Chapter 47: Morning Spar
Year 0003, Month XI-XII: The Imperium
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Day 162.1: Dawn Training
Time had passed since this group had last been together, yet some things remained constant. Their bodies and internal clocks had been attuned to wake at a precise hour, just as August always did. Today proved no exception, and just as they had in the forest, they performed their early morning exercises together for the first time in approximately six months.
August had naturally assumed the lead position during their morning run, as he invariably did when they conducted their training regimens. Though they dared not venture far from the wagon that had served as their sleeping quarters the previous night, the familiar rhythm of their routine brought comfort. Since they remained within the forest territory—albeit of significantly lesser threat than the more perilous Lonelywoods—caution remained paramount. During their current circuit, each member carried the combat knives August had provided before his solitary journey. The blades offered meager protection, perhaps, but they were better than nothing.
After completing several laps around their makeshift camp, the group transitioned to other physical exertions. Meanwhile, the two older men, Marcus and Andy, maintained a respectful distance as they brewed early morning coffee, their weathered hands working with practiced efficiency over the small camp stove.
While August and his crew continued their disciplined regimen, the two gentlemen engaged in conversation—or more precisely, Marcus peppered Andy with questions regarding this remarkably cohesive group of young people. Erik, Adam, and Isabel had reached young adulthood, while the others approached that milestone within a year or two.
"Do they maintain this routine regularly without interruption?" Marcus inquired, his voice carrying a note of genuine curiosity mixed with admiration.
Andy responded knowingly, having witnessed most of their training from his time in the village. "Indeed they do. They wake at the same hour every morning and train exactly as you observe now. It mirrors the discipline August instilled in us at the villa."
Marcus could only watch in contemplative silence as he sipped his steaming coffee, clearly impressed by the dedication displayed before him.
Within thirty minutes, they had completed several demanding sets and repetitions. The time had arrived for combat drills, but August raised his hand to halt their progression.
"We shall not conduct combat drills within the forest. We'll reserve that for the training grounds at the villa," he announced with authority. "Incidentally, have I mentioned that the villa we are heading to is actually owned by this good-hearted gentleman here—Mr. Marcus, whom you met last evening?"
The group exchanged glances and agreed in unison to conduct themselves with appropriate respect. They had suspected Marcus possessed considerable standing, but none had realized he was a man of such substantial means. What remained unknown to them was that August himself had also acquired considerable wealth. He had shared only selective details about his journey for now, withholding information about who actually owned the magnificent luxury wagon that had transported them.
They could only assume the impressive vehicle belonged to Marcus, a misconception that would soon be corrected when they discovered August was its true owner. Only then did they notice the banner hanging prominently on the wagon's sides: "Maya's Traveling Mercantile."
Following their brief but intensive training regimen, they gathered within the wagon once more to partake in their early morning meal, preparing themselves for the journey ahead to the beasts' temporary holding facility.
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Day 162.2: Towards the Beasts' Temporary Home
After completing their meal, packing their belongings, and cleansing themselves of perspiration, each member received specific role assignments. This arrangement served as valuable training for the challenges that lay ahead. August had carefully briefed them on their responsibilities during this relatively short journey, and they commenced their movement with purpose.
Marcus and Andy assumed responsibility as designated drivers for their wagon, their experienced hands guiding the impressive vehicle with steady confidence. Normally, the remainder of the group would proceed on foot as security details, but for this particular journey, they rode within the carriage while being strategically positioned at different points where they could quickly deploy or maintain elevated observation posts atop the wagon.
Serving as elevated sentries, they would simultaneously train with their bonded beasts, learning to utilize their unique abilities effectively. Kirpy would most likely serve as their aerial reconnaissance, his keen eyesight providing invaluable intelligence from above. Meanwhile, Rexy and Erik would function as the group's forward scouts, their combined abilities creating an effective early warning system.
The beasts would remain visible and active, at least until they reached the main highway. This exposure served multiple purposes: it allowed for practical training in strategic coordination while familiarizing everyone with their roles as security details for the massive convoy that would eventually transport them back through the forest to Maya village.
After several hours of steady travel, they finally reached the structure designated to house Rexy and Kirpy. Awaiting their arrival were soldiers of the count, accompanied by specialized beastmasters hired specifically to care for the creatures during their temporary stay.
