Before Layzal was led to his carriage, the commanding knight's eyes locked with his,and gestured to him to come over.
Layzal narrowed his eyes before nodding, he slowly but calmly made his way over and arrived next to the stoic knight.
The knight assessed him before placing his hand out,"Initiate Regula, I know you will come back alive. It's going to be tough on you, the kingdom is being even stricter on the gifted the past 10 years. But, if you do make it back you will have a higher rank of importance than me."
Layzal eyed the outstretched hand lazily before accepting it, causing the knight to continue in his deep voice."I'm soldier Daniels, nice to meet you. Soldier ranks higher than the initiate rank, but an initiate that survives the first battle is treated with respect. So good luck."
Layzal nods, his calm deep voice sounding out,"Initiate Layzal Regula, nice to meet you. I will do my best, I don't plan to die anytime soon."
Soldier Daniels nods with a smirk before turning around and walking away, as a knight approaches Layzal to take him to his carriage.
Layzal stepped onto the carriage, his gaze scanning the inside. Seeing that no one was inside he sat down. Looking closer at the carriage, it seemed to be of better quality than the one he was in previously.
As he was inspecting the carriage, the knight outside looked at him calmly,"Initiate Regula, as opposed to the other recruits you will be heading to the central continent alone."
Layzal's calm gaze lands on the knight, nodding in understanding.The knight seeing this continues,"You have potential to help mankind, but remember, that's all it is. Potential. You're not strong yet. Don't get cocky. No matter how strong you get, you can always die suddenly."
The knight looks up at Layzal, his expression calm as he continues talking,"Don't forget you are gifted. But, there's also other gifted people stronger than you, there's numerous ranks above you. Even soldiers are ranked above you. Be respectful."
Layzal speaks calmly,"Don't worry, I'm not stupid, I'll try not to die." The knight nods and closes the carriage door as the rickety wheels start moving.
Looking outside the window of the carriage, he thought back to the last 2 weeks, on how his life has changed dramatically. However, he's now gained something unexpected. Power and potential. A chance to live his life however he wants.
His calm eyes pierced through the window with an unknown glimmer sparking in them. His eyes drift away from the window to settle back into the carriage's interior. Before they lazily shut.
He rests there calmly. Awaiting his arrival at the central continent Maneo.
The journey continued as the carriage trundled along the rough roads, the landscape shifting from familiar forests and hills to the vast, unknown terrain that marked the edges of the central continent of Maneo. Layzal remained still, eyes closed as the rhythm of the wheels over the uneven path kept him in a state of deep contemplation.
As the sky darkened, Layzal's eyes once again sought outside the window. Gracing his view was a small fortified town, with tall wooden walls and strict security. But, the view beyond the town is what caught his eyes.
A seemingly endless amount of water. Pure and boundless, the setting sun glistening off of the calm waves making the view captivating. Layzal's gaze focuses on the calm blue waves, "So this is the ocean huh?" His calm voice echoed in the carriage, before he focused back on the road.
The carriage rolled to a stop, the gate of the town finally reached. Murmurs of activity from the guards entered Layzal's ears. As he looked out the window, he saw a guard talking to the driver of the carriage, before he turned and started walking towards the carriage door. His calm steps quickly brought him to his destination.
Fresh air filled the carriage as the guard pulled the door open, peering his head in. His gaze washed over the interior before settling on Layzal, seeing his uniform the guard nodded and closed the door.
"Open the gate!" a low shout sounded from the guard after closing the door.
The sound of the heavy gate opening and pushing against the dirt path filled the air. At that moment, the wheels of the carriage started moving again.
The carriage rolled forward as the massive gates of the fortified town creaked open. The worn wooden beams groaned under the strain, allowing the carriage to pass through. Layzal's eyes flicked back to the ocean as they entered the town, the vast expanse of water slowly disappearing from view as the tall walls of the town closed in around them.
Inside the town, the atmosphere was a stark contrast to the tranquillity of the ocean. The streets were bustling with activity, despite the late hour. Knights and guards moved with purpose, their armour clinking softly as they made their way through the narrow streets. Vendors peddled supplies, and the hum of conversation filled the air. Layzal observed it all with his usual detached calm, taking in the sights and sounds of what would soon become a temporary home.
