The evening had fallen over the camp, nestled among snow-covered hills. Arturia stood by the map on a table under the open sky, surrounded by her comrades. The wind rustled the tent fabric and whispered through the tree branches, creating an eerie sense of invisible presence. The campfires flickered, casting dancing shadows on the snow and adding a mystical atmosphere to the secluded location.

Arturia meticulously finished writing a message that was to reach Tyran. She used encrypted text, known only to the members of their squad, to ensure that news of Darius's death would not fall into the wrong hands.

- "Listen, Feanor," she addressed the messenger, "This message is of utmost importance. It would help if you delivered it to Tyran unharmed. Be careful; the North is extremely unpredictable."

Feanor, a steadfast and determined warrior, nodded as he took the tightly wrapped scroll.

- "I will fulfill my mission, my Lady. You can count on me," he said, securing the scroll to his belt.

At that moment, Kaira and Jean approached Arturia, their faces reflecting a mix of determination and the pain of loss.

- "Arturia, we are ready to follow you, but... are we just retreating?" Kaira began hesitantly, her eyes seeking reassurance from her commander.

- "We must think strategically," Arturia responded firmly. "Darius's death is a significant loss, and we must inform Godrian and Tyrion of the potential threat the Ancient poses. But Tyran and his team are still out there in the northern depths, and they must continue their exploration. That would be Darius's will."

Jean nodded grimly, gripping the handle of his staff.

- "I understand, but it feels like defeat," he muttered, his gaze wandering to the flames of the campfire.

- "We haven't lost as long as we keep fighting," Arturia countered gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Our mission now is to survive and deliver the information. We will do everything to honor Darius's memory."

Gathering their belongings and mustering their remaining strength, Arturia's squad prepared to depart at dawn. The night in the camp was restless, as everyone contemplated their fears and hopes for the journey ahead.

In the deep silence of the early morning twilight, as the first rays of sunlight barely pierced through the dense branches of the tall pines, Arturia stood before her squad. Dusty and wounded, but still filled with resolve, the soldiers looked attentively at their commander. The air was cool and fresh, filling each breath with the crispness of the dawn. The rustling of nature and distant birdsong lightly tempered the heavy atmosphere.

Arturia, confidently surveying each member of the squad, felt the weight of responsibility on her shoulders. Her gaze rested on the squad's flag, gently fluttering in the wind, symbolizing their unwavering resolve and dedication to their cause.

- "Attention," she began, her voice clear and assured, reflecting not only her command authority but also her deep care for her subordinates."Our path leads us back to Ellinor. We face a long and difficult march. Expect hardships, but remember, we move as one."

The soldiers, clad in armor that, despite the trials of the past days, still gleamed with care and attention, stood firmly on the ground. A light frosty breeze stirred their hair and the edges of their cloaks.

- "Squad, move out!" Arturia commanded, turning to face the trail leading out of the camp.

- "Yes! Commander!" the soldiers responded in unison, their voices synchronized and precise, underscoring their discipline and training.

With these words, Arturia led the squad forward, striding confidently along the winding path trodden by many feet. Dry leaves and branches crunched underfoot, creating a rhythmic marching accompaniment. The squad moved compactly and organized, each step demonstrating their readiness and determination to fulfill the mission ahead.

Jean and Kaira, walking close behind Arturia, exchanged anxious glances, yet their eyes held a steely resolve. They understood the gravity of their mission, and though their hearts were weighed down with grief, they were ready to follow their commander through any trial.

The air around them filled with the morning chill, and the forest began to stir under the early rays of the sun. The squad pressed on, leaving behind footprints on the soft forest floor. Each step carried them further from the heavy memories, filling them with hope for future victories and achievements.

Heavy gray clouds loomed over the path, casting a somber and unwelcoming atmosphere. The wind grew stronger, rustling noisily through the dense branches of the tall pines surrounding the way. Dry leaves crunched underfoot, and the cold air sharpened every soldier's sense of the approaching threat.

As Arturia's squad reached a crossroads, figures clad in mismatched furs and old leather garments suddenly emerged ahead. Bandits, their gazes hard and determined, slowly lined up, blocking the path. Their number quickly swelled to forty — armed and dangerous.

