The building, standing tall and imposing before , combined elents of Gothic-like architecture, especially evident in its central fra, with more practical Georgian-like sides, which were most likely used as offices.
While its grandeur fell short of the luxurious temples, or the imposing Ministry headquarters, it was clearly a cut above the nearby houses, or most buildings in the outer districts, for that matter.
“Peace be with you, citizen.”
The man at the gate, a low (or mid) Silver Path-bearer, wore heavy plate armor, engraved with a symbol of a mace inside a kite shield. Unsurprisingly, his equipnt matched the engraving.
“I greet the servant of the Silent Protector.”
The paladin of Uldrion gave a curt nod, scanning my equipnt.
“Is there sothing you require?”
“I ca to collect a bounty. Solar Paladin Uldric must have made his report by now – the incident took place this morning.”
“I will inquire on your behalf. Remain here for a mont.”
Without opening the gate, the paladin turned his back, marching into the building.
‘They wouldn't even let in.’
‘Perhaps it's for the best. This looks like the sort of place one would rather not enter – and those who do, do not get a say in that matter.’
For once, I agreed with Sebastian’s assessnt.
“I have confird your claim. If you would.”
He extended a familiar sphere through the bars, an action that required no further clarification.
I pressed my token against the glass. Seeing the artifact up-close for the first ti allowed to make out the details floating inside.
‘That’s basically just a copy of that docunt.. ah, the dal is “floating” beside it, as well.’
I could also see my adventurer’s guild rank, shining separately beside the main ‘page’.
‘Oh, I should probably go update that. Although, there is a grace period, according to what Bern said back then. Maybe I can get to level 3 first.’
I knew that getting [Charge Thrust] to its last level would be no easy task, but perhaps John knew of a way to get there without putting myself in mortal danger once again.
anwhile, the man nodded, withdrawing the identification sphere, and passing so kind of tal card, similar to the currency cards used by the Bank of Valoria.
“What’s this?”
“This card contains 76 rits - 28 for the demon, 24 for the Silver-ranked cultist, 8 for each of his followers.”
It would seem he got briefed regarding the source of my rewards. However…
“rits?”
“You can exchange them for services at any major template that provides them.”
“I thought the faithful didn’t require paynt?”
The man's face, its features rough but defined, as if chiseled from stone, showed a semblance of a smile.
“You must have spent so ti with the Sunborn. Theirs is.. a very particular doctrine. The Shining Lady is truly a generous goddess.”
“I see…”
It did seem strange that the Sun Priests’ healing was provided for free, beside the terms and conditions that would often apply.
“What can I do with them, exactly?”
“They are issued by the Union of Faith. Each temple provides its own services. In ours, you may use rits to post certain mission requests, mostly centered around protection – be that escort or guard duty.”
“What mission could I post with 78 rits?”
“This would likely be enough to pay for three senior apprentices to escort you for a week. Of course, assuming you do not travel into the darkest corners of the city, and are not planning to violate its laws.”
This was significant. Three people on the level of Joshua, acting as my bodyguards for a week… That could easily be a 300 gold job.
‘Around 100 gold per 28 points… Let’s say each point is roughly 4 to 5 gold, since Paladins are not easy to hire… That’s even better than my other bounty.’
Well, the level of danger was certainly higher. If not for my ‘lucky’ surprise attack - which was as much of a surprise to as it was to the demon - as well as Hilda’s assistance, this could’ve ended much, much worse.
“Wait… how did you attune this card so quickly?”
“Those cards are transferable. You may attune this one at the Union branch in the city.”
“I see, thank you.”
“Stay safe, adventurer.”
‘At least this one went quickly.’
I was relieved to finally be done with my errands for today.
‘Maybe I should visit the temples later – learn of the various services. Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Union branch has its own combined catalogue.’
In fact, I went by that branch in the past, back when I visited the shrines. It was just slightly north of the Plaza of Devotion, facing the road adjacent to the inner city wall, and was pretty hard to miss – even though, back then, I only noticed it on the way back.
As I began walking towards the carriage stop nearby…
“Hold! You there!”
The sudden outcry made halt my step, turning my head.
A dozen ters away from stood three paladins – two bore the sa insignia as the one at the gate, while the one who shouted, a large, middle-aged man with a chiseled face and short gray hair, had a different symbol engraved on his plate – a large eye, made of light-gray iron (as opposed to the darker tone of the rest of its alloy).
The three changed their course - initially heading towards the gate - and began to approach, as the man narrowed his eyes.
“You will co with .”
