As word of the Forest Elves' arrival in Slumdon Town spread, waves of curious players gathered near the town gates. However, their excitent was quickly dampened by a line of Knights stationed in front of the gates, barring their way.
One bold player stepped forward, trying to push past the blockade. "Hey! We just want to see those elf babes! Why are you stopping us?"
Igor, one of the knights, responded. "The Lord has issued strict orders. No one is to leave the town gates at this ti. These orders are not negotiable."
"What's the deal with these NPCs acting all high and mighty? We're the players here. We make the rules!"
Igor's gaze turned steely. "I have given you fair warning. If you persist, I will be forced to take decisive action."
The players laughed off his threat. "Oh, please! What can a bunch of useless NPCs like you do? We're not scared of you!"
The players grew more restless, their shoving turning into outright attempts to break through the Knights guarding the gate.
Igor, unsheathed his sword, "You dare challenge my authority again?"
"Let's go! Let's take them down!" one of the players shouted, drawing their weapon.
Encouraged by the call to action, others followed suit.
"Don't let Broken talk to those elves alone!" another player chid in.
Before anyone could act, a deafening explosion shattered the tension. The ground trembled as one of the players crumpled lifelessly to the dirt, felled by a gunshot from an unseen assailant.
Chaos erupted. Shouts of confusion and fear filled the air as the remaining players scrambled for cover.
Another shot rang out, its sharp whistle cutting through the panic and narrowly missing its mark.
"It's lliandra. Run..."
"We need to get out of here!" another scread.
The once cocky and overconfident group dissolved into terrified chaos, scattering in all directions as they fled the ambush, their bravado replaced with a desperate fight for survival.
**
"I could easily lay waste to this entire town," Iveth said. "Don't test ."
Broken tilted his head slightly. "If more Forest Elves ca here, perhaps I'd have trouble defending it. But against just you? I think I'll manage."
"Oh, so you think you're strong enough to stop ? Shall I show you what I'm truly capable of?"
Unfazed, Broken t her gaze. "Perhaps it's you who should reconsider. You might find our strength more formidable than expected."
Suddenly, dark shadows began to coalesce near Broken. As they drew closer, the figures took shape. A massive cat stepped out of the darkness as it positioned itself protectively behind Broken.
Iveth's eyes widened briefly before she quickly masked her shock.
"So this is the source of your confidence?"
Broken's voice grew firm. "I don't make idle threats, but you need to recognize your position. The power I wield here surpasses the three of you combined."
Iveth straightened her posture. "So you think you could kill all three of us with ease?"
"I have no intention of fighting or killing you," he replied. "But you're the ones who ca here bearing threats, or have you already forgotten?"
Iveth scoffed. "We're not opponents you can defeat so easily."
Broken remained silent for a mont, his thoughts carefully asured. He, Freya, and Elincia had already concluded that the Forest Elves bore no direct hostility toward Princess Alora.
Even so, there had to be a deeper, significant reason behind their opposition to her ascension to the throne.
"I want to protect Princess Alora, just as you do," he finally said.
Iveth let out a bitter laugh. "Protect? Don't insult my intelligence. You're only protecting your own interests, like all the so-called leaders of the Dissidia Kingdom. We cannot, will not, trust humans when it cos to Lady Aerin's safety."
Though her accusation struck a nerve, Broken maintained his calm deanor.
"Perhaps we should discuss this further," he suggested. "If we work together, we might find a solution that satisfies both sides."
Iveth's gaze remained cold. "Our mission is clear," she said bluntly. "We are here to retrieve Lady Aerin and return her to the village. Negotiations hold no interest for ."
Broken's tone remained even. "I understand your mission, but you should know that Princess Alora has already left this town. You won't find her here."
Iveth's eyes narrowed in suspicion. After a tense pause, she finally relented. "Fine. I'll listen to what you have to say. But don't think for a second that we trust you."
Broken nodded briefly, observing the subtle shift in the elf woman's deanor-a response that hinted at a more positive turn. It was clear they had co for sothing connected to Alora, though their exact motives remained uncertain.
However, their approach was undeniably forceful, a thod that clashed entirely with Alora's current wishes. Asking her to relinquish her status as the crowned princess? That was nothing short of absurd.
Even so, perhaps Broken didn't need to escalate this into a larger conflict. If the Forest Elves were solely fixated on bringing Alora back to their domain and had no other agenda, the situation might be more manageable than it seed.
"Very well," he said at last. "Follow to my residence, and we'll talk there."
As they walked through the town, Broken led the way with asured steps. Onlookers, players
and residents alike, watched with bated breath, awestruck by the Forest Elves' striking
presence. Yet, no one dared to approach.
The Slumdon Knights and the threat of lliandra were enough to keep even the boldest spectators at bay.
When they arrived at the House of Slumdon, Broken invited them inside.
"I have placed my full trust in Princess Alora's decisions," Broken began. "Even when she chose to leave the Forest Elves, that too was her decision. Yes, I helped her leave, but let emphasize, it was her choice."
Iveth gave a slow nod.
Broken continued. "If your intentions are truly good... for her. I wonder if you've communicated them clearly to her? That's not my place to judge, but... I know her well enough
to understand why she made that choice."
Iveth leaned forward slightly as she finally spoke. "What do you know about the Demons?"
Reviews
All reviews (0)