Tap! Tap!
The city gates loomed ahead with smile still curling lazily from the forges and garrison chimneys, and the faint hum of the mana barrier pulsed in the distance — a soft reminder of Delwig's constant vigilance.
Arielle made them reduce their pace as she and her team approached the entry checkpoint. Her uniform was torn in a few places, streaked with soot and dried blood.
Beside her, Lyone carried a broken spear that wasn't his, its metal tip glinting faintly with beast blood. Behind them, Aquila limped slightly, one wing dragging slightly but already knitting together, the golden feathers at its edge glowing with healing mana.
The guards at the gate saluted sharply when they saw her and the captain that had headed out with her. "Captain Zeyne! You made it back!"
Word spread quickly. The Verdant Verge mission had been high-risk; few expected them to return unscathed. Murmurs rippled through the ranks as the team entered — admiration mixed with unease.
