Aria and Neven had just arrived at the Starguard table and saw Alexander already seated with a beautiful new girlfriend by his side.

“Hey, Aria, Neven, just in time! Have a seat, today’s a big day,” Alexander said with a beaming smile.

His new girlfriend was dressed in a stunning red silk gown that shimmered under the candlelight, highlighting her curvaceous figure. She smiled, her eyes gentle yet confident, clearly accustomed to the attention she garnered. She tugged on Alexander’s arm, her voice soft. “Alexander, introduce me to your friends.”

“This is Elara,” Alexander said calmly. “She’s a renowned dancer, known for her breathtaking performances at Lunar King’s banquets.”

Elara nodded with a smile. “Nice to meet you. Alexander talks about you often, says you’re his closest friends.”

“Welcome, Elara,” Aria replied with a smile. “I hope you enjoy tonight’s banquet.”

“As long as Alexander is with me, I enjoy any place,” Elara said sweetly.

Aria and Neven took their seats opposite Alexander. Aria couldn’t help but observe every detail about Elara. She gently caressed a pearl necklace around her neck, each rare moonlit pearl glinting faintly.

“You two look great together,” Neven interjected, his tone deliberately complimentary.

“Thank you.” Elara held Alexander’s arm, her face glowing with happiness. Alexander, however, continued cutting his food with elegant precision, showing no signs of shared joy.

“Speaking of which, Alexander,” a young man across the table teased, “you’ve never introduced a date so seriously before. Looks like this one’s for real, huh?”

Alexander put down his knife and, with his usual gentlemanly demeanor, said, “Every beautiful lady is a treasure to me.”

His remark elicited light laughter, further lightening the mood at the table. The young man teased again, “Looks like Dr. Sterling is particularly charming today.”

Amidst the cheerful chatter, Aria felt a warm sense of belonging. No matter the challenges they faced, the Starguard table always seemed to make worries vanish.

The award ceremony was predictably tedious and lengthy. Each of the four Grand Mentors took turns speaking, followed by the Executive Commander. Damian Blackwood’s speech was the longest, leaving everyone unsure of what he had actually said. Umena, in a pink gown, stood up next, with Damian assisting her with her long train; her fluttering lashes were the only thing Aria remembered. Thorne’s speech was the shortest, yet received the loudest applause. Finally, Lyra spoke, and Aria clapped vigorously along with the rest of Starguard.

“Where are Oak and Sable?” Aria scanned the table, noticing their absence.

“Oak is still resting in the herb room. Sable said he’ll come later,” Alexander answered.

“Oak got hurt?” Aria asked, surprised.

“His leg was broken by a demon bear. Don’t worry, I’ve set the bone for him.”

“If Neven and I hadn’t quit, he might not have gotten hurt,” Aria said, feeling guilty.

“Damian isolated Oak and Thorne,” Alexander said. “I don’t understand why Alpha made him the Executive Commander. He looks inexperienced and clueless about teamwork.”

“He’ll eventually pay for his lack of cooperation,” Neven predicted.

“How did Damian deal with the demon bear’s armor?” Aria inquired.

“He secretly brought a demon-slaying staff,” Alexander said with disdain. “Damian used it to shatter the bear’s armor when it got aggressive. I bet Alpha gave it to him. Damian wouldn’t know about such things otherwise.”

“That’s cheating,” Aria exclaimed.

“The arena rules don’t forbid using demon-slaying staves,” Neven said, disgusted.

At that moment, Seraphina stood up, raising her glass to honor the day’s arena warriors. Her clear, ringing voice captured the attention of the entire hall.

“To all the brave fighters!” Seraphina’s gaze lingered on each face, her smile radiating respect and gratitude. “Your courage and strength are our pride.”

