Chapitre 33: A Noble Burden
The Academy's main hall was packed with squads gathered for the late afternoon briefing. Orin and his team sat near the front, where General Sheil Luthren stood, her sharp eyes scanning the room. Her silver-plated armor gleamed under the light of the hanging chandeliers, a stark contrast to her stern demeanor.
"For this mission," she began, her voice carrying effortlessly across the room, "we are departing from our usual operations. This assignment is a matter of political importance, requiring discretion and precision."
The room buzzed with murmurs. Escort missions were rare for Hachi Academy students, who typically handled threats like Monari or rogue Blood Hunters. Orin exchanged a glance with Wake, who raised an eyebrow in curiosity.
Luthren continued, her gaze cutting through the noise. "Two noble families have requested the Academy's assistance. Their daughters—Lady Amara Vorlath of House Vorlath and Lady Kaelyn Zevryn of House Zevryn—must travel safely to Dristelle for a political summit. Your mission is to ensure their safe passage."
The room fell silent as the weight of the task sank in. The Vorlath and Zevryn families were among the most influential in the kingdom, their power deeply intertwined with the monarchy. Any threat to them could destabilize alliances and invite chaos.
"Dristelle?" Zeela muttered under her breath, her tone thoughtful. "That's neutral territory. Why not use royal escorts?"
"They probably don't trust them," Starke said quietly, his gaze fixed on the general. "And neither would I."
Luthren's voice drew their attention back. "The journey will be fraught with danger. The rogues operating near the forested routes have been linked to organized factions with unknown motives. Your job is to ensure these young women reach their destination unharmed. Failure is not an option."
As the briefing concluded, Luthren's eyes swept over Orin's squad. "Zeela, Starke, Wake, Orin—you'll take this mission. Report to the stables at dawn."
Orin followed his team to the courtyard, the fading light casting long shadows across the stone paths. The tension was palpable as they gathered near the fountain.
"Well, that sounds fun," Wake said, leaning against the edge of the fountain. "Playing babysitter for nobles? Definitely not what I signed up for."
"It's not just about them," Zeela said sharply. "This mission is about maintaining balance. If anything happens to those girls, it could shake the kingdom."
"Still doesn't make it less boring," Wake muttered, earning a glare from Zeela.
Starke, ever pragmatic, crossed his arms. "Boring or not, we can't screw this up. If something happens to them, it's on us."
Orin nodded, his expression serious. "We'll handle it. It's an escort mission. How bad can it be?"
The morning sun had barely crested the horizon when the squad arrived at the stables. Two carriages stood waiting, each adorned with intricate sigils. The gold and silver insignias of House Vorlath and House Zevryn gleamed in the pale light, a mark of their noble lineage.
Orin adjusted the straps of his gear, his eyes scanning the surrounding area. The noblewomen soon emerged from the carriages, their presence commanding immediate attention.
Lady Amara Vorlath was tall and regal, her silver hair cascading down her back in perfect waves. Her icy blue eyes swept over the squad with a critical gaze. She wore a flowing violet cloak embroidered with golden patterns, her demeanor poised and formal.
Lady Kaelyn Zevryn was shorter, her dark brown hair tied back in a practical braid. Her emerald eyes sparkled with curiosity as she stepped forward, her traveling coat a mix of elegance and function. Unlike Amara, she carried herself with an approachable confidence.
"You must be our escort," Amara said coolly, her voice steady. "I trust you've been briefed on the importance of this mission."
Zeela stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We have, my lady. Your safety is our priority."
Kaelyn smiled warmly. "Thank you. It's reassuring to have such capable escorts."
Wake grinned. "You've heard of us, then?"
Kaelyn nodded. "Hachi Academy's reputation precedes it."
"Let's hope we live up to it," Starke said, his tone dry.
Amara raised an eyebrow but said nothing, turning to inspect the carriages. Orin caught Kaelyn's gaze as she looked at him with curiosity, her smile softening.
