Dawn crept slowly over the snowy forest, brushing the cold world in pale gold. The campfire had long since dimmed into crackling embers, thin trails of smoke curling into the morning sky.
The knights were already awake, tending to their gear and checking the perimeter for lingering danger.
Jude pushed aside the camp's cloth covering and stepped out, eyes barely open, stretching like someone who hadn't slept well in days. The frost in the air nipped at his face, and he rubbed his hands over his eyes to wake himself.
Brenna turned the moment she heard him.
"Good morning, Young Master," she said gently.
Jude yawned. "Good morning, Brenna…"
The Head Knight approached with a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Young Master. Shall we continue the journey now?"
Jude opened his mouth to answer—
and his stomach growled loudly.
"…Yes," Jude said, scratching the back of his head, "but after we eat something."
The Head Knight chuckled softly.
"Of course, Young Master."
Brenna stepped closer, her expression softening as she reached into her bag.
"Young Master… I still have a few cookies left."
She pulled out the small wrapped bundle. Jude's eyes brightened, and he took them without hesitation, biting into one with almost childish enthusiasm.
Brenna smiled warmly.
"I'm glad you still like them."
Jude nodded rapidly while chewing.
Then—
Crack.
A sharp sound broke through the calm morning—branches snapping under heavy footsteps.
Every knight immediately shifted into formation. Four blades came out in a single synchronized motion, reflecting the pale morning light. Their boots crunched into the snow as they formed a protective barrier in front of Jude.
The Head Knight's voice cut across the clearing, loud and commanding.
"Reveal yourselves!"
The sounds grew nearer—slow, deliberate steps pushing through snow. Figures appeared between the trees like ghosts materializing out of the forest's breath.
Three figures.
All wearing long, heavy robes with thick cloaks hiding their faces.
The knights tightened their grip on their swords.
"I said reveal yourselves," the Head Knight repeated, sharper this time.
One of the robed figures raised both hands slowly, showing he meant no harm. He lowered his hood.
A calm-faced man with long black hair and warm brown eyes looked back at them.
"I am Torvin of House Ravencross," he said, bowing lightly. "We mean no trouble."
The knights exchanged looks immediately—wide-eyed, uneasy.
Torvin.
A well-known name.
A prodigy of House Ravencross, one of the five great houses.
The Five Great Houses
1. Avernus — Swordsmanship Mastery
The supreme sword house. Known for disciplined training, precise blade mastery, and producing the strongest swordsmen of the era.
2. Arcanis — Pure Magic Dominion
Known for unmatched magical intellect, mastery over elemental and arcane forces, and producing the greatest scholars and battle-mages.
3. Runevale — Body Martial Arts
Known for their belief that a true warrior needs no weapon. Masters of physical combat, internal force, hardened conditioning, and bare-handed destructive techniques.
4. Ravencross — Beast Summoners
Known for commanding magical beasts, tactical summoning warfare, and deep bonds with rare and dangerous creatures.
5. Zarvox — Divine Priests
Known for their divine blessings, ritual power, spiritual authority, and ability to channel holy or celestial forces.
Torvin's reputation wasn't ordinary—he was known for exceptional summoning talent, a rare genius among beast tamers.
Jude stepped forward, his expression calm and unwavering.
"I am Jude Avernus of House Avernus," he said. "State your business here."
Torvin blinked, taken aback.
Such boldness… from a child?
He hadn't expected that.
Before Torvin could respond, the other two robed figures lowered their hoods.
One was a boy—roughly Jude's age, maybe slightly older. His eyes were sharp with attitude, his jaw set with arrogance.
"How dare you speak like that to my teacher?" the boy snapped.
Jude looked at him, unimpressed.
"You're the one being rude."
Torvin sighed heavily.
"Forgive my disciple, Young Master Jude. His manners… require polishing."
The boy straightened in indignation.
"This is Keal," Torvin continued. "Son of Magnus Ravencross. The Young Master of House Ravencross."
Keal lifted his chin proudly.
"That's right. Show some respect."
Jude's lips tugged into a faint smirk.
Keal Ravencross…
In Jude's past life, that same boy would one day become the Vice-Patriarch of House Ravencross—the strongest summoner their house had produced in generations.
In that timeline, Keal grew into a legend.
Now he was just a loud, overconfident child.
The Head Knight stepped forward, lowering his sword cautiously.
"And what business do members of Ravencross have with us?"
Torvin hesitated for a brief moment before speaking.
"We have been tracking a magical beast," he said. "An ice bear.
Keal crossed his arms dramatically.
"It fled this direction. Our scouts confirmed its trail ended here."
Torvin nodded.
"And we tracked it… directly to this location."
The knights exchanged uneasy glances.
Brenna stood silently behind Jude, tense but composed.
Jude simply looked Torvin in the eye, waiting for him to finish.
Torvin inhaled slowly.
"Tell me, Young Master Jude… did your group encounter the ice bear?"