Within the forest that bordered the Kingdom of Carpathia lived a tribe deemed barbaric by both the kingdom and the Empire alike. These men and women had learned to survive in a land that breathed mana—a place where magical density shifted without warning, altering nature, climate, and even the behavior of beasts.
That instability forced the tribe to keep moving without rest, seeking safer ground before the forest's creatures awakened, drawn by surges of energy.
Villagers from neighboring realms feared them. From time to time, the so-called barbarians descended from the woods like a storm—raiding, vanishing into the mist before armies could muster a response. Yet pursuing them into the forest was suicide. No one who ventured after them returned alive.
Thus, generation after generation, the tribe became legend: savages guarded by the very magic others feared.
Despite their reputation, their people were not chaotic. They had laws, hierarchy, and a deeply spiritual culture. Elders taught the young the art of combat and the secrets of ancient magic, passed down by shamans who could commune with the spirits of the forest.
Their rituals were solemn. Their chants sought nature's protection. And their stronghold, though primitive in appearance, was unbreakable in will.
But that strength was now being tested.
High in the mountains, a Class A–Omega creature had made its nest. Its attacks were relentless. At dawn, its shadow swallowed entire camps, leaving ruin in its wake. As if that were not enough, the Empire had invaded Askabin, dispatching a legion to capture members of the tribe and reduce them to slavery.
The forest—refuge for centuries—had become a trap.
The tribe's leader, Refrvollr Invald Bekker, summoned the elders around the central fire. Their weathered faces flickered in the flame's glow.
"If this continues," Invald said gravely, "our tribe will be annihilated."
"We cannot allow that," replied Aleksander, the First Elder. "We must find a way to counter both the creature and the Empire at once."
"We can call upon the spirits," Joar proposed. "If we understand the beast's essence, perhaps we will uncover its weakness."
"And we must remain vigilant," added Ingherd. "Though the legion was decimated by monsters, the Empire will not rest until it finishes what it began."
"We could seek allies," said Goran. "If we find refuge in a kingdom, we might at least buy time."
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"Unity will be our strength," Linn declared. "Without it, not even the gods could save us."
The leader nodded slowly. A shadow of sorrow lingered in his gaze.
"Years ago," he said, "my eldest daughter was taken by a noble of Carpathia. I believed her lost forever. But recently, I managed to contact her. She now holds an important position within the kingdom. I sent her a letter… and she has promised to help us. Perhaps we may find refuge among her people before our tribe disappears."
The elders exchanged silent glances. It was a risk—but also their only hope.
"If that woman remains loyal to her blood," Aleksander murmured, "she could save us."
"Or doom us," Goran warned. "We do not know whether she still remembers who she is."
Linn, the leader's wife, raised her voice.
"I will lead the negotiation party. If there is a trap, I will pay the price."
Invald inclined his head.
"I trust you. And I trust our daughter. She would not betray us."
The meeting ended as the fire burned low. Outside, a thin rain tapped against the hide tents.
Inside his hut, Invald found his younger daughter, Brigir, waiting anxiously.
"Did you reach an agreement?" she asked.
"Yes. We will send a delegation to Carpathia to negotiate a pact," her father replied.
Brigir's eyes lit with hope.
"Father, let me go with them. I want to see my sister Sylvi."
Linn stiffened instantly.
"No. It is too dangerous. If they discover you are an Omega woman, you will become a target."
"I can take care of myself," Brigir insisted, her voice trembling with restrained anger. "I don't want to hide while others risk their lives."
Invald stepped closer, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"Daughter, the gods sent you to guide our people one day. You cannot take this risk now. Your brother Hippo will inherit leadership—but you… you represent the future."
"I don't want to be a leader," she murmured. "I just want to see my sister."
"We will speak of this later," Linn said with a weary sigh. "For now, we must focus on saving the tribe."
That night, while the elders prepared the expedition, Brigir remained awake, staring toward the mountains.
The roar of the A–Omega echoed in the distance, and the forest answered with a deep, almost human resonance.
She tightened her fingers around a small white feather—a keepsake from her sister Sylvi—and swore silently that she would see her again.
Even if she had to walk through hell to do it.
Even if she had to walk through hell to do it.
Rules of the Magical Convergence Tournament
At the Royal Academy of Carpathia, a special tournament was held each year in which mages and knights faced one another under strict regulations.
Its purpose: to allow both disciplines to measure their true combat effectiveness—without bloodshed.
Objective of the Trial
Knights must advance within the dueling circle and physically reach the mage before being struck down or immobilized.
Mages, in turn, must maintain distance and neutralize their opponent without crossing the inner boundary of the circle.
General Conditions
Duration: Each match lasts a maximum of three minutes or until one participant is incapacitated.
Battlefield: A magical ring thirty meters in diameter, divided by concentric circles of energy that amplify spells while simultaneously limiting physical speed within the area.
Permitted Equipment
Knights: Light armor and a single blunted (training) weapon.
Mages: Only Beta-level spells or lower (non-lethal).
Damage Restrictions
The use of spells or strikes capable of causing fatal injuries is strictly forbidden.
