Inside Lord Garius's private chamber.
Garius stood behind his desk, arms folded behind his back, his presence calm but immense.
His eyes, sharp and unreadable, settled on the young man standing before him.
"Looks like your mission was a success, Javier."
Javier stood straight, hands at his sides, posture stiff.
"Yes, Esteemed Father."
Garius gave a slow nod.
"Good. However—"
He picked up a black scroll from the side of his desk, unrolling it with one hand.
"The report from the shadow unit says all of the enemy targets were found with missing heads."
His gaze lifted.
"No signs of sword slashes. No burn marks from magic arrows or crossbow bolts."
A pause.
He tilted his head slightly.
"Care to explain?"
Javier said nothing at first.
He stepped forward and bowed politely.
With a flick of his hand, a glowing glyph appeared beside him—his magic storage spell activating with a quiet hum.
In a burst of light, a long, slender weapon materialized in his grip.
