The golden hues of the rising sun painted the horizon as the representatives of the Eastern Shirefort Continent gathered outside the grand building where they had stayed the night. The crisp morning air carried the scent of dew-covered grass, and the faint sound of birds chirping added a serene backdrop to the moment.
Elder White Fang, Lord Terrace, Lord Acheon, and Lord Leah stood by their carriage, their expressions a mix of calm and readiness. General Saph was already there, dressed in full armor, his posture straight and professional as he awaited their departure.
“Well, it seems your time here has come to an end,” General Saph said, his tone respectful. “I trust the Emperor’s hospitality was sufficient.”
“It was,” Elder White Fang replied, his voice steady but polite. “Though our focus remains on the mission, not comfort.”
Lord Acheon smirked faintly, crossing his arms. “Still, your efforts are appreciated, General. Your assistance has been… efficient.”
General Saph dipped his head in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Lord Acheon. It was an honor to serve.”
The group exchanged a few more words about the journey ahead and their plans to return to the Eastern Shirefort Continent. As the conversation wound down, Elder White Fang retrieved a sealed letter from within his robes and handed it to General Saph.
“This is for the Emperor,” Elder White Fang said, his tone neutral. “Ensure it reaches him directly.”
General Saph accepted the letter with a slight bow, tucking it carefully into a compartment on his armor. Though he was curious about its contents, he knew better than to ask.
“Safe travels,” the general said as he stepped back, his sharp eyes scanning the carriage and its passengers.
“And to you,” Elder White Fang replied, giving a respectful nod.
With that, the representatives boarded their carriage. The Ghost Rides, their powerful mana beast steeds, stamped their hooves impatiently, eager to move. As the driver gave a sharp command, the carriage began its journey back toward the town of Daynz.
The road stretched before them, and the faint sound of the Ghost Rides’ rhythmic steps filled the air as the group settled into their seats. Elder White Fang gazed out the window, his thoughts distant. Soon, they would return to their homeland, but the weight of the war ahead was heavier than ever.
~~~~~
Long before the sun had risen, the rhythmic sounds of training filled one of the academy’s private rooms. Damon swung his sword with precision, the blade slicing through the air as beads of sweat dripped from his brow. His body ached, but he ignored the fatigue, his focus unshakable.
The second day of their three-day break was well underway, and Damon hadn’t even stopped to rest. He hadn’t returned to his dorm the previous night, choosing instead to sleep in the training room. Now, nearing noon, his stomach growled loudly, protesting his lack of food.
He paused, leaning on his sword to catch his breath. “If only someone would bring me food…” he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with both hope and frustration.
As if summoned by his words, the door creaked open, and Anaya Stockshorn stepped inside.
This time, Damon had a clear view of her as she entered. She was impeccably dressed in a simple yet elegant outfit that accentuated her figure, her peach hair styled neatly. The soft clink of a key being slid into her breast pocket caught Damon’s attention, and his brow furrowed.
Anaya carried a larger box of food than the previous day, and the tantalizing aroma reached Damon instantly. His stomach growled again, louder this time, earning a soft chuckle from Anaya.
“You again,” Damon said, straightening up despite his exhaustion. His voice was tinged with both surprise and curiosity. “Where’d you get the key to my training room?”
Anaya smirked, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I have access to many things in this academy,” she replied cryptically. Before Damon could press further, she shifted the topic with a pointed glance at his rumbling stomach. “But we’ll discuss that later. For now, let’s deal with that hunger of yours.”
From her void key—a delicate earring that glinted faintly in the light—Anaya retrieved a neatly folded mat and spread it on the floor. She gestured for Damon to sit, setting the box of food down in front of him.
“It feels like a picnic,” Damon remarked as he took a seat.
“Exactly what I was going for,” Anaya said with a grin, kneeling across from him.
She opened the box, revealing an assortment of dishes: freshly baked bread, slices of roasted meat, steamed vegetables, and even a small container of fruit. Damon wasted no time, digging in with the enthusiasm of someone who hadn’t eaten in days.
Anaya watched him, her chin resting on her palm as a soft smile played on her lips. “You really don’t hold back, do you?”
Damon shrugged between bites, too focused on the food to offer a proper response. It wasn’t until he finished the last morsel and set the empty box aside that he finally addressed her again.
“So, why are you here this time?” he asked, leaning back against the wall.
Anaya crossed her legs, her posture relaxed. “I was bored,” she admitted. “And I knew you’d be here, probably training yourself into exhaustion again. Figured you wouldn’t mind some company.”
Damon sighed, shaking his head. “I’m not much for conversation right now. Training comes first.”
“Then I’ll just watch,” Anaya said cheerfully. “Or maybe even join you. Anything’s better than sitting in the library all day.”
Her words made Damon pause. He studied her for a moment, noting the playful glint in her eyes. Then, a small grin tugged at his lips. “You? Train with me?” he asked, his tone skeptical but amused.
“Why not?” Anaya replied, tilting her head.
Damon chuckled softly, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten. “Alright,” he said, standing up and offering her a hand. “After this meal, you’re sparring with me. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
“Deal,” Anaya said, taking his hand and rising to her feet.
As the two prepared for their impromptu training session, the training room filled with a renewed energy. For the first time in days, Damon felt something other than the weight of his coming responsibilities—a sense of camaraderie that lightened the load, if only for a moment. “Heh!” He chuckled.
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A/N: Good day dear readers. I apologise for the scattered update schedule. Due to my illness, I’ve been taking it slow with the writing to endure quality and pacing. I’ll probably delay the second chapter as well but it’ll definitely be delivered!!
Once again, my apologies!! I shall be back to schedule as soon as possible. Update continues!!