The journey began without incident. The carriages rolled steadily along the forested route, their wheels crunching against the dirt road. Orin rode alongside the first carriage, his senses sharp as he scanned the dense trees. Wake flanked the rear carriage, his movements relaxed but his eyes alert.
Inside the carriages, the noblewomen engaged in quiet conversation. Amara maintained her composed demeanor, speaking in measured tones, while Kaelyn occasionally peeked out of the window to observe the scenery.
"You don't seem nervous," Kaelyn said to Amara, her tone light.
Amara glanced at her. "There's no point in worrying about what we can't control. That's why we have them."
Kaelyn tilted her head. "You trust them?"
"They're competent," Amara replied. "And they know the stakes."
Kaelyn's gaze lingered on Orin, who rode alongside their carriage. "He seems… different."
Amara followed her line of sight. "He's focused. That's what matters."
As the sun dipped low in the sky, the group stopped in a clearing to set up camp. The carriages were positioned in a defensive circle, and the team worked efficiently to establish a secure perimeter.
Orin crouched near the fire, his claws retracting as he flexed his fingers. The tension in the air was palpable. The journey had been quiet so far—too quiet.
"They'll strike tonight," Zeela said, her voice low as she joined him. "This route's too valuable for them to ignore."
"I'll take first watch," Orin offered, his tone firm.
Zeela nodded. "Wake will join you. Be ready."
The night descended quickly, the forest shrouded in darkness. Orin stood near the edge of the clearing, his senses heightened. The faint rustle of leaves and the distant call of an owl were the only sounds.
"You think they're out there?" Wake asked, his voice breaking the silence.
Orin nodded. "They're watching. Waiting for us to make a mistake."
Wake flexed his fists, the faint glow of his energy illuminating his knuckles. "Good. Let them come."
Hours passed in tense silence, the camp bathed in the faint glow of the fire. Orin's instincts prickled as he scanned the shadows, his claws extending reflexively. The beast inside him stirred, its presence steady and watchful.
When the attack came, it was swift and coordinated.
A whistle cut through the air, followed by the sharp hiss of arrows. Orin moved instinctively, his claws deflecting a pair of projectiles before they could reach the carriages.
"Ambush!" Zeela shouted, her blade flashing as she intercepted a rogue lunging from the shadows.
The forest erupted into chaos as figures emerged from the darkness, their movements precise and deadly. Orin leapt into the fray, his claws tearing through the first attacker with practiced ease. The beast surged within him, its energy crackling beneath his skin.
"Protect the carriages!" Starke ordered, loosing an arrow that struck a rogue mid-leap.
Orin darted toward the lead carriage, where two attackers were attempting to climb onto the roof. With a roar, he leapt, his claws slashing through the air. The attackers fell, their bodies hitting the ground with a thud.
"Inside, now!" Orin barked, glancing at the noblewomen. Kaelyn hesitated, her eyes wide, but Amara pulled her back.
The fight raged on, the squad holding their ground against the relentless assault. Despite their training, the rogues' numbers were overwhelming, their strategy clear: delay and wear them down.
"They're pulling back!" Zeela called as another whistle cut through the chaos. The remaining rogues melted into the shadows, their retreat swift and coordinated.
Orin's chest heaved as he stood over the fallen attackers, his claws retracting. The camp fell silent once more, save for the crackling of the fire and the team's ragged breaths.
"Everyone okay?" Zeela asked, wiping blood from her blade.
"We're fine," Kaelyn said, stepping out of the carriage. Her gaze met Orin's. "Thanks to you."
Amara followed, her expression unreadable. "They'll strike again. We need to move."
Zeela nodded. "Agreed. We leave at first light."
As the group regrouped, Orin couldn't shake the feeling that the worst was yet to come. The rogues were organized, deliberate. Whoever was after the noblewomen wouldn't stop until they succeeded.
And Orin was determined to make sure they didn't.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
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Power Stone 
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