《Aldoursaea: A Journey Within》


 Prologue

    Will his swords finally provide his worth?


    Will her voice truly resonate with confidence?


    Can he find the resilience hidden within his vulnerabilities?


    Can she break free from the shackles of her fate?


    Will his innovative spirit guide him toward the peace he longs for?


    Can he navigate his single true aim in the vastness of the realm?


    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    Six complex lives finding peace,


    Five harrowing adventures,


    Four great discoveries,


    Three unanticipations,


    Two choices,


    One goal.

 1st: A Land of Adventure, Fantasy, and Hope

    Welcome to Aldoursaea...


    Aldoursaea is a vast and enchanting world teeming with diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories. This realm is divided into three major continents: the Arcanum Empire, Valoria, and Starhaven, each boasting its own unique provinces and vibrant ecosystems. Aldoursaea is rich in magic, ancient ruins, and legendary creatures, where the whispers of the past intertwine with the struggles of the present and hopes of the future.


    In the north, lies the Arcanum Empire, a realm steeped in magic and rich history, is governed by a monarchy that has stood for generations. The first king, Alaric Thalion, ascended to the throne through the unwavering support of the people of Illuminara, the empire''s capital. His rise was marked by benevolence toward the Arcans, immigrants from the distant continent of Volaria who sought refuge during the Great Purging. Alaric''s compassion helped forge a bond between the Arcans and the native inhabitants, laying the foundation for a thriving society where magic and culture intertwined.


    Now, the empire is led by King Rowan Thalion, the eighty ninth (89th) ruler in a long line of monarchs. He embodies the ideals of his forebear, striving to maintain the unity and prosperity that Alaric established. King Rowan''s reign is characterized by his commitment to the welfare of his subjects and the responsible use of magic. He collaborates closely with the College of Mages, an esteemed institution founded to protect and expand the arcane knowledge that flourished under Alaric''s rule.


    The College, located in the heart of Illuminara, is currently presided over by Grand Magus Elara Moonshadow, a formidable sorceress respected for her wisdom and prowess in all elemental magic. Together, King Rowan and Grand Magus Elara navigate the complexities of governance and magic, ensuring that the powers of the arcane are wielded responsibly.


    As the Arcanum Empire faces new challenges-both internal strife and external threats-King Rowan remains determined to honor the legacy of his ancestors, guiding his people with the same compassion that secured the throne for Alaric Thalion, ensuring that the empire remains a beacon of hope and strength in a world fraught with uncertainty.


    At the heart of the Arcanum Empire lies Eldridge, a province steeped in rich history and natural beauty. Eldridge is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges that cradle verdant valleys, making it an area of great strategic importance. The land is imbued with ancient magic, believed to be the remnants of powerful spells cast by long-forgotten sorcerers. The province''s climate varies from warm, sun-drenched plains to cooler, mist-shrouded highlands, allowing for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Eldridge''s capital, Eldor''s Gate, is a bustling hub where scholars, adventurers, and merchants converge, fostering a culture of innovation and exploration. Towering libraries filled with tomes of arcane knowledge line the streets, attracting those who seek to unravel the mysteries of the past.


    To the south of Eldridge lies the Whispering Woods, a sprawling forest known for its enchanting aura and the secrets it holds. The trees here are ancient, their gnarled branches reaching toward the sky, while a carpet of vibrant moss blankets the forest floor. Whispers seem to echo through the woods, leading travelers to believe that the spirits of nature are ever-present, guiding or warning those who tread its paths. Creatures of all shapes and sizes inhabit this mystical realm, from mischievous fae to wise old owls, each contributing to the forest''s allure. It is said that those who venture into the heart of the Whispering Woods may find hidden glades where time flows differently, allowing them to commune with nature in profound ways.


    West of the Whispering Woods and southwest of Eldridge lies Elysia, often hailed as the breadbasket of the Arcanum Empire. With its rolling hills, fertile fields, and a network of shimmering rivers flowing from the Emerald Coast from the west, it thrives as the empire''s agricultural heartland. The land produces a cornucopia of grains, fruits, and vegetables, sustaining the vast population of the empire. The capital, Elysium City, is a vibrant center of trade and commerce, where farmers bring their harvests to bustling markets filled with colorful stalls and eager customers. Festivals celebrating the bounty of the land are held throughout the year, drawing visitors from across the empire to partake in feasts that showcase Elysia''s rich culinary heritage.


    To the north of Elysia lies Illuminara, the capital city of the Arcanum Empire and the epicenter of political power. Illuminara is a city of breathtaking architecture, with towering spires of crystal and stone that catch the light of the sun, casting rainbows across its streets. The Magus Plaza, at the heart of the city, is a grand space where citizens gather to celebrate their heritage, witness magical displays, and engage in lively discussions about the future of the empire.


    Northwest of Illuminara lies Veloria, a province renowned for its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The landscape is dotted with expansive forests, serene lakes, and rolling hills that inspire artists and poets alike. The capital, Velorian Keep, is a fortified city that serves as a sanctuary for druids, herbalists, and scholars who have developed a deep connection with nature. The people of Veloria celebrate their bond with the land through vibrant festivals that honor the changing seasons, showcasing traditional dances, music, and storytelling. The province is also home to the renowned Velorian Academy, a center for learning where students study the martial disclipne, natural world and the arcane arts, preparing to become the next generation of guardians of the land.


    Northeast of Illuminara is Grimgor, a land shrouded in mystery and darkness. The province is characterized by its rugged terrain, towering mountains, and deep, shadowy valleys. The capital, Grimhold, stands as a fortress city resonating with the energies of the arcane arts. Inhabitants of Grimgor are known for their mastery of alchemy and necromancy, often delving into the complex realms of life and death. The culture is rich in ancient customs and superstitions, navigating the delicate balance between light and shadow. Grimgor''s renowned Academy of the Arcane Shadows attracts those who wish to explore the darker aspects of magic, producing skilled practitioners who wield both great power and great responsibility.


    Southeast of Grimgor and east of Eldridge lies Oceania, a coastal province where land meets sea in a spectacular display of nature''s beauty. The capital, Seap, is a vibrant port city teeming with life. Here, traders, sailors, and adventurers converge to share tales of their journeys, barter goods, and celebrate the ocean''s bounty. The province is known for its maritime culture, with festivals dedicated to the sea''s wealth, showcasing the region''s fresh seafood and elaborate naval parades. The people of Oceania are skilled navigators, and many dream of embarking on grand expeditions to discover uncharted lands.


    South of Oceania and east of the Whispering Woods is Cyndermyre, a province marked by its volcanic landscapes and fiery rivers. The capital, Cynderwatch, is a city that thrives amidst the raw power of nature. Skilled artisans in Cyndermyre forge weapons and magical artifacts from the unique materials found in the region, creating items of both beauty and immense power. The province is renowned for its annual Festival of Flames, where citizens celebrate their resilience and ingenuity through competitions, displays of fire magic, and exhibitions of craftsmanship. The people of Cyndermyre embrace the spirit of innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible.


    As these provinces weave together, the Arcanum Empire stands as a testament to the harmony between nature, magic, and knowledge. Each region contributes its unique character to the empire''s rich tapestry, creating a diverse and dynamic society where adventure and discovery await at every turn. The landscape, a blend of enchanted forests, soaring mountains, and vibrant cities, invites all who enter to embark on their own journey through the wonders of this land.


    This intricate web of provinces not only forms the backbone of the Arcanum Empire but also serves as a stage for tales of heroism, intrigue, and the perpetual quest for knowledge and power. The bonds forged between the provinces reflect the spirit of unity and cooperation that defines the empire, where the strengths of each region come together to create a legacy that will resonate through the ages. The Arcanum Empire is not just a realm; it is a living, breathing entity that pulses with magic and life, drawing in all who seek to be part of its story.


    In the enchanting continent of Valoria, locate at the southwest of the map, the provinces are arranged in a harmonious yet dynamic tapestry, each contributing its unique character to the region. At the very center lies Riverbend, a province blessed with the gentle flow of the Silverdale River that nourishes its rich, fertile lands. The capital, Riverbranch, is a vibrant hub of commerce and community, where the sound of bustling markets and the laughter of children playing fill the air. The residents pride themselves on their agriculture, and the town often hosts lively festivals that celebrate the harvest and the life-giving waters that surround them.


    North of Riverbend, the province of Wyrmwood emerges, a realm characterized by its dense forests and towering trees that seem to whisper secrets of ancient times. Wyrmwood Keep, the capital, stands as a bastion of resilience and tradition, with structures crafted from the very timber that surrounds it. The people of Wyrmwood are deeply connected to nature, living in harmony with the wilderness and holding seasonal festivals that honor the spirits of the forest, drawing visitors from across Valoria.Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    To the southwest of Riverbend lies Sunstone, where the sun bathes the land in golden light, creating an idyllic environment for agriculture and trade. The capital, Sunstone Harbor, is a bustling port city where merchants from distant lands converge, bringing exotic goods and vibrant cultures. The town thrives on fishing and trade, and its annual Sun Festival showcases the region''s abundance, with colorful parades, feasting, and competitive games that draw participants from all over Valoria.


    North of Sunstone is the province of Silverdale, renowned for its stunning mountain vistas and rich mineral deposits. Silverpeak, the capital, is perched high among the hills, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The people of Silverdale are known for their exceptional craftsmanship, particularly in metalwork and jewelry, with artisans creating exquisite pieces that reflect the beauty of their homeland. Silverdale''s miners and craftsmen are celebrated during the Festival of Silver, where their talents are showcased, and the community comes together to honor their heritage.


    Southeast of Riverbend lies Ironwood, a province characterized by its resilient trees and rich deposits of iron ore. The capital remains a strategic hub for trade and industry, with the townspeople skilled in forging and crafting tools and weapons. The spirit of innovation runs deep in Ironwood, and its annual Iron Festival highlights the province''s skilled artisans and their craft, drawing visitors eager to witness the mastery of blacksmiths and craftsmen.


    East of Wyrmwood, one finds the province of Briarthorn, a land of rugged beauty and thorny underbrush. The capital, Briarthorn Hall, serves as a gathering place for adventurers and explorers seeking the thrill of the untamed wilderness. The people of Briarthorn are known for their resilience and adaptability, mastering the art of survival in a land both beautiful and challenging. Tales of brave hunters and skilled strategists echo through Briarthorn Hall, where the fire burns bright and the air is filled with stories of adventure and camaraderie.


    Valoria is a unique political entity characterized by a blend of republican and aristocratic governance. At the heart of its political system is the Valorian Council, a legislative body that represents the interests of the provinces while engaging in a democratic framework that allows for citizen representation. The council is composed of representatives from the most powerful families in each province. While it operates on principles of representation, the aristocratic lineage of its members ensures that influential families maintain significant power in the decision-making processes.


    Every five years, the council elects a Noblesse Primus from among its members. This position rotates, providing different provinces the opportunity to lead and represent the council. The selection process involves a majority vote among council members, allowing for strategic alliances and negotiations. Discussions and deliberations within the council see representatives voicing their provinces'' interests while negotiating compromises. Legislation typically requires a simple majority for approval, with significant changes necessitating a two-thirds majority. The council also holds sessions to address urgent matters, ensuring that Valoria can respond effectively to crises.


    Valoria maintains a judicial system to uphold laws and ensure justice, with courts established at local and provincial levels. Local governance operates through provincial assemblies that focus on regional issues and work in tandem with the Valorian Council. These assemblies provide a platform for local leaders to engage in governance, representing the interests of the citizenry alongside the powerful families. This complex interplay between republican representation and aristocratic power within Valoria''s political structure strives to achieve a balance between tradition and progress, weaving the voices of the elite and the citizenry into the fabric of its political landscape.


    In this intricate landscape of Valoria, the provinces of Riverbend, Wyrmwood, Sunstone, Silverdale, Ironwood, and Briarthorn interconnect, creating a vibrant mosaic of culture, tradition, and community. Each province, with its capital, contributes to the rich narrative of Valoria, where the legacy of the past blends seamlessly with the aspirations of the future. As the sun rises over this diverse land, the people of Valoria embrace their heritage, their hopes, and the endless possibilities that lie ahead.


    In the captivating continent of Starhaven, the lands and provinces surround the ancient and mystical Weirmwoud Forest, which stands as a central heart of the continent, dense with secrets and myths as old as the realm itself. The people of Starhaven view Weirmwoud as a sacred place, rich with rare flora, magical creatures, and age-old mysteries known only to the bravest explorers.


    To the north of Weirmwoud lies the mountainous province of Ironpeak, where the towering Ironpyre stands as its capital. Here, the earth itself seems to pulse with veins of precious metals, and the people are renowned for their blacksmithing and stonework. Iron Spire is a fortress-like city, with structures built from hewn stone and metal that gleam in the sunlight, symbolizing the resilience and industrious spirit of its people.


    West of Ironpeak is Gloumridge, a province draped in shadowed hills and misty valleys, where Gloumhaven serves as the capital. Gloumhaven is a place where the residents have learned to live in harmony with the fog-draped land, cultivating the arts of herbalism and silent foraging, living with quiet reverence for the mysteries that cloak their home. The people here are often quiet and introspective, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of nature.


    South of Gloumridge, one enters the fiery and rugged terrain of Dragonpyre, a land defined by volcanic activity and sulfur springs. The capital, Dragon''s Roust, is perched atop a dormant volcano, and the people of Dragonpyre are known for their resilience and strength, hardened by their proximity to both the power and peril of their lands. It is said that the people here carry the spirit of dragons in their blood, bold and unyielding.


    Further south of Dragonpyre is the marshy, shadow-laden province of Shadouwfein, where the capital Shadouwmeire is nestled in the heart of a labyrinthine swamp. Shadouwfein is a mysterious, brooding land where water and land blur together, and its people have learned the art of navigating the marshes with ease. The people of Shadowmeire are known to be skilled in stealth and survival, relying on ancient knowledge passed down through generations to guide them through the shifting terrain.


    To the east of Shadowfein lies Meistwood, a realm enshrouded in perpetual mist that lends an air of enchantment and mystery to the land. Fogvale, the capital, stands as a humble but magical town where the air is thick with the scent of damp earth and the sounds of distant, echoing whispers. The residents of Meistwood are famed for their knowledge of arcane practices and deep connection to the mystical energies that flow through the land. They live closely attuned to the cycles of the moon and stars, believing that these guide their paths.


    North of Meistwood, and positioned northeast of Wyrmwoud, is Drakeinhold, the formidable capital of the continent of Starhaven. Drakeinhold is a bastion of power and governance, where Starhaven''s rulers make decisions that shape the course of the continent''s history. As the seat of political authority, Drakeinhold is both imposing and grand, with towering stone walls and spires that pierce the sky. Within these halls, legends are kept alive, and those who dwell here are known for their discipline and dedication to maintaining the legacy of Starhaven.


    To the east of Weirmwoud, the Uncharted Forest stretches into the unknown, a land that even the most intrepid explorers hesitate to venture into. This mysterious and often treacherous forest holds tales of creatures unseen, of ancient ruins lost to time, and of untold powers waiting to be uncovered. The Uncharted Forest is a place of myth and curiosity, drawing only those bold enough to brave its depths.


    The continent of Starhaven operates under a confederate system of governance, characterized by a loose alliance of independent provinces. Each province retains its sovereignty, ensuring that no single province dominates the others. Instead, they work collaboratively, fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect, or so? This political structure allows provinces to manage their internal affairs without interference from one another, creating a harmonious environment for local governance. Representatives from each province convene regularly to discuss matters of politics, trade, and mutual interests. These meetings serve as a platform for provinces to share updates, negotiate agreements, and address any pressing concerns. While some provinces are governed by noble houses, others are led by individuals recognized for their expertise in various crafts and trades. Additionally, certain provinces have their own internal confederacies, allowing for further representation of diverse groups within their borders.


    A fundamental principle uniting the provinces of Starhaven Is the belief that privilege and power should be granted only to those who have contributed significantly to their communities. This philosophy has fostered a strong sense of accountability and meritocracy among the provinces. In line with this belief, the continent has developed an intricate and systematic public transportation network, which uses the push-pull effects of the rocks mined in the continent. The strategically placed rocks along the public transport road pushes and pulls carriages which follows a path guided by flat iron bar. This network cuts through mountains and various terrains, facilitating trade and communication between provinces while reinforcing their interdependence. Only those who have official community business, approved urgency tasks can take a private carriage.


    In Starhaven, each province weaves a part of the continent''s tale, each land bearing its own identity and spirit, from the mist-cloaked valleys of Meistwood to the proud mountains of Ironpeak, and from the shadows of Shadouwfien to the fiery heart of Dragonpyre. Together, they create a realm where magic, mystery, and legend come alive, uniting the people of Starhaven under the enduring, storied canopy of the continent''s timeless heritage.


    Magic weaves through the fabric of Aldoursaea, shaping its destiny and creating a delicate balance between light and darkness. As heroes rise and legends are born, the world pulses with the hopes and dreams of its inhabitants. In this realm, the quest for validation, power, and self-discovery drives individuals to forge their paths amid the chaos of war, intrigue, and betrayal.


    A land where the echoes of history resonate in every shadowed forest and sunlit glade, beckoning adventurers to embark on journeys that will challenge their minds, test their courage, and reveal their true selves. Whether in the bustling cities of the Arcanum Empire or to the untamed wilds beyond Starhaven, each step taken within this world brings the promise of glory, the burden of sacrifice, and the thrill of the unknown.

 2nd: Commander Arch Thedo

    Arch Thedo stands tall at an imposing six wand lengths,


    his broad shoulders giving him a formidable presence that commands attention. Weighing one fallenstar and five oreloads, he embodies strength and agility, clad in striking military regalia of deep forest green with rich brown accents that reflect the vibrant Elysian environment. The fabric is durable yet flexible, designed for quick dispatch and reaction missions, perfectly tailored to suit his dynamic fighting style. His uniform features a collar and fitted sleeves, adorned with intricate brown stitching that evokes the rugged terrain of Elysia, symbolizing his connection to the land he serves. Strapped securely to the backside of his hips are his preferred weapons: a pair of double short swords, their polished blades glinting like shards of emerald in the sunlight.


    Arch''s serious face is framed by medium-length hair, brushed up and catching the light with hues of chestnut and gold, contrasting sharply with his earthy attire. His pronounced jawline, an inherited feature from his father, adds to his intense demeanor, often betraying the weight of unspoken expectations resting on his shoulders. The shadows under his sharp cheekbones emphasize his determination, while his deep brown eyes, rich and warm like dark chocolate reveal the turbulence of emotions beneath the surface, reflecting both his resolve and his inner struggles.


    As the second son of a renowned self-made diplomat, Arch feels the relentless pressure of familial legacy, navigating the complex duality of admiration and resentment that defines his relationship with his father. Despite his exceptional skills as an all-rounder and a genius tactician, he grapples with deep-seated impostor syndrome, born from his father''s lack of emotional support and encouragement throughout his upbringing. The echoes of his father¡¯s disapproval haunt him, compelling him to push harder, to excel beyond measure.


    His relentless training and quest for self-improvement are driven by a fervent desire for validation from the very man whose praise seems perpetually elusive. The comparisons to his older brother, whose achievements shine brightly and effortlessly, deepen Arch''s internal struggles, often leaving him feeling like a shadow cast by a brighter light.


    Though he accomplishes much, Arch finds it increasingly difficult to savor his victories, treating each achievement as merely another task completed rather than a genuine reflection of his capabilities. The vibrant greens and browns of his uniform echo the lush landscapes of Elysia, yet the colors of his accomplishments are often dulled by the gray tones of self-doubt and the fear that his success is merely a byproduct of nepotism. In the quiet moments between battles, as the colors of sunset bleed across the horizon, Arch grapples with these conflicting emotions, striving to carve out his own legacy amid the shadows of expectation and the vibrance of his aspirations.


    Arch Thedo grew up in the fertile fields of Elysia, a land of rolling hills and abundant rivers, known throughout the Arcanum Empire as its "breadbasket." From a young age, he was steeped in Elysian ideals: loyalty, strength, and an unyielding work ethic. The second son of Ren Thedo, one of Elysia¡¯s most celebrated diplomats Elysium City¡¯s diplomat, Arch was raised to believe that every action must serve a purpose, every skill sharpened to perfection. Ren had risen not by noble blood but through sheer grit, and he expected nothing less from his sons, often reminding Arch that a legacy as unbreakable as their family¡¯s required sacrifice, focus, and above all, results.


    While his older brother seemed to effortlessly meet Ren''s exacting standards, Arch was more complex, a quiet, calculating presence who felt the weight of expectation more acutely. Unlike his brother, who relished each victory, Arch rarely celebrated his own achievements. His victories always felt overshadowed by the larger specter of his father¡¯s approval, a goal that loomed just out of reach. And it was this need for validation that became both his drive and his burden. Under Ren''s watchful eye, Arch trained relentlessly, mastering everything from hand-to-hand combat to the intricacies of military strategy, all while feeling the constant pressure to live up to his father¡¯s legacy.


    By the time he came of age, Arch had grown into a formidable presence, not merely because of his skills but because of the intensity of his inner battles. He wielded twin swords with precision, each strike calculated, each motion deliberate. Yet, his true weapon was his tactical mind, which dissected the world around him like pieces on a chessboard. Even the lands of Elysia, which he had once wandered as a carefree child, became strategic maps, with rivers and hills transformed into potential battlefields. Despite his competence and his reputation as an all-rounder in combat and tactics, Arch felt a hollow ache, a reminder that every success he achieved was only a step toward a goal he feared he¡¯d never reach.


    Inwardly, for every victory he won on the field, he questioned if it would be enough to win his father¡¯s respect. Ren¡¯s approval remained elusive, more a haunting specter than a tangible goal. The rare praises he did receive were clinical, devoid of warmth, and served only to fuel Arch¡¯s drive to push himself harder, to hone his skills to a razor¡¯s edge. He held his emotions in tight control, as if fearing that any weakness might give his father a reason to see him as lesser.


    Arch Thedo left Elysia with the dawn, each step carrying the weight of unfulfilled expectations and a decision long in the making. For years, he had tried to prove himself under the ever-watchful eye of his father, Ren Thedo, a man revered across the Empire. But the validation he craved never seemed to come, and Elysia, with its rolling hills and mist-laden fields, had become a constant reminder of the shadow he struggled to escape.


    Recently, a shadow of a different kind had taken root across the Empire. Clandestine reports whispered of a covert organization seeking to infiltrate and influence the ministries, an enigmatic body with unknown motives that had stirred unrest in the highest circles since the last rebellion. To confront this growing threat, the Empire needed more eyes and ears on the ground, and the Nullbound Explorer Unit¡ªa division tasked with investigations and reconnaissance found itself in desperate need of skilled operatives.


    This was the opportunity Arch had been waiting for. When his initial request for a sabbatical was denied, he grew crafty, presenting himself as unfit for his standard duties while subtly redirecting his ambition toward the explorer role. With few qualified applicants, his "illness" was set aside, and his application was accepted. It was a strategic victory, yet one that stirred his father''s dismay. Ren Thedo had hoped to keep his son close, within the bounds of command where he could continue molding Arch in his image. But Arch, now officially an explorer, had earned the independence he sought.


    And so, with his swords strapped to his back, Arch slipped into the morning mist, leaving behind the fields of Elysia. His new role as an explorer offered both purpose and freedom, a way to carve his own path under the guise of duty. Now, he would not only be seeking threats to the Empire but, perhaps, uncovering what he truly sought: a life on his own terms, far from the unyielding shadow of his father¡¯s legacy.


    As Arch approached the checkpoint, the soldiers on duty quickly took notice, exchanging glances and murmurs as they recognized him. Among them was Pil, a young private his own age, who had fought by Arch¡¯s side in a grueling mission not long ago. Pil¡¯s face lit up when he spotted him, practically bouncing forward with excitement.