Maintaining her composure, Arturia raised her hand, signaling her squad to halt. She swiftly assessed the situation and issued her command:

- "Form a defensive line!" Her voice was firm and assured. The warriors swiftly fell into formation, creating a fortified line with their shields and spears.

Arturia approached Liz, who stood flanked by two trustworthy bodyguards. With a piercing gaze, she looked questioningly at the prisoner:

- "Are these your friends?" she asked, her tone deliberately calm.

Liz, stammering slightly, replied:

- "No... But I feel they've come for me. Vancliff must want to ensure I don't talk."

Arturia nodded, gripping the hilt of her twin swords tighter. Looking at Liz with a mix of sympathy and determination, she said:

- "Don't worry. As long as you're my prisoner, I won't let them take you."

Her gaze was resolute, and she turned to her soldiers, readying for the imminent clash.

The warriors stood tense in their formation, awaiting the signal to engage as each bandit began to advance towards them. The tension thickened, like the calm before a storm.

Jean and Kaira, positioned at the rear, exchanged a look and understood they wouldn't stand idly by. They quickly took their places beside Arturia, prepared to unleash their magical abilities in both defense and attack.

The air was filled with the scent of wet pine and earth, and the wind grew even sharper as if heralding the start of the battle. Tension reached its peak when the first bandit took a decisive step forward, and Arturia's squad met his challenge, ready to defend every member to the last.

Heavy clouds loomed over the clearing where the two groups met—Arturia's soldiers and Vancliff's henchmen. The forest surrounded the battleground, creating a backdrop of rustling wind that drove dried leaves and twigs ahead. The sun had hidden behind the clouds, casting gloomy shadows over the ground, intensifying the tense atmosphere before the battle.

Standing at the forefront of her squad, Arturia's eyes swiftly analyzed the situation as one of the bandits stepped forward decisively. Without wasting a second, she shouted:

- "Charge! Defend and repel them!"

The bandits responded immediately. They were seasoned fighters, brutal and determined, their movements coordinated and aggressive. The clash of swords and the cries of warriors blended into a single chaotic symphony of battle.

At that moment, a figure emerged from the crowd of bandits. A warrior in a long dark cloak steadily approached Arturia. With each step, his cloak billowed more until it was cast off entirely, revealing a massive figure clad in heavy armor. In his hands gleamed a massive two-handed axe, capable of cleaving stone.

Seeing the approaching giant, Arturia instantly shifted her focus to the new threat. She gripped the handles of her twin swords tightly, readying herself for the confrontation.

- "Who are you?" she shouted, parrying blows from other adversaries and trying to maintain her distance.

The warrior didn't respond. His face was hidden by a helmet, but his eyes, visible through the visor slit, burned with the lust for battle. With each step, he closed the gap until he was right before Arturia. He swung his heavy axe directly at her. The attack was sudden and fierce.

Arturia, using her agility and speed, dodged the deadly blow and retaliated with a series of quick strikes with her swords against the opponent's armored body. The metal rang under her blows, and sparks flew in all directions.

- "You shall not pass!" she cried, feeling the adrenaline surge through her.

The battle raged on, each participant trying to exploit their advantages. In this chaos, Arturia not only struggled against the giant but also tried to keep an eye on the situation around her, ensuring her squad wasn't ambushed and could effectively repel the enemy's attacks.

The colossal warrior attacked relentlessly. Again and again, he pressed Arturia, even as his strikes hit his allies; he continued his assault undeterred.

Arturia, making agile evasions, landed gracefully on the snow-covered forest floor, leaving heavy footprints behind. Her movements were precise and determined, those of a seasoned warrior. Glancing around, she saw Kaira and Jean preparing for a magical attack. They stood beside her, concentrating their mana, their hands raised, and streams of fire began to gather around them.

Arturia, nodding confidently to them, gave the signal to attack. The air filled with crackling and heat as Kaira and Jean unleashed their spell. A massive fireball, glowing brightly in the twilight of the forest, hurtled toward the giant. Seeing the approaching fiery threat, he only managed to raise his arms in front of his face, attempting to shield himself.

