Leon woke up feeling surprisingly rested. No strange dreams or nightmares this time, just the faint warmth of the morning sun filtering through the curtains.

A soft knock on his door interrupted his moment of peace.

“Good morning. Please get ready and follow me,” said Kayleth as she stepped into the room without waiting for Leon’s reply.

Leon sat bolt upright, his face turning red. “Uh, would you mind giving me a moment to get dressed?” he stammered.

Kayleth paused, her expression blank as usual. She tilted her head slightly, as if contemplating his request. Without a word, she turned and walked out of the room, closing the door behind her with a soft click.

Leon let out a sigh of relief and quickly scrambled to get dressed. From his bag, he retrieved the letter from the Alchemist Guild representative and tucked it securely into his pocket. He strapped his sword to his belt, its familiar weight providing some comfort, and glanced at the worn cloth tied around its hilt.

“Later,” he muttered to himself.

Opening the door, he found Kayleth standing just outside, her posture straight and composed as always. She glanced at him briefly, her piercing green eyes flickering down to the sword at his hip before she turned and started walking.

Leon followed, his gaze drawn to her as they moved through the corridor. Without her traveling robes, Kayleth’s current attire emphasized her slim, graceful figure. Her dark bluish hair, shimmering faintly in the light, was tied neatly back, falling in waves that framed her pale complexion. She looked so composed, so regal, yet her expression remained as impassive as ever.

“Don’t stare,” she said abruptly, her tone flat but cutting.

Leon nearly tripped over his own feet, his face heating up. “I-I wasn’t staring!” he blurted, doing his best to look anywhere else.

Kayleth’s only response was a slight hum, almost imperceptible, as she continued walking.

As they entered the lobby, Lucille was already behind her oversized desk, grinning mischievously.

“Good morning, Leon!” she sang, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I hope you slept well! Oh, and did you know big sis Kay was guarding your door all night?”

“What?!” Leon exclaimed, looking at Kayleth in shock.

Kayleth remained unfazed. “It was necessary. We don’t have sufficient information on you, and I needed to ensure you didn’t pose a danger to the guild.”

Leon blinked, taken aback. “A danger? Me?” He let out a resigned sigh, feeling utterly insignificant compared to the mages around him.

Lucille chuckled, clearly enjoying the situation. “Sis Kay is soooo boring, as usual.”

“Good morning, Lucille,” came a lively voice. Oryn entered the lobby with an easy stride, his fiery red hair slightly disheveled. His robes, a masterpiece of craftsmanship, were a dazzling white, intricately embroidered with golden patterns that caught the ambient light, casting a subtle glow around him. The elegant design of his attire exuded an air of sophistication, amplifying the charm of his confident demeanor.

Lucille’s grin immediately turned sour. “Tsk! Another useless bum shows up.”

Oryn clutched his chest dramatically. “I was hoping you’d have forgiven me by now.”

Lucille pointed a finger at him, her expression fierce. “Forgive you? Forgive YOU?! You dare—”

Before she could launch into a tirade, Kayleth gestured for Leon to follow her.

“Let’s go,” she said curtly, walking past Lucille without a second glance.

They entered the dining hall, a grand room with high ceilings and long tables. At one of the tables sat several members of the Royal Guard, their polished armor gleaming in the light of the mana crystals that illuminated the room.

“What are they doing here?” Leon asked, his voice hushed.

Kayleth glanced at the guards briefly. “The Mage’s Guild also serves as a training facility for some branches of the Royal Army. Tools developed here allow non-mages to use basic spells and wards, like the beacons you saw during your journey.”

Leon’s eyes widened. “So, even ordinary people can use magic?”

“Not magic,” Kayleth corrected, her tone firm. “Tools. They channel mana but do not grant true magical ability. It’s an entirely different thing.”

Leon nodded slowly, his curiosity piqued. As they sat down at one of the empty tables, Oryn joined them moments later, carrying a tray piled high with food.