“What… What is this madness?!”
To say I was taken aback was to put it lightly. anwhile, the two began to surround from both sides, as I slowly retreated backwards.
“Boy… I am a servant of The Iron Judge. You may have concealed it well, but I can sense the demonic residue coming from you.”
My mouth was agape, as the peak-Silver Law Paladin began reaching for the greatsword, sheathed behind his back.
“I just killed a demon this very morning!”
The paladin couldn’t help but release a short scoff, his hand gripping the hilt.
“Look!”
My hand, still near the case on my waist - which I didn’t even have ti to close - shot up, waving the ‘rit card’.
“I literally just claid the bounty!”
This ti, my words made the paladin pause, hand still on his blade. Perhaps the tears still visible on my sleeves (which I forgot to change at the tavern), or the faintly visible fresh skin underneath, played a role in that, as well.
“He’s telling the truth, inquisitor! Stay your blade.”
The Paladin of Protection at the gate, who witnessed the scene, finally ca to his senses as well, deciding to intervene.
“I…”
An awkward silence descended, with the two n at my sides freezing, then, quickly lowering their maces. Their leader’s hand also slipped off the handle.
Then, to my surprise…
“Forgive my conduct.”
A curt, but deep bow followed.
“...”
I was still too surprised to speak. However, my formally-agape mouth was now forming a thin line, as my hand slipped the rit card back into the case.
“Please, hold still for a mont.”
Without waiting for my reply, the Law Paladin approached , stretching his hands forward.
I flinched, but decided against doing anything – given what just transpired, and the sincerity of his apology, I doubted he was planning anything malicious.
A second later, his hands shone with gray-ish glow.
‘This…’
The mont the nearly-tangible light spread towards , touching my body, I felt an uncomfortable sensation, like an itch you can’t scratch. However, a second later, I felt my body fill with renewed vigor – not much, but definitely noticeable.
“This minor blessing should help cleanse the traces of corruption within the hour.”
“T-thank you.”
I released the breath I didn’t notice I was still holding.
‘Is that how it feels to be an actual cultist in this world?..’
“If you ever decide to spend your rits in the Iron Temple to commission a request, feel free to seek out paladin Thornsworth. If I’m not occupied with my other duties, I will send so of the promising juniors your way.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
By now, my voice had regained its usual calmness.
“No, thank you for keeping the city free of that filth.”
With a curt nod, the paladin turned his head towards his companions, who now stood by his side.
“Alright, enough dilly-dallying. Let us proceed.”
The trio quickly approached the now-open gate, promptly disappearing behind it.
Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.
‘This was definitely a very.. particular experience.’
‘Be glad that was all it was.’
‘Ever the optimist, are you?’
‘Does this kingdom inspire your optimism?’
Faced with the unexpected question, I paused, unsure how to answer. At that mont, I heard the sound of carriage wheels, grinding and lightly bouncing against the cobblestone.
‘Whatever. Ti to move on.’
By my estimation, I could make it to Anne’s estate a few hours before her return.
And then… It was ti to ask so important questions about the Wizard Path.
***
“Exactly the sa…”
There was no living soul nearby to hear the quiet mumble. All that greeted it were the neatly folded sheets on top of a luxurious, king-sized bed; The large writing desk, with shelves of books neatly standing beside it; The small drawer stand beside the bad, made of so kind of exquisite wood he never learned the na of;
And, of course…
‘It’s still there…’
Making his way through the large room, which felt more like a ti capsule than the lodgings of a living person, he arrived in front of what looked like a personal training area, covered with soft mats made of so kind of sturdy, shock-absorbing alchemical substance, which he never bothered to learn the na of, either.
‘They even kept those…’
On a long weapon rack, multiple training swords rested atop the wooden supports. Each blade was larger, longer and heavier than the last. The last pair of supports, spread farthest apart, was empty.
‘I see they’ve been cleaning it.’
To the right of the weapon rack was a single armor stand, a human-shaped dummy.
It was adorned by a suit of plate armor, made of a mithril-dominant alloy – its silvery surface, giving off a light-blue hue, reflected the few afternoon sunrays which managed to pierce the loosely closed curtains, glimring under their light.
In its center, on the chestplate, was an engraving – a ring with an inverted greatsword, its tip extending slightly past the bottom border.
“Haaa….”
Soon, a worn chainmail - as well as a packed utility belt - were hanging on the wooden beams of the weapon rack, and a few battered steel plates - arm and leg bracers - were strewn on the mats nearby.
Stepping away from the training corner, the man made his way to the drawers beside the bed.
