The guard's deanour changed instantly. "Guild Master Azarel. You're expected."
The massive golden gates swung open without a sound.
Arthur stepped forward into the seat of power that had ruled ra for a thousand years.
Behind him, Anna slipped through the closing gates like a shadow. The Guard leader had noticed her but did not say anything.
She was his daughter after all.
...
"This way, Guild Master Azarel."
The royal guard moved leading Arthur to the eting.
'His golden armour is of the very rare rank...the royal family really is rich.' Arthur thought.
"The throne room is being prepared. You'll wait in the Sapphire Lounge until His Majesty summons you."
They passed through corridors lined with portraits of past rulers. Each face seed to watch Arthur as he walked by.
"Ten minutes," the guard said, stopping before an ornate blue door.
Arthur nodded and stepped inside.
The Sapphire Lounge was everything its na suggested, blue from floor to ceiling, with plush furniture and a table laden with exotic fruits and drinks.
Arthur ignored the refreshnts, instead moving to the window.
From here, he could see most of Caldera beneath the palace. His guild hall was sowhat visible in the distance.
...
Anna slipped through the palace's servant passages with ease. These hidden corridors were the palace's true circulatory system, allowing certain people to move unseen throughout the royal residence.
She erged from a panel in the royal study just as Elara dismissed her morning tutor.
"Report," the princess said without turning, sohow sensing Anna's presence.
"He's here. Currently waiting to be escorted to et the king."
"And last night?"
"Ten assassins. Shadowhand Guild." Anna moved to stand beside the princess. "All eliminated. No one else was sent."
Elara's eyes widened slightly. "Ten? They sent ten Shadowhand?"
"Yes. They were all of the above level 20 and their leader was A-Rank. Soone was very motivated," Anna agreed. "But that's not the interesting part."
"Go on."
"He vanished. Simply... disappeared from the guild hall before they attacked."
Elara turned sharply. "Teleportation?"
"No. Nothing I could detect. He was there one mont, gone the next. Then reappeared this morning as if nothing happened."
The princess paced her formal gown rustling. "Did you check for hidden passages?"
"I have checked whilst he was gone, but I couldn't find anything..."
"Interesting," Elara murmured. "Any theories?"
"Only impossible ones."
Elara smiled. "Those are often the correct ones in Caldera." She moved to her desk, retrieving a small book.
"What do you know about Transcendence abilities?"
"Myths...you an-"
"Yes...I think so."
Anna's normally impassive face showed a flicker of surprise at the shocking statent from her childhood friend.
"Should I continue shadowing him?"
Elara shook her head.
"No need. I think I underestimated him..."
Elara moved to the window. "If he truly possesses Transcendence abilities, we need him as an ally before soone else secures his loyalty."
"Let's go et the Guild master...Azarel." She said a soft smile on her face.
...
As Arthur stared at the city of Caldera a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"His Majesty will see you now," announced a royal attendant.
Arthur nodded before following the man down the grand hallway toward the throne room.
The throne room of Caldera glead silver and gold, light dancing off polished surfaces and catching on enchanted fixtures. Massive pillars lined the approach, each carved with the deeds of past monarchs.
At the far end, upon a raised dais, sat the Sun Throne.
And upon it sat King Alaric Ashborne II.
His silver hair cascaded past his shoulders, framing a face that held both wisdom and hardness.
His eyes like quicksilver studied Arthur as he approached. The king's presence filled the room, not with magic, but with the authority that ca from generations of absolute rule.
To the king's right stood Princess Elara, her golden beauty forming a perfect complent to her father's silver austerity.
Her hands were clasped formally behind her back, but her eyes held the sa curiosity Arthur had seen yesterday.
"Approach," commanded a herald.
Arthur walked forward, maintaining perfect posture. Protocol dictated stopping ten paces from the throne, but he halted at fifteen. A subtle ssage that wasn't lost by the king who stared at him with interest.
There was no one inside the throne room but Arthur, King Alaric and Princess Elara.
Arthur glanced at the 6 seats on his left and right and noted it.
'Did he dismiss everyone? Or is that how it's ant to be?' He thought.
Arthur wasn't sure about royal protocols.
The king's lips twitched as he watched Arthur survey the throne room.
"Guild Master Arthur," he said, his voice rich and resonant. "You've caused quite a stir in my city."
"Not intentionally, Your Majesty."
"No?" The king leaned forward, silver eyes narrowing. "A guild manifestation. A black banner. A superior creature. None of this was intentional?"
Arthur t the king's gaze directly. "The manifestation was unexpected. The banner felt right. The beast is my companion."
Sothing passed between them, it was like a challenge offered and accepted.
The king settled back, his fingers drumming once on the throne's armrest.
"Interesting."
Elara shifted slightly, drawing Arthur's attention. Her expression remained neutral, but sothing in her eyes conveyed approval.
"My daughter speaks highly of your potential," the king continued. "She rarely shows much interest in newcors."
Elara's cheeks colored faintly. "Father."
The king waved dismissively. "It's rely an observation, not a judgnt." His focus returned to Arthur. "Tell , Guild Master, what are your plans for Power?"
"My plans?" He paused, not from hesitation but for effect. "My plans are nothing but loyalty toward this kingdom, Your Majesty."
The king's silver eyebrow arched. "Loyalty. A weighty word, but it is easily spoken."
"But harder demonstrated," Arthur agreed. "Which is why Power's resources will be available to the crown when needed."
A subtle wave rippled through the attending nobles. Such a direct pledge from a new guild was unusual.
Elara's eyes sparkled with interest, though her posture remained formal.
"Resources," the king echoed. "Including your... unique manifestation abilities?"
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