Jackson chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck, glancing down at his MD. It had taken him roughly thirty minutes to reach the fort from where the portal had deposited him and another fifteen to make his way through Fort Vetus' outer defenses.
He had quickly made his way through the fort from the rear side, avoiding any confrontation with the patrols rushing around looking for him. Instead, he snuck around the bastion's outer walls, approached the front entrance, and climbed up to the top of the wall before making his descent down the other side of the fort.
Once outside the fort, it was easy work to make his way across the bridge and through the fields toward the massive walls of Fort Novae. Despite the constant attacks between the two kingdoms, their defenses were pitiful.
He quickly slipped inside the gates, making his way into one of the large doors of a nearby building.
He had walked the halls, ignoring the occasional patrol and passing by the few soldiers he had encountered. He had found the hallways primarily empty, save for a few wounded who were being treated by the few dics available.
He had reached the command center without incident, and walked into the room to see the commanding officer sitting at a desk with her back to him, reading reports and writing in a journal.
She looked over the report, sighing softly, shaking her head, then placed her pen back in its holder, closing her book. She grabbed a nearby mug filled with coffee and sipped from the steaming liquid.
"What brings you here, stranger?" She asked, imdiately sensing his presence as she returned the cup to the desk.
"I arrived on the other island and the Temple Knights are stating the Royal Knights have made a pact with so demons... What exactly happened here" Jackson inquired, crossing his arms across his chest.
"Those lying bastards! We were attacked in the early hours of the morning. We were fighting an ambush by the Temple Knights when all hell broke loose." She shouted, turning around.
She was beautiful, wearing a tight-fitting black uniform that hugged her figure tightly, accentuating every curve. Her long blonde hair fell loosely over one shoulder, brushing the collar of her shirt. Her blue-green eyes stared at Jackson, stepping closer to him.
"Out of nowhere, these demonic creatures started appearing and started attacking the people, and soon, the entire place was in chaos; when the sun rose, they quickly vanished and we were able to repel them."
"Sounds like Hollows..." Jackson muttered, grabbing his chin as he stared at the ground, thinking intently.
"You know of these creatures..?" She asked, stepping even nearer to him, causing him to step back.
"I've killed a few..." He admitted, looking up to et her gaze.
"Then perhaps you could help us rid this island of them once and for all." She suggested, stepping forward again.
"I will gladly aid you in ridding Fort Novae of the Hollows, but I need to do so things before I investigate." He said, looking up to et her gaze.
"I understand. Thank you, Sir."
"Call Jackson."
"Okay, Jackson. I'm Lydia, and I am the Royal Knight Commander of Fort Novae. I will send a runner to let you know when you should arrive. For now, please feel free to stay in my quarters." She offered, gesturing toward a doorway leading deeper into the fort.
"Thank you, Lydia." He smiled, bowing before leaving the office and heading toward the door.
"Please co visit anyti." She called after him as he exited her office into a large corridor within the fort.
He continued walking toward the door, pausing briefly as he looked around.
The corridors seed very quiet. There wasn't anyone else around, and the only sound ca from the soft footsteps he heard behind himself.
"Excuse , sir." A young girl spoke softly beside the door; Jackson stopped and glanced over his shoulder.
"Yes?" He asked.
"The commander has sent word that she would like for you to wait for the ssenger outside the door. May I show you out?" The young child asked, offering him a small smile and a curtsy.
"Thank you, that'd be appreciated," Jackson replied, smiling back, nodding his thanks as he followed the little girl back toward the exit, following her directions and exiting the fort from the rear, walking along the cobbled stone streets.
The sun hung high overhead, shining brightly off the white walls surrounding the fort. Soldiers patrolled about, their armor polished clean, weapons sharpened and ready for use.
"This way, if you'll follow ." The girl proclaid as Jackson nodded, falling into pace with the young girl. The sounds of marching boots echoed throughout the fort as they marched about their duties.
They passed several buildings, most of which appeared to house the soldiers and officers. They eventually arrived at a large building with a sign hanging above the entryway, "Royal Knight Commander's Private Quarters."
"Please co inside, this way, if you will." She said; Jackson stepped into the building, the young girl closing the door behind him and skipping off, leaving him alone in the empty building.
He took a mont to look around, noting that the interior of the structure matched the exterior closely; it felt almost claustrophobic.
He stepped forward, entering a hallway that led to a pair of doors opposite each other. One door opened easily, revealing a well-furnished bedroom, complete with a king-sized bed, a dresser, a wardrobe, a nightstand, a mirror, and an armoire.
The second door led to a large dining area, with a large table surrounded by chairs and a large chandelier dangling from the ceiling, illuminating the room. The table held an assortnt of foodstuffs, including bread and cheese, fruits and vegetables, ats, and many bottles of wine and alcohol.
Jackson sat on the edge of the table, picking up a piece of fruit and biting into it as he considered what to do next.
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