In the deep forests of the Minotaur League’s eastern territory, stood a massive stone castle riddled with wear and tear from the passage of time slowly being absorbed by the embrace of nature.

Vor Morwag, wearing Silversage heavy armor covering his entire body, aside from his head, oozed confidence and prestige to those who saw him. Beside him was Knox Welche who wore a plain gray shirt and regular pants listening to the huge man’s tour of the torn fortress.

As they walked through the castle, the two entered the empty hallways overlooking the massive training yard leading up to the parties’ living quarters. From there, it would conclude their introduction of Fort Solitude.

“…So, there you have it,” the armored man said to his plain shirted junior. “It isn’t much, so make yourself at home.”

“Many thanks, senior.” The plain clothed man bowed towards Vor. 

Knox picked up his bag and was about to head towards his room assignment when Vor called out to him.

“Ah, I forgot to tell you–”

BOOM!

A deafening explosion from afar removed the silence from the hallways. Knox hurriedly looked over from the open windows to see where the explosion came from. He couldn’t believe that a beast would attack an isolated place so suddenly!

However, what he saw wasn’t what he expected. 

From the middle of the training yard, he saw a short haired muscle-toned woman in training clothes drenched in sweat and dirt. Obstacles, training dummies, and trenches surrounded her. She moved in ways Knox couldn’t see.

“So fast…” Knox said.

“That’s Willow Byrde,” Vor said in a bored tone. “Alias ‘Sleep.’ She’s the strongest ranger in the League. I would even argue she’s the strongest in the entire continent.”

Knox watched the woman dance around with her daggers moving through the obstacles with ease. 

‘So fluid. So effortless.’ Knox stared in awe. 

He can’t help but notice the subtle use of magic happening in short bursts. From acceleration, short stuns, and small adjustments, every use of energy was perfect and precise. He never knew that such displays of simple magic can be so potent. Incredible…

Seeing Knox lost in thought absorbed by Willow’s performance, Vor said, “She isn’t interested in a relationship, just saying.”

“Wha… no!”

“I know, I wanted to get your attention.” Vor shrugged, “As I was saying, there are a lot of rules here in Solitude, but you’ll learn it over time.”

“But, there’s one thing you should always keep in mind.” Vor pointed in the woman’s direction. “If you see her sleeping, never ever wake her up.”

Knox looked over Vor odd, thinking he was insane, but his eyes eventually wandered through the training dummy Willow ‘Sleep’ Byrde destroyed.