The late morning sun streamed through the windows of their cozy home in Veilden. Lira gently combed Eryna's hair in the wardrobe room, having just helped her dress in one of her spare mini dresses. The outfit fit Eryna perfectly—perhaps too perfectly.
Arriel sat in the living room, flipping through the guild's latest quest pamphlets. Lira stepped out, her face brightening. "I'll prepare lunch—"
"Hold on," Kell cut in, raising a finger. "I want to show you two something first."
He pulled a neatly folded parchment from his bag and placed it on the table. It was a newly posted escort quest notice:
Special Assignment: Adventurers Needed to Escort Humanitarian Relief to Theodor. Purpose: Post-war support mission. Minimal Mirdia Military involvement. Risk Level: Moderate to High. Combat readiness required. Payment: 6,000 Git + bonus for high performance.
Arriel leaned forward, his brows tightening. "Theodor…"
"Looks like they're avoiding sending the military to keep tension low," Kell said. "But here's the thing—this could be our chance. A way into Theodor territory."
Lira's eyes narrowed. "You think we'll find leads on the royal descendants? Or the slavers?"
Arriel nodded. "And maybe more. If we want justice for Eryna and the others, this is a chance we shouldn't ignore."
"But if all three of us go," Lira said, her concern quickly surfacing, "who's going to protect Eryna?"
The elf girl was quietly watching from the hallway, clutching the hem of her dress. "I'll be okay. You don't need to worry about me."
"We will worry," Lira said firmly.
Kell snapped his fingers. "We ask my father."
Arriel and Lira turned slowly to Kell. "…What?" they said in unison.
Kell raised both hands. "I mean it. He's the Royal Governor of the East Province. His residence is practically a fortress. And he owes me for putting up with all his lectures."
Lira sighed. "You're sure he'll agree?"
"He will if I tell him the full story," Kell replied.
And so, the plan was set.
---
The next day, they visited Governor Klein's office.
"I see," Klein muttered, stroking his neatly trimmed beard. He studied Eryna gently, then looked to Lira. "She'll be under my care. I'll place her in the north chamber. Two guards will shadow her at all times—discreetly. None will harm her while she stays here."
Lira bowed respectfully. "Thank you."
As they prepared to leave, Klein gave his son a stern glare. "And you, Kell. The moment you return, we're resuming your studies. Your mother wants to see you. You're almost twenty and haven't taken your civil exam. And when are you going to marry? I need grandchildren!"
Kell shoved his fingers into his ears. "Not listening! Not listening!"
Arriel chuckled. "At least he's consistent."
---
The following two days were a whirlwind of preparation.
Lira pored over her spellbooks, searching for utility and stealth spells. She found one—Veil Whisper, a rare spell that muted footsteps and muffled sound within a five-meter radius. It would be taxing, but manageable with enough mana potions.
Kell bought a new black cloak lined with wind-resistant enchantments. He also acquired collapsible gear for travel, plus several small alchemy items—smoke and flash orbs, small fire crystals, and a basic trap kit.
Arriel trained with Lira in the evenings, focusing on coordination in tight spaces and silent takedown techniques. Though they weren't assassins, they wanted to be ready for any ambush or moral dilemma.
Before leaving, Lira enchanted the doors and windows of their home with a protective ward that would glow and alarm if broken.
Finally, the morning of departure arrived.
The trio stood just outside the eastern gate of Veilden, where a single Kingdom hovertruck idled. Painted in Mirdian blue with gold accents, it bore the sigil of the Crown and the Ministry of Civil Aid.
Two government officials stood beside it, checking names on a floating list enchanted in front of them. When the trio approached, one official looked up.
"Arriel, Lira, and Kell. Approved for transport to Southern Border Supply Camp."
The hovertruck had minimal seats—just enough for the ten adventurers it had gathered from Veilden and nearby villages. The rest of the space was allocated for crates and packs of supplies. Arriel, Lira, and Kell took their places, settling in silently as the engine hummed to life.
The ride lasted two hours. Along the route, they passed small towns, farms, and the fading aftermath of the great war. Smoke no longer rose, but the silence in the countryside was sobering.
At last, the hovertruck crested a low hill—and there it was.
A sprawling staging camp near the Mirdia-Theodor border. Dozens of hovertrucks parked in neat rows, each having brought adventurers from different provinces. Supply tents were set, magical spotlights floated mid-air, and Kingdom staff in uniforms moved briskly between posts.
The trio disembarked and took in the sight.
"This is bigger than I expected," Lira murmured.
"Must be over a thousand people here," Arriel said. "They weren't kidding about a large operation."
Kell pointed to a sectioned area with signage: Escort Group 14.
"That's us."
They approached their assigned group, finding about twenty adventurers—some young, some weathered, a few even wearing Hero pendants. A woman with spiky orange hair and a scar over her left eye nodded at them. She wore dual swords and a confident smirk.
"You three the Veilden recruits?" she asked.
Arriel nodded. "That's right."
"I'm Tressa, group leader. Orders are simple—stay alert, follow the escort, defend if attacked, no independent heroics. Understood?"
"Understood," they chorused.
As the sun began to lower, magical lanterns floated to life, casting a warm glow over the camp. Arriel found a quiet spot to sit and polish his sword. Lira took a moment to meditate and restore mana. Kell scribbled notes about key landmarks and magical communication codes issued to the escort groups.
Tomorrow, they would cross into Theodor.
And with them—hope, questions, and the faint, burning light of justice.