The march began with little ceremony. The sun had barely risen above the city walls when Rifi's squad moved out. The air was cold, the kind that bit at exposed skin and lingered in the lungs. Rifi adjusted his pack, the straps digging into his shoulders, and focused on matching the pace of the group. His new uniform itched, the stiff leather straps and wool tunic chafing against his skin, but he dared not complain.Rudeus walked ahead of the squad, his broad shoulders and steady stride radiating an air of calm authority. Lucilia and Albus flanked him, their conversations low and inaudible. Julius, the last of the group, brought up the rear, humming a tune that seemed to be a mix of a battle song and something utterly inappropriate for the somber mood. Rifi found himself sandwiched in the middle, his unease only growing as the city gates loomed closer.The gates of Hepestus were monumental, their iron-bound wood reinforced with intricate runes that glowed faintly with residual mana. Beyond them stretched the open road, flanked by dense forest on either side. Rifi stared up at the gates as they passed through, his steps faltering slightly. He had rarely seen anything so vast or imposing. The city itself had been overwhelming enough when he'd first arrived a year ago, all noise and stone and mana-light. Now, leaving it behind felt strange, as though he were abandoning the only bit of stability he had known in years."You'll get used to the silence," Julius said, his voice breaking the quiet. He had fallen into step beside Rifi, his easy grin contrasting sharply with the somber mood. "Out here, the forest doesn't hum with life like it does closer to the city. It watches, quiet and patient, waiting for a chance to strike."Rifi frowned, glancing at the dense forest flanking the road. The trees loomed, their gnarled branches reaching like claws into the pale morning light. It wasn't the first time he had walked a path like this. In fact, he had spent much of his life wandering roads just like it, traveling between small villages and keeping to the edges of civilization."You make it sound like the trees are alive," Rifi said, his tone flat but edged with curiosity."Out here? Who's to say they're not?" Julius chuckled, his lighthearted tone clashing with the faint truth in his words. "You ever spent time in the deep woods? Not the little pockets outside the city, but the real wilds?"Rifi hesitated, his thoughts flickering to the long, lean years before Hepestus, when survival had been measured in the weight of a snared rabbit or the warmth of a dying fire. "I didn't grow up in the city," he said finally. "I've spent plenty of nights listening to the forest."Julius's grin widened, though his eyes sharpened with interest. "Ah, that explains it. You've got the look of someone who's spent time out there, keeping quiet and watching your back. Makes sense, seeing as they stuck you with us scouts. What about the beasts? Ever seen one?"Rifi's jaw tightened. "Once.""Just once, huh? Did you kill it?"Rifi didn't answer. He didn't need to. Julius must have noticed his expression shift, because he raised his hands in mock surrender. "Hey, no judgment. Beasts are no joke. The first time I ran into one, I barely got out alive. They're fast, smarter than they look, and mean as hell.""They're not the only thing out there," Rifi said quietly, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "The woods don't need teeth to kill you."Julius let out a low whistle. "That's the truth. You know what? I think I like you, Rifi. You've got a good head on your shoulders—might even last longer than a week."Before Rifi could respond, Rudeus glanced over his shoulder, his stern expression cutting the conversation short. "Eyes ahead, Julius. We've got miles to cover before we stop."The squad fell into silence, the only sounds their boots crunching against the gravel road and the faint rustle of wind through the trees. Rifi glanced at Julius, who offered a wink before falling back to his place at the rear of the group. Despite himself, Rifi felt a faint flicker of relief. It wasn't much, but having someone willing to talk—willing to look past his quiet demeanor—eased the weight of the road ahead.As the hours passed, the rhythm of the march became almost hypnotic. Rifi's thoughts drifted, circling back to the wilderness Julius had mentioned. He didn't fear the quiet of the forest—it was familiar, almost comforting. But the beasts? That was another story.By the time the sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the forest floor, Rudeus raised a hand to signal a halt. "We camp here for the night," he announced, his voice steady but loud enough to carry over the group.The clearing they had stopped in was narrow but defensible, with thick trees forming a natural