The streets of Mailie were unnervingly quiet. The usual mid-afternoon bustle of merchants, farmers, and children had been replaced by a haunting stillness. Windows were shut tight, and doors were bolted. Shadows from the setting sun stretched long over the cobblestones, creating an eerie tableau.
Inside the Postknight Academia, the town's designated shelter, the magic barriers shimmered faintly, a soft glow outlining the building's edges. Townsfolk huddled together in the grand hall, whispering anxiously about the dire wolf. The air was thick with unease, but the knowledge that the Postknight Academia was warded by powerful enchantments provided some comfort.
---
At the eastern edge of the town, Tedric and Tiara stood on high alert. Tiara leaned her war hammer against her shoulder, her sharp eyes scanning the treeline. Tedric's hand rested on the hilt of his sword, his stance rigid as he stared into the distance.
"Too quiet," Tiara muttered, breaking the silence.
Tedric nodded but kept his gaze forward. "It's the kind of quiet that makes you think the world's holding its breath."
Tiara glanced at him. "Reminds me of the 13-Year War stories my grandfather used to tell me. He said the nights before the worst battles always felt like this. Silent. Heavy."
Tedric's lips tightened into a thin line. "I was just a kid when I first heard about that war. My father told me that my great grandpa fought in it. He never spoke much about it, but when he did, he said the worst part wasn't the fighting—it was the waiting."
Tiara chuckled softly, though her eyes remained wary. "You, waiting? That must've driven you mad. You were never the patient type, even as a rookie."
Tedric smirked, finally looking at her. "And you were always the hothead. Remember the first time you tried to make that enchanted shield? Nearly burned the forge down."
Tiara snorted. "Hey, it worked eventually. Besides, you weren't exactly a model Postknight back then either. I seem to recall a certain someone getting stuck in a tree trying to save a cat."
Tedric groaned, running a hand through his hair. "You're never letting me live that down, are you?"
"Not a chance," Tiara said with a grin. But her expression turned serious. "You've come a long way since then, Tedric. You were even in the talented trio. With Cassandra and Seraphine. You're a damn good leader. Whatever happens tonight, Mailie's lucky to have you."
Tedric's gaze softened, though a flicker of doubt lingered in his eyes. "And Mailie's lucky to have you. Just don't go doing anything reckless, alright?"
Tiara grinned again, hefting her hammer. "No promises."
---
Meanwhile, at the northern gate, Yug and Oliver kept watch. Yug paced, his twin daggers spinning between his fingers, while Oliver leaned against his staff, his eyes fixed on the shimmering horizon.
"You ever think about how far we've come?" Yug asked, breaking the silence.
Oliver raised an eyebrow. "In what sense?"
"From being students at the Academia to... this." Yug gestured to the empty streets. "Guarding a town against an unnatural beast. Feels surreal, doesn't it?"
Oliver nodded thoughtfully. "I remember our first year as Postknights. You were always the fastest, always pushing yourself. I was the one who could barely keep up."
Yug chuckled. "And you were always the one patching me up after I pushed myself too hard. Still are, apparently."
Oliver smiled faintly. "Some things don't change."
They fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their memories. But the moment was shattered by a sudden, guttural growl that seemed to vibrate through the air.
---
From the shadows of the forest, the Omega Dire Wolf emerged. It was a monstrous creature, easily three times the size of an ordinary dire wolf. Its black fur glistened as if soaked in oil, and its eyes glowed an unnatural crimson. Runes burned faintly across its body, evidence of the dark magic that had created it.
Oliver's breath caught. "That's… that's an Omega Dire Wolf," he whispered.
Tedric and Tiara arrived, alarmed by the sudden commotion. "What's an Omega Dire Wolf?" Tedric demanded.
Oliver's voice was grim. "It's a war beast. Created during the 13-Year War. Humans used dark magic to mutate dire wolves, turning them into living weapons. They were supposed to be wiped out after the war ended... but how is it even living?"
The wolf let out a deafening roar, its fangs bared as it charged toward the town. The guards tried to intercept it, but it tore through them like paper, sending bodies flying with bone-crushing force.
"Fall back!" Tedric shouted. "Everyone, regroup!"
The four fighters stood their ground as the beast closed in.
---
Tedric was the first to strike, his sword glowing as he channeled his mana into it. He slashed at the wolf's flank, but its hide was tougher than steel, and the blade barely left a mark. The wolf retaliated, swiping at him with a massive paw. Tedric rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the blow.
Tiara charged in next, her war hammer crackling with energy. She aimed for the beast's legs, trying to cripple it. Her hammer connected with a sickening crunch, but the wolf roared and swung its head, sending her flying into a nearby wall.
Oliver raised his staff, chanting an incantation. A burst of light erupted from the tip, momentarily blinding the wolf. Yug seized the opportunity, darting in with his daggers. He struck at the wolf's vulnerable joints, his blades glowing with magical energy. The wolf howled in pain, but it was far from defeated.
The beast reared back, its glowing runes flaring as it unleashed a wave of dark energy. The force knocked all four fighters back, leaving them momentarily stunned.
Tedric gritted his teeth, struggling to his feet. "This thing isn't going down easy."
"We need to work together," Oliver said, his voice steady despite the blood trickling from his forehead. "Distract it. I'll try to disrupt its magic."
Tiara and Yug nodded, determination in their eyes.
As Tedric and Yug attacked from opposite sides, Tiara leaped onto the wolf's back, driving her hammer into its spine. Oliver began chanting, his staff glowing brighter with each word.
The wolf roared in fury, thrashing wildly. It knocked Yug aside and slammed Tedric into the ground. But Tiara held on, her grip unyielding.
Finally, Oliver unleashed his spell. A beam of light shot from his staff, striking the wolf's runes. The magic symbols flickered and dimmed, weakening the beast.
"Now!" Tedric shouted.
With a final, coordinated effort, the four fighters struck simultaneously—Tedric's sword, Tiara's hammer, Yug's daggers, and Oliver's magic. The wolf let out a piercing howl before collapsing to the ground, its body disintegrating into ash.
Breathing heavily, the four stood in silence, the weight of their victory sinking in.
"This… was just the beginning," Tedric muttered, staring at the ashes as the beast stood up again leaving all of them speechless.