Rifi moved through the forest, his lightning mana gently pulsing outward in rhythmic waves, like a web spun from electricity. Each pulse electrified the air, its faint charge brushing against trees, rocks, and even the smallest creatures in the undergrowth. The feedback returned quickly, a vivid mental map forming in his mind—every branch, every stone, every living being within a two-kilometer radius was laid bare before him.There it was again—a cluster of human-sized resistances, ten distinct shapes flickering faintly within his mental map. Their signatures were weak and poorly concealed, with barely any mana clinging to their bodies. Low-ranking mages or overconfident soldiers, most likely. Rifi's brow furrowed. He didn't sense any higher cores among them, but he knew better than to make assumptions. Assumptions were dangerous.'Cut it off. Now.'The thought was instinctive, drilled into him by years of training and reinforced by his master's voice echoing in his memory: "Arrogance is a blade that cuts both ways."He immediately stopped his mana pulses, allowing the web to fade. The last thing he needed was for an enemy mage, however unlikely, to detect his probing. The odds were slim, but Rifi knew better than to rely on luck. Experience had taught him that even the smallest mistake could have deadly consequences.He adjusted his course, letting out a quiet sigh. Steering the group around this patrol was the only option. Fighting them wouldn't be difficult for him—he'd torn through stronger foes before—but the people following him wouldn't survive a confrontation.'They can't handle more death.'Rifi's grip tightened briefly on the hilt of his weapon as the thought struck. He wasn't just protecting their lives; he was shielding them from more loss. Too many had already died. Too many homes had been destroyed. And too many of Hepestus' people were now scattered, hopeless, and hunted.He couldn't let these ones share the same fate.Rifi spent the next half-hour scouting alternative routes, his movements precise as he navigated the forest. He climbed over gnarled roots and through tangled thickets, his mana senses attuned to every shift in the electric resistances in the atmosphere. It became clear that no matter how much he tried to maneuver around the dangers, the terrain was unforgiving. Somewhere, they would have to break through. A direct encounter with an enemy patrol was inevitable.When Rifi returned to the group, the scene before him only deepened his resolve. Diana stood at the center, her expression vigilant despite the weariness etched across her face. She was a natural leader, though she didn't seem to realize it. Her younger brother, Darius, clung to her side, his small hands gripping her tunic like a lifeline. The boy's once-curious eyes were now dulled by fear and exhaustion.The rest of the group didn't fare much better. Elderly men and women leaned heavily on one another, their movements sluggish. The handful of children among them sat quietly, their faces pale and drawn. These weren't soldiers or even trained civilians; they were survivors, hanging on by a thread. Rifi knew that tomorrow he they would need to push harder then ever."We'll rest soon," Rifi said, his voice breaking the silence. "There's a clearing up ahead. We'll stop there for the night so you can get good rest."Diana approached him as the group began to stir, her steps deliberate but weary. "Rifi, are you sure stopping is the right call?" she asked, her voice low enough to avoid alarming the others. "We still have some daylight left. Shouldn't we use it to get farther away?"Rifi glanced at her, his expression calm but firm. "No," he said. "They're barely holding on as it is. I need you all to be rested because tomorrow…" He paused, his gaze shifting toward the distant hills. "Tomorrow, we'll have to fight. Rest is more important now."Diana's eyes widened slightly. "Fight?" she repeated, her tone edged with alarm. "Are you saying—""There's no way around it," Rifi interrupted, his voice softening slightly. "I've found a path with fewer enemies, but it's not clear. We'll have to break through."She opened her mouth to argue but stopped herself, glancing back at the group. Her shoulders sagged as she took in their condition—the trembling hands, the hollow eyes, the way the children leaned heavily on the adults. She swallowed hard, the weight of their survival pressing down on her."You're certain this is the safest way?" she asked finally."I wouldn't have chosen it otherwise," Rifi said. "I'll handle the patrol. You just need to make sure they can move when the time