BEFORE THE STORM

Chapter 97: Before the Storm

The Empire had given them their orders.

At dawn, the Vanguard and their reinforcements would march toward the Krevos Region, a land long abandoned—until Xelthar made it their breeding ground for horrors.

But tonight?

Tonight, the weight of war settled upon them.

The Vanguard gathered in the training hall, each lost in their own thoughts as they prepared.

For some, this was just another battle.

For others—this was different.

Kael stood in the courtyard, sharpening his sword beneath the pale glow of Eldoria's twin moons.

Rheon watched him from the shadows, leaning against a stone pillar.

"You're too tense," Rheon finally spoke.

Kael didn't look up. "Hard not to be."

Rheon exhaled. "You've been leading since you were fifteen. Why does this feel different?"

Kael finally stopped, eyes flickering upward. "Because this isn't a survival mission. This is war."

Rheon studied him for a long moment before stepping forward, his red-bladed katana resting on his shoulder.

"You're thinking too much," he said, his voice lighter. "Overthinking will get you killed. You know how you survive?"

Kael tilted his head.

Rheon smirked. "You fight like you already won."

Kael scoffed, shaking his head. "That's reckless."

"Maybe. But it's also why I'm still alive." Rheon placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You're not the same kid who had to prove himself in the Academy. You've already earned your place. Lead like it."

Kael exhaled. "Yeah. I know."

Rheon grinned. "Good. Now, stop brooding and come spar with me. Otherwise, you'll be standing there sharpening that sword all night."

Kael chuckled. "Fine. Try to keep up."

Rheon laughed. "You wish."

Mira sat at the edge of the training ground, running her fingers along the edge of her sword.

She had fought alongside the nobles of Eldoria for years.

She had trained with them. Bled with them.

But as war loomed… she couldn't shake the feeling.

"This is where it changes."

Before, it had always been about proving herself.

Now?

It was about not dying.

And the worst part?

She knew that for some nobles—she was still just a commoner.

They would mourn their own.

Would they mourn her?

"Lost in thought?"

She looked up.

Lucian stood before her, arms crossed, his golden eyes piercing as always.

Mira smirked. "That's rare. You checking in on me?"

Lucian sat beside her, exhaling. "You're thinking about your place again."

She stiffened slightly. "That obvious?"

"Only because I've seen you fight." Lucian glanced at her. "You wouldn't be here if you weren't strong enough. And if someone thinks otherwise?"

His golden aura flared slightly.

"Then they'll answer to me."

Mira blinked—then laughed.

It was rare to see Lucian so blunt.

"Didn't know you cared."

"I don't," Lucian said easily. "But I don't like losing good allies. And I'm not carrying your body off the battlefield."

Mira smirked. "Well, if I die, you better cry."

Lucian scoffed. "Not a chance."

For the first time that night, Mira felt lighter.

She wasn't alone in this.

Cassian twirled a throwing knife between his fingers, watching as it spun through the air before catching it effortlessly.

Selene, across from him, sat in silence, her silver eyes sharp, scanning the battle maps spread before her.

Rael stood at the window, watching the storm gathering in the distance.

"We're walking into a mess," Rael finally muttered.

Cassian grinned. "When are we not?"

Selene sighed. "We've survived everything Xelthar has thrown at us before. We'll survive this too."

Rael exhaled. "It's not us I'm worried about."

Cassian's smile faded slightly.

For all his bravado—he knew what Rael meant.

This wasn't a controlled environment.

There were no rules, no safety nets, no academy regulations.

This was a warzone.

And not everyone would make it back.

Selene finally spoke. "Then let's make sure it's them who die, not us."

Cassian grinned. "Now that's the spirit."

Rael chuckled. "Fine. But I swear to the gods, if you get reckless again, I'm letting you die."

Cassian smirked. "You wouldn't dare."

Rael smirked back. "Try me."

For a moment, the tension lifted.

Just for a moment.

Evelyne stood in the training arena, her Titan's Resilience making her body practically indestructible as she struck a reinforced training dummy.

Darius leaned against the wall, watching.

"You're hitting that thing like it owes you money," he remarked.

Evelyne scoffed, rolling her shoulders. "Better the dummy than someone's skull."

Darius smirked. "I feel bad for Xelthar already."

Evelyne exhaled, her face darkening slightly. "You think we're ready?"

Darius was quiet for a moment.

Then, his lightning flickered around his hands.

"No."

Evelyne raised a brow.

"But we don't have a choice," Darius continued.

He pushed off the wall, rolling his neck. "So, we do what we always do."

Evelyne smirked. "Fight like hell?"

Darius grinned. "Exactly."

The morning sun had barely begun to rise when the Vanguard gathered at the academy gates.

Their weapons were ready.

Their armor was secured.

And their resolve was unbreakable.

A single figure stood before them.

Grandmaster Reynard Faelthorne.

The Sixth-Year Instructor. A war veteran.

His gaze was cold.

"This is not an academy mission," he said, voice firm.

"This is war."

His sharp eyes swept over them.

"You may be strong. You may be elite."

"But out there? You are just soldiers. Remember that."

He turned toward Kael.

"The Headmaster is waiting. Let's not keep him waiting."

Kael exhaled, then stepped forward.

"Vanguard—move out."

And with that—

They marched to war.