“I thought that old hag wouldn’t let me go,” Oryn said with a grin as he plopped down beside Leon.

“Hag?” Leon thought. “There are more people here?”

Kayleth ignored Oryn entirely and focused on her meal.

“So, what brings you to La’Hara?” Oryn asked, leaning toward Leon.

Leon hesitated, glancing at Kayleth. “You could say I was… invited to join the Alchemist guild.”

Oryn raised an eyebrow but didn’t press. Instead, he turned his attention back to Kayleth. “Would you mind lending me your guest for a while? I could use his help with some research.”

Kayleth’s piercing gaze snapped to Oryn, making him wince.

“I-I mean, you can come along too!” Oryn added hastily.

Kayleth studied him for a moment before returning to her meal.

Leon took the opportunity to speak up. “I was hoping to send a notice to the Alchemist Guild, letting them know I’ve arrived. I wouldn’t want them to think I’ve declined their offer.”

Oryn nodded, taking the letter Leon handed over. “That can be arranged. I’ll see that it gets to them.”

“And I’d also like to send a letter to Eryndral,” Leon added. “Just to check on my family.”

Oryn’s cheerful expression faltered slightly. “That might take some time. The roads to the western region aren’t safe right now, but don’t worry. The Royal Guard and the Adventurers Guild will have them cleared soon enough.”

Leon’s brow furrowed at the mention of danger, but Oryn’s reassuring smile eased his concern somewhat.

Kayleth, who had been silent for most of the conversation, suddenly spoke. “I’ll come see your research.”

Both Leon and Oryn looked at her in surprise.

“Really?” Oryn asked, a sly grin forming. “Didn’t expect you to tag along for that, Kay.”

“I need to ensure nothing… unusual happens,” she said simply, finishing the last of her meal.

“Well then,” Oryn said, clapping his hands together. “Let’s get started!”

Oryn led them through the winding corridors of the Mages Guild, his steps light and brisk. Leon followed closely, his unease growing with each step. The once ornate and welcoming halls of the upper floors gave way to something far more austere. The walls were bare stone now, lined with faintly glowing runes that pulsed softly as they walked past. The air seemed heavier, and a subtle hum of energy resonated through the stone, a vibration Leon could feel in his chest.

“This part of the guild feels… different,” Leon murmured, his voice subdued.

Oryn glanced back at him, offering a reassuring smile. “The lower levels are where the more sensitive work is done. You’ll see why soon.”

Leon nodded hesitantly but couldn’t shake the unease building in his stomach. He noticed Kayleth walking silently behind him, her movements precise and deliberate as always. She seemed completely at ease in the foreboding environment, her glowing green eyes scanning their surroundings with practiced vigilance. Occasionally, he felt her gaze flick to him, sharp and assessing, though she said nothing.

The corridor opened into a staircase leading downward. As they descended, the air grew cooler, and the hum of magical energy grew louder. The light from the runes reflected off the stone walls, casting an eerie glow that only heightened Leon’s sense of unease. He noticed his left hand beginning to ache faintly, the pain building as they descended deeper.

The staircase finally ended at a wide hallway. The runes here were brighter, their patterns more intricate, and the air felt charged, as if the very atmosphere was saturated with something he was unfamiliar with. At the far end stood an imposing set of double doors, their surfaces adorned with constellations and swirling patterns that shimmered faintly. The rhythmic hum Leon had felt earlier was now a steady pulse, resonating through the stone and into his bones.

Oryn placed a hand on the doors, murmuring a string of words. The patterns on the doors flared to life, casting brilliant patterns across the walls as the air grew colder. With a low groan, the doors began to open, revealing the chamber beyond.

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Leon stepped inside and froze, his breath catching in his throat.

The room was vast, its ceiling disappearing into shadows above. The walls were smooth and seamless, reflecting the pale, pulsating light of the massive crystal structure at its center. The crystal was enormous, jagged and raw, its core radiating a rhythmic glow that was both mesmerizing and unsettling. Each pulse seemed to resonate with the beat of Leon’s heart, drawing him closer.