At the moment of impact, the air filled with dense steam. The snow, which had accumulated on the ground for weeks, instantly turned to water, then evaporated, rising in a column. Everything around was bathed in red light from the explosion, and the sound of the impact echoed through the forest.

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Seeing that the opponent had withstood the attack and continued to move, Arturia shouted once more to Kaira and Jean:

- "Help the others! We need to support our squad!"

- "Yes, Commander!" Kaira and Jean shouted back as they rushed to aid their comrades.

Turning back to the giant, she realized that simple means would not defeat him. She quickly drew her swords, preparing for a new attack, knowing that every moment could be decisive.

The giant, though slowed by the impact, began advancing with renewed fury. His armor was partially scorched, adding a wild and menacing appearance. Arturia, observing his movements, calculated the perfect moment to strike, relying on her speed and agility.

- "Be ready for anything!" she shouted to the surrounding warriors, preparing for the next clash. The heavy air of the battlefield, filled with the scents of burnt grass and smoke, was thick with tension and the anticipation of the next move.

Steadying herself, Arturia took a deep breath, absorbing Mana's Particles into her core. Her body began to glow with a bright blue light, emitting a cold shimmer. As the steam cleared, she saw the giant slowly advancing towards her. His armor was half-destroyed, with his torso and arms covered in burns, but his lower body and legs were still protected by plate armor. Lowering his arms, he let out a furious roar and charged at Arturia.

Having absorbed enough Mana Particles, Arturia slowly opened her eyes. Her face was serious, and her grip on her twin swords was firm. She directed some of the Mana Particles into her hands, imbuing her swords with Ice Magic. The blades turned a vivid blue, radiating cold. The giant, gathering his strength, began his charge, while Arturia stood her ground, readying for the attack.

As the giant almost reached his target, he used Earth Magic. With immense force, he stomped the ground, causing earthen spikes to erupt from the earth. Arturia made a swift leap, swinging one of her swords at the giant. Ice shards formed around the blade's edge, which she released in his direction, slicing through the air. The giant reacted just in time, raising an earthen wall to shield himself from the attack.

Arturia landed gracefully, but the giant wasted no time. He hurled his weapon towards her with all his might. Spotting the flying axe, Arturia managed to envelop herself in an ice shield, which absorbed the impact.

Shards of the shield scattered across the battlefield, and she was thrown several meters back. The giant quickly dashed towards his axe, conjuring earthen spheres and launching them at Arturia, who lay on the snow.

Regaining her composure, Arturia sprang up and deflected the earthen spheres with her twin swords. Her breathing became labored, and she felt her control over the Deviant Magic slipping. The ice encasing her swords began to melt, turning into water. She knew she had to act swiftly to regain the upper hand. Realizing she had little time as the giant prepared for a decisive leap, she steadied her breath and resolved to use one of her most powerful skills:

- "Ice Cradle," she whispered. This spell could instantly freeze all enemies within a hundred-meter radius, sparing her allies.

With that thought, Arturia plunged her twin swords into the snow, signaling the beginning of the spell. She spread her arms wide, and a cold vortex began to form around her. The freezing air filled the space, and even sound seemed to freeze. The spell's speed was astounding: in an instant, everything within a hundred meters, except her allies, turned to ice.

The giant, caught mid-leap, froze instantly. His massive figure, suspended in mid-air, looked like a menacing sculpture poised to strike. With a heavy crash, he fell to the snowy field beside Arturia, sending up snow and ice shards in all directions.

The moment of impact was so intense that even Arturia's warriors standing at a distance felt its effects. The cold radiating from the frozen giant further intensified the already frosty air.

Arturia, remaining unflinching in the center of this icy storm, surveyed her handiwork. Her face was calm and focused, though her eyes revealed the fatigue from wielding such powerful magic.

- "No one and nothing will stop us," she murmured to herself, testing the stability of her swords in the snow-covered ground, readying for the next possible challenge.

