Outside the camp, the faint sound of hooves clattering against the dirt road broke the tense silence.
The knights, already on edge, turned their heads toward the noise, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons.
The growls from the forest seemed to fade into the background as their attention shifted to the approaching disturbance.
A luxurious carriage emerged from the distance, its black-and-gold frame gleaming under the dim light of the setting sun.
Drawn by four majestic snow-white horses, the carriage moved with an air of regality, its presence commanding immediate attention.
The exterior was adorned with intricate engravings of a roaring lion—the proud crest of House Valcrest.
The emblem, a symbol of strength, nobility, and dominance, was unmistakable. It was a fitting representation of the powerful lineage that bore it, a family known for its influence and authority across the region.
The rhythmic clatter of hooves grew louder as the carriage drew closer, its polished wheels rolling smoothly over the uneven terrain. Flanking the carriage were heavily armored guards, each clad in silver-plated armor with the same roaring lion emblem etched onto their chest plates.
Their presence was imposing, their sharp eyes scanning the camp's perimeter with practiced precision.
Their hands rested on the hilts of their weapons, ready to draw at a moment's notice, their discipline and unwavering loyalty evident in every movement.
As the carriage approached, the knights in the camp straightened their postures, their weariness momentarily forgotten.
The arrival of someone from House Valcrest was not an everyday occurrence, and the sight of the carriage alone was enough to command respect.
"It's the carriage of the 'Young Lady... why is she here" one of the knights who are guarding outside the camp muttered, showing his confusion.
"Maybe the young lady has something to do here...?" another knight replied, his tone hushed but filled with awe.
"Quite" a veteran knight snapped, his voice low but commanding. "Show respect to the young lady, you are now representing the order now.
----
The knights quickly adjusted their stances, their shoulders back and chins raised. The tension in the camp shifted, the fear of the Shadow Wolves momentarily overshadowed by the arrival of such an important figure.
The carriage came to a halt just outside the camp's perimeter, the horses snorting softly as they settled. The guards flanking the carriage dismounted with practiced ease, their movements synchronized and deliberate.
One of the guards, a tall man with a stern expression, stepped forward and knocked twice on the carriage door. The sound was sharp and deliberate, a signal that carried authority.
A moment later, the door opened, and a strikingly beautiful noblewoman descended with effortless grace. Her presence was magnetic, her every movement exuding poise and confidence.
She was dressed in an elegant gown that blended practicality with opulence, the fabric a deep shade of crimson adorned with subtle golden embroidery.
Her blonde hair cascaded in soft waves over her shoulders, catching the fading light of the sun. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the camp with a calm but calculating gaze, taking in every detail.
The knights, already standing at attention, seemed to stiffen further as she stepped into view. The Young Lady of House Valcrest was a famous talented mage, her influence stretching far wide across the County.
Her arrival here, in the midst of such danger was both unexpected and significant.
The guard who had knocked on the carriage door stepped aside, his posture rigid as he addressed the knights. "Make way for the Young Lady." he announced, his voice carrying across the camp.
After his voice fell, all the knights step aside, making way for the Young Lady.
For the veteran soldier, Velen and Cal who has heard about the arrival of the young lady, they immediately came out of the camp to greet her.
"Welcome, young lady..... May I ask on what purpose are you here for?" Velen said expressionlessly infront of the young lady.
The Young Lady's lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes remained sharp and observant. "I've come to assess the situation," she replied, her voice calm and measured. "The reports of Shadow Wolves encroaching on our lands have reached my ear. I wish to see myself if I can help."
Velen, ever the strategist, stepped forward, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly.
"With all due respect, my lady, this is no place for someone of your standing. The danger here is real, and the wolves are not to be underestimated."
She turned her gaze to him, her expression unreadable.
"I am well aware of the dangers, Sir Velen. But I can't abandoned my responsibilities for our people. If our people are at risk, it is my duty to ensure that everything is being done to protect them."
Her words carried a weight that silenced any further objections. The knights, though still uneasy, could not deny the authority in her tone.
Captain Alexander, who had been observing the exchange from a distance, finally stepped forward. His silver armor gleamed in the fading light, the roaring lion emblem on his chest plate a mirror of the one on the carriage.
"My lady," he said, bowing his head slightly in respect. "Your presence is unexpected but not unwelcome. We are in dire need of resources and support. If you are willing to lend its aid, we would be grateful."
The Young Lady nodded, her expression softening ever so slightly. "I have brought supplies and additional guards," she said, gesturing to the carriage and its entourage.
------
After settling in the camp, Lilianne took a brief moment to rest inside a tent prepared for her. Just as she was adjusting her sleeves, the tent flap was pushed open, and a familiar figure rushed in.
"Lady Lilianne!" a worried voice called out.
Lilianne turned, and a bright smile immediately replaced the composed expression she had worn earlier. "Lira!" she greeted happily.
