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The wind whistled through the pines, carrying the weight of Ereon's promise and striking the silent cabin.
Inside, the flames still flickered at Brianna's fingers, reflecting in Telvaris's attentive eyes and the tip of Karna's arrow. Each breath seemed to suspend the moment before the inevitable.
Kael was atop the mountain, feeling every heartbeat of the earth beneath his feet, as if the entire world awaited that first move. A faint smile played across his lips, while the certainty that everything was about to begin spread through the cold night air.
Telvaris stepped forward, eyes fixed on the shadow forming before the cabin, where Ereon was beginning to emerge.
With a firm voice, cutting through the silence like a blade, he declared:"Who stands before us? Depending on the answer, we will attack without mercy."
Ereon lifted his head, undaunted."We don't have time for this," he said, the coldness in his voice hiding the urgency. "I know the Count is recruiting forces because of last year's war. We must depart now. Or… I can kill them here and move on."
Karna whistled softly, eyes fixed on Ereon."Those cold eyes… definitely our supervisor."
Brianna let out a sarcastic laugh, the warmth of the flames reflecting in the darkness."I don't know about them, but do you really think you could kill me easily? After that statement, I'd love to see you try."
Ereon blinked, finally noticing Brianna. Her long silver hair rippled in the moonlight, and her incandescent eyes glowed like magical embers. Her deep-toned skin contrasted with her light hair, and the aura she radiated blended celestial beauty with threatening strength. Every detail — necklaces, accessories, the subtle glow around her — recalled fragments of stars.
A soft sound cut through the silence — firm steps, yet weightless on the earth. Kael was there, atop the mountain. He didn't need to see to feel every presence, every breath, every intention around him.
With his terrestrial translocation, he appeared among the four."I'd love to watch you face each other," he said, his voice resonating as if the wind carried every word, "but we've already wasted too much time. If we want to avoid the temple and get a mercenary mark to have free passage through the Empires, we must start moving."
He smiled, perceiving every detail around him: the cold cutting through the air, the electric tension in Brianna's flaming fingers, Telvaris's blade, Karna's steady arrow."If none of you here wants to be swallowed by the earth, I suggest you calm down."
Silence fell again, heavy with expectation. Each breath seemed to suspend the moment before the first move. The game was finally beginning.
Brianna stepped back, still smiling with that ironic touch that defined her."You're not cute at all, Kael," she said, glancing at Ereon, who wore his discreet assassin's outfit, designed to go unnoticed. "Better change clothes… we've already drawn too much attention."
Karna carefully stowed his bow and arrows, casting an ironic glance at Ereon."Oh… it's been a while, Alpha Supervisor."
Ereon turned and advanced toward the cabin's room, each step calculated and silent. His hands touched the Totsuka no Tsurugi sword, still wrapped in a black cloak. He picked it up and donned his own cloak, covering both outfit and sword at once, before securing it at his waist.
In an almost imperceptible whisper, he murmured:"How long… Totsuka no Tsurugi."
With every step he took, the shadows that had previously engulfed the cabin slowly receded, as if the darkness itself were shaped by his presence. Gradually, they reconfigured, outlining Ereon's imposing form. When he reached the entrance, standing firm, his figure was projected against the dim light seeping through the old wooden door, becoming a living, silent, threatening shadow.
As they descended the mountain, the cold wind cutting through the pines, Brianna broke the silence, looking directly at Telvaris."Before we reach the county, remember we've already lost a year. As long as he doesn't fall, you, Telvaris, keep that in mind. No distractions."
Telvaris furrowed his brow, feeling the weight of responsibility, but nodded."Understood."
Ereon observed in silence, eyes attentive, analyzing every gesture and expression of the group. A slight nod indicated he understood the seriousness of the situation, ready to act if anything got out of control.
Karna and Telvaris exchanged brief glances, recognizing the urgency in Brianna's words, each step lightly echoing among the roots and stones of the trail.
The wind continued whistling through the pines as the group advanced along the mountain. Each step was measured, each shadow observed, but Brianna's warning remained firm in everyone's mind. Telvaris stayed focused, Kael assessed the terrain ahead, and Ereon remained vigilant, as always.
A week passed since that day, with the group traversing dense forests, hills, and narrow trails, always maintaining vigilance and discipline. Finally, as dawn tinged the horizon with gold and orange, the county walls appeared in the distance.
As they approached, not only the towers and walls drew attention. An endless line of people stretched beyond the gates, moving slowly through narrow streets. There were the poor, in worn clothes and with calloused feet, looking up with hope; tired merchants trying to secure some gain; a few adventurers or mercenaries, eager to climb in life. All seemed to see in the military decline of the Count a chance to cross the walls into a new, prosperous world full of opportunities.
