With their packs secured and formation set, the mages began to move. Commander Veran, ever the picture of discipline, marched ahead with steady purpose.
Her leadership was evident in the way her squad moved as one cohesive unit, each mage falling into place without hesitation.
Cedar and Ivan took their positions on the flanks, their gazes scanning the horizon, ever-watchful for any signs of danger. Their role was clear: they would protect the squad from any incoming threats, using defensive and mid-range magic to keep the enemy at bay.
As the march began, the landscape shifted. The dense forest surrounding the camp slowly gave way to rolling hills and open fields. The road to Operon was long, winding through thick woodlands, across narrow bridges, and over precarious cliffs.
Cedar's boots crunched against the dirt path, each step bringing them closer to their destination but also deeper into enemy territory. Though the Union had scouts in place, the Imperium's forces were always one step ahead. They couldn't afford to let their guard down.
The first day of the march passed in tense silence. Every crack of a twig, every rustle in the underbrush, made the mages wary. The air felt thick with anticipation, each mage silently wondering if they would make it through the night unscathed.
The landscape was eerily quiet, as if nature itself was holding its breath. Despite the beauty of the open fields, the ominous feeling that something was out there—watching, waiting—never fully left them.
By evening, the camp was set in a small clearing, the firelight flickering in the growing darkness.
Cedar and Ivan barely had time for rest as they pushed themselves to the limit. Ivan tirelessly channeled his purified mana, helping Cedar refine his second circle.
The process was more effective now—Ivan's mana, now more similar to that of an elf, had reached a conversion rate of six out of ten, a vast improvement.
As the night wore on, Cedar could feel the subtle shift within himself, his power slowly beginning to align with his goal. Yet, despite the progress, sleep remained a fleeting luxury, his mind constantly whirring with the dangers to come.
The next morning, the camp was already stirring when Commander Veran's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding. "Make sure we don't leave anything behind," she ordered, her eyes scanning the horizon, alert for any signs of danger. "We'll need every advantage once we start moving."
The road ahead was treacherous, and rumors of Imperium scouts already in the area only added to the weight of the journey. Still, the Union's retreat was non-negotiable—Operon was their next critical stronghold. Its defense could very well decide the fate of the war.
Operon City, an ancient fortress in the Kingdom's northern heart, stood as a symbol of strength. Surrounded by fertile farmlands and vast plains, its strategic location made it vital for trade and military operations.
Built atop natural plateaus, its thick stone walls, reinforced with magic, were nearly impervious to siege weapons—but vulnerable to aerial strikes.
The city was also the seat of the Gardihaus family, one of the Kingdom's oldest and most powerful noble houses, their legacy intertwined with political power and whispers of Old Magic.
But to Cedar, all of that was irrelevant. As a lowly foot soldier, such matters barely crossed his mind. What truly caught his attention was Operon's unique treasure: the Luna Blossom.
This rare flower, with delicate white petals that glowed softly under the moonlight, symbolized purity and hope. It had deep roots in Operon's culture, with legends saying that the first Gardihaus ancestor had discovered its healing properties in a time of great strife.
Over the centuries, the Luna Blossom had become synonymous with the city's resilience. It was said that anyone who walked through the fields at night and caught a glimpse of the glowing flowers would be granted luck, though few ever made the journey alone.
It was one of his bedtime stories.
The march to Operon would take several days, and the Union's forces had to move cautiously. Cedar and Ivan's group, assigned to the flanks, kept close watch for any signs of danger. The narrow roads, flanked by dense forests and the occasional clearing, made it easy for enemies to hide. But the Union had learned the hard way that enemies were always lurking, especially in this war.
The landscape around them shifted as they traveled, the rolling hills of the plains gradually giving way to the dense forests that lined the roads.
Cedar could hear the occasional snap of a twig underfoot, but his eyes remained fixed ahead. Ivan was close by, walking with a determined step as they moved in tandem, the weight of the coming battles heavy on both their shoulders.
By the second day, they had reached the outskirts of the forest that bordered Operon's domain. The sun was high in the sky when Commander Veran called a halt. Her voice rang out clearly, ordering the group to set up a defensive position.
The mages were stationed in a wide perimeter, their eyes constantly scanning the surroundings.
"We need to make sure we aren't being followed," Veran commanded, her gaze sharp.
"Cedar, Ivan, check the western perimeter. Cole, take the east..."
Cedar nodded and made his way toward Ivan, ready for whatever danger might be lurking in the shadows. The forest was dense, and the stillness only heightened the tension.
The rustle of leaves and the occasional chirp of birds did little to alleviate the pressure. As they moved through the forest, the faint smell of the Luna Blossom filled the air, carried by the soft breeze.
Cedar couldn't help but marvel at the flowers. Even though they were far from Operon, the scent of the blossoms reminded him of the city's resilience, its strength in the face of adversity.
As Cedar and Ivan moved deeper into the forest, an eerie silence fell around them. The wind had died, and even the rustling of leaves seemed distant like the forest was holding its breath.
A low growl echoed through the trees, sending a chill through the air. Cedar's hand moved instinctively to his staff, eyes scanning the shadows. Ivan stepped closer, tense.
From the darkness emerged a massive creature—a Magloth. At over eight feet tall, it resembled a twisted bear, its body covered in jagged, crystalline growths. Its eyes glowed red, and steam billowed from its nostrils. Despite its intimidating size, it was slow, relying on its claws and magical essence to attack.
The creature's ability to blend into the environment was its most dangerous trait, but it wasn't invincible. Cedar could already see its glowing eyes flickering through the trees, a clear target.
"That's a Magloth," Ivan muttered, his voice tight. "We'll need to be quick."
Cedar nodded, his heart racing. "Stay sharp. We fight together."
Before they could react, the Magloth lunged, its claws slashing with deadly speed. Cedar quickly raised his staff, chanting a brief incantation. A bolt of lightning shot out from the tip, striking the creature's crystalline side. It stumbled, growling in pain, but it quickly recovered, roaring in anger.
Cedar took a step back, his mind racing for their next move. The creature was dangerous, but it wasn't invincible. They just had to keep the pressure on.