What wrong with Freya?

As the students emerged from the portal onto the training ground, a scene of disarray unfolded before them, akin to a battlefield ravaged by the clash of titans. A third of their classmates lay sprawled on the ground, defeated and unconscious, resembling fallen soldiers after a fierce and unforgiving war. The rest of the students, including Chase and Ava, struggled to find their footing, worn out and in pain.

Chase's heart sank like a stone in a dark abyss as he surveyed the scene. "That's a significant number of students who failed the final duel," he remarked, his voice heavy with disappointment, like a captain witnessing the aftermath of a lost battle.

Ava nodded, her voice laced with sorrow, sounding like the soft lament of a mournful violin. "And we're among them, Chase. Along with Alex and Luke," she murmured, the weight of their collective failure evident in her words, like a burden they all shared.

The students were filled with questions and confusion, their voices buzzing with anxious speculation.

"Why did the portal appear?"

"And why did the overseers dismiss us so abruptly?"

Conversations overlapped, a cacophony of shock and worry reverberating through the air.

"Clap!" "Clap!"

Then, the sound of clapping hands cut through the noise, all heads turning to see Freya and Master Lane standing nearby. However, instead of worry or contemplation, Freya's face showed a fierce determination.

"Students, something urgent has arisen, and I must leave early," Freya announced, her voice resolute, as if she had to take responsibility for her actions, like a leader facing a crisis head-on.

A trembling hand rose from the crowd, seeking answers. "Miss, can you tell us what is happening? Why did the portal close, and what is happening?" the student asked, their voice filled with desperation.

Freya took a deep breath, pausing briefly before delivering the news. "I'm sorry, but I cannot reveal the details at this moment," she confessed, audible sighs escaping her lips. "However, if circumstances allow, I promise to provide an explanation in the coming days," her words felt like a lifeline of hope, offered amidst the uncertainty.

With those words, Freya motioned for the students to assist their fallen comrades and return to their dormitories. She and Master Lane departed swiftly, leaving everyone to wonder about Freya's worried and rushed demeanor, as one had ever seen Freya this way before.

Chase and Ava exchanged a meaningful glance, their curiosity piqued. Determined to uncover the truth, they walked away from the training ground.

"While we now know that Freya's distraction wasn't related to our conversation," Ava said, her voice brimming with relief, "we still need to unravel the mystery behind her anxiety and urgency. Why would she be so concerned about an interaction with someone from another realm?" Her words were like a spark of curiosity, igniting the flame of Chase's determination.

Chase nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "Indeed, We never saw her like that before, There's more to this than meets the eye. We must find out what's really going on. Ava, what are your thoughts on all of this?" Chase sought input from Ava, hoping she might shed light on Freya's enigmatic behavior.

While walking, she thought for a couple of seconds, Ava's eyes widened as she recalled something she had observed during their break in the city. "I remember seeing knights from our kingdom, agitated and rushing about," she revealed, her voice carrying a mix of realization and concern, like a detective connecting pieces of evidence to solve a mystery.

"Hmm, it's possible they were undergoing some kind of monster hunt training," Chase suggested, drawing on his knowledge of the kingdom's dedication to honing their knight skills and hunting monsters for resources, like a scholar sharing his insights.

Ava nodded, her expression turning serious. "You make a valid point. However, I have a different theory. The kingdom may be under attack," she proposed, her words simple yet impactful.

"Suppose that is the case," Chase mused, "shouldn't the kingdom be on lockdown?" Typically, any kingdom will go on lockdown if they are under attack or if something dangerous is passing by.

"Yes, that is typically the protocol followed by all kingdoms," Ava agreed. "Perhaps we will find out more when Freya returns," she added, her voice filled with a sense of anticipation, like a researcher eagerly awaiting new findings.

For the next two days, Chase and Ava anxiously awaited Freya's return in their respective dormitories. Finally, the moment arrived. They joined their fellow students in the classroom, their eyes fixed on the door, anticipation hanging in the air.

"Bang!"

With a resounding bang, the door swung open, and Freya entered the room. Silence enveloped the students as she walked to the front, commanding their attention.

"First and foremost, I apologize for cutting the trial short and leaving abruptly," Freya apologized sincerely, her tone reflecting genuine remorse, like a leader taking responsibility for her decisions.

"I know you all have questions, but there is something I must share before addressing them," she continued, her voice gradually growing serious.

Freya took a deep breath, steadying herself before delivering the shocking news that had weighed heavily on her heart, like a bearer of grave tidings mustering the strength to deliver the message.

"The kingdom is under attack," she declared, her expression grave and determined, like a general preparing to rally her troops for battle.

Her words sent shockwaves through the souls of all present, like a sudden earthquake shaking the very foundation of their beliefs. Just days ago, Ava had voiced her suspicion that the kingdom might be in danger.

"What? Who would dare to attack Tailia kingdom?" someone exclaimed, disbelief coloring their voice.

"No one has dared to attack us for over three hundred years," another student added, their voice trembling with astonishment.

"Miss Freya, who is responsible for this attack?" someone else inquired, the room buzzing with a mix of confusion and concern.

Freya addressed their concerns, her voice resolute, like a commander outlining the enemy's identity and strategy. "The Tramid kingdom is the aggressor," she revealed, referring to the relevant facts.

"What? But didn't Tramid kingdom have a treaty with Tailia kingdom?" another student questioned, their voice filled with perplexity, like a diplomat puzzled by a breach of trust.

"Yes, they did have a treaty, but they violated it

by attacking our suppliers and seizing control of our kingdom's walls," Freya explained, her voice tinged with anger, like a lioness defending her territory.

"And they've even gained control of the walls? Curse the Tramid kingdom!" someone spat out, their voice seething with fury, like a soldier vowing vengeance against a sworn enemy.

Ava's hand shot up, drawing all eyes toward her, acknowledging her intellect and expecting a thoughtful question.

"Yes, Ava, what is your question?" Freya invited, recognizing Ava's inquisitive nature, like a teacher encouraging a bright student to participate.

Ava's eyes narrowed, her voice resolute. "What actions will the kingdom take to respond to the Tramid kingdom's aggression?" her question was like a beacon of hope.

Freya took a moment to contemplate before answering Ava's question, like a leader carefully considering her next move on the chessboard of war.

"In the upcoming weeks, we will launch an offensive against the Tramid kingdom to reclaim our walls," Freya disclosed truthfully, maintaining consistent and direct eye contact, like a commander briefing her troops on a critical mission. She had no reason to hide the forthcoming news, like a leader trusting her soldiers with the truth.

Ava's face contorted with deep thought as she absorbed the information.

However, this time it was Chase who raised his hand, his expression determined with a bit of worry, like a loyal soldier seeking reassurance from his leader.

"Okay, if we're launching an attack on the Tramid kingdom," Chase began, pausing briefly to gather his thoughts, "what will happen to us?" his question was like a flickering flame, wavering between courage and trepidation.

Freya took a deep breath and let out a sigh, her face adopting a serious expression. With a calm and collected demeanor, she delivered her response.

"All of you will be going to war," Freya declared, her voice carrying the weight of the impending battle, like a general delivering orders to her troops before a decisive engagement.

"Huh!" The collective gasp filled the room, leaving the students speechless, their emotions a tumultuous mix of shock, fear, and determination.