The following week, the group dressed neatly and eagerly gathered at their hideout. When they arrived, they were surprised to find Jules already waiting, casually reading their books and pamphlets.
"Ah, you're here. I haven't waited long," Jules said as he set the materials aside.
He led them on a 10-kilometer march to the nearest Stars Knights outpost, their first test of endurance. By the time they arrived, the group was utterly exhausted.
"Well done. You've passed the first stage—no complaints, despite the distance," Jules said, smiling.
Grand Master Lucas Caussade greeted them upon their arrival. Lucas, a legendary figure who once single-handedly defeated three Tremor Knights, inspected the recruits with a critical eye. Despite their disheveled appearances, he was impressed by their resolve.
Magdahlia and her friends were formally enrolled as Stars Initiates, beginning their journey as part of the Stars Knights. Though they faced grueling training and harsh conditions, their determination never wavered.
The days of training were relentless. Magdahlia and her friends faced countless challenges, from physical drills to mastering complex magical techniques. Among her peers, Magdahlia stood out—not for her physical prowess or magical talent, but for her intelligence and strategic thinking.
Merida, on the other hand, shone with her natural strength and combat ability, earning her the nickname "The Shield of Starsbough." Together, they formed an unstoppable duo, with Magdahlia providing strategies and Merida executing them with precision.
Despite lacking raw magical power, Magdahlia worked tirelessly to compensate. She forged close relationships with the Stars Knights captains, studying their combat styles and tactics. Every day, she sparred with Merida to build her physical endurance, and in return, she taught Merida advanced magical techniques.
Through sheer effort and teamwork, Magdahlia, Merida, and their friend Anton became the first in their group to ascend to the rank of Knight. At only 17 years old, Magdahlia was appointed leader of a patrol unit tasked with guarding the border between Starsbough and the Lorenstein Kingdom in the bustling city of Djon.
During one of her patrols in Djon, Magdahlia noticed a familiar face—a blonde-haired girl playing with a ball while her two bodyguards stood watch. Approaching cautiously, Magdahlia called out,
"Aurelie?"
The girl looked up, her face lighting up with recognition.
"Oh! It's you, the big sister from before!" Aurelie exclaimed with a beaming smile.
Her bodyguards, though still vigilant, smiled faintly, showing no hostility toward Magdahlia.
"I see you've become a Knight," one of the bodyguards remarked.
Magdahlia nodded, sharing a brief conversation with Aurelie.
"Big sister, you never told me your name," Aurelie said, tilting her head curiously.
"My name is Magdahlia Sherwood," she replied warmly.
"Nice to meet you, Magdahlia," Aurelie said with a giggle.
Although their meeting was brief, this marked the beginning of a deeper friendship between Magdahlia and Aurelie. Over time, Magdahlia discovered that Aurelie was no ordinary child—she was the daughter of Grand Master Lucas Caussade himself.
Magdahlia saw this as an invaluable opportunity. By forging a bond with Aurelie, she could gain insight into the inner workings of the Stars Knights and potentially influence Lucas himself. Despite her busy schedule, Magdahlia always made time for Aurelie, patiently teaching her and earning her trust.
By 2962, Magdahlia and her closest friends had formed a clandestine group within the Stars Knights called Starslineage. Its mission was to root out the hidden threats plaguing Starsbough, from criminal syndicates to corrupt officials, while operating in secrecy.
Magdahlia's unassuming appearance and lack of magical or physical gifts allowed her to fly under the radar. Criminals often dismissed her as an ordinary Knight, underestimating her intellect and cunning. This oversight proved to be their undoing.
Through sabotage, espionage, and calculated strikes, Starslineage dismantled numerous criminal organizations. Their actions earned Magdahlia a reputation as a relentless force for justice within the Stars Knights, even as her methods remained shrouded in mystery.
In 2963, news broke that the Balrog Empire—a militaristic state strengthened by the blessings of an Outer God—was preparing to invade the Numen Kingdom. Though Starsbough was a small and relatively isolated nation, it was compelled by its alliances to contribute forces to the war effort.
Grand Master Lucas Caussade, despite his reluctance, mobilized 10,000 Stars Knights, including Magdahlia and her friends, to join the alliance forces. Magdahlia's parents, though deeply worried, reluctantly gave their blessing as she departed for her first war.
Before the Stars Knights' deployment to war, Magdahlia and Anton found themselves walking together along a familiar path. It led to their childhood hideout, a small, secluded space that Anton had quietly transformed. The once-empty area now had small plants, decorations, and a modest bench.
"You've really made this place your own," Magdahlia said, running her fingers over the new additions.
"I wanted to leave a mark—something that reminds us of simpler times," Anton replied, watching her reaction closely.
Magdahlia smiled, sitting beside him. The weight of their impending separation filled the air, making the moment bittersweet.
"For all your brilliance and strength, I sometimes forget you're just a girl," Anton said softly, his voice carrying a mix of admiration and tenderness.
"If only you saw me as one when I'm barking orders," Magdahlia teased, her words laced with nervous laughter.
Anton reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Slowly, he leaned in, and their lips met in a gentle kiss.
"I've wanted to do that for a long time," Anton admitted as they parted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"And now you've done it," Magdahlia replied, her cheeks flushed.
The two sat quietly for a moment before Anton spoke again.
"Let's keep this between us. For now."
Magdahlia hesitated but nodded.
"Because of Amir?" she asked knowingly.
Anton sighed.
"He's been with you longer. He's my best friend. I can't ignore what he feels for you," Anton explained, his expression conflicted.
Magdahlia placed a hand on his, squeezing gently.
"For now, then," she agreed.
As the moonlight bathed the small hideout, the weight of their unspoken fears drew them closer. Anton wrapped his arms around Magdahlia, holding her as though he could shield her from the war awaiting them.
"Stay a little longer," he murmured.
Magdahlia didn't resist as he pulled her into his lap. Their shared warmth became a solace in the face of uncertainty. The kiss they shared deepened, their mutual understanding of the moment growing more intense.
Anton's hands traced her back, his touch gentle yet deliberate. Magdahlia rested her forehead against his, her breathing steady but tinged with anticipation.
"Are you sure about this?" Anton asked, his voice low but full of concern.
"Yes," Magdahlia replied, her tone resolute.
In the quiet of their hideout, they found comfort in one another, shedding their fears and vulnerabilities. The moments they shared were fleeting, but they became a memory they would carry into the uncertainties of war.
As the first light of dawn broke, they prepared to part ways. Anton adjusted his uniform while Magdahlia fastened her cloak, her eyes lingering on him.
"Promise me we'll both make it back," Anton said, forcing a small smile.
"We will," Magdahlia replied, though the weight of her words felt heavier than she wanted to admit.
With that, they left their hideout, returning to the reality of their duties as Stars Knights.