The top drawer emitted no creak upon being open – either those were maintained, as well, or the tal railing was simply of sufficiently high quality to avoid even the tiniest traces of rust. Likely the latter.
A book now rested in the man’s hands – “Alerion’s Adventures - Tales Of Wonder, Valor & Sacrifice.”
As he glanced at the aged leather cover, a faint smile slowly appeared on the man’s face – a rare sight, if there was anyone around to witness it.
‘Couldn’t quite match your journey… Well, maybe one day.’
Putting back the book, the man straightened his back, as the sound of footsteps coming from beyond the one-way Sealsense array made him quickly turn around.
Generally, this wouldn’t be sothing out of the ordinary, but today, the estate was unusually quiet. Even the maid who escorted him back to his old room quickly ran off, citing her duties.
“Young master. Are you in there?”
Putting aside the fact only a few people held the keys to deactivate the sound barriers, he’d never fail to recognize the aged man’s voice, regardless.
“Albert.”
“May I co in?”
“Of course.”
The door opened, revealing the figure of the family’s head butler.
“I don’t know how you found out so fast, but I’m grateful for your tily return.”
The man bowed his head.
“Found out… Albert, what’s going on? Why is the estate… This.. still?”
As Albert raised his head once more, the look in his eyes caused the subtle grip inside Bernard’s chest to tighten.
“I.. Co with . Your siblings are already gathered in the lower chamber.”
Without waiting for a reply, he turned around, keeping the door open with one hand.
“Albert.. is.. is my?..”
“Yes.”
Once more, the man turned back, his eyes filled with unmistakable sorrow.
“Your father has finally passed away.”
***
Getting through the gate took longer this ti – in fact, even longer than on the day after the attack.
The security asures were doubled, the queue was far longer than before, and, even as I presented my - or rather, Anne’s - token for inspection, I was still held up for questioning, with the guard - a level 5 Path-bearer - even going as far as to use a similar device to that of the ministry guy near the end.
“Am I free to proceed?”
“...yes. However, be cautious of doing anything unusual – as you could see, Central is on high alert right now.”
“Do you know what’s going on?”
“Even if I did, I wouldn’t be able to tell you. However… you will find out soon enough.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
With an ominous feeling rising in my chest, I made my way through the underground passage, erging on the other side. This ti, unlike my first visit, I had nothing to ask the inner booth guard, simply exchanging a quick greeting and moving out onto the sunlit plaza.
The atmosphere was seemingly the sa as usual, with maybe fewer people roaming the streets, yet there was an unmistakable undercurrent of tension in the air.
I made my way to the station, waiting for the tram.
“Do you know what happened?”
“No… But, it’s been like this since morning.”
Two nobles were chatting as they awaited the tram, sitting on a nearby - noble-only - bench.
“You think… There was another attack?”
“Probably not. But… This certainly feels wrong. You were a small child back then, so you probably don’t rember… This is how it felt 35 years ago. The declaration of war ca in the evening.”
“Shh!.. Don’t even bring it up. By the gods, I hope we’re not dragged into a war with Luskar again.”
“Would it be strange? We’ve been at war for nearly a millennium."
“Being at war is one thing… But when it escalates… My parents – they also participated in the war back then. That’s how-”
“That’s how they earned their titles. I know.”
“That’s also how they lost half of their friends – people they grew up with, people they knew…”
“I know that, too. Forgive for bringing up this topic.”
“That’s alright. Let us just hope for the best.”
The hushed conversation between the two nobles halted, right as the tram arrived at the station.
The ride to Alerion’s intersection was quiet – while I didn’t know what went in the noble’s section, heavy silence pressed upon the visitor’s one, with no chatter or casual conversations taking place.
‘I really don’t like this…’
I didn’t think they’d force soone who escaped from Luskar to participate in the war against that very sa country, yet, I couldn’t say that with certainty – and, this was sothing I’d rather not find out.
‘There’s no point in dwelling upon what might or might not be – focus on the present.’
‘Yeah… yeah, you’re right.’
I knew his words were ant to maximize my efficiency, rather than provide encouragent, but at this ti, there was no aning in differentiating between the two.
“What’s that…”
“Look!”
Hearing the voices outside the station, I quickly stepped out from under the thin tal roof.
As the hushed voices grew in number, I followed their gazes… up, into the sky.
In the distance, there was a tiny dot. No, three dots. At least, that’s how it would appear to a normal person. However, I could see its strange shape… and I could easily discern the fact – it was growing larger by the second.
