Ludger let out a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. It wasn’t reconciliation—none of them pretended it was—but it was a start.

The warlord’s face didn’t soften in a way the Torvares folk would call trust. It didn’t have to. It merely shifted from pure rage toward something tactical and coldly practical.

Around them, soldiers began the slow, awkward work of standing down—pulling spears from grooved mud, helping wounded upright, carrying away the dead. It would be messy. It would be ugly. It would be remembered as a compromise by some and a betrayal by others.

But when Ludger turned to his friends—Arslan, Viola, Luna, Aronia—he felt the weight of the decision settle on him like a stone in the gut and, oddly, like a key in the palm. This was not forgiveness. It was the foundation.

For the rest of the day, the air hung thick with unease.

The cheering never came. The smell of smoke and iron lingered, and every sound—every clink of armor, every groan of a wounded man—seemed too loud for a battlefield that was finally quiet. Soldiers from both sides kept their distance, hands still too close to their weapons, eyes watching every movement of the other camp.

The tension was suffocating—until Ludger and Aronia began their work.

At first, it was just their own people—the wounded Imperials near the wall, those burned by flames or crushed weapons. But then Ludger crossed the field, his hands glowing faintly with healing magic, and knelt beside a wounded barbarian clutching his leg.

The man flinched, expecting a blade. Instead, the boy pressed his hand to the wound, and the pain faded under a pulse of warmth.

Others saw. And then, slowly, more followed. Aronia moved among them with calm precision, her mana mending burns and fractured bones alike, her voice soft but firm as she ordered even the roughest soldiers to bring stretchers and water.

By sundown, the impossible had happened—Imperials and barbarians worked side by side, carrying the injured away from the field. There were no cheers, no handshakes… but there were fewer drawn blades.

The barbarians’ wounded were allowed to retreat first, and no arrows chased them. The rest followed soon after, their warlord’s broken club carried among their banners like a relic of defeat.

Kharnek walked at their head, his massive frame still upright despite exhaustion, blood streaking his skin where Arslan’s blade had nearly ended him. He glanced back once at the walls—the rebuilt fortress that had cost so many lives—and then kept walking.

He would return, as agreed. But for now, he left with his people.

Whispers filled the Imperial lines as the day bled into dusk. Some said the barbarians would only lick their wounds and come back stronger. Others muttered that this truce wouldn’t last a season.

But no one said it aloud—not in front of the boy who’d healed their enemies, or the captain who’d watched it all in silence.

By the time the last campfire was lit, the battlefield had fallen into an uneasy quiet. The war was over—for now—and though suspicion lingered, the blood had finally stopped flowing.

One week later, the clang of moving earth still echoed across the border town.

Ludger hadn’t slowed down—not even after the battle. The war was done, the truce was ‘signed’, and most would’ve called that enough. But for him, the walls weren’t finished, and leaving a job half-done wasn’t in his vocabulary.

He stood near the northern stretch, arms coated in dust, shaping stone with precision. Slabs rose from the dirt as if pulled by invisible ropes, slotting perfectly into place. Each motion was sharp, efficient—pull, compress, fuse, reinforce. His movements flowed faster than human hands should move; mana wrapped around him in rhythmic pulses, every flick of his wrist drawing solid stone from the ground.

Arslan’s group had gathered a few meters back, half in awe, half resigned.

Viola stood with her hands on her hips, head tilted. “You know,” she said, “it’s getting a little creepy how clean he makes that look.”

Luna nodded beside her, calm as ever. “He’s controlling multiple layers of compression simultaneously. It shouldn’t even be possible for....”

Arslan just folded his arms, smirking faintly. “Don’t act surprised. That’s my son.”

Harold rested his weapon on his shoulder, watching the wall rise another few meters. “Hells,” he muttered, “I still can’t believe Lord Torvares agreed to that whole plan. Making the barbarians allies? Sharing the labyrinth? That’s not something the old noble families are known for.”

His tone was respectful, but the doubt was clear. “Doesn’t that… go against everything they’ve fought for?”

Viola crossed her arms, eyes still following Ludger’s movements as she answered. “Grandfather said it’s an interesting gamble.” She shrugged. “If it works, the border stabilizes, trade grows, and the Lionsguard earns influence across both territories. If it fails…” Her lips curved into a dry smile. “Then we at least find out which barbarians can’t be trusted before they cause bigger trouble.”

Harold raised an eyebrow. “That sounds more like something you’d say.”

Viola grinned. “Maybe I’m just a good student.”

Luna tilted her head slightly. “Lord Torvares doesn’t do things halfway. If he approved it, then he’s already thought through the long game.”

Arslan chuckled slowly, his gaze shifting from the wall to his son. “And if that plan came from Ludger, I can see why the old man listened. He’s always had a soft spot for ambition mixed with results.”

Harold scratched the back of his neck, looking at Ludger again as more stone locked into place with a dull thud. “Yeah, but it still feels strange. Fighting someone one week, building walls with them the next.”

