The Stone Fortress of Tinaver had become an indisputable landmark over the last few years.
Conceived and personally erected by the current Beast God, Rygar Adoldia, with the masterful use of his Earth Magic, it was an engineering and sorcery feat of such magnitude that many claimed not even hordes of dragons could breach its defenses.
Its walls were made mostly of a dense, black rock, with successive layers of magical reinforcements.
Each layer had a specific function: one rock resistant to impact, another designed to disperse kinetic energy, among others.
The fortress was not only resilient; it was designed in minute detail to defend, repel, and counterattack.
At the beginning of the conflict against the Holy Country of Milis, an influential noble house sent a squad of assassins to infiltrate the fortress-city and eliminate the Legion's key leaders.
It was an experienced group, with dozens of successful missions, capable of infiltrating even some of Milis's most heavily guarded noble mansions.
However, they didn't even make it through the city gates. They were intercepted at one of the fortress walls by a giant wolf ridden by a dwarf named Rufus.
In less than two minutes, over ten beast warriors appeared, surrounded the squad, and annihilated them without making a sound.
Rufus, who would later receive the title "Earth Breaker," didn't even record the incident as significant. He considered it a routine skirmish and moved on with his tasks.
The fact that an elite group had been destroyed so quickly and without official acknowledgment only increased the fear surrounding the Stone Fortress.
In the noble circle of Milis, the incident echoed as a silent warning: Tinaver was no longer a place to be underestimated.
Over time, the fortress gained even more protective layers. With the arrival of Verdia Solarion and Lisena Adoldia, the enchantments multiplied.
The elf, with extensive knowledge in Barrier Magic, taught her techniques to Lisena, who, with her aptitude for Chantless Magic, strengthened them several times over.
Verdia then established magical circles at strategic points around the entire fortress, creating a constantly active Barrier, powered by magical crystals extracted both from monsters and from mines under the supervision of the Iron Legion.
Rufus Pinnacle Sea, with his natural affinity for earth and Chantless Magic, expanded the fortress-city's infrastructure with buildings designed to endure and shelter.
He created underground passages, reinforced lodgings, and observation towers integrated into the terrain. In just a few years, Tinaver became the second most impenetrable location on the entire Milis continent.
Only Milishion, the sacred city, still surpassed Tinaver in that regard.
Surrounded by the legendary Seven Magic Towers, whose arcane complexity was such that not even the most renowned mages dared claim they could replicate them, Milishion maintained its throne as the unshakeable stronghold of civilization.
In times of peace, their use was nothing more than controlling the flow of water during seasonal rains to prevent flooding.
But that was deceptive, for the Towers had been crucial in resisting the Laplace invasion during the war four centuries ago.
It can even be said that the Seven Magic Towers were the main reason why Milishion was the only city to repel the demonic invasion and hold out until the end.
Still, the existence of the Seven Magic Towers did not diminish the glory of the Stone Fortress.
The fact that Rygar had created something of that magnitude in a relatively short period caused amazement and unease among both allies and enemies.
Some wondered: what would happen if the Beast God had time to build something even greater?
Now, in times of open war, the fortress buzzed with constant activity. Troops trained in the parade grounds, blacksmiths worked tirelessly, and messengers ran everywhere with war reports.
The Iron Legion's headquarters, once a practical fortress-city, had transformed into a center of strategy and command.
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Meanwhile, Rygar walked and conversed on the way to Tinaver.
By his side were Verdia, chatting happily with him; Lerov, observing the surroundings closely; Kilian, with a serious but relaxed demeanor; and Pursena, hopping along carefreely.
The last time Rygar returned, a few days ago, he found Weys outside and didn't even have the chance to enter, as he immediately set out to aid Verdia and her group.
Now, he was eager to see the changes.
What had once been a provisional base had become the true headquarters of the Iron Legion.
The great dark stone construction was already visible on the horizon, its contours standing out against the blue sky above the region.
The Stone Fortress of Tinaver remained imposing, silent, and strong as an ancient mountain.
But among the approaching group, two people in particular didn't seem in much of a hurry.