Lira, a young woman with chestnut-brown hair tied in a loose ponytail, crossed her arms with a slight frown. "Why are you here in such a dangerous place? This isn't safe for you!"
Lilianne pouted slightly, puffing out her cheeks in mock offense. "Oh? And since when did you start calling me 'Lady Lilianne' instead of just Lilianne?"
Lira blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "I… well, you're the eldest daughter of House Valcrest, a Count's daughter. I can't just-"
Lilianne sighed dramatically, stepping forward and gently taking Lira's hands in her own. "Lira, we've been friends since childhood. Titles don't matter between us, right?"
Lira hesitated before sighing, a small smile forming. "Alright, alright. But still, what are you doing here?"
Lilianne's expression softened, her earlier playfulness fading into something more determined. "I couldn't sit back in the estate knowing that people were in danger. The reports of Shadow Wolves attacking villages have reached me, and I refuse to just stand by and do nothing. If I can help in any way, I will."
Lira stared at her for a moment before shaking her head with a chuckle. "You haven't changed at all."
"Of course, it is me Lilianne," Lilianne said with a wink.
Lira sighed but smiled. ""Then at least let me make sure you stay safe while you're here."
Lilianne's eyes sparkled with warmth. "I'd expect nothing less from my best friend."
Lira sighed after hearing this, and propose to venture the camp.
----
The warmth of their exchange lingered as Lilianne and Lira strolled through the camp, their arms loosely linked. The once-tense atmosphere felt lighter in the noblewoman's presence, her calm demeanor easing the worries of those around her.
----
Lady Lilianne Valcrest, the eldest daughter of Count Darion Valcrest and heir to House Valcrest.
A renowned talent across the kingdom, she was admired for her natural aptitude, grace, and deep understanding of magic.
As a Tier 3 Mage, she wielded intermediate magic with precision, her spells refined through years of study and practice.
Though her mana reserves were not vast, her exceptional control and efficiency made up for it, allowing her to hold her own against even higher-tiered mages.
•[ Mage Rankings 1-3 Tier]•
In the world of magic, one's strength and mastery over spells were categorized into tiers, a clear distinction of power, control, and knowledge.
Tier-1 Mage – Novice Mage.
This was the very beginning of a mage's journey, a stage where they had only recently awakened to their magical abilities.
Their mana reserves were weak, barely enough to sustain more than a handful of simple spells.
Spellcasting at this level was slow and unstable, often requiring intense concentration and multiple attempts to perform even the most basic magic.
Most novice mages relied on guided incantations and could not yet grasp the deeper intricacies of mana manipulation.
At this stage, a mage was vulnerable, their spells easily disrupted, and their stamina quickly drained from even minor magical exertion.
Tier-2 Mage – Apprentice Mage.
Having overcome the initial struggles of mana control, an Apprentice Mage could now reliably cast basic spells with confidence.
Their mana reserves had grown stronger, allowing them to sustain their magic for longer periods.
With improved stability, their spells no longer fizzled out or backfired as often. More importantly, they could begin their training in a higher tier of basic magic—learning stronger spells that required better control and deeper understanding.
At this stage, an apprentice could channel their mana more efficiently,then Novice Mage's, though they were still limited in their versatility.
Many remained reliant on incantations, but the best among them could cast simple spells without vocal guidance.
Tier-3 Mage – Adept Mage.
A Tier-3 Mage, often referred to as an Adept Mage, stood at the threshold between apprenticeship and mastery.
While they had not yet reached the formidable strength of high-tier mages, they had developed a solid foundation that set them apart from lower ranks.
Their understanding of magic was no longer elementary; instead, they wielded their abilities with confidence, refining their control over mana and spellcasting techniques.
Unlike a Tier-2 Mage, who still required longer incantations and precise gestures to stabilize their magic, a Tier-3 Mage had already begun to shorten the casting process.
While not instant, their spells required far less preparation time, allowing them to react swiftly in battle.
This efficiency made them significantly more dangerous, especially in skirmishes where reaction speed could mean the difference between life and death.
Their mana reserves, while still limited compared to higher-tiered mages, had expanded enough to support prolonged combat.
They could cast multiple spells before reaching exhaustion, though they had to be mindful of overuse.
Conservation of mana was a skill every Tier-3 Mage needed to master—wasting energy on unnecessary spells could leave them vulnerable.
More importantly, an Adept Mage had gained a deeper understanding of the elements.
Where lower tiers struggled with basic control, Tier-3 Mages could manipulate magic more fluidly, shaping spells beyond their standard forms.
Fireballs were no longer just orbs of flames but could be refined into concentrated bursts or spread into waves of searing heat.
Wind magic could form cutting gales or protective currents, and water spells could shift between sharp ice shards and flowing barriers.
This adaptability made them more versatile than their predecessors..