comes."Diana studied his face, searching for any hint of doubt or hesitation, but found none. She nodded reluctantly. "Alright. I'll get them ready."As she turned to leave, Rifi added, "Diana."She paused, glancing back."You're doing well," he said, his voice unusually gentle. "They trust you. Keep them steady."For a moment, her expression softened, a flicker of gratitude breaking through the exhaustion. "Thank you," she said quietly before walking back to the group.The refugees were already settling into the idea of rest, their relief palpable as they began to ease themselves onto the forest floor. A few of the elderly muttered quiet prayers, their voices blending with the rustling leaves, while others simply stared blankly, their faces etched with exhaustion and fear. The children sat huddled together, their silence unnerving in its unnaturalness, their innocence lost too soon."Why are we stopping so early today?" one of the older men asked, his voice trembling as he leaned heavily on his walking stick. His gaze flicked toward the darkening woods as though searching for unseen dangers.Diana turned to him, her tone steady but kind. "We need to be well-rested for tomorrow," she explained. "One last push before we enter Suburana territory." She forced a reassuring smile, even as her own unease simmered beneath the surface. "But don't worry. Rifi will go ahead and make sure nothing happens. Besides, you've got me with you."The man nodded slowly, though his eyes remained troubled. "That boy… he's strong, isn't he?" His voice carried a mixture of awe and doubt."He is," Diana said firmly. Her voice softened as she added, "And he won't let anything happen to us. You'll see."Behind her, Darius tugged at her sleeve. "Big sister," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Are we going to see the bad soldiers again?"Diana crouched beside him, brushing a strand of matted hair from his face. Her heart ached at the fear in his wide eyes, a fear no child should bear. "Not if we listen to Rifi," she said gently, her tone light but firm. "He's keeping us safe, and all we have to do is follow his lead. Okay?"Darius hesitated, his lip quivering, before nodding. "Okay." But his small hand remained firmly clasped around hers, refusing to let go.Diana glanced toward Rifi, who stood at the edge of the clearing, his back to them as he scanned the forest. His silhouette against the dimming light was imposing, yet somehow reassuring. She didn't fully understand him—his silences, his barely concealed anger—but she trusted him.Turning back to the group, she clapped her hands lightly to gather their attention. "Everyone, get comfortable. Eat something if you can. We leave at dawn."A few murmurs of agreement rippled through the group as they began settling in. The old man lowered himself carefully to the ground, muttering under his breath about his aching knees. The children, despite their fear, found comfort in the closeness of one another, huddling together for warmth and safety.Diana stayed crouched beside Darius, holding his small hand tightly in her own. "We're almost there," she said, more to herself than to him. "Just one more push."Standing at the edge of the clearing, Rifi let his senses expand once more, ensuring they weren't being followed. The patrol he'd sensed earlier was still there, their presence unchanged. Good. They hadn't detected his probing. He drew his mana back, grounding himself.His gaze drifted toward the horizon, where the forest gave way to rocky hills. He could already see the path they would take in his mind—the steep incline, the exposed terrain, and the inevitable confrontation waiting below.The quiet crackle of his mana was almost imperceptible, yet Diana could feel it as she approached him. The air seemed to grow heavier with every step, a subtle pressure that hinted at the power he held tightly in check.Diana folded her arms, her expression tightening. "Are you sure there's no other way?""There's always another way," Rifi said, finally turning to meet her gaze. His face was calm, but his eyes carried a weight she couldn't ignore. "But the others can't take it. Not without putting themselves in even more danger."The bluntness of his words stung, but Diana knew he wasn't wrong. Still, frustration flickered across her face as she glanced back at the group."And this way isn't dangerous?" she pressed, though the answer was already clear in his expression."It's the least dangerous," Rifi said firmly. "I'll handle the patrol. The rest of you will follow after it's clear."Diana's jaw tightened as she struggled against the knot of fear