CHAPTER 6 - Lily

As we finally left the dark forest, the dense trees gradually gave way to a wider, more open path that led towards the city.

Despite the relative safety of our surroundings, Lily refused to leave Emma's side. It was clear that the goblins had left trauma on her, and she seemed reluctant to speak about it.

We walked in silence for a while, the only sound the crunch of leaves underfoot and the occasional chirp of a bird.

I could see the worry etched on Emma's face as she tried to coax Lily into opening up, but the young girl remained tight-lipped.

As we continued on our journey, Emma gently took Lily's hand in hers, offering her a sense of comfort and security.

Eventually, Emma spoke up in a soft, reassuring voice.

"Where is your home, Lily?" she asked.

Lily hesitated for a moment, her grip on Emma's hand tightening.

"I...I don't remember," she finally said, her voice barely above a whisper.

My heart sank at her words, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness for this young girl who had been through so much.

After what felt like a long journey, we finally arrived at the city gate. The guards looked at us suspiciously,

and their gaze lingered on Lily for longer than felt comfortable. They immediately began asking her a barrage of questions, their tone brusque and authoritative.

The girl seemed to shrink under their scrutiny, and I could see the fear etched on her face.

It was clear that the guards' questioning was beginning to stress her out. But Emma stepped forward, a fierce look on her face.

"I think that's enough," she said, her voice angry.

"You're stressing Lily out."

The guards seemed taken aback by Emma's sudden outburst, and they exchanged a quick glance before stepping back.

I could see the relief on Lily's face as Emma positioned herself protectively between the girl and the guards.

"We're just trying to help," one of the guards said, his tone softer now.

Emma nodded, her expression still stern.

"I understand that. But please, be gentle with her. She's been through a lot."

The guards seemed to take Emma's words to heart, and after a few moments of tense silence, they went to the city gate and called someone.

We waited anxiously, uncertain of what would happen next. But eventually, the guards motioned for us to follow them,

and we were led towards a building that looked like some kind of administrative office.

As we entered i noticed that the inside of the office was adorned with exquisite paintings and intricate tapestries, giving it a regal feel.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I gazed at the ornate decorations.

After few moments a man in a brown uniform greeted us. He looked stern, but his eyes softened when he saw Lily.

"Hello," he said in a kind voice.

"My name is Captain Reynolds. I understand that you found this young girl in the forest."

Emma nodded.

"Yes, we did. She's been through a lot, and we're just trying to help her."

Captain Reynolds nodded.

"I appreciate that. We'll do everything we can to help her."

He turned to Lily.

"Can you tell me your name?"

Lily hesitated for a moment, but then she spoke up.

"My name is Lily."

Captain Reynolds smiled.

"Well, it's nice to meet you, Lily. Do you remember where you're from?"

Lily shook her head. "I...I don't remember anything."

Captain Reynolds looked concerned, but he remained calm. "That's okay. We'll take care of you."

He turned to us. "Thank you for bringing her to us. We'll take it from here."

Emma nodded, a look of relief crossing her face. "Thank you," she said.

As we left the office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards Captain Reynolds and the guards who had helped us.

As we made our way out of the door, the cool evening air brushed against our faces.

We turned around and looked back at Lily, who was standing in the doorway, tears streaming down her face. Her expression was one of desperation,

as if she couldn't bear to be separated from us.

"Please don't leave," she said, her voice shaking.

Emma stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Lily, holding her tightly.

"Don't worry, you're safe now," she whispered soothingly. "We're here for you. If anything happens, we'll be there right away to protect you."

As Emma spoke, I watched as Lily's body slowly relaxed, her sobs becoming softer and less frequent.

I could see the trust and gratitude in her eyes as she looked up at Emma, and it filled me with a sense of warmth and comfort.

We stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, Emma holding Lily close and whispering words of comfort.

Finally, Lily pulled away, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Emma smiled at her.

"Don't mention it Lily"

After we said our goodbyes we went back to the academy.

As we walked, we exchanged a few conversations but nothing major.

The events of the day had taken a toll on us, and we were both deep in thought.