“Welcome to politics,” Viola said dryly. “Grandfather says progress usually starts with people pretending not to hate each other.”

Luna gave a rare, faint smile. “That’s optimistic for him.”

They all fell quiet again, watching Ludger at work. His movements had become almost mechanical—focused, relentless. The new section of the wall gleamed under the sunlight, smooth and seamless, stronger than anything built before it.

Even without turning around, Ludger could feel their stares. He didn’t stop. “If you’ve got time to gawk,” he said, voice carrying over the wind, “grab some tools. We can talk philosophy after this wall’s finished.”

Viola laughed softly, shaking her head. “Still bossy.”

Arslan smiled faintly, pride and exhaustion mixing in his voice. “He gets that from his mother.”

Ludger finally straightened his back, brushing stone dust from his gloves as the newest section of the wall settled into place with a solid thunk. The air shimmered faintly with residual mana before calming, leaving only the faint hum of stability.

He turned around to see his father’s group still loitering by the edge of the work zone—Viola and Luna standing side by side, Harold and the others looking about as useful as decorative statues.

He frowned. “You’re all still here? I figured you’d have gone back home by now.”

Arslan grinned, leaning lazily on his sword like he had all the time in the world. “And miss the show? No chance. Besides,” he added, his tone shifting to something more serious, “we came to keep an eye on her.”

Viola rolled her eyes but didn’t argue. “Father’s being dramatic,” she said, stepping forward, hands clasped behind her back. “I’m not here to start trouble—I’m here to finish negotiations.”

Ludger tilted his head, curious. “Negotiations?”

She nodded, her usual competitive smirk replaced by the calm confidence of someone carrying responsibility instead of just pride. “I’m meeting with Kharnek. Personally. We’ve kept control of what’s being said about the alliance so far—half the soldiers think the barbarians retreated because they were scared, the other half think it’s just temporary. But if we want this to last, we need more than rumors.”

Aronia looked up from where she was sorting medical supplies near the tent. “You’re trying to legitimize the alliance publicly?”

“Exactly,” Viola said. “The old nobles won’t accept it unless they see something tangible—and the barbarians won’t trust it unless they see we’re not hiding behind soldiers or titles. If we want the peace to stick, we need influence on both sides.”

Ludger crossed his arms, studying her. “And that means meeting him face-to-face.”

“Of course.” Viola’s tone was sharp, steady. “Kharnek may not trust many people, but he respects strength and honesty. If we want him and his warriors to actually cooperate with the Lionsguard, someone has to show that this alliance isn’t just words written on a treaty.”

Harold stepped in quietly. “Lord Torvares approved this?”

Viola nodded. “He did. He said that as the heir of House Torvares, it’s my duty to see this alliance through.” Her voice softened, but only slightly. “If it works, it could stabilize the entire border—and open the labyrinth for exploration under both flags. That means growth. Trade. Security.”

Arslan gave a small shrug, though his tone was firm when he spoke. “And that’s why we’re staying. She’s my daughter, and this is still dangerous ground. We’ll be here until the talks are done.”

Ludger stared at them for a moment, then sighed, rubbing his temple. “You’re seriously planning to negotiate with the man who tried to break everyone ribs a week ago. Well, I will be doing most of the talking, so don’t make things more complicated.”

Viola grinned. “I will see what I can do.”

Ludger muttered under his breath, “And they call me reckless.”

Arslan chuckled, clapping a hand on his shoulder. “Runs in the family, Luds. You’re just the quiet kind of reckless.”

Viola’s expression hardened slightly, her eyes turning toward the horizon where the barbarians’ encampment was beyond the hills. “Reckless or not, it needs to be done. We can’t build walls and guilds forever if the world outside them keeps burning.”

Ludger looked at her for a moment, then at the wall behind him—solid, seamless, a symbol of strength born from conflict. He gave a small nod.

Name: Ludger

Level: 46 (2,450 / 4,700)

Status Screen

Current Job: Cook (Lv 35 – 620 / 2,500)

Current Class: Pugilist (Lv 41 – 1,300 / 4,200)

Health: 1,790 / 1,790

Mana: 3,780 / 5,230

Stamina: 2,830 / 2,830

Strength: 187

Dexterity: 206

Intelligence: 486

Vitality: 179

Wisdom: 523

Endurance: 283

Luck: 90

Classes & Job Skills

Pugilist Lv 41 (+2 STR, +2 VIT / level)

Skills:

[Hard Fists Lv 35]

[Iron Guard Lv 27]

[Quick Fists Lv 12]

[Straight Cannon Lv 03]

[Quick Kicks Lv 03]

[Bone Breaker Lv 01]

[Bodyslam Lv 01]

[Headbutt Lv 01]

[Shatter Palm Lv 01]

Cook Lv 35 (+1 DEX, +1 INT, +1 WIS / level)

Skills:

[Knife Handling Lv 30]

[Seasoning Sense Lv 22]

[Fire Control Lv 19]

[Food Preservation Lv 18]

[Dish Presentation Lv 15]

[Quick Cooking Lv 05]

