Highmane was the castle on the west end of Galdo City. It acted as the last military stronghold before the Swora Oligarchy’s borders. Arlan was riding with Duke Reeve through the north gate of Galdo City. Arlan was filled with curiosity as they entered.

Galdo City was at least three miles square and surrounded by walls. Two-story quaint buildings decorated the city with a few unique buildings. The city was bustling with commoners, adventurers, merchants, and soldiers alike.

What really caught Arlan’s eyes was that not everyone was human. There were elves with long ears, dwarves hauling carts, and even a few lizard-like beastmen. As they continued at a trotting pace, the residents would move out of the way for the Duke’s entourage.

The magnificent metropolitan felt like a maze after a minute of riding. Galdo City was separated into five districts. Each district was named after the cardinal direction but in the middle was the Market District.

It took five minutes to arrive at the western district where Highmane was located. The fortress walls were several meters taller than the ones that encompassed the city. Three massive battlements looked west into the Dolaga Fields. These towers displayed the defensive power Highmane held. In the center though was the main hall.

The Duke, accompanied by Arlan and the Heracul Knights, made it through the main gate an hour before sundown. Upon arrival, servants came out to lead the dark stygian back into their stables. Lord Commander Jermain appeared and reported to the Duke. “Your Grace, Ser Trent is recovering well at the Galdo Ministry. The rest of the knights will be dismissed once returned.”

“Well done.” answered Duke Reeve as he ushered Arlan forward. “Jermain, this is Arlan. He was the missing orphan from the wagon. Arlan is the one responsible for wiping out that goblin raiding company-”

“Excuse my insolence, Your Grace! But this young boy wiped out a goblin raiding company?” Jermain interrupted the Duke. Everyone in the courtyard immediately stopped and looked over.

“Let the gods be the witness that I would not lie. Everyone is to treat Arlan as my personal guest.” declared the Duke. Everyone was shocked that a personal guest would be an orphan commoner. The Duke motioned for the head butler and said, “Norman, make Arlan presentable for dinner.” Then the Duke turned to Arlan. “Get cleaned up. Follow Norman.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” said Arlan as he bowed. Norman was a tall older butler who moved like he was gliding and had elegance. Everyone resumed their duties in the courtyard but murmuring could be heard as the Duke left the courtyard for the main hall.

“This way, Master Arlan.” directed Norman as they ascended into the guest hall. Highmane was even more gargantuan once inside. They traveled through a spiral staircase large enough for multiple people. Finally, the pair stopped on the third floor and made their way into the first guest room. Another six rooms lined up down the hall. Highmane was separated into six different sections. Each section had multiple floors. The main hall had the most, with nine floors. Highmane was practically its own small town within Galdo City.

Guestrooms were lavishly decorated and held many luxuries an orphanage room couldn’t compare to. A king-sized bed was the room’s centerfold flanked by its white quartz walls. Even in his previous life, Arlan was never used to such amenities.

A bath was set up in the guest room for Arlan to clean up. He was drenched in sweat and purple blood.

“I’ll return after half an hour, Master Arlan. You may use this room as you see fit.” stated Norman as he left. Now alone, Arlan undressed and stepped into the hot bath. The warmth flowed all around as he leaned back. Arlan decided it was time to reflect. The mental state of a soldier was always important.

It’s been two years since I’ve been here. Everything is still strange to me. From monsters to magic to elves, it's all a bit overwhelming. The only thing that felt familiar was immersing myself in battle. It reminds me of my men. I wonder how the Te’Vau are doing without me.

Arlan pondered about his plans on Althea. His goal was to find a way back to Terra while making sure he was able to protect Miss Petrah and the orphanage. Swearing allegiance to the Midland Army was the best option.

In order to find his way back to Terra, he’d eventually have to sign up as an adventurer to gain access to ancient ruins, but Arlan decided this could be postponed until he was able to secure Midland’s stability.

Arlan had read books about Althean history and culture. This gave the insight to make predictions of what may occur. The most important prediction is the potential war between the Swora Oligarchy and the Midland Kingdom. If the ongoing border disputes continue with the instability between the Seven Great Houses, war will break out in 3 years.

I need to become high enough rank in the Midland Army to influence the upcoming war. Afterward, I can resume my search for a way home. Every day that passes, I feel Terra gets worse without me. But I cannot leave without making sure Miss Petrah and everyone else is protected here in Midland. Maybe I can grow closer to Duke Reeve in order to do that. Defeating an entire company of goblins isn’t normal. I should’ve assumed as much.

Also, the magic...

Arlan’s fatigue caught up to him. Using essence takes its toll on the body and soul. Although Arlan’s soul was that of Rove, a genius general from another world, his body was that of a fourteen-year-old boy. The soul can dictate the essence capacity but one’s physical body is used as the conductor. Finally, the fatigue was too much for Arlan.

The magic… skill… I learned...

The hazel-haired boy slowly lost his consciousness and fell into a slumber.