barrier on two sides. Lucilia and Albus immediately set to work, their practiced efficiency making it clear they had done this many times before. Rudeus directed Julius to scout the perimeter while Rifi stood awkwardly in the center of the clearing, unsure of where he was needed."You waiting for an invitation?" Lucilia called, her voice sharp but not unkind. She was crouched beside a bundle of dry wood, striking a flint against a blade. "Grab some firewood. The sooner we get this fire going, the sooner we can eat."Nodding, Rifi moved toward the edge of the clearing. The forest felt oppressive as he stepped beneath its canopy, the towering trees blocking out what little light remained. He crouched to gather kindling, his thoughts wandering to the scar on his chest and the nightmares that plagued him.The sound of snapping twigs pulled him from his thoughts. He froze, his heart pounding. The forest was unnervingly silent—no birds, no rustling leaves, nothing but the faint whistle of the wind. His eyes scanned the shadows, searching for the source of the noise."Relax," Julius's voice came from behind him, startling him so badly he nearly dropped the firewood. The older recruit smirked, his tone teasing. "You'll hear them before they get close—most of the time, anyway."Rifi exhaled slowly, trying to calm his nerves. "How often is 'most of the time'?"Julius shrugged, tossing a stick into the bundle Rifi had gathered. "Enough to keep things interesting."Dinner was a simple affair—dried meat and stale bread, washed down with water from a shared canteen. The fire crackled in the center of the clearing, casting flickering shadows on the surrounding trees. The group sat in a loose circle, their faces illuminated by the warm glow.Rudeus broke the silence. "First watch is mine. Lucilia, you'll take the second. Albus, third. Julius and Rifi, you're on fourth. Get what rest you can."Rifi's stomach sank at the thought of taking a watch. He had never been responsible for protecting others before, and the weight of it settled heavily on his shoulders. Still, he nodded, determined not to show weakness.Sleep came in fits and starts, the hard ground and unfamiliar surroundings making it impossible to fully relax. When Julius shook him awake for their watch, Rifi felt as though he hadn't slept at all.The forest was unnervingly still as they took their positions at the edge of the clearing. Julius leaned casually against a tree, his eyes scanning the darkness with practiced ease. Rifi, on the other hand, clutched his sword tightly, his ears straining for any sound."Relax," Julius said, his voice low. "Tension will kill you faster than a beast ever will. Breathe, focus. You'll need a clear head when something does show up."Rifi tried to follow the advice, but the weight of his sword and the darkness pressing in from all sides made it difficult. Hours seemed to stretch into eternity, but eventually, the faint glow of dawn began to seep through the trees."You survived your first watch," Julius said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Not bad for a rookie."Rifi managed a small smile, though exhaustion weighed heavily on him. As the group prepared to break camp, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of the trials to come.The days on the road passed in a blur of exhaustion and monotony. The squad marched for hours each day, resting only when the sun dipped below the horizon. Rudeus set a grueling pace, his steady stride leaving no room for complaints. The evenings were filled with the same routine: securing camp, dividing watches, and eating whatever rations they had left.By the fifth day, Rifi's legs ached with every step, and his shoulders throbbed from the constant weight of his pack. His once-itchy uniform was now caked in dirt and sweat, the leather straps worn smooth against his skin. He had started to understand why veterans like Julius moved with such ease—they had learned to ignore the pain.The landscape had shifted over their journey. Early on, they had passed through the occasional village, clusters of homes nestled around mana veins and guarded by clans whose banners fluttered in the wind. These villages were rare and often fortified, their importance clear from the guards patrolling their outskirts. But as they moved north, civilization thinned, and the wilderness pressed closer. By the fourth day, there were no villages in sight, leaving only the untamed borderlands ahead.Here, the forests grew thicker, their shadows stretching further as the trees reached skyward. The northern border was a dangerous place, a no-man's land where beasts roamed freely and only a handful of fortified outposts stood as a bulwark against the encroaching wilds. To the northeast, the peaks of the higher mountains glistened with snow, their