As they entered the back room, Noah noticed the tension in Aldric’s posture.

“What’s going on, Aldric?” Serenity asked, concern evident in her voice.

Aldric took a deep breath before speaking. “I’ve just received some troubling news. There was an attempted assault on the king last night. Someone tried to assassinate him. Thankfully, he survived, but it’s clear that something is very wrong within the palace.”

Noah exchanged a worried glance with Serenity. “What does this mean for us?”

Aldric leaned forward, his voice lowered. “The king’s advisors have contacted the Adventurers Guild for help. They need someone to investigate on their behalf and figure out who's behind this plot. Given your recent successes and skills, I believe you and Serenity are the perfect candidates for this task.”

Noah felt a mix of excitement and worry. “Investigate who hired the assassin? That’s a huge responsibility.”

“Indeed, it is,” Aldric said. “The palace is in turmoil, and trust is in short supply. They need outside help to ensure an unbiased investigation. Will you take on this mission?”

Noah nodded determination in his eyes. “We’ll do it.”

Serenity stepped forward, her face resolute. “You can count on us.”

Aldric smiled, though the worry in his eyes didn’t fade. “Thank you. Please be cautious. The palace hasn’t been very welcoming to outsiders lately. Some of the staff probably won’t be happy about your arrival. Stay on your toes, guys. The guild is counting on you both. Prepare yourselves with haste and head to the palace immediately. The kingdom’s safety could very well rest in your hands.”

As Noah and Serenity prepared to leave, Aldric’s voice caught their attention one last time. “Please be cautious. The palace hasn’t been very welcoming to outsiders lately. Some of the staff probably won’t be happy about your arrival. Stay on your toes, guys.”

Serenity glanced at Noah, her resolve firm. “We’ll keep our eyes open.”

Aldric nodded. “Good luck. I trust you’ll find the truth.”

Walking out of the Guild Hall, Noah checked his inventory, equipping his common iron sword from before.

"I guess I’ll have to use this until I buy a new one,” he said.

He scrolled through his drop menu until he found the boss chest he had just gotten. Clicking on it, it materialized before him. The chest opened, revealing some items.

“How did you summon that chest, Noah?” Serenity asked.

“It’s a long story. But along with being summoned here, I was met by a magic interface that only I can see. I grow stronger and gain items from defeating monsters,” Noah explained.

“A magical interface?” Serenity questioned. “You are filled with interesting surprises, Noah. There's something special about you.”

Noah smiled as he looked back at the items in the chest.

“A magical sword!” he exclaimed as he examined it.

“Rare, enchanted item: [Aurora's Edge]. Magical enchantment description: The enchantment imbues the weapon with the power of the aurora’s light, channeling the ethereal beauty and energy of the auroras that show over the night sky. When drawn, the weapon's blade shimmers with shifting light blue hues, leaving a trail of radiant light with each swing.”

“Effects: [Light of Dawn]: The weapon increases its damage output by 25% against dark enemies. Blue flames emanate from the blade, causing a radiant burn effect that deals additional light-based damage and inflicts burn damage over time."

“Awesome!” Noah exclaimed as he equipped the new sword.

“That’s incredible, what an amazing sword!” Serenity said.

Noah swung the blade around gently and noticed the blue light trail emanating from it. It followed the blade as it swayed back and forth.

“So cool,” he muttered.

Looking back at the chest, he saw that there were a few potions inside it. One healing potion and two magic potions. He took them and put them in his inventory as the chest faded away.

“Well, I guess I don’t need to use the cheap sword after all,” he said.

“You’ll have to explain this interface to me later. It sounds interesting,” Serenity mentioned.

“I will. For now, let’s get on the road to our next task,” Noah said as he sheathed his new weapon.

"Sounds like a good idea," Serenity said, smiling.

Noah glanced at Serenity's HUD.

-[ Serenity ]- Level: 32 Gender: Female Race: Human Class: Mage Location: Emberfall city, main road.

"She gained two levels from the last dungeon. Maybe i can help her learn some new magic skills, so she can defend herself more. I'll talk with her soon," Noah muttered.

As Noah and Serenity made their way toward the palace, the splendor of Emberfall City became increasingly apparent. The city was divided into three distinct districts, each ascending in status and luxury.

At the city's pinnacle, the Upper District housed the majestic palace. This grand plateau was the crown jewel of Emberfall City, perched high above the bustling streets below. The palace was an architectural marvel, its sheer scale and elegance commanding awe.