The soft light of the rising sun partially illuminated the towers and walls, casting long shadows on the terrain. The fresh air carried an almost tangible tension.
The group paused for a moment, feeling the vibration of the ground ahead.
Kael slightly leaned forward, concentrating. Through Seismic Vision, each step in line, each movement on the walls, each footfall in the street unfolded before him like a map of waves on the ground."We are not alone," he murmured, voice low. Each vibration showed that many were trying to exploit the Count's downfall to cross the walls.
Karna frowned, adjusting his bow."Apparently, a lot of people want a piece of this new world."
Telvaris kept his eyes on the shadows and movements, brow furrowed. Ereon, as always, silent, analyzed every detail, ready to react.
The group joined the line stretching before the walls. The movement was intense, and the crowd seemed anxious to cross.
Brianna observed the priest ahead."See that one? He'll be the one checking our marks. I'm sure the Count expanded the search to the slums, trying to discover if anyone possesses a superior divinity."
Karna tilted his head, thoughtful."Then… wouldn't it be better to show our Abyss mark? From what I see, that would give us an advantage. We could earn a position, become knights, or even gain a noble title."
Ereon interrupted, voice firm and controlled."If our goal was to stabilize ourselves fully, maybe it would be a good idea. But showing our mark means revealing not only to the Count, but to the entire empire, the detail of our divinity… and also its weaknesses."
"Exactly," Brianna said. "And all we want is to go unnoticed. When it's our turn, I'll speak. For now, we'll only give basic information — age, occupation, travelers who lost everything in last year's war. So, Karna… keep your mouth shut."
As the day went on, the sun approached the horizon, painting the sky in golden and orange hues. By evening, they finally neared the gate of the walls, feeling more acutely the weight of the mission awaiting them inside the county.
The guard protecting the gate shouted to the line:"Next!"
Brianna stepped forward, her long silver hair slightly wavy, catching the last golden rays of the setting sun, gleaming like strands of liquid light. Her white, incandescent eyes shone with an almost supernatural intensity, making the guard hesitate, as if facing someone not of this world. Her presence radiated a magnetic aura, blending celestial beauty with threatening strength.
She delicately tucked a strand behind her ear and leaned close to the guard's ear, who could not look away."We are just ordinary people now," she whispered, sliding a hand over his shoulder. "My siblings and I lost everything in last year's war. Is there a way to enter without going through the priest's inspection? If you can do this favor… I wouldn't mind playing with you a little tonight."
The guard swallowed hard, hesitating before responding."Everyone must pass inspection to cross the barrier surrounding the county. But… at nightfall, a group of the Count's illegal merchants enters without priestly authorization. I can speak to some friends who will be on guard at night to let you pass. Once you get in, I'll be waiting at the inn near the Mercenaries' Guild."
Brianna gave a quick wink and returned to the line, her enigmatic smile leaving the guard even more stunned.
Karna crossed his arms, looking at her with disapproval."That was the best you could come up with?"
"What's wrong?" Brianna raised an eyebrow at Karna. "How could I use a charm without physical contact? And, besides, the priests are nearby… if I used ancient words, heads would have to roll here."
Karna frowned, a little red with frustration, clearly annoyed by Brianna's handling of the guard.
Telvaris exchanged a quick glance with Ereon, both intrigued by Karna's reaction, noticing something more personal, like jealousy or discomfort beyond strategic prudence.
Ereon, as always, remained silent, but the attention in his eyes indicated he had also noticed the tension.
Karna huffed, crossing his arms, unsure how to react to Brianna and the others' attentive presence.
Brianna breathed deeply and continued:"We'll have to wait until the smuggler group arrives. The priests will leave and won't return until dawn. We could stay in a nearby village, but I personally think it's risky… the charm might dissipate. We need to enter the county at all costs."
Karna frowned, voice laden with concern."That's why you shouldn't have done something so risky. And if, before the smugglers arrive, he regains consciousness, it'll all be over before it even begins."
Brianna looked at him with an ironic smile."Did you have a better idea, genius? If not, you could keep your mouth shut. That way, at least, you seem smart."
Telvaris sighed, crossing his arms."Let's stay focused. The guard said there's a group, but didn't mention if they enter through the main gate. (He turned to Kael) Keep an eye on anything that seems suspicious."
Kael nodded, maintaining concentration."Yes, but since we know nothing about the barrier, I won't be able to extend my search area much."
While everyone discussed, Ereon silently turned and headed into the forest extending before the county walls.
"Where do you think you're going?" Brianna asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Standing here won't help," Ereon replied, eyes attentive to the darkness among the trees. "I'll watch the forest and alert you if I find anything."
Ereon vanished among the trees, his silhouette blending with the shadows.
As the group waited in line, every breath carried the awareness that the real challenge was yet to come — and that every decision made from now on could seal their fates.