The floor beneath the crystal was engraved with intricate magical patterns, their designs shifting subtly as though alive. Smaller pedestals encircled the central crystal, each holding smaller crystals that glowed faintly in sync with the larger one. The hum of magic in the room was almost deafening now, vibrating through every fiber of Leon’s being.

“This…” Leon whispered, his voice barely audible.

Oryn began to speak, his words flowing easily, but Leon couldn’t hear him. The crystal held his full attention, its glow captivating and consuming. He took an involuntary step forward, the ache in his left hand intensifying until it felt as though it were on fire.

Kayleth’s sharp voice cut through his trance. “Leon, stay back.”

He turned toward her, startled. Her eyes glowed brighter than usual, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity that made his chest tighten. Her voice was firm, but there was something in her expression--concern? No, it was something else.

Before he could respond, the cold sensation spread through his body. His vision blurred, and the room dissolved into white.

When Leon’s vision cleared, he was standing in a snow-covered field. The air was frigid, and the metallic stench of blood filled his nostrils. Around him, the bodies of men and monsters lay scattered, frozen in grotesque poses. The pale winter sun barely penetrated the thick gray clouds above, casting long, eerie shadows across the battlefield.

“What… is this?” Leon muttered, his voice trembling.

“Leon! Focus!” Kayleth’s voice snapped him out of his daze.

She strode past him, her staff glowing faintly in her hands. Her usual robes were gone, replaced by battle gear reinforced with shimmering runes that pulsed with faint light. Her presence was commanding, a stark contrast to the desolation around them.

Leon turned to her, confusion etched on his face. “Where… are we?”

Kayleth glanced back at him, her lips curling into a rare, soft smile. “Is everything alright?” she asked, her tone unusually gentle.

Leon blinked, his mouth hanging open. “You’re… smiling?”

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned away. “Leon, this isn’t the time for—"

A thunderous explosion cut her off. The ground trembled as a wave of grotesque creatures emerged from the distant treeline. Quadrupedal beasts with gnarled, elongated maws bristling with jagged yellow-stained teeth surged forward, their claws tearing at the frozen earth. Ogre-like creatures followed behind them, their massive, apelike arms dragging along the ground. Some bore crude plates of rusted armor fused to their flesh, and their guttural snarls sent shivers through Leon.

“They’re here!” Kayleth shouted. “Knights, form up!”

Hundreds of knights moved as one, shields locking into a solid wall of steel. Their disciplined formation held strong, spears bristling between the cracks. Behind them, five holy priests stood in a line, their hands glowing with faint golden light as they murmured prayers that bolstered the knights.

Leon glanced around, his heart pounding. The head knight stood at the forefront, a massive warhammer resting on his shoulder. His imposing presence radiated authority, and the knights around him muttered with reverence.

The head knight raised his warhammer, pointing it toward the advancing horde. “Hold the line!” His voice boomed across the field, steady and unshakable.

Kayleth turned back to Leon, stepping closer. Her expression was firm but carried an edge of urgency. “I’ll be counting on you,” she said, her voice low but resolute. Her green eyes softened briefly as she added, “Once this is over, I’ll make it up to you.”

Before he could respond, she leaned in, her lips brushing his cheek. “Just a bit longer.”

Leon’s cheeks burned, but he had no time to dwell on her words. The monsters crashed into the knights’ formation, and chaos erupted.

The beasts struck the shield wall with staggering force. The knights staggered but held firm, their spears darting out to pierce the chests and maws of the charging creatures. The ogre-like monsters swung their massive limbs, breaking shields and sending knights sprawling. The head knight met them head-on, his warhammer crashing down with devastating power, shattering bone and steel alike.