The palace was constructed from shimmering white marble that glistened in the sunlight, giving it an ethereal glow. Tall, intricate spires and turrets adorned the structure, their tops reaching into the sky like the fingers of a giant reaching for the heavens. Fancy golden detail traced the edges of the spires and the windows, catching the light and reflecting a warm, inviting glow.

The main entrance was a colossal set of double doors crafted from dark mahogany wood and inlaid with intricate patterns of gold. These doors were sided by massive stone columns, each carved with elaborate depictions of historical events and legendary figures of Emberfall. Above the entrance, a grand archway held the royal crest, symbolizing the king’s reign and the city’s storied past.

Surrounding the palace was an expansive garden, meticulously landscaped with lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and serene fountains. The garden was a visual delight and a peaceful retreat for the royal family. Neatly trimmed hedges formed geometric patterns, and well-maintained pathways meandered through the space, leading to secluded benches and gazebos.

In the Upper District, the presence of guards was both intimidating and comforting. Dressed in brilliant uniforms of deep blue and gold, the guards stood as sentinels along the streets, their posture rigid and their eyes alert. Their armor was finely made, with intricate designs that spoke of their high status and the respect commanded by their role. Each guard carried a polished spear or sword, the weapons reflecting the sunlight with a deadly gleam.

The streets of the Upper District were wide and carefully maintained, with cobblestones arranged in elaborate patterns. Lush, decorative trees lined the avenues, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the ground. The architecture here was equally impressive, with elegant mansions and stately buildings showcasing the wealth and prestige of their inhabitants.

As Noah and Serenity walked through the district, they could feel the difference in the atmosphere. The air was crisp and clean, and the sounds of the city below were but a distant murmur. The guard's eyes followed them with examining gazes, their vigilance highlighting the significance of their mission. Despite the wealth, there was a noticeable tension, a sense that something crucial and dangerous was unfolding within the palace walls.

The transition from the lower district's bustling streets to the Upper District's serene splendor was striking, highlighting the stark contrasts within Emberfall City. It was clear that they were now in the heart of the kingdom's power, where the stakes were as high as the palace itself.

The king’s advisors, a group of worried and anxious individuals, greeted them. They were introduced to Lady Isolde, the head of the investigation, a shrewd woman.

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“Welcome. I presume you’re the investigators with the Adventurers Guild, am I right?”

“Yes, ma’am, that’s correct. My name is Noah, and this is Serenity,” Noah said politely as he gestured toward Serenity.

“Well, thank you again for responding so promptly,” she said.

Isolde quickly briefed them on the situation. “We suspect someone with significant influence hired the assassin. The attack was too well-planned and executed to be the work of a mere rogue.”

Noah and Serenity nodded, absorbing the information. They knew the investigation would be challenging, but they were prepared to delve into the palace’s mysteries and uncover the truth behind the assassination attempt.

Noah and Serenity followed Lady Isolde through the palace’s opulent corridors, their footsteps echoing on the marble floors. The palace’s grandeur was overwhelming, with its high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers and walls lined with tapestries depicting the kingdom’s storied past.

As they approached the room where the investigation would begin, Noah noticed the nervous energy in the air. The advisors huddled together, their voices a low murmur as they exchanged worried glances. Lady Isolde ushered them into a spacious chamber, where a large, ornate table dominated the room.

“This is where we’ll start,” Isolde said, gesturing to the table. Maps of the palace and surrounding areas were spread out, along with various documents and a few pieces of evidence recovered from the scene.

Noah examined the maps closely, noting the strategic points marked with red ink. “It looks like the assassin had detailed knowledge of the palace’s layout,” he remarked. “Do we have any leads on who might have the kind of influence to plan something like this?”

“Well, after the king's sudden change of heart, the palace decided to let go of its guards and some of its staff, replacing them with new faces. I’m sure many of them held a grudge against the king after his decision.”

“So, it could be one of the old staff members or someone completely different, using the situation to hide their actions in the assumption that you would lean toward blaming one of the fired employees,” Noah mentioned.

“A good perspective to consider, young man. I see Aldric has some bright adventurers amongst his ranks,” Isolde complimented.

“Well, thank you, ma’am,” Noah said as Emberfang nestled against his neck in agreement.

Serenity, her brow furrowed, added, “Has there been any indication of recent tensions or disputes among the court?”

“One or two minor incidents,” Isolde admitted. “But nothing that would explain the scale of this attack. It’s possible that the assassin was a hired hand, used to eliminate someone or create chaos for a greater purpose.”

Noah nodded thoughtfully. “We’ll need to interview everyone who had access to the areas where the attack occurred. And we should also investigate any recent changes in alliances or power interactions within the court.”

