The enraged boar screamed with an intensity that reverberated through the frozen woodlands. It lowered its tusks and charged, crashing through limbs and sending snow flying like confetti. Arwin stood motionless, every muscle tensed. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his third-grade steel blade—a blade that, if he were honest, would hold up for only two or three clashes against something this large.
Luenor could feel Hera quaking beside him. He gasped as he witnessed their last hope preparing to die.
The boar thundered towards Arwin, faster than any man could hope to dodge. Arwin bent down, preparing to throw everything he had, in a last ditch, life or death swing—
A multitude of trees shattered into pieces.
A blur of white fur, immense and silent as drifting snow, erupted from the ridge above. Claws like black daggers sunk into the boar's back, forcing it to the ground. There was a guttural crack that bounced off the trunks of trees.
Arwin staggered backward, shock running through him as his sword briefly slipped.
"Valdrak!"
The word came out before he had a chance to stop it.
Luenor's eyes widened. Even Hera stiffened.
Arwin dared not move as the massive white tiger—a beast of myth among hunters—stood over the fallen boar, its breath misting in the frigid air. Its fur shimmered faintly under the moonlight, like mana waiting to awaken beneath its skin. The black stripes along its body almost seemed to pulse.
Valdrak. The Frost Warden. The Forest Ghost.
A predator so rare it was believed to guard the northern wilderness itself. Some whispered that it was close to awakening mana, perhaps already standing on the edge of becoming something greater—a Guardian Beast.
Arwin swallowed hard and glanced back at the two Sureva children.
"Move," he whispered sharply. "Now."
Hera seized Luenor's wrist, yanking him closer, and dragged him where the trees were thick. Arwin followed them, not once turning his head.
The tiger did not chase.
It was altogether too engaged ripping into the huge boar, bones snapping like twigs in its powerful jaws. It was happily rumbling, oblivious to the three of them fleeing in the opposite direction.
Luenor tripped while they ran, breathless. "W-What was that?"
"Pray you never see it again," Arwin muttered while they ran.
Scene Break
Back in Ganglen, the ruined Sureva Estate sat in silence beneath a pale dawn. The flames were long extinguished, replaced by blackened stone and charred timber. The great duchy had been reduced to rubble and whispers.
Duke Liles Siegfried positioned himself, leaning against a crumbling pillar where the old war hall had stood. He was waiting for news.
Nag had promised an outcome. He was yet to hear anything. Not as of the night before.
The silence was starting to itch at Liles' psyche.
His men fiddled with unease near the edges of the hall until one finally mustered the courage to approach. "My lord..."
Liles turned, his expression cold. "What?"
The knight swallowed hard. "We… we received word from the outer patrols. There was… an explosion. In the Thalanor Frostwood."
Liles straightened immediately. "What kind of explosion?"
The man looked unsure. "Mana-based, sir. A large detonation. Smoke was sighted rising above the southern ridge. And… there's more. Other noble houses near the forest have begun asking questions. They want to know what's happening… about the fall of the Surevas… and about the royal sanction."
Liles cursed under his breath. This was spiraling faster than he had prepared for.
"Get me the King," he ordered.
Moments later, the crystal communication array flickered to life, forming the shimmering image of King Henry VI. The King sat in his private chamber, face drawn and pale, eyes tired beyond measure.
Liles bowed stiffly. "Your Majesty."
The King gave a weary nod. "Report."
Liles straightened, adopting a careful tone. "The Sureva threat has been neutralized. The estate is secured. We've recovered damning evidence from the ruins—records of the black market dealings, tax fraud, illegal experiments. Enough to silence any who question your decree."
Henry closed his eyes for a long moment, as if the words themselves weighed on his soul.
"And the boy?" he asked softly.
Liles paused. "Nag pursued them into the Frostwood. We… await his final confirmation."
Henry rubbed his temples, visibly pained. "It never ends…"
The King leaned forward, voice heavy with something deeper than weariness. "Gather the nobles. All of them. The Knights-Commander. The Archmages. The High Houses."
Liles blinked, stunned. Even he couldn't hide the flicker of shock on his face. "You're calling… The Aurum Convergence?"
The King nodded, grave. "We can't hide the Sureva affair any longer. The realm needs answers… and unity. It's time."
Liles forced himself to bow again, masking his surprise with a smile. "As you command, Your Majesty."
The King's image flickered as he ended the transmission, leaving Liles alone once more.
The Duke exhaled slowly, turning to the empty ruin with a predatory grin curling on his lips.
"So… even the old lions are coming to the table."
He chuckled quietly to himself.
"Let the vultures gather."