    ¡°Arch! Arch Thedo!¡± Pil called out, beaming as he gave a hasty, enthusiastic salute. ¡°Didn¡¯t think I¡¯d see you here so soon, sir! We all heard about your promotion... Figured you¡¯d be too busy commanding troops to drop by.¡±


    Just then, a senior officer nearby raised an eyebrow, stifling a grin. ¡°Private Pil, since when do we address a decorated commander like he¡¯s a school friend?¡± he chided, a mock-serious glint in his eye. ¡°That¡¯s Commander Thedo to you... Show some respect!¡±


    Pil¡¯s cheeks flushed, but he didn¡¯t lose his grin. ¡°Right, Commander Thedo,¡± he corrected, though his eyes sparkled with a mixture of pride and awe. To Pil, Arch was practically a legend, someone their age but already a highly capable commander, leading men in ways that inspired the entire division.


    But Arch, smiling, waved the formality away. ¡°It¡¯s alright, Sergeant. Pil and I were nearly inseparable in the field. I¡¯d hardly recognize him if he started calling me ¡®Commander,¡¯¡± he replied, clapping Pil on the shoulder. ¡°Besides, if I can¡¯t just be ¡®Arch¡¯ to him, what¡¯s the point?¡±


    The sergeant gave a dramatic sigh, rolling his eyes. ¡°Fine, Commander, just don¡¯t be surprised if the whole garrison starts calling you ¡®Archie¡¯ next.¡±


    The other soldiers burst into laughter, while Pil shook his head, chuckling. ¡°Not a chance. ¡®Commander Arch¡¯ is already too impressive. We¡¯ll keep it simple,¡± he said, nudging Arch with a grin. ¡°Plus, there¡¯s no way I¡¯d risk my neck calling you something like that¡­ wouldn¡¯t want you to show me up again.¡±


    ¡°Smart man,¡± Arch replied with a smirk, nudging Pil back.


    The friendly banter mixed with Pil¡¯s admiration, making the camaraderie all the more meaningful. He looked up to Arch as both a friend and a role model, in awe of his rise and capability. And for Arch, this respect from someone he¡¯d fought beside only strengthened his resolve to keep pushing forward.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    ¡°Stay a day or two with us, Arch,¡± the grizzled soldier suggested, a glint of warmth and pride in his eye. ¡°We¡¯d be honored to have you here. You¡¯ll be safe behind our walls, and we could all use the chance to catch up.¡±


    Arch hesitated, feeling a familiar tug between the bond he shared with these men and the weight of his journey¡¯s purpose. He sensed the camaraderie, the loyalty that bound them to him and each other. These men had been his brothers in arms, and their loyalty was a powerful draw. Yet, his heart was set on reaching Illuminara.


    ¡°I appreciate the offer,¡± Arch replied, his voice both warm and resolute. ¡°But I have a journey to complete, and I must press on.¡± Then, with a nod, he added, ¡°Still, I¡¯d be glad to join you all for lunch.¡±


    As the soldiers led Arch toward the central hall, Private Pil, clearly eager to follow, started to tag along. He had barely taken a step before his sergeant, a burly man with a sharp eye for detail, clapped a firm hand on his shoulder.


    ¡°Where d¡¯you think you¡¯re goin¡¯, Private?¡± the sergeant asked, eyebrows raised in mock surprise.


    Pil paused, clearly caught off guard. ¡°Uh¡­just thought I¡¯d¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, thought you¡¯d skip duty, did you?¡± the sergeant interrupted, his tone comical but carrying enough authority to make Pil straighten up.


    Pil¡¯s face turned a shade redder as he mumbled, ¡°No, sir, just...¡±


    ¡°Save it,¡± the sergeant said, chuckling. ¡°You can go fanboy over Commander Thedo here after your duty¡¯s done. Besides,¡± he added with a wink, ¡°someone¡¯s got to keep this place in order while we feast with a hero.¡±


    The other soldiers laughed, slapping Pil on the back as he reluctantly returned to his post, throwing a sheepish grin at Arch. Arch gave him an encouraging nod, his expression amused yet sympathetic.


    As the group continued to the central hall, Arch cast a glance back at Pil, who gave him a quick salute before getting back to work, his expression a mix of admiration and determination to join them as soon as he could. Arch smiled to himself, amused by the familiar routines of duty and camaraderie, yet grateful to feel part of it again, even briefly.


    With a cheer, the soldiers led him to the central hall of the outpost, a sturdy stone building adorned with tapestries celebrating Elysian victories and military traditions. A long, heavy oak table was quickly filled with food, simple but hearty dishes: crusty bread, cured meats, roasted vegetables, and stews seasoned with wild herbs. The soldiers filled their mugs with ale, toasting Arch as they settled in. The fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room and enhancing the sense of camaraderie.


    As they ate, the room filled with laughter, the sound echoing off the walls and blending with the clink of tankards and the scrape of utensils. Tales of past battles soon surfaced, each soldier eager to share their memories. They spoke of daring rescues, near escapes, and narrow victories, their voices rich with pride and humor.


    ¡°Remember that ambush outside Elmford?¡± Pil began, leaning forward with excitement, he just finished his outpost duty. ¡°Arch was just a lad then, not much older than me. But he took one look at their formation and said, ¡®These fools have left their flank wide open.¡¯ He rallied us to hit their weakest point. Best victory we¡¯d had in months!¡±


    The men laughed, nodding in agreement. ¡°Aye, we never would¡¯ve seen that without Arch,¡± another soldier added, raising his tankard in salute. ¡°Turned the whole thing around before they knew what hit ¡®em.¡±


    Arch, unaccustomed to such open praise, managed a small smile, shaking his head modestly. ¡°You all give me too much credit,¡± he said. ¡°I was as green as you back then, Pil. It was sheer luck that my idea worked.¡±


    But Pil shook his head, his eyes shining with admiration. ¡°Luck or not, you saved us that day. The way you carry yourself, Arch, it¡¯s something we all look up to.¡± The others murmured their agreement, some clapping him on the back, others nodding with a mix of pride and gratitude.


    As the meal continued, stories drifted from one battle to the next. They recounted the time Arch had devised a trap along a river crossing, waiting for an enemy patrol to arrive before springing his plan. ¡°They didn¡¯t see us until it was too late,¡± one soldier said, his voice filled with excitement as he mimed drawing his weapon. ¡°Arch had us blend in with the reeds, like we were part of the landscape.¡±


    Arch chuckled, recalling the tense hours they¡¯d spent lying low, half-submerged in the water. ¡°I remember that,¡± he said, glancing around. ¡°Cold, muddy work, but it paid off. That was all of you. I just happened to be the one calling out orders.¡±


    The grizzled soldier who¡¯d first invited him laughed heartily. ¡°Happened to be? Modesty doesn¡¯t suit you, Arch. You¡¯ve got an eye for strategy that¡¯d put men twice your age to shame.¡±


    As the sun climbed higher, casting long rays through the outpost¡¯s narrow windows, they finished the last of their meal. Arch thanked each of them, sharing a firm handshake and a nod, his eyes meeting theirs in mutual respect. They expressed their hope of fighting by his side again, a fierce loyalty etched into every word.


    When Arch finally stood to depart, the men gathered at the gate to see him off, their faces touched with the quiet pride of knowing he was one of them. With a final handshake and a grateful nod to Pil, Arch resumed his journey, stepping confidently into the dense forest that stretched toward Illuminara.


    As they ventured away from the outpost toward the thick northern forest, the air grew tense. The easy camaraderie from earlier melted away, replaced by a sharper focus. The outpost sergeant, usually lighthearted, now walked with a quiet, almost predatory alertness, while Pil, usually animated, kept his head low and his eyes scanning the surroundings, his steps soft and deliberate.


    Arch¡¯s voice was calm but edged with intensity as he began, ¡°Along the path leading to your outpost, I counted at least ten, maybe fifteen figures hidden in the terrain. They were staggered at intervals, using the natural landscape... clusters of trees, dips in the earth.¡± His gaze drifted to the sergeant, who nodded, brow furrowing in concern.


    ¡°We noticed too,¡± the sergeant replied, his voice low. ¡°They''ve been trailing the perimeter for days, but none have made a move close enough for us to engage. We believe they¡¯re organized¡­waiting for something.¡±


    Arch scanned the treeline as they continued, his mind racing through tactical scenarios. ¡°From their positions and lack of direct engagement, it¡¯s likely they¡¯re gathering information rather than preparing an immediate attack,¡± he noted. ¡°But it¡¯s strange they¡¯d target a smaller outpost, especially if their objective is covert.¡±


    Pil, listening intently, tightened his grip on his weapon. ¡°Could they be¡­spies?¡± he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Possibly,¡± Arch replied, glancing between him and the sergeant. ¡°They may belong to this rumored organization within the Empire, the one suspected of infiltrating ministries. Their mission may not just be to spy but to learn who comes and goes here, especially since the outpost is a crucial checkpoint.¡±


    The sergeant¡¯s face hardened. ¡°We¡¯ve had our suspicions, but with your insight, Commander, it¡¯s starting to look more deliberate. This isn¡¯t just a few wayward travelers.¡±


    They moved deeper into the forest, and the tension became almost palpable, every crunch of leaves beneath their boots making Peel visibly tense. Arch continued to scan the surroundings, but his calm steadiness seemed to settle his companions¡¯ nerves.


    ¡°We¡¯ll report this to the provincial office,¡± the sergeant said firmly, nodding to Arch. ¡°They need to know we¡¯re being watched at this level. And we¡¯ll have to start patrolling farther out.¡±


    Pil, his initial apprehension gone, met Arch¡¯s eyes. ¡°If we ever get the chance, sir, we¡¯d be honored to have you lead us again. These shadows wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡±


    Arch returned the gaze with a steady nod, understanding the gravity of Pil¡¯s words.


    As Arch resumed his journey, a question nagged at Private Phil, who couldn¡¯t help but voice his curiosity. ¡°Commander,¡± he began hesitantly, glancing up at Arch with a mixture of admiration and concern. ¡°Why are you traveling like this?¡±


    Arch paused for a moment, turning to face the young soldier. The late afternoon sun filtered through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. ¡°I chose to explore,¡± he replied, his tone cryptic yet resolute. He glanced around cautiously, aware of the unseen dangers lurking just beyond the treeline. The woods felt alive with whispers, and Arch knew that he needed to tread carefully; eyes might be watching from the shadows.


    The sergeant and Private Pil exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them. They could sense that Arch was not just wandering; he was on a mission that required both discretion and purpose. It was a role he had assumed before, but this time, the stakes felt higher.


    ¡°Stay safe out there, Arch,¡± the sergeant said, clapping a reassuring hand on Arch¡¯s shoulder. His voice was steady, filled with the weight of experience. ¡°We can¡¯t afford to lose our best commander to some shadowy threat.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and keep us posted if anything develops,¡± Private Pil added, his youthful admiration evident in his wide eyes. The thrill of being in Arch''s presence made him feel almost starstruck, a young soldier standing before a commander whose exploits were already the stuff of legends among the ranks.


    Arch appreciated their concern, feeling the camaraderie that had always fueled their bond. He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to a near whisper. ¡°I¡¯ll keep you updated if I uncover anything that could help us unveil... the truth,¡± he said cryptically, his gaze darting around as if he expected a hidden enemy to spring from the underbrush at any moment.


    The caution in his voice was palpable, and both men nodded, understanding the unspoken message. They shared a silent acknowledgment of the dangers that lurked in the shadows, threats that could easily reach their outpost if they weren''t vigilant.


    With that, Arch turned to continue down the winding path toward the thick forest. He felt a mix of gratitude and resolve wash over him, bolstered by the loyalty and trust of the men he had fought alongside. As he stepped deeper into the wilderness, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows that danced ominously around him. Yet, even amidst the uncertainty, the bond he shared with the outpost soldiers provided a flicker of warmth against the encroaching darkness, urging him forward into the unknown.

 3rd: The Forest of Treewors

    Arch continued along the path leading him through the legendary Towering Trees Forest,


    known by locals as "Treewors"-a lighthearted pun on the towering, straight-standing hardwoods that rose like sentinels around him. These trees, with their swift-growing and durable wood, were a vital resource for the Empire, and the rhythmic sounds of axes and saws echoed from the forest''s edges as craftsmen harvested the timber.


    The Heroes'' Road, or "Heroad" as locals called it, stretched nearly thirty - two oakspans through the heart of Treewors, a narrow, well-trodden artery of the Empire. The road, wide enough for three horses to walk abreast, was lined with crystal lanterns-enchanted to cast a steady glow through the forest gloom. Each lantern operated on mana, regularly replenished by ministry mages to ensure their light didn''t wane. Yet, as Arch noticed, several of the lanterns had dimmed, their mana drained and left unreplenished due to the Ministry of Public Utility''s struggle to keep up with maintenance. Bandits and fast-growing trees made it difficult to reach and repair many sections, and roots had even broken through parts of the road, leaving patches of uneven ground.


    Moving through the subtle twilight cast by the faintly glowing lanterns, Arch advanced cautiously, his hand resting on his sword hilt. He was a lone figure on Heroad, but he was no stranger to shadows-moving like one himself as he pressed onward, alert to any hint of movement among the trees. Arch moved swiftly along Heroad, his footsteps sure and unhesitant. Covering long distances on foot was second nature to him-his muscles carried him forward with the rhythm of someone who had spent more time on the road than in his own bed. Yet, as the towering hardwoods of Treewors rose around him, casting dappled shadows over the path, he found himself distracted, his mind turning over the strange mysteries of the forest.


    Treewors is no ordinary woodland. Its trees, known across the Empire for their unique and rapid growth, seemed to almost defy the natural order. Carpenters and craftsmen flocked here for the quality and abundance of wood, yet even their relentless harvesting efforts never thinned Treewors for long. Within a few years, the forest appeared as dense and undisturbed as if no axe had ever touched it. To some, it was a blessing-a forest that gave without limit. To others, it was an enigma.


    Arch had heard many theories about the forest''s unusual vitality, each as wild and speculative as the next. Now, as he moved deeper into its heart, he couldn''t help but entertain a few theories of his own. Perhaps Treewors was the work of an ancient mage-some powerful soul who had embedded enchantments into the very roots of the forest, making it grow unnaturally fast. Arch imagined some figure from centuries past, shaping the forest''s future with spells lost to the pages of history, the kind of magic he might never fully understand.


    Yet, he couldn''t ignore another possibility: perhaps the trees themselves were special, their seeds carrying something older, even primordial. He''d heard tales of seeds from distant lands that could thrive under almost any conditions, and he wondered if Treewors might be home to one such species, brought to the Empire long ago by travelers whose stories had since faded.


    Then there was the land itself. Treewors stood on soil unlike any he''d seen, rich and dark with nutrients. He knelt down, brushing his fingers against the forest floor, feeling the cool earth. It was soft, almost damp, as if it held an endless reserve of moisture and sustenance. "Maybe it''s simply the soil," he muttered to himself, considering the notion that something deep in the earth nourished the trees with unusual potency, creating an ecosystem that seemed almost self-sustaining. It wouldn''t be the first time the Empire had discovered land with peculiar properties; the provinces were vast, and each held its own share of strange wonders.


    Or perhaps it was none of these things. Maybe the answer was as mundane as effective fertilizers used by local farmers, a practice so routine it had become invisible to those who lived around it.


    As he mulled over these ideas, Arch found himself drawn further into the forest, the air growing cooler and the scent of damp leaves thickening. Still, Arch couldn''t shake his curiosity. He pressed on, quickening his pace, feeling as though the very forest was watching him, challenging him to unlock its secrets.


    "Pshooolp." A sharp sting struck the side of Arch''s nape, jolting him out of his thoughts. Instinctively, his hand shot up to swat whatever had hit him, pulling away something thin and small that left a hot, prickling sensation in its wake. He glanced down to find a dart nestled in his fingers, its tip coated in a sticky, sappy residue. Panic surged within him as he processed the situation. At first, he assumed it was just one of the region''s infamous mana-sucking insects, Soulgnat, known for their silent approach and pestering of travelers. But as the edges of his vision began to blur and his limbs felt heavy, he realized this was no insect-this was something made.


    From the thick undergrowth of the Towering Trees Forest, a group of bandits materialized like phantoms stepping out of the shadows, their figures cloaked in the mottled greens and browns of the forest. They had been lying in wait, their presence concealed behind the massive trunks and dense underbrush, watching him like hungry predators. With grins stretched across their faces, they swarmed toward Arch, their movements quick and precise, gliding through the trees with the practiced ease of seasoned hunters.


    "Look at that! We''ve got ourselves a fresh one!" one of the bandits crowed, stepping forward with a swagger, a curved dagger glinting ominously in the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. His voice was filled with a mocking cheer, as if they were celebrating a game rather than a hunt. The others laughed, each bandit drawing closer, their eyes gleaming with malice as they sized him up. The scent of damp earth and rotting leaves hung thick in the air, blending with the acrid odor of sweat and adrenaline as they danced around him like wolves encircling an injured deer.


    Arch fought against the dizziness enveloping him, his instincts screaming that he had to act. He unsheathed his twin swords, the polished metal glimmering defiantly despite the growing shadows that surrounded him. His mind raced with adrenaline, trying to formulate a plan, but he knew he was at a severe disadvantage-each bandit was poised and ready, their confidence swelling with every passing second as he staggered, swaying on unsteady feet.


    "Come on, then! Show us what you''ve got!" another bandit taunted, a wiry figure with wild hair, brandishing his weapon with exaggerated flourishes, clearly relishing the moment. The rest moved in a loose formation around him, mirroring his bravado as they closed the distance, eager to capitalize on Arch''s evident weakness. They were a ragtag group, each wearing mismatched clothing and armor that had seen better days, but they moved with the conviction of a well-drilled unit, honed by countless encounters with travelers.


    Arch swung his sword, aiming for the nearest bandit, but the blow fell short, barely grazing the man''s shoulder. The dizzy spell enveloped him further, the world spinning like a whirlwind, each motion feeling sluggish and uncoordinated, as if he were fighting through thick molasses. He stumbled back, struggling to regain his footing, but the darkness threatened to consume him, and he felt his legs weakening beneath him, the force of the sedative taking its toll.


    "Look at him! He''s barely standing!" one of the bandits laughed, the sound echoing like a cruel taunt in the thick, humid air. The group surged forward, emboldened by his evident weakness. They knew they had the upper hand, their movements a flurry of excitement and anticipation, closing in around him like vultures circling their prey. The wiry bandit lunged forward, a savage grin plastered across his face, while the others flanked him, their raucous laughter ringing in his ears like a funeral dirge.


    "Let''s see if he''s as tough as Brunt!" the leader shouted, his eyes glinting with a wild, reckless thrill as he brandished his dagger, a gleam of malevolence in his gaze. Arch could feel the weight of their stares, the thrill of the hunt washing over them like a tidal wave, and he knew he had to act quickly if he had any hope of escaping.


    With sheer willpower, he fought against the encroaching darkness, trying to swing at the nearest attacker, but his effort fell short, barely connecting with the bandit''s leather armor. The disorienting haze deepened, and each swing felt heavier than the last, like he was moving through a dream where every motion was slow and laborious. He staggered backward, trying to gather his strength, but the dizziness wrapped around him like a shroud, dragging him down.


    "No!" he gasped, desperately reaching for the ground, but his fingers only grazed the forest floor before he collapsed, surrendering to the effects of the Soumna sap that had infiltrated his bloodstream. The last thing he saw was the gleeful faces of the bandits, their wicked excitement bubbling over as they celebrated their fresh catch, their laughter ringing in his ears as the world faded to black.


    When Arch finally regained consciousness, he found himself alone, sprawled on the forest floor. The bandits had robbed him of his supplies-his traveling rations, a few gold coins, and his twin swords. His copper pendant, however, remained securely around his neck. The pendant was a curious piece, featuring a figure wearing a hard hat with a small crystal lantern fixed into it. During the robbery, one of the bandits had examined it with a sneer. "What an ugly pendant! With a few gold coins, he could buy a decent necklace. What a waste," he had exclaimed, tossing it back with disdain before turning his attention back to the more valuable items. But, in a twisted show of their humor, they left behind his cloak and a sturdy walking cane, a mocking gesture that echoed their signature move: "You''ve been caned. Better luck next time!"


    He gritted his teeth in frustration, feeling the weight of the cane in his hand. It was both a tool and a reminder of his humiliation, but he wasn''t defeated. Struggling to sit up, he assessed his surroundings, the towering trees looming overhead like silent witnesses to his misfortune. The bandits had taken his weapons, but they hadn''t broken his spirit. As he rose to his feet, Arch resolved to track down the bandits. He could reclaim his gear and exact a measure of revenge for the humiliation he had suffered. After all, the woods had ears, and he knew the stories of the Cane Bandits would not end here.


    As Arch trudged along the path toward the Southern Lumen Patrol Outpost, thoughts of the bandits gnawed at him. He suspected they were part of the group that had shadowed him along the Heroes'' Road, lurking on the outskirts near the Northern Helm Patrol Outpost. Now, with nothing but a cloak and a cane, he was keen to regroup and report his ambush to the southern outpost near Lumen.


    Lumen is a small, humble village of about 100 people nestled to the south of Illuminara Province, with the vast Treewors Forest lying just beyond its northern boundary. As dusk descended, Arch made do with his surroundings, sheltering in the hollowed trunk of an ancient tree. The forest had provided him with wild berries for sustenance, while droplets collected on nearby foliage offered enough moisture to wet his lips and keep him going.


    By midday, after half a day''s journey, he finally arrived at the Southern Lumen Patrol Outpost, only to be greeted by a young recruit whose suspicious gaze fixed on him the moment he approached. The recruit, green and unfamiliar with veterans like Arch, listened to his account of the ambush with narrowed eyes and a guarded stance. Arch produced his copper pendant, displaying it as a mark of his allegiance and experience, hoping it might cut through the recruit''s doubts. But the young man''s expression only twisted in irritation, and he eyed the pendant with disdain.


    "Are you trying to bribe your way in here?" he sneered, voice laced with disbelief.


    Before Arch could respond, the outpost sergeant, drawn by the commotion emerged from the building, scratching his backside with one hand and holding a steaming mug of blackrootbrew in the other. He stepped out with a casual yawn, but his demeanor shifted the moment he laid eyes on the pendant dangling from Arch''s hand. His own eyes widened with sudden recognition, and to his surprise, he nearly choked on his coffee.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "RECRUIT! KNOW YOUR BETTERS!" he barked, his voice a thunderous command that reverberated across the outpost.


    The recruit snapped to attention, his face a vivid mix of confusion, shock, and dawning terror. He understood instantly that he''d crossed a line, though the details remained a mystery. Arch watched with quiet satisfaction as the young man''s posture stiffened, his expression one of utter mortification, while the sergeant''s intense gaze flickered between Arch and the pendant, the weight of its meaning clearly understood.


    The sergeant scurried over to Arch, his face a blend of respect and apprehension. Bowing slightly, he introduced himself with crisp formality. "Sergeant Brikan Barkhold, Patrol Overseer, Southern Lumen Patrol Outpost." He then quickly apologized on behalf of the young recruit''s missteps, giving his subordinate a hard look. The recruit was still bewildered, casting furtive glances at both men, clearly clueless about the magnitude of his blunder.


    Sergeant Barkhold was known as the outpost''s "top dog"-a veteran of the field who rarely displayed anything resembling deference, much less in front of anyone else at the outpost. Yet here he was, meeting Arch with a solemn respect that was unmistakable. As the recruit glanced over, he whispered, "Who is this man?"


    The sergeant''s response was swift and pointed. "Go to the kitchen and tell the boys to prepare a hot meal! And make it quick!"