in her chest. She had seen what Rifi was capable of—his overwhelming power, his precision, his ruthlessness—but the thought of him facing another fight alone sent her heart racing. Still, she knew better than to argue. "Fine," she said softly. "But don't take unnecessary risks."Rifi gave her a faint nod, his gaze already shifting back to the forest. "Get some rest while you can," he said, his tone a quiet command. "Tomorrow will be a long day."Diana lingered for a moment, watching him, before turning back to the group. She didn't miss the way his shoulders stiffened as she left, as though even in this brief moment of stillness, he couldn't let his guard down.Morning came too soon. The cool air of dawn carried a biting chill, and the group stirred reluctantly, their movements sluggish but determined. Diana helped the elderly to their feet, offering quiet reassurances to the children as they prepared to move. Despite their rest, the weight of the journey ahead pressed heavily on them.Rifi led the way, his steps deliberate as he tested the path ahead. The incline grew steeper as they ascended the ridge, the rocky terrain forcing the refugees to move even slower than before. The sound of their labored breathing filled the silence, and Diana could feel the strain in every step she took.When they reached the crest, Rifi stopped and turned to face Diana. The rising sun cast his face in sharp relief, his expression as unreadable as ever."Wait here with the group," he said, his voice steady. "Ten minutes. Then follow."Diana frowned, her pulse quickening. "What are you planning?" she asked, though deep down, she already knew."There's a patrol below," he said simply. "I'll take care of them."Her heart sank, the weight of his words settling heavily in her chest. She clenched her fists, resisting the urge to protest. "Be careful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.Rifi gave her a slight nod, then turned and began descending the ridge without another word. His movements were smooth, his mana tightly controlled, each step deliberate and measured. Diana watched him go, her chest tightening with worry.Turning back to the group, she forced herself to speak, her voice firm despite the fear clawing at her. "Stay close," she said. "Be ready to move when I say."The group huddled together, their anxiety mirrored in their quiet murmurs. Darius clutched Diana's hand tightly, his wide eyes fixed on the path Rifi had taken. "Will he be okay?" he asked, his voice trembling.Diana crouched beside him, squeezing his hand reassuringly. "He'll be fine," she said, though her own uncertainty lingered in the back of her mind. "He knows what he's doing."Darius nodded hesitantly, his grip on her hand unwavering. The tension in the air was almost suffocating, every second dragging by with excruciating slowness. She could only hope that the storm Rifi carried within him would be enough to see them through.The patrol was exactly where Rifi had sensed them, moving with the easy confidence of soldiers who believed they owned the forest. Their armor glinted faintly in the morning sun, and their casual chatter echoed through the trees. The group was well-armed but utterly unprepared for what was coming, their weapons held loosely as if the thought of danger hadn't crossed their minds.There were six of them—very little mana clinging and resonating to them, Rifi's senses marked them as mages of lower cores—at least, that was his assumption. He knew better than to rely entirely on appearances. Overconfidence could be dangerous, but carelessness was lethal.Emerging from the shadows, Rifi stepped into their line of sight, his silhouette framed by the dappled morning sunlight filtering through the trees. The patrol came to an abrupt halt, their idle chatter silenced as all eyes snapped to him."Who goes there?" one of the soldiers barked, his voice sharp, his hand reflexively gripping the hilt of his sword.Rifi remained silent. There was nothing to say to these Esquiliana bastards. Words were wasted on them.One of the mages flared his mana as a warning. The faint shimmer of blue danced across his irises as he infused them with energy, signaling his core level. "You've got guts," he sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. "But you must have a screw loose if you think you can just stroll past us."One by one, the others followed his lead, their mana stirring as their eyes took on faint glimmers of color—blue for the leader, purple for the mid-tier mages, and a dull brown for the weakest among them. Rifi's initial assumption was confirmed; their cores were