Gale both descended, landing on the ground beside Tucker. The air grew cold, and the only thing to offset it was the gentle warmth of Sally¡¯s scales.

    ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you guys are unharmed.¡±

    The three spirits stayed close to Tucker, who sat cross-legged. He rummaged through his pouch and slowly shook his head. The healing potions he brought with him were destroyed from the battle with Quincy, and he should have known better than to pack them so tightly together with the rest of the trinkets. To make things worse, because he relied so much on the potions, he didn¡¯t bring any other medical items. No painkillers and no bandages to wrap his wounds.

    Any likelihood of his wounds suffering from an infection was low, but not zero. Right now, he needed to figure out what his next course of action was. He could try running through the open plains. It would be the fastest way to get out of the Empire but also the riskiest method. If anyone spotted him, then he would be fucked. The other option was to hide within the treeline and hope he could get as close as possible to another safe house. If it was still even there.

    ¡°Honestly, this shit sucks.¡± Tucker shook his head and deeply exhaled while rising to his feet. ¡°Gale, we¡¯re gonna try to make our way back with Newton and Sally for as long as possible.¡±

    His companion nodded, agreeing with the notion. They were nearly out of spirit essence and had no way to instantly replenish their strength. If anything, he could send Gale back to the spirit realm and hope he could regenerate enough essence, but by doing so, his senses would decline. With Gale in the world, his range increased from a hundred meters to two hundred. Which proved far more useful than expected.

    Before the three could begin to move, a faint rumbling sound entered his ears. Tucker immediately took shelter in the shadows of the three and peered toward the sounds. The noise of horses galloping against the cold dirt path soon entered his ears. His eyes narrowed, closely observing the cloud of dust approach.

    A glimmer of hope flickered in his heart. The other watchmen were supposed to meet up with him at this location, but there was no telling who was coming, as their figures were too far. From a glance, he could tell it was the Empire¡¯s carriage, but earlier, he had seen tracks already run through this area. Tracks that weren¡¯t there when they first arrived. He kept his body low with his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

    The leaves rustled in the wind as the hooves hitting the dirt path grew louder. Each step a steady rhythm that drew closer and closer. In a matter of seconds, Tucker would soon have a clear view, but for some reason, flashes of blue light flickered through the clouds of brown dust. The constant streams of light seemed to cut through the air, firing in all directions as a thunderous explosion erupted from the carriage.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened as the sight of two men riding the carriage came into view. Blaire was on the roof of the wooden object, his hands pulling on strings of azure threads as if he were weaving something in thin air. Once he was done, an assortment of frozen spears emerged from behind him and shot forth. Colliding against numerous fireballs that cross through the sky. While Alex was manning the horses and desperately pulling on to reins to steer the two panicked beasts to the best of his capabilities. The old man¡¯s aura was wrapped around the mighty steeds as if it had engulfed the mounts in a bright scarlet flame. Empowering their flesh with power beyond the animal¡¯s wildest imagination.

    They haven¡¯t left yet.

    His heart wildly hammered in his chest once he realized that they were about to pass by him. Without wasting a second, he took several steps back into the forest. Stomaching the pain that raced through the side of his body. He had at most a couple of seconds to time his jump. A couple of seconds to make it onto the moving carriage.

    The hooves pounding against the earth grew louder. Each step sent violent tremors through the edge of the forest as the trees violently shook from the pressure. Tucker took several quick breaths, matching the steady beat of the mounts racing through the dirt path. Once they drew near, he burst out into a sprint, the wind pushing fiercely behind him.

    The torrent accelerated his speed, and as he leaped out of the forest, Blaire and Alex caught sight of his figure with widened eyes. Tucker¡¯s figure gracefully passed over the carriage, causing their expressions to quickly shift from surprise to shock.

    ¡°This fucking idiot!¡± Blaire screamed at the top of his lungs, tightly weaving the threads into a thick rope. In an instant, he made a knot at the end, forming a circular loop as fast as his hands could possibly move, and flung it at Tucker.

    The rookie reached out, his hand brushing against the threads of rope, but before it could fully escape his grasp, he clung to the end of the lasso. With all of Blaire¡¯s might, he yanked the rope back, twisting his body as the muscles in his legs and arms exerted their full strength. Flinging Tucker back towards them and sending the rookie¡¯s body crashing into the front of the carriage beside Alex. Their body hit the stage coach¡¯s seat with a sickening thump that violently jolted the wagon.

    Tucker cried out in pain as his body collided with Alex. It felt like he was slammed into a steel gate at full force. Yet in his moment of agony, Sally popped her head out of his pocket and happily hopped onto Alex¡¯s shoulder, brushing his face.

    ¡°Good to see you made it in one piece,¡± Alex said without batting an eye. ¡°If we had to make another trip around the area, we would have had to leave you.¡±

    Tucker leaned back against the wooden frame and tightly shut his eyes while taking short gasps of air. Seeing this, Alex motioned at Sally to retrieve a potion and apply it to the injured rookie. With haste, the salamander crawled to the back of Alex¡¯s pouch and took out a red vial before bringing it to Tucker¡¯s lips. In one big gulp, he downed the crimson liquid, feeling a warm sensation flow through his body before tossing the empty flask to the side.

    ¡°I had to deal with a knight,¡± Tucker painfully said.

    ¡°A fucking knight?¡± Alex cursed and shook his head. Their hands were already full with the mages pursuing them, but if knights were also mounting, then it would soon be doomed. "Hop into the back of the carriage and see if there¡¯s anything inside we can use to shake off our pursuers.¡±

    ¡°On it,¡± Tucker immediately grabbed onto the wooden handle of the window and slid it open before dragging his body through. The healing potion was slowly working its magic, but the pain still lingered.

    From the side windows, he could see Newton and Gale flying high in the sky, intercepting whatever projectiles were within their capabilities. He felt a surge of adrenaline fill his body as he rummaged through the containers. Moving boxes left and right before stumbling upon a sealed crate. Tucker''s eyes widened in curiosity, but the moment he touched it, sparks flew in all directions and stung his hand. Leaving behind a faint sizzling sound as the interior of the wagon was scorched by the brief flickers of lightning.

