After the commotion in the commander's office, the fortress seemed to come alive with an urgency that mirrored the growing tension in Starling's heart.
The corridors, which had been quiet and orderly just moments ago, were now filled with the sound of hurried footsteps, clanking armor, and the sharp calls of knights responding to their commander's orders.
Alphonso and Eliana, still shaken from their reports, followed closely behind the commander as she made her way through the halls with purpose and authority.
Their earlier exhaustion from the frantic ride to the fortress was now overshadowed by the seriousness of the situation.
"Commander, we—" Eliana started, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to explain further, but Starling cut her off with a sharp glance.
"Not now, Eliana," Starling said, her tone brooking no argument.
Starling's mind raced as she walked, her thoughts torn between worry and anger.
Niveus, her brother—not by blood, but by every other bond that mattered—had always had a reckless streak.
'But this? Charging into an unknown Monolith alone is beyond reckless, you idiot. It's dangerous, even for someone as skilled as he is.'
As they reached the main courtyard, the knights of Glacend were already gathering, their expressions a mix of concern and determination.
They lined up quickly, their discipline and loyalty evident in the way they responded to Starling's call without hesitation.
Starling took a deep breath, steadying herself as she addressed the gathered knights.
"A situation has arisen," she began, her voice carrying the weight of command. "A very peculiar phenomenon—a Monolith has appeared within the one I sent our team to investigate. Knight-Captain Niveus has entered this new Monolith alone. We are going to retrieve him and deal with whatever threats this parasite Monolith may pose."
The knights murmured among themselves, the idea of a Monolith within a Monolith as foreign to them as it was to their commander.
Starling continued, her gaze sweeping over the assembled knights.
"Prepare for a possible high-level encounter. We don't know what we'll find inside, but we must be ready for anything. I want full battle gear, all units on alert. We move out in an hour!"
As the knights dispersed to prepare, Starling sighed and turned to Alphonso and Eliana, her expression softer but no less serious.
"You two did the right thing by coming back to inform me," she said, her voice lower now.
"We're going to get Niveus back and make sure this damned Monolith vanishes forever. So, I need you both at your best."
Eliana nodded, though her hands still trembled slightly. "Yes, commander. We won't let you down."
Alphonso, more composed but still visibly shaken, added, "We'll be ready."
An hour later...
As they gathered at the main gate, fully armed and armored, the atmosphere was tense.
Starling stood at the forefront, her eyes focused on the path ahead.
"Let's move out!" Starling commanded, her voice ringing with authority as she led the charge.
As the Glacend knights set out toward the village, where the initial Monolith was located, the air grew colder with each passing mile.
The sky darkened, casting long shadows across the snow-covered landscape, and an eerie silence settled over the land, broken only by the crunch of boots on ice and snow.
They moved on their feet, and only 8 scouts were given the ride to advance ahead and set a base near the village.
Fortunately, with the aid of the mages and wind-attribute stones, their march speed was threefold faster.
What should take a day or two was reduced to less than half a day.
Just as they reached the open field after exiting the forest road, Starling raised her hand, signaling her knights to halt.
She scanned the horizon, her sharp eyes catching movement in the distance. Flickering light—torches illuminated the dark road, approaching from the opposite direction.
Commanding her knights to stay on guard, Starling took a torch and waved it in the sky.
After she did that, a shout was heard from the opposite direction. A few moments later, a group of figures were revealed once the distance got closer.
"Hey—woah?!"
The woman who led the group was startled when she saw the armored army behind Starling.
But she composed herself after recognizing the insignia the army bore on their armor.
"Are you guys the knights of Glacend?"
Stepping forward, Starling shoved her sword downward, holding it in position.
"Commander of Glacend, Starling Albus," she said, gazing at the woman's group. "And you must be the Trailblazers sent by the Salhju branch? However..."
Starling glanced behind her shoulder, gesturing for Alphonso and Eliana to come forward.
Alphonso, who knew about the situation, spoke confusedly.
"The messenger we sent from the village to inform the branch was only departing yesterday, and I'm sure the branch would receive the news around this time. But why are you guys here already? Did the branch leader know about this in advance?"
"A messenger?" The woman began. "We don't know about the messenger. But we were dispatched as soon as the announcement was made yesterday at noon."
"At noon?" Alphonso rested his finger on his chin. "I see. So he already knows."
"Perhaps. Anyway, are you guys here also for the Frozen Swarm?"
Starling shook her head.
"No. We are after the Monolith near the village around here."
"A Monolith? Why are the knights after the Monolith? And why haven't we been informed if there's a Monolith around here?"
"The village asked for our help as we are the nearest to them. The messenger that my knight here sent is supposedly to carry the news about the Frozen Swarm and the Monolith."
"I see. If you don't mind, the leader of Frozen Swarm subjugation would like to meet you in the camp over there," the woman said, pointing at the faint torchlights in the distance.
"I suppose not. It's already dark, and my knights need to be at their best."
The campsite was nestled along the frozen river's edge.
They had set up a formidable encampment mirroring their experiences. Tents made of reinforced material were arranged in a semi-circle around the central fire pit.
Near the largest test, which served as the command post, several mages were busy tending their tools.
They also had set up watchtowers along the riverbank to watch the situation on the frozen river, where dangers lurked beneath.
In the center of it all, standing with arms crossed and surveying the camp with a calm yet focused expression, was the leader of the Trailblazer's group—a tall, imposing figure clad in armor that bore the marks of countless battles.
As Starling approached, he turned to greet her as she neared, his voice deep and steady.
"Ah, Commander Starling, great to see you again."
"Ardan," Starling said, her gaze sweeping over the camp. "You're impressive as always."
"You flatter me, haha!"
"So, what do you want to talk about?"
"About that..."