Orin Alpheratz (15 years old) Location: Solaris Date: Year 873 / Crow Cycle (3) / Bard's Day (9)

  The sun was already cresting over the horizon when Orin turned back to the group after speaking with Altair. The soft morning light caught on their faces—grave, silent, and already aware of the danger surrounding them.

  “Gina, Jin, and Dan will head toward Minoris,” Orin said, his tone steady but heavy. “But… what about you two?” His gaze fell on Sirius and Cor. “The situation’s worse than we imagined.”

  Sirius and Cor exchanged a glance. After a short silence, Cor finally spoke, though her voice lacked conviction.

  “We’ll have to find a way back to the Academy,” she said quietly. “Not that we have much of a choice.”

  Sirius crossed his arms with a resigned sigh. “We’ll probably be fine as long as we avoid the main roads. We’re not sorcerers, after all. But…” His tone turned grim. “If we run into Kane or Varis again, that’s a different story.”

  “You’re right,” Orin replied, frowning. “They already know our faces.”

  The group fell silent. The sorcerers among them, stood quietly, as if sharing the same unspoken concern.

  But before the tension could thicken further, a familiar voice called out from the road.

  “Orin! I thought you’d left for good.”

  It was Eridus. He approached with his usual calm stride, followed closely by Antilae and her friend Lia.

  “I thought the same,” Orin said, a faint smile breaking through his exhaustion. “But we had to turn back. Gina needed help.” He gestured toward the young sorceress beside him.

  “Gina,” Eridus said warmly, relief softening his expression. “I’m glad you’re safe. Where have you been all this time?”

  “It’s… a long story,” Orin answered in her place. “But you’ll hear it on the way to Minoris.”

  Eridus and Antilae exchanged a brief look. They could sense something else behind Orin’s words, something unspoken.

  “Orin,” Antilae said gently, stepping closer. “You seem… troubled. Is something wrong?”

  Orin hesitated. The truth was, worry gnawed at him. The thought that Church soldiers could appear at any moment, sweeping through the area to capture them, filled him with unease. And worse still—he knew he’d have to return to Solaris to reach the western route. The idea alone weighed on him.

  But he didn’t want to burden them with that fear.

  “It’s nothing,” he said finally, forcing a faint smile. “I was just thinking about the road you have ahead. And wondering if there’s still room for three more passengers.”

  He looked toward Gina, Jin, and Dan.

  “I don’t think that’ll be a problem,” Eridus replied, shrugging lightly. “We’ll be a little cramped for now, but we’re planning to stop in a nearby town to get larger, sturdier carriages before continuing to Minoris.”

  Orin nodded, and the three behind him gave quiet smiles of agreement.

  But before anyone could speak further, the steady rhythm of hooves thundered in the distance.

  A lone rider was approaching fast—cutting through the morning mist like an arrow.

  “Someone’s coming,” Sirius warned, his hand already resting on the hilt of his sword. His sharp eyes were fixed on the lone rider galloping down the road.

  Orin squinted, trying to make out the figure through the misty morning light. The rhythmic clatter of hooves grew louder with every heartbeat.

  “He’s wearing armor,” Cor muttered, narrowing her eyes. “Looks a lot like the mercenaries who were with Kane.”

  “Kane?” Eridus asked, frowning slightly.

  “And those two boys—” Antilae added, pointing toward Jin and Dan, who stood a little apart from the others. “They’re not from the Academy, are they?”

  “Ah, right,” Orin said quickly. “This is Jin and Dan. We met them back in Solaris. They were also running from the Church’s forces—specifically from a knight named Kane.”

  Jin gave a small, awkward smile. “That’s us. I guess you could call us survivors.”

  Dan gave a polite nod.

  “They’ll be joining the group heading for Minoris,” Orin continued.

  “Nice to meet you both,” said Eridus, offering a brief nod. “I’m Eridus, one of Orin’s friends.”

  “And I’m Antilae,” she added smoothly. “This is my friend Lia.”

  Lia gave a small bow, her expression calm but observant.