August approached the commanding officer with appropriate formality. "Good day, Sir Robert. I would appreciate it if you could examine the beasts first, along with their bonded humans."
Robert, a recently promoted captain who had risen through the ranks to fill positions vacated after losses during Arwen's terrorist attack in the city several months prior, responded with professional courtesy. "Good day, sir. Yes, we shall conduct a thorough examination of the beasts and compile a comprehensive report for the count."
August smiled warmly and expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, sir. I wish you a productive day."
They carefully released Kirpy and Rexy from the wagon's specially designed storage compartment. For the first time in their lives, the assembled personnel witnessed two legendary beasts they had previously known only through stories and folklore. Without exception, the forty-one soldiers, including the captain and two beastmasters, found themselves awestruck—mouths agape, knees trembling, some stumbling backward with faces drained of color.
The soldiers had been sworn to absolute secrecy regarding their mission and any details of their assignment outside Gremory city. They understood, with crystal clarity, that they possessed no match for the combined might of these two magnificent creatures. Wisdom dictated maintaining respectful distance and avoiding any actions that might provoke the currently calm beasts.
The two beastmasters formally introduced themselves to the bonded humans, Erik and Bren, proceeding to ask crucial questions regarding their beasts' care and behavior. These were not casual inquiries—they were potentially life-and-death matters that required precise understanding.
After their detailed discussions and ensuring both beasts were securely housed within the recently constructed compound, they briefed the owners regarding territorial limitations. The restrictions were straightforward yet critical: the beasts could traverse anywhere within the nearby forests to hunt for sustenance, but they must remain completely hidden from human observation and never approach within ten kilometers of the city, particularly avoiding military installations.
This current facility would serve multiple functions as both temporary residence and secure base of operations for the creatures. Protected by stationed soldiers and maintained by dedicated guards, the area encompassed at least one square kilometer of carefully selected terrain. Fresh spring water flowed naturally through the enclosure, and tall, ancient trees provided Kirpy with suitable roosting locations. The beasts enjoyed freedom to leave the compound provided they respected the established boundaries.
After briefing both Erik and Bren about these critical limitations, the young men needed to convey these instructions to their bonded beasts. The profound connection between master and bonded creature was well documented—a deep, almost mystical understanding that transcended ordinary communication. Both Bren and Erik proceeded to communicate these restrictions to their highly intelligent beasts, who demonstrated clear comprehension of their bonded humans' words.
Erik and Bren committed to returning every two to three days to monitor their beasts' welfare and assess the overall situation. Once mutual understanding was established, they released their creatures to explore and familiarize themselves with their temporary territory.
The entire square kilometer was enclosed by impressive fencing that clearly delineated boundaries while providing adequate security. Rexy covered the perimeter within minutes, methodically marking her new territory with the thoroughness of an apex predator. Meanwhile, Kirpy ascended to survey the landscape from above, his sharp eyes cataloging every detail of their temporary domain. The area featured sufficient foliage to provide concealment from human observation while maintaining enough open space for comfortable habitation.
Before August and his team departed for the city, they provided the soldiers, beastmasters, and bonded humans with ample provisions—both raw and prepared food—to sustain everyone during their stay. They reaffirmed their promise to return within two or three days for a comprehensive status assessment.
The one-square-kilometer facility had been designed and constructed with remarkable efficiency, thanks to Sibus's architectural expertise and the dedicated builders who had worked tirelessly alongside additional support personnel. Despite being erected within mere days, every structure demonstrated practical durability and thoughtful design. The housing complex, guard outposts, observation towers, fencing, and designated beast areas all reflected a focus on functionality over aesthetics, yet maintained impressive structural integrity throughout.
After August and his companions completed their thorough inspection and bid farewell to all personnel, they departed once again, this time heading directly toward Gremory city.
The newer members of their group displayed unmistakable excitement as they observed the snow-covered landscape gradually transform as they approached the city. The dense forest gave way to increasingly sparse vegetation, with trees becoming notably thinner the closer they drew to the outer walls and gates. A deliberate clearing extended one kilometer beyond the city walls—a strategic buffer zone meticulously maintained to eliminate potential cover for hostile forces.
