The halls of the Order stretched before Dux, bathed in the soft glow of enchanted crystals. His boots echoed faintly as he walked, his mind preoccupied. A familiar figure caught his eye—Ianira, with her dark, sharp gaze and a quiet presence that always seemed ready to unravel mysteries.
“Ianira,” Dux called, his voice calm but inviting. “Join me in my office. There’s something I need to discuss.”
She hesitated for a moment before falling in step behind him.
Further down the hall, Aristomache appeared, her stride confident, her presence commanding attention as always. Dux’s expression softened. “Aristomache, perfect timing. Come with me, we have some important matters to cover.”
A short while later, Nyxia emerged from an adjoining corridor, her arms crossed and her silver hair shimmering faintly in the lantern light. She arched a brow at Dux, who merely gestured toward the growing group with a slight smirk.
“Nyxia, I trust you’re not busy. Consider yourself part of this discussion. Let’s go.”
The three followed Dux through the winding corridors until they reached his office. The room was modest by the Order’s standards, cluttered with books and reports. Dux moved with practiced ease, retrieving a neatly stacked file from his desk.
With a sigh, he placed the report before them, leaning back slightly as his gaze swept across the group.
“You’ve probably heard rumors about the shores near Lakeshear. Mysterious, mournful sounds echo across the lake after sunset—sounds that no one can explain. Fishermen have seen spectral figures that vanish the moment they approach, and the nearest village is being crushed under sudden waves of despair.”
He let the weight of his words linger before continuing.
“The Order suspects these phenomena are connected to an ancient water spirit. Bound to the lake long ago by a forgotten summoning ritual, it seems that something—or someone—has stirred it awake.”
Dux’s expression turned serious, his tone steady and firm.
“You’ll be traveling to Aquaris to meet with Nerina. She’s the one who sent the request and likely knows more about what’s been happening near the lake. I’ve assigned Elias to this mission as well. He’s a veteran—reliable, experienced, and an excellent mentor.”
He glanced at Ianira, his gaze lingering for just a second longer than necessary before turning back to the others.
“This mission is delicate. You’ll need to move carefully, understand the nature of the spirit, and ensure no harm comes to the villagers—or yourselves. Trust in Elias’s guidance and trust in one another. Dismissed.”
With that, he leaned back in his chair, watching as the group exchanged looks.