The sun dipped lower in the sky as the towering gates of the Mirdia Military Headquarters opened with a low groan. Arriel and Lira, riding at the center of Valtheas's escort, looked up in awe as they passed through the fortified entrance. Towering crystalline watchtowers hummed with layered enchantments, and soldiers bustled about with precision—some preparing magical artillery, others coordinating aerial patrols.
Compared to the forested outskirts and remote towns they'd grown used to, this place felt like the center of the world.
They dismounted beside a domed hall made of white stone and glowing silver runes. The moment they stepped inside, Arriel's eyes widened.
Dozens of Heroes, from across the Kingdom of Mirdia, were gathered. They stood in rows, their status bracelets exposed without shame. Some chatted with familiarity, while others sized each other up silently. Levels ranged from the low teens to the high twenties and beyond. A few even surpassed Level 30, radiating power that made Arriel's instincts tighten with unease.
"Looks like we're the newcomers," Lira whispered, hood still over her blonde twin pigtails.
They stepped to the side, careful not to draw attention. A young beastfolk girl with a large sword nodded at them, while an older elven mage cast them a brief glance.
Then, the crowd fell quiet.
At the far end of the hall, Valtheas entered. His cape billowed slightly behind him as he climbed the dais at the center. His loyal hound monster stood still at the base, its glowing eyes sweeping over the crowd.
Valtheas didn't raise his voice. He didn't need to.
"Heroes of Mirdia. You have been summoned here because the world has changed."
A quiet hush fell as everyone listened.
"The Kingdom of Theodor has declared war. They have assembled a Special Heroes Army—an elite force bred and trained for domination, willing to steal levels and extinguish any opposition."
He let the words hang in the air like a cold wind.
"We will not respond with fear. We will respond with strength. Mirdia now forms its own Heroes Division, a dedicated force to protect our borders, our people, and our way of life."
Arriel felt a strange pull at his chest. Part pride… part dread.
Valtheas continued.
"I do not promise glory. I offer only the truth: this war will test us. Some will fall. But if we fail—our homes will burn."
There was no applause when he finished, only silence. The weight of what he said settled on every shoulder.
Then he turned toward a new figure stepping onto the dais: a tall cat beastfolk woman in flexible combat armor, her striped tail flicking behind her.
"This is Commander Elle. She will be your handler and lead instructor. Newcomers—listen well."
He left without another word, his hound following close behind.
Commander Elle stepped forward, golden eyes scanning the group.
"All newly registered Heroes will be briefed in Squad Hall B. You'll be sorted based on strength, specialization, and mission readiness. Dismissed."
The crowd began to shuffle and disperse.
Arriel nudged Lira. "Let's take a moment first."
They slipped away to a quiet terrace overlooking the courtyard, where magical airships hovered lazily above a glowing landing pad.
Arriel rested his hands on the railing, fingers trembling just slightly.
"They want us to fight a war," he said softly. "To kill people."
Lira didn't answer at first. She leaned on the railing beside him, gaze distant.
"That rogue Hero we fought… it still haunts me. But it was self-defense. This…" She shook her head. "War is different."
"I don't want to become something I hate," Arriel admitted. "We're supposed to protect people. Not be tools."
Lira finally turned to him. "Then we find another way. There's always another way."
He looked at her, surprised by the quiet conviction in her voice.
"We won't kill unless we absolutely have to," she said. "We can disable, bind, trap. Whatever it takes. But we stay ourselves."
Arriel nodded, the knot in his chest loosening slightly.
From behind, they heard Commander Elle's voice echo down the hall.
"New recruits! Move!"
The moment of peace ended.
Arriel adjusted the cloth around his status bracelet and followed Lira back inside.
The war was coming. But for now, they still had a choice in who they became.