    Arch extended the copper pendant, and the sergeant, intrigued, politely asked if he could examine it more closely. Nodding, Arch handed it over. Sergeant Barkhold took the pendant in his rough, calloused hand, turning it over with a discerning gaze. He traced the intricate patterns on the front and back, before focusing on the engraved figures on the back: a candle, a sword, a shield, and a book, arranged in a square formation. The cryptic emblem was an unmistakable marker, a code used by the Arcanum Empire''s elite Nullbound Explorer Unit, denoting the bearer''s clearance level and capabilities. And below, the initials "A-T" stood out, plain as day.


    The sergeant''s suspicions were confirmed-this man is indeed an Explorer, a rare honor bestowed only on those few whose skills and bravery had set them apart. As a patrol overseer, Sergeant Barkhold was among the trained to recognize these symbols so they could provide assistance to any passing explorers. But this wasn''t just any explorer. When he asked Arch for his name, Arch replied, "Arch Thedo," his eyes widened slowly, almost comically, as the realization sank in.


    It was already a privilege to host a member of the Nullbound Explorer Unit at his humble outpost, but Arch Thedo was in a league of his own. Tales of his tactical genius and daring exploits had spread through the ranks, giving him a near-mythic status. Sergeant Barkhold''s voice softened with reverence as he formally welcomed him, "It''s an honor, sir. Please, follow me to the mess hall so we can serve you a proper meal."


    Arch, however, raised a hand. "If it''s all right, Sergeant, I''d prefer a bath, some fresh clothes, and perhaps a bit of rest first."


    The sergeant nodded immediately, snapping into action. "Of course, sir! Right this way. We''ll have the supplies ready for you. And in the meantime," he added with a knowing smile, "I''ll have that hot meal ready and waiting when you''re rested."


    As Arch followed him into the outpost, he noticed the sergeant''s subtle gestures directing the other soldiers to clear the path-a mark of deep respect, and a silent acknowledgment of Arch''s exceptional status within the empire.


    After a refreshing bath and a change into clean clothes, Arch took a short rest before heading to the mess hall, where Sergeant Barkhold was waiting. The moment he entered, the sergeant barked an order to the kitchen boys to serve the meal immediately. The kitchen staff scrambled in shock; one boy dropped his mug, and another bit his spoon in surprise at the sergeant''s sudden intensity.


    As Arch settled into his meal, he began to recount his misfortune with the bandits. Though he was a bit hesitant, admitting he''d been bested by common bandits, Sergeant Barkhold quickly reassured him. "No need to feel that way, sir¡­ You''re Arch Thedo!" His words rang out across the hall, catching everyone''s attention. Instantly, the soldiers turned, and the kitchen boys craned their necks to peek through the service window, eager for a glimpse of the legendary tactician.


    "What are you fools staring at? "First time seeing a hero?" The soldiers quickly snapped back to their seats, but many couldn''t help stealing quick glances at Arch. A few passed by to greet him with reverent nods, murmuring, "An honor to have you here, sir," including some of his own age who looked at him with awe.


    At a nearby table, the recruit who had initially greeted Arch with suspicion whispered to his table mates, "Guess we got ''dogged'' again," snickering at their sergeant''s stern reaction, a joke on Barkhold''s last name.


    But as the recruit took a bite of his pig rib, the full realization sank in. He had practically dismissed one of the youngest yet most formidable commanders in the entire realm. His face paled, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead as he imagined the implications of his earlier attitude. The gravity of his mistake weighed on him, and he sat in silence, glancing nervously at Arch, hoping his blunder hadn''t left a lasting impression on the legendary hero.


    As Arch recounted his misfortune, he savored the meal laid before him. The commander, keen on documenting Arch''s experience, called for Tersen Lawn, the petite and slender Vice Seer of the outpost, to fetch the logbook and record Arch''s account.


    With a wave of his hand, Sergeant Barkhold summoned the kitchen boys and the recruit who had shown Arch some attitude earlier. When they approached, their nervousness was palpable. The recruit''s forehead glistened with sweat, and you could almost see the anxiety radiating from him. What if Arch Thedo dislikes the food? Maybe I should have shredded the meat stew more. I''m done for, thought the boys.


    Arch''s face was stern as he looked at the group. "Who cooked this meal?" he asked. The head cook, visibly trembling, stepped forward. "I cooked the stew, sir. This one made the bread, and the youngest prepared the dessert and drinks." Arch took a moment, letting the silence stretch, his gaze steady on the cook''s face, before breaking into a wide grin. "Why are you all so worried? The meal was great!" The kitchen boys released a collective sigh of relief, their faces lighting up with gratitude. "Thank you, sir!" they chorused. Arch nodded, "I''m looking forward to a nice breakfast. Thanks again."


    With the atmosphere lightening, Arch turned to the recruit who had previously laughed with his comrades. "You. What''s your name?" he asked, fixing Ichson Marnor with a direct gaze. The recruit snapped to attention, his voice shaking slightly as he replied, "Ichson Marnor, recruit, sire!"


    "Don''t think I''ll ever forget your attitude earlier," Arch said, his tone firm. Ichson quickly stammered out an apology, the sergeant smirking at the unfolding drama. He had heard stories about how Arch often left his subordinates confused before ultimately commending them, and he was eager to witness it firsthand.


    "What you did..." Arch began, but Ichson jumped in with an apology, fear overtaking him. "I''m not done speaking, recruit!" Arch shot back, his voice commanding.


    "Yes, sir! Sorry, sir!" Ichson replied hurriedly, dread creeping into his mind. My career is over. I''m going to bring shame to my family.


    "What you did was worth commending," Arch continued, catching Ichson off guard. "Job well done, soldier." The recruit blinked, his shock evident. "What if I had been a rebel?" he challenged. Ichson was still in disbelief.


    "Congratulations, recruit!" Sergeant Barkhold chimed in. "You''ll be graduating with a special commendation from none other than Commander Thedo, Commander of the 12th Dispatch Reaction Unit of Elysian City!" The mess hall erupted in laughter, and he added, "Vice Seer, make sure to record this."


    Ichson, jolted by the sudden shift, shouted, "Thank you, sir!" Relief washed over him, though he still felt the weight of the earlier interaction. Arch leaned in slightly, his expression softening. "Just remember, don''t let your passion to serve wane. Be a bit more cordial next time with strangers."


    "Yes, Commander Thedo!" Ichson replied, his voice is steadier now. The rest of the soldiers in the mess hall cheered, their spirits lifted by the exchange. "Right, dismissed!" Barkhold barked, and the recruits scrambled back to their duties, buoyed by the unexpected excitement of the day.


    Arch requested Sergeant Barkhold to continue their conversation in his office, and the sergeant readily agreed.


    Inside the office, Arch revealed his actual objective for traveling. "I am to travel into the Explorer Unit," he explained. "I''ve been summoned by the Head Office in Illuminara City."


    The sergeant nodded in understanding. "I know," he replied. "A few days ago, a dispatch messenger delivered a spectral cast. The Nullbound Explorer Unit Head Office informed me that an invited would be passing through our outpost. I didn''t realize it would be you, sir. I''ve been instructed to assist in any way I can."


    Arch''s curiosity piqued, and he asked, "Have there been any developments regarding something unusual in the area?"


    "Well, since you''re an officer, I ought to share this with you," Barkhold said, leaning forward. "We caught a spy who may have connections with the ''new problem of the empire.''" He handed Arch a confidential report, the seriousness of the situation settling in the room. "But it''s not as simple as it seems. Just last night, the suspect managed to make himself burst-just like that. He''s gone without a trace of his existence left behind."


    Arch''s brow furrowed in concern. "Burst? How is that even possible?"


    "Even us is still processing what happened," the sergeant replied. "It appears he had use some kind of unknown magic at his disposal, likely linked to the chaos we''ve been facing. While he was in custody, he somehow triggered a spell that left no remains. We suspect he may have had accomplices nearby."


    ¡°If you have bounded the suspect, of course you checked his things, right?¡± Arch asked while he adjusted his lean forward.


    ¡°Aye¡­¡± He had no other things noteworthy. ¡°I personally checked the bastard. No weapon or some sort. Nothing¡­¡±


    Arch continued Barkhold¡¯s thinking ¡°Yet he was able to cast magic without without as wand or staff, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡±


    ¡°Aye, this problem, is getting more serious¡­ I have already dispatched a messenger to the Head office at Illuminara. Maybe by now, your fellows already know it.¡± Barkhold added.


    ¡°A soulcaster, huh. This will be really work¡±, Arch spoke in a dazelike voice.


    After discussing the report and its implications, they concluded their conversation. "Goodnight, Commander," Barkhold said as they prepared to part ways. He called for Tensen to lead Arch to his chambers.


    Tensen, a young woman with sharp eyes and a determined demeanor, greeted Arch. As they walked, Arch inquired about her background. "So, Tensen, where did you come from? What brought you to the military?"


    "I''m from Veloria," she replied. "I graduated from the Velorian Academy. My family has a history in the military, but I wanted to carve my own path. The military offered me the chance to serve and make a difference, and I enjoy the challenge it provides."


    After a short chat, Tensen led Arch to his chambers, and they parted ways.


    The following morning, Arch rose before the sun, eager to prepare for the journey ahead. He completed a brief exercise in the mustering yard, engaging in light conversation with the soldiers who were going through their regimental drills. Afterward, Arch took a bath, changed into a fresh set of clothes, and had a hearty breakfast. At 8 in the morning, he bid farewell to the outpost. Sergeant Barkhold was apologetic, explaining, "We can''t replace your clothes with the same ones you wore, nor your swords. However, I dispatched a messenger yesterday afternoon to the Military Tailor and Military Smith to begin crafting your garments and weapons to your specifications. You''ll just have to pay them a visit before heading to your destination"


    Arch nodded appreciatively. The sergeant continued, "We''ve prepared a bag of military rations for you, along with a pouch of gold coins, a stickblade, and we''ve replaced your cloak, all at the expense of your unit."


    To make Arch''s journey easier, they lent him a sturdy horse. Barkhold added, "You can leave the horse at the City Outpost if you don''t need it anymore. I''m sure your unit will provide you with a better mount."


    With everything in order, Arch mounted the horse, feeling a mix of excitement and determination. He set off towards the north, the landscape unfolding before him as he embarked on his new adventure with the Nullbound Explorer Unit, the mysterious disappearance of the spy weighing heavily on his mind.

 4th: Serriah Lutt: Charmer or Conwoman?

    Serriah Luth is a lass who could easily slip between the crowded streets of the city and leave everyone she passed wondering if they''d just been charmed, or maybe conned.


    Stands at five wand lengths and two embers and bears in four oreloads shy of one adultload. Clad in a dress of light, reddish hues, which balanced elegance with purpose, she carried herself with a poise that may partially reflected her true self. High-heeled boots added a few inches to her stature, giving off her presence an edge that her natural alone couldn¡¯t, and there was something in the way she moved that suggested confidence, even if it was partly an act.


    Behind the practiced veneer was the quiet sting of insecurities formed in childhood, when bullying had left her self-worth bruise, shattered even. Serriah had learned young to conceal that self-doubt, crafting an armor of poise and sharp wit that left no room for anyone to see through to the softer person underneath.


    Her parents, skilled tailors commissioned by the Illuminaran Military, had an eye for detail, evident in the way he crafted her clothes for style and function. Her uncle, the city¡¯s military commissioned weaponsmith, ensured her dagger and needle sword, strapped discreetly to her hips ¡ª elegant yet fatal. With their support, she had grown up observing the inner workings of city life, listening from the sidelines as nobles, travelers, soldiers and common folk shared stories as they order their clothes or weapons to her family, learning the art of navigating compromises, egos, rank, and subtle rivalries.


    Despite her tailoring and weaponry-connected upbringing, Serriah''s true skill was her <u>elderglint, w</u>hich she wielded with a finesse that could leave her adversaries more disoriented than any blade. She had a knack for coaxing laughter from even the grimmest figures and for charming wary townsfolk. Her voice held a warmth that drew people in, whether they were friends, strangers, or even the occasional rogue bandit, many of whom she talked into surrendering stolen goods. On the rare occasions when she found herself surrounded by shady characters, she managed to disarm them with her words alone, convincing them to part with high-value items for nothing more than a few copper coins, leaving them stunned and uncertain. It was a kind of game to Serriah, but one that always brought a thrill; she knew the bandits were too embarrassed by their own gullibility to seek revenge.


    Yet, even as she crafted this confident persona, Serriah couldn''t help but feel hollow beneath it. Her family had always been encouraging, perhaps overly so, and she sometimes felt their support was rooted in their belief that she struggled to connect with others. This quiet doubt gnawed at her, even as she played the role of a poised, unflappable young woman. She would tell herself she didn¡¯t care that she was as confident as she appeared, but on the lonelier nights, the weight of the mask she wore pressed heavy on her.


    When she walked through the market or crossed paths with customers from her father''s connections, Serriah noticed the glances, the smirks of admiration and envy. She carried herself with the ease of someone who belonged, and yet the sense of being an outsider, of not quite fitting into the role others saw in her, lingered. Her charm was effortless, a trait she had honed so well that sometimes she even believed it herself. But in her heart, she knew she was still that quiet girl, the one who¡¯d learned to observe and anticipate the moves of others as a defense against the world that had once left her feeling vulnerable and shunned.


    Even as she walked through the city streets now, she felt a strange anticipation stirring. For now, she was content to remain within the city walls, unaware of the adventures beyond them that would one day pull her out into a world far more challenging and exhilarating than any market exchange or game of wits she had yet encountered.


    After a long day on the road, Arch finally arrived at the western city gates of Illuminara, tired but resolute. Flashing his explorer''s pendant to the guards, he entered without issue and made his way directly toward the tailor and weaponsmith shops Sergeant Barkhold had recommended, eager to retrieve his new attire and weapons before checking in with the Expedition Head Office.


    The tailor''s shop was tucked into a quiet side street, adorned with bolts of cloth and expertly sewn uniforms displayed in the window. Stepping inside, he was met with the scent of fresh fabrics and leather. Just as he entered, a young woman with auburn hair in a refined, reddish dress, equal parts elegant and practical, turned from the counter, arms crossed with an almost skeptical air. Arch took immediate note of her poised stance, her high-heeled boots lending her an extra inch of height, but her expression showed nothing but disdain as she glanced at him over.


    "Looking for something in particular?" she asked, her tone polite yet laced with an edge that implied she wasn¡¯t easily impressed. Arch¡¯s tiredness only heightened his frustration, and he replied with a touch more force than he intended.


    "Here to pick up my order," he said briskly, noticing her scrutinizing gaze at his travel-worn attire and dirt-dusted boots. "Military issue. The sergeant at the outpost sent a word ahead."


    Serriah raised an eyebrow. "Military issue?" she echoed, a hint of amusement curling the edges of her mouth. "And here I was expecting someone a bit more...polished. You don¡¯t exactly look the part."


    Arch¡¯s eyes narrowed. "Forgive me if my attire offends your delicate sensibilities. A day in the saddle doesn¡¯t exactly lend itself to pristine appearance," he replied, barely masking his irritation. He wasn¡¯t used to being judged so openly, especially by someone who seemed so...well, unbothered by his position. Her smirk didn¡¯t help.


    Serriah didn¡¯t miss a beat. "Oh, I know. A rough day on the road and all that," she replied with a feigned sympathetic sigh. "But maybe try not to track dirt across the tailor''s shop next time."


    Arch clenched his jaw. "Are you always this charming, or did I just get lucky?"


    She let out a small, mocking laugh. "Depends on the day."


    At that moment, the tailor, who had been listening to the exchange with mild bemusement, emerged from the back with Arch¡¯s new uniform. However, he wore a perplexed expression. "Good day to you, I¡¯m Bod. This is Serriah, my daugter¡­ Apologies for her.. erm.. passion¡­ I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s a problem," the tailor said. "The instructions for your design were unclear. It may take a bit longer to finalize."


    Arch sighed, feeling his impatience rising. "So, it¡¯s not ready?"


    "Not yet," the tailor confirmed apologetically.


    Serriah couldn¡¯t help but add, "Guess you¡¯ll have to find something else to occupy your time then."


    "Great," Arch muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Any recommendations?"


    The tailor smiled awkwardly, trying to wave off the tense air between the two. "There¡¯s a good pub not far from here. They serve fantastic stew. You might find it worth your time."


    Arch nodded, grateful for the suggestion. As he turned to leave, he caught a glimpse of Serriah smirking again. "What? Not coming with me?" he asked, unable to resist the challenge in her gaze.


    "Not my scene," she replied lightly, waving him off. "But I¡¯ll be here when you get back, just in case you need more¡­ advice."


    With a roll of his eyes, Arch stepped outside, breathing in the fresh city air. Just as he crossed the threshold, he spotted Serriah walking out behind him, her expression shifting from teasing to contemplative.


    After finishing a hearty meal at the Mana Hot Stew, Arch stepped out into the bustling streets of the city. The aroma of spiced broth lingered in the air as he made his way toward Magus Plaza, a vibrant hub filled with merchants, performers, and townsfolk going about their day.


    As he navigated through the crowd, Arch¡¯s keen eyes caught sight of Serriah standing a short distance away, engaged in conversation with a group of men. They were clad in simple but rugged attire, their demeanor suggestive of savvy and perhaps a hint of trouble. Arch''s instincts kicked in; he sensed an underlying tension in the interaction that made him uneasy.


    Serriah, with her charming demeanor seemed unfazed, but Arch couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the conversation was leaning into dangerous territory. He debated whether to intervene. On one hand, he wanted to help her; on the other, revealing himself as an explorer could blow his cover and jeopardize his mission.


    As he watched from the fringes, the group¡¯s body language shifted. The men leaned closer, their voices lowering, and Serriah¡¯s smile faltered slightly. Arch¡¯s heart raced, torn between his desire to help and the imperative to remain discreet.


    In that moment, he decided. Instead of stepping in directly, he would head to the city outpost and report his observations. They would know how to handle it better than he could, and perhaps they could keep a closer watch on Serriah without alarming her.


    Turning away from the plaza, Arch quickened his pace toward the city outpost, determination settling in his gut. He couldn¡¯t let anything happen.


    After turning two corners of the bustling streets of the city, Arch suddenly found himself face-to-face with Serriah, who was sprinting away from a group of rough-looking men. Panic flashed across her face, and the desperation in her eyes caught Arch''s attention.


    "Get her!" one of the men yelled, his voice dripping with menace.


    One of the bandits suddenly halted, his eyes narrowing in recognition. "Wait! That¡¯s the traveler we mugged at Heroad!" he shouted, pointing at Arch.


    Upon hearing, Arch¡¯s heart suddenly pumped faster, he can feel his blood rush through neck and his temples are like to explode.A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    "Step aside, wimp!" another bandit yelled, glaring at him. "This doesn¡¯t concern you."


    He stood firm, flexing his knees a little bit and slightly leaning forward, his body tense and ready. "It does now," he replied, blocking their path.


    The bandits exchanged glances before charging at him. The first one lunged with a wild swing. Arch swiftly ducked, the punch whistled above his head, the tapers of his hair grazed by the bandits balled fist.


    Arch followed the fist with a glance and thought ¡° A leftie!¡± He caught the bandit''s left forearm by left hand before it can finish the swing, and held tight. The bandit is now stretch over Arch with his core exposed. Immediately Arch countered with a quick right jab to the man''s stomach, causing him to coil over in pain.


    Another bandit came at him from the side, attempting a kick aimed at Arch''s knees. Arch sidestepped, using the momentum to grab the man''s leg and pull him off balance, sending him crashing into a nearby cart. Arch¡¯s focus narrowed as he dealt with the remaining attackers. One bandit swung a heavy fist, aiming for his jaw. Arch ducked under the strike and delivered a powerful uppercut that caught the bandit squarely on the chin, knocking him back.


    Meanwhile, Serriah took advantage of the chaos. With a determined look, she slipped past the fray, clutching the stolen goods that the bandits had taken. In a quick, nimble move, she darted into an alleyway, successfully escaping their clutches while Arch distracted the men.


    Just as Arch was about to check on her, another bandit rushed him, fists flying. Arch deftly blocked a punch with his right and retaliated with a knee strike to the man''s exposed right oblique. The bandit staggered as it gasped for air. Arch seized the opportunity to push him away, creating a bit of distance.


    With the remaining bandit now desperate, he lunged at Arch, but Arch sidestepped the attack, with a created momentum, he executed a swift kick to the bandit¡¯s midsection, sending him sprawling to the ground.


    ¡°Leave him! We need to go!¡± one of the Cane Bandits shouted, presumed to be the leader, fear creeping into his voice as he glanced back at Arch. With that, the remaining bandits began to retreat, fear evident in their eyes as they saw Arch¡¯s fighting prowess.


    ¡°Darn it!¡± grunted by the other, I should have brought the Soumna dart¡­


    Breathing heavily, Arch scanned the area for Serriah. She was nowhere to be seen, having made her getaway with the stolen goods. Standing midst the aftermath of the scuffle, catching his breath as the Cane Bandits retreated, their bravado diminished by the swift defeat he had dealt them.


    Just then, a squad from the City Patrol Unit rounded the corner, alerted by the commotion. The patrol leader, a sturdy woman with a no-nonsense demeanor, surveyed the scene with keen eyes. "What¡¯s going on here?" she demanded, her voice commanding respect.


    ¡°Cane Bandits¡­¡± Arch replied, gesturing towards the retreating figures. ¡°They were chasing this woman.¡± He pointed in the direction Serriah had disappeared.


    The patrol leader quickly assessed the situation, her team moving into position to intercept the fleeing bandits. ¡°You lot! Halt!¡± she shouted, and her voice echoed off the brickstones.


    The bandits, realizing they were cornered, skidded to a halt, their earlier confidence crumbling. ¡°This isn¡¯t over!¡± the leader spat, but the patrol was already closing in, surrounding them.


    Within moments, the bandits were subdued and handcuffed. The patrol leader turned back to Arch, her expression softening slightly. ¡°You handled yourself well, soldier. It¡¯s not every day we see someone take down known bandits like that.¡±


    Arch nodded, still catching his breath. ¡°They attacked me and were chasing that girl. I couldn¡¯t just stand by.¡±


    ¡°I understand,¡± she replied, eyeing the detained bandits.


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll give us any trouble?¡± Arch asked, glancing at the captured men, their faces twisted with rage and frustration.


    ¡°They¡¯ll be locked up for a while, and I¡¯ll make sure to send extra patrols out for the next few days. But be cautious, nonetheless.¡± She turned her gaze back to him. ¡°What¡¯s your name, soldier?¡±


    ¡°Arch Thedo,¡± he said, extending his hand.


    ¡°The Arch Thedo? Her tone immediately shifted. Benna Liten¡­ Captain of the City Patrol Command, sire!,¡± she replied, shaking his hand firmly. ¡°If you need assistance while you¡¯re in the city, feel free to contact me or my unit. We¡¯ll be keeping an eye on the streets.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Captain,¡± Arch replied. ¡°Appreciate it.¡±


    Arch returned to the tailor shop, pushing the door open with a sense of urgency. The bell above chimed softly, but his mind was preoccupied. Inside, he spotted Serriah and her mother in a corner, their voices lowered as they engaged in an intense conversation. As he approached, he could hear snippets of their discussion.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡­¡± Serriah¡¯s mother said, her brow furrowed with madness. ¡°You need to be stop your¡­ Whatever is this, Serriah! Those men are dangerous¡­¡±


    Serriah nodded, her expression a mix of guilt and relief. ¡°I know, Mother. But I managed to trick them¡ª¡±


    ¡°Trick them?¡± Arch interjected, stepping closer. ¡°Is that what you call it? You put yourself in danger, and I had to fight off those bandits because of your recklessness!¡±


    Serriah¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and her mother turned to Arch with a look of apprehension. ¡°And who are you?¡± she asked, her voice tense.


