The morning sun crept gently through the trees, scattering golden light across the forest path. The rhythmic clop of hooves filled the air as the small convoy made its way toward the distant fortress.
Klein sat behind Commander Lucien Valemont on a sturdy brown stallion, the man's azure cloak brushing lightly against his cheek whenever the wind shifted. He had never ridden a horse before—at least, not in this life—and the way it moved beneath him felt both thrilling and unstable.
Lucien chuckled when Klein tightened his grip unconsciously. "Easy, lad. He won't bite. Just lean with the motion, not against it."
Klein muttered something under his breath, adjusting his hold. He could feel the commander's solid frame before him—unshakable, composed. Even relaxed, the man radiated strength like a mountain at rest.
Behind them, the rest of the knights followed in neat formation, their armor catching the sunlight like polished mirrors.
Klein's mind, however, wasn't on the scenery.
'Paros,' he thought, 'what do you make of that man?'
The coin's voice hummed lazily inside his mind. "Ah, Lucien Valemont—the Knight of the Azure Crest. He's interesting. His aura isn't purely magical; it's… disciplined. Forged through war and routine. That kind of power doesn't come from gifts. It comes from scars."
Klein's gaze dropped to the reins in his hands. 'He's strong. Stronger than anyone I've ever felt.'
"Of course he is," Paros replied. "You're in the presence of a man who has probably slain monsters bigger than castles and smiled while doing it. Try not to stab him again, hmm?"
Klein sighed quietly. 'That first strike… it was like hitting a wall. I couldn't even push him back.'
"Don't take it too personally," Paros teased. "You're a hatchling testing your wings. He's a dragon who's forgotten how to fall."
Klein frowned slightly, watching the landscape roll by. The forest was thinning now, giving way to hills and the faint outline of stone walls far in the distance. Birds circled high above, and the road stretched endlessly ahead.
'What do you think he wants from me?'
"Curiosity," Paros mused. "Perhaps amusement. Men like him live surrounded by routine—war, orders, repetition. A boy with blood on his hands and eyes that don't tremble? That's new."
Klein looked down at his reflection in the polished edge of Lucien's armor. He still looked like a child—small, unassuming, barely old enough to be called a fighter. And yet his heart didn't feel like a child's.
'If he finds out what I am…'
"Relax, master," Paros interrupted. "You're not some demon spawn. You're just a special case. And besides, mortals love a mystery. Play along until you're strong enough to make your own rules."
Klein gave a faint smile at that. 'You always make it sound so easy.'
"It usually is," Paros replied smoothly. "Until it isn't."
They rode for hours, passing through patches of farmland and narrow rivers that glistened under the afternoon sun. The knights spoke little, their discipline evident even in silence. Occasionally, Lucien would hum an old tune—a soldier's march, slow and wistful.
When they paused to rest by a stream, Lucien dismounted and handed Klein a small piece of dried fruit. "Eat. You'll need strength for the climb."
Klein took it without a word. The sweetness surprised him, faint but real.
Lucien smiled faintly at his reaction. "You've been through a lot, haven't you?"
Klein didn't answer.
The commander didn't press. Instead, he sat beside him on a flat rock, watching the knights refill their canteens. "When I was your age," Lucien said quietly, "I thought strength came from never bending. That every fight had to be won, no matter the cost. I was wrong. Sometimes, strength is knowing when to stop swinging."
Klein's brow furrowed slightly. 'Why tell me that?'
Paros chuckled. "He's grooming you, master. Trying to plant seeds of morality before you turn into a monster."
'That's not going to happen,' Klein replied internally.
"Of course not," Paros said smoothly. "You'll be a charming monster."
Lucien stood again, brushing the dust from his cloak. "Come. The garrison isn't far. You'll see it soon enough."
The rest of the journey passed in thoughtful silence. The road wound upward now, carved into a rocky hillside. As they crested the final ridge, Klein saw it—a sprawling fortress of pale stone perched above the valley. Banners of deep blue hung from its towers, each bearing the silver insignia of a rising sun.
The Azure Garrison.
Klein's eyes widened slightly. The walls were massive, the gates guarded by knights in gleaming armor. Beyond them, he could see the training grounds, the armory, and a line of warhorses stabled in perfect order.
Lucien glanced back at him and smiled. "Impressive, isn't it? Built to withstand any siege."
Klein nodded, still quiet.
As they rode through the open gates, soldiers saluted their commander with practiced precision. Klein could feel their curious gazes on him—a small boy riding behind the great Lucien Valemont.
'They're all staring,' he thought.
"Of course," Paros said. "You're the commander's newest pet."
'You're insufferable.'
"I prefer *charismatic.*"
Lucien dismounted once they reached the inner courtyard. He turned, then lifted Klein gently down from the horse. His gloved hand ruffled Klein's hair, earning a brief scowl.
"Welcome to the Azure Garrison," Lucien said warmly. "You're safe here, Klein. For now."
Klein blinked up at him. "For now?"
Lucien smiled faintly, tapping the boy's forehead lightly with two fingers. "Because safety never lasts long for people like us."
He straightened, giving a soft laugh. "Come along. You'll have a room, food, and time to rest. Feel at home, lad."
Klein watched as Lucien walked ahead, sunlight glinting off his azure armor.
'Home,' he thought, trailing behind. 'I wonder what that's supposed to feel like.'
Paros' voice came softly, almost fond. "For now, master, just enjoy the illusion."