    ¡°What the¡­¡± Tucker felt the wagon violently jolt, bringing him back to his senses. He opened several more crates before finding several scarlet fire crystals. ¡°What the hell do I do with this?¡±

    He stared at the crystals with a dumbfounded expression before suddenly getting an idea. Like the one he found in the tunnels with Alex, it was possible to scribe a magic circle on the surface of the crystal to direct the flow of mana. By doing so, he could turn each one into a miniature bomb and use it to create distance between them and their pursuers.

    It was risky, far too risky without the proper tools, but they were in a carriage owned by mages. With his dexterity, he could inscribe the circle even if they were moving. All he would need to do was endure the searing heat from the crystal. The rookie checked the carriage once more, opening the boxes in search of something. Anything that he could use to inscribe enchantments onto the crystals.

    Think, think! There has to be something I can use here.

    Tucker thought about the possible solutions while looking around. His hands brushed against the crates in the carriage. Nearly all of them were mana crystals, which made sense if they were using it to power the barrier. Nevertheless, for there to be nothing else was ridiculous! The wagon viciously jolted once more, causing Tucker to groan in pain. He could hear the wheels creak and Blaire conjure several spells above him. The crackling sound of ice breaking entered his ears, and he immediately pulled out his dagger and firmly held it in the palm of his hands.

    Fuck it.

    He etched the surface of the crystal, expecting it to flare and glow with a rigorous light. He squinted his eyes in preparation, but the moment his dagger scratched the surface. Nothing happened.

 48. What Could It Be?

    ¡°What?¡± Tucker stared at the scratch mark on the crystal. It should have flared or showed some signs of mana overflow, yet it remained dull. It¡¯s scarlet color, unfazed by the sudden blade mark.

    Why? Why wasn¡¯t there anything happening?

    It made no sense to him. He quickly grabbed another crystal and scratched the surface, yet the same thing happened. He then repeated the process with several others, scarring the surface of the stones as bits of dust fell off. Not a single reaction from the crystals emerged. Before he could look into it further, a voice stole his attention.

    ¡°Tucker god dammit! Is there anything useful back there?¡± Alex furiously shouted.

    The wagon jolted once more, wobbling violently with a loud thud. Tucker stumbled, his body shifting from one side to another. He grabbed hold of the coach window and cursed. ¡°There¡¯s nothing fucking useful here, and the one container that I can¡¯t open seems to be sealed with a spell!¡±

    The veteran¡¯s mind raced, steering the flaming steeds with all his might. He kept his eyes on the road and gritted his teeth. They were far too heavy to outrun the mages. ¡°Dump the crates!¡± He ordered.

    ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Do it!¡±

    Tucker stared at the containers and quickly grabbed hold of one by the metal handle. He peered out the window and caught sight of one of the mages, riding their mount slightly to the side. Unlike the war horses the knights rode, these ones had a set of small rigid shields attached to the bridle near the horse¡¯s eyes. Their oval shapes, handcrafted and made of leather, curved slightly against the horse¡¯s head. Obscuring their mount¡¯s vision from the sides.

    With all his might, he hurled the chest at the horse, aiming at the beast¡¯s legs. The wooden crate smashed against the beast¡¯s hind legs, forcing it to let out a shrill cry of pain before plummeting to the ground. Its momentum forced it forward. Crashing against a boulder with a sickening crack as dirt and stone flew in the air. The mage¡¯s back folded in half, bending at an unnatural angle with a loud snap.

    That was one down, but from the sound of the battle above, Tucker knew there were still plenty more. He gazed at the other crates. If there was one he was going to keep, it would be the crate that was sealed. His hand reached for the next defective crate of crystals. Peering out the other side of the window, he could see a mage fix their gaze at him. The same trick most likely wouldn¡¯t work twice, so he had to come up with a new tactic.

    Tucker closed the lid on the next crate and left the hinges unfastened. It was a gamble, but one worth taking. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the chest out the other side of the window. Watching as the mage swiftly controlled their mount and steer it out of the chest way, but the moment it hit the ground. The container burst open, spilling its contents in a chaotic spray. Mana crystals scattered across the dirt road, bouncing and skittering in every direction.

    A cascade of noise followed as the horse released a panicked screech. Its hooves scrambled for footing, slipping on the countless crystals that rolled beneath its feet. Before the mage could react, their body violently jerked back from the momentum of their mount and soon their bodies collided with another rider. Knocking down both of them and their steed into a tangled heap.

    For a moment, Tucker felt a spark of triumph. He had somehow caught a few of their pursuers off guard. But as he reached for another crate, the next few attempts proved futile now that they had seen his tricks. As the fourth crate left his hands, he watched as an azure magic circle formed behind the mage.

    The magic circles were intricate in design, with three outer rings surrounding the symbol in the center. Numerous distinct patterns were inscribed in the inner workings. The outermost ring ticked like a countdown, its markings shifting with each measured interval as it channeled mana towards a singular point. Once the timer had finished, the next revealed itself, and along its path were four sockets. Each one representing how many repetitions were in the spell. At the center, a final ring that was etched with cryptic symbols in a foreign language stood apart. Glowing faintly with an ominous power that seemed to enhance the base spell.

    Slowly, the air shimmered as the rings activated one after another until the spell reached its fullest potential. In a blinding instant, four fireballs the size of a boulder tore through the night sky. Leaving behind streaks of crimson lights in its path. Tucker felt his heart stop, an eerie, almost unnatural silence taking over. Before he could even react, the massive projectiles splintered into countless smaller orbs. Blazing like falling stars. The firestorm that rained down upon the carriage sent violent tremors through the ground. Scorching the earth around them with each impact.

    Alex glanced overhead and clenched his jaw. Fighting to keep the horses under control as the earth quaked beneath them with each resounding crash. Flames licked the edges of their path, leaving remnants of molten debris scattering and pelting the carriage from all sides.

    Molten energy spewed forth with the debris. Tucker could feel the tremors through the wooden frames and stared with a worried look at his surroundings. Blaire swung his lasso and caught a fireball falling through the sky in mid-air. The muscles in his arms screamed out in pain, with the lasso bubbling as his spirit essence rushed to cool the surface. With every ounce of strength in his body, he flung the fireball at another, causing a thunderous explosion between them and the mages.

