The wind whistled through the ruins as we moved deeper into the valley. Every step on the cracking ground, every puff of black dust reminded me how much this world had changed. The twisted trees, shattered stones, the remains of ancient roads—everything breathed war and death, as if time itself had been cleaved.
— Kael, whispered Lina, stay focused.
I nodded, but my hands trembled. The first mission had already left its mark, yet I knew it was only a prelude. The survivors reported to the north could be a blessing—or a trap. Every decision I made here mattered. And I was not ready.
We advanced in silence, eyes scanning for the slightest movement. Then, as expected, the shadows appeared. Ten gray figures, limbs twisted and disproportionate, slithered between the trees. Their white eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. No hesitation, no sound. They had come to kill.
— Form a line! I ordered, my voice shaking but carrying authority.
The recruits obeyed, and Lina positioned herself to my right. We were few, but we had the advantage of terrain. Still, vertigo gripped me: how could I lead this small group when I didn't even trust myself?
The first attack came like lightning. A creature leapt forward, claws slicing through the air. I raised my spear, but my paralysis made me stagger. Lina lunged ahead, striking with precision and force, felling the creature in a single blow. My heart raced, yet I knew I had to act.
— Behind you! she shouted.
I turned just in time to block a strike that could have severed my arm. The creature screamed, a strange, icy vibration running through my bones. I stepped back, disoriented, while my companions fought with courage I did not yet possess.
Then I understood what my father had meant: survival was not about brute strength, but about composure and decisive action. And I was shaking like a child.
Lina noticed my hesitation. — Kael, focus! If you freeze, we all die!
I took a deep breath. I could not stay still. My first conscious decision of this mission was simple: protect those around me. I struck, clumsy but determined, and felled my first creature. A small victory, yet enough to grant me a spark of courage.
The fight lasted nearly an hour. The creatures were more numerous than expected, but we used the terrain to our advantage. Every choice, every movement mattered. I realized I had to think like my father, anticipate every attack, every reaction.
When the last enemy fell, silence returned to the valley. The mist thickened, and we were all breathless, covered in dust and blood. Lina looked at me, a mixture of respect and surprise in her eyes.
— You did well, she said simply.
I lowered my gaze, trying to hide my relief. But I knew this was only the beginning. What we had faced was just a taste of what was to come. The world beyond the Bastion's walls was far more dangerous than I had imagined.
— Let's keep moving, I finally said. We need to find who sent that smoke.
And so we pressed on, more aware than ever that every step could be our last. Yet for the first time, I felt I could hold this role—even if fear lingered, hidden behind every decision.