The carriage creaked as it rolled down the highroad, flanked by tall, imposing trees on either side. The sky was overcast, casting a muted, grayish light over the path. Aeris sat inside the lavish carriage, her eyes half-closed as she pretended to be engrossed in the book on her lap. In truth, her thoughts were elsewhere—on the Academy, on the schemes brewing around her, and on the System that had changed her life.

Esther, her personal maid, sat across from her, nervously wringing her hands. Esther had served the Garlands for as long as Aeris could remember, a timid thing who rarely spoke unless spoken to. Two Garland soldiers rode alongside the carriage, their stern faces betraying no emotion as they scanned the horizon for danger.

Aeris let out a quiet breath. She knew what was coming. This stretch of road was infamous for attacks by bandits and creatures alike, and in the game’s original timeline, it was a pivotal event. But this time, she wasn’t going to let it catch her off-guard.

The journey to Priscilla Academy, the most prestigious school for the elite of the kingdom, was supposed to be the start of Aeris’ downfall in the game. She would be humiliated, mocked, and eventually driven to her execution. But not this time.

A sound in the distance caught her attention. The horses neighed nervously, and the soldiers tensed. Aeris calmly closed her book, her senses sharp. She glanced at Esther, who had paled considerably, sensing something was wrong.

“We’re being watched,” Aeris murmured, her voice cold and detached.