“Is that?..”
One of the nobles beside was shocked, as well.
“Sir… what is that?”
I couldn’t help but wonder, myself.
“Those are…”
The tiny dots grew large enough for to discern more details – the dots at the side appeared like a pair of so kind of vessel, their wooden hulls encased in a steel fra, with what looked like sowhat large leathery balloons, even larger than their hulls, on top.
The one in the middle was fully made out of tal, reflecting the rays of the sun, which was slowly making its way towards the horizon in the opposite direction of the three incoming vessels.
“Those are airships! I think the one in the middle… It’s a full-tal ship!”
The astonishnt made the man temporarily forget about the concept of social hierarchy.
anwhile, farther up along the railway, from the roof of a large building just before the Silverton estate, a figure, with a kite-like contraption attached to its back, soared into the air. A few seconds later, another similar figure, from the opposite side of the hill, joined its flight, heading towards the approaching airships.
“But… If it ca from the capital… could it actually be?..”
His words trailed off, yet, given the earlier conversation I overheard, the aning was clear.
‘War?..’
***
“As I’ve said, the Ministry’s response was more than adequate. If you have any further complaints, save them for the assembly.”
A mont of tense silence passed, as the noble - a high level Elevated Path-bearer - spoke once more.
“Fine. If that is your answer, Theodor, we shall speak aga-”
taptap tap
A knock on the door interrupted the conversation.
“Yes?”
At his words - and the subtle press of a button - the door opened, revealing the figure of a tall man with short black hair, encased in similarly coloured leather armor.
“Am I interrupting?”
“No, it’s alright, Ornyl. He was just leaving.”
As the high noble and the leader of the MIS branch exchange another look, the tension still present, the forr turned around, exiting the office.
“Another one? I thought the last of them was scheduled to et you yesterday.”
“Their ‘coalition’ demanded another eting. You know how they are.”
The vice-leader sighed, taking a seat behind the table.
“Anything to report?”
“It’s about that incident in the sewers earlier.”
“The one involving that runaway Silverton?”
“Precisely that.”
The gaze of the MIS Silverton branch leader lit up in attention.
“Any developnts?”
“No. Rather, that kid ca in with a report.”
“The young Spellblade?”
“Yes, that one.”
“Understood. Anything of interest?”
“Well… On the minor side, it seems the kid did, in fact, manage to defeat Sweet Face on his own.”
“Ha! I always said Brondel had an eye for talent…”
Theodor smirked, before a sudden glimr of regret appeared in his gaze.
“A sha… soone so young…”
He shook his head, his gaze refocusing.
“What’s the other thing?”
“Bernard Silverton… he, his maid, and another mber of his new party – they made contact with Scar.”
“Oh?..”
This ti, the glimr of interest in the chief’s eyes grew even stronger.
“They were confined within a barrier for at least a couple of minutes. When the kid saw them again, they were largely unhard.”
“Hmm…”
Theodor’s face sank in contemplation.
“You think he tried to recruit them?”
“Highly likely.”
“You think he succeeded?”
“That… I cannot say. If anything, the likelihood is low, given Bernard’s grudge against his brother. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if he used that opportunity to sow the seeds of doubt.”
“Hmm…”
The two n sat in silence for a few more seconds.
“Should we bring that dwarf in? The one who was with them?”
“I’d rather you refrain from such direct action. Anything more could serve to muddy the waters even further.”
“Understood. Still…”
A note of exasperation made its way into the vice-leader’s voice.
“The attack… That eting… The increased syndicate activity.. Hells, even the cultists are going off the rails. Aren’t you a bit nonchalant about all this?”
For a mont, none of the n spoke, before...
“Ha ha!”
A short laughter escaped Theodor’s lips, much to his subordinate’s confusion.
“Ornyl… Let tell you one thing, as soone who lived for over a century – and held this post for over a quarter of that life.”
The man’s tone was that of an old veteran, sharing his wisdom with a junior.
“Operations of this scale – just when you think everything’s where it should be, unexpected variables start popping up. Especially near the end.”
He gave a soft chuckle, before his face turned solemn, eyes burning with resolve.
“I trust in our brothers and sisters, who risk their lives every day for the sake of this kingdom. I trust in their ability. I trust in their conviction. I trust you… and I hope you can place the sa trust in them, in turn.”
The level 10 Skirmisher nodded, his eyes matching his leader’s resolve.
“Alright. We’ll bring this one to conclusion. Like we always do.”
“We will. Rember… The night is darkest before the new dawn.”
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