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Day 162.3: Arriving at the City Gates
Within a few hours, they reached the imposing city gates where new personnel underwent standard identity verification procedures. This represented standard protocol before anyone gained entry to any city, town, or village, particularly during wartime when security concerns demanded heightened vigilance.
The gate guards had received advance notification that Maya's Traveling Mercantile would be bringing personnel to serve as security for their upcoming spring exodus back to their village. Nevertheless, thorough identity confirmation remained a non-negotiable requirement.
After verifying identities and inspecting their wagon, they received clearance to enter the city. Erik, Bren, Betty, Angeline, Adam, and Isabel displayed barely contained excitement—their first opportunity in considerable time to enter another settlement. Some possessed previous city experience, whether positive or otherwise, but all shared anticipation for this new chapter.
They proceeded directly to Marcus's villa compound to unload their belongings, requiring additional minutes to navigate the city's streets and reach their destination. There, they encountered new faces and received a gracious welcome from Susan Fernando, Marcus's mother.
"Good day, young sirs and ladies. Welcome to our humble abode. I am Susan Fernando, Marcus's mother," she announced with an elegant curtsy that spoke of refined upbringing and genuine warmth.
Their guests reciprocated with appropriate introductions. "Hello, my name is Erik Rubbard, August's deputy leader and current leader of our team," Erik responded, maintaining respectful formality while demonstrating confident leadership.
Each team member followed with their own introductions, creating an atmosphere of mutual respect despite their obviously youthful appearances. While they might appear to be merely children or teenagers, several had already achieved the age of majority recognized in their world.
After formal introductions concluded, they were escorted to their assigned quarters within the expansive house. There, they encountered additional personnel whom August, Andy, and Marcus took turns introducing—staff employees who would join their migrant community for the journey to the village.
Once they had settled their belongings, they embarked on a comprehensive tour of the villa compound. Eventually, their exploration led them to the complex building currently housing their prospective migrants, facilitating additional introductions and relationship-building.
The time had arrived to meet the security team, currently taking respite after their morning training regimen. The new group, led by Erik, immediately noticed the unmistakable family resemblance among the individuals assembled in the training grounds.
"Are they related to each other, Uncle Andy?" Betty inquired, addressing the nearest familiar figure.
"Indeed they are—a family whose expertise centers on security operations," Andy replied with a warm smile that invited further questions.
The family patriarch stepped forward to conduct introductions, representing what would prove to be a far more significant encounter than anyone initially realized.
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Day 162.4: The Secretive Martin Clan
The Martin family transcended ordinary definitions of security specialists. They represented a living legend among the discrete circles of Ogind nobility, the royal family, and merchant princes who truly understood power's inherent fragility. For generations, they had functioned as silent architects of safety, their lineage woven with threads of ancient knowledge, martial prowess, and unparalleled understanding of both mundane and arcane threats.
Operating from their heavily warded yet unassuming mountain stronghold, they served as the first and last line of defense for secrets that could destabilize the kingdom. They had descended from their heights to offer services to the kingdom before retiring to a peaceful, unremarkable village that was subsequently destroyed under circumstances they had yet to fully reveal to August.
Axel Martin, 48, stood as the stoic patriarch and unparalleled strategic mind behind the clan's operations. His calm eyes seemed to pierce through illusions and deceptions, perceiving the true flow of mana and intent with supernatural clarity. A former Master of Wards and Counter-Sorcery within a legendary, now-disbanded order of arcane protectors he had led in his youth, Axel possessed encyclopedic knowledge of ancient runes, magical architecture, and the dark arts of summoning and scrying.
He specialized in pre-emptive magical threat neutralization, identifying and disarming arcane incursions or curses before they could establish footholds. His strategies typically involved intricate layers of magical and mundane defenses, rendering his protected assets virtually impregnable. Rather than employing flashy magic himself, he preferred commanding unseen currents of defense while mastering magical barrier techniques. His abilities classified him as a Category IV-Mid Tier Master.
Helga Martin, Axel's wife at 40, served as the clan's formidable Mistress of Blades and Guardian-Sense. A veteran of countless skirmishes against monstrous beasts and rogue mages, Helga possessed peerless physical capabilities and mastery of unarmored defense techniques. Her preternaturally keen senses allowed detection of hidden traps, magical auras, and concealed enemies without explicit magical assistance.
