Galahad ventured deeper into the rocky formation, darkness enveloping him as he navigated through the labyrinthine passages. The slight buzzing of his armor accompanied his steps, a constant presence in the eerie silence.
With an agile movement, he deployed a small agile drone from his armor, its miniature propellers came to life. The drone rose, mapping the intricate network of tunnels and chambers, its camera with different lenses capturing every detail.
As the drone explored, Galahad's sharp eyes spotted a figure near a cluster of corroded rocks, surrounded by the remnants of green plasma. The father, weakened and disoriented, struggled to stay conscious.
But what concerned Galahad most was the stillness of the boy, who lay motionless, unresponsive to any attempt to awaken him. Galahad quickly approached them with an impressive leap.
With a gentle yet firm touch, he lifted the boy into his arms, protecting him. The boy's fragile form seemed even more delicate against the strength of the Dust Knight's armor. Galahad turned his attention to the father, helping him to stand.
The man's dizziness was evident, and his movements were unstable.
"Follow me!" Galahad led them to his mount, the Steelfire, an elegant and advanced Hi-Tech motorcycle used exclusively by the Dust Knights.
With careful movements, Galahad secured the boy on the Steelfire's large seat, ensuring his safety. Then he focused on the father, providing support as they headed to the bike. Once the father was settled, Galahad took an injector gun with a vial containing a potent antidote from the Steelfire.
This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
He quickly injected it into the boy's veins, causing the boy to cough. Its healing properties took effect almost immediately. As the antidote circulated through the boy's system, his pale complexion regained color, and his breathing stabilized.
The boy moved, opened his eyes, and looked up at the imposing figure in front of him.
"You're safe now," Galahad assured him, his voice tinged with comforting warmth. "We'll take you to Camelot, where you'll receive the care you need."
Turning his attention to the father, Galahad injected more antidote into him. The father spoke between coughs.
"Lord Mortis has acquired some kind of holographic map of the underground. He found something important, but we barely know anything about it." The man pulled out a small cartridge made entirely of gold. "It's not complete, but I managed to copy parts of the map."
The man coughed.
"The only map he has is a location near Highpoint, northeast of Camelot. And Prezzo thinks it looks like an ancient laboratory. It might have a cure for the Withering."
"We hope the Order can find it. You and your son will receive citizenship. Is that hovercar yours?"
The father nodded.
"I'll recharge it with my Steelfire. After that, you and your son will drive to Excalibur. Under the tower, you'll be protected."
"Thank you."
The father looked at his son, expecting another thank you.
"Thank you," said the boy with a voice between coughs.
"There's no need to thank me. We do it for honor."
"Will you escort us back?"
"I need to get to Mostauk, where I might gather more information. Prezzo will give me more details when I find him. Time could be against us."
The father looked down.
"What kind of citizenship will we have?"
"It's not my duty."
"I was an engineer from Sector Six before my wife..."
"Take the data. Sol Avelin and the others should examine them. And don't worry, we will protect you and your son. Great actions deserve great rewards."