unremarkable, and their skills weren't worth fearing.They just don't know it yet.Without a word, Rifi continued forward, his steps calm and measured, the shadow of his lowered hood concealing the gleam in his own eyes."Kill him," the leader ordered, his voice steady but lacking the edge of someone truly seasoned in battle.The soldiers reacted immediately, their training kicking in as they fanned out to flank Rifi. The Brown-core mage hung back, his hands glowing faintly as he conjured small fireballs and hurled them forward in rapid succession. Meanwhile, the Purple-core mages began channeling more destructive spells, their mana weaving into jagged streaks of fire and bursts of ice aimed at encircling and overwhelming Rifi.Rifi didn't stop walking. His pace remained calm, almost leisurely, as though their efforts were beneath his notice. The air around him grew heavier, his mana flaring with each deliberate step. A thick shield materialized, its surface faintly shimmering as it fully enveloped his body.Since advancing to Orange-core, Rifi had noticed subtle changes in his abilities. His soul space had expanded slightly, extending just beyond the surface of his skin. At first, the effect had been barely noticeable—a faint hum at the edge of his awareness. But as his control improved, so did the shield's potential.Now, for the first time, he allowed his elementless mana shield to fully manifest. The barrier formed a protective cocoon, a near-invisible shell that clung to him, just a few centimeters thick.He had never tested it in combat—until now.The incoming spells slammed into the shield, their energy disintegrating on contact. Fireballs fizzled out into harmless embers. Shards of ice shattered, their fragments dissolving into vapor. Even the stronger more mana dense spells from the Purple-core mages—spells designed to pierce through conventional defenses—failed to breach the barrier. The impact was so negligible that Rifi barely registered it, feeling nothing more than faint pinpricks where the projectiles landed.The Blue-core leader's snarl broke through the chaos, his frustration mounting as he infused his mana with greater intensity. He stomped his foot, sending a barrage of earth projectiles hurtling toward Rifi. Each spike of hardened stone whistled through the air with deadly precision, aimed to pierce through any defense.Rifi responded with a flick of his will. His mana surged outward, the barrier rippling as it took on the properties of his lightning element. Arcs of electricity crackled along its surface, leaping out to meet the incoming projectiles. The earth spikes shattered mid-air, reduced to harmless dust before they could come within striking distance.The leader's expression faltered, the confidence in his gaze giving way to something closer to panic. "Don't hold back!" he shouted, his voice tinged with desperation. "Hit him with everything you've got!"The soldiers redoubled their efforts, their mana flaring brighter as they poured everything into their attacks. Spells flew through the air in rapid succession—fireballs, ice shards and earthen spikes converging on Rifi's position.He stopped walking.For the first time, he acknowledged their efforts with a faint smirk, his lips curving upward as his voice cut through the cacophony."My turn."The air around him ignited with raw energy as Rifi let his lightning surge through his body. The atmosphere crackled, the oppressive weight of his mana pressing down on the battlefield like a storm about to break. The faint hum that had accompanied his shield erupted into a sharp, resonating crackle, the sound of lightning ready to be unleashed.In an instant, he was gone, a blur of motion that left the spells flying through empty air.The first soldier barely had time to comprehend the blur of motion before Rifi appeared behind him. His hand crackled with concentrated arcs of lightning, humming with a deadly intensity. Without hesitation, Rifi struck, his fingers driving into the man's back with precision. The soldier convulsed violently, his weapon slipping from his grasp as his lifeless body hit the ground. Steam rose faintly from his armor, mingling with the faint metallic tang of ozone in the air.Rifi glanced down at the blood on his hand, his lips pressing into a thin line. He reached for the sword strapped to his side, instinct guiding him to draw it—but he hesitated. The weapon, reliable in most situations, simply couldn't handle the full intensity of his lightning mana. He had learned that theafter breaking into the orange core, the blade cracking and warping under the strain.He grimaced, his