Lukas stood at the gates of the Veridan estate, the weight of his new armor settling comfortably around his shoulders. The reinforced cuirass gave him a sense of protection, but it wasn't just the armor that made him feel ready. It was the knowledge—the preparation. The system had provided them with the tools they needed, and now, as the sun climbed higher in the sky, the time to leave was upon them.
Beside him, Zane adjusted the short swords strapped to his waist, his face calm but focused. They were both about to step into the unknown—onto the battlefield for the first time in this life.
A small group of soldiers awaited them just beyond the gates. They weren't a grand battalion or an elite force, just a handful of men who had seen enough battle to be hardened by it. They had been sent to escort Lukas and Zane to the eastern front, where the Drevyn rebels were staging their incursions.
"Are you ready for this?" Zane asked, his voice low enough that only Lukas could hear.
Lukas nodded, though his mind raced with thoughts of what was to come. "I don't think anyone's ever truly ready for war," he admitted. "But we're prepared. That's what matters."
Zane nodded, his hand resting on one of his short swords. "Let's hope it's enough."
The captain of their small escort approached, his weathered face betraying years of battle experience. His armor was worn, and his expression was one of resigned acceptance.
"Lord Veridan," the captain said, addressing Lukas with a formal nod. "We're ready to move. It's a two-day march to the eastern front. Once we arrive, you'll be under Captain Thorn's command. He doesn't tolerate weakness, so be prepared."
Lukas met the captain's gaze, his expression unwavering. "We'll be ready. Lead the way."
Without another word, the captain signaled to the soldiers, and they began the march. Lukas and Zane followed, their footsteps in sync with the men around them.
By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the group had made considerable progress. They had traveled through rolling hills and sparse woodlands, keeping a steady pace. The tension that had hung over them in the morning had dissipated somewhat, replaced by the rhythm of the march and the unspoken understanding that they were all heading toward something dangerous.
As they made camp for the night, Lukas and Zane found themselves sitting near the edge of the group, the flickering flames of the campfire casting shadows on their faces.
Lukas stared into the fire, his mind wandering to what lay ahead. The Drevyn rebels were known for their brutality. Though they weren't a formal army, their guerrilla tactics had proven effective in the past. Valeria had been struggling to keep them at bay for years.
"I've been thinking," Zane said suddenly, breaking the silence. "What do you think our first fight is going to be like?"
Lukas considered the question for a moment before answering. "I don't know. I've read about battles, studied tactics, but... there's no way to really know until we're in it."
Zane nodded, his gaze distant. "I guess we'll find out soon enough."
Lukas shifted slightly, feeling the weight of his saber at his side. He had trained with it throughout the day, familiarizing himself with its balance and weight. The system had already proven its worth in helping them select the right equipment, but now Lukas found himself wondering if it would offer them more help when they faced real danger.
As if in answer to his thoughts, the system chimed softly in his mind.
[System Alert: Battlefield Awareness Activated]
This feature will provide tactical insights during combat, including enemy positioning, environmental hazards, and potential weaknesses. It will unlock fully upon engaging in your first battle.
Lukas's eyes widened slightly, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of relief. The system was more than just a guide—it was actively adapting to their needs.
"We have another edge," Lukas said, turning to Zane. "The system can provide insights during battle—things we might not notice ourselves."
Zane's expression shifted to one of intrigue. "You're serious?"
Lukas nodded. "It's not fully unlocked yet, but it will be once we engage in combat."
Zane leaned back, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "I have to say, this system of yours is starting to sound like a real blessing."
Lukas chuckled. "Let's just hope it's enough to keep us alive."
The following day passed in relative silence, with the only sound being the steady crunch of boots on dirt and the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind. By the time they reached the eastern front, the sun was beginning to dip once again.
The camp stretched out before them, a sprawling collection of tents and fortifications, with soldiers moving about in preparation for the night. The atmosphere here was markedly different from the estate or even the march. There was an air of grim determination, a heaviness that only came from men who had seen too much death and too many battles.
Lukas and Zane exchanged glances as they were led deeper into the camp. They knew this was where they would be tested, where they would prove whether they were worthy of carrying the Veridan name.
Captain Thorn awaited them in the center of the camp, standing near a large tent that served as the command center. He was a tall man with broad shoulders and a sharp gaze, his armor dented and scarred from countless battles. His eyes landed on Lukas and Zane as they approached, and he made no attempt to hide the skepticism in his expression.
"So," Thorn said, his voice low and gravelly. "You're the young master of the Veridan family, are you? And this is your retainer?"
Lukas met Thorn's gaze, his voice steady. "That's right. We've come to fight."
Thorn's lips twitched into a smirk, though it held no warmth. "We'll see about that. Out here, names don't mean much. What matters is whether you can hold your own in battle."
Lukas nodded. "We're ready to prove ourselves."
Thorn studied him for a moment longer before turning to one of the soldiers standing nearby. "Set them up in one of the tents. They'll be with us for tomorrow's patrol."
The soldier nodded and motioned for Lukas and Zane to follow him.
As they made their way toward their assigned tent, Zane let out a low breath. "That Thorn guy doesn't seem too impressed."
Lukas smirked. "He doesn't have to be. We'll show him on the battlefield."
---
That night, the camp was eerily quiet. The soldiers moved about their tasks in silence, and the air was thick with anticipation. Everyone knew that a confrontation with the Drevyn rebels was coming—it was only a matter of time.
Inside their tent, Lukas and Zane sat across from each other, both sharpening their weapons in preparation for the next day.
"You know," Zane began, his voice thoughtful. "I've been thinking about what you said earlier—about the system giving us an edge in battle."
Lukas glanced up from his saber. "What about it?"
"I wonder if it'll be enough," Zane said, his brow furrowed. "I mean, we've never fought like this before. What if we're not ready?"
Lukas considered the question, the firelight casting long shadows across the tent. He had wondered the same thing himself, but the system had provided them with advantages they wouldn't have had otherwise. They had the right weapons, the right armor, and now, they would have tactical awareness during battle.
"We are ready," Lukas said firmly. "The system will help, but it's not just about that. We've trained. We've prepared. And we're in this together. That's what's going to make the difference."
Zane met his gaze, nodding slowly. "Yeah, you're right. We've come too far to back down now."
Lukas smiled slightly, his confidence growing. "Exactly."
As the night deepened, Lukas felt the tension in his body slowly ease. Tomorrow, they would face the Drevyn rebels. Tomorrow, they would step onto the battlefield for the first time in this new life.
And tomorrow, they would prove themselves.