    While Gale and Newton were carefully soaring in the sky, deflecting the smaller fireballs away from the carriage. The wagon still viciously rocked back and forth with Tucker barely evading the crates that bounced inside. Nearly every single crate was moving with each jolt of the wagon. All but a single one, the one that was firmly sealed and bolted into place. He held onto the wooden frame of the carriage with a puzzled look.

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Why didn¡¯t they just destroy the carriage?

    They definitely had enough firepower to blow them apart, and right now, it seemed like they were leading them somewhere. Driving them to a corner. Each spell was deliberate, landing only a few meters away from their position, and soon it clicked. The mages weren¡¯t trying to kill them. They were leading them to a point where they couldn¡¯t run. Like a shepherd herding their sheep. This meant that they weren¡¯t their target. They were after something else.

    The Emerald Tower mages didn¡¯t care for their lives. They weren¡¯t loyal to the Empire nor part of their court. What the mages wanted was what they had with them, the contents within the sealed crate. Why else would they not destroy the crates as soon as it was tossed out of the carriage? They were being careful. Trying to identify each one before making their decision.

    But why?

    If it was a barrier crystal like what¡¯s stated in the report, they wouldn¡¯t bother trying so hard. They would just create another one. It wasn¡¯t easy by any means, but well worth the trouble if it meant they could kill us in one fell swoop. Mages weren¡¯t the kind to waste precious time like this unless there was a reason.

    Tucker grabbed onto the handles of another crate and hoisted it to the window. Scrapping the wood against the metal frame as he tossed it out the window toward one of the mages. He watched as they examined the crate, searching for something on the surface before swiftly destroying it with a tiny bolt of light that hissed from the end of their staff.

    He stepped back from the window and stared at the remaining chests. They were large enough to fit several pounds of gold, and for all of them to be magic crystals was unbelievable. There was enough mana in the containers to decimate a small fortress, but nearly all of them were duds.

    Was the barrier crystal that important? It was just a defensive spell, no matter how much Tucker looked at it. Yet, at the same time, the only thing of value on the carriage. He fell deep into thought and soon widened his eyes. Tucker had forgotten about the conversation with the knights. They didn''t have the barrier crystal. They had something else, something far more important to the mages.

    ¡°We¡¯re approaching a sharp turn! Hold onto something!¡± Alex shouted.

    Tucker held onto the walls of the carriage as his body slammed into the side along with the crates. A loud thump entered his ears, causing his eyes to drift to the sealed chest that had another box slam into it. It was short, but for a brief moment, he saw something. A faint blue light glowing from beneath the chest.

    Seeing this, Tucker moved closer and grabbed onto one of the crates before flipping it over. It was blank. Whatever the mages wanted was in the sealed crate, but he wasn¡¯t good enough to break the spell locking it. Such a thing wasn¡¯t within his capabilities. However, if the reason they were examining the crates was to search for the magic circle, then he knew what to do.

    His hand brushed against the fresh varnish on the wooden planks, and slowly, he gathered the mana from his surroundings. He wasn¡¯t a mage by any means and had failed to create mana circles beyond the first one that was used to store mana, but it was good enough.

    With a delicate motion, his fingers traced a circle along timber. Guiding the stream of light blue energy from the mana circle he created in his mind onto the base of the wooden chest. It wasn¡¯t like using swift stride or feather step, where control was mainly based on experience and practicality. Instead, it required deliberate and careful planning along with visualizing the flow of mana. He wasn¡¯t good enough to create an intricate seal like the mages from the Emerald Tower. But making a magic circle that glowed a faint blue light was easy enough.

    His index and middle fingers drew smooth arced lines, and once the circle was completed, Tucker felt the carriage violently shake once more. Rocking his body back and forth as he continued his work. The noise that erupted outside sent tremors through the chest''s surface as he desperately tried to keep the crate still. The only piece left was the characters within the center. A single word written in a language that connected the essence of creatures to the world itself, lux. The word meaning light.

    There were many more complicated and advanced ways to create magic circles, but thankfully, a basic design was all he needed. By overlapping the characters while maintaining their distinct features, one could improve the flow of mana within the circle. Giving it a significantly faster and more powerful activation, but such a thing was unnecessary in his case. The letters just needed to fit within the confined space, and with the final stroke completed, the circle faintly glowed and hummed a pleasant tune. A soft melody that resonated with the world itself.

    ¡°How close are we to another sharp turn or ledge!¡± Tucker yelled, grabbing onto the silver handles of the chest.

    ¡°Now!¡± Alex replied.

    The words made Tucker immediately hurl the chest out of the window. Smashing the glass plane into tiny bits as cracks rippled through the surface. The wooden box rattled out of the carriage, bouncing off the wooden frame with the dim light glowing at the base.

    Barely tipping over, Alex shifted his weight on the coach seat and did his best to prevent the carriage from falling off the ledge of the cliff. The dirt road wrapped along the twisting rocks, and Blaire, who was desperately fending against the spells, was at his limits. For him to hold on for this long was commendable, but now they were at the end. Even the horses tugging at the harnesses that bound them were on the verge of exhaustion.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± Blaire muttered in disbelief.

    The mages had pulled on the reins of their horses, causing them to come to an abrupt stop, and peered at the chest tumbling down the cliff. It was a brief moment, but enough for Blaire to fire a series of icicles at their mounts. Penetrating through the flesh of their steeds as a blood-curdling screech filled the air. Sounds that no other being could make entered their ears, and for a moment, it seemed as if the flesh from the horses were¡­ wavering. Like thin strands of string.

    ¡°What happened!¡± Alex cried out.

    ¡°They¡­ they stopped chasing us,¡± Blaire replied.

    ¡°What?¡± Alex raised a brow, resisting the urge to peer back. ¡°What are they doing?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re staring down the cliff right now.¡±

    The old man thought about the current situation and clicked his tongue. He peered through the window in the carriage and stared at Tucker, who was prying open the next set of crates. ¡°What have you found?¡±

    ¡°A whole lotta nothing,¡± Tucker said.

    ¡°Really? What did you toss out?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°A chest filled with dud magic crystals.¡± Tucker held one up for Alex to see, then tossed it in the air and caught it. ¡°In short, there was nothing but trash except for one chest that was sealed.¡±

    ¡°Sealed, you say?¡± Alex focused back on the road, steering the mounts shrouded in his aura along the path. He fell deep into thought, thinking about what Tucker said.