mind racing. The soldier's lifeless form at his feet was a reminder of the raw, untamed potential coursing through him. There had to be another way—something more controlled, more fitting for the power he wielded.Closing his eyes briefly, Rifi let his mana surge to his palm, the dense energy swirling and crackling as he shaped it. Slowly, deliberately, the lightning condensed, extending outward into a blade-like form. The weapon hummed with power, arcs of electricity dancing along its edges, its shape sharp and fluid, as though alive.Rifi regarded the blade with quiet satisfaction. It felt natural, as though it was an extension of him. A weapon forged from his own power. He raised it slightly, the hum deepening as the lightning pulsed, resonating with his core.The remaining soldiers faltered, their previous confidence giving way to hesitation. Fear was plain on their faces now, their bravado crumbling under the weight of Rifi's silent menace. The crackling of his blade reverberated through the tense air, a grim prelude to what was to come.With a burst of speed, Rifi closed the distance to the next soldier, his lightning blade slicing cleanly through the man's weapon—and his chest. The soldier crumpled to the ground, the faint glow of the blade reflecting in his lifeless eyes. Rifi turned sharply, his movements fluid and precise, his blade arcing toward the next target."Keep your formation!" the Blue-core leader barked, his voice tinged with desperation as he infused his blade with mana, the weapon glowing faintly with earth energy. "This bastard's nothing! We'll take him down together!"Rifi turned his gaze toward the leader, his eyes narrowing as he took in the man's stance. Unlike the others, this one moved with purpose, his aura stronger, his resolve unshaken—at least for now. Respect flickered briefly in Rifi's mind, but it didn't linger. Esquiliana or not, the man was an enemy.The leader roared as he charged, his blade coated in a dense layer of mana, jagged earth spikes forming along its edge. His comrades followed his lead, their weapons and spells directed toward Rifi in a desperate attempt to overwhelm him.Rifi met the leader head-on, their blades colliding with a deafening crash. The force of the impact shook the ground beneath them, a shockwave rippling through the air. The two clashed again and again, sparks flying as lightning and earth mana clashed violently. The leader was skilled, his movements precise and his strikes calculated, but he was no match for Rifi's superior speed and precision.A faint smirk tugged at Rifi's lips. "Not bad," he said, his tone almost respectful. "But not enough."The leader barely had time to react as Rifi shifted his stance, his lightning blade flickering in a feint before striking true. The blade pierced the man's chest, its energy surging through him in an instant. The leader gasped, his weapon falling from his grasp as his body crumpled to the ground. His death was swift, a clean strike to ensure it was painless.The remaining three soldiers froze, their courage drained as they finally noticed the faint orange hue shimmering in Rifi's eyes. One of them dropped his sword, his hands trembling. "Please!" he stammered, his voice barely audible. "We'll leave—we won't tell anyone, I swear!"Rifi's gaze shifted to the man, cold and unyielding. There was no trace of pity, no hesitation. His voice was quiet, almost calm, as he replied, "Too late."A flash of lightning illuminated the clearing, blinding in its intensity. When the light faded, the last of the soldiers lay lifeless on the ground, their bodies scorched and motionless. The forest fell silent once more, the only sound the faint hum of residual energy dissipating into the air.From the ridge, Diana watched in stunned silence. The fight had lasted mere moments, but the raw display of power was burned into her mind.For a moment, awe and fear battled within her, each vying for dominance.She forced herself to look away, turning back to the group huddled behind her. Their expressions ranged from shock to quiet horror, the children clinging to their elders as though seeking refuge from the blood-soaked reality below."We move now," Diana said, her tone leaving no room for argument. Her voice was firm, but there was an edge to it, a tension that betrayed her own unease.The others nodded mutely, their movements sluggish as they prepared to follow. Diana continued, her voice steady as she urged the group forward. "Stay close. Don't look down."As they passed through the battlefield, the stench of blood and ozone hung heavy in the air. The ground was slick