Guildmaster Borin’s gaze, sharp and penetrating despite the weariness etched around his eyes, swept the room, lingering for a moment on each face, the stressed ranger, the grim warrior, the composed mage, the outsider. He took a deep breath, the weight of command settling visibly on his shoulders, but his voice, when he spoke, was a gravelly rumble of pure authority.

  “We must prioritize,” he declared, his scarred hand resting flat on the map-strewn table. “The confirmed presence of Virrerk the Vile near Oakenfall changes the entire strategic plan. That must be their primary objective. Sharwood…” he glanced briefly at Edward and Julia, “is almost certainly a secondary target, likely a diversion to split our forces. We won't abandon them,” his voice firmed, “but the bulk of our immediate mobile resources must go to Oakenfall. That's where Neverus intends to land his heavy blow. That's where the line will be tested.” Strategic resource allocation under duress, William noted mentally. Classic optimization problem: Maximize defensive integrity at primary node while providing minimal viable support to secondary node. High stakes, non-negotiable constraints. Except the variables aren't numbers. They're lives.

  Borin straightened, the weariness momentarily replaced by the crisp decisiveness of a lifelong commander. There was no room for doubt now, only action. “First,” he pointed a thick, calloused finger at the map, tapping a location west of Tallenwood. “Reinforcements to Oakenfall. This is the priority.” His voice firmed. “I will authorize the deployment of two S-ranks, I’ll confirm who exactly once I check in on who is immediately available.”

  William saw Julia’s eyes widen fractionally, and even Edward looked momentarily surprised. S-rank designation noted. Top-tier assets deployed or intended for deployment. Threat assessment validated at highest level.

  Borin continued, looking directly at Goran. “They should be ready to depart by first light, assuming I can reach them and logistics concur. You'll ride with them, Ranger. Your reconnaissance, your knowledge of the terrain and Virrerk's initial dispositions… it's invaluable data they'll need on arrival.”

  Goran snapped a salute, his face grim but resolute. “Yes, Guildmaster. We'll hold the pass until they arrive.” He looked like a man accepting a suicide mission, but his voice didn't waver.

  “Edward,” Borin turned to the warrior next. “You also ride at first light, but west to Sharwood, initially. Take a small, fast contingent, riders mostly. Deliver warning personally to Captain Oswald in Sharwood. Stress that Oakenfall is the likely primary, but they must prepare for a serious diversionary attack. Leave half your riders there to bolster their scouts.” He met Edward’s gaze. “Then, you ride hard for Oakenfall yourself. Link up with Goran and the Knights. Your experience against Legion ground troops, your tactical acumen… Oakenfall will need it.” Delegation based on specific skill sets and relevant experience, William approved internally. Efficient. Logical.

  Edward nodded once, sharply, his hand resting near the hilt of his lightning-scarred sword. “Understood, Guildmaster. We'll reinforce Sharwood's vigilance and then make for Oakenfall.” No wasted words. Mission accepted.

  Finally, Borin’s gaze settled on Julia. His expression softened almost imperceptibly, but his tone remained pragmatic, almost blunt. “Julia,” he said, “Your boots stay here. In the capital.” William saw a complex flicker, apprehension mixed with resignation?, cross Julia’s face before settling back into professional neutrality. “With Neverus potentially coordinating across multiple fronts,” Borin continued, acknowledging her unspoken reaction with perhaps a slight tightening of his own lips, “liaison with the King's Council and the High Command is absolutely critical. Misinformation, delays… we cannot afford them now. Your firsthand report, your magical assessment of Legion capabilities… that's vital.” He paused, his gaze meeting hers directly, the pragmatism clear and overriding any personal delicacy. “And frankly, Julia, your… family name, despite recent complications, still commands attention in certain circles where a simple Guild report might be sidelined or delayed. Your voice, carrying that weight,” he stressed the word slightly, “might be necessary to cut through the bureaucracy and secure the resources Oakenfall needs. Quickly.”

