"A confrontation between Holy Warriors... How childish and unnecessary."

Those words, calm but with noticeable strength, quelled the agitated spirits of Mavros and the fencer. Their disapproval embarrassed them like children caught in mischief. But more than their voice, what left them speechless was the dazzling light emanating from her author, barely distinguishable as a radiant silhouette like the sun. Its white rays fell upon them like celestial rain.

It's you..., Mavros didn't take long to identify her by her voice. Stricken by justified uncertainty, he wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or concerned. I don't know how and why you're here, but I hope it is to save me from this.

The newcomer gradually dimmed the intensity of the light, revealing her true appearance.

"Whatever the reason, I can't stand idly by when it involves one of my apprentices," she said.

Mavros exhaled and closed his eyes in relief upon hearing her clear intentions. Thank you, my Lady, you've saved my life.

She was a woman, regal and slender, with ash-blond hair, long down her back, tied in a ponytail. She wore an open-legged white dress and a brown scarf around her neck. A silver metal mask with intricate feminine features concealed her true face, revealing only her emerald eyes. Her chest, hands, and limbs were adorned with protective pieces of the same material.

I knew she was more than just a sculptor. Mavros smiled with satisfaction as his suspicions were confirmed.

Cold sweat dripped from the fencer's forehead, impressed and awed by her presence.

"Are you... Are you General Or?" she asked.

Her appearance perfectly matched the portrait of the famous agent of the Order of Lebias, the intelligence forces of the long-gone Kingdom of Lebias; the ancient nation of that region. It had dissolved decades ago during the nefeshic wars, which she had studied so much in her history classes. Its main military and political remnants had ended up being absorbed by the Holy House of Lis, whose prince had been engaged to their princess, one of the unfortunate victims of the conflict. He had since become the sovereign of Grianz, his homeland, and the capital territories of Lebias, inherited through the bond with the family of his deceased fiancée. The Lord of the Holy House of Lis: King Renardin.

General Or? Mavros wondered, somewhat confused, looking at the silver-masked woman whose real name he knew. Could it be some special title or code name she holds?

Indifferent to the knight, the "general" silently judged the masked woman with celestial eyes. This was the real danger lurking in these woods. He was very fortunate that I was here to come to his aid.

"Or" opened the palm of her right hand and turned it upward, closing the middle and ring fingers. She brought all the fingers of her left hand together by their tips and placed it a few inches over her right hand. The onlookers raised their eyebrows as they saw beams of light projecting from the tips of both hands, uniting to form a pyramid.

That has to be..., Mavros tried to decipher the meaning of this elaborate gesture she was performing. Seeing it reminded him of other similar ones he had witnessed in the past, yet it was quite different. A “passphrase”, perhaps?

The swordswoman walked toward her and gave a short bow. Then, she extended her left hand, generating several intermittent electrical discharges that seemed to follow an orderly rhythm.

Yes, it can't be anything else. They are exchanging passphrases, Mavros thought, observing the flashes of electricity from the swordswoman, accompanied by brief pauses of varying duration. They are even more ingenious than the ones Amina taught me; they're using nefesh! It seems that the higher the ranks, the more complex and personalized they become.

After a short interval, she withdrew her hand, having finished displaying her sequence. The general signaled her approval. Then, the fencer brought her left hand behind her head to remove her cloth mask. Her face was finally revealed.

I would have thought you were an angel had I not fought you, Mavros thought, captivated by her youthful features of deceptive innocence and delicacy, among which some unusual ones stood out, like her almond-shaped slanted eyes and her hair: straight, short, and flowing to her neck, sharing the same celestial color as her irises. Her nose was small and sculpted, her mouth small but with full lips. Overall, smooth and perfectly proportioned lines on the oval canvas of her face.

The graceful young woman raised her right hand to her forehead in a military salute, to which the "general" responded.

"General," she said loudly and firmly while maintaining the salute. "Marisar Monteros, commander of the Holy House of the Royal Rose, salutes you."

Commander... She must be as young as me, and her rank already surpasses that of Ser Janpelan! Mavros realized in astonishment. The veteran warrior had told him he was a captain. The rank of commander was next in the hierarchy of the Holy Houses. That she held such a position at such a young age was another unmistakable sign of her talent. His eyes widened even further when he noticed another striking detail. Wait... she said her name was 'Marisar Monteros'... 'Monteros'?

Or nodded slightly, satisfied with her introduction. She and the commander proceeded to lower their arms to conclude the salute.