with gore, the bodies of the Esquiliana patrol scattered like broken dolls. The children buried their faces against the adults, their small hands trembling as they clung to their protectors. Diana's stomach churned, but she kept her eyes fixed ahead, refusing to let her revulsion show."Keep moving," she murmured, her words as much for herself as for the group. "We're almost there."Rifi was already ahead, his figure barely visible as he scouted the path. His senses were finely tuned, his mana pulsing in measured waves as he searched for any sign of lingering threats. The group moved with haste, though their pace was more a desperate shuffle than a march. The weight of exhaustion hung heavy over them, every step a monumental effort.Even though Rifi had taken down the first patrol with surgical precision, it wasn't enough to ensure their safety. The enemy was relentless. Twice, Rifi had fallen back and disappeared into the dense forest, leaving Diana to manage the group as he dealt with the pursuers. Each time he returned, his cloak bore fresh bloodstains, the sharp tang of lightning mana clinging to him like a second skin. His expression remained unreadable, his movements brisk and purposeful, but the tension in his shoulders betrayed his mounting frustration.No one dared to ask what had happened during those brief disappearances. The answer was evident enough in the silence that followed his return—and the way the children instinctively shrank away from him, even as they relied on his protection."We need to keep going," Diana urged, her voice tight with urgency. She glanced at the elderly, their faces pale and drawn. The last half hour had been brutal, with the weaker members of the group barely able to walk. Some of the men had taken turns carrying them, their own exhaustion evident in their strained expressions.Diana's brother, Darius, tugged at her sleeve, his small voice breaking through the tense silence. "Big sister, will we make it?"She crouched beside him, forcing a smile she didn't feel. "Yes, we will," she said, her voice soft but resolute. "Just a little further. Stay close to me."The boy nodded, his trust in her unshaken despite the fear in his eyes.Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached a clearing where the dense forest gave way to open land. The sight that greeted them brought an audible gasp of relief from the group. A patrol of armored soldiers stood at the edge of the clearing, their weapons drawn but lowered, their armor emblazoned with the unmistakable insignia of the Suburana clan.The Suburana patrol moved into formation the moment the group emerged from the treeline. Their heavy armor gleamed under the mid-afternoon sun, and their eyes were sharp as they assessed the ragged group before them. Despite their battle-ready stance, there was no immediate hostility, only caution.The leader of the patrol, a broad-shouldered man with a commanding presence, stepped forward. His helmet was tucked under one arm, revealing a weathered face lined with years of service. His sharp eyes swept over the group, taking in their dirt-streaked faces, trembling children, and the barely conscious elderly being carried on makeshift stretchers."Halt!" the leader's voice boomed, cutting through the heavy silence. "Identify yourselves, or we'll assume you're Esquiliana spies."Diana stepped forward, her hands raised in a gesture of peace. "We're refugees from Hepestus," she said, her voice steady despite the lump in her throat. "We've been fleeing Esquiliana forces for weeks. Please—we need your help."The commander's gaze swept over the ragged group, his sharp eyes narrowing as he took in their condition—the dirt-streaked faces, hollow eyes, and trembling children clinging to their elders. The refugees stood in an uneasy huddle, their exhaustion palpable, but there was a faint glimmer of relief in their expressions. His attention shifted sharply when Rifi emerged from the forest moments later. Rifi stood slightly apart from the group, his cloak streaked with blood, his stance calm but commanding. Even without flaring his mana, his presence was unmistakable—that of a strong mage."And you?" the commander asked, his tone cautious, almost guarded. "You don't look like a refugee."Rifi's gaze locked with the commander's, his sharp eyes assessing the man before him. He noted the faint green shimmer in the commander's pupils, a telltale sign of his rank. A Green-core mage, impressive. In Hepestus, Green-core mages were rare, fewer than five hundred among the city-state's entire population. That alone explained the man's commanding