jagged forms piercing the clouds. To the northwest, the land dipped into rolling valleys dotted with smaller hills and clusters of rocky outcrops, the terrain rugged but passable.By mid-afternoon, the squad reached a ridge overlooking the vast expanse of the borderlands. From here, the wilderness stretched endlessly, the treetops rolling like waves toward the horizon. Rudeus raised a hand, signaling the group to halt. They stood in silence, their breaths misting in the chill air as they took in the view."This is it," Rudeus said, breaking the quiet. His voice carried a weight that stilled the group. "Beyond here, we're officially in the borderlands. The beasts are more frequent, and the attacks deadlier. We'll reach the station by nightfall, but I need everyone sharp."Lucilia and Albus exchanged a glance, their expressions grim. Even Julius, usually quick with a joke, had fallen silent. Rifi felt the tension in the air like a tangible thing, pressing down on him.The squad descended into the valley, the forest closing around them like a shroud. The sunlight dimmed beneath the thick canopy, and the air grew colder. Rudeus raised his hand again, signaling them to spread out. "Standard scouting formation," he ordered. "Julius, keep an eye on everyone's condition. Albus, you're rear guard. Lucilia, take the right flank. Rifi, you're with me."The attack came without warning—a monstrous beast, all sinew and teeth, erupted from the underbrush. Its roar shattered the silence, echoing through the trees like a war cry. The creature was massive, its muscular frame covered in matted fur that shimmered faintly with an unnatural glow. Its eyes burned with intelligence and malice, locking onto the squad like a predator stalking its prey."Scatter!" Rudeus shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. His eyes glowed vivid purple as mana surged into them, sharpening his perception.Rifi darted to the side, his heart hammering as the beast lunged toward him, its claws raking the air inches from his face. Behind him, Albus stepped forward, planting himself firmly between the creature and the others. His glowing purple eyes reflected a calm focus as he raised both hands, willing the earth beneath him to rise. A jagged barrier of stone erupted in front of the beast, forcing it to recoil with a frustrated snarl."Lucilia, flank it!" Rudeus barked, flames igniting around his palms as he focused his mana into a precise attack. A jet of fire shot toward the beast's side, the intense heat singing its fur and drawing its attention.Lucilia moved with unnatural speed, her wind-enhanced steps carrying her in a blur toward the creature's flank. Twin daggers flashed in her hands as she struck precise blows to its hind legs, each one designed to cripple rather than kill. The beast roared, twisting to swipe at her, but she was already gone, retreating in a gust of wind that carried her out of range."Rifi, your eyes!" Julius called from the rear. His voice was calm but firm, and his own eyes glowed purple, signaling his readiness. Rifi cursed under his breath—he had forgotten the technique again.He closed his eyes for a moment, channeling his mana upward, feeling the heat surge behind his temples. When he opened them, the world snapped into sharp clarity, every movement of the beast now starkly visible. His eyes glowed brown, a mark of his weaker core, but the enhancement gave him the precision he needed."Rifi, distract it!" Rudeus shouted, his voice steady as flames coiled around his hands.Rifi surged forward, lightning crackling faintly through his limbs as he enhanced his speed. The beast whirled to meet him, its massive claws swiping in a wide arc. Rifi dodged, the mana in his eyes allowing him to track its movements with precision. He darted in close, his sword biting into the beast's side. The blade connected, but the impact jolted his arm—its hide was tougher than he'd expected."Keep moving!" Lucilia shouted, her glowing purple eyes narrowing as she loosed a wind blade from one of her daggers. The attack struck the beast's shoulder, drawing blood but not enough to slow it. "Don't let it focus on you!"The beast roared, lunging at Rifi again, but Albus stepped in its path. With a steady motion, he slammed his fists into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling beneath his feet. The earth shifted violently, breaking the beast's momentum as sharp earthen spikes rose to meet it. The creature recoiled with a howl, but the exertion showed in the tightness of Albus's movements."Albus, hold steady," Julius said, moving toward him. His glowing purple eyes softened as he placed both hands on Albus's shoulder. Rifi could see the faint shimmer of mana flowing from Julius into Albus, reinforcing the earth mage's strained body and steadying his