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Chapter 15 - Camp

After the defeat of the golems, the group resumed their ride across the vast reaches of Turfázia. The land remained unchanged: the same emptiness, the same barren vista repeating into infinity, as if the whole world had been swallowed by oblivion. Now, however, the sun began its descent, staining the sky in shades of orange and gold. Shadows drew long over the cracked ground, and the warm breeze carried with it an even keener sense of solitude. Twilight turned the monotony of that place into something almost melancholic, as though the earth itself kept memories of a past that no longer was.

— Sensei, and if many monsters appear at once? Will we also be allowed to fight to defend ourselves? — asked Mia, a trace of anxiety in her voice.

— If it truly becomes necessary, yes — Alexius replied, serious, though there was a quiet confidence in his tone.

He raised his arm, pointing the way ahead.

— Now, let us continue. We are nearly at our stopping point, where we will set up camp for the night.

— Yes! — the students answered in unison, buoyed by the promise of rest.

Their ride continued to the spot Alexius had chosen. As soon as they arrived, they began to organize the camp under his direction. The sky had already donned a deep red when the sensei, after watching his students settle in, announced:

— Rest well. Tomorrow will be another long day of travel until we reach the small village. There we will meet some of our researchers, who live outside the kingdom and have always aided those who seek to enter Mount Arf.

They dismounted, exhausted, as Alexius indicated a small clearing between rocky outcrops — a perfect place to raise their camp. The students set to work under his instructions: some gathered dry branches and stones for the fire, while others pitched the canvas-and-leather tents brought from the academy.

The sun had nearly slipped beyond the horizon, leaving an orange trail that slowly darkened into purples; the air cooled quickly, and the night breeze began to stir.

The first fire was kindled at the heart of the camp, and soon torches were fixed at strategic points to keep the darkness at bay. The scent of burning wood mingled with the simple aroma of the meal the students prepared in iron pots — a modest stew, yet invigorating after a day's journey.

The tents were arranged in a circle with the fire at the center, forming a safe redoubt against the lonely vastness of Turfázia. Shadows danced upon the fabric walls, and the crackle of the flames brought a measure of comfort amid the melancholy of that forsaken land.

Night arrived in full, revealing an immense, pristine sky strewn with stars, like a silver mantle spread over the world. That deep quiet, broken only by low voices and timid laughter, fostered a sense of peace before the unknown that awaited them at Mount Arf.

Some students retired early to their tents, while others lingered a while by the fire, speaking softly before sleep.

— It's true, isn't it? — said Ichika, glancing at Mia. — This dungeon seems dangerous… but with sensei with us, I think it will all turn out fine.

— Yes. Good night, see you tomorrow — Mia answered with a serene smile.

She stepped away and, noticing Arthur lying on the grass and gazing at the starry sky, chose to join him and do the same.

— Arthur… do you think we'll manage to find the artifact? — Mia asked, eyes fixed on the constellations.

— I believe so. I want to do everything I can to make sure it goes well — Arthur replied, thoughtful. — I can't explain it, but… with every step we take toward Mount Arf, I feel something growing inside me. As though a calling were strengthening in my heart.

— I truly hope, with all my heart, that we find it… — said Mia, sincere. — Good night, Arthur. Tomorrow will be a long day. I'm going to rest.

— Good night. See you tomorrow — he answered with a smile.

Mia withdrew, and Arthur remained a while longer, lost in the immensity of the stars.

— {I suppose I should sleep as well} — he thought to himself, beginning to rise.

At that moment, Alexius's firm voice called to him:

— Hey, boy. Come here a moment.

Arthur approached, respectful.

— Yes, sensei.

Alexius regarded him for an instant, as though taking the measure of his very essence.

— The other sensei, and even the headmistress, told me you possess no magic. Is that true?

Arthur lowered his eyes for a moment.

— That's what they told me… But I have my doubts. I feel there's something in me, yet… I can't bring it forth.

Alexius sighed, folding his arms.

— Boy, I believe they said that to protect you. I see in you something far greater… a powerful magic that even they do not know how to handle. How about a bit of training? I carry an artifact that reveals an opponent's magic before the clash. It's given me the advantage in many battles.

— But… what if we wake the others? — Arthur asked, worried.

— Don't worry. I won't use magic. I'll also raise a sound barrier — Alexius explained with a faint smile. — I used that trick back when I was a commander in the king's army. Sometimes my soldiers wanted to train with me at night, and I always obliged.

Arthur's eyes widened.

— You… were a commander? Why did you leave the army?

Alexius fell silent for a heartbeat, his gaze turning toward the distant fire. His voice emerged heavier:

— Because my soldiers were sent to the front lines like animals led to slaughter. I begged the king to spare them… but he did not listen. They were all killed. Including a man who was like a brother to me. When I returned, I chose to leave the army. I became a sensei at the academy… but soon I was assigned only to research and expeditions.

Arthur bowed his head, abashed.

— I'm sorry… for making you recall such things.

— It's all right. It's past — Alexius answered firmly, though his eyes still bore the touch of old grief. — Now… shall we train?

— Yes! — said Arthur, raising his sword with resolve.

They took their stances, and the bout began.

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