The academy loomed in the distance, its grand gates open for us to enter.

From afar The academy was a magnificent structure, with towering walls and ornate carvings adorning its facade.

As we approached the gates, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The academy was our safe haven,

and I knew that we would be able to rest easy tonight. The gates creaked as we pushed them open, and we made our way inside.

The sky was turning a deep shade of purple as the sun began to set behind the distant mountains.

The air was cool and crisp, and the leaves of the trees rustled in the gentle breeze.

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My mind was filled with a mix of emotions - relief that we had saved the girl and gratitude towards Emma.

When we arrived at the training grounds, we saw General Patrio waiting for us with a stern expression on his face.

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As we approached, he listened intently as we explained what had happened during our mission.

"I see," he said, nodding slowly.

"Captain Reynolds will make sure that she is safe and has a home" he added

"Well, you saved her and also brought back three heads of the goblins."

"You pass this exam with my gratitude" General Patrio said.

My heart swelled with pride at his words. The adrenaline that had been pumping through my veins since the battle was finally starting to subside,

and I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me.

"For completing the mission and saving the girl, you get the badge," General Patrio added, holding out the shiny emblem for me and Emma to take.

The badge gleamed in the afternoon sunlight, and I could see my reflection in its polished surface.

As I looked closely at the badge, I couldn't help but notice the number 4 inscribed on it. Sensing my curiosity, Emma chimed in with her own question.

"What does the number signify?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"The number represents your rank," General Patrio replied, a small smile playing at the corner of his lips.

"In total, there are five ranks, and currently, you hold the fourth position for your outstanding performance in your first test and because of the girl you saved."

I felt a surge of pride at his words. To think that we had accomplished so much in just our first test was truly humbling.

I looked over at Emma, and I could see the same sense of pride reflected in her eyes.

But I was thinking of General Patrio who is known for his tactical genius and his unrelenting discipline, and in this moment, I started to look up to him.

Hoping one day I might be a general myself that young students can look up to.

Emma, on the other hand, was looking at the badge in a sense of happines that no one could take.

Her long light-brown hair was tied back in a ponytail, and her eyes were a piercing green that seemed to sparkle in the sunlight.

A sense of profound calm washed over me, like a warm blanket on a chilly night. It was as if all the chaos and turmoil of the world had been stripped away,

leaving only a serene stillness in its wake. For the first time in what felt like ages, I felt truly at peace.

My mind was no longer racing with thoughts and worries, and my body was free from tension and stress.

I closed my eyes and breathed deeply, savoring the moment of quietude. It was a moment that I would treasure for a long time to come.

"Alright you may go now, tomorrow is your free day, go get some rest" Patrio said as his last words of the day

I looked at Emma to see her smiling at me.

"Let's go finally rest Kael" She said with a soft voice.

I smiled back at her

"Let's go"

As we made our way to the dormitory, the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting long shadows across the academy.

The fading light painted the world in hues of orange and pink, creating a breathtaking spectacle.

I couldn't help but stop and take in the beauty of it all, feeling grateful for the chance to witness such a sight.

As we entered the main dormitory hall, the bustle of the day was replaced by the quiet hum of students preparing for rest.

I noticed that many of them were sporting the same badge as Emma and I, but with the number "5" inscribed on it. It dawned on me that we were likely the only ones in the first-year dormitory with a "4" on our badges.

A feeling of pride welled up inside me, knowing that our hard work had been recognized and rewarded.

I exchanged a glance with Emma, and we both grinned from ear to ear. It was a small victory, but it felt significant nonetheless.

Opening the door to our room felt like stepping into a sanctuary. The warm glow of the lamp illuminated the space, casting a soft light across our beds.

After a long day of training and adventure, it was a welcome sight.

With a sigh of relief, we both collapsed onto our beds, sinking into the soft mattress.

I felt the tension in my muscles slowly begin to dissolve, replaced by a feeling of deep relaxation.

As I closed my eyes, I could feel my body and mind drifting off into a state of tranquility.

The soft sound of Emma's breathing filled the room, lulling me into a peaceful slumber.

For a moment, all was quiet and still, the outside world melting away into the background.