She designed and oversaw physical fortification of strongholds, trained personal guard details, and could personally serve as an unbreachable shield for any dignitary. Her grounded pragmatism and formidable combat skills provided steel to complement Axel's arcane foresight. Her classification: Category III-High Tier Expert.
Their eldest son, Lukas Martin, 18, had emerged as a prodigy in Arcane Cryptography and Scrying Interdiction. He dedicated countless hours to studying ancient grimoires, deciphering forgotten languages, breaking complex runic ciphers, and unraveling intricate magical wards. His abilities encompassed tracing magical communications, identifying cursed artifact origins, and disrupting enemy divinations, making him the clan's primary magical reconnaissance and counter-intelligence specialist. Though quiet and scholarly, often absorbed in scrolls, his expertise earned Category III-Mid Tier Expert status.
Freya Martin, 16, had developed into a lithe and perceptive Shadow-Stalker and Sentinel of the Wilds. Inheriting her mother's agility and her father's uncanny perception, she excelled in tracking and counter-tracking across any terrain while detecting magical ambushes, subtle illusions, or hidden beast lairs. Her mastery of silent movement and observation allowed seamless blending into forests or bustling marketplaces, sensing danger before manifestation. Her skills proved invaluable for advance scouting and perimeter security, earning her a Category II-High Tier Advanced classification.
The youngest, Milo Martin, 14, had shown inventive talent as an Artificer of Traps and Contraptions. His mind operated in cogs, springs, and intricate enchantments, constructing ingenious mechanical locks, pressure-activated alarms, self-resetting snares, and arcane tripwires activating specific magical defenses. His love of tinkering produced bespoke, portable security devices while designing escape routes through secret tunnels and concealed passages. Classification: Category II-High Tier Advanced.
Axel's younger brother, Bjorn Martin, 45, served as the family's vital Master of Secure Passage and Acquisition. More outwardly jovial and earthy than Axel, he possessed an equally sharp, practical mind for logistics and procurement in dangerous circumstances. As a former mercenary captain specializing in "impossible" extractions and high-value cargo transport, he could secure safe passage through bandit-infested lands, acquire rare magical components from heavily guarded sources, and manage the family's public and covert protective contracts.
He maintained networks of contacts and safehouses extending the Martin clan's reach across multiple realms, earning Category IV-Mid Tier Master classification.
Astrid Martin, Bjorn's wife at 42, specialized in Mind-Weaving and Deception Lore. With extensive background studying obscure schools of mental magic and courtly intrigue, she possessed an uncanny ability to read intentions, discern truth from enchantment, and navigate complex social webs. She provided calm leadership during crises, capable of de-escalating volatile confrontations through cunning negotiation or extracting vital secrets from resistant targets through charm, subtle suggestion, or piercing insight into their desires and fears.
Her understanding of security's human element included identifying weaknesses in morale or loyalty, earning Category III-High Tier Expert status.
Their son Ragnar Martin, 17, had developed as a broad-shouldered and charismatic Sentinel of Steel and Oath-Sworn Protector. Inheriting his father's pragmatism and his mother's commanding presence, he served as the clan's foremost close-quarters combatant specialist, wielding shields and blades with devastating efficiency against mortal foes and monstrous threats alike.
He excelled at leading small, elite protective details while acting as an unyielding bulwark against any assault, prioritizing his charge's safety above all else. Classification: Category III-Mid Tier Expert.
Solveig Martin, 15, had emerged as a quiet, keenly observant Whisper-Gatherer and Guise-Master. She could blend seamlessly into any court, market, or obscure cult, extracting intrigue whispers, rebellion rumors, or arcane secrets without drawing notice. Her eidetic memory for sigils, noble lineages, political affiliations, and subtle cues of magical glamours or disguises made her exceptional at covert intelligence gathering and identifying hidden threats within plain sight. Classification: Category III-Low Tier Expert.
The youngest, Finn Martin, 13, displayed prodigious talent for Warding Frequencies and Scrying Disruption. Obsessed with ambient mana flow and magical signals, he could establish secure magical communication lines using enchanted stones or familiars, detect enemy scrying attempts or magical eavesdropping, and subtly disrupt hostile magical frequencies.
His abilities ensured the clan's communications remained private while their movements stayed hidden from diviners. Classification: CategoryII-Low Tier Advanced.
