"Oak," Neven smiled, arms open to greet the towering figure approaching them.

The figure rushed towards them in tears, Oak effortlessly lifting Neven off the ground, almost depriving him of breath. Tears and mucus mingled as Oak's voice trembled with excitement and reassurance, "I heard you've returned, I thought they were deceiving me, I thought you were... thank heavens... you're okay..." His voice quivered, emotions overflowing as tears blurred Neven's shirt.

"Alright, Oak, loosen up a bit, you're holding too tight," Neven broke free, his wound reopening, staining the already damp sleeve even redder with fresh blood.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you were hurt, I'll go find a doctor..." Oak wiped away tears.

Neven waved it off. "Just a scratch from the Night Ghoul."

Oak wiped his tears, producing a small key. "I've kept this for you, Lyra said only you could enter the Grand Mentor's room."

"Is Lyra now the Commander of Starguard?" Neven asked, taking the key.

"Yes, she's been in charge since you disappeared, she said she'd resign if you came back..."

"No, Lyra is more suited than me." Neven refused, gripping the key tightly, his brow furrowed in thought. "The Grand Mentor, he..."

Oak nodded, teeth clenched, and both fell into silence.

A cold wind swept through, snowflakes drifting down.

Aria coughed deliberately.

"I almost forgot about you," Neven snapped back, pushing Aria towards Oak. "Alpha may have already informed the Lunar King that I'm back, I have to go explain. Take care of Aria for me, she's a mortal from beyond the barrier, find her a separate room."

"You mean she's..." Oak's eyes instantly welled up. "My goodness, a true mortal, I'm honored." Oak extended a friendly hand, revealing two large, square teeth.

Aria shyly reached out her hand. "Nice to meet you, Oak. And, you're really strong."

After Neven left, Oak began to regale them with tales from the Moon Tower. He boasted about his proudest achievement, earning the title of Best Warrior. He recounted how he single-handedly slew a hundred Night Ghouls in the Northern Woods, earning him a whole bag of venison jerky from Lyra as a reward. The mere thought of food made Oak's mouth water uncontrollably.

Oak ushered Aria down the corridor, where ancient oil paintings adorned the arches on either side. Aria's steps were hesitant, as if she were treading on thin ice with each stride. Deep within her, fear surged as memories of that year flooded back, when Thanatos cruelly stripped her of her scales in this very hall.

"Why aren't you moving?" Oak urged, his strong arm gripping her wrist tightly as he pulled her into the hall.

"Wait, Oak..."

As Aria was dragged inside, she stood frozen at the doorway, the warmth of the candlelight gradually dispelling the terrifying memories. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself.

Candles flickered softly on the vaulted ceiling, casting a gentle glow throughout the hall. Neatly arranged tables filled the space, laden with delicious food as soldiers of the Moon Tower dined and chatted, their laughter echoing in the hall. Flames danced in brass braziers, casting the hall in a warm, red hue, while ancient banners hung on the walls shimmered faintly in the firelight. Staircases on either side of the hall led to towers in all four directions, adorned with exquisite decorations that spoke of past grandeur.

"This is our dining hall, stocked with food every morning, noon, and night. Help yourself, it's all free," Oak explained.

At the end of the corridor loomed a grand archway, its door carved with intricate patterns, exuding an air of solemnity. They made their way through the bustling hall, where no one seemed to notice the large Oak leading a small Aria inside, all attention consumed by the lively atmosphere.

Yet, news spread quickly within these walls.

Word of Neven's return soon reached every corner. Following Oak, Aria climbed the stairs leading to the upper levels, overhearing conversations about Neven. But most of the talk was unfriendly, as if no one welcomed his return.

"They've been slandering him since he disappeared, calling him a Starguard traitor," Oak said indignantly, his voice tinged with anger and frustration.

"Is it related to the three thousand riders?" Aria asked cautiously, her voice tinged with concern and curiosity.

"He led three thousand riders to the North Forest without authorization. Later, many of their bodies were found, all dead," Oak said passionately. "I swear, Neven is not that kind of person. Don't listen to the rumors. Neven is the wisest commander."

Aria silently followed Oak, at least in her eyes, Neven was not a bad person.

They left the hall and walked along the corridor for a long time. Finally, Oak led her to a small room in the North Tower. In the days of the Sovereign Bastion, it was occupied by attendants and soldiers.

"The squad leader of this room passed away a few days ago, and it hasn't been assigned yet," Oak said, pushing the door open with enthusiasm. "Come, take a look at your new room."

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

The room was small and dimly lit, just as Aria remembered it. A fur blanket was spread on the small bed, opposite a fireplace, with a square table beneath the window. On top of it sat a helmet, while underneath lay a pair of dirty men's boots. The room still retained the scent of its former occupant.

"It looks cozy, doesn't it?" Oak said, a hint of apology in his voice.

"Thank you, it's really nice here," Aria said, her disappointment evident in her tone.

Oak kindled the fire, removed the old blanket and boots. Before long, he returned with a new blanket, a bag of jerky, clothes, and a gleaming suit of armor. His face flushed crimson, he burst into the room, his voice thick with anger, "Guess what? Just ran into Alpha. Can you believe he's enlisted you into the legion? Told him a girl can't go on night patrols. Wanna know what he said?"

Before Aria could respond, Oak roared, "He said the Moon Tower doesn't harbor idlers. I'm going to find Lyra now. She'll figure something out for you. Alpha just loves causing trouble."

"It's okay, Oak. I think joining the legion is great, I can handle it," Aria lied, not wanting to cause trouble for anyone.