It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment that I wished could last forever.

As I drifted off into sleep, I found myself at peace.

The next morning i woke up with the sun shining on my head.

I saw Emma brushing her light-brown hair.

"Good morning" I said while i was yawning

"Good morning Kael" Emma replied.

As i got up from my bed i began to stretch myself.

"No traning today huh ?"I asked Emma with a surprised tone

Emma looked away from the mirror to the window

"Today we have a break from training, how about we request new swords from the academy ?"

"Not a bad idea but lets go have lunch first" I said with a morning tone

As I stretched, a feeling of excitement coursed through my veins.

A break from training meant we could finally have some time to ourselves, to relax and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

But Emma's suggestion of getting new swords was a reminder of our purpose - we were warriors, and our weapons were an extension of ourselves.

I quickly got dressed and followed Emma out of the room.

As we entered the mess hall, the aroma of freshly cooked food wafted towards us,

making my stomach grumble in anticipation.

We grabbed some food and found a table to sit at.

After we enjoyed our meal we headed to General Patrio´s office to request new swords.

As we walked towards General Patrio's office, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement.

We had been using the same swords for weeks now, and while they were sturdy and reliable, the blades themselves were damaged and cracked from yesterday.

I was eager to get my hands on a new blade and see how it felt in combat.

When we arrived at General Patrio's office, we were greeted by his assistant, a stern-looking woman with sharp features and piercing eyes.

"Good morning," she said, eyeing us up and down.

"What brings you here today?"

"We're here to request new swords," Emma said, her tone polite but firm.

"Our old ones are damaged."

The assistant nodded, her expression unreadable.

"Very well. Please wait here while I inform the General."

We sat down on a nearby bench, our eyes wandering around the room.

The office was spacious and well-lit, with large windows that offered a sweeping view of the city.

There were several swords mounted on the wall, their polished blades gleaming in the sunlight.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy as I looked at them.

After a few minutes, the assistant returned.

"The General will see you now," she said, gesturing towards the door.

We stood up and followed her inside. General Patrio was sitting at his desk, poring over a pile of paperwork.

He looked up as we entered, a small smile on his face.

"Ah, Kael and Emma," he said, rising from his chair.

"What can I do for you today?"

"We were hoping to request new swords," Emma said, her voice confident.

General Patrio nodded, his expression serious.

"I see. Your old ones are showing signs of wear and tear, I assume?"

Emma nodded.

"Well they are damaged. We were hoping to request new ones from the academy."

General Patrio chuckled.

"Okay i hear you and I think I have just the thing for you here in my cabinet."

I was dazzled with Emma.

He walked over to a cabinet and opened it, revealing an array of gleaming swords.

My eyes widened as I looked at them - they were all different shapes and sizes, and each one seemed more impressive than the last.

"These are my own swords made years ago for me, but i dont think i will ever use them again" General Patrio said, picking up a sword and handing it to me.

"It's made of a special alloy that's both lightweight and durable. And the blade is infused with a special crystal that makes it sharper than any sword you've ever used before."

I took the sword from him, feeling its weight in my hand.

It was lighter than my old sword, but it felt sturdier somehow.

I gave it a few experimental swings, and it sliced through the air with a satisfying whoosh.

"I can take it ?" I asked.

General Patrio nodded, his smile broadening.

"Don't worry, it won't be much of use to me anymore"

"And you, Emma?"General asked

Emma had been examining a different sword, one with a curved blade and an intricately decorated hilt.

She gave it a few experimental swings, her face alight with excitement.

"Can i take this one then ?" she said, her voice filled with enthusiasm.

General Patrio nodded again, looking pleased.

"Excellent choices. Take good care of them and show them the outside world again."

We promised that we would.

"And remember, if anyone asks i gave you them personally so you wouldn't have to wait for new ones"

"Yes sir" Me and Emma said at the same time

We humbly thanked the general and left his office, our new swords clutched tightly in our hands.

I couldn't wait to start training with them, to see what they were truly capable of.

As we walked back to our dormitory, I felt a renewed sense of determination and excitement, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

END OF CHAPTER 6