    Whatever the rookie did, it was enough to buy them precious time to get further away. Yet the words that followed bothered him. For the first time in his years of service, he had never heard of mages sealing a barrier crystal. The only reason they were deemed crucial in stealing or destroying was because the process of creating such devices took a considerable amount of time and resources. Locking up a handful of mages in the process of mass manufacturing such trinkets would be essential to weakening the overall fighting force of the Empire.

    So what exactly was so important in that chest for the mages to stop chasing them?

 49. A Choice

    The carriage came to a stop as they approached the ledge of the cliff. Their pursuers had long been lost through the winding roads leading back to the safe house, and if it wasn¡¯t for Blaire sniping their horses in the split second they were distracted, then the mages would still be hot on their tail. But for now, it was enough to buy time and create distance between the two groups.

    Tucker pulled out his dagger and wedged it between the bolt and the carriage. Prying the bolt out of the floor and setting the chest free. They were short on time and needed to get off the ride before heading into the dense forest. With the thick foliage obstructing their path, it was impossible to bring it with them, but it could still serve its purpose as a distraction.

    But before they abandoned their stolen ride, there was one thing Tucker needed to check. He kicked the wooden door open with a loud bang as it slammed against the body of the carriage before hopping off. The mages would soon catch on to his little trick and continued after them. His hand reached for the sealed chest and pulled it out. Scraping the bottom of the container against the hardwood floor. The deep creaking noise followed by a groaning drag brought Alex and Blaire¡¯s attention to Tucker¡¯s action and soon, the two were beside him.

    ¡°Is that what they were after?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°Yeah, they took the diversion I made pretty well, so whatever is in this chest has to be worth all that hassle,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°Hm, I¡¯m doubtful, but we¡¯ll have to see what¡¯s inside,¡± said Blaire.

    Alex grabbed onto the other side of the chest and slowly lowered it onto the ground with Tucker. The chest itself weighed around seventy kilograms and the contents another sixty, give or take. The old veteran scanned the crate and signaled for Blaire to take over. Whatever magic seal was locking this crate would be left to Owl and his devices.

    While Blaire worked on undoing the lock restraining the chest, Tucker stood aside and watched. In their hands were several threads of spirit essence that were connected, forming a hexagonal shape, slowly spinning in the air. Soon, a series of similar shapes formed toward the chest, interacting with the flow of mana with a series of clicks that continuously undid the bindings on the container.

    The spell was slowly being unraveled, with the circles of mana crumbling one after another, and as the last azure light faded into the night, the lock sealing the chest gave way. Its hook slid open as the brass trinket fell to the ground, hitting the cold dirt. Their eyes fell upon the container. Each one of them moved up as the lid gradually flung back.

    The first thing they saw was the hardened interior. Unlike the wooden planks on the outside, the container instead had numerous metal sheets welded to the inside with engravings of scriptures and words that they had never seen before. Words that didn¡¯t belong to this continent and were incomprehensible to their feeble minds. Then, the next thing that came into sight was something none of them had expected.

    Not a barrier artifact with a glowing translucent purple stone, secured with golden rings that suspended it in place once activated, but instead a delicate figure of a young girl with light skin and curly amber hair. Her white dress was simple in design, with red marks that seemed to look like flowers along the end of the seams. From a glance, she didn¡¯t seem to be more than fifteen years old. Alex and Blaire both stared at each other with bitter expressions. Unsure what to make of the situation.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t what we came for.¡± Blaire angrily grabbed the lid, but before he could shut it. Alex pulled him aside.

    ¡°It isn¡¯t, but the problem right now is what are we going to do with her?¡± Alex asked.

    ¡°What else? We fucking leave her here and return. We¡¯re not a daycare for crying out loud.¡± Blaire pushed Alex¡¯s hand off his shoulder and walked back towards Tucker. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We failed our mission. There¡¯s no point in wasting anymore time here.¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Tucker ignored Blaire and focused on the engravings. ¡°These aren¡¯t runes made by those from the Earthen race. If the mages went through all the hassle to try to reclaim this chest, there must be a reason. A pretty damn good one too.¡±

    ¡°The rookie¡¯s right, you know,¡± Alex added his two cents and said, ¡°those mages¡­ they¡¯ve always been a dastardly bunch, especially those from the Emerald tower.¡±

    Blaire glared at Tucker and sighed. ¡°Fine, but don¡¯t expect me to deal with the aftermath.¡±

    The rookie nodded and gently held onto the girl¡¯s wrist. Looking at the bloodied nails on his fingers and torn skin on her hands. He felt a sense of pity for the child, who desperately fought to escape from the mages. Her spirit was commendable, and she was safe. At least for now, until they figured out what orphanage to send her to. Yet, once his hand made contact with her skin, a fierce shock ran through his body and shot into his mana circle. A scream escaped his lips, and the pain caused him to groan for a split second before he released her arm.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Tucker clenched his left hand and stared at his partially charred leather glove. The burning sensation persisted and after closely examining the girl¡¯s wrist. He saw something unbelievable. ¡°What¡­ what the fuck did those bastards do?¡±

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Alex and Blaire inched closer with their hands on the hilt of their weapons. The watchmen cautiously approached the container, only a few steps behind Tucker, but upon seeing the rookie hold out his hand to stop them. They both halted in their tracks and glanced at each other.

    ¡°Tucker, are you alright?¡± Alex asked, dropping his hand from his weapon.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah I¡¯m good. I just got burned or something just now,¡± Tucker replied.

    ¡°Burned?¡± Blaire asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m not exactly sure.¡± Tucker shook his hand and stared at the girl who was asleep. ¡°But it seems like there¡¯s a protective spell or something still on the chest.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible, I disarmed the entire fucking contraption,¡± Blaire protested, checking the metal sheets on the sides of the chest. ¡°There¡¯s not a chance in hell that it¡¯s working.¡±

    ¡°Doubtful, considering how our rookie here got injured.¡± Alex lightly tapped his spine while moving beside Blaire.

