Episode 45: The End of the Rebellion, the Road Home
After the fierce battles in the southern provinces, the Elysium army finally crushed the alliance of orcs and dwarves, bringing the rebellion to an end. Victory came at a steep cost: exhaustion, wounds, and the heavy silence of those who had survived. Leon had fought on the front lines until the very last moment, bearing his share of scars. Many of his comrades carried injuries of their own—some too grave to return home, others left behind forever on the battlefield.
"War always leaves scars," Leon murmured, his eyes lingering on the wounded being carried from the field. His shoulders and arms still bore the marks of combat, but the deeper wounds lay within.
At last, the army turned north, marching back toward their homeland. Columns of weary soldiers trudged along the road, carrying the weight of both sorrow and relief. Leon walked among them, his body aching yet his heart beating with a fragile hope—home was waiting.
When the walls of Elysium finally rose on the horizon, the streets below teemed with citizens gathered to welcome their soldiers. Cheers, flowers tossed into the air, and banners waving in the wind greeted the weary warriors. Leon felt a rush of warmth at the sight. For a moment, the horror of war gave way to the simple truth that the people were grateful for their return.
"We made it, Leon!" Ethan said with a tired grin, clapping him on the shoulder. Leon smiled back faintly, but his mind was still shadowed by the faces of those who hadn't returned. All the same, the thought of seeing his family again carried him forward.
When he reached his home, Leon opened the door to find his parents waiting. They burst into tears of relief and embraced him tightly. In their arms, Leon felt a rare, quiet peace—something he hadn't known since leaving for war.
Soon after, he went to Serena's workshop, eager to tell her he had returned safely. But she was away on business. Leon lingered outside the empty building, imagining the words he wished he could share with her—the fears, the battles, the weight he still carried. With a sigh, he turned back toward home.
As he walked through the city streets, the calm of evening wrapped around him like a balm. War's stench and clamor seemed far away, yet the memories clung to him all the same.
"Still, I came back alive. That's enough—for now."
That night, Leon sat by his window, gazing at the starlit sky. In his heart, he renewed his vow: no matter what lay ahead, as long as there were people to protect, he would not falter. And one day, he hoped to sit with Serena and share the stories he carried, face to face. With that thought, he closed his eyes.
**
Episode 46: Serena's Unexpected Visit
The capital of Elysium glowed in the fading light of dusk, its streets bathed in warmth. Leon stood at his post on the outskirts of the city, keeping watch with steady eyes. He had been given little rest since returning from the front, reassigned quickly to guard duty, and though the days were busy, the work felt strangely grounding.
Then, footsteps approached. Leon turned instinctively—and froze. Serena was walking toward him. Of all people, he had never expected her to come here.
She spotted him, raised her hand in a small wave, and smiled. "Leon, there you are!"
He blinked, caught off guard, then answered with a surprised smile. "Serena? What brings you here?"
Reaching into her cloak, she pulled out a small box. "You came back from the battlefield alive. I wanted to thank you in person." Inside the box lay packets of herbal tea and a folded note in her delicate handwriting: For your courage and devotion, with gratitude.
Leon accepted the gift, his chest warming. "Thank you, Serena. I didn't expect this. The tea smells wonderful—did you make it yourself?"
She nodded, delighted by his curiosity. "It's a blend for recovering strength. I thought it might help you."
Leon's lips curved into a smile. "Then I'll treasure it. With this, maybe the fatigue will finally fade."
As they spoke, his fellow guards noticed her and whistled teasingly. "Leon, bringing guests to the post? That's a first!" Leon flushed with embarrassment, but Serena only laughed softly at the scene.
Leaning closer, she whispered, "Don't mind them. I'll leave soon—I just wanted to see with my own eyes that you're well."
Their gazes met, and in hers he saw quiet worry and unwavering encouragement. The weight on his shoulders felt lighter in that instant.
"Serena… thank you. You don't know how much this means to me," he said earnestly.
She smiled and nodded. "Then I'll go now. Drink the tea after your shift—it will help." With that, she turned and walked away.
Leon stood watching her silhouette recede, the gift box pressed to his chest. Later that night, he brewed the tea at his lonely post. As the warmth spread through him, he thought of her kindness, and for the first time since returning from war, he felt at peace.
**
Episode 47: In the Shadow of Glory
Not long after the southern rebellion was put down, rumors spread across the kingdom. Word was that the king himself would bestow honors upon those who had distinguished themselves in the war. Among the names whispered most often was Adrian's. Already recognized as a gifted mage, his feats on the battlefield had only sharpened the spotlight on him.
Leon felt conflicted as he heard the rumors. He respected Adrian's talent, but the thought of him basking alone in glory left an uneasy taste. Pride, envy, and genuine admiration tangled together inside him, leaving him unsettled.
