The next three days fell into a rhythm that was both exhausting and strangely satisfying.
Dawn training with Valerie became the anchor of my day. Each morning, I would drag myself to the training yard, my body naturally protested but after consecutively training it began adapting. Valerie was a relentless instructor, pushing me harder each session, but I could see the approval in her eyes each time I managed to execute a technique correctly.
"Your footwork is improving," she said on the third morning, after I had successfully parried three of her strikes in a row. "You're starting to think less and react more."
"Such rare high praise coming from you," I said, breathing hard.
"Don't let it go to your head. You're still barely competent." But there was a smile tugging at her lips.
After training, I'd spend hours in the family archives, absorbing everything I could about magic, combat, and the political landscape. I focused particularly on information about dungeons and monsters, anything that might help me understand what was coming in the eastern territories.
One text caught my attention: "On the Nature of Dungeon Manifestations." It described how dungeons formed in areas of concentrated magical energy, creating rifts between dimensions that allowed monsters to emerge. The book mentioned warning signs like increased monster activity, unusual weather patterns, and reports of spatial distortions.
All things that were apparently happening in the east right now.
I made notes, cross-referencing with other texts, trying to build a complete picture. If I could identify the dungeon's location before it fully manifested, maybe I could do something about it.
"You're going to strain your eyes."
I looked up to find Valerie standing in the archive entrance. She had changed from her training clothes into a simple but elegant dress, her silver hair pulled back in a practical braid.
"I'm just trying to be prepared," I said, closing the book.
She walked over, glancing at the titles I had been reading. "Dungeon theory? That's an advanced material."
"It seemed pretty relevant, given where we're going."
Valerie picked up one of the books, flipping through it. "Do you think we might encounter a dungeon?"
"The signs happening currently match with what I read," I said carefully. "Increased monster activity, strange reports from locals. It's worth being prepared for the possibility."
She studied me with those analytical crimson eyes. "You're taking this very seriously I see."
"Of course I am. I'm not going to let anything happen to you."
A blush suddenly appeared on her face. "I can take care of myself, Chase."
"I know you can. But that doesn't mean you should have to do it alone."
She looked away, but I caught the small smile before she did. "Come on. Dinner's ready, and you need to eat properly if you're going to keep up with training."
---
On the fourth day, my father summoned me again.
"I spoke with Duke Morningstar," he said without preamble. "He's confirmed the situation in the eastern territories is deteriorating. Three more villages have reported monster attacks in the past week alone."
My stomach tightened. What was currently going on was faster than in the novel. Things were very accelerating.
"What kind of monsters?"
"That's the concerning part—the reports are inconsistent. Some describe creatures that match known types, but others mention things that shouldn't exist. Amalgamations of different species, creatures with unnatural abilities." He pulled out a map and pointed to a region in the east. "The attacks are centered around this area, the Crimson Peaks. It's a mountain range known for high magical concentration."
A perfect location for a dungeon manifestation.
"Duke Morningstar wants you and Valerie to investigate?" I asked.
"He wants Valerie to assess whether their planned investments are viable. Having you along..." My father paused. "He specifically requested your presence. He said you might bring a 'fresh perspective.'"
That was unexpected. "Why would he think that?"
"I suspect he's testing you to see if you're worthy of his daughter." My father's expression grew serious. "Don't disappoint him, Chase. Or me. This marriage alliance is important for both families."
"I understand."
"Do you?" He leaned forward. "The eastern territories situation is volatile. If it's truly a dungeon manifestation, it could become dangerous very quickly. I need to know you can protect yourself and Valerie if necessary."
"I can," I said with more confidence than I felt. "I've been training."
"Valerie mentioned that." There was approval in his voice. "She also mentioned you've been studying. That's good. But knowledge and basic training won't be enough if you face real danger."
He stood and walked to a locked cabinet, opening it with a key from his desk. Inside were several weapons—real steel, not training equipment.