Applause erupted, and everyone raised their glasses in response to Seraphina’s toast. Aria took a sip of her drink, noticing the atmosphere around the table becoming more vibrant. The Starguard members expressed their admiration for Neven, raising their glasses in his honor. Neven did not avoid anyone, and the table was free of strange looks or harsh words. Aria was pleased that they had finally endured the tough days of criticism.

The banquet was lively, with everyone excitedly discussing the day’s thrilling battles. Suddenly, the noisy hall fell silent.

The festive atmosphere was abruptly interrupted by a sudden hush. Aria, in the midst of eating and drinking, was halted by Neven pressing down her plum wine. She followed Neven’s gaze and saw a figure cloaked in a frost-covered wolf fur mantle striding swiftly into the banquet hall. The figure threw back his hood, revealing a hand emitting a faint glow under the candlelight.

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Lunar King slowly rose from his seat, his movements stately and commanding. His eagle-like eyes fixed sharply on the newcomer. The surrounding chairs and tables made slight scraping sounds as the Grand Mentors and Elders stood, their faces showing a mix of gravity and tension.

Sage Solon was tall and gaunt, his face etched with deep lines of age and hardship, but his eyes gleamed with wisdom. His long hair was sprinkled with unmelted snowflakes, as if he had just arrived from a bitterly cold place. Every step he took seemed laden with the weight of urgent news and responsibility.

“Your Majesty, Lunar King, I apologize for the intrusion at such an important event,” Sage Solon’s voice was hoarse yet imbued with an undeniable authority. He bowed slightly, his tone urgent and solemn.

Lunar King gave a slight nod, his face betraying no emotion, though a flicker of concern passed through his deep-set eyes. He asked gravely, “Sage Solon, what urgent news do you bring?”

Sage Solon straightened, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall before settling back on Lunar King. “Your Majesty, it’s Voidmarsh. The situation there is dire and needs immediate attention.”

The guests around them began to murmur, their faces showing shock and worry. Neven frowned slightly, a hint of unease in his eyes. He whispered to Aria, “Something’s wrong in Voidmarsh. This doesn’t sound good.”

Aria sensed the change in the atmosphere, feeling a growing sense of apprehension. She noticed the Grand Mentors' faces had also turned serious as they began to discuss how to respond to the unexpected news.

Lunar King turned to the Grand Mentors. “We need to convene an emergency meeting immediately to discuss the situation in Voidmarsh.”

The Grand Mentors, their expressions somber, followed Lunar King out of the banquet hall. As Sage Solon passed by Aria and Neven’s table, he gave Neven a significant look, as if there were things left unsaid.

Neven felt the complexity in that glance, his heart growing heavier.

Seeing this, Aria was reminded of the night she had secretly read Sage Solon’s letter in Neven’s room. In that letter, Sage Solon had tried to persuade Neven to accept the Commander’s position, revealing his deep admiration for Neven. Their relationship seemed to go beyond the simple mentor and apprentice dynamic, more like a profound bond between a wise teacher and his cherished pupil.

The festive cheer quickly turned into a hubbub of whispers as Sage Solon made his unexpected entrance, casting a sudden tension over the grand hall. The atmosphere, once filled with joy, now felt heavy, with every eye fixed on the mysterious sage.

Alexander leaned in closer to Neven, whispering urgently. “Sage Solon never shows up without reason. Three years ago, he barged into the king’s hall, and then you had your incident. Are you still not going to explain what happened?” Alexander’s tone was laced with clear dissatisfaction and concern.

Elara approached, and Alexander, irritated, handed her his wine glass. “Sweetheart, can we talk later? Could you go sit somewhere else for a while?”

Elara stood up angrily, glaring at Alexander. She snatched the wine glass as if it were her pride. “You’re always like this!” Her voice brimmed with disappointment and anger. “You can never really focus on me, no matter when!”

She turned and left, her gown softly brushing the floor, her steps resolute with anger. Her eyes revealed a deep sadness, suggesting this wasn’t the first time such an incident had occurred.