    ¡°Arch Thedo, ma''am, I''m to give instructions for my ordered tailor¡± he replied, trying to keep his tone steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through him. ¡°And I just took down the Cane Bandits who were chasing her.¡±


    ¡°Arch?¡± Serriah murmured, recognition dawning in her eyes. ¡°Elysian province youngest tactician?¡±


    ¡°You should be more careful,¡± Arch continued, trying to keep his frustration in check. ¡°You could have been hurt. It wouldn¡¯t have hurt you to stay put. I was handling the situation.¡±


    Serriah looked down, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m sorry. I thought I could handle it,¡± she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to put you in danger. I just saw an opportunity and took it.¡±


    ¡°And I appreciate your resourcefulness,¡± Arch said, softening slightly. ¡°But next time, maybe you could think twice before running into a group of bandits. A simple thank you would also go a long way.¡±


    Serriah¡¯s eyes met his, and the earnestness in his gaze made her heart sink. ¡°Thank you, sir. I really appreciate what you did for me. I didn¡¯t mean to run away like that. I just¡­ I thought I could outsmart them.¡±


    Arch nodded, the tension in his chest easing. ¡°This city can be unpredictable, and so can people. You of all should know this.¡± His gaze was drawn to the table where Serriah and her mother had been seated. His heart sank as he recognized his stolen garments, weapons, and the purse of gold coins laid out in plain sight. He stepped forward, disbelief etched on his face. ¡°Wait¡­ Those are mine,¡± he stated, his tone firm.


    Serriah looked at the items, her expression shifting from surprise to understanding. ¡°Oh, sir, I¡­¡±


    With a quick wit and a charming smile, she interrupted him, ¡°I can make this right! How about this.. I¡¯ll personally craft your clothes to your specifications. Just tell me what you want, and I¡¯ll make it happen...¡±


    Arch crossed his arms, skeptical but intrigued. ¡°You think that¡¯s enough to make up for what just happened?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Serriah replied, her confidence momentarily shining through despite the earlier tension. ¡°I have a way with fabrics. I promise you¡¯ll be pleased with the results. Plus, it will give you a chance to have something unique, tailored just for you.¡±


    Arch considered her offer, the frustration of the day mingling with a reluctant appreciation for her determination. ¡°You¡¯d really do that, huh?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Serriah insisted, her eyes bright with enthusiasm. ¡°Anything for the good sir who just saved me¡­ It¡¯s the least I can do after you saved me.¡±


    He let out a resigned sigh, the edge of his irritation softening. ¡°Alright, but I expect quality work. I don¡¯t want to see any more bandits in my future because of poorly made garments.¡±


    ¡°Deal!¡± she replied, grinning. ¡°Now, let¡¯s discuss your specifications. I promise to make something that you¡¯ll not only wear with pride but will also keep you safe from those types of situations in the future.¡±


    As Arch and Serriah continued their discussion about the specifications for his uniform, Serriah¡¯s mother, who had been quietly listening, suddenly noticed the glinting pendant around Arch''s neck. Her eyes widened in recognition. ¡°You¡¯re a an explorer recruit, aren¡¯t you?¡± she exclaimed.


    ¡°Huh¡±, Arch feigns ignorance. ¡°You¡¯ve got the pendant¡­,¡± Serriah¡¯s mother immediately answered.


    Arch nodded, slightly surprised at her perceptiveness. ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Eyes sharp...¡± She removed a part of her belt buckle and showed Arch the explorer icon at the backside.


    ¡°Shadows deep..." He understood. "I¡¯m on my way to the Head Office when I got unlucky passing on Heroad.¡± Arch responded.


    With a thoughtful look, Serriah¡¯s mother chimed in, ¡°You know, there are specific standards for the units'' garments and weapons. If you¡¯d permit us, I¡¯d be more than happy to assist Serriah in crafting your uniform. I have experience with the designs required by the military.¡±


    Arch raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the offer. ¡°That would be helpful, actually. It may reduce my time in the city. The head office might give me future instructions for a change of clothes.¡±


    Kellan the smith, was also brought into the conversation. ¡°If you¡¯ll permit, we can have Kellan melt down your swords and forge new ones that meet the standards of your unit,¡± Serriah¡¯s mother added.


    Arch considered the suggestion. It would mean parting with his swords for a time, but the idea of having custom weapons made to meet military standards was tempting. ¡°That sounds like a good plan. I appreciate the help.¡±


    As Arch leaned against the table, he couldn''t help but feel curious about the specifics of the Unit''s gear. ¡°What are the specifications for the garments and weapons?¡± he asked, genuinely interested.


    She continued, ¡°I¡¯m Elara by the way. I¡¯m sure you already have spoken with my husband, Bod. Well, the garments must be crafted from special fabric that allows them to easily blend in with the crowd, avoiding detection from possible enemies. The goal is for the wearer to remain inconspicuous, as drawing attention would be detrimental to the actual tasks of the explorer. The weapons, on the other hand, are imbued with special properties to ensure they are durable yet lightweight, allowing you to travel without worry. They stay sharp without the need for regular whetstones, which is essential for explorers who might not have time to sharpen their weapons.¡±


    Arch nodded, impressed by the thought that went into these standards. ¡°That makes a lot of sense.¡±


    Elara continued, her tone warm yet informative. ¡°In Illuminara, we are the only commissioned tailor and smith shop by the Military to produce such specialized garments and weapons. Eventually, our shop doubles as a secret network for the Nullbound Explorer Unit, where information and resources can be shared discreetly among operatives.¡±


    Arch¡¯s eyebrows raised in surprise. ¡°I had no idea.¡±


    ¡°Most don¡¯t,¡± Elara said with a slight smile. ¡°But now you do. You¡¯re welcome to stay here at the shop until your garments and weapons are finished. We¡¯ll ensure everything is tailored perfectly to your specifications.¡±


    Serriah chimed in, her enthusiasm evident. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re equipped for any adventure that comes your way, sir!¡±

 5th: Nullbound Explorer Unit

    After several days, the moment Arch had been waiting for arrived, his twin swords were finally ready.


    Kellan Lutt, the smith next door, personally handed the sleek, unembellished weapons to Arch. ¡°Take a look at these,¡± he said, he said with pride.


    As Arch inspected the swords, Kellan explained, ¡°I used <u>silversteel</u>¡­ Forged from Ironpeaks Province of the Starhaven continent. This steel is known for its durability and capacity to maintain sharpness, very sturdy yet very pricy. My smithing style made it look like an ordinary steel, trade secret of course. Even the forgies of Starhaven don''t know how to do that.¡±


    The blades had a simple, functional design, perfect for covert missions. No ornate engravings or lavish adornments. They were crafted for practicality and ease of use in stealthy situations. Kellen added, ¡°The hilts can be opened to insert <u>mana crystals</u>, allowing you to imbue the blades with various properties. For instance, <u>red crystals</u> add extra weight to your attacks, white crystals for speed, and <u>blue crystals</u> provide an advantage against mages by disrupting their mana circulation. But you have to make contact, of course.¡±


    Arch''s eyes narrowed with interest as he absorbed the details. He now understands why this shop was commissioned by the Explorer Unit. ¡°Additionally,¡± Kellen continued, ¡°the vibrations from striking are dampened, which means you¡¯ll feel less impact during combat. Thanks to the <u>Muffleshard </u>properties, which can only by found at the Whispering Woods. Very rare ore. This is particularly advantageous against heavy weapons like broadswords, reapers, and axes, giving you a better chance to counter or evade their attacks.¡±


    Gripping the swords firmly, Arch felt the weight and balance. Excited to put it into use.


    Arch bid farewell to the Lutt family, He is in way to the Arcanum Empire Military Head Office. The complex loomed before him, a fortress of stone and steel that resonated with the echoes of duty and honor. Sunlight glinted off its polished surfaces, but the shadows that clung to its corners whispered of secrets long buried.


    As he approached the grand entrance, he took a moment to collect himself, reminding himself of his cover, delivering an urgent letter to the military diplomat''s office. The atmosphere shifted dramatically. The air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink, mingling with the musk of polished wood and fresh flowers. Arch presented his credentials to the guards at the complex gate, who regarded him with a mixture of respect and scrutiny. After confirming his clearance, they waved him through with a nod, but not without sharing wary glances that suggested an undercurrent of tension.


    Arch navigated the bustling cobbled path, passing patrolling soldiers and seeing clerks though the building windows immersed in their duties. Just as he neared the military diplomat''s office, an unassuming soldier stepped from the shadows, his demeanor casual yet alert.


    ¡°How are you feeling today?¡± the soldier asked, his tone deceptively light, though there was an intensity behind his eyes.


    ¡°Light as a feather,¡± Arch replied, instinctively producing his pendant. The soldier revealed a similar pendant, confirming their allegiance to the Explorer Unit.


    With a knowing nod, the soldier motioned for Arch to follow him. They proceeded down a corridor adorned with faded banners of past military triumphs, their vibrant colors waned with age. As they approached a pair of heavily reinforced doors, Arch felt a thrill of anticipation mixed with apprehension.


    The guards at the door scrutinized them, and after a brief exchange of silent communication, they stepped aside, allowing Arch and the soldier to pass. Arch¡¯s heart raced as they entered a narrow hallway leading to the comfort rooms. He was confused. The walls felt closer here, as if they were closing in, heightening the tension.


    In the comfort room, the soldier approached a discreet latch concealed within the wooden paneling. He pressed it, and with a soft click, a hidden door within the first stall swung open, revealing a dimly lit passage. Arch could feel the air shift, cool and damp, as they stepped through the threshold and descended into an underground alley. The flickering light from crystal lamps illuminated the way, casting soft shadows against the stone walls.


    As they moved deeper into the passage, Arch noticed a small wooden wagon positioned at the entrance. Its surface was reinforced with thick metal. The soldier gestured for Arch to hop in, and without hesitation, he climbed aboard.


    With a quick motion, the soldier pushed a lever, and the wagon sprang to life. Arch felt a rush of exhilaration as the wagon sped forward along a path laden with a series of long strips of metal. Remarkably, it was not as noisy as he had expected; the tunnel was lined with <u>Muffleshard</u> ore which muted the vibrations of their passage. The metal strips on the wagon¡¯s wheels were also infused with this ore, further lessening noise and eliminating echoes, allowing them to travel through the tunnel in almost silence.


    As they sped through the dimly lit passage, a series of crystal lanterns lining the walls illuminated in sequence, casting a soft, ethereal yellowish glow.


    Finally, the wagon slowed. Emerging from the alley, Arch was greeted by an obscured clearing on the outskirts of the city. Towering trees surrounded them, their thick trunks creating a natural barrier against prying eyes. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting a mosaic of light and shadow on the forest floor. At the center of this hidden sanctuary stood a humble house crafted from sturdy hardwood, its design unassuming yet welcoming.


    This is the true headquarters of the Nullbound Explorer Unit, a place where operatives could gather, strategize, and plan their next moves away from the watchful eyes of the commonfolk. The air buzzed with a sense of camaraderie, the whispers of operatives exchanging information blending seamlessly with the rustling leaves.


    ¡°Where are we?¡± Arch asked.


    The soldier who had escorted him remained silent, his expression unreadable as he shifted his gaze around the clearing, seemingly assessing their surroundings.


    Three figures are seated on the porch of the humble house: a burly man in his mid-forties, with broad shoulders and a slight tummy that spoke of a love for good food. His rugged face, framed by a well-groomed beard, bore deep-set eyes;


    A mage, an elderly man with grayish hair cascading to his shoulders. He wore simple cotton and linen garments, leaning on an intricately carved staff. Next to where he sits, a young man with medium-length hair tied in a messy bun. Dressed similarly in cotton and linen, a gray satchel slung over his shoulder.


    The burly man, with a slight nod, acknowledged the soldier.


    Suddenly, the young soldier unclasped two metal short sticks from his backside and then forcefully waved them downward. The sticks extended from either of his arms and, without any announcement or hesitation, he attacked Arch. The swift movement caught Arch off guard, adrenaline spiking as he instinctively drew his twin swords. The metallic sheen of his swords glinted in the sunlight.


    Arch quickly assessed the soldier¡¯s stance, noting the aggression behind the attack. He shifted his weight, ready to counter the assault, his senses heightened as he focused on the soldier¡¯s movements. Intently observing eye movements, looking for any slight shift can he can use to predict the direction of the next attack.


    The tension in the clearing escalated, the three figures on the porch observing closely, their expressions revealing curiosity as they witness the unexpected confrontation. At least in Arch¡¯s point of view, that is.


    The second attack came swiftly from left to right to left, metal sticks aiming for Arch''s midsection with precision. Arch sidestepped, feeling the rush of air as the sticks whizzed past him, encountered with a swift slash of his right sword aiming for the soldier''s right arm. The soldier deftly blocked the attack, the sticks clanging against Arch''s blade with a sharp sound that echoed through the clearing.


    They circled each other, the tension palpable as they exchanged blows, each controlling his own breathing. Arch''s sword slicing through the air while the soldier skillfully maneuvered the sticks to met above and twirl it on the side, keeping the combat fluid and dynamic.


    Arch focused on his breathing, recalling Kellen''s advice about the balance and weight of his newly forged swords. He aimed for speed and precision, he cached <u>white crystals</u> on the hilt of his swords. Darting in and out of range, he tested the soldier''s reflexes. The soldier retaliated with a series of rapid strikes, each one calculated and aggressive, forcing Arch to keep backing up and maintaining a crouched stance.


    With every clash, Arch felt his muscles warming up. Adrenaline coursing through his veins. He executed the feint to the left then quickly pivoted right, delivering a strike aimed at the soldier''s leg. The soldier anticipated the move, leaping back just in time and countering with a downward strike aimed at Arch''s shoulder. Arch raised his swords to block the impact sending a jolt through his arms.


    He realized that this was not just a test of strength but also of strategy and adaptability. Sensing an opening, Arch decided to shift tactics. He began using the environment to his advantage, appearing behind trees and using them for cover, while launching quick, precise strikes as the soldier followed.


    As the combat continued, both men began to sweat, breathing heavier, the intensity of the duel can be felt by everyone who¡¯s watching.


    The young soldier produced a cylinder-shaped flask with a swift motion, tossed it high into the air between them. He struck it with his metal stick in his right hand just at it reached its peak. The flask shattered in an explosion, releasing a cloud of gas that hung in the air like a shimmering veil.


    Arch instincts kicked in and he immediately recognized the scent of the flammable liquid, but he thought to himself, ¡°it smells like Emberflow, yet it suspends in the air, and I''m not wet¡­¡± Just as the young soldier let back, he struck his metal sticks together, generating a spark. In an instant, the gas ignited, engulfing Arch in a quick blaze that flared brightly, the flames crackling and dancing around him.


    As the young soldier retreated, Arch leapt through the quick-fire, licking at his clothes but it didn¡¯t slow him down. In one fluid motion, he drew both swords and hurled the blade from his right hand towards the soldier¡¯s left foot, aiming to pin him in place. The young soldier sidestepped to his right, narrowly avoiding the thrust, but that was precisely what Arch had anticipated.


    With a quick pivot, Arch unleashed the sword from his left hand, sending it flying towards the soldier¡¯s left adjacent to his midsection. Effectively limiting his escape routes, the young soldier had nowhere to go, trapped between the two blades. Seizing the moment, Arch closed the distance, colliding with the soldier. He struck his elbow, successfully making contact with the soldier¡¯s jaw. The force of the blow resonated through Arch¡¯s arm, and he felt the satisfying impact as the soldier staggered back, momentarily disordered.


    They both tumbled to the ground in the clearing, landing with a thud that kicked up a cloud of dirt around them.


    Arch, refusing to loosen his grip, held tight to the collar of the young soldier, pinning him down. They found themselves in a precarious position. Arch had locked his right arm against the soldier¡¯s left, effectively immobilizing it, while his left leg braced against the soldier¡¯s right arm, defending against any incoming strikes.


    The fighters¡¯ aura can be seen as they struggled for dominance. The young soldier¡¯s eyes narrowed with determination, but Arch maintained his grip, using his weight to keep the soldier pinned down. In this locked position, every move was critical. Arch needed to leverage his advantage while anticipating the soldier¡¯s next move.


    Arc pummeled his left elbow down and continued with a knee strike at the soldier¡¯s exposed left section if the soldier was able to block his elbows.


    ¡°This can¡¯t continue¡­¡±, The soldier was talking with his mind, ¡°It¡¯s now or I¡¯ll lose strength with each blow!¡± With a sudden surge of strength, the young soldier heaved backward, leveraging his momentum to roll away from Arch. The unexpected motion forced Arch to loosen his grip, and in that split second, the soldier slipped free from his clutches.


    As they both scrambled to their feet, the soldier regained his footing first, a determined look in his eyes. Arch quickly assessed his opponent, preparing for the next exchange, his instincts honed and ready for whatever the young soldier would throw at him next. The atmosphere was charged with tension, both aware that the fight just restarted.


    Both gasps air with dry throats, they charged at each other, their movements quickening in anticipation of the clash, the burly man observed with a keen eye. With a subtle gesture, he signaled to the old mage who stood nearby.


    In response, the mage raised his hands, shouted an incantation. His purplish mana leaped into the air towards the two, ¡°<u>Levi Aetheris</u>!¡± A soft glow enveloped the two fighters, and suddenly, an invisible force surrounded them, halting their advance. The magical energy coalesced into a floating barrier, effectively suspending them in mid-motion.


    The two felt the weight of the spell hold him them in place, their bodies frozen just inches away from the other. The atmosphere shifted, tension giving way to a profound stillness as both young men realized the fight had been effectively stopped.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The old mage motioned his hand toward the two combatants, and they floated gracefully toward the porch, descending gently to the ground. As Arch regained his footing, the burly man spoke, ¡°Right, exams finished.¡± His tone was a mix of authority and amusement.


    Arch, still catching his breath, felt a mix of relief, and anticipation. But confused. The explorer unit has made him unsure of things the day he was accepted.


    The burly man continued to speak, his voice carrying a weight of informality. ¡°Sorry about that. That¡¯s your formal swearing-in ceremony. Welcome to the Nullbound Explorer Unit, Arch Thedo!¡± A broad smile spread across his face, revealing a hint of camaraderie beneath his gruff exterior.


    Arch blinked in surprise. Arch asked, ¡°Are you serious? That¡¯s my swearing-in?¡±


    The burly man chuckled. ¡°Yep, that¡¯s it. We are part of the military, but we don¡¯t follow¡­¡± He paused, glancing at the young soldier who had just tested Arch, then continued, ¡°¡­the other units¡¯ strict traditions. We¡¯re explorers because of that.¡±


    The weight of his words settled over Arch, mingling with the adrenaline from the unexpected confrontation.


    The burly man straightened up, a sense of pride in his voice as he introduced himself. ¡°I¡¯m Eldrin Blackwood, the Head Explorer of the Unit, the man in charge of this whole secrecy. This here is Gaius Emberfall,¡± he said, gesturing toward the old mage, who nodded slightly, a twinkle of wisdom in his eyes. ¡°He¡¯s our Hexplorer, a master of spells, in charge of the unit¡¯s magic research and development. He¡¯d be one of the Grand Maguses at the College of Mages, if they aren¡¯t a stickler for rules at the tower.¡±


    Next, he pointed to the young man with the messy bun. ¡°And this is Scout Jarek Stonefist, Gaius¡¯s apprentice. He¡¯s learning the ropes of magic.¡±


    Finally, Blackwood turned to the young soldier. ¡°And you¡¯ve already met Thornwen Ashford, our quick-footed apprentice. He¡¯s got a knack for finding trouble and avoiding it at the same time. He just sweared ¨C in last moon.¡±


    Thornwen smirked at Arch, his tone light despite the earlier confrontation. ¡°Sorry about the fire. Just testing if they made your garments correctly and if they¡¯re in good condition. But I think your hair would disagree.¡± He gestured playfully at Arch, whose singed hair stood out¡ª the topmost layers curled from the flames.


    Arch couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Well, I¡¯m sorry about your jaw.¡±


    Thornwen waved it off with a grin. ¡°Oh, this is nothing. Jarek can heal this in no time.¡± He glanced over at Jarek, who nodded with an encouraging smile. The light-hearted banter eased the tension.


    ¡°Now¡±, Edrik interrupted, ¡°so we don¡¯t misconstrue everything that happened and there¡¯s no I¡¯ll feeling towards each other, a peck on each other¡¯s cheek would do!¡±


    ¡°A what?¡±, Arch was surprised and confused again, he expected the unit to be more serious and uncomical.


    Thornwen immediately stepped in, ¡°Stop with your jokes H.E., I almost gave every ounce of my pride last moon.¡±


    ¡°What a killjoy,¡± Eldrin briskly responded, ¡°we need humor to blend in.¡±


    ¡°I blend in the military allright,¡± Thornwen shot back.


    ¡°Hmm¡­ Stickler.. Now I don¡¯t know why I recruited you.¡± Eldrik fakes thinking, scratching his chin.


    ¡°That¡¯s Velorian Academy top graduate and Eldridge¡¯s youngest would-be recipient of the realm guardian title for you, sir. If I accepted.¡± Thornwen answered, almost bragging.


    ¡°Alright, alright¡­,¡± Eldrin waves his hand.


    ¡°Wow, nice sparring with you, Sol,¡± Arch bowed slightly to which Thornwen smiled with a smirk.


    Arch furrowed his brow, curiosity piqued. ¡°By the way, what¡¯s all that about? It smells like Emberflow, yet it¡¯s not.¡±


    Eldrin chuckled, his eyes twinkling with humor. ¡°Ah, that would be Embermist. A volatile concoction we actually used in the field. It behaves like Emberflow in its essence but is laced with magical properties that allow it to suspend in the air.


    Gaius, the old mage, added with a hint of pride, ¡°It¡¯s a blend of elemental magic and distilled alchemical essence, perfect for our needs as explorers. Just remember to stay clear of it in the future!¡±


    Thornwen smirked, ¡°And try not to get too close, unless you want a new hairstyle like yours.¡±


    Eldrin continued the conversation, instructing the two to retrieve their weapons from the clearing and join them for a snack. He called out to Scout Tamsin Brookfold to bring out extra mugs filled with <u>Emberbrew</u><u>,</u> along with some <u>Crunchroot Chips</u>, a popular savory treat made from the region¡¯s hearty root vegetables. The enticing aroma of the brew mingled with the scent of the chips, creating an inviting atmosphere as they prepared to relax after the test.


    Eldrin started, ¡°The primary goal of the Nullbound Explorer Unit is to identify and mitigate threats, both within the borders of the Arcanum continent¡­ And beyond. We serve as the Empire¡¯s eyes and ears, delving into uncharted territories and assessing any potential dangers that could jeopardize our way of life. Established during the reign of King Arion IV, the 23th monarch of the Arcanum Empire. Recognizing the growing threats from both external forces and internal strife, King Arion sought to create a specialized force that could operate with greater flexibility than traditional military.¡±


    He explained, ¡°Unlike standard military structures that adhere strictly to a chain of command, the Explorer Unit answers directly to the King himself. This unique relationship grants us the autonomy to act swiftly and decisively, without being hindered by bureaucratic crimson ribbons. Our members are chosen for their skills and adaptability, enabling us to tackle situations that require immediate and innovative responses.¡±


    Eldrin''s eyes gleamed with pride. ¡°In this way, we serve not only as protectors of the Empire but also as its frontline researchers and scouts.¡±


    Gaius continued, ¡°As threats to the Empire evolved, so too did the Explorer Unit. Our specialties now encompass a wide range of skills, including combat, surveillance, reconnaissance, and intelligence gathering. We also engage in magical research and development, advancing our understanding of magic, and creating new magical tools and weapons that can aid our missions.¡±


    He paused for a moment, then added, ¡°We don¡¯t just limit our ranks to those with military backgrounds. We welcome civilian explorers¡­, common folk who possess unique skills or knowledge. Individuals are essential to our extensive intelligence network that spans the entire continent, and beyond... You¡¯ve already met some of these civilian explorers during your first few nights in the city, particularly at LUTT¡¯s Garment and Weaponry, where you experienced firsthand how vital these connections are.¡±


    Eldrin''s tone shifted slightly, filled with enthusiasm. ¡°This adaptability is what sets us apart. We are not just soldiers; we are explorers and scholars, working together to protect and advance the interests of the <u>Arcanum Empire</u>.¡±


    He elaborated, ¡°Our mission encompasses various aspects¡­, we investigate strange occurrences, gather intelligence on hostile entities, and seek out resources that could bolster our defenses. In addition to combating external threats, we also monitor internal unrest, ensuring that we are prepared for any challenges that may arise from within our own lands.¡±


    Eldrin¡¯s tone grew more earnest. ¡°In a world filled with uncertainty, knowledge is our most potent weapon. By understanding the forces at play around us, we can better protect our Empire and its citizens. Every expedition we undertake, every piece of information we gather, is vital for the survival of the Arcanum Empire. As a member of this unit, your role will be crucial in fulfilling this vision.¡±


    Eldrin smiled and added, ¡°Our motto says it all¡­ Identify the unknown, map the uncharted. We¡¯re here to chart unknown territories, uncover hidden threats, and discover knowledge that strengthens the Empire. The Explorer Unit isn¡¯t about following the well-trodden path; we forge new ones.¡±


    Jarek nodded, adjusting his stance as he clarified the ranks. "Alright, let''s break it down. At the top, we have Head Explorer Eldrin Blackwood. Then, there¡¯s the Deputy Explorer, currently out in the provinces, gathering intel for the Empire. Just below that is the rank of Explorer. There¡¯s one resting inside right now, a bit roughed up from his last mission¡ªyou¡¯ll meet him soon enough."