Nearby, Kaira and Jean, having witnessed Arturia's actions, exchanged glances filled with admiration and gratitude. They understood that after such a powerful attack, they needed to use the moment either for a swift retreat or to completely rout the remaining enemy forces.

The air slowly returned to normal, but the icy figures created by Arturia's magic were a stark reminder of the strength and resolve with which the squad intended to continue their journey, despite all the challenges and dangers of the Northern Frontier.

Arturia's soldiers, inspired by their commander's power, surged forward to engage the remaining brigands. The entire squad moved in perfect harmony, each step and strike precise. Kaira and Jean, recognizing the critical moment, focused on support and attack spells, aiding their comrades.

- "We must finish this quickly!" Arturia shouted, pulling her swords from the snow. Her voice was firm, inspiring the soldiers to greater feats.

The brigands, seeing their mighty leader frozen and defeated, began to retreat. Confusion and fear spread through their ranks, but some, desperate and determined, continued to fight, attempting to reach Liz, who remained under the protection of two of Arturia's fighters.

Liz, though a prisoner, maintained her arrogance. She watched the battle closely, her face a mix of fear and curiosity. She knew Vancliff did not forgive failures and defeats and understood that her life now depended on the battle's outcome.

- "They won't stop until they get to me," Liz said, looking at Arturia. "Vancliff sent them specifically to kill me."

- "We won't give them that chance," Arturia replied calmly, her eyes gleaming with determination. "You're a crucial part of this puzzle, and we won't let them take you."

One of the brigands, seizing a moment, tried to break through to Liz. But Arturia, with incredible speed, intercepted him, delivering a fatal blow with her icy swords. The brigand collapsed, his blood instantly freezing on the cold steel of her weapon.

- "Stay together and don't let them divide us!" Arturia shouted to her soldiers. "We will win this fight!"

Kaira, standing a bit behind, was preparing a powerful spell. She focused, her hands glowing with a bright orange light, like threads woven from fire. Jean, standing next to her, had his fire arrows ready, prepared to support her with his magic.

- "Arturia, cover us!" Kaira yelled when her spell was ready.

Understanding the crucial moment, Arturia stood before her comrades, creating an ice shield around them. The brigands, seeing this, attempted to attack from various angles, but their strikes merely bounced off the icy barrier.

- "Now!" Kaira cried, releasing her spell. A powerful surge of fiery threads struck the brigands, knocking them off their feet and shattering their morale. The threads bounced from one enemy to another, ensuring none could escape.

Jean, wasting no time, fired his flaming arrows, accurately hitting distant targets. One by one, the brigands fell, unable to withstand the combined might of their opponents.

The battle was fierce, but thanks to the coordinated efforts of Arturia's squad and her incredible power, they gained the upper hand. Realizing their defeat, the brigands began to retreat, leaving the battlefield to Arturia's forces.

As the last brigand vanished into the forest, Arturia lowered her swords and took a deep breath. Her body ached from the strain, but her spirit remained unbroken.

- "We did it," she said, turning to her soldiers. "Excellent work, everyone."

Kaira and Jean approached, their faces tired but satisfied. Liz, still under guard, looked at Arturia with newfound respect.

- "You don't give up," Liz said quietly, her voice contemplative.

- "I can't afford to give up," Arturia replied, meeting Liz's gaze. "We're here to protect those we care about. And I'll do everything to fulfill our mission."

They all knew more challenges lay ahead, but this battle proved they could overcome any obstacles together. With the brigands defeated, they could continue their journey, knowing they had taken another step towards victory.

The sun slowly dipped towards the horizon, painting the snowy plains of the Northern Frontier in shades of pink and orange. A cool breeze whispered through the tall pines, reminding everyone that night was approaching and the temperature would soon drop sharply. Seeing the fatigue on her soldiers' faces, Arturia decided to halt and set up camp.

- "Camp for the night!" she commanded her voice firm yet caring. "Let's set up camp here. We've covered a significant distance, and we need to restore our strength for the next stage of our journey."

The soldiers, tired but disciplined, immediately began setting up the camp. Some started pitching tents, securing them between trees to shield against the wind. Kaira and Jean worked on lighting fires; their magical abilities allowed them to quickly ignite the wood despite the cold and damp air. They used dry branches and moss found in the forest to sustain the flames.