    ¡°Salamander, with all due respect. I¡¯m certain it has been disabled.¡±

    ¡°Then what exactly happened?¡± Alex shot back, but upon hearing nothing he shook his head.

    Blaire inspected the chest once more and examined the engravings. There wasn¡¯t a speck of mana lingering within the characters and nothing that could have burned Tucker¡¯s hand. Yet as he drew closer, the mana in his body fluctuated. Stirring for a moment as if it was being pulled by something. As Blaire reached into the crate, a spark flew out from his fingertips and stung his hand, causing him to instinctively take a step back.

    The old man raised a brow upon seeing Blaire¡¯s expression twist in pain. He then stared at the little girl sleeping within the confinements of the chest. His eyes fell onto a small circular tattoo on the girl¡¯s wrist.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Alex took a step closer as Tucker moved beside him. The old man¡¯s gaze fell onto the girl with pity. He had prayed that he would have never seen such a tragedy again in his life, but once more the Avalon Empire had overstepped their boundaries.

    ¡°We need to kill her,¡± Blaire¡¯s voice cut through the air like a sharp knife, causing Alex to turn a blind eye while Tucker froze in place.

    ¡°W-what? You¡¯re joking right?¡± Tucker stood between the chest and Blaire. Watching as his comrade pulled out his sword.

    ¡°Step aside rookie, you don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re trying to protect.¡± Blaire glared at Tucker, yet once their gazes met. Tucker saw the weak light in their eyes.

    ¡°Then explain it to so me I understand!¡± Tucker held out his hands. ¡°Sure I got a bit burnt, but it¡¯s like Alex said! You just made a small mistake and didn¡¯t disarm the trap. There¡¯s no need to go so far!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the trap that did that to you.¡± Blaire¡¯s words were laced with anger. ¡°It was her. That child isn¡¯t a child anymore.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been turned into a fucking mana capsule. A living container used to forcefully store mana.¡±

    Tucker glanced behind him, noticing the magic circles tattooed onto her wrists and the back of her heels. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean we need to kill her. Can¡¯t we do something to help her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, Tucker. This isn¡¯t a simple matter.¡± Alex cut into the conversation with a grim look on his face. ¡°She¡¯s dangerous, far more dangerous than you think.¡±

    ¡°Do you hear yourself? You¡¯re not talking about killing soldiers or criminals. You¡¯re talking about killing a little girl that they forcefully made to hold mana! Someone who didn¡¯t make this decision on their own¡­¡±

    ¡°We know!¡± Blaire furiously gritted his teeth and tightly clenched onto his dagger. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t change the fact that she¡¯s now a weapon. A living bomb that could detonate any second now.¡±

    Tucker kept his gaze on Blaire and took a step back. ¡°Isn¡¯t there something we could do to disarm it? To dispel the magic circles carved on her body?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s possible¡­ but¡­¡± Alex¡¯s words trailed off as he glanced at the magic chest.

    ¡°Then¡ª¡±

    ¡°No.¡± Blaire coldly interrupted Tucker while taking a step forward. ¡°The risk is too great.¡±

    ¡°But what if it happened to someone who know! What if it happened to¡ª¡± Tucker held his head down and shut his mouth. He desperately closed his eyes and stomached the guilt in his heart. Yet the other two already knew what he was going to say and the anger boiling in Blaire nearly erupted as the blades of grass beneath his feet froze.

    What if it happened to May?

    The question caused Blaire to nearly lose himself in rage. The mere thought of something like that happening to his own daughter made him beyond furious, but the one thing that angered him the most was the fact that Tucker brought it up. If it was his daughter, he would kill whoever would have dared to harm her, but this wasn¡¯t the same situation.

    That girl was a stranger. A person who wasn¡¯t even one of their own. A citizen of the Empire.

    That child meant nothing to him and with it, no remorse. The entire situation was fucked beyond belief, but that didn¡¯t justify what Tucker was trying to prove. Blaire knew that if the situation was reversed. If it was May that had been turned into a living bomb, then he would spare no effort in saving her, but this wasn¡¯t the case. They were in a state of war and didn¡¯t have the luxury to spare the lives of those against them.

    Blaire stepped onto the frozen blades of grass, crushing them beneath his boot as the frost spread through the surroundings. From the corner of his eyes, he could see Salamander standing still and he knew from a glance that the old man wouldn¡¯t move a muscle.

    The only obstacle in his way was Tucker. The rookie whose heart was far too na?ve, like a rabbit grazing in a wolf¡¯s den. Blaire knew that the rookie¡¯s heart was in the right place, and this was why he hated working with those new to the Order. They weren¡¯t accustomed to what was needed.

    ¡°Step aside,¡± said Blaire, with words as sharp as a blade.

    Tucker shot a glance at the girl¡¯s scarred hands. Closely examining the torn skin on the little girl¡¯s fingers. It was clear that she wanted live. That she had fought all by herself against the mage¡¯s cruel experiments just to live another day. But for her to die just like this¡­ was beyond unfair.

    It was unjust.

    How could he stand aside and do nothing? How could he turn a blind eye toward her suffering and let Blaire kill her?

    No matter how many times Tucker asked himself this. No matter how many times he tried to justify it. The thought fell apart.

    Tucker took a deep breath and slowly shook his head. He knew that he was overstepping his boundaries, but how could he just stand aside and watch as Blaire killed the little girl? How could he do nothing and watch as someone who did nothing wrong die even though they struggled so much?

    Was it so wrong just to want to live?

    He held onto his wits and stared at Blaire. The discussion was over and they couldn¡¯t reach an agreement. Nothing could be done to resolve this, and knowing that his comrade wouldn¡¯t back down, Tucker placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

 50. Collateral Innocence

    ¡°This fucker¡­¡± Blaire glared at Tucker with eyes that held no light. ¡°All this, for a child you don¡¯t even know.¡±

    Tucker kept his hand on the hilt of his sword and waited for Blaire to make a move. Yet no matter how long he waited, Blaire remained still.

    ¡°For this¡­ child, you would risk the lives of your brothers and sisters? The lives of those within the Order?¡± Blaire asked.

