In the ornate conference hall of Heidelberg, with its rich tapestries and shimmering chandeliers, tension clung to the air. Normally, this grand space hosted cheerful conversations and festivities, but today's assembly bore no trace of merriment.
As the vast doors opened to admit the revered figures of Sage Benedictus and Sage Ludvig, murmurs surged through the hall. Their battered appearance spoke volumes.
King Heinrich von Aquileian, a beacon of strength for his people, rose. "Sage Benedictus, Sage Ludvig, your return was anxiously awaited. Tell us of Seraphine."
Ludvig, choosing his words carefully, confessed, "The battle was unlike any other. We have suffered a great loss. Paladin Gottfried has fallen."
Whispers of dread echoed around. Queen Isadora of Marn, barely containing her emotions, murmured, "A Sage lost... How do we face this darkness without being consumed?"
Sage Benedictus, his aura unwavering, addressed the assembly, "Though we grieve for our fallen comrade, despair won't serve us. I shall stand sentinel over the Confederacy. Sage Ludvig will embark on a quest, seeking alliance and strength from fellow Sages."
Sage Ludvig added gravely, "While the horizon seems bleak, hope still exists. The vast world holds allies, strength, and resolve. We shall rally against this darkness."
Outside the city, a more informal discussion took place among Harry, Eleonora, Anne, and the rest, led by Professor Cedric. Their recent victory in liberating an Imperial outpost brought some fleeting moments of joy amidst the chaos.
Harry's face lit up with a reminiscent grin as he began, "You know, that time at the outpost... Eleonora, your whirlwind maneuver was something to behold, no doubt about it."
Eleonora nodded with a touch of humility, "Thank you, Harry. But, honestly, I was equally impressed by your abilities during that encounter."
Anne chimed in with genuine awe in her voice, "Harry, watching you in action was like witnessing a master at work. Your seamless blend of melee fighting and magic left me in absolute admiration. It was as if you were born for that moment."
Harry felt a warm appreciation for his comrades' words. "I couldn't have asked for better teammates than both of you. With our combined strengths, the Empire doesn't stand a chance in this war."
However, their camaraderie was cut short by whispers from nearby soldiers. Word about the Sages' confrontation with Lucius, snippets of chatter reached their ears. "Did you hear about the Sages' face-off with Lucius?" A soldier whispered.
His comrade, incredulous, retorted, "But Sages are godly! They must have emerged victorious?"
A solemn voice corrected, "Not all. One met his end."Cedric's heart sank.
He looked at Harry, pondering if he held the solution to this looming darkness.
Recognizing the gravity, Professor Cedric guided his team to Knight Grandmaster Dietrich von Krieger's tent. Upon entering, the Grandmaster acknowledged them, "Ah, the saviors of the outpost mission. A commendable feat."
Bowing, Cedric responded, "Grandmaster, we executed the mission as you directed. What are our orders now?"
Dietrich spread a map detailing their next strategic move. "Given the current predicament with our Sages, we need every resource and strength. Cedric, your group is essential for our next defense line."
Harry, voice unwavering, assured, "Grandmaster, we stand ready. Just guide us."