stance."Thanks," Albus muttered, his voice clipped as he refocused his efforts on maintaining his barriers.The beast, now cornered and enraged, thrashed wildly, its movements growing more erratic. Rudeus stepped forward, the fire around him intensifying as he prepared a final strike. "Now!" he roared, and the squad moved in unison.Albus stomped the ground, sending a cascade of earthen spikes shooting toward the beast's legs. Lucilia darted in from the side, sending crescent shaped wind blades at the beast. Rudeus unleashed a concentrated burst of fire, the flames engulfing the beast's head with a deafening roar.Rifi saw his chance and charged, his sword glowing faintly with the last of his lightning mana. He drove the blade into the beast's chest, the impact forcing it to the ground. For a moment, there was only silence, the squad frozen in place as they waited to see if the beast would rise again.The beast lay crumpled in the clearing, steam rising from its wounds. Its massive form looked less menacing in death, though its sheer size was still enough to make Rifi uneasy. He lowered his sword, his chest heaving as the adrenaline began to ebb."Everyone accounted for?" Rudeus asked, his voice steady but rough from exertion. His glowing purple eyes dimmed as he willed his mana back into his core.Lucilia and Albus nodded, both catching their breaths as they surveyed the clearing. Julius wiped his brow, his expression grim as he approached Albus, placing a hand on his shoulder. A faint shimmer of mana flowed from Julius into the earth mage, easing the strain from his body."I'm fine," Albus muttered, his voice tight but grateful."Still alive," Julius said with a faint grin. "And the rookie?"Rifi raised a hand, his sword hanging loosely in his grip. "I'm fine," he managed, though his shoulder ached where he'd hit the ground. The weight of the fight pressed on him like a lead blanket, but he forced himself to straighten."Good," Rudeus said. "But don't relax yet. We need the mana core and any usable parts before we move."Lucilia was already crouched by the beast, her daggers flashing as she began to carve into its hide. "This thing's tougher than it looks," she muttered. "Even dead, its hide's a pain.""That's why it's worth something," Julius said, though his tone lacked its usual levity.Rudeus joined her, pulling out a specialized knife from his belt to make precise cuts. As the group worked, Rifi moved closer, watching as Lucilia finally pried something from the beast's chest cavity. She held it up—a faintly glowing orb, its purple light weak and uneven."Tier 3," she said, frowning as she examined it. "Barely."Rudeus took the core, his expression darkening as he turned it over in his hands. The light inside it flickered, faint and inconsistent, as though the core had been on the verge of failing."That explains it," he muttered. "This beast was running on fumes."Rifi blinked. "What do you mean?"Rudeus gestured toward the core. "A proper Tier 3 core would've been brighter, denser. The mana in this one's weak—barely enough to power the beast's attacks. If this thing had been at full strength, it would've been twice as fast, twice as durable." He shook his head, pocketing the core. "We got lucky."Rifi stared at the beast, its massive claws and thick hide a testament to its potential. "This was it running on fumes?" he asked quietly, the words tasting bitter in his mouth.Lucilia stood, wiping her daggers clean. "Stronger beasts don't give you time to think," she said. "A real Tier 3 would've cut through our barriers like paper. And if it had been Tier 4..." She trailed off, her meaning clear."Don't overthink it," Julius said, placing a reassuring hand on Rifi's shoulder. His touch sent a faint pulse of mana into Rifi's weary limbs, soothing the ache in his muscles. "You did fine. But this fight's a reminder—stay sharp. We might not be this lucky next time."Albus hefted a large piece of the beast's hide, slinging it over his shoulder with a grunt. "We've got what we need. Let's move before something comes looking for this thing."The squad gathered the rest of the usable parts—claws, teeth, and strips of hide—before Rudeus gave the signal to continue. As they marched, Rifi couldn't shake the sight of the weakly glowing core from his mind. The beast had nearly killed them, and it wasn't even at full power.He cast one last glance at the clearing, now empty except for bloodstains on the ground. The memory of its roar still echoed in his mind, a haunting reminder of what lay ahead.As the squad crested the final rise, the border camp came into view, sprawling across the landscape like a scar on the wilderness. Wooden palisades encircled the station, their sharpened points bristling against the backdrop of the northern wilds. Smoke curled from