Cassian trained in the Training Field for hours, though only an hour passed outside due to the time dilation. He emerged only when hunger gnawed at him. Inside, he repeatedly battled the stone-skinned Circle Warrior, practicing dodging the massive hammer. In countless duels, he managed to defeat the warrior each time using the Gale Whisper’s Still Wind Strike, which proved consistently effective.
However, victory always came at a cost. No matter how hard he tried to avoid it, Cassian couldn’t escape taking a few hammer blows. The simulation’s adaptive nature made it challenging—each time he varied his techniques, the system adjusted the warrior’s movements to counter his actions, ensuring Cassian couldn’t win without enduring at least some hits.
Despite his hunger, Cassian sought out Lumine first, as she had mentioned wanting to explore Karmen’s city. He was also curious to get a sense of what was happening there, particularly why a Seventh Circle Warrior was struggling against feral monsters.
Sure, those creatures were dangerous and strong, but a warrior with seven circles could defeat virtually any monster, even a 10-star, the highest evolutionary stage—except for the rare, mythical Emperor Monsters. Those hadn’t appeared in so long that texts mentioning them were millennia old, considered more legend than fact.
As Cassian discussed this with Lumine, she speculated, "It might be because he’s injured. I heard from my sister that fights between high-circle warriors or against powerful mages can cause deep wounds, one’s even their miraculous abilities can’t fully heal."
"That’s one theory," Cassian said, scanning the bustling city. Soldiers patrolled everywhere, checking identities, even stopping Cassian and Lumine despite their casual attire.
"But with this many soldiers in their army, I doubt they need our help," he continued. "On our way to the castle, I saw thousands of them on guard, and even more at the castle itself." The training chambers had been packed with soldier-mages and Circle Warriors too. What could Magesteria’s thousand-strong force add to such a massive army? They’d be a mere drop in the bucket—unless, of course, you counted high-ranking figures like Commander Naset and the elite Circle Warriors and mages at their side.
Cassian and Lumine continued walking through the crowded streets of Karmen’s city, the clamor of footsteps and murmured conversations filling the air. The towering stone buildings loomed overhead, their surfaces etched with intricate runes that pulsed faintly with mana. Soldiers in gleaming armor moved in disciplined formations, their eyes sharp as they scanned the crowd. Cassian adjusted his cloak, feeling the weight of their scrutiny even in his plain clothes.
Lumine tilted her head, her silver hair catching the sunlight as she glanced at a passing patrol. "You’re right about the numbers," she said, her voice thoughtful. "But if a Seventh Circle Warrior is struggling, it’s not just about manpower. Something’s off. Maybe it’s not just an injury."
Cassian raised an eyebrow, sidestepping a merchant cart piled high with glowing crystals. "What do you mean? You think there’s more to it than some old wound?"
She nodded, her eyes narrowing. "Think about it. A Seventh Circle Warrior can take down a 10-star monster like it’s nothing. Even if they’re hurt, they’d still outclass most threats."
"Yeah, that’s why I’m a bit suspicious about why we’re really here and why they’re the only ones getting pushed back by the cult," Cassian said, his mind drifting to the secret mission Julius had assigned him. "One theory I have is that the cult has infiltrated the earl’s inner circle. They’re using their influence to sabotage him, making it so he can’t even fend off some monsters."
Cassian and Lumine continued through Karmen’s bustling streets, weaving past patrolling soldiers until the savory aroma of grilled meat drew them to a food stall. Skewers sizzled over an open flame, and Cassian’s stomach growled. "Let’s eat here," he said, already eyeing the juicy meat.
As they approached, the stall owner, a wiry man with a grease-stained apron, grinned. "Fresh off the grill! Best skewers in Karmen!" he boasted, flipping a skewer with a practiced flick.
Cassian ordered a handful, handing a few to Lumine. While they waited, he leaned in, keeping his voice low. "So, what do you think? If the cult’s got people in the earl’s circle, it’d explain why his forces are struggling against monsters a Seventh Circle Warrior should crush."
Lumine nodded, biting into a skewer. "Makes sense. If they’re sabotaging from within, no wonder the earl’s losing ground. But why call us in? Magesteria’s team seems like overkill with all these soldiers."
The stall owner overheard, chuckling as he passed them more skewers. "You two talking about the earl’s troubles? Word around here is the cult’s got spies everywhere. Some say even the castle’s not safe. Been hearing whispers of strange folk in black cloaks slipping through the gates at night."
Cassian’s ears perked up, his suspicion deepening. "You’ve seen them?" he asked, trying to sound casual.
"Not me, but my cousin swears he spotted a cloaked figure near the castle’s west wall two nights ago," the owner replied, wiping his hands on his apron. "Vanished before the guards could catch ’em. Everyone’s on edge. That’s why soldiers are checking every face in the city."
As Cassian chewed on a skewer, mulling over the intel he’d gathered from stall owners, he asked, "What about the monsters? Heard anything about why they’re causing so much trouble for the earl that he needed Magesteria’s help?"
"Oh, yeah, I heard they showed up this morning," the stall owner replied, grilling more skewers. He continued, "Us regular folks don’t hear much, but I overheard some soldiers saying it wasn’t the earl who called for help from Magesteria—it was his younger brother. As for why the monsters are such a problem, well, I reckon it’s because the earl put that damn brat in charge of the army."
Confused, Cassian asked, "What do you mean? Isn’t the earl commanding the army himself?"
"Nah, he doesn’t even step onto the battlefield," the owner said, his voice tinged with anger. "It’s his daughter leading the army, losing our brave soldiers just to stroke her ego." He muttered under his breath, "Fucking bitch..."