Still in the priests’ hall, Lukas’s body begged for rest, but his mind burned with unease.

  When he opened his eyes, he saw a sealed envelope on the wooden table — marked with the emblem of a dove, the insignia of Marcos Pigeon.

  He broke the seal slowly. The handwriting was firm yet hurried.

  It was Catarina.

  > “Lukas,

  The danger is imminent. We’ve stopped several quick strikes along the borders — not full invasions, but scouting touches.

  They vanish as soon as they appear, but we’ve seen this pattern before.

  Marcos Pigeon confirmed it: the North is preparing. They’ve been storing acarium teleportation stones.

  This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

  On the other side — thousands of soldiers, barbarians, mages, archers.

  But let them come. We’re ready.

  The Bandeirantes of Bragan?a are already in position — trained to hunt better than anyone across the Imperial trails.

  The capital is also under the watch of Marcos and the Dove Guild.

  Amelia Blacksmith is here with us, strengthening the forges, chains, and weapons.

  I hope everything is fine there in Sorriso.

  A hug.

  Draken says hi.

  Hope to see you soon, Chocolatinho.

  Haha, just kidding.

  But seriously — stay alert.

  The mana is shifting. It feels like something is about to rise from the ground.

  See you soon,

  Catarina.”

  Lukas folded the letter, his eyes lingering on the dove seal.

  — “So it’s begun,” — he murmured.

  Inside his mind, César was the first to speak:

  — “Scouting operations… they’re mapping weaknesses. That’s how an army marches before the storm.”

  Morgana laughed softly, almost thrilled:

  — “Teleport stones, barbarians, mages, blood and chaos crawling from the soil… ah, Lukas, what a delicious spectacle is coming our way!”

  He took a deep breath, hand curling into a fist.

  The scent of blood already seemed to ride the wind.

  The Festival of Sorriso had barely ended —

  but war was already at the gates.

  End of Chapter 22