    He continued, "Next is the Ranger. We have Lit Windwalker stationed here at headquarters. Though he''s not in active service due to injuries, his expertise still plays a crucial role around here."


    Then, pointing to himself, Jarek said, "Then comes the Scout, which is my role and Tamsin¡¯s, followed by Apprentice, the entry rank¡­, which Thornwen here holds. And below that, the Recruit. That¡¯s where you would¡¯ve started, but since you¡¯ve been sworn in, I believe you¡¯re officially an Apprentice now, Arch. Welcome to the ranks.¡±


    ¡°And oh,¡± Jarek added, ¡°don¡¯t forget the Hexplorer. He¡¯s a bit outside the usual rank and file. The Hexplorer answers directly to the Head Explorer, and all of the Civilian Explorers report to him as well. We just kinda work alongside them.¡±


    He glanced over at Gaius Emberfall, who gave a small nod, acknowledging his unique role within the unit. ¡°They¡¯re critical to our operations,¡± Jarek continued. ¡°They handle things we can¡¯t always see¡­, and deal with threats that go beyond the physical.¡±


    Jarek leaned in, lowering his voice slightly as he continued, ¡°Historically, the Explorer Unit¡¯s numbers have always been kept intentionally low and secretive. Only the Head Explorer and the Deputy Explorer know the exact count of all our operatives. It¡¯s a countermeasure to prevent intelligence leaks¡­, even if someone tries to target the unit, they won¡¯t know how many of us there really are or where we all are.¡±


    Jarek nodded, recalling the old story with a hint of gravity. "The incident in Veloria was about thirty years ago. Back then, our head office was firmly stationed there. But when a traitorous noble lord sold us out, critical intel about our operatives leaked, jeopardizing countless missions and lives. That situation forced the unit to uproot, relocate, and erase nearly all traces of its presence there.¡±


    It¡¯s like we¡¯re ghosts¡­, always somewhere, but never easy to find. Now, with threats on the rise, we¡¯re ramping up again, filling the ranks carefully but swiftly.¡±


    With a smirk, he added, ¡°A bit different from your typical military, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Eldrin took a long sip from his mug before looking at Arch with a grin. ¡°And that¡¯s where we come in with you, Commander Arch Thedo. You¡¯ve already carved a name for yourself, one of the Empire¡¯s legendary heroes. Not many enter the Explorer Unit with the rank of Commander already under their belt.¡±


    He leaned back, amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°After you finish your first mission¡­, and if you pull it off¡­, you¡¯ll be bumped up to Scout. See, our ranks don¡¯t exactly match the Legion¡¯s. For us, a Recruit in the Explorer Unit is like a Lieutenant in the Legion, an Apprentice aligns with Captain, and a Scout, well, that¡¯d be like a Commander.¡±


    Eldrin gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a setback in title, but not in respect. Here, it¡¯s the skill and success that count, not the insignia.¡±


    Arch nodded, a determined glint in his eye. ¡°I understand,¡± he said firmly. ¡°I came here to test my capabilities and prove my worth.¡±


    Jarek shot a smug look at Thornwen, mouthing, ¡°I told you so.¡± Thornwen, unfazed, replied with a playfully mocking face, sticking his tongue out in exaggerated defiance. Their silent exchange brought a touch of levity to the moment, contrasting with Arch¡¯s serious resolve.


    ¡°As for you¡±, Hexplorer Gaius continued, his tone shifting to one of authority, ¡°as I and Eldrin discussed earlier, you will be assigned the role of a <u>Tracker</u> based on your military records and how you handled yourself during your scuffle with Thornwen earlier. Your instincts and quick thinking stood out.¡±


    Eldrin leaned forward, his gaze steady. ¡°But of course, in time, let¡¯s see if we can expect additional roles for you. As of now, that¡¯s it.¡±


    He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the air. ¡°Embrace this opportunity, Arch. Your skills will grow and evolve within the unit, and you may find yourself taking on even greater responsibilities in the future.¡±


    Eldrin nodded, his expression serious. ¡°However, I must inform you that you won¡¯t be given a mission right away. You¡¯ll need a crash course in how Explorers operate. This training will be essential for your success.¡±


    He continued, ¡°During this period, you¡¯ll learn how to interact with our vast network of civilian Explorers, the code words we use to communicate discreetly, and the specialized tools and equipment exclusive to our unit. Understanding these elements is crucial for your role.


    Eldrin leaned back slightly. ¡°Once you¡¯ve completed your training, you¡¯ll be ready to engage in missions that could determine the fate of the Empire. Until then, focus on mastering what it means to be an Explorer.¡±


    Eldrin continued, ¡°Oh, and there¡¯s one more thing you need to know. For every mission, you¡¯ll be given a different identity to use in the field. We have a mana operated machine that randomizes these identifications to ensure anonymity.¡±


    He paused for emphasis before adding, ¡°We don¡¯t allow our Explorers to create their own aliases because humans often latch emotions or biases to their identities. By using randomized identities, we minimize personal attachment and maintain operational security.


    As the evening settled in, Arch found a quiet corner to chat with Ranger Lyt Windwalker. The fire crackled softly nearby, casting a warm glow around them as they spoke. Lyt Windwalker stands about five wand lengths and 6 hilts with a lean, athletic build, his tanned skin marked by faint scars from past encounters. He has tousled, chestnut-brown hair that falls just above his shoulders, often tied back with a leather cord. His sharp green eyes are keen and observant, reflecting his wisdom and connection to nature.


    Dressed in a rugged, earth-toned tunic and durable trousers, he wears a dark green cloak that flows to his calves, adorned with subtle leaf patterns. His sturdy leather boots are slightly scuffed, and a utility belt around his waist holds essential tools


    ¡°So, what happened?¡± Arch asked, observing Lyt¡¯s slight limp as he shifted in his seat. ¡°I see you¡¯ve got a bit of a gait in your step.¡±


    Lyt sighed, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. ¡°Yeah, it was a few years back. I was on a reconnaissance mission near the borders of Grimgor when I ran into an ambush. A band of rogue mages had set a trap, and I took a nasty hit during the escape. The injury still bothers me now and then, especially when the weather changes.¡±


    Arch nodded, understanding the weight of those words. ¡°I can imagine. The field is where we belong, isn¡¯t it? But I¡¯ve heard you do great work here at the head office.¡±


    Lyt smiled, ¡°I still contribute, helping train the recruits and managing our animal companions. You¡¯d be surprised how much a well-trained beast can help during missions.¡±


    Just then, Thadeus Gray sauntered over, a mug of <u>Emberbrew</u> in hand. He stands around six wand lengths tall with a solid, muscular build, reflecting years of training and fieldwork. His short, dark hair is flecked with gray, and his jet black eyes exude intelligence and curiosity. He has a well-defined jawline adorned with a light stubble, giving him a rugged, experienced look.


    Dressed in practical attire suitable for exploration, he wears a fitted dark leather vest over a light shirt, complemented by sturdy trousers and well-worn boots. A variety of tools and gadgets hang from his belt, showcasing his role as an explorer. Thadeus carries an air of confidence and approachability, often found smiling or engaging in friendly banter with his comrades.


    With a casual scratch at his backside, he settled into a chair next to Arch and Lyt. ¡°What¡¯s this? A serious discussion about the horrors of desk duty?¡± he teased, taking a hearty sip of his drink.


    ¡°More like sharing battle scars,¡± Arch replied with a smirk, gesturing toward Lyt¡¯s leg. ¡°I was just hearing about how he got caught in an ambush.¡±


    ¡°Ah, the classic tale of rogue mages,¡± Thadeus said, feigning a dramatic tone. ¡°You should have seen the look on their faces when this Ranger turned the tide all by himself!¡±


    Lyt chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Not quite. It was more about getting out in one piece. But the real work is here now, keeping things running smoothly for missions.¡±


    ¡°Speaking of missions,¡± Arch said, taking a sip of his own <u>Emberrew</u>, ¡°I¡¯m excited for the crash courses.


    Thadeus leaned forward, his expression turning serious. ¡°With your background, you¡¯ll do just fine. Just remember, it¡¯s not always about glory. Sometimes, it¡¯s about knowing when to act and when to blend into the shadows.¡±


    ¡°Wise words from a seasoned Explorer,¡± Lyt acknowledged.


    ¡°Plus,¡± Leith added with a grin, ¡°you¡¯ll have plenty of time to show off your skills. Just make sure to save some energy for the practical exercises. They¡¯ll put your abilities to the test.¡±


    With laughter and banter filling the air, the camaraderie between the three men deepened, solidifying Arch¡¯s growing sense of belonging within the Explorer Unit. As they continued to sip their mugs of Emberbrew, the challenges ahead seemed less daunting, and the promise of new adventures lay tantalizingly close.

 6th: Duty, Tours, and Training

    Heading northwest on the winding Imperial road from Illuminara City to Glisterven Town. The air grows colder as they near the Velorian border, making her grateful for the thick cloak her mother made her.


    Upon arrival at the Northern Glisterven Patrol Outpost, she meets the outpost vice seer, Veteran Deron Farr, who greets her with a brief nod. His gaze, with burrowed knot in his brows is critical as he examines the uniforms.


    ¡°¡­these are crafted especially for the northern patrol, Sergeant,¡± she explains. ¡°¡­ they¡¯re made from a versatile fabric that provides warmth against cold winds yet remains breathable for milder days.¡±


    He replied ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am , I¡¯m just a veteran. Sergeant¡¯s in his office affixing his sigil for these orders. Thank you for thinking, anyways,¡± to which Serriah releases an awkward smile, clasping her palms tight.


    Deron¡¯s approval is evident as he nods. ¡°Good work, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ll be needing more like this. Please extend my thanks to your family.¡±


    As her supplies are unloaded, the business is concluded, Serriah mounts her horse again, feeling a quiet pride. There¡¯s a growing warm feeling inside her chest for a job well done.


    The sun dips low over the rooftops, casting warm, faint golden light across <u>Glistenven Square Market</u>. Serriah wanders through the bustling stalls, taking in the scents of spiced meats and fresh bread, the chatter of haggling customers, and the calls of merchants advertising their wares. She¡¯s just finished resting after her earlier visit to the Patrol Outpost, and her curiosity draws her further into the heart of the market.


    Near the far end of the square, a scene catches her attention. An elderly woman, her back hunched from years of labor, draped with a woven brownish, mottled green shawl, stands behind a modest stall displaying handwoven shawls and intricate wooden carvings. Her work is fine, and her prices are fair, but a sly, fast-talking man in garish clothes stands in front of her, waving his hands with exaggerated gestures.


    The charlatan looks over the items with a sneer. ¡°These are barely worth half of what you¡¯re asking, old woman,¡± he says, tossing a coin in his hand. ¡°I¡¯ll take the whole lot for¡­ let¡¯s say a quarter of your price. Fair deal, yes?...¡±


    The elderly woman stammers, uncertain and flustered. ¡°But¡­ but these took me weeks to make, sir. They¡¯re worth far more than¡­¡±


    The man interrupts her with a scoff. ¡°Do you think anyone else is going to buy this?¡± He casts a sideways glance at the crowd, playing to their indifference. ¡°You should be grateful I¡¯m offering anything at all¡­¡±


    Serriah¡¯s eyes narrow. She steps forward, positioning herself beside the elderly woman, her presence radiating confidence.


    ¡°Ehermmmm¡­. Excuse me,¡± Serriah interjects, her voice calm but firm. ¡°I couldn¡¯t help but notice your attempt to undervalue her work. A quarter of her asking price is an insult to her fine pieces of work!¡±


    The man smirks, clearly amused. ¡°And who are you to tell me how to conduct business, woman?¡±


    Serriah meets his gaze, her eyes steady yet showing a sweet smile. ¡°A patron who knows quality craft when she sees it.¡± She picks up one of the woman¡¯s shawls, running her fingers over the intricate stitching. ¡°This is fine work. It deserves a fair price.¡±


    The charlatan laughs, dismissing her with a quick wave of his hand. ¡°If you think it¡¯s worth so much, then why don¡¯t you pay for it.


    Serriah smiles coolly. ¡°I think I¡¯ll just¡­ just do that.¡± She raises her voice, drawing the attention of nearby shoppers. ¡°Everyone! Look here¡­ This woman¡¯s work is truly exquisite. I think you¡¯ll find her prices more than fair for the craftsmanship.¡±


    The man¡¯s smirk slowly faded as the crowd grows curious, a few approaching to examine the elderly woman¡¯s goods. With Serriah¡¯s charms, the stall quickly gathers attention, and soon, several buyers are offering the woman her full asking price, and more.


    The charlatan, realizing his scheme has backfired, glares at Serriah before slinking away. Serriah raises her right brow and mocks the charlatan before she turns to the elderly woman, who looks at her with gratitude shining in her eyes.


    ¡°Thank you, miss,¡± the woman says softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I would have done if you hadn¡¯t stepped in. May I know your name?¡±


    Serriah smiles. ¡°Serriah, ma¡¯am Serriah Lutt¡­ It¡¯s nothing, really. People like him prey on good folks like you. I was just glad I could help.¡±


    As Serriah steps out of the stall, the old woman tugged her by the wrist. She can feel the woman¡¯s callouses as she held her leathery hand, worn by years of weaving her products.


    ¡°This looks good on you, Miss Serriah¡­,¡± the old woman said as she shyly offers Serriah a crimson shawl with thin pink lines that intersect, forming squares on the fabric.


    You¡¯ve still got good eyes, ma¡¯am,¡± Serriah flutters the old woman, ¡°No wonder your shawls are beautiful. How much for this dandy?¡±


    ¡°No, miss,¡± Says the old woman, her voice crackling as if she¡¯s to let a cry, ¡°¡­ever since my grandson died, this is the first time that someone stood for me.¡±


    Serriah¡¯s heart melted, yet¡­ she was eager to pay the item but the old woman softly clasped the crimson shawl into her hands with her apologetic eyes like those of a kitten.


    ¡°Thank you so much, for this wonderful gift, ma¡¯am¡­¡±, She had no choice but to accept or it will hurt the old woman¡¯s feelings.


    As Serriah walks away, she notices that her small act of kindness has not gone unnoticed. A few vendors nod respectfully as she passes, and she can¡¯t help but feel a quiet sense of pride.


    After a long day of travel, Serriah finds respite in a cozy inn at Glistenvale. The warm glow of the hearth casts flickering shadows on the wooden walls, and the smell of hearty stew fills the air. As she settles into a corner table with a steaming bowl, she reflects on her day¡ªthe satisfaction she felt when she stood up for the elderly woman against the charlatan lingers in her mind, her fingers running thru the soft, warm fabric of the shawl.


    Memories from her own childhood surface, moments when she had been bullied, going home with her beautifully crafted blouse splattered with food sauce or mud, pigtails messed due to the pulling of her bullies, small and powerless as others took advantage of her vulnerability. Now, helping those who are vulnerable ignites a flicker of strength within her, as if she¡¯s reclaiming the lost pieces of her past. She remembers the thrill of seeing a bully put in their place, and it makes her heart swell with purpose.


    As she gazes into the fire, Serriah thinks of the littlefolk, those often overlooked and marginalized in society. She recognizes their struggles; perhaps she sees a bit of herself in their plight. They deserve someone to advocate for them, to stand firm against those who exploit their kindness.


    With a determined smile, Serriah resolves to embark on a journey around the realm. She imagines traveling from village to village, using her skills not just as a craftsman, but as a charmer, and advocate for those in need. The thought fills her with excitement and a sense of duty. She knows that she can help empower others, even if it¡¯s just small act, she is sure it will mean big to the people she can help. She knows.


    At the Explorer base, Scout Tamsin Brookfold guided Arch through the entrance of the Explorer¡¯s Head Office compound, nestled deep within a forest spanning nearly twenty oakspans in all sides. Arch¡¯seyes widened as he realized how the head office is really concealed.


    ¡°At the heart of this forest,¡± Tamsin explained, gesturing to the land surrounding them, ¡°lies our compound, occupying about seven oakspans in all directions. The previous explorers made sure it¡¯s shielded from anyone who isn¡¯t supposed to be here.¡±


    Arch noticed subtle shifts in the air, a faint ripple just at the edge of his vision. ¡°My eyes is toying with me?¡± he asked, marveling at the sight.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Tamsin replied. ¡°These veils in the aether block unintended visitors. Anyone not meant to be here, whether hunters, fellers, or wanderers, will just find themselves back where they started. No one ventures here willingly¡ªthe forest itself seems haunted to the outside world, with tales of eerie mist and endless paths. And honestly¡­¡±, Tamsin added with a sly smile, ¡°who do you think started those stories?¡±


    Arch chuckled, appreciating the ingenuity and subtlety of the protection. ¡°And the animals, right?¡±


    ¡°Only those we¡¯ve permitted can enter¡­ Explorers and our trained animals. Even if they approach from higher ground, like the lands of Grimgor or Veloria, or if the Military Aether Force try to survey from above, all they¡¯d see is a dense, dark forest. We¡¯ve cast a veil over the whole place, so we¡¯re invisible from every angle.¡±


    Continuing, Tamsin led Arch to the Slab. ¡°This is where Gaius conducts his research. It¡¯s one of the most guarded parts of the compound.¡± She pointed out the <u>stables</u> and the <u>birdiery </u>next, explaining how each played a role in the unit¡¯s work. The stables held the sturdy horses trained for intelligence and endurance, while the <u>birdiery</u> housed the unit¡¯s birds.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    As they made their way through the head office¡¯s main building, Tamsin showed Arch the resting quarters, detailing the essentials and communal spaces, the offices and meeting hall,. ¡°The transport system you used to enter here is inspired by the<u> Continental Wagon Way</u> in the <u>Starhaven continent</u>. Ours links to hidden exit points surrounding the compound, for quick escapes or discreet returns from missions. Not all explorers have military background and can¡¯t just enter the Imperial Military Complex, you know.¡±


    Arch was awed. This place was more than just a base, it¡¯s a self-contained, hidden world, crafted to protect the secrets and missions of the Explorer Unit.


    After Tamsin¡¯s tour, Arch met with Lyt for his next phase of training. Lyt¡¯s expression was serious but encouraging as he began sharing the knowledge that had kept him alive on countless missions.


    ¡°First,¡± Lyt said, pointing toward the horizon, ¡°navigation. In case you¡¯re ever without a mana navigator, the stars are your fallback. Learn the constellations, they¡¯ll guide you north, south, east, and west, no matter where you find yourself. But since you were in the military, I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t need to stay on this subject.¡±


    They moved into the forest, where Lyt began his lesson on blending into surroundings. ¡°During reconnaissance and scouting, invisibility isn¡¯t just about hiding; it¡¯s about becoming part of the scene. If you¡¯re trained to think like a dispatch, now, think like a criminal who needs to hide and escape. That¡¯s the trick. In serious situations, you¡¯re caught. You gone¡­¡±


    He demonstrated how to identify and follow trails that animals or enemies might leave, and showed how to use their dark blue garments. ¡°This shade is the key. It helps us blend, especially at night, keeping us unseen even if an enemy glances our way. But staying still is the art.¡±


    Lyt explained the codewords that explorers used to contact members of the civilian intelligence network scattered throughout the region. ¡°We have allies across the empire, hidden in plain sight. These codewords are the bridge.¡±


    They arrived at the <u>birdiery</u>, where a flock of trained ravens cawed. ¡°Our ravens are invaluable for communication,¡± Lyt explained. ¡°They can report mission progress and, when needed, deliver urgent messages back here.¡± He showed Arch the unique whistle each raven responded to, a pitch distinct to every bird. ¡°Like us, they need practice to keep sharp,¡± Lyt added, releasing a raven to fly a circuit overhead. ¡°And, of course, we use a bit of magic to speed their training and sense mana locations. These birds are mana sensitive¡­, we train them to identify mana signatures which enables them to locate places, which they will fly to when told.¡±


    Lyt led Arch through the stables, gesturing at the horses as he began, ¡°We breed, train, and keep our horses here¡­ though these aren¡¯t just any horses.¡±


    He pointed out a few of the <u>Drakesteeds</u> grazing peacefully, explaining, ¡°In the early days of the unit, the first steeds we used were called Wyvermanes, a breed we smuggled out of Wyrmwood Keep from Valoria. Our first steed trainer managed to sneak a pair off the continent¡­, a daring feat, really. <u>Wyvermanes</u> had unmatched loyalty and endurance, but their size and temperament made them hard to keep incognito. Plus, they were tricky to train. Over time, we bred them with other horses, trying to create the perfect balance, and now we have these <u>Drakesteeds.</u>¡±


    Arch squinted, observing the horses skeptically. ¡°They just look like regular horses to me.¡±


    Lyt chuckled, nodding. ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s the whole point! Drakesteeds look ordinary, inside, have bigger lungs and more robust muscles. They kept their ancestors¡¯ loyalty and endurance. They might not be the fastest, but they can run at top speed for far longer than most breeds. And they¡¯re sharper too¡ªthey¡¯ll never leave you in the field.¡±


    ¡°These horses are also fed a specific kind of grass we grow here, enchanted to maintain their unique traits. One of these saved my life once.¡± Lyt¡¯s voice softened, a memory flashing in his eyes. ¡°¡­ when I was ambushed, I lost a lot of blood, and fainted while riding. But Missy¡­ my <u>Drakesteed</u>¡ªdidn¡¯t stop. She ran for two days straight, only breaking to drink from streams. I woke up with Tamsen tending my wounds, and Missy was right out the window waiting¡­ waiting.¡±


    Arch nodded, understanding now. ¡°Seems like these horses are as much a part of the unit as the people.¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Lyt agreed with a smile, giving Missy an affectionate pat. ¡°They¡¯re part of the team¡­¡±


    The following day, Arch joined Jarek in the <u>Slab</u><u>,</u> eager to learn about the tools that would aid them in their missions.


    ¡°Today, we¡¯re diving into some of our most important gear,¡± Jarek announced with a grin. He gestured toward a collection of devices lined up on a long table. ¡°Let¡¯s start with Embermist, which I believe doesn¡¯t need details. Very handy.¡±, To which Arch replied unenthusiastically, ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    ¡°Next,¡± Jarek picked up a small, compact device with white and orange crystals embedded within. ¡°This one is called <u>Brightshade</u>. Confusing, right?¡± he joked, eliciting a chuckle from Arch. ¡°It¡¯s created from crystals compacted together. When twisted, the manaflow inside absorbs their properties and then, boom! It explodes after a short time, creating a blinding flash and a loud noise that can disorient anyone caught in the area, about ten staff lengths wide.¡±


    He paused dramatically, as if building suspense, then added, ¡°We¡¯re currently developing a smaller version for close combat situations.¡± With a flourish, Jarek opened the testing hall door. Just then, ¡°boom¡±, a loud bang erupted from within, causing both of them to duck instinctively.


