Before the hooded figure could react, Noah sprang forward, causing a brief but intense scuffle.

They quickly defended themselves; their movements matched as they parried each other’s rapid strikes. After a few tense moments, Noah managed to disarm the figure with a well-timed maneuver, knocking the dagger from his hand.

Noah stood victorious, holding his sword to the hooded figure's throat.

“Who are you, and what do you want?” Noah questioned.

The hooded man, breathing heavily, held up his hands in surrender. “Wait! I’m not here to fight you. I’m on your side!”

“No way,” Noah says, his stance still defensive. “You were with the guards. Why should we trust you?”

The man looked around nervously, his voice urgent. “I am the so-called assassin. But I wasn’t trying to harm the king. I only wanted to remove an unknown item that’s corrupting him.”

“Item?” Serenity questioned curiously.

The man looked up, nodding. “Yes, I know a mysterious man met with king Edmond a week past from this day. I saw him give Edmond an item. And ever since, the king has become cold and hateful. He’s nothing like the man I knew him to be. I’ve been by his side for years as the captain of his royal guard until recently. My name is Lucian.”

Noah studied the man, trying to gauge his sincerity. “You’re saying some magical item is controlling the king?”

“Yes,” the man replied, wiping sweat from his brow. “It’s got to be something to do with the item the king was given. I’m most certain. After he received that item, King Edmond changed drastically within moments.”

“I’ve been trying to find it and remove its influence before it causes more harm. But I keep failing or almost get caught in the process,” the man mentioned.

Emberfang growled softly, still alert. “How do we know you’re telling the truth?”

The man met Noah’s gaze, his eyes earnest. “You’ll have to trust me for now. I know the man who's currently in charge of the guard. Maybe we can get him to talk if we interrogate him,” he suggested.

“That’s a pretty drastic tactic, and I’m still not convinced you’re who you say you are,” Noah said.

“I don’t blame you for being overly cautious, but please, you must trust me,” the man urged.

“I believe he’s speaking the truth,” Serenity chimed in.

Noah glanced at Serenity and then at Emberfang. “All right, if she believes you, we’ll work with you. But we need to know more about your plan and how to get information on the item or even the mysterious man.”

The man nodded, a look of relief washing over him. “Follow me. I’ll explain everything as we go.”

The man led them through narrow alleyways, his movements quick and purposeful. Noah, Serenity, and Emberfang followed closely, alert to their surroundings. The tension in the air was clear, and Noah's mind raced with questions about this mysterious item and the sudden change in King Edmond.

As they turned a corner, the man stopped before a well-hidden door. “This is a safe place,” he said, glancing around to ensure they weren't followed. He opened the door, revealing a dimly lit room cluttered with papers, maps, and strange artifacts.

“Welcome to my humble hideout,” the man said with a nervous smile. “I’m sorry for the mess, but I’ve been working tirelessly to uncover the truth.”

Noah took in the scene, his eyes lingering on the maps pinned to the walls, marked with notes and sketches. “Alright, start explaining. What do you know about this item and the mysterious man?”

Lucian sighed and sat, motioning for the others to do the same. “I believe the item is a ring. When I got close to the king on the night of the so-called assassination, he covered his hand. I saw a golden ring with a dark purple gem in the middle. Around the ring’s design, I could make out a pattern of runic symbols. I believe it’s an item of dark magic. I also believe the man he met with is manipulating him from afar.”

Noah frowned, absorbing the information. “And the man in charge of the guard? How does he fit into all of this?”

“He’s in on it. The whole guard does what he says. They’re his thugs,” Lucian replied grimly. “But Captain Varkus. He’s been acting as the king’s right-hand man since the change. I suspect he knows more about the ring’s origins and how to remove it. But he’s fiercely loyal to whoever controls the king.”

Serenity’s eyes widened. “So, we need to get to Captain Varkus, get him to talk, and find a way to break the curse.”

“Exactly,” the man confirmed. “But it won’t be easy. Guards surround Varkus, and he’s as cunning as they come.”

Emberfang growled again, sensing the gravity of the situation. “We need a plan,” Noah said, his voice firm. “A way to get close to Varkus without raising suspicion.”

“I have an idea,” Serenity said, her eyes sparkling with determination. “We can use a distraction to draw the guards away, giving us a window to confront Varkus. Maybe Emberfang and I can cause the distraction while you and Lucian make the man talk,” she suggested.

The man nodded. “It’s risky, but it might work. We’ll need to time it perfectly and be ready for anything.”

“If all else fails, maybe we can tell Lady Isolde,” Noah said as he looked at his companions, feeling a surge of resolve. “Alright, let’s do this. Let’s free King Edmond from this magical manipulation.”

Lucian smiled, hope flickering in his eyes. “Thank you. I won’t let you down.”

As they began to discuss the details of their plan, Noah couldn’t shake the feeling that they were stepping into something far bigger than they realized.

