Raised in the Art of Death

Belios City, nestled in the heart of the North, stood as a beacon of resilience amidst the biting cold and unrelenting snow. Unlike the rest of the Empire, which experienced the warmth and vibrancy of changing seasons, Belios was perpetually covered in a glistening white blanket. The city, though freezing and foreboding, radiated a unique charm. It was famous not only for its harsh climate but also for being the home of the Nyx Family, whose reputation for strength and loyalty was unmatched.

The Nyx Family Estate sat on the highest point of the city, overlooking the bustling streets below. Its imposing towers pierced the white skies, the silver accents of its architecture gleaming against the snow. Belios itself was no ordinary city. Merchants thrived here despite the cold, their goods ranging from luxurious furs to rare herbs from the East. Taverns and inns bustled with life, providing warmth and refuge to travelers and locals alike.

Far from this lively city, however, lay the North Border, where survival was a daily battle. Soldiers stationed there faced unrelenting attacks from the unknown monsters that came from the icy wilderness beyond. These creatures were fierce, growing stronger and more numerous with each passing year. The border was the Empire's first line of defense, and the soldiers there knew they could not afford to fail.

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Inside the largest tent of the North Border encampment, Kallisto Nyx was deep in thought. He stood before a map spread across a wooden table, its edges weighed down by daggers. The harsh wind outside rattled the tent, and even the warmth of the brazier couldn't fully stave off the cold. His golden eyes were sharp, scanning the map as if willing it to reveal a solution.

A soldier entered, his boots crunching softly against the frozen ground beneath the tent's canvas floor. He saluted, his face pale from exhaustion.

"What did you find?" Kallisto asked, his voice calm but commanding.

The soldier hesitated, then spoke. "I'm sorry, young master. We didn't find much. The monsters… they seem to be growing hungrier, more aggressive. Each time they attack, their numbers increase. The West, South, and East Borders report the same situation."

Kallisto's brows furrowed. "So it's not just the North," he murmured, his gaze returning to the map. "All right. Continue your investigations. Focus on any patterns in their behavior or origins. Report immediately if anything changes."

"Yes, young master!" The soldier saluted again before exiting the tent.

Moments later, the tent flap opened once more, and the cold wind swept in alongside Alexander and Alistair. Snow clung to their cloaks and boots, and their golden eyes—so similar to Kallisto's—reflected a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"Brother, you called for us?" Alexander asked, shaking off the snow as he stepped forward.

"Yes," Kallisto replied, gesturing to the map. "We're running low on supplies. The men can't face another year unprepared. I need you two to go to Belios City and secure provisions for the entire year."

Alexander grinned. "Finally, a mission that doesn't involve freezing in the snow or fighting monsters!"

Alistair, ever the pragmatic one, nodded. "It will take us two days to reach Belios and another two to return. Should we take Neo with us?"

Kallisto inclined his head. "Yes. With Neo accompanying you, the journey will be smoother. Don't waste time—depart immediately."

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The twins exited the tent and headed to the training grounds, where Neo was sharpening his sword. Despite the cold, he worked diligently, the rhythmic sound of whetstone against steel cutting through the air.

"Brother Neo!" Alexander called out. "We're heading to Belios City to buy supplies. Kallisto wants you to join us."

Neo glanced up, his breath visible in the freezing air. "Belios City, huh? Finally, a change of scenery. Give me a moment to prepare."

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The three brothers set off that afternoon, riding a sturdy wagon pulled by Northern horses. The journey was slow, as the snow made the roads treacherous. Icicles hung from the bare branches of the trees lining the path, and the crunch of snow beneath the wagon wheels was the only sound for miles.

"It's strange to leave the border after so long," Neo said, breaking the silence.

Alexander leaned back, a grin tugging at his lips. "Strange, but refreshing. I can already taste the hot stew from the taverns in Belios."

Alistair chuckled softly. "Focus on the mission, Alex. We're not here for stew."

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By the second day, their exhaustion was evident. The relentless cold had seeped into their bones, and the wind seemed determined to slow their progress. But as the towering walls of Belios City came into view, a sense of relief washed over them.

The city gates, reinforced with black iron and etched with the Nyx Family crest, opened to reveal the bustling streets within. Merchants called out their wares, children played in the snow, and the aroma of spiced meats and warm bread filled the air.

"Belios," Alexander said with a grin, taking in the familiar sights. "It feels like forever since we were last here."

Neo guided the wagon through the crowded streets, his sharp eyes scanning for potential threats. "Four months isn't forever, Alex. But I'll admit, it's good to be back."

Alistair, ever observant, added, "The air feels different here. Lighter, somehow. Even the snow doesn't feel as harsh as it does at the border."

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They arrived at an inn near the marketplace, its wooden sign swinging gently in the wind. The warmth inside was a stark contrast to the cold outside, and the brothers sighed in relief as they entered. The innkeeper greeted them warmly, offering rooms and a hot meal.

After settling in, Alexander flopped onto one of the beds with a dramatic groan. "A real bed! I almost forgot what this feels like."

Neo smirked, sitting by the window to clean his sword. "Don't get too comfortable. Tomorrow's going to be a long day."

Alistair, seated by the fire, opened a small book and began reading. "Let's enjoy this moment of peace while it lasts. Belios might feel safe, but we still have a job to do."

The brothers agreed to rest for the evening, knowing that the next day would be spent gathering supplies. For now, they allowed themselves a rare moment of comfort, the snow outside falling gently against the windows of the warm inn.

To be continued.....