Ryan weaved past busy soldiers rushing around as he followed Eleanor to the meeting point. Despite the deepening night, everything around him was unnervingly clear—crisper and more vivid than he'd ever experienced before.
Why can I see so clearly? It is~ nighttime, right?
He squinted at a nearby torch, expecting to be blinded by its brightness, but instead, he could make out every flicker and the woodgrain in the torch's handle. Ryan blinked in disbelief and glanced around. The details of the camp, even in the dim light, stood out in sharp relief—the rough texture of the stone walls, the subtle shifts in the soldiers' uniforms as they moved, and even the faint rustling of leaves on distant trees. It was as if someone had turned up the contrast on the world.
Curious, Ryan glanced upward at the glistening white moon, which hung low in the sky like a polished gem. Its light cast a silvery glow over the landscape, illuminating the camp in an otherworldly sheen. The sky was a deep, inky blue, dotted with stars that twinkled more brightly than he remembered.
He focused on the soldiers around him, each one a blur of movement.
"Whoa," he muttered to himself, grinning. He could feel Eleanor's eyes on him, so he quickly straightened up, trying to look serious.
*This is incredible,* he thought, his mind racing with the possibilities. *I wonder what else will happen to me as I reach higher tiers.* But his musings were cut short as they approached the edge of the camp.
After a few minutes of walking, the camp's buildings began to thin out, replaced by an open space dominated by a large, ancient oak tree. Beneath its sprawling branches, a small gathering of people and horses awaited them. The soldiers were a quiet hive of activity, moving with silent efficiency as they secured the perimeter and checked their gear.
General Aldric stood at the center of the group, his presence commanding respect as he issued final orders. The moonlight cast his features in stark contrast, highlighting the lines of fatigue etched into his face. Despite this, his eyes were sharp, scanning the area with the wariness of a man who expected danger at every turn. When he spotted Ryan and Eleanor approaching, he gave a curt nod.
"Ryan, Eleanor," Aldric said, his voice low but firm, "these four are the main group who will be accompanying us on our journey to the capital."
He motioned to the soldiers, all dressed in green and brown camouflage outfits, standing at attention. "This is Captain Myna, Advanced Tier Three, Earth Element," he began, indicating a tall, broad-shouldered woman with a stern expression. She nodded curtly at Ryan and Eleanor.
"Kellan, Advanced Tier Three, Fire Element," Aldric continued, gesturing toward a wiry man with a scar running down his cheek. His eyes gleamed with a spark that matched his element.
"Seris, Middle Tier Three, Water Element," Aldric said next, pointing out a young woman with an easy smile and a calm demeanor that contrasted with the tension in the air.
"And finally, Darius, Low Tier Three, Wind Element," Aldric finished, nodding to a lanky soldier who stood with a relaxed posture, his eyes darting around as if he were already scanning for threats.
Ryan and Eleanor exchanged glances, and Eleanor opened her mouth to introduce them, but before she could utter more than "I am Ele—", Captain Myna cut in.
"No need for introductions," Myna said, her tone respectful but firm. "We know who you both are, and we're here to make sure you get to the capital safely."
Ryan nodded, a little taken aback by her directness but appreciating the no-nonsense attitude. "Thank you," he said, his voice steady. "We'll follow your lead."
Aldric, satisfied with the introductions, turned his attention back to the group. "We leave in fifteen minutes. Stay close, and don't stray from the group. The elves are cunning, and it's very possible that a few of 'em have snuck past our soldiers. If they see us, they'll take any opportunity to strike."
Ryan felt a chill run down his spine at Aldric's words. He nodded in response, his senses on high alert. "Understood, General."
Aldric turned to an officer, who had been briefing another group of twenty or so soldiers nearby. "Make sure the perimeter is secure, once I say so you will return back to the camp."
The officer saluted sharply and moved off to carry out the orders, leaving Aldric to turn back to Ryan and Eleanor. "Let's get to the horses."
Oh no, I'm— I'm going to have to ride a horse. Ryan shivered slightly, anxiety creeping into his thoughts.
As they made their way to the stables, Ryan felt the weight of the upcoming journey settle in. The fortress had been a place of relative safety, but now they were venturing into the unknown, with enemies lurking in the shadows. The cool evening air carried the faint scent of pine and earth, and the sounds of the camp—muffled conversations, the clinking of armor, the occasional whinny of a horse—created an undercurrent of urgency.
He glanced around as they walked, taking in the last sights of the mountain camp. The towering watchtowers and wooden walls that had once seemed so imposing now felt like a fragile barrier against the dangers of the world beyond. Soldiers moved purposefully, carrying supplies, checking weapons, and sharing quiet words of encouragement.
The group mounted their horses in silence, the tension palpable in the cool evening air. Ryan eyed the horse in front of him with apprehension, its large, muscular frame looking far more intimidating up close. His nerves were getting the best of him.
Aldric's voice broke into his thoughts. "Ryan, you're with me. Eleanor, you're with Myna."
Eleanor walked over to Myna, who had already climbed aboard her horse, and effortlessly swung herself up behind the captain.
I've got this... I've got this... Ryan repeated to himself as he approached Aldric, who was patiently waiting beside their horse.
Ryan swallowed hard and nodded, his legs feeling like jelly as he reached up for the saddle. He awkwardly placed his foot in the stirrup and tried to haul himself up. The horse shifted slightly, and Ryan's heart leaped into his throat. He almost lost his balance but managed to swing his other leg over and land in the saddle with a graceless thud.
Aldric chuckled softly, more at ease now that the preparations were nearly complete. "First time riding a horse?
Ryan forced a weak smile, gripping the saddle horn with white knuckles as Aldric mounted up in front of him. The General's calm presence was somewhat comforting, though it did little to ease the fear gnawing at Ryan's stomach.
With a final check of their surroundings, Aldric signaled for the group to move out. The gates of the fortress creaked open, and the small convoy slipped into the night, the sound of hooves muffled by the soft dirt road. The trees on either side of the path loomed like silent sentinels, their branches swaying gently in the breeze.
Ryan's grip involuntarily tightened on the horse, his eyes scanning the darkened landscape for any signs of movement. Every shadow seemed to twist and move, every rustle in the bushes made his heart race.
The journey had begun.