The moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the quiet town of Era. A chill permeated the autumn air despite the lingering warmth of the fading summer. Tōga sat motionless in his chamber, contemplating the tedium of nightly guard duty. A Rune Knight's work was never done, but on a peaceful night like this, sleep tempted him.

A rap at his door stirred Tōga from his reverie. It was Lt. Marin, a fellow Rune Knight. "Got a job for you," he said gruffly. Tōga sighed, but duty called. He couldn't refuse a request from a brother-in-arms if he wanted to climb the Rune Knight ranks.

"How can I help?” Tōga asked as he draped on his clothes.

"Communications check. I need you to inspect this beacon system I devised, let me know how functional it feels to you," Marin explained.

Tōga nodded. It was a simple enough task. As a fire mage, he was uniquely suited for it. He'd move from beacon to beacon, lighting each with his magic, then verify their visibility across distances.

After a quick briefing, Tōga set out into the night. His first stop was the beacon at the town's edge, nearest the dark forest. He channeled his magic, igniting the beacon with a burst of flame that lit up the sky. Squinting through the darkness, he spotted the next faint glow in the distance. So far, so good.

He continued his circuit, circling the town's perimeter, lighting each beacon in turn. The dancing flames contrasted with the stillness of the sleeping town, casting flickering shadows through quiet streets. As Tōga moved from tower to tower, he appreciated the care taken in their placement. They were spaced perfectly - close enough that each remained visible from the last.

The crisp night air invigorated Tōga as he worked. The solitude and simple purpose of his task brought clarity after weeks of chaotic raids and raids. He felt at peace under the expanse of stars, using his power productively rather than destructively.

In little over an hour, Tōga had completed his lap. Every beacon now burned brightly, bathing the town’s outskirts in a protective glow. Satisfied with a job well done, he set off to report back to Marin. The beacon system was sound and ready should danger ever threaten Era. Though he hoped such a night would never come, Tōga took pride in being prepared.

As Tōga made his way back, the first hints of dawn lightened the eastern sky. The inky darkness of night faded to gray as sunlight crept over the horizon. The coming sun promised a new day filled with the duties and demands of a Rune Knight. But that was tomorrow. Now, with his task complete and the town safely guarded, Tōga looked forward to a well-deserved rest.

Though sleep called, a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment warmed him. He had done his part to protect Era this night. The beacons stood ready, a silent vigil against any threat. Tōga could rest easy knowing the town remained secure under their glow. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but for now, his watch was complete. With a contented sigh, Tōga turned towards home and the comfort of his bed. Dawn's first light marked the end of this night's work and the promise of renewal with each new day.

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WC: 585
END THREAD