Isolde agreed, her gaze steady. “I’ll arrange for you to speak with the key figures and provide access to relevant records. Please, take as much time as you need. The kingdom's safety may very well depend on what you uncover.”

As they began their investigation, Noah and Serenity felt the weight of their responsibility. With its magnificence and secrets, the palace seemed to hold the answers they needed. They were determined to find the truth and ensure that the shadow lurking within the heart of Emberfall City was brought to light.

Noah and Serenity walked through the wealthy halls of the palace, their footsteps echoing off the marble floors. The magnificence of the place seemed at odds with their tension. Every corner, every ornate tapestry, seemed to whisper secrets of the past.

“So, where do we start?” Serenity asked, her gaze scanning the elaborate surroundings.

“No clear leads yet,” Noah replied, “but we should begin by interviewing the staff present during the attack. We need to understand their movements, who they interacted with, and if they noticed anything unusual.”

As they approached the first room on their list, Noah couldn’t shake the feeling that they were entering a web of deceit. The palace symbolized stability, but now it felt like a labyrinth of hidden agendas.

Inside, they found a former palace guard, his expression weary but guarded. He recounted his version of events with frustration and reluctance.

“I was moved not long before the attack,” he said bitterly. “I was reassigned to patrol outside the city walls. I heard about the incident the next morning. Didn’t think much of it then—just another mishap.”

Serenity took detailed notes, her face a mask of concentration. “Did you notice any unusual behavior from the staff or any signs of discord among them before your departure?”

The guard shook his head. “No more than usual, really. There were always whispers about the king’s decisions, but nothing seemed unusual.”

As they concluded their questioning, Noah and Serenity exchanged glances. The guard’s account was consistent but not particularly revealing. They needed more information.

Next, they visited the records room, a vast repository of documents and ledgers detailing every aspect of palace life. Noah’s eyes scanned the titles, looking for anything related to recent changes in staff or suspicious financial transactions.

“Look at this,” Serenity said, pointing to a ledger detailing the recent staff changes. “It seems there were a lot of new hires right before the attack. Perhaps too many.”

Noah nodded, examining the entries. “And look at these names—some were hired under unusual circumstances, with no prior experience or background checks. It’s worth investigating their backgrounds further.”

As they delved deeper, the sense of urgency grew. The puzzle pieces were slowly coming together, revealing a shadowy network of individuals with motives and opportunities. The palace’s secrets were being laid bare, and Noah and Serenity were determined to uncover the truth.

Continuing their investigation, they went to a dimly lit kitchen; inside, they found a nervous maid willing to talk.

“The king’s changed,” she whispered, glancing around to ensure they were alone. “Ever since he met with that mysterious man…”

“What, man?” Noah pressed gently.

“He was cloaked, his face hidden,” she continued, her voice trembling. “He came late one night and spoke with the king in private. After that meeting, the king was never the same. He became... different. Cruel.”

As they spoke, the maid hinted that the old guards who used to serve the king had either been dismissed or mysteriously disappeared. The king had hired new guards who were just as harsh and ruthless as the new policies he enforced.

Their conversation was abruptly cut short by the arrival of several of the king’s new guards. “What are you doing here?” one guard demanded, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

“We’re just talking,” Noah said calmly, though he felt a tension rising.

“You’re not allowed to question the staff,” the guard snapped. “Leave now, or we’ll make you.”

Serenity stepped forward, her eyes flashing. “We’re investigating on behalf of the Guild and Lady Isolde. Do you really want to interfere with that?”

The guards hesitated, then one lunged forward, trying to grab Noah. A quick skirmish broke out. Emberfang growled menacingly, leaping to protect Noah while Serenity cast a protective barrier around them. The fight was brief but intense, with the clang of swords echoing in the small room. Noah deftly parried a blow, using his agility to outmaneuver the guards, while Emberfang’s fierce presence kept them at bay.

“Enough!” shouted one guard, finally stepping back. “You’ve made your point. But stay out of palace affairs, or you’ll regret it.”

Breathing heavily, Noah dusted himself off as the guards retreated, muttering threats under their breath. “Well, that was close.”

Serenity nodded. “But it confirms our suspicions. They’re hiding something. We need to find out more about this mysterious man.”

Their search led them to a shadowy figure in the marketplace, an old merchant who dealt with magical artifacts. After a tense negotiation, the merchant finally spoke. “I heard you’re looking for information about a mysterious man,” he said, his eyes gleaming with curiosity and unease.

Noah leaned in. “What do you know about him?”