    Tucker clenched his jaw and fixated his gaze on Blaire. He couldn¡¯t utter another word and took a deep breath at the question with a heavy heart. Parts of him knew he was wrong, but if he chose to look away, it would tear into the very fabric of his conscious. The air prickled against his skin and a trace of sadness surfaced in his eyes. He didn¡¯t want to fight his comrades. Not like this, but the same couldn¡¯t be said for Owl. Even if the child wasn¡¯t welcome in the Order, he would take her somewhere else. Somewhere safe.

    Blades of grass swayed side to side from the night¡¯s breeze. Drowning the silence with a soothing gust that pulled on the seams of their cloaks. Only to be broken by the sound of footsteps pulling him back from his trail of thoughts as Alex stepped forward.

    ¡°Step aside.¡± Alex waved his hand dismissively as Tucker¡¯s eyes fell on him, but upon seeing the rookie remain still, he sighed. ¡°Loosen up you idiot, I won¡¯t hurt the child.¡±

    Tucker worriedly glanced at Alex but knew that he was a man of his word and nodded before stepping aside. Once Alex had moved closer to the crate, he examined the markings within the container and gestured for Blaire to stand down, causing the hardened veteran to immediately frown.

    ¡°Even you, Salamander?¡± Blaire glared at Alex with eyes filled with doubt.

    ¡°Yes, now we don¡¯t have time for infighting. So let me confirm what¡¯s written within the container before you tear each other¡¯s throats.¡±

    Alex ignored the piercing gaze and fixated on the markings. If there were any signs of protection circles inscribed in the container, he would know from the characters. Yet no matter how thoroughly he examined the surface of the wooden planks. Not a single protection engraving was in sight. He looked over his shoulder at Blaire with eyes that carried a harsh light. Even though the veteran¡¯s worries were understandable, the chances of this child being turned into a living bomb were highly unlikely. But whatever the Empire had in store for her was another matter entirely.

    ¡°There are no signs of protection inscriptions.¡± Alex brushed his fingers against the markings and asked in a dry voice. ¡°Did the magic circles have any other markings besides the ones to store mana?¡±

    Blaire stood still. ¡°I didn¡¯t have the chance to properly check.¡±

    ¡°Then come check,¡± Alex replied.

    Tucker¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°But¡ª¡±

    ¡°Let the man do his job.¡± Alex sent him a sharp glare that stopped him in his tracks.

    ¡°But he¡¯ll kill her¡ª¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t, not while I¡¯m around.¡± Alex turned to Blaire. ¡°Am I right?¡±

    ¡°You have my word.¡±

    Tucker kept his hand on the hilt of his sword, but soon tightly shut his eyes and loosened his grip. He couldn¡¯t understand how Blaire could concede that easily. If she truly was as dangerous as Blaire said, then the veteran wouldn¡¯t move an inch. Yet as Blaire passed Alex, he gave up his weapon and approached the chest with heavy steps.

    The man shot a glare at Tucker and then focused on the box in front of him. He ran his hand along the edges of the container and followed the flow of magic with his fingertips. Each word engraved on the surface of the wooden planks read ¡°copia¡± and not a single trace of ¡°praesidium.¡±

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Alex was right. There wasn¡¯t a single protection engraving within the chest. The entire thing was simply meant to drain and store mana. Not a single safeguard was there to protect them in case the mana in the child¡¯s body went on a rampage. It made no sense but Blaire didn¡¯t have time to dwell on such things. He turned to Alex and nodded.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, there isn¡¯t a single protection engraving,¡± said Blaire.

    ¡°Good, now scout the area ahead of us. We¡¯ll be right behind you.¡± Alex watched as Blaire pulled his hood over his brown and grey hair before disappearing into the foliage of the forest. Then he shot a glare at Tucker and pointed at the handle on the other side of the chest while closing the lid. ¡°Well? This chest isn¡¯t going to move itself.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­¡± Tucker grabbed hold of the other side of the handle and hoisted the container with Alex, but as he took a step forward, Alex pulled the chest back. The old man glared at Tucker with an expression that he had never seen before.

    ¡°Listen Tucker, if you¡¯re going to keep working with us. You can¡¯t keep doing this fucking bullshit,¡± Alex sternly said. ¡°Not during the fucking mission, at least. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    ¡°Yes but¡ª¡±

    ¡°No, no buts, not this time kid.¡± Alex pointed at the side of Tucker¡¯s neck, drawing the rookie¡¯s attention to the cut fabric. ¡°First off, you are an idiot for even thinking about fighting one of your own. If Blaire wanted he could have killed you right then and there, but he didn¡¯t. That¡¯s the gap between you and him. You didn¡¯t even see the attack. Second, Blaire may be a coldhearted bastard, but he is anything but cruel. Sometimes, death itself is a form of mercy and that child will never be able to live a normal life. Not anymore.¡±

    ¡°So, what are you saying? We should just kill everyone who is in a similar situation?¡± Tucker gazed at Alex in disbelief. ¡°There has to be something we can do to remove the magic circles!¡±

    ¡°Even if we did, that¡¯s not the problem. It¡¯s the mental trauma those bastards did to her. There¡¯s no telling how far it goes and what¡¯s worse is that you can¡¯t just help everyone you meet.¡± Alex pointed at Tucker before gesturing to their entire surroundings. ¡°It¡¯s not within our capabilities, especially because we¡¯ll be sent out to other missions, other frontiers.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡±

    ¡°No, Tucker. Just fucking listen to me.¡± Alex pulled on the chest as it swayed between them. They both walked forward, following the path that Blaire went. ¡°You can¡¯t keep thinking with your heart. You need to think with your head. I let it slide before because I¡¯m old. There isn¡¯t exactly a lot of time left for me, but the others? That¡¯s a different matter entirely.¡±

    ¡°I know, but how could I trust Blaire from what I know of him? He¡¯s not a kind-hearted person and you know that.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not but that¡¯s not the point. My point is you don¡¯t have a single ounce of respect for the man who''s a part of this goddamn team.¡± Alex glared at Tucker, who kept his head down. ¡°That¡¯s your problem. You don¡¯t have that trust because the respect isn''t there.¡±

    Tucker slowly nodded with a heavy heart. ¡°Then what should I do?¡±

    ¡°Establish that trust because when you weren¡¯t there at the checkpoint. Blaire didn¡¯t hesitate for a second when I said we were looping around.¡±

    The rookie felt his heart twist once he heard this. ¡°How? How would I do it?¡±

    ¡±That¡¯s for you to figure out,¡± Alex said with a smirk. ¡°I¡¯m only so lenient with you because I¡¯ve learned from my past mistakes. It¡¯s why I haven¡¯t given up on you, since I know how much this means to you.¡±

    Tucker stared at Alex for a moment, watching as the old man softly chuckled before returning to his regular demeanor. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me. Blaire¡¯s gonna rip you apart in front of the administrators, and there isn¡¯t much I can do to stop it.¡± Alex grinned at Tucker, who seemed unfazed by the news. ¡°Though I suppose you don¡¯t care so much for it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a setback for me to become a ranger, but¡­¡± Tucker stared at Blaire¡¯s figure, who was several meters ahead. ¡°I have to learn somehow, right?¡±

    ¡°I suppose so,¡± Alex replied.