Leon was caught in the chaos, swept to the side as the knights regrouped to form a tighter formation. “Kayleth!” he called, his voice drowned in the cacophony of battle.

Leon’s boots crunched against the frost-laden ground as he swung his sword, the blade slicing through a beast lunging for him. Around him, knights in polished armor held their formation, their shields locked in a wall of unyielding steel. The clamor of battle echoed, steel clashing against claws and monstrous fists, and the cries of combatants filled the frozen air.

“Hold the line!” came a booming voice. The head knight, a towering figure wielding a massive warhammer, stood resolute at the center of the formation. His strikes sent beasts flying, the head of his weapon crackling with faint light. “No ground lost! Keep pushing!”

The knights followed his command with precision, forming a tight wedge that pressed forward through the horde. Behind them, the priests stood in a line, their robes glowing faintly as they murmured prayers. Golden sigils danced through the air, washing over the knights with protective light that deflected claws and dulled the impact of attacks.

Leon’s sword struck true again, cleaving through a grotesque, quadrupedal beast with jaws too large for its skull. Its elongated teeth snapped at him even as it fell, the sickly yellow hue of its fangs glinting in the battle’s firelight. His breath came in ragged gasps, his movements driven more by instinct than skill.

“Leon!” Kayleth’s voice cut through the cacophony. She stood a short distance ahead, her staff glowing as frost cascaded down its length. A sweep of her hand sent shards of ice into a pack of armored ogre-like creatures, their long, primate-like arms deflecting some of the projectiles but failing to stop all. The ice pierced through their bodies, slowing their movements.

“I’m counting on you,” she called, her green eyes locking on his for a fleeting moment.

Leon nodded, determination surging through him. He pushed forward, weaving through the chaos. The beasts were relentless, their grotesque forms piling onto the front line. Some of the quadrupeds darted past the knights, their speed forcing Leon to react.

He ducked as one lunged for him, its claws narrowly missing his head. Pivoting, he brought his sword down, cleaving through its spine. Another beast, a lumbering ogre clad in mismatched plates of armor, swung a massive arm toward him. Leon rolled under the blow and thrust his sword upward into its exposed torso. The creature let out a guttural roar before collapsing.

Kayleth was holding her ground, her staff alternating between bursts of fire and jagged spears of ice. Her movements were precise, her spells controlled, but even she was starting to show signs of strain. Her breaths came heavier, and her spells took a moment longer to cast.

A sudden ripple of unease washed over Leon. Among the chaos, a new figure emerged—a young man, his copper-toned skin glinting like polished metal in the dim light. His long, fine-crafted leather armor fit him perfectly, each piece etched with intricate patterns that seemed to shimmer. His curved sword was elegant, almost ceremonial, but its edge gleamed with deadly intent.

The figure’s eyes locked onto Leon, and a grim smile crossed his face. Leon’s chest tightened, an inexplicable dread seizing him. The man’s gaze was piercing, as though he could see through every layer of Leon’s being.

“No…” Leon whispered, his voice barely audible over the din of battle.

The copper-skinned man darted forward with inhuman speed, closing the distance to Kayleth in an instant. She barely had time to raise her staff before his blade came down. She deflected the strike with a barrier of ice, but the force sent her staggering back.

“Kayleth!” Leon shouted, slashing through another beast in his path. He surged forward, desperate to reach her.

The fight between Kayleth and the man was a blur of motion. His blade danced with precision, cutting through her defenses. She retaliated with bursts of fire and frost, but he evaded her attacks with an eerie fluidity. Every movement he made was calculated, efficient.

Leon struggled to close the distance, his path blocked by the unrelenting horde. He cut down beast after beast, his arms burning with exertion. Each step forward felt like an eternity.

Kayleth’s staff flared brightly, a wave of frost radiating outward and freezing several beasts mid-charge. The copper-skinned man leapt above the blast, his blade arcing toward her. She raised a barrier of ice just in time, but the impact shattered it, sending her sprawling to the ground.

