Solmere City's gates were slowly fading into the distance as Biron finally stepped beyond them, out onto an open road that seemed to stretch on forever.

The familiar stone walls shrank with every step, and at the army's steady pace, it would not be long before they became no more than a dot on the horizon.

For months, that city had been his entire world, from walking to and from the academy to sharing meals at diners with Mirelia.

He already felt the ache of leaving behind the training grounds, the bustling market stalls, even the quiet lamplight that bathed the streets when he and Mirelia returned from a long day after training.

Those cobblestone streets had now given way to plain dirt roads that wound into the horizon.

There was nothing ahead but rolling hills, scattered trees, and the gleam of steel from the soldiers' armor, each polished surface catching the harsh midday sun.

His squad of cadets kept pace with the army, matching their rhythm without effort.

The sound of thousands of boots striking the earth in unison was like a relentless drumbeat, impossible to ignore, urging them to march at the army's pace.

Their unit had been ordered to the rear lines, more for numbers than for their experience.

Even so, the air was heavy with expectation.

For many, including Biron's group, this was the first time they would venture deep into another kingdom's territory, and for others, it would be their first real battle.

But Biron didn't dwell on it for long. He adjusted the straps of his pack, feeling the weight settle more comfortably across his shoulders.

His creature, his fire salamander, Torch, waddled along at his side quietly, tilting its head toward the afternoon sun as they walked.

The rest of his team marched in a single file, keeping close behind the squad ahead while making sure not to slow down enough for the unit behind them to close in.

In the steady flow of the army's movement, there was little room for mistakes and hesitation.

Mirelia kept close to Biron during all of this.

Her eyes were darting between the marching columns and the distant shapes of siege wagons trundling along the road. The discipline of the main force was a far cry from the chaotic freedom of their dungeon runs.

The call came just after midday. A mounted officer rode alongside their formation, scanning faces until his gaze locked on them.

"Cadet squad fourteen," he barked. "Step out. You're getting a new member."

The squad exchanged puzzled glances but obeyed, moving to the side of the column. Dust swirled at their boots as the rest of the army flowed past.

From between the ranks stepped a girl with short light blue hair and an expression that balanced excitement with a noble demeanor.

Her armor was well-crafted, bearing the distinct style of the famous Drayne family. The sword at her hip caught the sunlight with a pale gleam, its surface so clear it looked as though it had been forged from ice, or from a rare metal that mimicked it.

"I'm Selka," she said without waiting for an introduction. "I asked to be put with a team that was going to join the fight. But since they wouldn't allow first years into the battle, I'm stuck joining a group of cadets…"

Her gaze slid past Biron and Mirelia without lingering, her eyes instead searching the faces of the others.

It wasn't that she didn't recognize them; Biron could see in the brief flicker of her expression that she did, but she was choosing to keep that knowledge to herself.

"Guess I'll be relying on you," she said, directing the words toward the rest of the squad with a small, practiced smile. The others offered polite nods in return, some curious, others wary.

Biron exchanged a glance with Mirelia, who only narrowed her eyes slightly before looking away.

They were both puzzled. Selka already had her own squad, so why was she joining theirs? And why hadn't she arrived with the group she had been working with until now?

The officer gave a sharp nod toward the column. "She's with you now. Orders from above. That is all, keep your pace in the march."

Selka slipped into formation without missing a beat, her eyes sweeping over the squad. She didn't look at Biron or Mirelia for long, just enough to acknowledge them before turning her attention to the others.

"You're Paul, right? The water snake user?" she asked, her tone light but confident, making the boy who used to chase after Mirelia blush.

Paul straightened slightly, caught off guard. "Yeah. Didn't think my reputation made it to your ears..."

Selka smirked. "I saw you in the practice yards a while back. You've got good control, but your monster could be faster."

Paul let out a dry chuckle. "You're not holding back, are you?"

"I am just stating what needs to be fixed, you know, in case we have to fight together on the battlefield…" she replied, already shifting her gaze to Max. "And you must be the one with the stone golem. I heard you blocked a charging bull-creature on the third floor."

Max grinned, clearly pleased. "Someone's been paying attention to me? Yeah, that's me. But… my monster isn't that great, it was just the third floor of the dungeon, I am sure your ice spider can do better,"

"That is true…" Selka said simply, before looking to Warren. "And you, your mud crocodile, is much stronger than it looks. I saw you take down a two-headed wolf in the last exam with one bite; you have the strongest, most dangerous creature within the first year, well, when you take into account its power."

Warren raised a brow. "You know me, too?"

"I like to know who I might be relying on," she replied matter-of-factly, then turned to Yuri.

"Two-tailed fox with shadow bolts. Impressive speed… though you push it too hard sometimes."

Yuri tilted her head slightly, her lips curling into a faint smile. "And who are you to tell me what I need to do with my fox..."

Selka gave a short shrug. "You can do as you please, I am only stating the problems so you won't find it strange that your creature ran away later..."

Paul chuckled under his breath. "Sounds like you've already sized us all up. You planning on taking over the squad?"

"Not at all," Selka replied, her tone even. "I'm just making sure I know what each of you can do. If we're marching into a battle, there's no room for surprises."

Max gave a low whistle. "Guess you've been listening in on the rumors too."

Selka didn't answer right away. Her gaze shifted toward the horizon, where the road curved into rolling hills. "I've heard enough to know this isn't going to be as simple as the army wants it to seem."

The brief exchange left the group in thoughtful silence.

"If only a certain red-haired girl in your team were on good terms with her family," Selka added, her voice taking on a knowing edge, "she could have told you what all this is really about. But let's leave that for later. I'd rather enjoy the march a little longer before we're allowed to use our creatures to keep pace."

Her words hung in the air, just cryptic enough to make the others glance at each other

No one pushed for more, though the curiosity was plain on their faces.

The only sounds left were the steady rhythm of boots striking the dirt and the faint creak of wagon wheels somewhere ahead.

Biron kept his eyes forward, but his attention lingered on Selka's words. He didn't need to look at Mirelia to know she had stiffened beside him.

"What does she mean by that?" Mirelia muttered under her breath, just loud enough for him to hear.

"Not here," Biron replied quietly. "If she knows something, she'll say it when she's ready… or when she wants something from us."

Mirelia's bit her lips, but she didn't argue. She kept clenching her fists while wondering if her group of cadets was sent here due to her militaristic family.

Around them, the march continued without pause. The sun was dipping lower now, casting long shadows across the dirt road, and the air grew heavier with each mile.

The group said nothing else for a while, the steady rhythm of boots and the creak of wagon wheels filling the silence. An hour passed before Selka finally spoke again.

"So, Biron," she said casually, her gaze still fixed on the road ahead, "how much stronger is your creature now?"

Biron didn't turn his head. "Strong enough to handle your spider a second time, I am ready for a rematch anytime."

Selka's lips curved faintly. "That is good, I hope you make room for a nice duel in the near future…"

He gave a small shrug. "As long as we are given mana, otherwise I won't be able to bring him out."

Paul chuckled under his breath. "Careful, Selka, his creature is really strong now."

"Yeah… I've noticed," she replied, still watching Biron as if trying to read him. "I've seen your team a few times in the dungeon; my team just relies on me, so it probably didn't get chosen because of that… but yours… It's well-rounded."

Selka didn't push further, though her expression made it clear she was thinking about something.

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