dozens of cooking fires, and the faint clamor of activity carried on the wind.The gate loomed ahead, manned by two legionaries in battered armor. Their weapons rested casually at their sides, but their sharp eyes missed nothing as the squad approached."Back already, Captain?" one of the sentries called, raising an eyebrow. His gaze flicked to the hide slung over Albus's shoulder and the faint bloodstains on their gear. "Ran into trouble?""A Tier 3," Rudeus replied tersely, his tone leaving no room for further questions. "Weak core, but it put up a fight."The sentry whistled low, stepping aside to let them pass. "You lot have all the fun.""Yeah," Lucilia muttered, rolling her eyes as they entered. "Loads of fun."The camp was a hive of activity, bustling with the controlled chaos of border life. Legionaries hauled crates of supplies, sharpened weapons, and repaired gear beneath the watchful eyes of their sergeants. Others sparred in makeshift training yards, their grunts and the clash of steel filling the air. Rifi tried to take it all in, his gaze darting between the rows of tents and the hardened faces of the soldiers around him."This way," Albus grunted, jerking his head toward a cluster of smaller tents near the edge of the camp. "You're bunking with me. Don't touch my stuff, and we won't have problems.""Not much of a welcome party," Julius said, his grin returning as he gave Rifi a pat on the back. "Don't let him scare you, kid. He barks louder than he bites.""Keep talking, healer," Albus shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Lucilia snorted, shouldering her pack. "You two can bicker all night. I'm getting food."Rifi followed Albus into their shared tent, ducking beneath the low flap. The interior was simple, with two cots, a wooden crate, and little else. Albus dropped his pack onto his cot with a thud, not bothering to unpack."Settle in," he said shortly. "We're up early tomorrow."That evening, Rifi found himself sitting outside the tent, watching the last light of day fade from the sky. The camp had a rhythm of its own, a hum of voices and the steady crackle of fires creating a sense of uneasy calm. Yet beneath the surface, there was an edge—a tension born from the constant threat of attack.Julius appeared, carrying two tin bowls of stew. "Figured you'd need this," he said, handing one over."Thanks," Rifi said, taking it gratefully. The stew was bland, but it was warm, and he hadn't realized how hungry he was."First day at the border," Julius said, sitting down beside him. "How's it feel?""Different," Rifi admitted. "The camp, the people—it's a lot to take in.""You'll get used to it," Julius said, his tone light. "Everyone does. Or they don't, and they leave in a body bag. Just stick close to the squad. We've got your back."Rifi nodded, his gaze lingering on the stars. The Tier 3 beast they had fought earlier loomed in his thoughts, its faintly glowing mana core a stark reminder of how close they had come to disaster. If that was only the beginning, what greater dangers awaited them in the wilds?Julius stretched beside him, letting out a quiet yawn. "Long day," he said, breaking the silence. "You did good out there, Rifi. Rest up—we'll need that spark of yours tomorrow."Rifi glanced at him and managed a faint smile. "Thanks. Good night, Julius.""Night, rookie," Julius said, standing and brushing the dirt from his clothes before heading toward his tent.Whatever lay ahead, Rifi knew he had to be ready. Exhaustion tugged at him, and he reluctantly pushed the thoughts aside. Rest was a necessity, not a luxury, out here. Taking one last breath of the crisp night air, Rifi returned to his tent and let sleep claim him.The camp was stirring to life when Rudeus gathered the squad at the gate. The air was cold and sharp, the first light of dawn casting long shadows across the clearing."Scout patrol," Rudeus announced, his tone brisk. "Northern perimeter. Standard formation. Five days out, then we return for two days of rest. Stay sharp—this isn't a training run."Lucilia adjusted the straps of her pack, her daggers glinting faintly in the morning light. "What's the plan if we run into trouble?""Same as always," Rudeus replied. "Engage if necessary, but don't be a hero. If it's something we can't handle, we fall back and report. Clear?"The squad nodded in unison, their faces set with grim determination. Without another word, they passed through the gates and into the wilderness, the forest swallowing them in its shadows.The days blurred into a steady rhythm of marching, mapping, and constant vigilance. The squad moved in formation, with Lucilia scouting ahead, her wind-enhanced speed allowing her to slip through the underbrush silently. Albus stayed close to the center, ready to raise barriers or crush anything that came