[Brewing Lv 05]

[Butchery Lv 01]

Mage Lv 43 (+2 INT, +2 WIS / level)

Skills:

[Create Water Lv 38]

[Tinder Lv 20]

[Dust Lv 14]

[Cold Wind Lv 14]

[Mana Pulse Lv 11]

[Fireball Lv 01]

[Stone Arrow Lv 01]

[Wind  Blade Lv 01]

[Glacial Shard Lv 01]

Swordsman Lv 31 (+2 STR, +2 DEX / level)

Skills:

[Basic Swordplay Lv 22]

[Parry Lv 15]

[Quick Thrust Lv 13]

[Counter Stance Lv 03]

[Guard Break Lv 11]

[Counter Swing Lv 01]

[Cross Slash Lv 01]

Sage Lv 39 (+2 INT, +4 WIS / level)

Skills:

[Mana Bolt Lv 25]

[Mana Wall Lv 06]

[Spiritual Core Lv 47]

[Meditation Lv 21]

[Mana Armor Lv 01]

[Mana Arrow Lv 01]

[Arcane Arrow Lv 01]

[Mana Spear Lv 01]

Druid Lv 34 (+3 INT, +3 WIS / level)

Skills:

[Healing Touch Lv 46]

[Root Snare Lv 01]

[Herbal Whisper Lv 01]

[Plant Growth Lv 01]

[Verdant Shield Lv 01]

[Nature’s Breath Lv 01]

[Life Bloom Lv 01]

Bard Lv 09 (+1 INT, +1 WIS, +1 DEX / level)

Skills:

[Song of Ease Lv 16]

[Battle Hymn Lv 01]

Courier Lv 24 (+1 DEX, +3 END / level)

Skills:

[Dash Lv 25]

[Quickstrike Lv 21]

[Focused Stride Lv 01]

[Stamina Regen Lv 14]

[Stamina Resilience Lv 01]

Assassin Lv 21 (+2 DEX, +2 END, +3 LUK / level)

Skills:

[Silent Steps Lv 25]

[Backstab Lv 04]

[Dual Wielding Lv 01]

[Knife Throwing Lv 01]

[Camouflage Lv 01]

Tactician Lv 9 (+3 INT, +3 DEX / level)

Skills:

[Tactical Insight Lv 14]

[Battlefield Analysis Lv 04]

Teacher Lv 13 (+3 INT, +3 DEX / level)

Skills:

[Dissection of Knowledge Lv.16]

[Student Insight Lv.11]

[Guiding Words Lv.11]

Geomancer Lv 34 (+6 INT, +3 WIS / level)

Skills:

[Earth Manipulation Lv 45]

[Stone Grip Lv 32]

[Quicksand Lv 04]

[Seismic Sense Lv 04]

[Mineral Skin Lv 01]

[Terra Burst Lv 01]

[Gaia’s Grasp Lv 01]

Spearman Lv 11 (+2 STR, +2 DEX, +2 VIT / level)

Skills:

[Piercing Discipline Lv 11]

[Spear Sweep Lv 11]

[Precision Thrust Lv 06]

Ludger leaned back against the half-finished battlement, wiping a streak of grit from his cheek with the back of his glove. The wall before him stretched wide—smooth, seamless, and reinforced through every inch of stone. He’d been at it since dawn, and the results showed.

Still, his eyes flicked to the translucent panel floating just above his palm. Rows of numbers and skill names glowed faintly in the afternoon light. His stats had jumped again—mana reserves higher, manipulation sharper, earth responding faster to his will than ever before. He could almost feel the difference in his veins.

He gave a short, approving nod. “Not bad.”

Thanks to his latest power-ups, the western and eastern walls were finished by mid-afternoon—solid enough to take a siege without cracking for a while. The soldiers had started calling them Lionfang Walls behind his back, though he pretended not to hear it.

Only the southern section remained now, the final stretch connecting everything together into a fortress worthy of its new name. Judging by his current speed, it wouldn’t take more than a week to complete.

And after that… came the real task.

He glanced toward the open square near the town center, where the Lionsguard’s future guildhall would stand. In his mind’s eye, he could already see the foundation, the structure, the symbol of what they’d built together.

Then his shoulders slumped slightly. “And then more paperwork, more planning, more people…” he muttered under his breath. “Building walls is easier than building a damn organization.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair, when a familiar voice broke the hum of construction.

“Ludger!”

Captain Darnell’s boots crunched against the gravel as he strode up from the street below. He looked winded—half from the climb, half from whatever news he was carrying.

Ludger turned, brow raised. “You look like you sprinted through half the town. What is it?”

Darnell stopped a few paces away, resting a hand on his knee before straightening. “The barbarians,” he said, his voice low but steady. “They’re back.”

Ludger blinked once, his expression unreadable. Then, after a beat, a slow smirk crept across his face.

“Took them long enough.”

He brushed the dust from his coat and started walking toward the gate. “Let’s see if they came to talk…” He paused briefly, his tone turning faintly amused. “…or to test how good my walls really are.”