Chapter 22 – Letters and Battlefields
The wind rustled through the war-torn valley as Andrew sat on a makeshift crate, armor scratched and bloodstained, sharpening his blade slowly. A familiar pop-up blinked in the air.
[You've received a letter from the Academy.]
He raised an eyebrow, then tapped the floating window. The magical scroll materialized, sealed with the academy's symbol. He unfurled it carefully.
Letter from the Academy
*Dear Andrew,*
*It's Caroline. I hope you're eating well and not sleeping in open trenches like you usually do. I swear, if I find out you've been skipping meals again, I'll throw a frying pan through the system window.*
*Everyone here is doing well, though it's been quiet. Too quiet without your constant sarcasm and ridiculous tactics. Even the instructors admit it's not the same without you. They actually miss arguing with you.*
*Mario… well, he's Mario. Yesterday, a second-year confessed to me. I told him no. I told him I was waiting for someone far more annoying, much more idiotic—and someone who, unfortunately, I care about more than I should. You're still my prince, you know. Even if you're out there playing the hero.*
*Please come back in one piece. Or I swear, I'll drag you back myself.*
Caroline
*P.S. Mario says hi. Actually, he wrote something too.*
**Mario's addition:**
*Yo! Sup, warlord? Don't die, alright? Things are great here—except Caroline punched me for saying "your prince" out loud when someone confessed to her yesterday. Worth it. Miss your dumb face.*
Andrew chuckled, folding the letter.
> "Mario's going to get himself killed before I even return…"
Back at the Academy – Two Days Earlier
Mario staggered through the hallway, holding a pack of ice to his cheek.
"That was *one* sentence… ONE. How does she hit that hard?"
Sofia walked past.
"What did you say this time?"
"I just said Caroline's waiting for her prince—exact words. BOOM. Fist of loyalty."
Even Elizabeth winced.
"You're lucky she didn't stab you."
Back to Andrew – Night Before the Battle
Andrew stood at the edge of the command cliff, overseeing the final preparations.
Soldiers marched in formation. Towers lit up with enchantment glyphs. Siege weapons rolled into position.
He spoke into the wind, voice low but clear.
"This is it. Fortress Midgral. Their final stronghold."
"Formation Alpha-Three on the eastern front. Beta-One from the south."
He turned to his lieutenant.
"Release the ghost scouts at midnight. We attack at dawn."
The lieutenant saluted.
"Understood, General."
Andrew looked toward the stars.
"Caroline… Mario… keep the academy safe. I'll bring this war to an end."
The wind howled—like a whisper from destiny itself.