too close. Julius lingered near the rear, his calm presence reassuring as he kept a watchful eye for injuries or strain. His hands often glowed faintly with healing mana, but when combat erupted, his water magic came alive, striking with precision from a distance.Rifi fell naturally into his role, using his tracking skills and the Battle Eye technique to spot danger before it reached them. The more he relied on the eye-enhancing ability, the more he appreciated the subtle differences it revealed—the faint trail of a Tier 2 beast, the delicate disturbance of leaves that hinted at movement nearby. His lightning magic, though still raw, proved invaluable when speed or precision was required.They encountered several Tier 1 and a handful of Tier 2 beasts during their patrols. These smaller threats were easily handled by the group, their teamwork honed to an unspoken rhythm. Lucilia struck fast and hard, her daggers a blur as she crippled or killed with surgical precision. Albus's earth barriers shielded the squad from retaliatory strikes, while Rudeus's fire magic scorched anything that tried to close the distance. Julius supported from afar, summoning jets of water to strike at weak points or disrupt the beasts' movements. His precision with water magic added another layer of control to the battlefield, making him a versatile force.Each encounter reminded Rifi of how vulnerable his element made him. His strikes were powerful but short-ranged, and his defenses were paper-thin compared to Albus's solid earth shields or Julius's flowing water techniques. The others' elements gave them options; Rifi had only his speed and precision, and the painful knowledge that his margin for error was far narrower than theirs.Rifi found himself growing stronger with each encounter though. His control over his lightning magic improved as he pushed his limits, using just enough mana to enhance his speed without overloading his nerves. It wasn't perfect—his body often ached after prolonged use—but the pain was a reminder of his progress.And quickly, a month passed.The squad was already on their fifth scouting mission. In between the grueling patrols, Rifi devoted himself to training and cultivating his mana. The effort paid off—he had broken through to the middle Brown core, a milestone that sharpened his abilities and strengthened his body. His control over lightning mana had improved dramatically, allowing him to channel more power into his strikes and sustain it for longer periods without succumbing to exhaustion.Despite his rank as a Brown core mage, Rifi had become the fastest among his scout group. His lightning-infused speed gave him an edge in combat, allowing him to dart in and out of danger with precision. The pain of pushing his limits still lingered, but it had become a familiar companion—a constant reminder of his progress and his determination to survive.The days of marching, mapping, and fighting fell into a steady rhythm. Rifi learned to trust his comrades implicitly, their teamwork honed by shared battles and near-death experiences. But even as the squad grew stronger, Rifi couldn't shake the feeling that the wilderness was waiting for something—a tension in the air that hadn't been there before.The team was patrolling the northern perimeter, their formation steady and practiced, when they stumbled upon a sight that froze them in their tracks. A vast horde of beasts surged across the horizon, moving as one toward the border. The ground trembled beneath their feet, the vibrations carrying a sense of impending doom. The creatures were a chaotic mix of species—predators and prey that should have been tearing each other apart—marching in eerie unison.Rudeus' face darkened, his purple eyes narrowing as he assessed the situation. "This isn't good. A horde this size… it's unheard of. Something's wrong."Albus stared at the mass of beasts, his confusion cutting through the rising fear. "They don't move like this. Beasts are territorial. They fight each other! Why are they working together?""Exactly," Rudeus said, his tone grim. "Something's forcing them to cooperate. Whatever it is, it's way beyond us." He turned sharply, his voice commanding. "We need to report this to the base commander immediately."Lucilia's sharp gaze darted between the horde and her comrades. "We need to grab our gear first. If this reaches the outpost before we're ready, we're done."Rudeus nodded, his jaw tight. "Grab everything. Prioritize essentials. If we're right about what's coming, we might not be back for a while—if at all."The squad didn't hesitate. They bolted toward their small scout outpost, mana surging through their veins as they raced against time. The distant roars of the horde echoed behind them, a haunting reminder of the chaos bearing down on the border.