The leader of the group steps forward now—young, tall, and unmistakably noble. His dark violet cloak sways behind him, the royal crest of Qardon stitched over his chestplate. His black hair is tied back in a warrior's knot, and the golden circlet across his brow glints with mana.
A prince.
He lifts his hand lazily, as if swatting away a fly.
"Enough talk," he says coldly. "Attack them."
The two Tier 4s vanish into motion immediately—one rushing towards Alix, the other angling for the backline.
Straight for Karnessa.
Karnessa gasps, stumbling backward, her eyes wide. The enemy Tier 4 dashes through the brush like a streak of shadow, sword raised high.
But before he can reach her—
CLANG!
Alix is there.
His sword intercepts the blow, steel screaming against steel. Sparks spray from the clash. Karnessa stumbles and falls back behind him, eyes locked on his back.
The attacker snarls. "You shouldn't have blocked that, boy."
