Two days earlier, before the quiet had settled into the border town, before the massive gate had fully taken shape, a group of travelers approached from the far road.
They did not arrive casually.
They came with purpose.
At the front stood Maxwell, his posture straight, his gaze sharp as it swept across the horizon. Beside him walked Frazanna, calm but alert, her eyes taking in every detail without missing a single movement.
Behind them followed a small force.
Not ordinary soldiers.
Trained.
Disciplined.
Holy Knights.
They had been sent to assist the border town.
Or at least, that was the original plan.
But the moment the town came into view, their steps slowed.
Maxwell stopped completely.
"What…"
His voice trailed off.
Before them stood a towering wall.
Not a simple wooden barrier.
Not a temporary defense.
A massive structure.
