The thunder of hooves shook the earth as Seraphina rode alongside Duke Kaelrith's army toward the Empire's eastern border. Dark clouds hung low, as if mirroring the tension in the air.
She had traded ballrooms for battlegrounds, velvet for armor. The riding cloak Kaelrith had sent her was lined with reinforced magic thread—a silent message: I expect you to survive.
> [System Alert]
New Mission: Witness a battle without dying. Bonus reward for strategic intervention.
Favorability with Kaelrith: 23 → 26
The number was rising—but so was the danger.
---
They reached the border fortress at dusk. Smoke curled from torched fields in the distance—signs the rebels had already begun their siege.
Kaelrith stood on the battlements, surveying the horizon like a storm watching its reflection. Seraphina joined him, her cloak snapping in the wind.
"You brought me to the edge of war," she said. "Why?"
He didn't look at her. "Because this is where masks fall away. And I need to see who you are without yours."
She swallowed hard. "What if I disappoint you?"
He turned, eyes piercing. "Then I'll know you're not ready."
---
The battle began at dawn.
Rebel forces surged from the hills like a tide of shadows, wielding makeshift weapons and stolen magic. Kaelrith's army moved with ruthless precision, led by their infamous commander himself.
Seraphina stayed behind the front lines under guard—but her eyes didn't miss a single detail.
She saw a rebel fire mage break through the ranks—heading straight for a supply cart filled with enchanted powder.
If it exploded, dozens would die.
Her instincts screamed. She didn't wait.
Grabbing a fallen soldier's staff, Seraphina sprinted toward the cart.
"Stop her!" shouted someone—but she didn't care.
She hurled the staff—magic arcing through the air. The fire mage was hit in the shoulder, tumbling to the ground before his flame could ignite.
For a moment, everything went silent.
Then—
A cheer erupted behind her.
---
Hours later, when the battlefield had calmed and the dead were counted, Kaelrith stood before her.
"You disobeyed my order," he said flatly.
"I saved your men," she shot back.
His gaze was unreadable. "You risked your life."
"Because I knew I could make a difference."
Silence stretched between them. Then, softly—
"Foolish," he muttered. "And brave."
He turned and walked away, but not before she caught the faintest smile on his lips.
---
> [System Update]
Mission Complete: Survived first battle
Bonus Achieved: Strategic Intervention
Favorability with Kaelrith: 26 → 35
Warning: Emotional risk elevated
Seraphina stared at the notification.
Don't fall for him, she reminded herself.
But part of her already had.