“No!” Leon screamed, breaking into a sprint. He fought through the beasts with reckless abandon, his only thought to reach her.

The man stood over Kayleth, his curved blade poised for the killing blow. She lay on the ground, her staff a few feet away, frost still emanating faintly from its core. Blood stained the snow around her, her breathing shallow and labored.

Leon pushed forward, slashing through a quadrupedal beast that lunged at him, his sword heavy in his hands. His eyes were locked on Kayleth and the copper-skinned assailant, his desperation mounting with every step.

“Kayleth!” he shouted, his voice raw and cracking. The chaos around him blurred, reduced to the singular image of the man standing above her.

The assailant’s grim smile widened as his blade descended. It moved almost lazily, as if the act of ending her life was inconsequential. Leon’s heart thundered in his chest, his legs burning as he fought to close the distance.

“Stop!” Leon screamed, cutting down another beast in his path. His vision tunneled, his focus solely on the copper-skinned figure.

At the last second, Kayleth raised a hand, a burst of frost exploding upward. The icy blast shattered on impact, deflecting the blade’s trajectory, but the force sent her sprawling further into the snow. Blood splattered from the deep gash in her chest, staining the pristine white crimson.

The man glanced down at her, unfazed by her resistance. Then, slowly, he turned his head toward Leon. Their eyes met, and time seemed to freeze.

Leon’s breath caught in his throat. The man’s copper-toned skin shimmered faintly in the firelight, his long black hair flowing as if caught in an unfelt breeze. His fine-crafted leather armor bore intricate patterns that seemed alive, shifting subtly with his every movement. But it was his face—his face that froze Leon in place.

It was him. Not exactly, but close enough. An older version, darker, with an intensity in his gaze that chilled Leon to the core.

The man tilted his head, his grim smile never faltering. His eyes bore into Leon, unblinking, as if dissecting him, understanding him in ways no one else could.

Leon stumbled forward, his legs weak beneath him. He swung his sword at another ogre-like creature, but his focus was fractured. The battlefield felt surreal, distant, as if it were happening to someone else.

Kayleth struggled to rise, her hand clutching her chest where blood seeped through her robes. The assailant’s attention remained on Leon, his smile widening ever so slightly. He raised his blade again, this time not for Kayleth but toward Leon, as if in a silent challenge.

“Stay away from her!” Leon roared, his voice a mix of anger and desperation.

He pushed forward, but the horde surged between them. The beasts clawed and lunged, forcing him back. His sword felt heavier with every swing, his strength waning.

Through the chaos, Leon’s eyes remained locked on the man. The copper-skinned figure didn’t move, didn’t speak. He simply stood there, his blade lowered now, watching Leon with an intensity that made his blood run cold.

Then, with an almost imperceptible nod, the man stepped back into the shadows. His form flickered like a dying flame before dissolving into a thick, dark mist. The monsters showed no signs of retreat, their relentless attacks keeping the knights and villagers occupied.

“No, no, no!” Leon screamed, fighting desperately to reach her. But the mist consumed his view, obscuring her completely. The last thing he saw was a faint flicker of light—Kayleth’s staff, still glowing faintly before vanishing into the darkness.

Leon’s surroundings blurred, the cries of battle fading into a dull roar. Pain exploded in his chest, and he gasped as the cold, hard floor of the crystal chamber replaced the snow beneath him.

His body shook violently, his breaths shallow and ragged. Tears streamed down his left cheek, and his chest heaved as he clutched at the ground, his fingers curling into fists.

“You’re alive…” he whispered hoarsely, his mind struggling to grasp the reality before him. His single tear-streaked eye met Kayleth’s gaze. She stood several feet away, her green eyes fixed on him, her expression unreadable but sharp.

Oryn’s voice came from somewhere nearby, distant and muted. “Leon? What happened?”

Leon tried to speak, tried to explain, but his body gave out, darkness pulling him under once more.