There were still several days until the day of the War Council, and Rygar took advantage of the time with a certain nonchalance.
At that moment, he was manipulating lightning around his arm, sparks dancing over his skin like electric serpents, crackling in the air and illuminating the path in small bursts of bluish light.
Beside him, Verdia watched with curious attention, her eyes fixed on the movement of the discharges, arms crossed, but her face clearly intrigued.
Rygar had only managed to develop Lightning Magic at a higher level after leaving the Great Forest.
Those in Tinaver had already seen him use this ability—especially during the attack on the slaver base and other subsequent missions—but those he left in the Great Forest, like his master, had not yet witnessed such mastery.
In truth, Rygar had created and developed many other magical applications after leaving the Great Forest, things quite out of the ordinary.
Regeneration Magic. Lightning Magic. Nuclear Magic. Flight Magic. Underwater Breathing Magic.
A modified Barrier Magic, structured like programming code. And also: Gravity Magic, Vacuum Magic... and others he hadn't fully tested yet.
There was much he could share—with his closest friends, of course. But especially with Verdia, his master.
Even if it was unlikely they could master these abilities at the same level as him...
Actually, that was good in a way; Rygar still wanted to keep some of his tricks to himself. One never knew what might appear to try to kill him suddenly…
Speaking of which, Rygar still hadn't told anyone about Eidar's death at the hands of the Dragon God. Not even Kilian or Taes.
In fact, he didn't plan to inform everyone until the war against Milis was over. One enemy at a time.
Still, he knew he couldn't keep that secret forever. He had already decided to tell those closest to him after the War Council.
So far, no one had questioned Eidar's absence; after all, the original plan was for him to remain at the dojo of the Water God Style from the beginning.
And Rygar hadn't sent any letters about his death either. Wanting to prevent them from getting any crazy ideas about killing the Dragon God.
But eventually, someone would ask how he was.
Amid the relaxed conversations during the journey, Rygar discovered a piece of news that warmed his heart: his little sister had already been born! She was a girl, and her name was Ruby.
She was named that because her eyes shone with an intense red, like ruby.
Rygar was surprised to learn that her birth had been as difficult as his own.
If Lisena hadn't been present, using her Chantless Healing Magic, both his mother, Selene, and the child might not have survived.
But she was there. And even though Selene needed a recovery period, both of them were now healthy. That was great news.
He was eager to meet her. Ruby. His sister's name spun in his mind as he was distracted by his own thoughts.
Meanwhile, he continued demonstrating his Lightning Magic to Verdia, explaining the principles behind manipulating the element, conducting mana in unstable patterns, and the absolute concentration needed.
It was then that Verdia asked, with a pensive expression:
"And you can't use lightning together with that speed technique you used? What was it called again… Ah! Flash Step, that's right! Can you do something like that?"
Her eyes seemed to sparkle with curiosity, and her excited expression was particularly adorable.
Rygar smiled faintly.
"I'm already working on it…" he replied. "In fact, during the last month of travel to get here, I made some progress on that technique."
The elf continued asking several questions. How did he initiate the displacement? Didn't the body suffer from the acceleration? How did he stabilize the direction? What were the risks? What possible evolutions were there?
Rygar answered them all, happy to share his ideas.
Verdia was one of the few people with whom he felt comfortable opening up his thought process, and it was clear she enjoyed dissecting Rygar's thoughts even more.
They continued walking slowly, in no hurry to reach their destination. Part of that was not wanting to interrupt their conversation.
Sometimes, Kilian and Pursena joined in the conversation, but it was mainly Verdia and Rygar who spoke.
Lerov rarely commented, after all, he didn't know much about Rygar and, even less, had any relevant magical knowledge to follow the topics that arose.
Eventually, the group approached the gates of Tinaver, and everyone naturally assumed a more serious posture.
Only Verdia remained as always, but Kilian's expression had changed completely.
His face was serious, his eyes sharp, and the aura emanating from him seemed that of a warrior ready for war.
He walked a few steps ahead and, before they were even near the gate, Rygar noticed that the fortress garrison had already been notified of their arrival.
He found it strange.