presence."I helped them get here safely," Rifi said simply, his voice steady. "I am a legionary of Hepestus." He reached into his cloak, retrieving the small, tarnished tag that marked his allegiance. The faint metal glinted in the sunlight as he held it up for the commander to see.One of the Suburana soldiers stepped forward, his brow furrowed with suspicion. "This could be another Esquiliana trick," he muttered to the commander, his hand hovering near the hilt of his blade.The commander's eyes flicked to his subordinate, then back to Rifi. He studied the bloodstained cloak, the unwavering calm in Rifi's stance, and the way he carried himself—not as a defeated refugee but as a warrior with purpose. Something in the stranger's demeanor struck a chord of truth."Something tells me," the commander said slowly, his gaze still fixed on Rifi, "this time it's not so simple."He straightened, addressing both Rifi and the group. "We will take you to our camp, but first, you will surrender your weapons. Don't be offended, but trust is a luxury we can't afford in these times."Rifi glanced at Diana, giving her a subtle nod. The message was clear. Without hesitation, she turned to the group. "Drop everything you have," she said, her tone firm but reassuring. "They're here to help us."The refugees hesitated, some of the older men and women clutching their makeshift tools as though letting go of them would strip away their last defenses. But as Rifi moved to unbuckle his own sword and dropped it onto the ground without protest, the others began to follow suit. Knives, rusted swords, and simple staffs were added to the growing pile. Diana herself set down her blade, glancing nervously at the soldiers.Rifi removed his gear last, stepping forward to place it atop the pile. His voice was calm, measured. "It's only natural that you take precautions."The commander nodded in approval, gesturing to his soldiers. "Go and collect the gear," he ordered. "And don't drop your guard just yet."The Suburana soldiers moved with practiced efficiency, gathering the weapons while keeping a watchful eye on the group. Though the refugees murmured quiet words of thanks, the soldiers' stances remained alert, their hands never straying far from their weapons. Despite the tension, a palpable wave of relief began to spread through the group. A few of the elderly wiped tears from their eyes, whispering their gratitude as they looked toward the patrol.The commander's gaze returned to Diana, his expression softening slightly. "You've come a long way," he said, his voice less commanding now. "We'll escort you to the outpost. The clan leaders will decide what happens next."Diana let out a shaky breath, one she hadn't realized she'd been holding. "Thank you," she said quietly, her sincerity clear despite her exhaustion.The commander nodded, then turned to Rifi, his tone regaining its edge. "And you? Something tells me you're not just another legionary."Rifi met the man's gaze evenly. "I just want to find the City Lord and rejoin the fight as soon as possible," he said. "I've done my part when it comes to this group. They're your responsibility now."The commander's eyes narrowed slightly, but his expression remained thoughtful. "I see," he said after a moment. "Unfortunately, I don't have the authority to share much with you. Only those above me can make those calls.""That's fine," Rifi said, his voice firm but calm. "I'll wait."Satisfied, the commander turned back to his soldiers. "Form up. We're moving."The group began their slow march toward the Suburana outpost. Though the patrol maintained a defensive perimeter, the tension in the air had lessened. For the first time in weeks, the refugees dared to hope. Some exchanged quiet, tearful thanks, their gratitude spilling over in whispered prayers.Diana walked beside the commander, answering his questions as best she could. She explained their escape from Hepestus, the attacks they had endured, and the lives they had lost. Her voice wavered at times, but the commander listened intently, his expression grim.Rifi walked right besides them, his senses still tuned to the forest. Though he remained silent, he caught snippets of conversation and saw the subtle shifts in the group's demeanor. The weight of their ordeal was still heavy, but there was a newfound lightness in their steps—a small, fragile spark of hope.The commander cast a sharp glance at Rifi as they approached the gates of the Suburana outpost. The heavy wooden fortifications loomed ahead, the guards on the walls peering down with weapons ready, but it wasn't their scrutiny that held