  “The introductions are nice and all,” Sirius interrupted, arms crossed, “but should we really be standing here chatting while that guy’s riding straight at us?”

  “You’re right,” Orin admitted, his hand drifting to his dagger. “He could be one of the Church’s men.”

  Before the group could brace for an encounter, a familiar, gravelly voice came from behind them.

  “No need to worry,” Altair said, striding forward with Felis and Aran at his side. “He’s one of ours—one of the scouts we left near Solaris. If he’s coming this fast, he probably brings urgent news.”

  As if on cue, the rider dismounted with practiced grace and hurried toward Altair, his armor still damp with dew.

  “Captain,” the scout said, saluting. “I’ve come to report. Several Church platoons have left Solaris—likely heading toward the surrounding villages. It’s only a matter of time before one reaches this area.”

  Altair nodded, his face grim. “Understood. Good work. Return to your post and stay alert for any other movements.”

  When the scout left, Altair turned to the group. “We can’t stay here. Sorcerers, you leave immediately. Mahasim will escort you to the nearest village. There, you’ll find carriages and drivers willing to take you to the port. From there, continue to Minoris.”

  “And what about us?” Orin asked.

  Altair’s eyes turned toward the horizon, where the golden light of morning touched the rooftops of Solaris. “If multiple platoons have already left the city, that means fewer soldiers remain inside. It might be our best chance to cross straight through.”

  “Through the city?” Aran asked nervously, clutching her staff. “The last time we crossed it… it was chaos.”

  “I know,” Altair said calmly. “But the forests around Solaris are crawling with patrols and beasts. At least inside the city, we know the layout—and it’ll save us precious time. Every hour we delay, the noose tightens.”

  Felis gave a light smirk, glancing at Aran. “He’s got a point. And besides…” He gave a small stretch and yawned. “…I’d rather avoid an early-morning brawl. I’m not exactly at my best before noon.”

  Aran frowned, but Felis’s laid-back tone seemed to ease the tension, if only slightly.

  Altair turned toward Orin and the others, his expression as stern as ever.

  “Anyway, I’ll speak with Mahasim. Once that’s settled, we move out immediately.”

  Orin nodded silently. The decision had already been made.

  Without another word, Altair walked off toward the riders waiting by the road.

  “Little priestess,” Felis said, glancing sideways at Aran with a faint smirk. “We should follow the captain’s example. Looks like they could use a moment alone.”

  Aran caught his meaning right away and gave a small nod. “Right. Orin, we’ll see you later.”

  As the two of them disappeared down the path, an awkward silence fell over the remaining group. The sound of the wind brushing through the trees was the only thing that filled the space between them.

  “I can’t believe it’s really happening…” Gina murmured, her voice breaking the stillness. “Our group… splitting up like this.”

  Everyone turned toward her.

  “She’s right,” Cor said quietly. “Back in Group Tactics class, I never would’ve imagined this.”

  No one spoke for a while. The weight of everything they’d endured, and everything still waiting ahead, hung over them like a shadow.

  “I’m sure we’ll meet again,” Orin finally said, forcing a smile. “Once things calm down in Solaris… we’ll find each other again.”

  Sirius grinned, trying to lift the mood. “Yeah! And by then, we’ll all be stronger. Unstoppable!”

  Their laughter, though faint, eased the tension just enough to make the farewell bearable.

  Then Eridus stepped forward, hand extended. “Until we meet again, my friend.”

  “Until next time,” Orin replied, shaking his hand firmly.

  One by one, they exchanged brief goodbyes—words of gratitude, small jokes, promises they all knew might take years to keep. Even with Jin and Dan, whom Orin hadn’t known for long, there was a quiet sense of connection that went beyond coincidence.

  “Jin,” Orin said as the other red-eyed boy walked toward the wagons, “I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

  Jin smiled faintly. “I will. You do the same, Orin.”

  Just when Orin thought it was over, Antilae suddenly rushed toward him. Without warning, she threw her arms around him, sobbing.

  “Orin… please… I know you’ll handle things here, but—save my father. I’m begging you.”

  Orin gently placed his hands on her shoulders and met her tearful eyes.