The Martin clan's ancestral stronghold—a seemingly humble keep nestled among craggy peaks—testified to their combined expertise. This self-sufficient, magically warded, and physically impregnable nexus served as their operational headquarters. They represented true guardians of the shadows, ensuring civilization's delicate balance remained unbroken by those seeking to unravel it. But the stronghold has long been abandoned by the Martin's descendants away from the prying eyes of the world.
Currently serving under August as security forces for their upcoming expedition to Maya village in the Lonelywoods forest, they maintained careful secrecy regarding their family's full historical scope and capabilities, appearing deliberately weaker than their true strength—strength sought by many nobility familiar with their legendary reputation.
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Day 162.5: A Training Like No Other
Following brief introductions with the security team, the moment everyone had anticipated finally arrived: a comprehensive sparring match between August and his friends.
"Now let us begin. We have many observers with us today—I hope you demonstrate your finest efforts, my friends," August announced, his voice carrying both encouragement and challenge.
Taking point position, Adam prepared to absorb incoming attacks while Bren, functioning as a secondary tank, gripped his spear with practiced confidence. The female fighters, Betty and Angeline, assumed combat stances designed to deliver precise spear attacks and effective counterstrikes. Meanwhile, Isabel demonstrated her versatility—capable of temporary tanking at close range with her small round shield and short sword, transitioning to bow work at middle and long ranges. Though not quite matching August's weapon mastery, she commanded respectable proficiency across multiple disciplines.
Erik positioned himself at the rear, providing tactical commands and ranged attacks while continuously assessing battlefield conditions and coordinating their collective response.
August felt genuine excitement at reuniting with his friends and testing their developed skills. All participants understood the ten-percent power limitation—sufficient force to land meaningful blows without causing serious injury. Today's session employed actual combat weapons rather than training implements, as August wanted them experiencing authentic combat sensations in preparation for their upcoming expedition home.
August immediately detected that several team members had begun developing their magical abilities, a development that filled him with pride and anticipation.
The Martins served as referees, with patriarch Axel as primary judge while family members covered blind spots he couldn't observe, assessing whether attacks had successfully connected.
"Are all combatants prepared?" Axel inquired, scanning both sides with professional attention to detail.
Upon receiving confirmatory nods, August donned his distinctive helmet and mask. His eyes began glowing ethereal green, manifesting the feared "Blurred Devil"—his alter ego, a persona designed to deliver death to enemies and evil forces threatening the world.
Instantly, the atmosphere became notably chillier, an unnatural cold settling over the training ground. The overall aura shifted dramatically from friendly competition to something far more ominous, as though death itself had arrived to observe their contest.
August's friends could definitely sense the pressure their original leader now emanated—power levels far exceeding their current capabilities. Victory conditions had been established clearly: August must eliminate their leader Erik while the team defended him. Meanwhile, they needed only to touch August's chest plate with their blades or magic to achieve victory.
Once the referee confirmed both teams' readiness, he raised his hand and shouted the commencement command: "Combatants, begin!"
August wasted no time hesitating in his position. He launched forward toward his friends, his target remaining Erik at the rear lines. However, for this training scenario to achieve maximum educational value, he decided against ending the confrontation immediately. Instead, he would allow them to experience defending someone while facing an opponent moving like a beast in human form.
Despite August's imposing appearance, his movement demonstrated remarkable lightness and agility. His speed transcended his team's current comprehension level—whereas previously they could match his velocity, now he appeared as a blur surrounding them, materializing unpredictably at various positions.
Adam tightened his defensive stance while others maintained their formations. Following Erik's shouted commands, they moved with practiced precision—skills they had continuously drilled while hunting beasts far stronger than themselves. Erik barked tactical orders while sending arrows toward predicted positions, continuously assessing August's movement patterns. These arrows obviously lacked lethal arrowheads, serving purely training purposes.
Isabel contributed similar ranged support while front-line fighters engaged August's attacks directly. Adam absorbed the primary assault while Bren prepared to redirect dangerous strikes using skillfully woven water magic to launch counterattacks. Betty and Angeline hurled their spears toward August's position while he parried, dodged, or blocked their combined assault.
