Lyra and her group, after having rested sufficiently, headed toward the city in Medici territory to complete the mission entrusted to them by the clan chief.
As they ran through the forest, dodging trees at high speed, they drew closer and closer to the city.
Lyra ran at a steady pace, clouds of steam escaping from her mouth with every breath she took. Her gaze scanned the surroundings for any danger, although there was little that could threaten her in that forest.
They continued advancing through snow-covered trees and bushes until, after an hour and a half, they emerged from the forest and saw in the distance the walls that protected the city from the waves of beasts.
After a few minutes, they arrived at the entrance, where they were greeted warmly by the guards who guarded the gate.
"Welcome back, young lady Lyra."
Lyra gave the guards a small smile, walked through the entrance, and entered the city.
There, the residents greeted her with smiles on their faces when they saw her. Even when they passed by a fruit stand, the vendor gave each member of the group a purple and black apple.
"The young lady is still as popular as ever," said John, biting into the black apple the vendor had given him.
"No wonder the young lady’s nickname is ’Red Sun,’" commented Aria, another member of Lyra’s group, whose long blonde hair covered the bow she wore on her back.
Hugo, with delicate features and blue eyes like gems, tall and with a shield on his back, spoke:
"Young lady, why don’t you return for the succession fight? I’m sure the clan chief would be delighted. Many in the city would like you to be the leader of the Medici clan."
Lyra’s red eyes turned to the people walking down the streets and greeting her cheerfully. After a brief moment, she replied:
"Return... I won’t do it. I wouldn’t be able to take my brothers’ lives. Although they wouldn’t hesitate to do so, I will stand firm in my principles, as I always have."
Everyone was silent for a moment before speaking again.
"Then why doesn’t he join one of his brothers? The fourth young master is a great candidate to be the next leader of the clan," said Aella, her gaze fixed on the walls surrounding the city.
"That’s true, the young lady could join one side, although I would support the fifth young lady," added another.
"I would support the first young master. He has a lot of support, as well as being the oldest."
"If I had to support someone, it would be the seventh young master," said Aria, as if he weren’t the best choice.
However, all the members of the group looked at her in surprise. They didn’t expect that name to be mentioned.
"Why did you choose the seventh young master?" asked John, his voice full of curiosity.
Aria put her index finger to her lips as she replied:
"Hmm... The reason is quite simple. First, he is the most talented: he created his dantian and magic circle by himself. In addition, he is brilliant, and the clan chief seems to be very attentive to him."
Lyra agreed with the latter. Her younger brother, Kael, was extremely talented for someone his age.
They continued walking along the snow-covered cobblestone streets for a few minutes until they reached the mansion, which was set back from the city.
Upon arrival, Lyra separated from her group members and headed toward the training ground with the stone of origin in her hand.
After passing through the garden, she arrived at the training ground, where she saw the toad-shaped tent (Bufo bufo) and entered it.
Inside, old Roy was sitting at a desk covered with neatly organized documents, and when he sensed her arrival, he looked up.
"So you’re the second one to arrive," he said, putting aside the documents and crossing his arms.
Lyra’s red eyes opened slightly.
"Second to arrive? Wasn’t I first?"
Old Roy shook his head slightly.
"Not this time. The first was the seventh young master, who completed the dungeon yesterday," his voice still had a hint of surprise.
Lyra stood still for a moment before recovering. That information took her by surprise. Her younger brother had completed the dungeon in just a few hours.
She knew Kael was talented, but not to this extent. She sighed deeply. This was good for her.
She handed the stone of origin to the elderly Roy, who began to inspect it with great care.
After a few seconds, he said:
"It’s authentic. As the clan chief said, the reward will be delivered by him in a week. You may leave now."
Lyra nodded and left the tent, calmly heading straight for her room; she didn’t like being dirty and covered in blood.
The sun was shining brightly; the sky was clear, without a single cloud to obstruct its light.
But the cold and snow were still present on the mountain. However, some of the trees there were already beginning to grow leaves again.
The Medici mansion was bustling with activity; the servants diligently carried out their tasks.
All the young masters who had been appointed standard-bearers had returned before the deadline imposed by Zephyr.
Now, both the wives and the young masters were in the great hall, summoned by the clan chief.
Zephyr sat on the throne as he watched his children, wives, and the elderly Roy.
This time, Alessia was also in the hall, calm and indifferent. His legs were crossed, and his head, resting on the edge of the throne, held his chin.
He began to speak calmly:
"A week has passed, and all of you have completed the mission I gave you. Some were faster than others."
Everyone present knew who he was referring to when he mentioned the speed of clearing the dungeon.
"Everyone did a good job completing the assigned mission. They formed their groups and cleared the dungeon within the one-week time frame."
The young masters and ladies who had been selected as standard-bearers, except Kael, were filled with happiness upon hearing their father’s praise, as he rarely praised them.
Meanwhile, the others who had not been selected watched helplessly and jealously. But that was all they could do; if they wanted to attract attention, they needed to become stronger. This ignited a spark within them.
"Since everyone completed the dungeon, I will tell you what the rewards are for each of you."