"Take this," he said, pulling out a longsword. The blade was beautifully crafted, with runes etched along its length that seemed to shimmer with internal light. "It's enchanted to enhance the wielder's fire magic. With your affinity, even weak as it is, you should be able to channel flames through the blade."
I took the sword carefully, feeling the weight of it. It was heavier than the practice swords but balanced perfectly.
"Thank you, Father."
"Don't thank me yet. I'm also assigning two of our best knights to accompany you. Marcus and Elena—both of them are veterans with experience in monster hunting."
"Is that necessary?"
"Yes." His tone left no room for argument. "Duke Morningstar is sending his own guards as well. This isn't a pleasure trip, Chase. It's a reconnaissance mission into potentially hostile territory. You will take every precaution."
"Understood."
---
That evening, Valerie and I practiced with real weapons for the first time. She had brought her own blade, a elegant rapier with a dark metal that seemed to absorb light.
"Let's see how you handle actual steel," she said, taking her stance.
The weight difference was immediately apparent. My swings were slower and my movements more deliberate. But the enchanted sword responded to my fire affinity, and I could feel warmth flowing through it when I concentrated.
"Good," Valerie said after I managed to successfully block one of her strikes. "You're slowly adapting. Now try channeling your magic into it."
I focused, drawing on the mana I had been practicing with. A small flame flickered along the blade's edge.
"More," Valerie commanded. "Don't be afraid of it. Fire is passion, intensity. You need to embrace that."
I pushed harder, and the flames grew, running along the entire length of the blade.
"Better!" Valerie's eyes gleamed with approval. "Again!"
We sparred for another hour, and by the end, I was maintaining the flames consistently. It was draining my mana reserves which were pitifully small but it was progress.
"You're learning faster than I expected," Valerie admitted as we cleaned our weapons. "Most people take weeks to maintain a consistent flame enchantment."
"Good teacher," I said, echoing my words from before.
She smiled—a real, genuine smile. "Or maybe a motivated student."
We stood there in the training yard, the last light of day fading, and for a moment everything felt... right. Like this was exactly where we were supposed to be.
"Chase," Valerie said softly.
"Yes?"
"I'm glad you're coming with me tomorrow. To the eastern territories, I mean." She met my eyes. "I feel... safer. With you there."
"As my meat shield of course"
My heart did something complicated in my chest. "Always, Valerie. I'll always be there."
That blush appeared again, deeper this time. She looked away quickly. "We should head back. Early start tomorrow."
As we walked back to the manor together, our hands brushed accidentally but neither of us pulled away.
---
That night, I couldn't sleep. Tomorrow we would leave for the eastern territories which might be an extremely dangerous place at the moment. And I face the first real test of whether I could actually change this story's fate.
"Can't sleep?" Valerie's voice came from the darkness.
"Too much on my mind," I admitted.
There was a rustle of fabric, and I felt the bed shift. Valerie had moved closer, close enough that I could feel the warmth of her presence.
"Are you worried about our tirp tomorrow?" she asked.
"A little. Mostly about keeping you safe."
"I told you, I can take care of myself."
"I know. But that doesn't stop me from worrying."
Silence fell between us, but it was comfortable. Then Valerie spoke again, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I'm starting to believe you, you know. About falling for me. The way you look at me, the way you've been acting... it doesn't feel like an act anymore."
"That's because it's not," I said honestly. And it was true, somewhere along the way, the lie had started becoming truth.
"I don't know what to do with that," she admitted. "I wasn't prepared to actually... feel something."
"You don't have to do anything. Just let me keep proving it to you."
Another long silence. Then I felt her hand find mine under the covers, her fingers interlacing with my own.
"Goodnight, Chase," she whispered.
"Goodnight, Valerie."
I fell asleep like that, holding her hand, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing beside me.
Tomorrow we'd leave for the eastern territories. Tomorrow I'd start trying to prevent a catastrophe.
But tonight, I would hold the hand of the woman I was supposed to save.
And hope it would be enough.