    They all stood on the small teleportation platform hidden within the alcove of a cave. The stone granite walls shielded the device, along with the foliage and vines that covered the entrance. Tucker could see Blaire glare at him from the side, but ignored it as they lowered the chest.

    ¡°I¡¯ve changed the coordinates of the device. We¡¯ll head to one of the holding areas that the Order uses,¡± Blaire said.

    ¡°That¡¯ll do. It¡¯s best to have the chest in an isolated area away from others,¡± Alex replied. ¡°Right Tucker?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Tucker nodded and glanced at Blaire, whose gaze sent chills down his spine.

    The sound of mana flowing through the engravings of the device drew his attention as they stepped onto the platform with the chest. He knew that he shouldn¡¯t have stood against his comrade like that, but what should he have done? Stand aside and let Blaire slit the child¡¯s throat? Tucker didn¡¯t know, not anymore.

 51. PLACEHOLDER

    The light flashed before their eyes once more as their bodies drifted into the air for a moment. A warm sensation enveloped them, and in an instant, their surroundings shifted once more. Tucker felt his feet hit the ground once more, and the chest landed softly beside him as he stood still. Unlike the grand gothic arches that covered the main platform, they were in a secluded area encased by stone walls with countless protection engravings¡ªa sight that was far more common for prisoners.

    ¡°What have you brought?¡± The custodian¡¯s voice echoed through the area as the runes on the walls glowed. Their dark green robe that shrouded his entire body swayed with the breeze.

    ¡°We¡¯ve obtained a living mana capsule. One that the Avalon Empire created for some unknown purpose,¡± Blaire answered.

    ¡°A mana capsule?¡± The custodian¡¯s displeased voice filled the room. ¡°Such a thing isn¡¯t allowed on our premises.¡±

    Blaire bit his lip and released a deep sigh while shaking his head. ¡°I know, but this is different. There¡¯s a chance that this is a crucial part of the Empire¡¯s plans.¡±

    ¡°On what grounds?¡± The custodian glared at Blaire, but soon saw Alex standing there. ¡°Is this something both of you can attest to?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Alex replied.

    The custodian grumbled to himself. ¡°To think two named watchmen would bring a damn bomb onto my premises. Never in my thirty years of service have I seen such a thing.¡± He cursed under his breath and signalled for the other custodians to notify their superiors. ¡°And how would you like this¡­ thing to be handled?¡±

    ¡°Until we know what exactly we¡¯re dealing with¡­ we¡¯ll leave it up to you,¡± Alex replied.

    ¡°Very well. It¡¯ll be placed in the prison.¡±

    Tucker frowned once he heard the custodian¡¯s words, but soon dropped it when Blaire glared at him. It was as if Owl had predicted his next move. Yet he couldn¡¯t do anything but stand there in silence, watching the custodians haul the chest away from them. Numerous talismans were placed on the surface as a safeguard of sorts. However, he couldn¡¯t help but feel conflicted.

    ¡°It¡¯s already an exception that they¡¯re sparing her life,¡± Blaire said with disdain. ¡°Don¡¯t push your fucking luck after your stunt earlier.¡±

    ¡°I know. You don¡¯t have to tell me.¡± Tucker stood his ground and kept his head up.

    ¡°Good, then fuck off.¡± Blaire turned away from the rookie and walked down the hall.

    Seeing this, Alex patted Tucker on the shoulder. ¡°Get some rest kid, I have to make a report to the administrators with Owl.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Tucker bitterly nodded and watched his two comrades walked further down the hall until their figures were no more.

    He knew he made a controversial choice, but whether it was right¡­ that was another matter entirely. With quiet steps, Tucker moved in the opposite direction from the pair. Walking down the stone corridor that brought him back to the main area within the Order. His mind felt numb as he constantly battled with his own thoughts.

    Was saving the life of a child that he didn¡¯t know worth burning the bridges he built?

    He closed his eyes, trying to shake off the sight of broken nails and the torn skin on her fingertips. She was a victim manifested from the Empire¡¯s desire to win. Yet the child had to bear the price. It wasn¡¯t right and the fact that his comrades'' first thought was to kill her caused his heart to tremble. If he had tried to fight Blaire, he would have died without a doubt. But if the situation was different¡­ if she was a living bomb and the runes inscribed on the chest were protection runes. Then would he be able to step aside? Or to make matters worse, what if it was someone he knew? Someone he cared about?

    Tucker took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. He knew that if it was someone he cared about, then he wouldn¡¯t be able to step aside, but that didn¡¯t mean others would understand. They would have to make a choice and the mere thought scared him. Tucker looked at his trembling hands. He wasn¡¯t scared of dying, but instead making a decision he would regret.

    There had to be something he could have done differently.

    The rookie moved past the other watchman, carrying his battered body through the halls. His shadow flickered in and out with each step, passing by the numerous magic lanterns that illuminated the corridor. People were staring at him, but he didn¡¯t care.

    ¡°Tucker?¡±

    A voice drew his attention as he stared to the side. Tucker examined the watchman who walked out of the tavern area. His short, well-kept blonde hair that was pulled back and blue eyes stared at him from head to toe in bewilderment. ¡°Damn what the hell happened to you?¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Nothing worth mentioning Luka, the hell do you want?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°Well, nothing really. I just saw you walking by and thought you needed a drink.¡± Luka shrugged his shoulders and waved at him to come in. ¡°Maybe it¡¯ll help get your mind off things.¡±

    Tucker stood still and sighed. He glanced at Luka and forced a smile. It had been a while since he saw another rookie from his group and from his brief encounter with them, he figured that he might as well share a drink or two. After all, once Blaire reported his actions to the administrators, there was no telling what he would be doing next.