Surprisingly, the team demonstrated exceptional balance and coordination, covering individual weaknesses while protecting endangered comrades. They launched potentially killing strikes towards August just as he had taught them six months earlier, displaying newfound confidence and elimination of hesitation in their movements. They maintained appropriate caution while demonstrating complete commitment to their tactical approach.
Most impressive was Bren's combat integration of water magic—something August hadn't witnessed before his departure. The boy's obvious extended practice and successful implementation during forest hunts showed in his skillful application. While others hadn't achieved comparable confidence or skill levels, August recognized Bren's advanced development and felt tremendous pride in his team's progress.
This battle had continued for several minutes as spectators grew from ten to twenty, then others heard the commotion and gravitated toward the training grounds. Cheers erupted from all directions as observers watched the spectacular display unfolding before them—swords clashing and magic flying while August evaded, blocked, dodged, and countered multiple enemies simultaneously, seemingly handling more than any single person could manage.
Axel, Helga, Bjorn, and Astrid—as acknowledged masters in their own rights—could perceive the battle's complete picture with professional appreciation. They found themselves genuinely amazed by the sight, sensing these young people's burning desire and complete commitment to their effort. Though the encounter might appear choreographed to casual observers, the experienced Martin family recognized each blow carried lethal intent—something rarely witnessed in supposed training scenarios. The intensity felt more appropriate to actual field operations than practice sessions.
They resisted revealing their capabilities prematurely, though Axel would soon need family discussions regarding whether they should render complete service and expertise to August. They already knew the child possessed unusual strength with optimal physical development and impressive height that defied conventional expectations. August appeared to inhabit an adult's body despite being merely twelve years old—something they found genuinely curious.
They had observed him intently daily, assessing his character, strength, and capabilities. Even they, despite their considerable abilities, couldn't match him in their own daily combat practice sessions. August surpassed them not only in tactical acumen and hunting instincts but across multiple combat aspects. They assessed him as already possessing master-level abilities, though curiously he appeared unaware of this status. The contradiction proved both confusing and exhilarating to this family of security experts.
The prolonged battle had pushed August's friends to unprecedented limits, their ragged breathing indicating approaching exhaustion they had never previously experienced. Time had arrived for the finale.
August launched a coordinated barrage of deceptive and genuine attacks designed to distract and misdirect his opponents while concealing his true assault elsewhere. As his friends desperately defended themselves, they gradually forgot their primary objective—protecting Erik. August systematically overpowered or displaced them to the ground before launching himself toward Erik, who found himself genuinely caught off-guard by August's enhanced velocity.
Despite desperate defensive efforts, Erik couldn't prevent being tagged. Isabel courageously interposed herself between them, but August simply swept her aside before tagging both her and Erik in fluid succession. The sequence eschewed flashy or explosive techniques in favor of simple, efficient, graceful execution. Their defeat had been inevitable from the start.
Axel and his family members called for combat cessation. The defenders had been eliminated, and the attacker claimed victory. They understood personally that defending someone demanded far greater difficulty than appearances suggested. Even with their extensive family history as security experts, they would struggle protecting multiple individuals simultaneously. Fortunately, August had also trained the adult migrants to fight and defend themselves and their families, though that remained their capability limit. They, these new reinforcements, and August would handle genuine security threats.
Cheers and applause erupted while participants panted and perspired despite the cold winter air. They could feel their hearts burning with desire for self-improvement—not to replicate August and his team's abilities, but to fulfill their own defensive responsibilities for their caravan journey to new homes.
The migrant community's children watched with golden gleaming eyes, finding these new people remarkably impressive and worthy of emulation. They now understood August's true strength in handling multiple opponents simultaneously, while others admired their friends for enduring such prolonged engagement despite the inherently dangerous combat exercise.
With the session concluded, everyone felt renewed motivation, particularly Milo, who had observed with fierce intensity throughout the demonstration. Could he eventually achieve similar capabilities and join their ranks? He desperately wanted answers but recognized his current limitations. He vowed to work exponentially harder to catch up with them as quickly as possible.
The morning ended with everyone returning to their comfortable quarters, seeking relief from the cold. Excited whispers buzzed throughout the Fernando estate that morning, continuing long after the sun had surrendered to evening darkness, as residents processed the remarkable display they had witnessed and contemplated the implications for their upcoming journey.