- "Kaira, once you're done with the fire, check our food and water supplies," Arturia requested as she approached one of the tents. "Jean, make sure everyone has warm sleeping bags. The night promises to be cold."

Kaira nodded and headed to the communal tent where the supplies were stored. She inspected the barrels of water and crates of provisions, ensuring there was enough for everyone. Meanwhile, Jean distributed warm sleeping bags, making sure each soldier had what they needed for a comfortable night.

Arturia walked around the camp, ensuring everything was in order. She stopped by the tent where Liz Cronwell was, looking at her with a serious expression.

- "Do you have everything you need?" Arturia asked, her voice calm but firm.

Liz, sitting by a small fire, nodded. Her face was thoughtful, still processing the battle they had fought.

- "Yes, I have everything. Thank you," Liz replied, her voice quiet and slightly broken.

Arturia nodded and went to her spot by the fire. She sat on a small stone, feeling the warmth of the flames thaw her cold hands and face. Her thoughts were focused on the journey ahead and what they had learned about Vancliff.

- "Tomorrow we continue our journey," she said to her squad gathered around the fires. "We must be ready for anything. Our path is still long, and more challenges await us. But I believe in each of you. Together, we can overcome any difficulty."

The soldiers, sitting around the fires, nodded, their faces showing a mix of exhaustion and determination. They knew Arturia was leading them to an important goal and were ready to follow her to the end.

- "Arturia," Jean called softly, stepping closer. "Do you think we can handle what lies ahead?"

- "We can, Jean," Arturia replied, her voice full of confidence. "We must be strong and resolute. We have a mission, and we must accomplish it."

Kaira, sitting next to Jean, added, "We will walk this path together. And we will return to Ellinor with victory."

At that moment, Arturia felt the strength and unity of her squad. They were not just warriors but a true team, ready to fight and protect each other.

- "And now, rest," Arturia said, standing up and looking around at her fighters. "We need to be fully prepared for tomorrow."

The soldiers began to disperse to their tents, preparing for the night. Arturia sat by the fire a little longer, watching the flames dance and contemplating the upcoming day. Thoughts of Vancliff, their mission, and the trials ahead swirled in her mind. But she was determined and ready for any challenge.

The air around was cold and fresh, but the warmth from the fire provided comfort. As Arturia gazed into the flames, thoughtfully recalling the events of the past days, Kaira approached softly and sat down beside her. She looked tired, but a spark of determination still burned in her eyes.

- "Arturia," Kaira began, her voice quiet but firm. "I can't stop thinking about Commander Darius. It was so unexpected. We all thought he was invincible."

Arturia nodded, sighing wearily as she looked at Kaira.

- "Yes, his death was a blow to all of us," she said gently. "Darius was more than a commander; he was our mentor and friend. But we must carry on. It's our duty to him."

Kaira smiled slightly, but tears welled up in her eyes. She quickly turned away, trying to hide them.

- "I know, and I'm ready to follow you. But what about Tyran and his squad? They went further north. Do you think they're safe?"

Arturia rubbed her forehead, pondering for a moment before replying.

- "Honestly, I don't know," she admitted. "But I sent a messenger to warn them. Tyran is smart and cautious. He knows how to handle extreme situations."

Kaira nodded, showing understanding.

- "I just hope everything will be alright. I don't want to lose any more people," she whispered.

- "We will do everything we can to keep every member of our squad safe," Arturia assured, placing a hand on Kaira's shoulder. "We must stick together, like a family. That is our strength."

The two women sat in silence, watching the fire. The sounds of the camp — the voices of warriors, the rustling of the wind in the trees — created a sense of liveliness despite all the losses.

- "Tomorrow will be a tough day," Arturia said softly, standing up. "Let's try to get some sleep. We must be ready for anything."

Kaira nodded and stood, following Arturia back to the central fire, where they could warm up before heading to bed. They both knew that more challenges might await them, but they also knew they wouldn't face them alone — they would stand together against any trial.