"May I ask why the heiress of the House of the Royal Rose is undercover in these lands?" The General inquired.

The heiress of the House of the Royal Rose..., Mavros recalled one of the characters from the monument he had seen the day before in Cirencre. The character whose statue was accidentally destroyed in the midst of his misunderstanding with the city's authorities. The leader and friend of Ser Janpelan, about whom the latter had spoken a bit during their conversation the previous night. She's the daughter of Santario Monteros!

Commander Marisar prepared to explain herself to her superior. In contrast to her confident and dominant attitude towards the knight, she appeared more restrained, even a bit insecure, in the presence of that figure.

"I'm traveling through the viceroyalties. I had planned to visit Hezaran and spend the day there before continuing on to the capital, but I heard about several incidents in the farms on its outskirts. I immediately suspected that Ashaim abominations might be behind them, so I set out to investigate," she recounted. Her face took on a somber expression. "Unfortunately, I soon discovered that I was right... I found some mutilated soldiers in the forest. I arrived too late to prevent it."

"Mutilated soldiers...," Or lowered her gaze, regretting hearing such information. She raised her gaze again after a few seconds. "Where did you find them?"

"About a mile from a clearing, not far from here," she replied. "The Ashaim had moved there, drawn by a camp that some civilians had set up. Thanks to Maskirio, I intercepted them and…"

She fell silent as Or signaled her to stop by opening her right hand.

"Please, there's no need to tell me that part, Commander. I could see everything that happened from then on," she clarified.

Did she see…

“Everything”?

Mavros and Commander Marisar wondered simultaneously, equally puzzled by that statement. At no point did they detect another source of nefesh apart from their own, inside and outside the camp.

Ah... Of course. However, Marisar soon understood what she was referring to. Unlike the wandering knight, she was well-informed about her abilities.

"I appreciate what you've done to save those civilians," Or continued, addressing Marisar. "But for now, I'm only interested in knowing your reasons for traveling undercover."

"I'm not doing this for something like a mission or a secret operation for my House, if that's what you suspect... I'm sorry if the use of my disguise suggested that, but it's understandable," the commander said, showing some guilt for arousing her suspicion. "I'm simply going to visit one of my recent graduates from the Royal University of Iowon. He's going to participate in the Eh-Nam Tournament during the Maskirian Week."

Right! Maskirian Week starts the day after tomorrow! Mavros exclaimed internally. As a devout believer, he felt a bit embarrassed for forgetting it, considering it was one of the dates commemorating some of the most significant events in his religion and the history of Mater, his world. Eh-Nam... one of the greatest heroes of the Holy Rebellion... I think I once read something about that tournament held in his honor... It takes place every year in the capital city of Netzach around these dates…

"And I've been wearing this disguise of a simple Holy Warrior because it's my first time in these domains. I wanted to move through them without attracting unwanted attention," Marisar continued explaining herself. While she didn't lie with this excuse, she omitted a deeper and more personal part of her reasons. "I'm sure you can understand, General."

The general remained silent, watching her with a coldness that even unsettled Mavros. The commander suppressed her nerves, which threatened to freeze her blood. She feared that her superior's perception had been so acute that she could see through her dishonesty, which held no ill intentions but was a lack of sincerity in the end.

"Very well. I see no problem," Or finally replied, dispelling the built-up tension. "Speaking of students... I apologize for the trouble my own “apprentice” caused you."

Apprentice?

Once again, their listeners were bewildered. Although she had mentioned "apprentices" before, they had been so distracted by her entrance that they hadn't paid attention.

I don't know why it occurred to you to invent that I'm your “apprentice,” whatever that may mean, Mavros thought, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the idea since he had barely known her. But I have no choice but to play along.

"Apprentice?" Marisar blinked a couple of times. She gave a brief glance at the knight before returning her gaze. "Is he your apprentice, General?"

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"Yes," she confirmed. "His agent name is Pernigeriano."

Perni-what? Mavros furrowed his brow. Couldn't you come up with a less ugly name, my Lady?

"I found him a few years ago, and he's been under my tutelage ever since," the general continued, explaining to the commander. "Although he never attended university, his natural talent with nefesh was outstanding, and he hasn't stopped improving. He's one of the most promising agents of the new Order."

I knew it! He's an agent of the Order of Lebias. Marisar looked back at the knight, this time with sympathy. “Don't worry, he didn't cause me any trouble," she said, addressing the general once more. "You must also blame me. Both of us refused to reveal our identities, so we decided to resolve that misunderstanding through a duel. Allow me to congratulate you on how well you've trained him; during our encounter, he exceeded all my expectations. He managed to entertain me, and he came very close to defeating me. As you said, he's a true promise."