A few days later, Leon sat with Serena in a quiet café, savoring the rare comfort of peace after war. The warmth of ordinary life soothed him—until the door opened, and Adrian walked in. Several comrades trailed behind him, laughing and congratulating him. Adrian greeted them with easy smiles, and when his eyes found Leon's table, he approached.
Leon rose slightly and offered a polite smile. "Congratulations, Adrian. I heard you distinguished yourself this time." His words carried sincerity, though a faint undertone of wistfulness lingered.
Adrian waved a hand, his expression modest but tinged with pride. "Oh, nothing more than my duty to the kingdom." Then his gaze shifted toward Serena. "You heard the stories, didn't you? About how I broke the rebels' main force?"
Serena smiled warmly, offering genuine congratulations. "That's remarkable, Adrian. Truly—well done." Her encouragement made Adrian straighten with visible satisfaction.
Leon nodded at his account. "It sounds like an incredible battle." His voice carried true respect, and he clung to that sincerity, not wanting envy to define him.
Adrian glanced at Leon, his lips curving in a subtle smile that hinted at rivalry. "I hope you'll have your chance too, Leon. But you'll need to be prepared when that time comes." His tone was smooth, but a competitive edge lay beneath.
For a moment Leon was caught off guard. Then, with a calm smile, he replied, "Of course. If I can learn from someone as skilled as you, I'd welcome it." The answer seemed to unsettle Adrian, who frowned slightly before quickly recovering with a laugh and shifting the topic back to his own exploits.
He spoke at length about his magic, his strategies, his service to the kingdom—always turning the conversation toward his triumphs. Leon listened quietly, nodding when appropriate, while Serena's eyes strayed toward Leon. She remembered his quiet resolve in battle, his willingness to risk himself alongside ordinary soldiers. That, to her, had left the deeper impression.
Eventually Adrian left with his companions, their laughter trailing behind. As the door closed, Leon felt a strange emptiness—and beneath it, a spark of resolve.
Serena, seeing the shadow in his eyes, offered a gentle smile. "Leon, your time will come too. I've seen the effort you've given—it won't be in vain."
Leon returned her smile faintly. "Thank you, Serena. Someday I'll earn my own place, in my own way." And with her words echoing in his mind, he steeled himself for the path ahead.
**
Episode 48: The First Step into Enhancement Magic
In the days that followed, Leon devoted himself to studying magic. His determination had hardened on the battlefield, where he had once tried—and failed—to wield offensive spells. No matter how many books he read or formulas he recited, the faint stirrings of energy at his fingertips never became more than a flicker.
At last, Leon admitted his limits. One evening, he turned to Serena for help.
"Serena," he began awkwardly, "I can't manage this on my own. Will you teach me?"
Her eyes widened in surprise before softening into a smile. "Leon, this is the first time you've asked me for help. That in itself means you've grown." She was glad—not only that he sought her guidance, but that he trusted her enough to bare his struggle.
Scratching the back of his head, he laughed ruefully. "I know I've been stubborn. But if you could teach me some offensive magic…"
Serena tilted her head, considering, then shook it gently. "I'm not a master of attack spells. But I can show you enough to understand their principles. Still—offensive magic isn't just study and practice. It requires a certain natural gift."
Leon's face fell. "So you're saying it might not be for me?"
Reading his disappointment, she offered another path. "Not exactly. I think your strengths lie elsewhere. You'd be far better suited for enhancement magic—spells that augment the body and bolster your swordsmanship."
"Enhancement magic?" His eyes lit with curiosity.
She nodded. "Yes. On the battlefield, soldiers rarely receive magical support—there simply aren't enough mages. If you can strengthen yourself with your own magic, you'll fight as an equal against foes who rely on brute force or spells. It's practical, and I think it fits you."
Leon's expression firmed with resolve. "Then that's what I'll learn. My own way of growing stronger."
Serena smiled, pleased. "Good. Then let's start with the basics. Just as swordsmanship begins with stance, enhancement magic begins with feeling the flow of your own energy."
She raised her hand, focusing until a faint glow shimmered at her fingertips. "Draw the current of energy through your body. Concentrate it, and let it gather here."
Leon mimicked her, closing his eyes and focusing on his hands. At first, there was nothing. Then, slowly, he sensed a faint pulse at his fingertips, like a heartbeat echoing through his veins. His eyes widened. "I think… I feel it."
Serena nodded, her smile gentle. "That's it. Just a small beginning—but a true step forward. With practice, you'll be able to call on it in battle. And that will make all the difference."
Encouraged, Leon exhaled deeply. "Thank you, Serena. This feels like the foundation I've been searching for."
She studied him with quiet pride. "Whenever you need me, ask. As long as I can, I'll help you."
From that day on, Leon trained relentlessly, honing the flow of his energy alongside his blade. For the first time, he felt the stirrings of real strength—his strength—waiting to awaken.