  “I promise,” he said quietly. “I’ll do everything I can.”

  Antilae nodded, wiping her tears, then turned and joined the others.

  The group of sorcerers boarded the wagons, and soon the sound of wheels rolling against the dirt filled the air. Orin, Sirius, and Cor stood in silence, watching as the carriages grew smaller and smaller in the distance—until they were finally gone.

  Altair’s commanding voice broke the stillness. “That’s enough. They’ll be fine. Now—” he turned toward the three boys, his eyes glinting beneath the morning sun, “are you ready?”

  The three exchanged brief looks, their expressions resolute.

  They nodded.

  “Then let’s go,” Altair said.

  And so, as the last rays of dawn scattered across the road, Orin and his companions began their journey back toward Solaris, keeping a brisk pace along the northern road that led back toward the city. Altair ordered Orin, Sirius, and Cor to stay at the rear under Aran’s watch, while he and Felis took point, their eyes sweeping every shadow along the path.

  The road was eerily quiet. Too quiet. Considering the Church’s recent mobilization, the absence of patrols felt unnatural—almost deliberate. But for now, that silence worked in their favor.

  “Do you sense anyone nearby?” Altair asked, his gaze fixed ahead.

  Felis kept scanning the surroundings, his expression sharp. “No… not within range. Still, something doesn’t sit right. The air feels wrong.”

  “You’re right,” Altair muttered. “But I’ll take strange over running into a platoon.”

  The others followed silently. Only the faint crunch of gravel beneath their boots echoed in the distance. As the road curved, the familiar arches of the old gates appeared—ruined remnants marking the entrance back into Solaris.

  The city was unrecognizable. The smoke and fire that had once consumed the streets were gone, replaced by a heavy stillness. Charred buildings stood like empty husks, and a few wary citizens peeked from behind doorways, their faces pale and fearful.

  They moved through the side streets, avoiding the main avenues where soldiers might still be stationed. Eventually, they reached an area Orin didn’t recognize. It was a residential district, though unlike the industrial outskirts or the merchant quarters, this one was shrouded in quiet beauty. Trees lined the paths, and old mansions stood half-consumed by moss and ivy, their grandeur fading into the earth.

  “I’ve never been to this district before,” Orin murmured.

  “Me neither,” Sirius whispered back, eyes darting between the shadowed estates. “Who even lives in a place like this?”

  “Important people, probably,” Cor said dryly.

  Orin frowned. From what he remembered, most League captains and high-ranking officers lived toward the eastern exit, not here. He was about to mention it when a sudden uproar echoed nearby—dozens of voices shouting all at once.

  “Something’s happening ahead,” Felis said immediately. “Sounds like soldiers.”

  “Tch. Of course it’s in the direction we need,” Altair said. He exhaled sharply. “We’ll blend in. Avoid eye contact, and don’t make a sound.”

  The group nodded. As they advanced, the street ahead came into view—packed with Church soldiers surrounding a large manor.

  “Looks like trouble,” Sirius muttered.

  “I knew it. Someone important must live there,” Cor whispered back.

  From the edge of the street, Orin could see a confrontation unfolding. A group of soldiers stood at the gate, facing an elderly man with a sword drawn. His stance was steady despite his age, his voice sharp and commanding.

  “I said leave my property!” the old knight barked, his tone filled with fury.

  The soldiers ignored him, preparing to storm the house. Their focus was so fixed on the knight that they barely noticed Altair’s group slipping past the commotion.

  “They’re not paying attention to us,” Aran whispered in relief.

  “Good,” Felis said softly. “Let’s move before that changes.”

  They hurried across the path, keeping their heads down. But as Orin passed, something by the door caught his attention.

  A girl had stepped out, just for a heartbeat—peeking through the half-open door to see what was happening.

  Orin froze.

  That hair... that face... those unmistakable almond-brown eyes.

  Andromeda.

  His heart leapt to his throat.

  Before he even realized it, his feet were moving.

  “Orin, wait—!” Sirius hissed, reaching out too late.

  Orin had already broken from the group, sprinting toward the manor surrounded by soldiers.