Alexander sat there, his face a mix of frustration and guilt. He sighed softly, feeling the weight of his mistake. Then, he moved around the table and sat down next to Aria, who was closest to the aisle. From across Aria, he and Neven resumed their quiet conversation.

“That was a direct order from Grand Mentor Orion. That’s all I can say.” Neven’s voice was low.

“I don’t believe Orion’s word alone justifies breaking the rules.” Alexander was clearly unsatisfied with Neven’s answer. “You met with Sage Solon a few days ago; you can’t hide that. The legion is already buzzing with rumors about your relationship with Sage Solon. If Alpha finds out, do you understand the severity?”

“Alpha knows,” Neven said calmly, glancing around and lowering his voice further. “I went to Voidmarsh to see Sage Solon because he told me to. Starguard is being sent to Voidmarsh. The situation there is dire. In a few days, our legion might be taken over by Sage Solon.”

“We’re going to Voidmarsh?” Aria’s voice was hoarse with shock.

Neven and Alexander turned to Aria, seemingly having forgotten she was there.

“Most likely.” Neven said reluctantly, a flicker of worry in his eyes.

Alexander was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed, clearly shaken by the sudden news. “Why didn’t you tell us?” he asked in a low voice, trying to control his emotions.

“Because it’s Solon’s order, and it’s classified. Solon is someone we can trust. He ordered me to keep it secret for the safety of the legion.”

Aria interjected, “What is Voidmarsh? Why is it so dire?”

Neven turned to Aria, his tone calm as he explained, “Voidmarsh is deep in the northern forest, a place filled with unknown dangers and rampant beasts.”

“But why take over Starguard and not another legion?” Aria’s voice carried a hint of confusion.

Neven patiently explained, “Sage Solon believes Starguard, without an official Grand Mentor, would be easier to manage. Moreover, he intends to integrate us with his forces.”

“That’s not fair!” Alexander’s voice was filled with anger. “Why are Alpha and the Grand Mentor doing this? Our legion doesn’t need outsiders to take over. We need an official Grand Mentor.”

Neven shook his head. “This isn’t something we can decide, Alexander. We must follow orders, no matter what.”

Aria gripped the table tightly. “What should we do? What can we do?”

Neven looked at Aria, his expression resolute. “We need to be prepared. As for you... entering Voidmarsh, you must be cautious.”

In the heavy atmosphere, the three of them felt the weight of uncertainty and the looming challenge. Facing the imminent journey to Voidmarsh, they all knew it would be an unprecedented and formidable task.

“Excuse me, make way...” Sable’s face was dark with irritation as he squeezed through the crowd to the table.

“Where’s your dream girl?” Alexander’s tone changed, carrying a hint of mockery. Neven and Alexander straightened up, their previous conversation seemingly forgotten.

“Don’t mention it. She was just crying, saying I don’t understand her heart.” Sable picked up a piece of smoked meat, stuffing his mouth full. “I’m starving, and she’s weeping about it. Women are such a hassle; she said she liked saddles.”

“She wants jewelry. You should take out the moonstone and present it to her. Women need to be cherished, not handled so roughly.” Alexander’s tone had a playful edge.

“Rough? Me?” Sable’s attention was entirely on the food. He sat down and began to devour it. “I’m busy fighting battles. Who has time to keep women happy?”

Aria quietly took a sip of water, choking slightly at Sable’s comment. They continued discussing various topics, with Alexander elaborating on the intricacies of women’s hearts and preferences. For the handsome Alexander, he was a seasoned player in the game of love. They then turned back to Voidmarsh and Sage Solon.

“Voidmarsh is truly a terrible place,” Alexander continued, his eyes flashing with concern. “We need to prepare for the worst.”

Neven nodded in agreement. “Whatever happens, we must stand united.”

Aria gazed out the window, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Just as she thought the chaos in her life was beginning to settle, a new and greater crisis emerged. She knew this mission would be a severe test for each of them. But no matter what happened, she would face it alongside them.