The merchant glanced around before whispering, “He gives off a dark vibe; he’s bad news. I don’t know the details, but his presence has caused a lot of trouble in various places. The king must have made a deal with him, and it’s not good.”

“What should we do?” Serenity asked.

“I don’t mean to butt into your investigation and tell you how to do your job, but maybe find out what the man wanted from the king,” the merchant advised. “Perhaps that will lead you to understand the current chaos. If you can, uncover the man’s plans.”

With this new lead, Noah, Serenity, and Emberfang knew their mission was far from over. They had to dig deeper into the sorcerer’s involvement and uncover his true intentions before he could cause more damage.

“Noah, this man could be dangerous. Don’t stick your nose into his business too deep; it could spell bad news,” Emberfang mentioned.

“I’ll be cautious about it, Partner,” Noah said as he scratched Emberfang behind his ear.

As Noah, Serenity, and Emberfang continued their investigation, they quickly noticed whispers and rumors spreading through the city. Townsfolk spoke of the king’s increasingly harsh decrees, the unfair raising of taxes, and reports of assaults on innocent people by the king’s guards. The once-beloved ruler now seemed like a tyrant to his people.

“Something doesn’t add up,” Serenity said as they gathered information in the marketplace. “The king wasn’t like this before. What changed?”

Noah nodded. “We need to find out more. Let’s keep talking to the townspeople for the time being.

Now, deep into their investigation, the group decides to follow a lead they picked from a sympathetic towns-person. This person claimed they had seen some of the king’s new guards secretly meeting in a dark alley.

“What do you think? Should we check it out?” Noah asked, looking at Serenity.

“Yes, let’s get to the bottom of it,” she said.

The trio made their way to the dimly lit and narrow alley as night falls. They find a small group of off-duty guards huddled around a table in the back, discussing their latest orders and muttering about the “troublesome adventurers” investigating the king.

Noah and Serenity hide in the shadows, listening in. The guard’s conversation revealed their intent to eliminate anyone threatened the king’s plans.

“We can’t let them ruin everything,” one guard says. “We must take care of those adventurers before they uncover too much.”

Noah signaled to Serenity and Emberfang as they prepared to confront the guards. Stepping out of the shadows, the guards immediately recognized them. “It’s them, the ones from before!” one of the guards shouted.

Before Noah could react, the guards charged. This skirmish was more intense than the last. The guards, though off-duty, were still skilled fighters and were eager to eliminate their threat. Noah quickly chanted a defensive barrier to protect them from the initial onslaught. “Reflector Shield!”

Noah positioned the shield before Serenity, blocking her from their assault.

“Thanks, Noah!” Serenity shouted.

Emberfang fought fiercely, his claws and fangs flashing in the dim light as he battled the guards.

“Don’t hurt them too badly. We can’t kill them, or we’ll be targeted next. Knock them out if you can!” Noah ordered.

“Right!” Emberfang shouted.

Noah used his agility to dodge and strike back, disorienting two of the guards.

The narrow alley made maneuvering difficult, but Noah used his surroundings to his advantage, knocking over barrels to create barriers and obstacles.

During the battle, Noah noticed that some guards were using enchanted weapons, indicating that their loyalty to the king came at a steep price. The fight continued, but with the combined effort of Noah, Serenity, and Emberfang, as they cornered the guards.

As the confrontation with the guards intensified, Serenity noticed one of the guards discreetly casting magic while fighting. The enchantment sent a burst of magical energy into the sky, creating a bright flare that illuminated the alleyway before quickly fading.

Serenity, catching sight of the flare, realizes what it was. “That’s a distress signal!” she shouted. “We need to hurry!”

The flare was a magical beacon that alerted nearby guards and reinforcements to their location. Within minutes, they heard approaching footsteps and armor clanging from several directions.

The trio swiftly retreated from the alley, weaving through darkened side streets to avoid being seen. The distant sounds of patrols and the growing tension in the air heightened their urgency. They found a secluded spot to regroup and assess their situation.

“That flare will bring more guards down on us,” Noah says, his breath coming in heavy gasps. “We need to be more cautious from now on.”

Serenity nodded, her eyes scanning the area for any sign of pursuit. “We need to quickly gather more information about the mysterious man and the king’s plans. The more we know, the better prepared we’ll be.”

Emberfang, his fur ruffled from the battle, nudged Noah reassuringly.

“let’s keep going this way,” Noah ordered.

After making their way down a few more passageways, a sudden gust of wind stirred the air around them. Out of nowhere, a hooded figure dropped silently from the rooftops, landing gracefully in front of them.

The figure, cloaked in dark, tattered robes, brandished a gleaming dagger as he seemed ready for a fight.