A lady clad in flashy silver robes, woven with intricate runic designs that shimmered faintly, sat over a massive white, wingless bird as it glided through the air. A whip was coiled tightly around her waist, gripping the soft mane of her mount with firm hands, as though struggling to steady herself against the booming velocity.
A flock of birds was moving toward them, but she remained utterly unfazed, her gaze cold and dismissive. Such encounters were common when riding a flying‑type mount, and these beasts posed no threat to her or her mount.
The mount seemed to require no command. With sharp reflexes born of instinct and superior aerial cognition, it maneuvered gracefully, weaving past the flock effortlessly. The daring birds were punished for their insolence, as they scattered aside, letting the mount sped past.
"Quickly, Silver. We must catch up with them." the lady said between breaths, her voice carrying both command and desperation. There was no time to dally.
awww!!
A deep, low‑pitched sound rumbled from Silver's throat, vibrating through the air. Its speed rose to the maximum, stirring the atmosphere into a storm.
Boom!
Residual energy rippled, leaving behind a trail of shimmering turbulence as they vanished into the horizon.
___
Maria was in the gardens, carefully tending to the overgrown branches of the plants. Beside her crouched a young girl with auburn hair, her expression conflicted as she toyed nervously with the fallen leaves scattered across the ground.
Maria shook her head in quiet dejection, then slowly lowered herself to the child's height.
"Don't worry," she said softly. "Your brother will be fine. He's just off on his usual games again. He will return in due time." She tried to force a smile, though her face remained shadowed by concern.
"Hmm…" the girl mumbled, rising to her feet before walking to a nearby bench. She sat down heavily, her silence speaking louder than words.
Maria sighed. That boy had been a thorn even when he could barely walk properly, and now that he had grown stronger, he only brought more trouble. She promised herself she would teach him a lesson when he returned—hopefully.
swoosh
Suddenly, the wooden door burst open, and a burly man strode inside.
Maria's eyes narrowed at the intrusion, her sharp voice resounded. "What is it this time, Callus? You had better have a good reason for barging in."
Callus, the Head of the Marbles guard, cleared his throat before speaking in a loud, steady tone. "Madam, we've received word. The young master is safe and currently with His Lordship. If nothing major occurs, they will enter the city two days from now."
Both mother and daughter instantly froze, their eyes widening in surprise before shining with delight. They hurried toward him; their earlier frustrations were forgotten in the rush of relief.
Callus' intrusion paled in comparison to the news he carried. No news had been so welcome in recent days, and their hearts couldn't help swelling with joy.
"Where was he found? How is he doing? Is he truly okay?" little Ivory asked breathlessly, her questions tumbling out one after another.
Callus gave a rueful smile, still shaken by the report himself. He wasn't sure if he should continue talking though. "It was said that the young master joined the war halfway and performed with incredible skill. That was when the army recognized him as His Lordship's son. They said he came to support his father, accompanied by his servant. I am certain he is fine."
Maria's face rapidly twisted into shock and anger. "What! He participated in the war? How could his father allow it, knowing full well the dangers of the battlefield? He's still just a small boy!" She gnashed her teeth, her voice trembling with fury.
"I surely won't forgive him when he arrives." she declared, provoked beyond measure.
No one was ever truly safe in battle, no matter their strength. The battlefield was a place where death could rise from every side—silent arrows, hidden blades, or sudden bursts of power. Even the most seasoned warriors knew that fate could turn in an instant. That man had risked his son's life.
Callus had feared this very reaction, but he couldn't keep the news to himself. He knew His Lordship was now in trouble, so he tried to soften the blow, speaking almost as a mediator.
"Madam, it isn't as you imagine. His Lordship was occupied when the young master arrived unannounced. Even the warriors were caught off guard and had no chance to take him to safety. His incredible display left them stunned, and truth be told, his help was sorely needed in the war."
Maria gawked at him, her eyes blazing, causing Callus to instinctively jump back in fright.
"What could a little boy possibly do in an elaborate war? No matter how much he performed, he could have lost his life. The battlefield is unpredictable!" she rattled, her frustration spilling out in sharp words.
Callus bowed his head, baffled and silent. There was nothing more he could say to ease her anger—it was simply beyond his reach.
Maria exhaled slowly, forcing her composure back into place. "Anyway, since he's been found, there's nothing else we can do. We will wait for their return." she said, her eyes flashing with worry.
Just then, Callus' jade plate buzzed, drawing his attention. He checked the mark and saw it was from the main gate.
Turning aside, he answered the call. "What?"
"There's a situation at the gate." a guard's hurried voice replied. "A man appeared out of nowhere demanding to see the head of the manor. We declined him politely, but he refused to leave. When we tried to send him away, he beat one of the guards and declared he would not leave until his demands were granted."
Callus' jaw tightened when he heard that. "Hmm… I will be right there." he said, ending the call.
Maria's sharp gaze caught the change in his demeanor. "Is anything the matter?" she asked.
He hesitated, then chose not to burden her further. "There's nothing to worry about, Madam. Just someone causing trouble at the gate. It's under control now. I'll see to it."
With that, he rushed out, leaving Maria tensed. She didn't pursue the matter, instead returning to her work in the garden, though her thoughts remained unsettled.
___
At the Main Manor's gate.
Callus' thundering voice shook the air as the gate creaked open. "Who dares to stir waves here? Are you seeking death?"
Just outside stood a rough‑faced man, a light cane resting casually in his hand.
"Hmm… what do we owe you, mister?" Callus' tone changed, calm yet laced with threat.
The man chuckled; his mind seemed to bring back old memories. "Kids these days… te‑te‑te… too impulsive." He shook his head, then stepped forward as if to enter the manor's opened gate.
Callus' arm shot out, his palm pressing firmly against the man's shoulder. "You are courting death, old man. There will be no mercy if you take another step." His energy suddenly flared, as if to tell the man he was a cultivator, warning him not to make the wrong choice.
The rough‑faced man narrowed his eyes and released just a sliver of his own energy.
The moment that energy surfaced, Callus body shook as he staggered back in shock. His expression instantly became tensed as his mind raced. That mere fragment was enough to suppress his cultivation entirely. His hand trembled as he drew his sword, realizing he had encountered an expert far beyond his measure.
The guards, sensing the gravity of the situation, rushed to gather around with weapons drawn. Though they didn't understand what had transpired, their leader's wariness was proof enough that the intruder was dangerous.
The rough-faced man inhaled sharply, his voice cold. "Since it has come to this, I will take it upon myself to teach you little fellows a lesson—so that next time, you learn to behave." He extended his hand, making a grabbing motion…
But before his power could descend, a voice rang out from within the manor, delicate yet commanding. "Who are you, old man?"
All eyes immediately turned. A gorgeous woman clad in flowing red robes that brushed the ground appeared in the distance.
The guards exhaled in relief, their tension easing ever so slightly.