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  William watched Julia closely. He saw her jaw tighten almost imperceptibly at the explicit mention of her family name being used as leverage, but her years of training, her ingrained composure, held firm. Internal William: Borin leveraging Subject Julia's problematic family connections for political influence. Pragmatic, strategically sound given the urgency, but ethically complex considering her disclosed personal conflict. High probability of significant user discomfort for Julia.

  Julia inclined her head stiffly, her voice perfectly level, betraying nothing of the internal conflict William now knew must be raging. “As you command, Guildmaster. I understand the necessity.” Analysis: Compliance achieved via appeal to duty and strategic necessity, despite inferred personal cost.

  Borin nodded, seemingly satisfied, though a deep sigh escaped him as he looked back at the map. “Two fronts… stretching our resources thin when the North still demands attention…” he murmured, almost to himself, before shaking his head and focusing again. His gaze landed on William, the unknown variable, the outsider.

  “And you, William,” Borin said, his tone shifting to one of polite inquiry, though his eyes remained sharp, assessing. “The… lost traveller. Edward and Julia speak surprisingly well of your quick thinking under pressure, despite your lack of formal training.” He paused, a distinct flicker of scepticism in his eyes as he recalled William's cover story. “Lost, you were.” It wasn't quite a question. He doesn't buy it, William realized again. Probability of user 'Lost Traveller' narrative being accepted: Remains low. Current assessment: Borin deems it irrelevant to immediate crisis. “Regardless,” Borin continued briskly, “you are under no Guild obligation. The capital offers relative safety, for now. You are free to remain here, find lodging, stay out of trouble.” He held William's gaze. “Or… Oakenfall needs every able body. Even one more pair of hands, one more warm body for the militia, might make a difference. The choice is yours.”

  William didn't hesitate for long. His mind ran the calculations instantly. Option 1: Oakenfall. Environment: Active high-intensity combat zone... Probability of survival: Extremely low. Option 2: Remain in Capital with Julia. Environment: Relative safety... Opportunity for skill development (magic). Potential for non-combat contribution (analysis?)... Optimal Path: Option 2. The logic was clear, reinforced by his desire to learn from Julia and a growing sense of responsibility towards her after her confession. Staying felt like the only rational, and personally preferable, choice.

  “I appreciate the offer, Guildmaster,” William said, his voice firm and clear. “But my skills aren't suited for the front line. If I can be of any assistance here, perhaps analysing intelligence, or assisting Julia in her duties with the council… I would prefer to stay and contribute where my abilities might actually be useful.”

  Borin studied him for another moment, then nodded, a flicker of what might have been approval in his tired eyes. “Very well. A wise assessment of your own capabilities. As the Captain might say,” he gestured vaguely, “battles need more than just swords. Information, logistics, strategy… the mind is a weapon too.” He clapped his hands together once, the sound sharp, final. “Then it is settled. Goran, Edward, prepare your contingents. Julia, you will work with me and my liaisons. William, stay close to Julia for now.” He looked around the table, the full weight of the impending war settling back onto his shoulders. “We have much to do, and precious little time. Let us prepare.”

  The meeting dissolved. Edward immediately began discussing logistics with Goran, their faces grim, movements purposeful as they headed for the door, likely to requisition supplies and gather their assigned riders. Julia lingered for a moment, sharing a brief, worried look with Edward before turning to presumably assist him with his immediate preparations, her own anxieties about the capital and her family momentarily shelved in favour of duty.

  William watched them go, then looked down at his own hands. Priorities reassessed. Immediate objective: Support Julia as required. Secondary objective: Initiate structured learning protocols for magic system. Tertiary objective: Cautiously investigate 'Data System' interface, focusing on mana cost monitoring and basic function analysis. He made another mental note. Task: Devise non-ridiculous nomenclature for personal magic system... He allowed himself a small, internal smirk. Still, beats debugging quarterly reports. He was no longer just adrift. He had a place, however temporary. He had allies. And he had a purpose – several, in fact. Learn, analyze, survive. And perhaps, somehow, help. The prospect was daunting, the odds were likely terrible, but for the first time since arriving in Aver, William felt a flicker of something beyond confusion and fear: anticipation.