The group strategized for the next hour, reviewing every possible detail and fallback plan. Noah laid out a rough sketch of the palace grounds, marking key positions and guarding patrols. Serenity decided she’d use a magic skill to create a blinding light, perfect for their distraction. Emberfang would use his intimidating presence to cause chaos and scatter the guards.

“Remember,” Lucian said, his voice steady but urgent, “once the distraction begins, we must move quickly. We can’t afford to waste any time.”

Noah nodded. “Got it. Let’s get into position.”

As dusk settled over the city, the group went to the palace. Serenity and Emberfang split off, heading towards the main gate where they would create the distraction. Noah and Lucian moved stealthily through the shadows, keeping to the less-patrolled areas.

“Are you ready?” Lucian whispered as they neared the captain’s quarters.

Noah nodded, his heart pounding. “Ready.”

A moment later, a bright flash of light erupted near the gate, followed by shouts and the sound of clashing steel. Emberfang’s roar echoed through the courtyard, chilling Noah’s spine. The plan was in motion.

“Now,” Lucian urged as they darted forward.

They slipped into the captain’s quarters undetected, finding Varkus alone, a map of the city spread out before him. He looked up, startled, but Noah stepped forward before he could call for help, his sword drawn.

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“Captain Varkus,” Noah said, his voice steady. “We need to talk.”

Varkus’s eyes narrowed, and he reached for his own weapon, but Lucian was faster. He knocked the sword from Varkus’s hand and pinned him against the wall.

“We know about the ring,” Lucian said, his voice low and dangerous. “We know it’s controlling the king. Tell us how to break the curse.”

Varkus sneered, his eyes filled with defiance. “You’re fools if you think you can stop this.”

Noah stepped closer, his blade inches from Varkus’s throat. “We don’t have time for games. Tell us how to remove the ring, or you’ll regret it.”

“I won’t tell you a damn thing, fools,” Varkus said.

Lucian noticed a wedding band on the man's finger. “Okay, then maybe we’ll ask your wife about it,” he said.

Noah looked at Lucian in shock for even saying something so evil. But he understood the bluff.

The captain’s eyes widened as he hesitated, then spat, “Okay, please leave my family out of this. It’s not just a ring. It’s bound to the king’s soul. You can’t just remove it. The only way to break the curse is to destroy the magic altar that keeps the master's dark magic flowing to it, but it’s protected by powerful magic. You’ll never get close enough.”

“We’ll see about that,” Noah said, determination hardening his resolve.

“Where’s the Altar?”

Varkus glared at them, but the threat of Noah’s blade was persuasive. “It’s in the royal treasury, guarded day and night.”

Noah glanced at Lucian, who nodded. “We’ll find a way,” Noah said. “Thank you for your cooperation, Captain.”

As they secured Varkus, ensuring he couldn’t alert the guards, Noah felt a surge of hope. The plan was far from over, but they had a lead. They had a chance.

“Let’s go,” Noah said, ready for the next step. “We need to destroy that altar and free the king.”

Lucian nodded as they slipped out of the captain’s quarters, moving swiftly through the shadows. The sounds of battle still echoed through the courtyard, covering their movements. They reached the edge of the castle’s inner wall, where they paused to catch their breath.

“What now?” Noah asked, scanning the area for guards. Peeking around a corner, he counted six guards standing before the treasury.

“We need a distraction to get into the royal treasury,” Lucian said. Emberfang and Serenity could cause a commotion on the east side, which should draw the guards away.”

Noah nodded and closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind to his familiar. Emberfang, we need a distraction on the east side. Cause as much chaos as you can.

“You’ve got it, Noah,” Emberfang replied.

A ferocious roar echoed through the night, followed by splintering wood and terrified shouts. Noah and Lucian used the opportunity to slip through the castle’s defenses, heading toward the royal treasury.

They encountered a few more guards, but Lucian’s stealth and Noah’s swift swordplay ensured they weren’t delayed for long. Finally, they reached the entrance to the treasury, a massive iron door adorned with intricate runes.

“It’s a barrier,” Noah said.

“What do we do now? I’m no mage,” Lucian questioned.

Noah smiled as he stepped forward. “I’ve got this. I had to destroy a magic barrier before,” he said.

“I pegged you as a physical warrior by the way you move. Guess I was wrong,” Lucian said.

“It’s a long story for another time,” Noah said as he touched the center rune of the barrier.

“Hurry,” Lucian urged, keeping watch as Noah began to work. He could hear the distant sounds of Emberfang’s rampage and knew their time was limited.

Noah muttered to himself. “Let my magic flow through until I feel resistance. Then, let my magic power overpower the source. I hope I’m strong enough for this,” Noah said. “Here goes nothing.”

Noah let his magic flow inside the rune as he used his senses to navigate the barrier's internals.

“Okay, I feel resistance. Now push with everything I’ve got,” he said under his breath.

The runes on the door glowed faintly, then dimmed as the enchantment broke.

“I did it,” Noah muttered excitedly, proud of his small victory.

