Morning light streamed through the window as Celeste adjusted her new gear—a black corset over her simple white tunic. She flexed her arms and rolled her shoulders, ensuring her outfit was both comfortable and durable. Satisfied, she nodded to herself. "It's simple, but it'll do the job."
She strapped her sword to her side and headed down to the cafeteria for a hearty breakfast, fueling up for what she knew would be a long journey. As she ate, she mentally mapped out her plan: The mountains north of Willowshade, then on to the ruins Vincent mentioned. After grabbing a few supplies, she made her way to the guild to secure a more detailed map of the northern region.
Inside the guild, she quickly caught the attention of her old party members—William, Bryan, Andrew, and Franklin—now proudly outfitted in the Obsidian Order's red and black armor.
"Celeste! Look at you, all geared up!" William greeted her, grinning broadly. "Got a mission today?"
"Yeah, just some solo training up north," Celeste replied with a smile. "But you guys look impressive! Looks like the Obsidian Order suits you."
The boys beamed, clearly proud of their new roles. "We're still recruits for now," Bryan said. "Commander Galahad has us on recruitment duty for the upcoming Abyssal Vault expedition. He wants every skilled adventurer in the region."
Celeste chuckled, appreciating their enthusiasm even if she didn't entirely share it. "The Abyssal Vault, huh? Maybe I'll join in, but only if it's for my own reasons."
"We'd be glad to have you with us!" William said. "Oh, and if you're heading north, make sure to stop by North Hollow. Andrew and Franklin grew up there. It's a good base, with a small guild that posts local quests."
Celeste pulled out her map, and Andrew marked the village's location. "Thanks, that sounds perfect. I'll hitch a ride with a merchant caravan heading in that direction."
Just as they were wrapping up, a shadow fell across her. She turned to see Commander Galahad—a tall, imposing figure with an intense gaze and two swords strapped to his waist.
"Are you wasting my recruits' time, swordswoman?" he asked, his tone as sharp as his weapons.
Celeste kept her composure and replied evenly, "Just asking for directions. I'll be out of your way now."
Galahad's eyes narrowed as he regarded her for a moment. "See that you don't distract them again. And boys—get back to work. I told you to recruit, not chat."
The recruits snapped to attention, nodding respectfully to Celeste before dispersing. Galahad lingered for a moment, his gaze heavy and unreadable, before he turned and left. Celeste sighed as she watched him go. Charming as ever, she thought wryly.
With her map in hand, she headed to the north gate, where a caravan of merchants and guards was preparing for departure. She approached one of the guards, who pointed her to the merchant in charge of the convoy, a broad-shouldered man named Garin.
"Looking to join us, miss?" Garin asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Just as a temporary guard," Celeste replied, showing her guild ID. "Not looking for pay—just a ride north."
"Fine by me," Garin said, handing her a small wooden badge. "Stick close. We're expecting a quiet journey, but a few extra blades can't hurt."
Celeste joined the convoy, which consisted of merchants, guards, and a handful of adventurers hired for protection. A scarred man with a longbow slung over his shoulder struck up a conversation with her as they started on their way.
"First time up this way?" he asked, eyeing her equipment.
"Yeah," Celeste replied, scanning the path ahead. "I'm looking to explore the ruins around here. Heard that even the monsters avoid them."
The archer chuckled, adjusting his bow. "Wouldn't surprise me. They say the place is cursed, or at least, that's what keeps the beasts at bay. If you're set on going there, be careful."
The convoy traveled peacefully for several hours, winding through dense forests and climbing up rocky paths. The air grew colder as they ascended, the trees thinning out as they moved higher into the mountains. Celeste enjoyed the crisp air and the beautiful scenery, feeling invigorated by the adventure.
Just as the convoy rounded a sharp bend in the trail, a sudden shriek echoed from the nearby woods, breaking the calm. Dark, twisted figures with long claws and glowing red eyes emerged from the shadows—a horde of corrupted imps.
"Ambush!" one of the guards shouted, drawing his sword.
The guards and adventurers immediately sprang into action, forming a protective circle around the caravan. Celeste's eyes narrowed, her hand going to the hilt of her sword as she assessed the chaotic scene. She closed her eyes briefly, activating Sanctum Vision. A faint, golden glow illuminated her surroundings, highlighting each imp and showing the terrain in clear detail, even through the shadows.
With a calm breath, she released her vision and took her first step, her form trailing a faint, yellow light as she flashed forward toward the nearest imp. Her sword cut through its flesh in one smooth, controlled motion, felling it instantly. She stepped back, pivoted, and moved to the next imp, each precise slash calculated and efficient. The imps fell one by one, each swing deliberate and unhurried, her movements almost graceful.
Three… four… she counted, slicing through another. With a final, fluid strike, she dispatched the fifth imp, turning in time to watch the rest of the convoy defenders rally.
All around her, the adventurers and guards fought fiercely, using their elemental skills to enhance their attacks. She watched in awe as one guard channeled fire into his blade, cutting down imps with blazing strikes, while another adventurer, the archer from earlier, fired arrows wreathed in fire. The imps screeched and fell one after another, outmatched by the convoy's well-coordinated defense.
One guard wielded a longsword that glowed with an aura of air, cutting any imp that got too close. With fluid movements, he shattered them with well-placed strikes, leaving cuts of the imps bodies on the forest floor. And after that he created a gust of wind around his blade, slashing through a line of imps with ease, sending their broken bodies tumbling back into the underbrush.
Celeste felt a surge of respect for the convoy's defenders. These people are good, she thought, admiring their skills. Maybe I still have a thing or two to learn.
Within moments, the remaining imps were either dead or fleeing back into the forest, their shrieks fading into the distance. The convoy reassembled, breathing heavily but unharmed.
"Nice moves back there," the archer said, grinning as he approached Celeste. "Didn't expect you to take down five of them in such a steady, calm manner. That was impressive."
Celeste shrugged modestly. "I've had some practice."
Garin, the merchant, gave her a nod of approval. "Glad you were here. That could've been ugly without your help."
Celeste just smiled and fell back into line, grateful for the workout and the chance to see some skilled fighters in action. She could feel her anticipation growing as they neared their destination.
As the sun began to set, the convoy finally reached the small village of North Hollow, nestled between rugged peaks and framed by the glow of the mountain sunset. Garin waved her off, grinning. "Good luck with those ruins, miss. If you find any treasure, don't forget old Garin!"
She chuckled, thanking him as she stepped away from the convoy, taking in the fresh mountain air and the quiet of the village. Soon, she'd be heading to the ruins alone, ready to uncover the secrets hidden within.