The Academy settled into a precarious rhythm in the weeks following the strategy meeting. Training intensified, new fortifications were raised under the guidance of the Imperial Guard, and the shadow of Serath Kain loomed ever-present in whispered conversations and hushed warnings.
Sang-hoon threw himself into the efforts, pushing his body and mind to their limits as if sheer force of will could bridge the gap between preparation and inevitability.
The metallic clang of forging echoed as Sang-hoon entered the Academy's armory. He scanned the racks of weapons and shelves stacked with gleaming mana crystals. Kaelith, perched on his shoulder, sniffed the air curiously, his tail flicking with interest.
The quartermaster, a burly man with soot-streaked skin and a grizzled beard, raised an eyebrow as Sang-hoon approached.
"Elyska Grayson," the quartermaster said, wiping his hands on a rag. "Word is you're making quite a name for yourself."
"Not sure I like the attention," Sang-hoon replied, offering a wry smile.
"Attention or not, you'll need better gear for what's coming." The quartermaster gestured to a table covered in ornate weapons. "These just came in—infused with defensive enchantments and augmented for high mana output."
Sang-hoon's eyes fell on a spear with intricate carvings along its shaft. Its head gleamed with a faint, icy-blue light, a mana crystal embedded at the base.
"This one," he said, picking it up. The weapon was well-balanced, its weight familiar yet potent.
"Good choice," the quartermaster said. "That spear's designed to amplify synchronized attacks with familiars. If you and the little guy here can keep up, it'll be deadly."
Kaelith chirped in what Sang-hoon imagined was agreement, the dragon nuzzling against his neck.
"Let's hope we're ready," Sang-hoon muttered, leaving the armory with the spear in hand.
News spread through the Academy and the capital of the upcoming Altheris Unity Festival—a celebration meant to bolster morale and showcase the kingdom's strength amidst the growing threats.
Students and instructors were abuzz with activity, preparing demonstrations of combat, beast-taming, and magical displays for the event.
Sang-hoon couldn't help but feel uneasy. The timing of the festival, so soon after the attack, seemed almost reckless.
"You look like you've seen a ghost," Mira said, falling into step beside him as they walked across the training grounds. Her Arctic Lupin padded alongside her, its frosty breath visible in the crisp air.
"It's just the festival," Sang-hoon admitted. "Feels like we're painting a target on our backs."
Mira shrugged, tossing a dagger into the air and catching it effortlessly. "Maybe. Or maybe it's a chance to show the Reaver's forces that we're not afraid of them."
"Or to lure them out," Sang-hoon added, his tone grim.
Mira's expression sobered. "If they come, we'll be ready."
Would they? Sang-hoon couldn't shake the feeling that Serath Kain wouldn't wait for the Academy to recover fully. He'd strike when they were vulnerable—and a festival like this was the perfect opportunity.
Days before the festival, Sang-hoon was summoned to the royal palace.
The sprawling structure, with its towering spires and intricate stained-glass windows, was a symbol of Altheris's grandeur. Kaelith's claws clicked nervously on the polished marble floors as they followed a royal attendant through the halls.
The attendant stopped before a set of gilded doors and gestured for Sang-hoon to enter. Inside, Princess Arielle awaited, her sapphire eyes fixed on him.
"Mister Grayson," she said, her tone formal yet warm. "Thank you for coming."
Sang-hoon bowed stiffly and embarrassed. "Your Highness. It's an honor to be here."
She gestured for him to rise. "You were instrumental in defending the Vault. I've heard much about your courage."
"I was only doing what I could," Sang-hoon replied, his voice careful.
Princess Arielle stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "The Unity Festival is an opportunity to show strength, but I am not blind to its risks. You've fought the Reaver's forces directly. Tell me, Elyska, do you believe they will attack during the festival?"
The question caught Sang-hoon off guard. He hesitated before answering, choosing his words carefully.
"They thrive on chaos," he said. "An event like this could draw them out. If they think they can cripple morale, they might take the risk."
The Princess nodded, her expression unreadable. "Then we must ensure their failure. I want you to be among the vanguard protecting the festival. Your experience will be invaluable."
Sang-hoon's grip tightened on his new spear. "I'll do everything I can, Your Highness."
A faint smile touched her lips, though her eyes remained sharp. "I know you will."
The day of the festival arrived, and the capital city was transformed into a spectacle of lights, music, and color. Banners bearing the sigil of Altheris fluttered in the breeze, and the streets were filled with laughter and cheer.
Sang-hoon, however, felt none of the celebratory spirit.
He stood with Kaelith near the edges of the central square, his eyes scanning the crowd for anything out of place. Mira and Arden patrolled nearby, their beasts equally alert. Elena and her Wyvern circled overhead, their presence a silent warning to any would-be attackers.
So did the Imperial Guard and common soldiers.
Hours passed without incident, but Sang-hoon's unease grew.
Kaelith let out a low growl, his scales bristling as his gaze fixed on a shadowed alley.
"What is it?" Sang-hoon whispered, his grip tightening on his spear.
Before Kaelith could respond, a deafening explosion shattered the calm, and screams erupted from the square.
Sang-hoon spun around to see a plume of smoke rising from the far end of the festival grounds. Figures cloaked in shadow surged into the crowd, their movements swift and deadly.
"The Reaver's forces!" someone shouted.
Sang-hoon's heart pounded as chaos unfolded around him. He raised his lance, Kaelith snarling beside him.
"Kaelith, let's go!"
The battle had begun, and Sang-hoon knew the festival was only the beginning of the Reaver's next move.