“Good job Noah,” Lucian complimented.

With a final gesture, Noah pushed the door open, revealing the treasury within.

The room was filled with treasures: gold, jewels, and ancient artifacts. But at the center stood a dark, foreboding altar, its surface etched with sinister runes that pulsated with dark energy as a dark purple crystal Hovered in the center.

“There it is,” Noah said, his voice tense. “Let’s destroy it.”

As they approached the altar, a dark energy barrier blocked their path. Noah tried to push through, but the magic repelled him, sending a shock of pain through his body.

“It’s protected,” Noah said, studying the barrier. “We’ll need to disrupt the flow of magic. Look for anything that might be powering it.”

They scanned the room, their eyes falling on a series of dark crystals set into the walls, each glowing with malevolent energy. “Those crystals,” Noah said, pointing. “They must be feeding the barrier.”

Lucian nodded. “Let’s take them out.”

They split up, each taking a side of the room. Noah reached the first crystal and struck it with his sword, shattering it into a thousand pieces. The barrier flickered, its glow dimming slightly.

“Keep going!” Lucian called, smashing another crystal.

Noah moved to the next crystal, breaking it with a swift strike. The barrier flickered again, growing weaker with each shattered crystal. Finally, they destroyed the last crystal, and the barrier collapsed with a surge of energy.

“Now!” Noah shouted, rushing toward the altar.

They attacked the altar, their weapons cutting through the dark crystal and stone. As the altar began to crack, a wave of dark energy erupted, sending them both flying backward.

Noah struggled to his feet, his vision swimming. The altar was in ruins, its power broken. But the dark energy still lingered, coalescing into a shadowy form that hovered above the wreckage.

Looking up towards the figure, he made out a small HUD.

-[ Mysterious Man's Shadow ]- Level: ? Gender: ? Race: ? Class: Nightmare Shade Location: Emberfall City, The King's Palace, Treasury room.

“Fools,” the shadow hissed, echoing through the room. “You think you can meddle with my plans? You are nothing. You don’t know what you’re getting yourselves involved in. I will crush you.”

“We’ll see about that,” Noah said, raising his sword. “I take it you’re the mysterious man everyone is talking about. I’m going to stop you. This I can promise you.”

The shadow laughed menacingly as it lunged at them, its form shifting and writhing as it attempted to hurl small balls of dark energy toward them, setting the room ablaze. Noah and Lucian fought back with everything they had, their blades cutting through the shadowy figure and repelling the dark magic. The battle was fierce, but eventually, they managed to weaken the shadow, its form growing fainter with each strike.

Noah’s enchanted sword carved through its essence, each strike unraveling its dark form. The sword’s blaze seared the shadow, burning away its darkness with holy blue flames, causing it to fluctuate wildly.

With a final, desperate lunge, Noah drove his sword into the heart of the shadow. “Blade Strike!”

The shadow let out one last, bone-chilling scream, its voice laced with fury and promise of revenge. “I will find you. And when I do, I’ll destroy you and everything you stand for.” As the voice faded, the dark energy disappeared, leaving the room in eerie silence.

Noah and Lucian, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat, surveyed the remnants of the altar. The once menacing dark crystal and stone were shattered, their power broken. The oppressive atmosphere lifted, replaced by a sense of hard-won relief.

“It’s done,” Lucian said, his voice a mixture of exhaustion and satisfaction. “The curse is broken.”

Noah nodded a determined glint in his eyes. “Let’s go free the king.”

Noah and Lucian emerged from the treasury; their breaths still heavy from the intense battle they’d just fought. They were relieved to see Emberfang and Serenity waiting for them as they looked to the grand door leading to the king’s royal throne room. However, their relief was short-lived.

As they approached, the tension in the air became clear. A large force of the king’s evil guards had assembled in front of the throne room door, their enchanted weapons and dark armor gleaming ominously in the palace’s dark surroundings. The guards formed a tight ring, their eyes cold and menacing, clearly prepared to prevent any intrusion.

Emberfang’s hair stood on end as he gave a low, threatening growl. Serenity stood poised, her light magic radiating a soft, protective glow as her eyes scanned the enemy ranks for any sign of weakness.

“Well, look who decided to join us,” said the guard’s leader, a towering figure with an imposing scowl. The so-called heroes who’ve managed to break into the palace. But you’re not going any further.”

Noah, his gaze gleaming with determination, stepped forward. “We’re here to free the king and end this tyranny. We’re not letting you stop us.”

Lucian, sword in hand, mirrored Noah’s resolve. “This ends here. We’ve fought too hard to turn back now.”

The guards tightened their formation, preparing for the inevitable confrontation. Emberfang’s powerful form tensed, ready to spring into action. Serenity’s magic crackled with energy, forming a shimmering barrier of light magic illuminating the darkened corridor.

“We’ll see about that,” the leader snarled, signaling his troops. The guards raised their weapons, their eyes filled with grim anticipation.

Noah and his companions braced themselves as the guards charged.