The wind howled through the jagged peaks of the northern mountains. Inside a dimly lit cavern, three imposing figures gathered around a cracked stone table.
"Hilarious, Gakeru," a sharp, mocking voice echoed off the cave walls. "You went in, threw a tantrum, and couldn't even finish the job. You call yourself strong? How pathetic. Even if you didn't fight him, you should have at least crushed one of the others in the backline."
The speaker was Iwashita. He leaned against the cave wall, tossing a small dagger into the air and catching it flawlessly. His eyes were cold, calculating, and filled with disdain.
Gakeru slammed his scorched iron gauntlet onto the table, cracking the stone. "Don't lecture me, Iwashita! You saw it all through your familiars. You saw what was standing behind that boy. That... thing."
"You mean the armored one? Arthur called her Rina, didn't he?" Iwashita caught his dagger and smirked. "So it's a girl. Strange. For a girl to wield an Adamantine halberd with zero recoil... that's not just physical strength. That's monstrous."
"Whatever she is, she stopped my full-power strike with one hand," Gakeru grunted, rubbing his scorched face.
"Ugh, please don't remind me of that whole display," groaned a massive, hulking figure from the back of the cave. This was Ferzeld. Despite carrying a greatsword that weighed more than two grown men, he was currently shuddering like a frightened child. "All that blood and vaporized flesh... disgusting. And that boy's magic... so messy."
Gakeru scoffed. "It's not good to say things like that, Ferzeld. Hearing a giant like you, who swings a sword heavier than mine, complain about 'messy' things sounds incredibly stupid."
"Enough," Iwashita interrupted, his tone turning deadly serious. "Regardless of your failure, Gakeru, we obtained sufficient intelligence. We know his true name. We know his capabilities. That alone is worth the trip."
"So, what's the plan, Iwashita?" Gakeru asked, leaning in.
Iwashita's lips curled into a sinister smile. "If their trajectory continues as expected, they will eventually have to pass through the Solderk Village. That is where we will annihilate them."
Ferzeld groaned, burying his face in his massive hands. "Damn it... that disgusting, cursed village? Ugh, just thinking about that place makes me want to vomit."
The Imperial Encampment: 38th Battalion
The winter morning was bleak. The sky was the color of bruised iron, and the camp was a chaotic maze of muddy tents and weary soldiers.
Akira navigated the narrow paths, her dual daggers sheathed at her sides, her arm still aching from Gakeru's kick. She was looking for him. For Magnus. No... for Arthur.
"Akira! Hold on a second!"
She turned to see the 2nd Lieutenant jogging toward her, his breath pluming in the cold air.
"Sir," Akira saluted lazily. "Why are you here?"
"I should ask you the same thing," the Lieutenant panted. "I've been looking for Magnus. Have you seen him?"
"No. I'm looking for him too," Akira replied. "Is everything alright?"
The Lieutenant let out a bitter, exhausted laugh. "Listen to yourself, Akira. 'Alright?' In this camp? No, it's not alright. Intelligence Command is asking for him. They have a new mission specifically for him and that armored servant of his, Rina. If you find him, tell him to report to the command tent immediately. Understood?"
"Understood," Akira nodded, watching the officer hurry away.
She continued her walk, her eyes wandering over the sprawling encampment. Before the war, the Rhine Empire was renowned for its architecture. They boasted the finest cities, engaging in grand competitions with neighboring kingdoms over who could build the tallest spires or the most beautiful cathedrals.
Now, looking at the endless sea of rotting canvas tents and shivering men, the idea of drinking hot tea in a warm, solid house felt like a fairytale.
Damn the Emperor, Akira thought bitterly, kicking a frozen clod of dirt. This is all his fault. It was supposed to be a 'simple' annexation of a restless neighbor. A quick border dispute. But the fools in the capital didn't realize that neighbor had strategic alliances.
The war had exploded. The Rhine Empire was now fighting on multiple fronts against four different kingdoms. The United Kingdoms Alliance was battling two other nations. Even the minor, non-imperial states were tearing each other apart in the chaos. The war was a living, breathing monster, constantly expanding its borders.
Before this started, the Rhine Empire boasted the largest standing army in the world. Now? They were drafting children and peasants. A severe soldier shortage was crippling the front lines.
How pathetic, Akira sighed. But it's too late for regrets now. We just have to survive.
She finally arrived at a tent set slightly apart from the others. It was larger, likely requisitioned for the squad leader.
This must be his tent, Akira thought. Magnus... Arthur's tent.
She hesitated for a moment. He was a Spirit Lord. A being of terrifying power who had leveled a forest and casually struck a deal with a Black Knight. Taking a deep breath, she gently lifted the tent flap to peek inside.
She expected to see the boy sitting in meditation, or perhaps studying a map.
Instead, her eyes widened in absolute shock.
Lying on the cot was Arthur, still unconscious and breathing softly. But he wasn't alone. Wrapped tightly around him, her arms draped over his chest in a protective, almost intimate embrace, was a breathtakingly beautiful young woman. She had flowing hair and flawless skin, and she was fast asleep.
Akira, usually the most cold-blooded and composed rogue in the squad, couldn't help herself.
"W-What the...?!" Akira shrieked, dropping the tent flap.
The beautiful girl's eyes snapped open. She sat up gracefully, brushing a strand of hair from her face, completely unbothered by the intrusion.
"What's the matter, Akira?" the girl asked, her voice calm and familiar. "Why are you screaming?"
Akira froze, pointing a trembling finger at the girl. "Wh... Who are you?! And how do you know my name?!"