Well... they're both speaking so highly of me, Mavros thought, putting his hands on his waist and smiling with vanity at their mutual and formal praises. “Outstanding talent," "A true promise"... you don't have to make me feel so flattered, my dear ladies.

In his enchantment, he was unaware of the stern look the general shot his way.

“I'm surprised that his impertinence has amused you, Commander,” she said in a disagreeing tone, focusing her pupils on her. “As you may have noticed, although Agent Pernigeriano is prodigious in numerous skills, he can also be incredibly inept in others.”

INAN? The knight almost spat at that radical change in evaluation.

"As a warrior of the Order who should maintain his anonymity, he should have at least taken the initiative to introduce himself to you with his agent name and passphrase. He has no excuse for having overlooked that very basic convention within our organization, and I will make sure he receives an appropriate punishment for his disrespect," the general explained.

A punishment? Is she serious? Mavros curled his lips in fear.

"You're right, General," Marisar nodded. "He deserves to be punished for his lack of common sense."

What? You too?!" Mavros looked at her in astonishment.

"If you don't mind me asking..." The commander spoke to the general again. "Why are you and Agent Pernigeriano here?"

She asked, aware of the risk of annoying her with her curiosity but willing to accept her reprimand. After all, her intrigue was justified. As an intelligence force, the Order of Lebias typically worked in the discretion of the shadows. Its members rarely exposed themselves in such a manner, even to Holy Warriors.

“Our presence in this forest was merely a result of coincidence. This Ashaim outbreak was unexpected and forced us to deviate from our original plans to participate in its eradication," Or responded with complete calm. To Marisar’s relief, she didn't seem bothered. "But in essence, I and the other agents of the Order have been busy with security preparations for the events of the Maskirian Week. Although the threat of Sulfnats and their terrorists is always looming, their risk of attack grows substantially during these dates," she said, taking a brief pause. "That's all I can tell you, Commander. If you happen to see or hear anything suspicious in Netzach or on your way there, do not hesitate to alert the authorities. Your reports will certainly reach our ears, and we will act accordingly."

"Understood, don't doubt that I will if it comes to that," Marisar said. She looked to the sides before returning her gaze to her superior. "It seems that the Ashaim I and your apprentice eliminated were the only ones, but I think a final reconnaissance of the forest should be done for extra caution."

"That also seems most appropriate. We and other agents in this city will take care of it," the general agreed. "In the meantime, go to Hezaran as soon as possible and deliver a report of what has happened to the mayor. Inform him about me and Agent Pernigeriano. He will feel much more at ease knowing that the Order of Lebias is also working to resolve this situation."

"I will," Marisar said, offering a military salute. "It has been a great honor for me to meet you in person, General. You have been one of my greatest inspirations in my career." She finished the salute, turned toward a specific direction, and continued, "With no time to waste, I will follow your instructions."

The young woman once again wrapped and tied the black cloth around her face to conceal it. She walked past the knight toward her rapier. She picked it up and sheathed it.

"By the way, General," she said to her. She remembered something she wanted to inquire about before leaving. "Forgive me if I'm being nosy... but how severe will the punishment be for Agent Pernigeriano? Are you going to suspend him for the whole week?"

"No," the general denied. "His offense is not severe enough to remove him from his duties. He will receive a brief but firm punishment," she confirmed. "Why do you want to know, Commander?"

"It's just that I thought...," she briefly looked away, unsure if it was the right time to say it, "but it's just a silly idea, really. It's nothing important that's worthy of your attention."

"Tell me," her superior ordered, crossing her arms. "I'll tell you whether it's a 'silly' idea or not."

"Well...," Marisar gathered the courage to tell her, "I just thought it would be interesting if your apprentice participated in the Eh-Nam Tournament."

She wants... me to participate in the Eh-Nam Tournament, Mavros felt intrigued by this reason. Why?

"The tournament will be an attractive target for terrorist attacks. Besides, passing off your apprentice as a contestant would be a way to secretly monitor him. He could teach one or more things to the other competitors, especially to some like my former student, who are in urgent need of an ego check."

"Mmm..." Or stroked her chin with her left hand in a thoughtful posture. After pondering it for a moment, she replied, "I will consider it." She said, "It's not a bad idea at all; on the contrary. I don't understand why you thought it was silly, Commander."