After Oak left, Aria stood alone in the room, filled with inner struggle and unease. Holding the military attire in her hands, she felt as if she were being forced onto a path she had never imagined. Even lifting a sword seemed unusually difficult. Opening the clothes and armor Oak had brought, she felt even more disheartened. These uniforms looked simply hideous, especially the deep blue woolen men's military outfit that reached almost to the knees. Trying them on, she found them to be tailored and elegant in color, but they felt unfamiliar and uncomfortable on her. The insignia of a six-pointed star on the left breast and belt buckle left her feeling puzzled, unsure if she truly belonged to this identity.

As for the heavy armor, she could only irritably pile them under the table.

But regardless, the fact that she and Neven had made it back to Sovereign Bastion alive was already incredibly fortunate. Aria tidied up the small bed again and sat by the fireplace, nibbling on some deer jerky. They had rushed all day and almost ended up as dinner for the Night Ghouls at night. Deep down, Aria was still very grateful to Neven, even though his appearance resembled Thanatos'.

The next morning, Aria was awakened by a deafening noise.

"They want to see you, Aria, are you awake?"

Boom boom boom...

"It's me, Oak."

Boom boom boom...

"Alright, alright, I'm getting up." Aria mumbled into her blanket.

She had just had a nightmare all night, running away from Night Ghouls. Waking up, she felt sore and achy all over.

Dressed in the men's cavalry clothes, Aria reluctantly made her way to the hall, where the young members of the Starguard Legion were having breakfast. They were all neatly dressed in deep blue uniforms, each carrying a shiny iron sword. With their neat short hair, they all looked very heroic.

Aria clung to her ponytail, hiding behind Oak. She didn't like wearing men's clothes. With her slender figure, she seemed like a puny little sidekick compared to the burly warriors.

"I'm pleased to introduce... the first mortal to come in from beyond the barrier..." Oak pushed Aria toward the table, grinning broadly.

Aria put on a fake smile, her face burning red as all eyes at the table turned to her. Suddenly, a thin, small man cheered and jumped up. "I won, I said it! She's a girl," he exclaimed loudly, holding up an empty plate and reaching out to everyone. "Pay up, guys. I won the bet."

In the dining hall, bursts of clinking sounds shattered the tranquil atmosphere, as everyone withdrew coins with a sense of dismay. The air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of food, while the wooden tables and chairs were neatly arranged, casting gentle shadows on each person's face, hinting at their feelings of defeat.

Sable eagerly counted the coins in his hand, his heart brimming with joy. "Ah, I've finally gathered enough for her beloved saddle," he exclaimed. His fingers darted swiftly between the coins, creating a symphony of clinks and clatters that seemed to echo the jubilation of the entire hall.

"Sable, your dream lover doesn't fancy the saddle itself, but rather the... purple pearls adorning it," remarked a gentleman in a white shirt, the only one at the table not clad in military attire. His teasing smile elicited a chorus of laughter.

Furrowing his brow, Sable pocketed the coins. "I truly don't understand how someone with such foul breath manages to attract so many women," he quipped, his tone tinged with humor and resignation, prompting laughter from the surrounding soldiers.

"I've always treated ladies with politeness and respect, while possessing a profound understanding of their emotions and expectations," responded Alexander.

At that moment, the soldiers around the entire table chorused: "Each maiden's heart beats for Alexander's sway, Every soul sings praise for Doctor Sterling's day." Their voices boomed, followed by hearty table-thumping."I am Alexander Sterling," Alexander introduced himself with a smile, his voice clear and powerful, his bright eyes shining with warmth as he gazed at Aria.

Aria faced Alexander's charming smile, shyly extending her hand. Alexander's fingers were long and warm, their touch soothing her unease. But she quickly withdrew from the handshake, feeling the piercing gazes of the surrounding girls, as if she had touched an unattainable, expensive man.

Just then, the sound of the assembly horn rang from outside. Everyone bid Aria farewell with a sense of disappointment, shaking her hand warmly. Dozens of young people dressed alike greeted her, but she eventually forgot their names and faces.

Now, only Oak, Sable, and the elegant Alexander remained at the table.

Resting his chin on his hand, Alexander gestured to the chair beside him. "Aria, this is for you."

Aria's stomach growled with hunger. Last night, after arriving at the Moon Tower, she had only eaten a few pieces of spicy jerky and had not even had water to drink. Smelling the tantalizing aroma from the table, her stomach began to grumble. What comforted Aria the most was that the women who had been hostile to her had left. She could now sit quietly beside Alexander, away from the turmoil.

Oak sat next to Aria, happily enjoying the food. Across from her was Sable, the smallest and darkest man she had seen in the legion.

"Neven is still alive. I've been worried about him for three whole years," Sable exclaimed excitedly.

"Where did he go? He didn't even say hello when he returned," Alexander asked.

"He said he went to explain the situation to the Lunar King. He looked very downcast. The death of the Grand Master deeply saddened him. Give him some time, and he'll bounce back," Oak said, his mouth full of greasy food, splattering Sable's face.

Aria chuckled and bowed her head to eat heartily. Alexander sliced cooked meat onto Aria's plate and pushed over a cup of hot milk.

"Thank you, but I can handle it myself," Aria said, blushing. This was the first time she had met such an elegant man.

"Did Neven come to see you yesterday?" Oak asked Alexander, wiping his mouth.

"No, he didn't," Alexander replied. "I wanted to go find him, but unfortunately, a cavalryman was severely injured last night. Someone's enthusiastic help resulted in the whole room being covered in vomit."

"This is the last time I'll help you," Sable said, his face darkening.

"In addition to treating the wounded, I also have to tidy up the herbal room. You have no idea how dirty your vomit was," Alexander complained.

"I feel dizzy, and I still have a headache and nausea today," Sable said, rubbing his eyes, looking very distressed.

"What was Neven like before?" Aria asked, lifting her head. "Is he really the Executive Commander of the Starguard Legion?"