the commander's focus."You're not just any legionary," the commander said, his tone cautious but probing. "There's something about you."Rifi's expression didn't waver as he reached into his cloak. With a quiet motion, he pulled out a small emblem, the mark of a battlemage, polished but a little damaged from his battles. He held it out in his palm, the sigil catching the fading light.A hushed murmur rippled through the soldiers around them. Eyes widened, and a few whispered to one another, their expressions a mix of awe and disbelief. A battlemage wasn't a rank seen often, especially not just casually like this.The commander's brows rose, and though he quickly masked his reaction, the curiosity lingered in his gaze. "A battlemage," he repeated, his voice lower, almost reverent. "That explains why this group of mere humans made it so far."Rifi said nothing, slipping the emblem back into his cloak. He didn't feel the need to elaborate.One of the younger legionaries couldn't help himself. "I've heard of battlemages," he blurted, his voice filled with wonder. "They say they—""Keep your mouth shut," the commander snapped, though his tone held no real bite. His gaze returned to Rifi. "I won't question the title. It explains a lot, but don't expect it to shield you from scrutiny in Suburana. Our clan leaders will decide if you're worth trusting."Rifi's voice was calm, steady. "I didn't expect otherwise."The murmurs hadn't fully died down as the group resumed their march toward the outpost. The soldiers' awe wasn't lost on Rifi, but he ignored it. Titles were meaningless unless backed by actions, and his actions would speak for themselves when the time came.Diana glanced sideways at him, her voice low enough not to be heard by the others. "That... explains a lot.""Does it?" Rifi replied simply, his tone giving nothing away.She shook her head, her voice colored by a mix of relief and frustration. "I was worried sick when you went off alone to fight. You could've at least told me you were a Battlemage. You don't think it would have been reassuring to know that you're a Red core?"Rifi glanced at her, his tone as nonchalant as if he were discussing the weather. "More like Orange core."The words hung in the air like a lightning strike. Diana's jaw dropped, and even the commander, who had kept a measured composure until now, took an involuntary step back. The legionaries exchanged wide-eyed glances, murmurs rippling through their ranks."Orange core?" Diana repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. "Before the war, there were only twenty Orange cores in all of Hepestus. You are that... strong?""Sounds about right," Rifi replied, his expression betraying no emotion. "Not exactly something you drop in casual conversation."Diana stared at him, torn between disbelief and awe. "You really are impossible.""Maybe," he said with a faint smirk, turning his attention to the road ahead. "But at least now you know why I wasn't too worried about that patrol."Diana shook her head again, this time with a small, incredulous laugh. "I don't know whether to strangle you or thank you now.""Let's save that decision for after we get to the outpost," Rifi replied, his smirk deepening as he began walking again.The commander finally found his voice, his tone a mix of respect and newfound caution. "An Orange core…. what a day to be alive. I suppose the stories about Battlemages weren't exaggerated after all.""Well," Diana said, falling in step beside Rifi, her voice laced with dry humor, "welcome to traveling with Rifi. It's never boring."Her smile faded as a sudden thought hit her. She slowed her steps, her mind racing. Orange core… She was joking with him, teasing him like a friend. Someone of that rank—the kind of rank that inspired reverence, the kind of rank she'd only heard about in stories—and she'd treated him so… casually.Her feet faltered as the realization sank in, and she stared at Rifi's back, her stomach twisting. "Orange-core...I… I didn't mean to—"Rifi glanced over his shoulder, his expression softening slightly. "Don't," he said. "Titles mean nothing. You did more for these people than I ever could."Diana hesitated, searching his face for any hint of condescension, but there was none. His tone was firm but kind, his eyes steady. She nodded slowly, her steps quickening to catch up."Thank you, Rifi," she said, her voice tinged with relief but still wry. "For a Battlemage, you're surprisingly easy to talk to."Rifi chuckled softly, the sound rare but genuine. "Don't get used to it."Diana rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Too late."