Entering the darkly lit blacksmith shop Chara could see swords, spears and other weapons strewn all across the floor and resting on the walls, at the far wall a dimly lit forge was located along with a set of anvils and forging tools laying on the wooden worktable.

"Don't mind the clutter, since the mayor's warning I have been asked to forge new weapons for the towns guard and the adventurers." Magnus explained as he went over to the cluttered worktable and fetched a set of engraved tankards and a large jug of water. Handing them each a cup they took a sip of the surprisingly cold water.

Sitting in silence and contemplating the future for a few minutes Chara's attention was suddenly interrupted by the sudden voice of Magnus.

"Miss?"

"I'm sorry Magnus, just thinking about stuff, what did you say?"

"Its alright, I guess the news of the tide does that to a person. I was asking if you needed anything before the battle ahead." Magnus tone was gentle, a stark contrast to his frame.

"Actually, I need a new handle for my sword, the one currently is for a large hand and I can't get a proper grip and in the heat of battle it seems to come loose from blood and sweat." Chara responded as she unclasped the sword from its sheath and handed it over gently. Magnus grasped the blade and turned it around, looking for any nicks or cracks in the blade, but it seemed to have held on fine. Looking at the aforementioned handle Magnus could quickly notice the apparent fixes Chara wanted done on the hilt.

"I see. A nice blade but an improper fix on the handle. Miss, do you know if the hilt is the original one or a fix after? He asked as he continued to turn and inspect the blade.

Chara responded that she didn't have a clue but it seemed to have a different coloration than the pictures in their archives, so it seems to be a touch up by someone years ago. Nodding in response to Chara's explanation Magnus headed over to a large wooden table that served as his main work area and begin fiddling with the leather and the nails securing it to the wooden hilt underneath. Chara looked over towards her companion and saw the man named Will conversed with Alicia.

"So you are telling me you come from a land with endless winter and the snow is covering the fields for months?" Alicia asked with a hint of shock in her voice, having never seen snow except for a few mages in Ave Ludum experimenting with their elements.

"Of course I'm honest, the capital of Almadas was once crowned the blue sapphire of the north due to its beauty."

"How's your shoulder by the way, I couldn't see it properly but the dark miasma surrounding it was similar to descriptions I've read in some research papers."

"Much better, some light soreness but perfectly healthy otherwise perfectly healthy." Will gave a honest smile in response but went unnoticed by Alicia.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question Will. you said before that you have a destination in mind after your stay here, where is that?" Chara suddenly asked as she sat down beside Alicia, notifying her of her arrival.

"No worry, we are headed towards the city state of Salamish where our allies are headed towards. We were separated during our battle against one of those monsters." Will explained.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"Hey Chara, can't we join them and head towards Port Al-Asar, maybe we can find some clues regarding this whole monster mess and I really want to meet Gadget and his family." Alicia whispered. Chara contemplated their goals ahead and couldn't find a reason why not. They had unsure feelings about Ave Ludum since the whole shadow mage incident and their trust in the principal was low. "Are you sure about this Alicia?"

"I don't see a reason why not? We don't have any proper affiliation with anyone since my expulsion, and the connection between us and Ave Ludum is nothing compared to Redway and the other knights." Alicia continued to explain, "And I think Will and Elaine's journey ahead will be fun. I mean, when will you ever travel with a royal and a druid?" Chara couldn't refute her words, but she was unsure of their future, not knowing the full danger ahead and what these monsters actually was.

"Will, these monsters you have been battling, are they any threat? Chara asked.

"Instead of explaining, let me ask a question instead. When was the last time you heard news from beyond the Tash'mal gate?" Will asked humorously. Chara was at first confused by the question, but confusion turned to shock as she understood what he meant. Any significant news from the north was cut short eight years ago, and the monsters started to appear at the same time.

"You mean..."

"The north is lost, and there isn't much time before the south is invaded."

"Why haven't the central regions done anything?" Chara didn't understand how an entire region was lost.

"Fear. Ignorance. Greed. You name it. The leaders think the mountains will keep them at bay, no matter the evidence and the warnings we have given these last eight years. Our hope is on the willing and foolish to help us in retaking the north."

Chara reclined on the sofa and thought about Will's words. Shock and confusion evident on her expression, but she understood Alicia's words. Ave Ludum probably knew about the event in the north, as well as the central powers. But nothing had been done to retake the north. Steeling her resolve she hastily stood up and thanked Will for the conversation before heading outside in a rush, leaving behind an amused Will and confused Alicia.

"Where is Chara going?" Alicia asked.

"Probably to speaking with her fellow knight. I could see a hint of anger in her gaze. I believe our journey ahead will be more fruitful with you two." Will simply responded. He thought of the future ahead as well, knowing the risks he had to return to his soldier's side. And with the help of Magnus, Alicia and Chara their travels would be safer.

Continuing their conversation about some general things two hours quickly passed as Magnus finally finished his work.

"Phew, I much say that these northern blades really dislike the forge, if it wasn't for master Artír I wouldn't even know where to start." Magnus voice interrupted their conversation as he walked over and handed the twin blades to Will. thanking him he rose up and grabbed each blade and gave a simple twirl.

"The balance is good and the hilt is comfortable. How is Chara's blade doing?" Will asked and Magnus responded that it was quickly done since the blade didn't have a major damage and a simple retouch only took fifteen minutes. Nodding in response Will explained their current predicament and asked Magnus if was available to travel with them in aid.

"You didn't have to ask me Will. I have a huge debt to you father, and I still have a few lessons with master Artír before I can proudly call myself a proper blade smith. When are we leaving?"

"We are leaving after the towns scouts have returned with new intel and Elaine needs to stock up on her herbs."

Nodding in confirmation Magnus began packing his large backpack and leaving the main room towards an inner storage space. After a few minutes of absence Will noticed the tall man adorned with blacksmith apron, his muscular arms bulging around his white and dusty woolen shirt. Black pants covered his legs and surrounding his neck a silver necklace hanged.

"We good?" Magnus asked the duo.

"Ready as ever!" Alicia responded and lifted from her seat, gently kneading her sleepy legs they headed outside but their small talk was interrupted by the constant sounding of bells. Will quickly headed towards a nearby towns guard and asked for a report. It seemed like the guards standing on top of the walls have spotted large groupings of beasts surrounded by a dark miasma.

"Shit, the monsters arrived quicker than expected. Magnus, take Alicia and head towards the mayor's home, Chara and the other knights are there, I will head towards the wall and look for Elaine.

Hastily running towards the wall he could hear the shouting of people on top of the wall and knew that the monsters were close. But as soon as he arrived on top his eyes dilated as he finally saw the thing beyond the walls.

"tide..."