    ¡°Ahhhhhh! My eyes! I can¡¯t see a thing!!!¡± came the panicked shout of Thadeus, shrieking from inside.


    ¡°Close the door, Jarek! He may wander off!¡± Gaius shouted, urgency can be traced from his voice.


    Jarek sheepishly complied, pulling the door shut. ¡°As I said, we¡¯re still developing,¡± he said, awkwardly trying to keep a straight face, but failing miserably. ¡°Maybe just a few kinks to work out.¡± Arch awkwardly responded, ¡°All right¡­¡± At the back if his head, he makes a mental note not cross Gaius¡¯ path nor be too friendly with him.


    ¡°Next up,¡± Jarek said, regaining his composure, ¡°we have the <u>Mystlens</u>. These special tinted goggles that enable the wearer to <u>aethergaze</u>, allowing you to see mana esssence in your surroundings. Very effective for trailing magic residue. They¡¯re also useful for spotting figures drawn by the <u>Manaquill</u>, a chalk we use to mark meeting, hiding, and safe spots during a mission,¡± handing Arch one.


    Jarek leaned closer, his expression growing serious. ¡°We¡¯re developing a new version of this <u>Manaquill</u> since we¡¯ve learned that people with a natural talent for aethergazing can see these marks, especially if they look intently. That poses a potential threat if they understand what they mean. We¡¯ve even recruited someone with this talent. He often travels to the far ends of the realm to detect any significant mana shifts in the continent¡¯s <u>aether</u>. Of course, we don¡¯t know where he is now,¡± he added with a wink, ¡°but I¡¯m sure he¡¯s off solving the mysteries of the universe or something equally grand.¡±


    Arch nodded, captivated by the possibilities of each tool. Jarek continued to demonstrate other gadgets used by the unit, each with its own unique purpose and clever design.


    For his last training session, Arch stood before Thadeus, who would personally assess his martial and weapon skills. Thadeus, a seasoned explorer with a reputation for his tactical mindset and strategic combat skills, wore a serious expression that spoke of the importance of the day¡¯s training.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Thadeus began, pacing slightly, flicking about knives in both hands, ¡°explorers don¡¯t face enemies head-on like military units. If the situation permits, always evade. If you must strike, ensure the enemy is knocked out, not killed. The responding dispatch units will do the ¡®clean up¡¯ for you. Fatal blows are a last resort.¡±


    Arch reflected on his time as a Dispatch Commander, recalling instances where his unit arrived on the scene to find aggressors unconscious or bound. ¡°Those were the work of explorers?!¡± he blurted out, a surprise in his tone.


    Thadeus sheepishly grinned, a twinkle of mischief in his eyes. ¡°Oh, sorry! I forgot you were a Dispatch Commander. I hope it doesn¡¯t offend you!¡± He laughed, the sound echoing through the training grounds.


    ¡°It¡¯s all right. It actually makes our work easier,¡± Arch replied, ¡°By the way, are your eyes good for today¡¯s training?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Thadeus assured him, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Gaius never works without a plan. Besides, I¡¯m used to it by now.¡±


    ¡°Just how many experiments have you endured?¡± Arch asked, raising an eyebrow with curiosity.


    ¡°Ah, no worries! You¡¯ll have your own soon enough,¡± Thadeus said with a wink, sending a chill down Arch''s spine. ¡°I now understand why you always want to be on a mission,¡± Arch replied, shaking his head with mock horror.


    They began their training with a series of warm-up exercises, Thadeus demonstrating various stances and movements. ¡°First, let¡¯s work on your hand-to-hand combat,¡± he said, moving into a defensive position. ¡°In close quarters, it¡¯s all about leverage and quick movements. Use your opponent¡¯s momentum against them.¡±


    Then, he demonstrated a swift takedown, smoothly flipping an imaginary opponent to the ground. ¡°You see? It¡¯s all about balance and timing. Try it on me,¡± he said, motioning for Arch to approach.


    With a nod, Arch moved in, practicing the technique. Thadeus guided him, correcting his posture and encouraging him to be fluid in his movements. ¡°Good! Now remember to stay light on your feet,¡± he instructed. ¡°Explorers must always be ready to move, to escape if needed.¡±


    As the training continued, Thadeus shifted focus to using the environment to Arch¡¯s advantage. ¡°You can use walls, trees, or even the ground itself,¡± he explained, demonstrating how to use a wall for cover. ¡°If you¡¯re cornered, look for anything you can use to shield yourself or create an escape route.¡±


    They moved to an area filled with obstacles where Thadeus showed Arch how to navigate through tight spaces. ¡°Practice evasion,¡± he said, moving like a shadow as he ducked and weaved around the training dummies. ¡°If you¡¯re spotted, the goal is to slip away without being caught. The dark blue garments we wear help us blend in... Use that to your advantage...¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a natural at this, do you often often play Patrol and Thieves when you were young?¡± Thadeus praised with a little bit of sarcasm in his tone, nodding approvingly.


    ¡°Nope! Just trained a lot and harder than anyone to please my father!¡± Arch grunted while he jumped on Thadeus from behind.


    Then, Thadeus focused on stealthy attacks. ¡°Stealth is not just about being quiet; it¡¯s about timing and precision,¡± he emphasized. ¡°When you strike, do so from the shadows or behind cover.¡± He demonstrated a swift, silent approach, finishing with a controlled but decisive move that would incapacitate an opponent without leaving a mark.


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s put it all together,¡± Thadeus said, his eyes gleaming with excitement. ¡°Imagine a scenario¡­You¡¯re on a mission, and you spot an enemy ahead. You need to evade detection, get close, and incapacitate them without raising the alarm.¡±


    Arch practiced, moving cautiously through the makeshift environment, using cover effectively. Thadeus watched, offering tips and encouragement.


    As the session wrapped up, Arch felt a growing satisfaction in, a warm feeling which often evaded him after a day¡¯s work. In the past, he¡¯s just glad it¡¯s over.

 7th: On Heroad Pass Once Again

    It¡¯s been three weeks since Arch set his first steps at the Nullbound Explorer Head Office.


    He will be given his be briefed with his first mission, today. In the brightly lit meeting hall, the air buzzed with anticipation as the explorer unit gathered for a briefing. Gaius, Thadeus, Lyt, Tamsen, and Arch were seated around the large wooden table, waiting for Eldrin to begin.


    Eldrin gave a nod. ¡°Well, let¡¯s start!¡± he announced, his voice calm but commanding. Tamsen, standing near the door, promptly locked it and pulled a lever hidden behind her.


    Arch tensed, half-expecting some grand mechanism or hidden entrance to emerge. Instead, the lights dimmed, and a line of crystal lamps along the wall flickered to life, casting a soft, bluish glow around the room. ¡°That¡¯s a letdown¡±, he thought.


    ¡°You¡¯ll want to put on the <u>mystlens</u>,¡± Tamsen suggested, handing a pair of the enchanted glasses.


    With the mystlens on, Arch¡¯s view of the room shifted. A trail of mana, invisible before, now appeared swirling above the table, streaming from a crystal orb embedded in the ceiling. The mana threads twisted and formed shapes, gradually assembling into an apparition map of the region. Various landmarks and paths illuminated, highlighting mission routes.


    Eldrin turned to Arch. ¡°Your mission is to assist the Ministry of Public Utilities in securing and supporting their work on Heroad. The ministry has been rebuilding the road for essential supply routes, but the region around Treewors Forest is prone to ambushes and¡­other hazards.¡± He paused, giving Arch a meaningful look. ¡°That¡¯s where we come in.¡±


    As Eldrin spoke, the mana on the table formed into an image of Treewors Forest, depicting its dense canopy and the Heroad cutting through its center. Arch¡¯s mind flashed back to his last encounter on that road, recalling the ambush he¡¯d faced from the notorious Cane Bandits.


    ¡°Or maybe,¡± Arch thought to himself, ¡°it¡¯s a chance to settle the score with those Cane Bandits.¡±


    Eldrin continued, seemingly aware of Arch¡¯s thoughts. ¡°This is a ¡®traveler-level mission, just enough to get your grasp on our field work and neutralize manageable threat, possibly. To ensure you¡¯re fully supported, Ranger Lyt will be accompanying you. He¡¯ll observe your work, assist if needed, and provide counsel on any decisions along the way.¡±


    A map projection on the table shifted again, this time showing the southern patrol route. ¡°A patrol party from the Southern Lumen Patrol Outpost will rendezvous with,¡± Eldrin added, pointing to a marked spot on the map. ¡°And an apprentice mage from the College of Mages will join as well, to assist with the work of the Ministry.¡±


    Tamsen cleared her throat, adding, ¡°You¡¯ll all be wearing explorer hats and masks to keep your identities hidden. Since there are other parties involved and given the possible interactions with rogue elements, it¡¯s best to lessen identity contact.¡±


    The room fell silent as the mana projection faded. The briefing was complete, but the air of anticipation remained.


    As the team dispersed, Tamsen handed Arch a spectralcast containing the mission¡¯s finer details.


    Across the hall, Jarek stood ready with a utility belt lined with essential tools. ¡°Got everything you need here,¡± Jarek said, smiling as he fastened the belt on Arch, pointing out the compartments for embermist, blurrshade, and mystlens.


    Meanwhile, Thadeus remained at the table, waiting for his own mission briefing. Arch caught a few words as Eldrin leaned toward Thadeus: ¡°Grimgor¡± and ¡°Vanguard.¡±


    Thadeus groaned, rolling his eyes. ¡°What a downgrade! Come on, Eldrin, I¡¯m good to go!¡±


    Eldrin smirked, patting his friend on the shoulder. ¡°If we weren¡¯t short on staff, I¡¯d lock you in here for another week to rest¡±.


    ¡°Unlucky for you,¡± Thadeus responded, his tone laced with irony.


    Serriah returned home and gathered her family to share her plans, she¡¯s set on traveling.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to travel,¡± she began, her voice determined. ¡°There are people out there¡­ People who are being taken advantage of, just because no one¡¯s there to help them. I want to help.¡±


    Her parents¡¯ expressions hardened with worry and disbelief. Her mother shook her head.


    ¡°Serriah, you¡¯re not a soldier or a healer. It¡¯s dangerous out there, and I won¡¯t have you wandering alone, chasing after trouble.¡±


    Her father¡¯s tone was equally firm. ¡°You have a life here, work that matters. Why throw that away for strangers?¡±


    Serriah¡¯s shoulders slumped, but before she could respond, her uncle spoke up, gently placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. ¡°Now, don¡¯t be too hard on her. She has a kind heart and noble intentions,¡± he said softly, casting a supportive glance her way. ¡°Maybe¡­ maybe this just isn¡¯t the right time,¡± he suggested, giving her an encouraging nod.


    Serriah nodded, appreciating her uncle¡¯s quiet support. Even though she wasn¡¯t permitted to go, his words were a small comfort, reminding her that someone believed in her vision.


    The day after their briefing, the explorers gathered their things and prepared to leave the head office for their missions. Thadeus caught up with Arch and Lyt just outside office, sharing a quick exchange before they parted ways.


    ¡°Eyes sharp, shadows deep,¡± Thadeus, giving them both a firm nod.


    ¡°Silent steps, safe returns,¡± Arch replied with a faint smile, echoing the explorers'' farewell.


    With that, Thadeus headed off to his assignment, and Arch and Lyt began their journey. Their first stop was LUTTS¡¯ Garments and Weaponry, where they could gather additional garments and tools. They slipped in through the back door, greeted by Elara, who quickly escorted them into a private room at the rear of the shop.


    ¡°Dear, let¡¯s close the shop for breakfast,¡± Elara called to her husband, who was busy assisting customers at the front. Within moments, the shop was closed, ensuring the explorers¡¯ privacy.


    In the back room, Arch shared his feedback on the twin swords that Kellan. The swords felt balanced and sharp, and Arch mentioned that they had already proven useful during training. Meanwhile, Elara and Lyt were discussing specific garments they¡¯d need for their mission, especially ones suited for changing temperatures and tough terrain.


    Just then, Serriah entered, her eyes bright with determination. She had a plan¡­


    ¡°I want to join you on this mission,¡± Serriah said, her voice steady. ¡°I can help. You¡¯re going to need someone who will speak for you with the other party members.¡±


    Arch raised an eyebrow, glancing at Lyt for guidance. But Lyt only shrugged and said, ¡°It¡¯s your mission, Arch. Your call.¡±


    With a persuasive glint in her eye, Serriah made her case. She argued her skills in tailoring, supplies and how she can speak with the others since they need to minimize their interaction, her <u>toungesmithing</u> as sharp as her resolve. After some back-and-forth, she eventually won them over. Lyt smirked as he watched Arch give in.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Arch said at last, but he held up a finger. ¡°Under one condition¡­ You follow¡­ My¡­ lead¡­ If things get rough, you stay out of the fray.¡±


    Serriah nodded, a sly smile on her lips. ¡°Deal.¡±


    Just then, Bod entered, looking around the room. ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    ¡°Nothing you need to worry about, dad,¡± Serriah replied cheerfully. Her uncle, Kellan, gave her a supportive nod, clearly proud of her spirit.


    When they arrived at the Southern Lumen Patrol Outpost, it was clear that the structure was designed for visibility and control. Set at a wide clearing where several main paths intersected, the outpost acted as a checkpoint, overseeing travelers entering Lumen Town in its north or leaving toward Heroad to the south. Instead of dense woods, the area around the outpost was open.


    Several Ministry of Public Utilities workers and mages, dressed in practical travel gear and carrying tools, were already assembled outside. The patrol guards moved efficiently between posts, managing the steady flow of merchants, travelers, and messengers that passed through this vital hub.


    Arch, Lyt, and Serriah dismounted and were led to the meeting hall. Sergeant Barkhold, the officer overseeing outpost security, stood waiting. His presence was imposing, with his sharp gaze set on each member of their team.Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    ¡°Welcome to the Sothern Lumen Patrol Outpost,¡± his booming voice greeted them. Some swords clanked as they were dropped to the ground, as if the wielder were shocked by the sudden shout and horses neighing. ¡°I understand you¡¯ll be accompanying the Ministry workers to Heroad. This repair mission is overdue, and the stretch of Heroad you¡¯ll be traveling has seen its share of issues lately. Bandit activity, wild beasts... It won¡¯t be just a casual walk.¡±


    Arch nodded, fully aware of the potential threats they might encounter, given his past experience with the Cane Bandits. ¡°We¡¯re here to provide additional protection and keep the route clear while the Ministry workers do their job.¡±


    Brikan nodded approvingly. ¡°This mission might take a week, maybe more, depending on conditions. You exporers will scout and secure each section ahead of the workers. If there¡¯s trouble, you¡¯ll handle it, we will also send a patrol unit with you to assist.¡±


    Just then, Apprentice mage Borromeo Leobn, a scrawny young mage from the College of Mages, arrived. He introduced himself with a respectful bow. ¡°Apprentice Mage Borromeo Leobn, here to provide magical support on Heroad.¡±


    ¡°Glad to have you, Apprentice,¡± Ranger Lyt said, exchanging a nod. ¡°With a mage in our team, we¡¯ll have more options to handle any obstacles on the road.¡±


    ¡°Cadet Ichson Marnor, get the <u>spectralcast</u> for this mission!,¡± Barkhold growled. ¡°Yes, sire!¡± the cadet responded.


    ¡°Already graduated.¡± Arch said, to which Barkhold responded ¡°Yes, sir¡­ We held their graduation ceremony a couple of days ago. This one¡¯s is among the cream of the top. Commended by Commander Thedo for his excellence during sentry duty.¡± Barkhold had an idea who is this explorer is.


    When the spectralcast is set, Barkhold continued to outlined their plan. ¡°We¡¯ll surround the workers, the advance group lead by the explorers will be clearing areas for them to set up safely. Another group of ministry workers will be joining with us from the other end of the road. But of course, their security detail is not heavy as ours since we¡¯ve established that things happen less there. They¡¯ll be meeting us the center of the road.¡±


    As the final preparations were made, Sergeant Barkhold gave the outpost a few parting words before the team gathered around the ministry workers and patrol party who were beginning to sort through their supplies. Borromeo explained his role further: ¡°I¡¯ll be assisting the Ministry¡¯s mages in moving any obstacles along the route¡ªboulders, fallen trees, anything that¡¯s made Heroad impassable.¡±


    Serriah, standing just beside Arch, leaned in as if to join the conversation. But before she could say a word, Arch shot her a quick glance, one eyebrow raised in a silent warning. Serriah froze, momentarily caught off guard, before covering with a casual sip from her mug.


    ¡°This tastes¡­ nice,¡± she murmured, feigning interest in her drink and making a show of examining its taste with exaggerated focus.


    The others didn¡¯t seem to notice the exchange, though Lyt gave her a slight, amused smile as he continued, ¡°I¡¯ll also be helping with any barriers and protective veils to keep the workers safe while they¡¯re on the job.¡±


    Arch nodded, satisfied that the mages¡¯ support would ease the heavy lifting for their team, and then turned to Serriah. ¡°Glad you¡¯re enjoying the drink,¡± he said dryly.


    She gave a half-smile, clearly catching his meaning.


    ¡°Remember,¡± Barkhold said as the team assembled by the wagons, ¡°stick together, stay sharp. The Treewors Forest has a reputation, and the road south can be unpredictable. Veteran Tersen Lawn, you¡¯re in charge of the Outpost until I get back, If don¡¯t, well good luck then.¡±


    The Vice Seer saluted, straightening her posture and placing her right palm below her left clavicle.


    ¡°Anything comes up, you let me know. Or the provincial command office,¡± Barkhold ordered.


    With that, the party took their positions around the wagons, setting off.


    As the team entered Heroad, Arch and Lyt took point, with Serriah, Birken, and Borromeo forming a loose vanguard. They moved casually, eyes sweeping the surrounding wilderness for any hint of movement or danger. Just ahead, the rest of the convoy trailed about two oakspans back, the soldiers maintaining a vigilant circle around the Ministry workers and mages, who had already begun their work assessing the road. A few soldiers moved further out, about twenty-five staff lengths into the trees, establishing a perimeter and ensuring no one could sneak up undetected.


    After a while, Serriah glanced sideways at Borromeo, trying to size him up. She leaned closer with a curious grin. ¡°So¡­ how¡¯d you end up as a mage?¡± she asked, her tone teasing. ¡°No offense, but you don¡¯t exactly look¡­ well, built for it.¡±


    Borromeo narrowed his eyes slightly, smirking as he replied with dry sarcasm, ¡°What can I say? Lifting books and studying ancient tomes really puts on the muscle. You should try it sometime¡­ good for building mental strength.¡±


    Serriah rolled her eyes but smiled, clearly amused by his quick comeback. ¡°Right, mental strength,¡± she quipped back. ¡°Let me know when that helps you clear boulders faster than the ministry workers.¡±


    Borromeo shrugged, feigning indifference. ¡°My boulders may be lighter, but they¡¯re smarter,¡± he retorted, drawing a chuckle from Birken nearby.


    Arch raised an eyebrow, watching Serriah and Borromeo¡¯s exchange with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. He couldn¡¯t help but remember his own encounter with Serriah and the very similar way she¡¯d needled him early on. She had a knack for pushing buttons, that was for sure. Clearing his throat, Arch looked at her meaningfully and reminded her, ¡°Remember our agreement, Serriah. No getting in the way.¡±


    Serriah gave him an innocent look, but Arch didn¡¯t miss the glint of mischief in her eyes. She took another sip from her canteen, mumbling, ¡°Just making conversation.¡±


    Arch sighed, turning to Borromeo with a nod. ¡°Apologies for her¡­ enthusiasm,¡± he said, giving Serriah a pointed glance. ¡°She means well, but sometimes her curiosity gets a little ahead of her.¡±


    Borromeo chuckled, waving it off. ¡°No harm done,¡± he replied, smiling. ¡°It¡¯s good to have someone around to keep things lively. Makes the road feel a little less long.¡±


    Arch gave a slight nod, though he kept an eye on Serriah, hoping she¡¯d heed the reminder.


    By the third day, the team had made solid progress. The vanguard party led by Birken had covered around fourteen oakspans, moving steadily along the repaired stretches of Heroad. The Ministry mages and workers, focused on initial repairs, had restored eight oakspans of road, clearing debris and stabilizing the surface for safe travel.


    Lyt and Arch worked tirelessly, cycling between scouting ahead with the vanguard and returning to support the rear. Periodically, they slipped deeper into the dense woodland on either side of the road, gathering samples and taking notes on unusual plant formations and mana traces. Arch would occasionally stop to study strange root patterns and odd markings along the bark of twisted trees, hoping to collect something that might aid Gaius and Jarek in their research.


    Borromeo took a central role in clearing larger obstacles along the path. ¡°Sectarus Nex, Ares Anima, Levi Mobilis!¡± Fallen oaks were no match for his spells, and he would expertly break them down, allowing the mages to dry the split wood for the evening campfire. The day¡¯s heat and exertion didn¡¯t seem to bother him as he casually moved large boulders to the side, muttering incantations that shifted the rock masses as though they were pebbles.


    The Ministry mages observed with keen interest as Borromeo deftly cast his spells, their eyes widening in surprise at the fluidity and precision of his magic. They exchanged knowing glances, a silent acknowledgment passing among them; it was clear that they recognized the undeniable talent radiating from the young mage. His ability to manipulate the arcane energies around him with such ease hinted at a potential that could not be ignored, stirring a mix of intrigue and respect within the ranks of the seasoned spellcasters.


    Each evening, they¡¯d gather around a small fire, the ministry workers recounting the day¡¯s efforts while Borromeo and Serriah occasionally bickered good-naturedly over dinner preparations. The explorers took the chance to go over their findings with Borromeo, who eagerly joined in their research efforts.


    On the fifth day, the ministry workers and mages finally caught up with the vanguard team, signaling they had reached the halfway point on Heroad. Meeting up with the patrol unit and workers coming from the opposite end, they were already beginning the last stages of the initial repair¡ªlaying the last rows of bricks and recharging mana for the crystal lanterns.


    Borromeo had expended nearly all his mana tackling a massive fallen tree and the largest boulder blocking the road. Exhausted, he struggled to move the boulder any further, so instead, he shattered it into smaller pieces that the ministry workers used as paving material.


    Watching him work, Serriah commented with genuine admiration, ¡°You¡¯re pretty impressive, huh?¡±


    Borromeo, breathing heavily, gave her a wry smile. ¡°Oh? And here I thought I was just the ¡®scrawny¡¯ mage?¡±


    Serriah, with a subtle grin, responded with one of her trademark indirect apologies. Borromeo smirked, accepting her words in his own way.


    The two drank cool water and settled on a large, fallen log that had been reshaped into a makeshift sofa along the roadside. As they sat there, Borromeo¡¯s breathing grew increasingly labored, catching Serriah¡¯s attention. Just as she turned to check on him, he slumped over, his body going limp.


    ¡°Help! He needs help!¡± Serriah shouted, her usual poise replaced by worry. A healer mage from the ministry quickly hurried over, placing a hand on Borromeo¡¯s shoulder and channeling a calming mana flow to stabilize him.


    ¡°His mana is almost depleted,¡± the healer mage reassured her. ¡°He pushed himself a bit too hard but just needs rest and time to recover.¡±


    Relieved but visibly shaken, Serriah whispered to herself, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for him to push himself like that¡­¡±


    The two parties made camp in the heart of the forest, along the road, the crackling fire casting warm light against the encroaching darkness as the mages wove a protective net around their perimeter. Lyt, Arch, Serriah, and Briken sat in a circle, enjoying their evening meal, when Borromeo stirred awake.


