Chapter 6: Strangers in Steel

The scent of steel and morning dew lingered in the crisp air when Zeppelin slowly opened her eyes. Above her, a white canvas canopy rippled gently in the soft breeze, while the rustle of leaves hinted that she was no longer isolated in the wilderness. Bandages wrapped tightly around her arms and chest felt stiff against her skin, too clean, too meticulously applied for someone who had just been through chaos. Her body ached with the dull, persistent echo of fatigue, but it was the eerie silence that unsettled her the most. No whisper of wind, no distant village bells, no chirping birds to fill the void.

Just order.

She shifted weakly, pain flaring beneath fresh bandages. A training uniform, too big for her, was neatly folded nearby, along with a polished water pitcher and a solitary slice of stale bread resting on an old wooden tray. Whoever had brought her here wasn't particularly warm in their approach, but they were undeniably thorough. Methodical, even.

Just like… her.

Zeppelin's breath caught in her throat as her mind whirred with memories of the knight.

The one with silver-white hair and unreadable eyes. Her rescuer. As she tried to sit up fully, her limbs trembled, worn from the chaos she had barely escaped: the flickering images of red lightning still tingled at the edges of her memory, a reminder of the danger that had seemed so imminent.

The flap of the tent shifted, and a young man peeked in. "You're awake?" he asked, startled. His armor rattled as he stepped in. The armor he wore clanked as he stepped forward, too loose-fitting for someone who had likely just begun his training. "Uh, the knight who brought you here said you might be out for a while…"

Zeppelin blinked. "...Where am I?"

"This is Camp Alvus!" he replied, the words tumbling out rapidly. "Knight training unit! Apprentice division. M-Magic Knight branch." He puffed up his chest as if to convey an air of authority, though he was clearly nervous. "You're safe now. She brought you here three days ago. She hasn't said much, but… she kinda scares everyone, so no one really asked questions."

Zeppelin relaxed slightly. So she really did bring me here.

"I'm Keil, by the way!" he continued, his voice a mix of eagerness and nerves. "I specialize in flash step enhancement magic, uh, not that you care. Just thought I'd say it." He rubbed the back of his neck, his posture awkward yet endearing. "Anyway, let me know if you need anything! Healing, food, a sparring partner…! Wait, no, you shouldn't spar yet! You're injured!"

With that flurry of words, he practically dashed out of the tent, leaving only the chaotic energy of his presence behind.

Later that day, Zeppelin summoned her strength and took her first hesitant steps outside.

Camp Alvus sprawled before her, nestled in a clearing among the quiet hills, the golden sun casting long shadows across the ground. Towering trees surrounded the camp, their trunks sturdy and ancient, masking the bustling presence of dozens of tents, iron weapon racks, and mystical spell anchors positioned with precision. Apprentices moved in organized chaos, practicing sword swings that sparked with elemental bursts, lifting hefty logs with wind-enhanced muscles, or casting shimmering barriers that thrummed with unstable energy.

It wasn't just a knight camp.

It was a crucible for magic knights.

Each trainee she passed radiated distinct magic signatures, vibrant and pulsating. One girl set training dummies ablaze, sword arcs tracing fiery trails in the air, while another boy chanted incantations to imbue his arrows with piercing frost. The variety of magical styles was dizzying, an intricate tapestry woven from countless unique threads.

But Zeppelin felt painfully out of place.. No sword, no magic control, no purpose.

Some of the apprentices eyed her with cautious curiosity, picking up on her unfamiliar presence, while others simply ignored her existence. Yet, none ventured to approach.

She found small things to occupy her time: folding sheets, fetching water from a nearby stream, sweeping the edges of a training circle, until her arms ached from the labor. Her presence felt tolerated, not fully welcomed, but there was a strange comfort in the simplicity of the routine.

As the sun dipped toward the treetops, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, a sudden hush fell over the camp.

She turned.

On the northern ridge, standing resolute with her shield resting against her hip, was the silver-haired knight. Her dress with an armor covered it, shimmered under the dying light, a striking blend of strength and elegance, while her expression, calm, unreadable, unwavering, met Zeppelin's questioning eyes.

Zeppelin's breath caught in her throat.

Instinctively, Zeppelin felt a rush of gratitude swell within her chest. This girl had saved her. Protected her from the storming chaos of that day. Carried her here without uttering a word.

And now, she watched. Like a silent guardian, or a quiet judge.

Zeppelin opened her mouth to speak.

But as quickly as their eyes locked, the knight turned and walked away, her ponytail trailing like a comet in the golden wind.

"…Thank you," Zeppelin whispered to no one.

She didn't yet know what this place would offer her, only that it buzzed with the energy of steel clashing, sparks flying, and the lives of strangers intertwining. But maybe, just maybe… she could find a reason worth protecting, too.