"Hah! Even if you kill , there are still 11 more Demons and 39 Functionaries," Draco taunted, his voice laced with arrogance, as the heat of the battle seed to ignite the air around them.
"It's fine. I'll kill all of you," Arlon replied, his tone calm and unwavering, his Wandsword gleaming faintly with power.
This was no ordinary fight. Arlon was standing toe-to-toe with Draco—the lowest-ranked Demon among the Keldars.
Despite his ranking, Draco was no weakling. His presence radiated malevolence, his every move a calculated attempt to overwhelm his opponent.
"Do you really think you're strong enough?" Draco sneered, a twisted grin stretching across his face. His tone shifted to one of mockery as he added, "Even if you are, what about him?"
"We'll see," Arlon said, gripping his sword tighter, ready for whatever was coming.
This was a duel between two Zeno users. In this world, such a battle was more than just a clash of skills—it was a clash of wills.
For one of them, the outco would an more than just defeat. It would an permanent log-out, the deactivation of their Zeno, and the end of their journey in Trion.
But how did the story co to this mont of life and death?
---
"Man, this is my first dieval-style journey. I hope it goes well," Evan said excitedly, his voice brimming with anticipation as the group gathered near the carriages.
"Are we sure it's safe to use the carriages?" Carn asked nervously, glancing around at the soldiers stationed nearby. "This is still a ga event, and things like bandit attacks could happen, right?"
"No way! Look at all the soldiers traveling with us," Evan replied, dismissing her worries with a casual wave. "If bandits even try, they'll be dealt with before we notice anything."
The group was preparing to depart from Istarra to Kelta. Three carriages were lined up, but only one was needed. Most players had declined the journey, leaving only a handful to make the trip.
These weren't ordinary carriages, either. Enchanted with magic, a single one could comfortably carry up to 12 people, ensuring space and comfort for the long voyage.
Surprisingly, Lady Rael requested to share a carriage with Arlon the guide, Shirl, and the players who accepted the offer.
Since there were only 7 players who accepted the offer, apart from Arlon, one carriage would be enough to carry them all.
The journey was expected to take 10 days, considering the players had to log out daily. During this ti, the Trionians would rest at night while waiting for the players to return.
"Mr. Evan and Miss Carn, right?" June greeted as she approached them.
"Just Evan and Carn is fine—we're only 17," Evan said, speaking for both of them. He already knew Carn wouldn't mind.
Unlike his encounter with Arlon, Evan had regained his usual cool deanor.
"Fair enough," June replied. "Why are you two coming to Kelta? I thought most players wouldn't bother with 10 days of traveling and then for an unknown amount of ti of training without leveling up."
"Ah, Mr. Arlon suggested us to the NPCs," Evan explained. "What about you?"
"I lost a bet," June admitted with a grin. "Anyway, since we'll be training together, let's get along." Her cheerful smile put them at ease.
When they agreed, June introduced them to the other mbers of the Gars Guild, including Zack. Zack stood off to the side, looking awkward.
He had overheard June talking about the teleportation from the day before and finally understood why she and Arlon had been holding hands.
For a while, he would feel distanced from his friends.
The group would now spend the next 10 days together on this journey.
---
From a distance, Arlon watched the players interact, his expression unreadable. Dressed in his usual attire, his Wandsword at his side, he observed them with a tinge of envy.
How do they make friends so easily? he thought, shaking his head.
Even Maria, who wasn't a part of any of the two groups was talking to them easily.
Still, he had 10 days ahead to grow closer to the group. Afterward, he would have the chance to interact with them as "Arlon the player."
When the preparations were complete, Lady Rael approached.
The soldiers accompanying the carriages imdiately bowed their heads in deference, prompting the players to hurriedly mimic the gesture.
Arlon, however, remained upright.
"Please, relax," Lady Rael said gently, her voice warm. "We'll be traveling together, and I'd prefer if we avoided unnecessary formality."
The players hesitated before slowly raising their heads.
"Shall we?" she said, allowing Arlon to assist her into the carriage.
Inside, the players were surprised by the luxurious interior.
"Wow, it's huge!" Evan exclaid, his eyes darting around the spacious cabin. "I thought we'd be sitting on hard wooden benches."
"It's a lot more comfortable than I expected," Lei added, marveling at the soft cushions and ample space.
Once everyone was seated and the soldiers confird the preparations were complete, the carriage set off. Their first destination was Morealis, a day's journey away.
---
At first, silence hung over the group like a thick cloud. Lady Rael was the first to break the tension, introducing herself with a warm smile.
Her openness prompted the others to follow suit, each taking a turn to share their na and a little about themselves.
When it was Arlon's turn, he spoke simply. "I'm Arlon, the guide of Istarra."
"Wow! I didn't think we'd get to travel with the Legendary Guide!" Carn exclaid, now visibly more comfortable with the group.
Arlon's body stiffened at the title, mories of Charon's scolding flashing through his mind.
"I'm not legendary," he muttered. "I just try to help people."
He had grown tired of scripted NPC-style dialogue and stopped using it entirely, though he wasn't sure if anyone had noticed.
As the conversation shifted, June glanced at Lady Rael and Shirl. "Miss Shirl, Lady Rael, you're both maguses, right? Do you know anything about Teleportation?"
She had been wondering about Arlon's skill.
"Teleportation? If you an portals, we'll be using those soon," Lady Rael replied.
"No, I ant the Teleportation skill," June clarified.
"Skill? What's that?" Shirl asked, confused.
Before June could understand what she ant, Lady Rael answered, "Ah, it is how our saviors use their power. You can think of it like abilities, or spell in teleportation's case."
"Ah, I see. The Teleportation spell," Shirl said. "That's a legendary spell. No one has been able to use it in the known past. Where did you hear about it?"
June hesitated. "Soone I know used it recently. His na is Arlon."
Shirl's gaze shifted to Arlon, who quickly waved her off.
"Not ," he said casually. "There's another Arlon among the saviors."
He didn't want to appear boastful. If people later discovered he was the sa Arlon, it would be embarrassing.
The carriage rolled on as the conversation continued, the group growing more at ease with one another.
Though the journey ahead was long, it was clear they were beginning to form bonds that would carry them through whatever challenges awaited in Kelta and beyond.
But for Arlon, the path ahead was already set. Battles, betrayals, and the fate of Trion lood large on the horizon.
And sowhere in the distance, a Demon nad Draco was waiting.
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