    Serriah quickly moved to help him sit up, easing him back against the boulder behind him. ¡°How are you feeling?¡± she asked, her brow furrowed in concern.


    ¡°Like I just took a stroll through the underworld,¡± Borromeo replied coldly. ¡°Thanks for the luxurious stone to rest my head on. Truly five-orb treatment.¡±


    The other three paused, exchanging startled glances at his sarcasm. Lyt raised an eyebrow, while Briken¡¯s mouth hung slightly open in surprise.


    Borromeo noticed their expressions, his smirk faltering. ¡°Uh, sorry. That came out wrong. I didn¡¯t mean to snap,¡± he quickly apologized.


    Arch extended a mug of Emberbrew toward him. ¡°Here, this should help warm you up. It¡¯s a bit strong, but it¡¯ll do the trick.¡±


    Borromeo took the mug, the warmth seeping into his fingers. He hesitated before taking a sip, his mind turning over the earlier question that lingered in the air.


    ¡°You know,¡± Briken said, breaking the silence, ¡°how can someone dishing out such powerful spells be depleted of mana?¡±


    Taking another sip of the Emberbrew, Borromeo felt a strange mix of vulnerability and comfort. He glanced at each of them, noticing their eager expressions, their genuine interest in his thoughts. This feeling was new to him; it was as if they were truly eager to listen, no sarcasm required to draw their attention.


    ¡°It¡¯s complicated,¡± he began, the words flowing more easily than he expected. ¡°I push myself to wield magic beyond what I think I can handle. It¡¯s like carrying the weight of a crown without the strength to wear it. I was born into a legacy that expected strength, but my body¡­ well, it never quite matched my ambition.¡±

 8th: The Scrawny Mage Borromeo Leobn

    Serriah nodded thoughtfully, her eyes reflecting a warmth that made him feel more at ease.


    Borromeo swallowed hard, the weight of her words settling in. For the first time, he realized that he didn¡¯t have to hide behind his sharp tongue to be noticed. This new sense of acceptance was both unsettling yet oddly comforting.


    Serriah tilted her head with curiosity. ¡°So why be a mage? Why not just become someone who will suit you?¡±


    Borromeo paused. He took a deep breath, recalling the shadows of his past. ¡°You see, I was born weak,¡± he began, his voice low but steady. ¡°From my very first breath, I was marked by fragility. My mother, the Lady of our house, fell ill while pregnant with me. By the time I arrived, my body was already at a disadvantage¡­ The creator must be kidding when he created me, He gave me a talent to boot, with frail shell, in a land where strength and power is everything.¡±


    He glanced at the flickering flames, the memories of his childhood forming in his mind. ¡°As the firstborn heir, I was meant to command my house, but my health made it easy for the vassals to dismiss me. They saw me as weak¡­ a noble in name, but without the strength. My sisters, Evessa and Liora, flourished around me, filling the halls with laughter, while I hid my insecurities beneath a sharp wit and sarcasm.¡±


    His gaze hardened, the pain of the past igniting a fire in his eyes. ¡°After our mother¡¯s death, my father became a shadow of himself. I watched helplessly as the vassals seized their opportunity, using father¡¯s frailty to take control of the house, and eventually my own against me in a staged duel to prove my worth. They banished me, keeping my sisters hostage to solidify their hold to power.


    Borromeo leaned forward, ¡°I was thrown into a world that expected strength, with only my intelligence and rage to rely on. I realized I couldn¡¯t become the man my title demanded through brute force. Magic became my only advantage¡ªa way to wield power that surpassed mere physicality. I sought mastery over spells, pushing myself to my limits to create the strength I lacked.¡±


    He met Serriah¡¯s gaze, the resolve in his voice unwavering. ¡°Each spell I learned brought me closer to my dream of vengeance and reclaiming my sisters. In a land where strength defines the peak, I chose to forge my own path, to prove that I could be formidable despite my body¡¯s limitations. Beneath the sarcasm and biting remarks lies a promise to myself and to my sisters: I will return stronger and make those who betrayed us pay for their treachery.¡±


    I¡¯m sorry to hear that,¡± Serriah said softly, ¡°but isn¡¯t being a Velorian a threat to the empire, especially with you being an apprentice at the College of Mages?¡±


    Before Borromeo could respond, Briken interjected, a knowing look crossing his face. ¡°Remember the Arcans who helped the first Arcanum King, Alarion, establish the empire? They were Velorian too. Their legacy is woven into the foundation of this land. Besides¡­¡±, he added, side-eyeing the explorers with a hint of mischief, ¡°they were constantly monitored.¡±


    ¡°Yep,¡± Lyt nodding in agreement. ¡°Borromeo works for the College, after all. In Arcanum, anyone is welcome as long as they can provide support for the interests of the empire. If anything, his presence strengthens our ties, not threatens them.¡±


    Borromeo felt a flicker of gratitude for their support. ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± he said, his voice steadying as he gathered his thoughts. ¡°Like everyone else, I went through the rigorous process of entering the College. I was chosen by Grand Mage Elara Moonshine to be her apprentice, and I was sent here as part of my training. Elara was the one who helped me survive during my banishment. She saw potential in me when no one else would¡­¡±


    He paused, the warmth of the <u>Emberbrew</u> contrasting with the chill of his past. ¡°The College values capability over bloodlines. I¡¯ve fought hard for my place, proving that I can contribute just like anyone else, regardless of where I come from. My magic is a tool for the empire, and I intend to use it to help reclaim what¡¯s been taken from my family.¡±


    Serriah considered his words, her expression softening. ¡°I can understand that. It¡¯s just... the empire has been wary of Velorians for so long. But perhaps your determination will change some minds.¡±


    Briken grinned, crossing his arms. ¡°Change is what we do best, isn¡¯t it? Besides, Borromeo¡¯s not the only one in this camp with a story.¡±


    As Borromeo took another sip of <u>Emberbrew</u>, he felt the warmth of their words sink in.


    At the dead of night, silence blanketed the camp, broken only by the rustling leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. Suddenly, the stillness shattered. ¡°Boom!!! ¡±. The sound of shouting and clashing steel pierced the night air, jolting everyone awake. Sentries shouting ¡°We¡¯re under attack!!!¡±


    The ministry workers scrambled together, huddling with the mages as the soldiers instinctively took their positions, ready to defend. Panic flickered in the eyes of the workers, but Borromeo¡¯s heart raced with a mixture of fear and adrenaline.


    Briken¡¯s voice cut through the chaos. ¡°How can they get through the protective net? They¡¯re just simple bandits! Bright South! Circle defense!¡±


    But just as he spoke, the air erupted with a series of thunderous explosions, echoing around the camp. The ground shook as fire and smoke filled the air, sending sparks flying and chaos spiraling into action. The mage among the Cane bandits unleashed spells, and the camp erupted into a fray of violence.


    In the turmoil, Borromeo fought back, his face beading sweats and writhing in pain, he channeled his remaining mana into a spell, but fatigue tugged at him. The attacks he cast were weak. As he struggled, a bandit in darkness lunged at him with a glinting dagger. He felt the weight of their blows, and before he could react, he was overwhelmed.


    Serriah fought valiantly beside Borromeo, her needle sword darting in and out of towards the bandits, her dagger protects, but even her skill was no match for the sheer number of bandits. One managed to overpower her, dragging her into the fray as she shouted for help.


    ¡°Hold the line!¡± Lyt commanded, his voice cut through the noise as he rallied the soldiers with him to defend their position. But the bandits were relentless, their laughter mingling with the cries of battle as they advanced. It¡¯s hard to defend if you have no idea where the attacker is.


    As the fight intensified, the mage among the bandits conjured a spell, casting a thick fog that enveloped the camp, obscuring vision and throwing everyone into disarray.


    ¡°Help!¡± Borromeo shouted, his panic rising as he scanned the chaos around him, searching for his companions.


    Without missing a beat, Arch sprang into action. ¡°Everyone, cover your nose and duck!¡± he yelled. He grabbed all his <u>Embermist</u> flasks and hurled them high into the air, shattering them against the branches above. The sharp, acrid scent of <u>Embermist</u> filled the air, a stark warning of the impending danger.


    ¡°Fireballs! Now!¡± Arch shouted to the mages.


    The mages responded quickly, conjuring fireballs that sailed through the fog and ignited the <u>Embermist</u>. Brilliant flames erupted, cascading light through the thick veil of fog. The heat surged, causing the fog to evaporate in a sizzling rush, clearing the vision for the defenders.


    Lyt observed Arch¡¯s quick thinking , recognizing the recruit¡¯s resourcefulness.


    As the fog dissipated, a chilling realization swept through the camp. The attack is no more, along with Borromeo and Serriah, had vanished into the night, leaving only the echoes of battle and the faint smell of smoke hanging in the air.


    Arch whispered, despair creeping into his voice, his knees weakening. ¡°It¡¯s too late¡­ They¡¯re gone.¡±


    The group stood in stunned silence, the weight of their loss settling over them like a shroud. The night that had promised safety had turned into a nightmare.


    After helping up a soldier, Lyt observed the aftermath of chaos, the weight of his responsibility palpable. But this time, he knew he couldn''t remain a mere onlooker. He called to Arch, ¡°Hunter!¡±, gesturing to the <u>Mystlens</u>, signaling him to put them on.


    Arch quickly grabbed from his utility belt and donned the <u>Mystlens</u>, and the scene transformed before him. Suspended in the air were faint traces of reddish yellow mana residue from the <u>Embermist.</u>


    He scanned the surroundings quickly and noticed a dark, purplish trail leading to a large oak tree within the forest. The path was marked not only by the mana trail but also by disturbed leaves.


    Without hesitation, Arch shouted to Briken, "Sergeant Briken! Strengthen the circle defense! Soldiers, set up positions! Mages, lay down detection and protection veils! Get the wounded to the center!" The urgency of command in his voice was enough to spur the camp into swift action. Briken, with a sharp nod, led the soldiers in forming a defensive line, while the mages raised protective barriers, ¡°Bright South! You heard the man!¡±


    Arch gathered five soldiers, calling them to follow him. As he moved, Lyt fell into step beside him, joining the small unit tasked with tracking down the elusive bandits.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    They arrived at the back of the massive oak tree, the place where the blackish-purple mana trail abruptly ended. Suspended in the air, the dark mana floated in a burst-like pattern, as if it had exploded outward. The ground showed no sign of disturbance, no footprints or broken branches. It was as if their quarry had simply vanished into thin air.


    Arch exchanged a glance with Lyt, realization settling between them.


    "Soulcaster¡­" Lyt whispered, his tone heavy with dread and horror.


    Arch commanded the soldiers, his voice steady but tense, ¡°Form a circle defense¡­ Arms up¡­


    As the soldiers moved into formation, Arch struggled to keep his composure. His hands trembled slightly, and his vision blurred for a moment, dark thoughts filling the edges of his mind. ¡°How could I let this happen?¡± he thought, the weight of his perceived failure pressing down on him like a physical force. His breathing grew shallow, and he found himself unable to look his men in the eyes. The whispers in his mind grew louder, telling him he wasn¡¯t good enough.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve been better, stronger, smarter¡­ They¡¯re in danger because of me¡±, he thought bitterly. His shoulders slumped, and the mask felt suffocating, as though it too were condemning him.


    Arch drew in a sharp breath, his resolve wavering as he opened his mouth to shout the next order, but Lyt¡¯s firm grip on his shoulder snapped him back.


    ¡°Hunter, this just turned into a Defender mission,¡± Lyt said, his tone calm but edged with urgency. Let¡¯s go back and regroup. The base needs to know about this.¡±


    Arch blinked, the adrenaline surging through him momentarily fading. The pursuit still burned in his mind, but he could feel Lyt¡¯s grip grounding him.


    Arch finally nodded, the haze of frustration and guilt lifting just enough for clarity. He turned to the soldiers, his voice steadier but weary. ¡°Back to camp. Let¡¯s regroup.¡±


    Back at the camp, the tension remains thick. The command team had hastily set up a mission tent near the roadside, using a makeshift brick table cluttered with map as they huddled to strategize. Soldiers formed a reinforced circle defense perimeter. The atmosphere buzzed with the urgency of preparation, each movement laced with the weight of their recent encounter.


    The next day, before the sun came up, two escorted messengers had been sent down Heroad in opposite directions, to report and seek reinforcements.


    The soldiers, breathless and shaken, relayed their encounters, voices overlapping as they described the attack.


    ¡°They were waiting for us, sir,¡± one messenger said, still catching his breath. ¡°A band of them. Looked like the same group that attacked camp¡­ but with a mage casting some spell. We barely made it back.¡±


    The other messenger nodded, his expression tight with fear. ¡°You too? They blocked our path both ways, then. We tried to split and slip past, but every time we regrouped, there they were, as if¡­ as if they could predict our movements.¡±


    Lyt exchanged a dark look with Arch, muttering under his breath, ¡°Just as we thought.¡±


    Arch tightened his grip on the table¡¯s edge. ¡°A Soulcaster,¡± he said, his voice a harsh whisper.


    Briken''s face was tense. ¡°We¡¯re certain of this?¡±


    Lyt nodded gravely. ¡°Most probably. Heroad is a stretch of almost thirty tow oakspans, and if they can be at both end of the road almost simultaneously, the may be using space-travel magic. Only a Soulcaster can do that.¡±


    ¡°Then it must be the mage that escaped my outpost. I reported this to the head office, and told the explorer who passed by in my outpost a month ago¡­¡± Briken already caught up.


    ¡°Yeah, I already thought of that,¡± Arch said in a daze-like voice while patting his chin.


    ¡°Hmmm? What? Briken turned his head to Arch clarifying.


    ¡°I mean¡­ Since you have reported that, Sergeant¡­ We already have looked at it and had the same conclusion¡­¡±, Arch tried to remedy.


    ¡°Oh¡­ All right¡­ sire¡­¡± Briken was now sure who is this explorer.


    Arch tried to steer the direction of the subject. ¡°Then we¡¯re facing something far worse than we thought.¡± He took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. ¡°We need to rethink our defenses¡­ fast.¡±


    With a sharp, clear whistle, Lyt summoned his raven. The bird swooped inside the tent, landing gracefully on his outstretched arm as the room quieted, all eyes fixed on the exchange. Lyt carefully inserted a flat rectangular crystal lined with metal. About three embers in length and one and half in width, half in thickness glowing faintly, to the raven¡¯s <u>clutchsaddle.</u>


    Briken¡¯s brow furrowed in curiosity as he watched. ¡°What is that, exactly?¡±


    Arch leaned over, ¡°<u>Spectralcast</u>,¡± he said.


    ¡°But¡­ isn¡¯t it too small?¡± Briken asked.


    Lyt chuckled under his breath, his eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°Explorer unit special. You¡¯d be surprised what we can fit in a small package.¡±


    He winked, and with a soft nudge, sent the raven soaring into the night, carrying their message to the base. Everyone watched in quiet awe, the glow of the <u>Spectralcast </u>disappearing as the bird melded into the darkness.


    As Arch roved the defense parameters, his <u>Mystlens </u>gleaming faintly in the moonlight, he kept a sharp eye on the area surrounding the massive oak tree. The night air was cool, and the sound of crackling fire from the training mages filled the silence. Arch¡¯s mind was still heavy with thoughts of Serriah and Borromeo ¡° Where they? Would reinforcements arrive in time?¡±


    Suddenly, there was a flash of light, and a fireball, misfired, ricocheted off the ground. It shot in Arch¡¯s direction before anyone could react. The fireball grazed his arm. The air around him shimmered with the heat of the blast. He staggered back, but the enchanted cloth of his garments absorbed most of the force, leaving only a singed edge on his sleeve.


    Arch blinked, his heart still racing, but no burn. Just a slight sting. He stretched his arm, checking for any pain.


    Before he could inspect further, the voice of mage broke through his thoughts. "I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean¡­"


    "It¡¯s fine," Arch cut him off quickly, though his voice was strained. "Don¡¯t worry about it."


    Arch turned to the Ministry mage and asked, "Will the fireball die out on their own, or should we douse them with water?"


    The mage hesitated, looking at the fireball for a moment before responding, "Usually, yes, they should just burn out¡­


    ¡°Huh,¡± Arch¡¯s eyes narrowed as he scanned the flickering flames. There was a faint, almost imperceptible figure drawn in the tree trunk above the fireball landed.


    "Cadet!", Arch called sharply. "Go find Explorer Mentor. Now!"


    The soldier, seeing the urgency in his tone, sprinted off without question. Arch didn¡¯t move, his eyes tracking the anomaly in the fire''s aftermath, his instincts telling him that something new was hidden there.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Arch asked.


    The mage hesitated for a moment before responding, ¡°Fyrric, sire Fyrric Heartguard¡­¡±


    ¡°Fyrric. Your element is light?¡± Arch inquired, his eyes narrowing.


    The mage affirmed with a nod. ¡°Fire and light, sire.¡±


    ¡°Call me Hunter. Come with me¡­ Quick.¡±


    Fyrric looked confused, but before he could question further, Arch grabbed him by the arm and they both sprinted toward the spot where the fireball had landed, now nothing more than faint flickers in the underbrush.


    Once they arrived, Arch wasted no time. ¡°Can you cast something that will provide light?¡±


    Fyrric hesitated, but after a moment, he nodded. ¡°Yes, sire.¡± He raised his wand and cast a soft, shimmering light. ¡°<u>Elaris...</u>¡±


    The pale glow illuminated the area around them, but as Arch scanned the tree trunk, the mark he had seen earlier still wasn¡¯t visible.


    Arch frowned. ¡°I¡¯m sure I saw something here. He muttered to himself, ¡°Fire, huh. Something that provides light¡­, and warmth¡­¡±


    He turned back to Fyrric. ¡°Do you have something like a fireball spell? Something that provides light and warmth without burning?¡±


    Fyrric thought for a moment, then responded. ¡°That would be <u>Elaris Fioren</u>¡­


    ¡°Good. Cast it,¡± Arch instructed. His hopes are getting high.


    The mage nodded, stepping closer to the tree trunk and directing the spell there. As he released the magic, the spell glowed with a soft, golden warmth.


    In an instant, the mark Arch had seen earlier appeared, faint but undeniable, glowing softly against the tree. Arch¡¯s breath caught in his chest as the meaning of it sank in.


    The enemy hadn¡¯t just left physical traces behind¡ªthey had left a subtle magical mark, one that only became visible with the right spell. It was a sign, a marker that would help guide the bandits, maybe when their mage wasn¡¯t around.


    Lyt arrived at the spot where Arch and Fyrric stood, his brow furrowing as he took in the situation. ¡°Hunter...?¡±


    ¡°Mentor,¡± Arch called, motioning for him to wear his <u>Mystlens.</u> Lyt did so without question.


    The mark glowed softly, a faint symbol etched into the tree. Lyt¡¯s gaze remained fixed on it, his mind turning over the implications. The bandits weren¡¯t just leaving traces¡ªthey were using something far more subtle, a system to move through the forest.


    Arch muttered to himself, ¡°We¡¯ve been looking for physical signs¡­ But this¡­ this was the real clue.¡±


    Fyrric, now fully aware of the situation, hesitated before speaking. ¡°Sire, what does this mean?¡±


    Arch let out a slow breath before handing the Mystlens to the mage. ¡°Here, take a look.¡±


    Fyrric reluctantly accepted them, and once again, the mark was illuminated before his eyes. ¡°Ohh¡­¡± he murmured, his voice tinged with awe.


    Arch met Lyt¡¯s gaze, the weight of the situation now fully sinking in. ¡°The bandits are better organized than we thought. And if they have more tricks like this, we¡¯re in for a much tougher fight.¡±


    Lyt nodded solemnly. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the camp and think through this. My raven just arrived¡±.


    At the camp, the tension in the air was thick. Arch stood in the middle of the activity, his mind still focused on the mark they''d found.


    "There''s no explorer around the area. We¡¯re spread thin. Eldrin, Gaius, and Tamsen will be coming with reinforcements. They¡¯ve already reported to the emergency contact with the King and secured additional forces. We¡¯ll close off Heroad until we resolve this matter."


    Arch frowned at Lyt¡¯s words. ¡°So it¡¯s really a Defender now, huh?¡±


    Lyt nodded, his expression grim. ¡°Yes.¡± Arch looked over at his mentor. ¡°Then this mission is yours now. When will the reinforcements arrive?¡± Lyt hesitated for a moment, then spoke. ¡°If they ride nonstop, they¡¯ll be here tomorrow night.¡±


    Arch¡¯s agitation was evident in his posture. ¡°We can¡¯t wait that long¡­¡±L yt held his gaze, steady as always. ¡°I know. But we don¡¯t have a choice.¡± Arch clenched his jaw, reining in his impatience. ¡°We need to do something now.¡±


    Lyt placed a firm hand on his shoulder. ¡°We will. Just not without reinforcement¡­ We¡¯re dealing with someone out of our range.¡±


    Arch stood before Lyt, his face set with determination. "Let me go tonight. By the time others are here, we might have an idea of where their base is."


    Lyt¡¯s gaze lingered on him, the hesitation clear in his eyes. The weight of the decision pressed down on him. Serriah and Borromeo had already been missing for a night, and with each passing hour, the situation only became more complicated. They couldn¡¯t afford to wait any longer. ¡°All right,¡± Lyt finally said, his voice low and resigned. ¡°As soon as they get here, we¡¯ll follow immediately. If you found them, do not engage without support.¡±


    Arch nodded firmly, his tone unwavering. "Noted." His voice carried the familiar discipline of his military background, a reminder of the world he¡¯d left behind, but still carried within him.


    With that, Arch prepared for the mission. His equipment was checked, and his heart was set on the task. He had no time for doubt¡ªonly focus. Fyrric would accompany him, offering his light magic when needed. They saddled <u>Oaken.</u>


    Before he mounted, Lyt caught his eye, his voice quiet but filled with a knowing urgency. ¡°Good luck, Hunter. Eyes sharp¡­¡±


    Arch met his gaze, his expression solemn. ¡°Shadows deep,¡± he responded.


    Briken saluted, ¡°We¡¯ll follow soon enough, sire. I have a score to settle with that mage.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be expecting, sergeant¡­¡± Arch entertained Briken¡¯s salute.


    With that, Arch and Fyrric spurred their mounts forward, disappearing into the darkness. The only sounds left in the camp were the rustling of leaves and the crackling of distant fires.

 UNITS OF MEASUREMENT OF THE REALM

    LENGTH AND DISTANCE


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 65%" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: center">ALDOURSAEA</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: center">UNIT</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: center">EARTH MEASUREMENT EQUIVALENCE </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">EMBER</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">INCH</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">HILT</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">6 INCHES</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">WAND LENGTH</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">FOOT</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">STAFF LENGTH</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">METER</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">OAKSPAN</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">KILOMETER</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">STARSPAN</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">25 KILOMETERS</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">MOON''S ARC</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">100 KILOMETERS </td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">REALM STRIDE</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: justify">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: justify">1000 KILOMETERS </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    WEIGHT AND LOADSupport creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    <table style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 65%" border="1">


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: center">ALDOURSAEA</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%; text-align: center">UNIT</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%; text-align: center">EARTH MEASUREMENT EQUIVALENCE</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">MANADUST</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">GRAM</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">PEBBLE</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">100 GRAM</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">OARLOAD</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">KILOGRAM</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">CHILDLOAD</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">25 KILOGRAMS</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">ADULTLOAD</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">60 KILOGRAMS</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">FALLENSTAR</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">100 KILOGRAMS</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">DRAGONLOAD</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">500 KILOGRAMS</td>


    </tr>


    <tr>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">MOUNTAINHEART</td>


    <td style="width: 32.425%">1</td>


    <td style="width: 32.4256%">1000 KILOGRAM</td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>

 9th: The Birth of a Toungesmith and the Brewing of a Crisis

    <strong style="font-family: "book antiqua", palatino">¡°Ow!¡±<strong style="font-family: "book antiqua", palatino"> yelped the bandit as his knuckles got flicked after missing his shot.