The carriage made its way to the centre of the town, where a large stone building loomed—a military outpost, judging by the number of guards and officers milling about. The carriage came to a halt in front of the building, and a soldier immediately approached, opening the door and gesturing for Layzal to step out.
Layzal exited the carriage with fluid grace, his eyes sweeping over the soldiers who paused to glance at him. Whispers followed him as he moved towards the entrance of the outpost, but he paid them no mind. He was used to the attention that came with being a Gifted, especially one as newly awakened as he was.
Inside, the outpost was a hive of activity. Maps covered the walls, and officers clustered around tables, discussing strategies and battle plans. The air was thick with tension, the kind that came from anticipation of the battles to come. Layzal felt it, but it didn't faze him. His calm demeanour remained intact as he approached the front desk, where a stern-looking officer stood.
"Initiate Regula?" the officer asked, his voice clipped and professional.
Layzal nodded.
The officer handed him a sealed envelope. "These are your orders. You'll be briefed further by Commander Veldrin. He's expecting you."
Taking the envelope, Layzal gave a curt nod and made his way down a long corridor, the sound of his footsteps echoing off the stone walls. The further he walked, the quieter it became, until he reached a heavy wooden door at the end of the hallway. He knocked once, and a deep voice from within bid him enter.
Commander Veldrin was seated behind a large wooden desk, his presence imposing. His dark eyes assessed Layzal as he entered, lingering on him for a moment longer than usual. Layzal returned the gaze, unflinching.
"Welcome, Initiate," Veldrin began, his tone even. "I trust your journey was uneventful."
"It was," Layzal replied, standing at ease.
Veldrin gestured for him to sit, and Layzal did so. The commander leaned forward, folding his hands on the desk. "You've been assigned to a special unit. The battlefield you're heading to is on the eastern front, a particularly volatile area. High casualties, high risk, but also high rewards for those who survive."
Commander Veldrin's expression remained unreadable as he continued. "This town, Alaric's point, is not just a defensive outpost. It's also one of the last points of departure for those heading to the central continent, Maneo. You'll be taking a ship from here, crossing the Straits of Drakea to reach the eastern front."
Layzal's eyes flickered with interest. He had never been on the open sea before, let alone travelled to another continent. The central continent, Maneo, was known to be the heart of the conflict—where the fiercest battles raged and the most dangerous enemies awaited.
Veldrin seemed to read his thoughts. "The sea route is peaceful, but the ships that dock here are equipped to handle the dangers of the crossing—storms, sea beasts, and enemy vessels just in case. Your unit will be boarding one of these ships at dawn."
Layzal nodded, taking in the information. His gaze set not only with calm confidence, but also caution.
"The central continent is a different world, Initiate," Veldrin said, his voice grave. "The terrain is harsh, and the battles there are nothing like what you've trained for. The enemy is relentless, and the lines between friend and foe can blur in the heat of combat. You'll need to stay sharp, trust your instincts, and most importantly, remember your training."
Layzal met Veldrin's gaze, his calm exterior hiding the intensity of his focus. He had expected the challenges to come thick and fast, but hearing it laid out so plainly brought a new clarity to the situation. This wasn't just about individual survival; it was about navigating a war on multiple fronts—land, sea, and even within himself.
Veldrin's slightly raspy voice sounded once again,"Maneo is known for its diverse weather, unluckily for you, the eastern front where you are going is one of the worst. A snowy place filled with mountains, plains and tall forests. But, the worst part is the cold. It makes it so only mana users can go and even they can't fight for extended periods of time."
"Your ship leaves at first light," Veldrin continued. "The voyage should take two days if the weather holds. Upon arrival, you'll disembark at a forward operating base on Maneo's eastern coast. From there, you'll receive further orders."
Layzal nodded grimly, Veldrin nodded back,"Your uniform shall be aboard the ship, waiting in your room, please change as soon as you reach your room, so people can identify via your rank."
Veldrin stood, signalling the end of the briefing. "I won't sugarcoat it, Regula—this is a one-way trip for many. But you're not just any soldier. You're Gifted, and that means you carry the burden of expectation. Prove yourself worthy of that title."
Layzal rose from his seat, the weight of the commander's words settling over him like a mantle. He gave a final nod of acknowledgment before turning to leave.