The morning sun bathed the village in warm light as the preparations for departure reached their conclusion.

  The air carried the quiet murmur of villagers going about their tasks, though their gazes occasionally lingered on the duo who stood by the gate.

  Lucian and Leo had been methodically packing their supplies for hours.

  Their modest packs contained the essentials: dried rations, water skins, spare clothes, and small tools for survival.

  Lucian insisted on going through everything twice.

  "We're only going for a scouting mission, not a pilgrimage, Father." Leo quipped, shifting his weight impatiently as he adjusted the straps of his pack.

  Lucian didn't look up from his task, his hands meticulously securing a strap.

  "Preparedness is what separates a survivor from a victim. Besides, I won't be making this trip twice if I can help it."

  Leo chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You could pack an entire kitchen and still find something missing."

  Before Lucian could retort, the sound of hurried footsteps caught their attention.

  A group of boys—Marcus, Dylan, Matthew, and Luke—came running toward them. Their expressions were a mix of excitement and sorrow, their pace slowing as they neared.

  "Father, do you really have to go?" Dylan's small hands gripped Lucian's robes tightly, his voice quivering.

  Lucian knelt to meet the boy's gaze, placing a steady hand on his shoulder.

  "I do, Dylan. There are things I need to do to make sure the village stays safe. But I promise I'll come back."

  "What if-" Dylan's voice cracked, his wide eyes brimming with unshed tears.

  Lucian's voice softened, yet it carried an undeniable firmness. "No 'what ifs,' Dylan. You're braver than this. I've seen it in you."

  He glanced up at Luke and Matthew. "And you have your brothers to look after you. Isn't that right?"

  The older boys exchanged hesitant glances before nodding.

  "We'll take care of him," Luke said, though his voice was barely above a whisper, trying to hold back his tears.

  Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

  "We'll keep him safe until you're back, Father" Matthew added, putting on a brave expression.

  "Good," Lucian said with a small smile. "I'm counting on you both. Be good older brothers, alright?"

  Leo crouched beside them, ruffling Dylan's hair. "And don't forget about your studies. Just because I'm gone doesn't mean you guys are on vacation, okay? By the time I'm back, I expect you all to be able to write faster than me."

  Dylan sniffled, managing a weak smile. "Just wait for it. I'll definitely be writing much faster and more beautiful than you in no time."

  As the boys reluctantly stepped back, Theo approached, his tall frame and composed demeanor adding a sense of reassurance to the scene. He crossed his arms, giving Lucian a worried look.

  "Are you sure about this?" Theo asked, his voice low.

  Lucian straightened, meeting his gaze with equal gravity. "I have to be. Besides, I'm sure the village will be safe with you here. I trust you to hold things together."

  Theo sighed lightly but didn't argue. "Just... don't get yourself killed. I don't want to explain that to the kids."

  A flicker of hesitation crossed Lucian's expression.

  He's right. This isn't without risk.

  But I have no choice.

  The system only responds when danger is imminent. If I can find that danger... maybe I can earn more time.

  A quick glance at the translucent timer in the corner of his vision reminded him of the weight he bore.

  [5 months and 29 days left]

  Lucian exhaled sharply, pushing the thought aside. "I'll be careful."

  By the convent, Agnes stood waiting with a bundle of scarves draped over her arm.

  "It'll get colder as you head north," she said, handing one to each of them. "Don't be reckless. If it's too dangerous, come back."

  Lucian offered a faint smile, wrapping the scarf around his neck. "Thank you, Agnes."

  "And remember what we talked about—cooperation is key. No rash decisions while I'm gone."

  The Council members, standing a few steps behind her, nodded in agreement.

  "Don't worry, Father. We'll keep things running here. You just focus on your mission." Barret spoke up.

  The villagers had gathered near the gates, children and adults alike forming a somber crowd.

  Lucian and Leo turned to address them one last time.

  "Children," Leo called out with a wave, "keep practicing your writing! No slacking off while I'm gone. When I get back, I expect you all to write faster than you can run."

  This drew a few giggles from the children, their gloomy expressions brightening.

  Lucian knelt once more, embracing the young ones. "Be good, all of you. You're the future of this village. Don't forget that."

  When the goodbyes were said and done, Lucian climbed onto Leo's back.

  The beastboy crouched slightly, his muscles coiling before he launched forward in a powerful sprint.

  The wind rushed past them as they left the village behind, the fields of wheat swaying gently in their wake.

  The crops were thriving, their growth a testament to the villagers' hard work.

  Yet Lucian's thoughts were far from the tillering fields.

  The cursed zone of Kraina loomed ahead, its history etched into the old ruins that dotted its landscape.

  There are five major castles in the county.

  The castle city in the east, outside the cursed zone where the count resided.

  The central fortress, near Ciara, now abandoned and marked for dismantling.

  Two strongholds are in the south.

  And the northern castle, their destination, rumored to be a refuge for escaped beastmen slaves.

  Leo's voice broke the silence. "Do you really think the beastmen will join us?"

  "We can't be sure. But we don't have much choice," Lucian replied, adjusting his scarf against the biting wind.

  "Security is our biggest weakness. As long as either you or Theo has to stay behind constantly, our movements are limited. With more warriors, we'll finally have the freedom to do more."

  "And if they don't want to join?" Leo pressed, his tone serious.

  Lucian's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Don't worry, we'll convince them. They're survivors, Leo. Oppressed, outcast. If anyone understands the value of freedom, it's them."

  Leo grunted in response, his focus returning to the road.

  As they ran along the river Isen, the flat plains gradually gave way to rough and rocky terrain.

  "It's uncanny, isn't it?" Leo points out.

  "Yes. There's an abundancy of water, yet there's no plant in sight." Lucian responds.

  The air grew colder. Lucian tightened his scarf, his thoughts racing.

  The northern castle is a gamble.

  But if we succeed, this cursed zone will no longer be a place of exile.

  It will become a stronghold.

  My stronghold.

  As they pressed onward, the sun gradually dissapeared, casting the long shadows from the protruding rocks formations around them, but Lucian's resolve only grew stronger.

  Whatever awaited them at the northern castle, he was determined to face it head-on.