Before he could ask, Kilian stepped forward and explained:
"Each of the gates has a member of a demonic race who can see very far, like an eagle."
Rygar nodded in understanding. His enhanced senses picked up fragments of conversations coming from the watchtowers, confirming what Kilian had said.
"By the way," Kilian added with a slight smile, "I ordered them to prepare a grand reception for you. Any problem with that?"
Rygar raised an eyebrow:
"As long as it's nothing too extravagant… and doesn't last too long, it's fine."
Rygar still had many old friends to visit; he had to introduce Ghislaine and Eris to his master… and also gather as much information as possible before the War Council.
Kilian hesitated for a brief moment, then nodded:
"I'll cancel the banquet and festivities then, after all, we're at war."
Rygar also noticed large banners embroidered with the symbol of the Beast God, which appeared on the Seven Great Powers stone.
The symbol had the shape of some kind of wolf-like beast.
After asking Kilian, he learned that the Iron Legion had adopted the symbol as its crest a few months ago.
With a deep rumble, the stone gate began to rise slowly. The group passed through tranquilly, entering the fortress.
The fortress-city of Tinaver was monumental, just as Rygar remembered.
Massive dark stone structures, watchtowers as tall as mountains, vast inner courtyards, and a few wooden halls made from the ancient trees of the Great Forest.
The architecture was functional, but with artistic touches from the region's craftsmen: reliefs on the walls, sculptures, Iron Legion banners fluttering in the wind.
Trained soldiers marched in groups through the courtyards, practicing formations, casting spells at stone targets, or exchanging blows in open arenas.
Many paused their training when they saw the group approaching, murmuring among themselves and discreetly pointing.
On each side of the main path, a row of ten warriors clad in dark gray armor formed an honor guard.
As soon as Rygar passed them, one of the soldiers stepped forward and announced in a strong, clear voice using Howling Magic:
"Arriving at the fortress are the Beast God, leader of the Iron Legion, and Kilian Dedoldia, second general of the vanguard force, with their retinue!"
The voice echoed throughout the fortress like thunder. And soon, what had seemed an almost silent city exploded into life.
A crowd gathered in front.
Men, women, young warriors, merchants, mage apprentices, elders—all wanted to see with their own eyes their leader, the Beast God who had made such an impact on the battlefields.
As Rygar's deeds spread with the allied army messengers, his fame grew rapidly.
Many considered him the personification of the storm ravaging Milis's enemies.
Excited shouts, cheers, and ovations erupted from the crowd as he appeared. His name was chanted enthusiastically.
Rygar smiled and waved to the people. Despite still maintaining some emotional distance, he couldn't deny that seeing so many people placing their trust in him was something that moved him.
He began to expand his senses, filtering the scents in the air, and soon detected the familiar aroma of his companions: Ghislaine, Eris… and Aisha.
He followed the subtle trail with half-closed eyes and realized they were not in the central base but in a building beside it.
As they traversed the main path of the fortress, flanked by applause and celebration, Rygar kept his posture firm.
Tinaver was buzzing with the approach of the War Council.
Warriors and commanders from various parts of Milis were arriving, and the tension in the air was almost palpable.
There were still weeks until the day of the Council, but each step taken within that fortress was a prelude to something great approaching.
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Pursena Adoldia
Age: 13 years
Mana Reserves: King Level
Magical Skills:
Fire Magic: Advanced
Earth Magic: Advanced
Wind Magic: Advanced
Water Magic: Saint
Healing Magic: Advanced
Detoxification Magic: Advanced
Barrier Magic: Intermediate
Howling Magic: Mastery
Combat Skills:
Water God Style: Advanced
North God Style: Advanced
Battle Strength: Saint
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Linia Dedoldia
Age: 13 years
Mana Reserves: King Level
Magical Skills:
Fire Magic: Advanced
Earth Magic: Advanced
Wind Magic: Advanced
Water Magic: Intermediate
Healing Magic: Advanced
Detoxification Magic: Advanced
Barrier Magic: Intermediate
Howling Magic: Mastery
Combat Skills:
North God Style: Advanced
Sword God Style: Advanced
Battle Strength: Saint
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