    He scowled, rubbing his hand while the others chuckled. They were playing targets with daggers, aiming for a swinging stump hanging from ropes.


    His companion, grinning, took his own shot and hit the mark dead-center. ¡°Maybe next time, don¡¯t miss,¡± he taunted, to the chorus of laughter from the others.


    ¡°Psst. Psst. Serriah!¡±


    Serriah¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her vision blurry. Borromeo¡¯s face hovered, his expression tense as he tried to wake her without drawing attention. She realized they were bound, seated on a hard floor, the walls around them formed from solid, dark wood. A crude yet oddly sturdy makeshift cell.


    ¡°Borromeo!¡± she whispered, forcing herself to focus. ¡°Where are we? Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Easy, one question at a time,¡± he replied quietly, glancing around. ¡°I think we¡¯re at the bandits¡¯ base. Feels like a cave, but¡­¡± he trailed off, eyeing the polished wood beams around them. ¡°It¡¯s too bright and¡­, well, a bit too refined¡­, for a cave, don¡¯t you think?¡±


    "We need to get out of here," Serriah muttered, ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea.¡±


    She turned, calling out, ¡°Hey! I need to take a piss!¡±


    A bandit approached, shoving a rough, deep wooden bowl through the bars. Serriah glared, feigning indignation.


    ¡°This is how you treat women?¡± she snapped. ¡°Don¡¯t you have a mother? Or a sister? Or a wife?¡± Her tone softened, almost pleading, her eyes wide with false vulnerability.


    This made Borromeo rolled his eyes to the heavens.


    The bandit hesitated, visibly softened by her words, inching closer. But just then, another figure entered¡ªa mage, cloaked in dark robes. His presence alone seemed to drain the air of warmth. On his cloak¡¯s clasp was a distinct sigil: a dark horned owl, glinting in the dim light.


    "Enough!," the mage¡¯s voice cut through.


    The bandit quickly retreated, chastised by a cold stare. The mage¡¯s voice, dark and laced with authority, broke the silence.


    Without a word, Borromeo spat on the ground, the spit landing at Ebonclaw¡¯s feet. His defiance was met with a flicker of cold amusement from the mage.


    ¡°Foolish,¡± the mage muttered, stepping forward. The air around him grew heavy with an ominous crackle. ¡°Lucky for you, we have use for you. <u>Fulgara</u>!¡±


    In the blink of an eye, the mage raised a hand and released a surge of dark, purplish lightning. The spell shot out like a whip of doom, crackling through the air and slamming into Borromeo¡¯s chest.


    Borromeo¡¯s body seized up with the brutal shock, his vision blurring as electricity coursed through him. His mouth opened in a silent scream, his legs nearly buckling beneath him. He barely managed to stay upright, but the overwhelming pain made him nearly lose consciousness.


    Serriah¡¯s heart raced as she helplessly watched Borromeo convulse, but she knew better than to provoke the mage further. ¡°Stop it!¡± Her voice shaky but defiant.


    Themage lowered hand, the lightning fizzling out as Borromeo slumped against his restraints, barely conscious. ¡°Next time,¡± the mage warned, the tone cold and unfeeling, ¡°you will learn to respect your situation¡­ and I am your situation¡­ I am Ebonclaw¡­¡±


    Serriah¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what all they say, dear¡­,¡± as Ebonclaw turned away.


    Serriah''s mind raced as she tried to think of a way to turn the situation to her advantage. She was still bound, but the bandits were careful this time, no unnecessary movements, no carelessness. When she asked for water, they hesitated but eventually relented, wary of her intentions. The chains around her wrists clinked as one bandit cautiously unclasped one hand.


    Serriah quickly passed the bowl to Borromeo, allowing him to take a sip, and then drank herself. She was thirsty, more than she''d admit, but the bandits scoffed when she tried to ask for more.


    Borromeo, weak but conscious again, struggled to sit up. He grimaced in pain, but his mind was clearer now.


    ¡°So, how did you manage to talk to that bandit like that?¡± he asked, still sounding somewhat dazed. "If not for the mage, that bandit would¡¯ve opened the door.¡±


    Serriah shrugged, still trying to figure out what had happened. "I don''t know¡­ Maybe I''m just charming? Or maybe I hit a spot they couldn''t resist."


    Borromeo gave her a skeptical look. "I think there''s something more to it..."


    Serriah tilted her head, confused. "What do you mean?"


    ¡°I think you have <u>Elderglint</u>,¡± Borromeo said.


    "Elder what???? Im¡¯ not that old, young man!"


    "No. <u>Elderglint</u>. It''s <u>Vitalum Resonance theory</u>," Borromeo huffingly said. "All creatures have some affinity to mana. Some can control it, and manifest in spells like mages. Others, can''t, but their bodies are highly receptive to it. There are people who can grow plants easily, for instance. <u>Greenthumbs</u>, anything they plant is sure to sprout, grow and have fruits.¡±


    Serriah shook her head, not following. "Even non- fruit bearing? I still don¡¯t get it."


    Borromeo sighed, trying to explain it in simpler terms. "I¡¯m being serious here, right?... think of it this way. People with mana receptive bodies can use mana and manifest without realizing it. Like you, for example. Your voice. You can influence people with your words. It''s like a mind to vocal bond¡ªa way of connecting with others'' minds and making them do things without them even realizing why."


    Serriah¡¯s eyes widened, the pieces slowly clicking together. "Sorry, just trying to make light of out terrible situation? You think I''m a mage too?"


    "Not actually¡­, but¡­, hmm¡­, yes," Borromeo said. "You¡¯re not like a regular mage, but you have something like an affinity. If I''m right, you can make people listen to you... maybe even more than you realize."


    Serriah¡¯s mind buzzed, trying to process the idea. "How am I supposed to use that, though? We''re stuck in here with no way out."


    Borromeo gave her an encouraging look. "Better to take a chance than do nothing, right? Just focus¡­ Serriah. Focus on the bandits and their minds. Try to get them to trust you, to listen to you."


    Serriah didn¡¯t quite know how to focus her thoughts, but she took a deep breath and started. The first few attempts were nothing¡ªjust words that came out jumbled and ineffective.


    "Think about what they know," Borromeo coached. "Something that they can relate to."


    Serriah¡¯s mind raced, trying to think of a way to manipulate the situation without raising suspicion.


    ¡°So... what¡¯s your name?¡± she asked the young bandit closest to her. The question was simple, nonchalant, like they were two strangers meeting for the first time.


    The bandit looked at her warily, eyeing the cuffs on her wrists. ¡°Why do you care?¡± he muttered, his voice rough from lack of sleep.


    ¡°Just wondering,¡± she said, her voice light, her gaze soft. ¡°You know, I¡¯m a bit bored. Don¡¯t know how much longer I can sit here in this place without hearing some decent stories.¡±


    That seemed to loosen him up. He shrugged, clearly uncertain but also willing to oblige. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯m Tarl.¡±


    Serriah smiled. ¡°Serriah,¡± she replied. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard all the stories about me, but I don¡¯t really know anything about you. So, what brings you to this¡­, lovely¡­, place?¡±


    Tarl hesitated, his eyes flicking to the other bandits in the room, but they were busy with their own quiet conversations or sharpening their weapons. With a small sigh, he leaned back against the wall, clearly settling into the conversation. ¡°I¡¯m here ''cause there¡¯s nothing else for me. Grew up in the city¡­, city¡¯s rough, y¡¯know? Had to make a living somehow.¡±


    ¡°Ah,¡± Serriah nodded knowingly, her voice smooth as she pressed forward. ¡°I get that. Life¡¯s tough in the cities. People are so busy, always in their own worlds.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Tarl leaned in a little, warming to the conversation. ¡°And the job pays well enough. Got me a nice room at the inn... when I¡¯m not here. But this... all this?¡± He waved his hand at the dimly lit room and its rough surroundings. ¡°Not exactly the life I imagined.¡±


    Serriah smiled sympathetically, the faint glow of<u> Elderglint</u> urging her on. Borromeo was nodding encouragement.


    She leaned forward, engaging him with soft, sincere eyes. ¡°So you¡¯re not in this for the money alone?¡±


    Tarl glanced at the other bandits, but no one was paying attention. The youngest one, a nervous-looking lad with a short sword at his side, was sitting in a corner, fiddling with his dagger. ¡°I guess you could say I¡¯m in it for the camaraderie too,¡± Tarl continued, voice low. ¡°You find a group of people who¡¯ll stick with you, you can forget about the rest. Don¡¯t matter if you¡¯re stealing or robbing or whatever¡­, they got your back.¡±


    The warmth in Tarl¡¯s voice, the familiarity in his tone, made Serriah pause. This wasn¡¯t just a job for him. He was trying to find belonging. She knew it wasn¡¯t the time to push too hard, but the <u>Elderglint</u> flowed steadily inside her, giving her the subtle edge she needed.


    ¡°Must be nice,¡± she said softly, letting the words linger. ¡°But it¡¯s hard to find that, isn¡¯t it? True loyalty? I¡¯m sure there are some who¡¯d betray you if they had the chance.¡±


    Tarl¡¯s eyes darkened slightly, and he shifted uncomfortably. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised. Some of us here, we got... a bond. Not everyone¡¯s cutthroat, even if they act like it.¡± He chuckled, looking over at the other bandits. ¡°You should see Hakeem try to play it cool. Can¡¯t even hide his affection for the others, even when he¡¯s complaining about it.¡±


    Serriah let out a soft laugh, and soon, the two of them were sharing banter, the bandit¡¯s defensive walls breaking down little by little. She could see it in his eyes, he was starting to feel like he was talking to a friend, not just a prisoner.


    ¡°So, tell me about Hakeem,¡± Serriah asked, leaning in conspiratorially. ¡°I¡¯m curious. Is he always like that, or is he just grumpy today?¡±


    Tarl snorted. ¡°Oh, Hakeem¡¯s always like that. He¡¯s the kind of guy who complains about everything but would never leave the crew. Trust me, I¡¯ve seen him.¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    Serriah smiled, continuing to steer the conversation with ease. Her charm, amplified by Elderglint, worked subtly, almost imperceptibly, weaving a comfortable, easy rhythm between them. The tension that had once filled the air had dissolved into a warm camaraderie. The other bandits were no longer a threat, and for a moment, the cell almost felt like a makeshift living room rather than a prison.


    The time passed quietly, with Tarl sharing more stories about his time on the road and the bandits¡¯ various escapades. Finally, the time came for the bandits to take up their stations. Tarl, it seemed, was assigned to guard duty.


    "Looks like I''m on watch," he said reluctantly, glancing over at the others. The older bandits, a rough crew of grizzled men and women, made their way toward their respective resting spots or training areas. They seemed content to leave Tarl to watch over the prisoners.


    As Tarl turned to head toward the prison door, Serriah¡¯s mind raced. This was the moment she had been waiting for.


    ¡°Tarl,¡± she called quietly. ¡°Before you go... could I get a little water?¡±


    He paused, considering her request. There was a slight hesitation, but after a moment, he nodded and moved to fetch a wooden bowl from the corner of the room. As he did, Serriah¡¯s focus sharpened, and she sensed the right moment to act.


    As Tarl returned with the bowl, he handed it to her, still half-distracted by the conversation they¡¯d been having.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, her voice sweet, almost too innocent.


    Tarl smiled back at her, his guard slipping once more. ¡°No problem.¡±


    That was when Serriah saw it¡ªan opportunity to escape. The other bandits were preoccupied, and Tarl had been lulled into a sense of ease. But the chance wouldn¡¯t last forever. She would have to move quickly.


    Serriah focused, her voice soft but firm. "You¡¯re tired. You need rest. It¡¯s cozy in here you know. You¡¯ll be able to sleep."


    Serriah¡¯s pulse raced as the moment for escape arrived. She couldn¡¯t afford hesitation, not with Borromeo still trapped, not with the bandits closing in. Her heart hammered in her chest as she looked directly at the young bandit, her voice taking on a commanding yet soothing tone.


    ¡°Please,¡± she said, her voice low and persuasive, ¡°open the door. Remove my cuffs. I need to move.¡±


    The young bandit blinked, his confusion evident. But under the weight of her words, his resistance faltered. He stepped forward and, with an uncertain grunt, unlocked the cuffs on her wrists, his eyes flickering as though he couldn¡¯t fully comprehend what was happening. Serriah took a deep breath, glad to feel the freedom of her hands once more.


    As he moved to release Borromeo¡¯s chains, the sound of approaching footsteps broke through the tense air. ¡°Hey! What¡¯s going on in there?¡± The voice was sharp and accusatory, and it sent a shiver down her spine.


    The young bandit froze, his expression shifting from confusion to panic as the spell she¡¯d cast over him shattered. His eyes cleared, and for a split second, he seemed to remember his duty. But it was enough to give Serriah the push she needed.


    ¡°Go, Serriah! Now!¡± Borromeo¡¯s voice was strained, almost desperate. His eyes burned with urgency, and Serriah knew she couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    Her heart squeezed with regret, but she gave him a final, fleeting glance. "I¡¯ll be back with help," she promised, her voice tight but determined.


    Without another word, she bolted for the door. Her feet barely touched the ground as she sprinted, the weight of the moment pressing down on her shoulders. She collided with the young bandit, sending him sprawling to the floor in a flurry of limbs.


    His eyes widened in surprise, and before he could recover, Serriah grabbed the wooden bowl and swung it upward, smashing it into the face of the approaching bandit. The sound of the wood connecting with bone echoed through the room, and the bandit staggered back, dazed and groaning.


    Serriah didn¡¯t hesitate. With the immediate threat taken care of, she darted past the now unconscious bandit, her breath coming in short, sharp gasps as she raced up the narrow corridors. The flickering lights from the torches on the walls seemed to guide her path, each step carrying her further.


    Serriah emerged from the hollow base of a massive oak tree, its trunk so wide and towering that it could¡¯ve easily housed an entire family. The towering oak stood proudly against the sky, its bark glowing softly in the light of the early morning sun, casting a golden sheen over the landscape. Her eyes adjusted to the bright, shimmering light, dazzled by the surreal beauty of the scene. The tree¡¯s trunk was hollowed, creating rooms within, and a spiral staircase wound its way up to the very top of the tree, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding area.


    As she took in the sight, Serriah felt a sense of awe, but also confusion. She had emerged from the base of this massive tree, which had clearly been repurposed as a home. The trunk was far too large and solid for any regular carpenter to hollow out on a whim¡ªthis was no ordinary shelter. She could see similar trees around her, their trunks carved in the same fashion, each one transformed into its own peculiar home. It was like a village of giant oaks.


    She frowned. ¡°Who could think of such an idea?¡± It wasn¡¯t just the size and complexity of the trees that intrigued her¡ªit was the mystery of who had crafted them into homes. The sense of craftsmanship, the effort to repurpose nature in such a unique way, suggested a level of thoughtfulness she hadn''t expected from the bandits she had been held captive by.


    The soft crunch of leaves underfoot snapped her from her thoughts. She glanced around, noticing the faint silhouettes of the other oaks in the distance, each one like a towering fortress in the wild, their hollowed trunks standing out against the forest backdrop. Serriah didn¡¯t have much time. She needed to figure out where she was and what her next move would be.


    From the top of one of the towering oak trees, a bandit leaned over the edge, squinting through the dense foliage. He nudged his partner. "Do we have any female members?" he asked with genuine curiosity.


    The other bandit, clearly annoyed, gave him a look. "Are you for real?."


    The first bandit pointed toward the ground below. "Then who''s that?"


    His partner looked down and, spotting Serriah trying to make her escape, grunted in recognition. "You dolt! That''s the woman we captured." he spat.


    Their voice rose sharply as he shouted at her, "Hey!"


    The bandit scrambled to pull a string connected to a system of bells that hung within the hollowed-out oak trees. The sound of the bells echoed through the grove, signaling the alarm to the others.


    "The woman escaped!" the bandit yelled, sending a rush of panic through the camp.


    Serriah¡¯s heart raced as the alarm echoed through the trees. She could hear the bandits shouting, their footsteps closing in. In her panic, she made a quick dash through the underbrush, weaving between the trees. But one bandit was quicker, his hand snapping out and grabbing hold of the edge of her skirt.


    Without thinking, Serriah spun, using the dagger she had taken from the bandit she had kicked earlier in the groin. She slashed at the fabric, slicing through the skirt where the bandit had caught it, narrowly freeing herself. The fabric fell from his grip, and she darted away.


    The bandits were almost upon her, but she didn¡¯t hesitate. She rolled a rotting log down into the stream below, the weight of it causing a huge splash. The sound was enough to mislead her pursuers, and she ducked down, hiding beneath a thick layer of fallen oak leaves.


    She held her breath, praying they wouldn¡¯t see her. The bandits ran past, their footsteps heavy but fading as they followed the sound of the splash, heading downstream. When the silence returned, Serriah waited a moment longer, then slowly crept to her feet. She made her way upstream, moving carefully and quietly, her heart still racing but determined to put as much distance between herself and the bandits as possible.


    She ran aimlessly. Just as she ran past a huge oak, arms grabbed her. One cupping her mouth , muffling her voice and the other dragging her.


    At the Explorer¡¯s headquarters, it was just moments after the first light cracked when Jarek was almost finished tending to the <u>drakesteeds</u> when a piercing screech echoed from above. He looked up to see one of ravens descending swiftly, wings cutting through the crisp air. The bird landed precisely on the messenger perch outside the birdiery, its sharp talons clicking against the wood.


    Jarek approached, ¡°Well, hello, friend¡­ What news do you bring?¡± He retrieved the spectralcast secured to the raven¡¯s clutchsaddle.


    The magical projection glimmered faintly as he brought it to the Slab. As the message began to play, his lips curled into a smirk¡ªinitially pleased with the contents. But as the report progressed, his expression darkened, the smirk fading into a grim.


    Abandoning his task, Jarek sprinted towards the meeting hall.


    He burst through the heavy wooden doors, startling Eldrin and Gaius, who were deep in discussion about a mission progressing south of the Whispering Forest.


    ¡°Jarek, what¡ª¡± Eldrin started, but Jarek interrupted, slamming the spectralcast device onto the center of the table. ¡°Look at this,¡± he said urgently.


    The three gathered around as the spectralcast activated, projecting a glowing, lifelike hologram of Lyt Windwalker. His stern face bore a grim intensity as he delivered his report.


    "The mission¡¯s progress has been smooth," Lyt began. "Arch¡¯s performance has exceeded all expectations. His adaptability, decision-making, and leadership sit atop all standards for passing a Traveller mission."


    For a moment, a flicker of pride passed through Eldrin¡¯s face. Gaius nodded appreciatively. But then Lyt¡¯s tone hardened.


    "However, we¡¯ve encountered an emergency. The <u>Cane Bandits</u> ambushed us. Among them is a <u>soulcaster</u>. While we managed to fend off their initial attack, the apprentice mage, Borromeo Leobn, and Serriah Lutt have been captured. Attempts to send messenger parties for reinforcements were intercepted; the bandits turned them back and appear to have blocked the ends of the road. Their strategy is clear¡ªthey aim to isolate us."


    Lyt''s hologram took a deep breath before continuing. "I have assessed the situation and elevated the mission¡¯s status to Defender. As the ranking explorer, I am assuming full command. Reinforcements are imperative. Send them at first light."


    ¡°Zzzzt¡­ Zzzt.¡± The projection flickered and faded, leaving the room in tense silence.


    Eldrin took a sip from his mug, staring deep where the hologram was. Gaius muttered under his breath, pacing as the weight of the report sank in.


    ¡°We need to act now,¡± Eldrin said, his voice cutting through the quiet. ¡°The bandits won¡¯t wait, and neither should we.¡±


    Gaius stood¡± I will go¡­ Eldrin.¡± ¡°Of course, we¡¯ll go. I¡¯ll visit the King. Prepare whatever is necessary,¡± Eldrin answered with the nod.


    ¡°Come along, Jarek. Help me prepare,¡± Gauis motioned to Jarel as he turn to leave the room.


    ¡°What do we need?¡± Jarek asked. Gaius turned, his tone calm but resolute. ¡°I will leave. You¡¯ll stay here to run things. We¡¯re expecting another raven¡­ Hopefully, not as grim as Lyt¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°What? Why? I can help¡­¡± letting out his frustration.


    ¡°Of course, you can help. There¡¯s no doubt about that,¡± Gaius replied, his voice firm. ¡°But if Lyt¡¯s assessment is correct, and it almost always is¡­ We can¡¯t risk having the two of the unit¡¯s best mages in the same danger. If something happens to me, you¡¯ll need to step up.¡±


    Their footsteps echoed through the hallway, Jarek¡¯s quiet frustration lingering in the air as they continued to walk.


    Tamsen was hunched over her desk, meticulously deciphering a coded message from Grimgor, her fingers tracing the cryptic symbols with practiced precision.


    A knock at the open door broke her concentration. She looked up to see Eldrin standing there, urgency etched into his expression.


    ¡°Come with me,¡± he said briskly. ¡°To where?¡± Tamsen asked casually.


    ¡°Lyt sent a raven,¡± Eldrin replied, tossing her a spectralcast device which she caught instinctively. ¡°Watch it on our way. We need to meet the King.¡±


    Without another word, Tamsen scrambled to prepare. She buckled her utility belt, threw on her cloak, and grabbed her mask, the well-worn leather fitting snugly over her face. Then, with quick steps, she followed Eldrin down the corridor, the faint glow of the spectralcast illuminating her path as she played the message.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± King Alaric asked, his index and middle fingers pressed on his temple. While his other hand clutches a glass of <u>Emberwine</u>.


    ¡°Yes, my liege,¡± Eldrin answered firmly. ¡°The Grimgor matter is a shallow thread, but the Heroad crisis is real. Many times has this explorer risked his life for the Empire. I trust him completely.¡±


    ¡°My King, I will go,¡± Grand Magus Elara interjected. ¡°Moreover, they have my apprentice.¡±


    King Alaric seemed to deliberate, his gaze steady, but Eldrin spoke before Elara could continue. ¡°There is no need, Grand Magus. We will go, and the Hexplorer¡¯s apprentice will accompany us.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re certain of this?¡± Alaric repeated, his tone edged with skepticism.


    ¡°No, my liege,¡± Eldrin admitted, ¡°but Gaius completely trusts this apprentice. No one questions Gaius¡¯ confidence in his students. If he vouches for the apprentice, then so do I. Besides, I will personally oversee this mission. Grand Magus Elara¡¯s presence here in the capital remains paramount if the crisis escalates.¡±


    Elara hesitated, clearly wanting to protest, but King Alaric turned his attention back to Eldrin.


    ¡°Very well,¡± Alaric said with a nod. ¡°I have confidence in you, Head Explorer. For this matter, you will have martial control south of Illuminara. Use whatever resources you deem necessary, but keep this operation as discreet as possible.¡±


    ¡°As always, sire. Thank you,¡± Eldrin replied, bowing slightly.


    ¡°Denten,¡± King Alaric called to his attendant, ¡°let¡¯s prepare a message for our southern outposts to ensure they are briefed. Make haste.¡±


    ¡°Certainly, sir,¡± Denten responded.


    With their orders clear, Eldrin and Tamsen exited the dimly lit backroom.


    As they walked through the corridor, Tamsen finally broke the silence. ¡°Why did you tell the King it would be Jarek going?¡±


    ¡°Just a precaution,¡± Eldrin replied drily.


    ¡°But that was the King, sire,¡± Tamsen pressed.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Eldrin stopped. ¡°But we weren¡¯t speaking to just the King¡­¡± Looking back where they came.


    ¡°Is that why he was adamant to not let the Grand Magus watch the report?¡± Tamsen speaking in her mind.


    Tamsen frowned, processing his words, but Eldrin offered no further explanation as their footsteps echoed down the hallway.