Bellatoria

As the first light of dawn crept over the horizon, Lyrien and Lyra gently roused Reiji and Cornelius from their slumber. 

The group moved swiftly, packing their camp in silence as the golden hues of the morning began to bathe the landscape.

With the sun rising at their backs, they resumed their journey toward Bellatoria.

Reiji couldn't help but notice a subtle shift in Lyrien's demeanor as they walked. 

Her usual lively spirit seemed tempered, her gaze fixed just focused on the path ahead.

"Hey, Lyrien," Reiji called softly, falling into step beside her.

She glanced over her shoulder at him. "What?"

"You look serious," he teased, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"I always am," she quipped without missing a beat, turning her attention forward again.

Reiji backed down a bit, sensing something beneath her curt reply. "What's going on with her? Did something happen last night?" he wondered silently.

Ahead of them, Lyra's voice broke the silence. "We're about to reach the valley's highest point," she announced, with a hint of excitement. She turned to Reiji with a proud smile. "Once we cross it, you'll see our kingdom."

"Hold your breath, Reiji," Lyrien added, her serious tone giving way to a spark of pride. "You're about to witness something truly breathtaking."

The sun climbed higher, casting its warm light across the rolling hills and the ridge they were ascending. The air seemed to buzz with anticipation as the group's pace quickened.

Lyra glanced at Cornelius, who sat slumped on his Faifi but remained steady. "Just beyond this ridge is Bellatoria," she said, her voice carrying a note of reassurance. "Once we're there, Cornelius, you'll finally get the care you need."

As they neared the crest of the ridge, Lyrien slowed her Faifi to match Reiji's pace. 

She glanced at him with a faint smile. "Reiji, have you ever seen high spires and towering citadels before?"

Reiji glanced at Lyrien and thought with an amused sigh, "Girls."

Out loud, he responded, "Don't mock me—I've lived in a place with spires and towers before."

Lyrien raised an eyebrow, her tone playful and disbelieving. "Right…"

The weight of their long journey, the trials, and hardships momentarily lifted, replaced by a growing sense of expectation. The crest of the ridge—and the promise of home—was just within reach.

"We've been away for two months," Lyra exclaimed. She turned to Lyrien, her expression softening. "Lyrien, I'll have your back once we're home, okay?"

Lyrien nudged her Faifi forward to ride beside her sister. Her face turned serious, but her voice was tender. "I know you will. Thanks, sis."

Just before they reached the top of the ridge, Reiji's thoughts drifted to how Lyrien had described Bellatoria previously:

"The Kingdom of Bellatoria is cradled in the valley's lush embrace, shining like a masterpiece of architecture."

Reiji had asked curiously, "Architecture? This world knows about architecture?"

Lyrien had turned to him, her expression half amused and half exasperated. She leaned closer and whispered, "You dummy, keep your voice down. Lyra's just in front—do you want her to think you're strange?"

Reiji had shrugged, but before he could reply, Lyrien continued with quiet enthusiasm. "Of course we have architecture! We've even got a school for it, and a master builder who leads it with unparalleled skill."

Reiji blinked in mild disbelief as Lyrien carried on, her tone growing more excited. "The buildings in Bellatoria aren't just thrown together. They're meticulously designed, positioned with purpose, and crafted for both beauty and function. So, if you're ever thinking about attacking our kingdom—which I don't recommend—you'd be outmatched."

She smirked as she continued describing the kingdom's formidable defenses. "The outer wall has intricate carvings—yes, even the walls are artistic!—and it's surrounded by a serene moat. The whole effect is awe-inspiring."

"Sounds... impressive," Reiji replied with faint enthusiasm.

Lyrien grinned, misinterpreting his tone as genuine excitement. "It is. You'll see soon enough."

"So, they know architecture in this world," Reiji thought. "That explains the buildings in Caitstown."

Lyrien hadn't finished. "Oh, and we have two main gates—north and south. Each entrance is equipped with a sturdy drawbridge, a reinforced portcullis, and a clever pulley system with counterweights. The design ensures precise control over who enters or leaves the kingdom."

Reiji's curiosity was piqued. "Pulley systems? Why not just use magic for all that?"

Lyrien laughed, her amusement bubbling over. "You really are something, aren't you? Not everyone has magical powers or special abilities like us. For most people, systems like this are necessary." She chuckled, shaking her head.

Lyrien, with a touch of pride in her voice, added, "But for those without special abilities, they dedicate themselves to mastering combat. The best of them earn a position in the gatehouse, which is flanked by two imposing towers. From there, they guard the battlements and merlons."

Her eyes gleamed as she continued, "Those positions are no joke—they provide archers with strategic vantage points to rain down projectiles on invaders. It's why no one dares challenge Bellatoria easily."

Reiji snapped back to the present as Lyra and Lyrien's gazes fell upon the kingdom, their hearts sinking.

Before them lay a scene of utter devastation, a sight so horrific it sent a chill through their bones.

The once-impenetrable walls were now in shattered disarray, stones cracked and shattered like broken teeth.

The gate—once a marvel of engineering—hung crookedly from its hinges, its drawbridge lowered, and the pulley system a tangled mess of wreckage.

The mighty defenses, once the kingdom's pride, now resembled a ravaged corpse, leaving the realm vulnerable to whatever darkness lay beyond. The towers, once sentinels of strength, stood as hollow husks, their battlements cracked and crumbling, windows shattered.

The air was thick with the stench of destruction and despair.

Just outside the kingdom, a horde of Grombles swarmed, with a towering monster at the forefront, leading the siege.

Without hesitation, Lyra severed the line that bound her Faifi to Cornelius' and charged headlong toward the Grombles, her desperation clear.

Lyrien, still frozen in disbelief, snapped back to reality as she saw her sister's reckless charge.

Reiji, equally stunned by the sight, quickly followed, his steps urgent as he joined the two.