"Thank you, General," Marisar said with a slight bow. "As it was something... unconventional, I didn't know how you would react..." she apologized. She straightened her body in the direction of the city. "I must be going now. I wish you success with your preparations."

After those final words of farewell, she began to run. Mavros and General Or watched her leave countless trees behind until she became a distant point that disappeared among them.

The knight picked up his staff from the ground and sheathed it. Then, he timidly approached the woman with the silver mask. Her emerald ovals fixated on him.

“Lady Menuha, Thou sa…”

Before he could finish, she interrupted him with a fist to the pit of his stomach.

“COUGH!” Mavros coughed, hunching over and clutching his stomach, trying to catch his breath after the blow.

“I told you that you'd receive a brief but firm punishment,” the general said with intimidating impassivity. “As long as I wear this mask, you must address me by my rank or agent name. If you use my civilian name again, I won't hit you, I'll pierce you. Is that clear, 'Agent Pernigeriano'?”

“I'm sorry, 'General,' I shall transgress no more,” Mavros apologized meekly, still overwhelmed by the intensity of the blow. He knew he was in no condition to protest against the aggression. “But how... How didst thou find me? How didst thou arrive with such haste from the mansion?”

“Thanks to two nefeshic abilities: remote vision, instant transmission,” Or summarized. “With the first, I can obtain sensory impressions from distant places and targets in real-time. I easily found you and Commander Marisar through your nefesh releases,” she explained. “From there, I accurately determined your location and used transmission to move instantly to you. With this technique, I can travel instantly to any point within a three-league radius.”

“I see…” Mavros said, impressed by this repertoire, which he was sure was only a small part of a larger one. “But then, why didst thou not step forth sooner, if thou were capable? Why didst thou not forestall our combat?”

“Because I wanted to assess your level. A duel with a Holy Warrior of Commander Marisar's caliber was a perfect opportunity,” she replied. “Janpelan was right. You have nothing to envy from the elite Holy Warriors. You were defeated only because you underestimated your opponent. I hope you've learned not to rush into battle without knowing what awaits you. If it weren't for me, the commander would have discovered your deception, and you might have lost your life because of it.”

“I... I know, that's why I owe thee, General,” the knight told her. “I still find it hard to believe how persuasive thy tale hath been. I even began to deem myself 'Agent Pernigeriano' for a moment.”

“The art of improvisation is fundamental for an agent of the Order of Lebias. Information and cunning are our best weapons,” she said. “Consider this my way of thanking you for saving my husband yesterday, so we're even,” she paused briefly, inspecting the surroundings. “We should return to the mansion as soon as possible. I told everyone I would be busy in my study... but I wouldn't be surprised if Luciara dared to invade my privacy this time.”

“Thou mean... Might she have already realized that thou art not there?”

Or nodded.

“Exactly. My daughter isn't naive; she noticed that something was amiss, and the first person she'll demand answers from is me,” she reaffirmed. “But there's nothing to worry about; I prepared for a scenario like this. I'll take you near the mansion's path. 'Lady Menuha' and the others will be waiting for you inside.”

"Art thou to convey me?... Canst thou employ that 'instant transmission' upon me?"

The general held the knight's left arm with her right hand.

“Besides myself, I can transport up to two people at the same time,” she confirmed. “All I need to do it is to hold onto you. So don't let go, 'Agent Pernigeriano.'”

"Verily... verily," he agreed, somewhat anxious as it was his first time experiencing such an exotic technique. "But I beseech thee... couldst thou cease thy address of me as 'Agent Pernigeriano'?"

The general's lips curled into a malicious smile as she sensed the wanderer's displeasure.

“I'm very sorry, but that will be your new name until you leave Hezaran,” she rejected. “We need Lord Galeras to know you by that new identity to justify the lies you told him,” she argued. “Besides, you deserve a cacophonous and dull name like that for the trouble you're causing me.”

I guess I have no choice… Mavros sighed in resignation. After all, it was a small price to pay for the enormous favors she was doing for him.

"Verily... I am prepared," he declared to her. "We may move whenever thou art ready, General."

Just after saying that, an intense white light emanated from her, covering her from head to toe.

It's identical to the one she had when she appeared to us, the knight noticed, watching as the light enveloped his own body in the same way. Its flashes merged into a sphere that, in a dazzling blink, disappeared completely from that part of the forest like a burst bubble.

Once again, the knight had emerged unscathed from an unforeseen danger in an equally unexpected way.