Renae was as stiff and cold as last night, arms crossed with an icy gaze.

I glanced at the cobbled street and tiled sidewalks around me. Daven and Braichel were rounding the corner, dashing over.

The three of us shared a mutual look of encouragement as I spoke up to greet Renae.

“Good morning, Captain Renae.” I led Daven and Braichel to bow in respect.

Renae grunted to acknowledge our greeting, “You’re on time.”

Before I could reply, Renae berated us with a string of criticism, telling us off for not being ten minutes early and jabbing a finger at Daven for wearing his knight badge crooked.

She stalked off immediately, leaving Daven, Braichel, and I to travel to the West Kreian Tower.

Lifting off into the air, I started flying over to the west side of town, hovering above the morning buzz of Ruberr.

At the tower, a man in polished armor and a dark green cloak greeted us, waving from the ground as we accelerated towards his direction.

His teeth were shiny and his combed blond hair seemed to glint under the sunlight. Handsome with his sharp jawline and freckled nose, he was the guy who seemed to always charm the public.

“Welcome to the WKT, the Western Kreian Tower,” His voice was deep and friendly, matching his warm brown gaze, “I heard you were assigned to patrol with our guard units.”

The thee of us nodded fervently, and he gestured for us to follow him as he led us to the entrance of the tower.

The building was connected to Ruberr’s sturdy stone wall, containing halls connecting to numerous barracks and armouries.

The man chattered excessively as he led us up the spiraling stairs of the tower, only halting when he realized he forgot to introduce himself.

“Pardon me,” The man laughed, “You don’t even know my name yet, and I haven’t been informed of your identities either.”

He grinned, showing his perfectly white and uniform teeth, “I’m Thomas Grey.”

I replied almost instinctively, “Sicarius Wilkon’s the name, sir.”

Daven and Braichel stated their fake names right after me.

“Sir, I’m Bella Jue.”

“Kravel Yinmonson is my name, sir.”

Captain Grey was beaming, “Those are great names! Fit for the bravest warriors!”

He continued to blabber energetic comments and gave a brief introduction to the tower’s different floors.

As we reached the top, Captain Grey paused, turning to face us as he explained our job.

“What you three are going to perform today is an honorable act,” He pointed at the city walls below, “You are going to patrol the city perimeters that this tower is in charge of guarding, walking around and on the lookout for enemies.”

In a swift movement, Captain Grey thumped his fist on his armoured chest, “Your work will help defend us all.”

I tried to act cheerful, “Yes, sir!”