    ¡°I guess I can take you on that offer.¡± Tucker walked towards Luka, past the deserted wooden tables and seats that had been carefully polished. He soon noticed the empty seat with a filled glass of amber liquid shimmering in the dim light. ¡°Is John joining us?¡±

    Luka showed a weak smile. ¡°No, he¡­ he passed away a day ago.¡±

    The news hit Tucker like a boulder crashing down on his chest, pressing down on his very soul. He didn¡¯t know John very well except for the fact that he and Luka were best friends who were always together. Yet hearing that someone he knew had died in the line of duty carried a weight on his heart that he didn¡¯t know existed.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry to hear that¡­ then is this for him?¡± Tucker asked.

    ¡°It was.¡± Luka forced a small chuckle. ¡°It¡¯s my way of honoring him but please, feel free to sit.¡±

    Tucker lowered his hood and pulled down his half mask before sitting down. The wooden chair creaked as he tucked himself in. Noticing the subtle redness in his eyes that carried the weight of loss. It was the first time he heard someone had died in their Order since he joined and Tucker never imagined it would be someone so close. ¡°He was a good man.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he¡­¡± Luka cleared his throat and held the filled glass of beer in his hands. ¡°He actually wanted to get closer to you.¡±

    ¡°To me?¡± Tucker raised a brow and smiled once Luka nodded. ¡°I doubt it, many in our group didn¡¯t like me to begin with, besides you two.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true, he always said you were easier to approach than the others.¡±

    ¡°Really? How so?¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re the type to have their heart on their sleeve for starters.¡±

    Tucker scoffed. ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily a good thing.¡±

    ¡°I guess, but you¡¯re doing one hell of a job now. When we were deployed to the frontlines, we kept hearing stories of your accomplishments.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ we couldn¡¯t believe it but when the other members were talking about you and Salamander, we realized it was true.¡± Luka carefully held the glass and stared at the stray reflections of their figures. ¡°John constantly talked about how he wanted to run into you so that you two could catch up.¡±

    ¡°I would have liked that.¡±

    ¡°He would have been happy to hear that.¡± Luka stared at the reflection in the glass, gazing at the figure of a tanned man with short curly black hair and brown eyes. ¡°But that¡¯s enough out of me with that. What¡¯s got you all messed up?¡±

    Tucker sat there, quietly reflecting on everything that happened. He still hadn¡¯t processed the death of his colleague and didn¡¯t know what to say. Yet as his gaze met Luka¡¯s he opened his mouth. ¡°I¡­ just feel like I¡¯m lost.¡±

    Luka stared at Tucker for a moment and nodded before taking a sip of his drink. ¡°I guess this war has taken a toll on both of us.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Tucker raised his hand to catch the attention of the bartender. Then gestured at the glass of beer meant for John and ordered another.

    ¡°You know, you can just take that one.¡±

    ¡°No¡­ that one¡¯s for John. I would at least like to toast his glass like the old times.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Luka watched as the bartender handed Tucker a full glass of beer and raised his glass. ¡°To John.¡±

    ¡°To John.¡±

    Under the soft glow of the candle lights surrounding the table. The two friends raised their glasses in a quiet, heartfelt toast. A gentle clink of their glasses echoed in the stillness of the tavern and for a moment, Tucker couldn¡¯t help but wonder if he would be missed if he perished. Would anyone even care?

    He took a sip of the bittersweet drink with a weak smile. This was a tribute to a life that had left too soon and a sense of nostalgia lingered in his heart. Tucker didn¡¯t know John that well, but his memories were still vivid in his mind. If he had to describe him in one word, it would be kind and it felt like the very room was steeped in the spirit of what had been lost. Back during their training days, they had grand dreams of becoming renowned members of the Order but now such a thing wasn¡¯t possible. A dream that would never become a reality.

    ¡°You know, I miss the days we spent training. When we were just goofing around and how the instructors would be pissed at us.¡± Tucker held the empty glass in his hands. ¡°It seemed like it was just yesterday when we were all training.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ it really doesn¡¯t seem real, does it?¡± Luka asked.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t and a part of me misses the way I viewed the world back then. Before I knew too much.¡±

    Luka glanced at Tucker before staring back at his glass. ¡°Well, if John was here, he would lend an ear so if you want. I can listen.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t be pleasant.¡±

    ¡°Typically, these conversations never are.¡±

    Tucker rolled the edge of the glass along the surface of the table. Then, with a soft clink, it landed flat on the surface. ¡°We found a living mana capsule during our last mission.¡±

    ¡°Like the things that turn people into bombs?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, except luckily this one was just to store mana but that¡¯s not the main issue.¡± Tucker closed his eyes and took a deep breath. ¡°When we found the mana capsule, it was engraved onto the body of a young girl. A child that had endured whatever those bastards in the Empire did to her, yet when we found her¡­ my comrades wanted to kill her.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ what did you do?¡± Luka asked.

    ¡°I stood in their way, with my hand on the hilt of my sword,¡± Tucker replied. ¡°And looking back, I don¡¯t regret it¡­ but if the situation was a bit, then I don¡¯t know if what I did was right.¡±

    ¡°Did you fight with your teammates?¡±

    ¡°No, it never went that far, but it¡¯s just that if it did. Then I¡ª¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s fine. You were always someone that overanalyzed everything, but when it comes to necessity and morality, it¡¯s hard to really put an opinion on it.¡± Luka gestured at the bartender to refill their drinks. ¡°But at the end, if you look at the result. Is it something you are happy with?¡±

    Tucker kept silent and soon nodded. It wasn¡¯t something he thought about too much, but needed to hear. Sometimes it was far too difficult to play out different scenarios in his head and instead it was more crucial to look at the results of his actions. There were things he could have done differently and ways he could improve, but focusing solely on himself wasn¡¯t enough. If he had known Blaire better, understood where he came from, and actually talked to him, then maybe everything would have played out differently.