“W-Where am I?”
"Why is everything a blur? Ah, the light... it radiates so brilliantly, a golden aura?"
Abruptly, Elysia's awareness returned as she discovered herself in an unfamiliar location. She stood upon a circular platform adorned with countless intricate magical circles, none of which she could decipher despite being the Oracle – the most revered priestess of the Galadrian Sanctuary.
The platform floated amidst the dark expanse of the sky, basking in the radiance of a brilliant golden light that illuminated both Elysia and the surface beneath her feet.
At that very moment, an onslaught of innumerable voices pierced directly into her ears, prompting an involuntary flinch. The voices spoke all at once, in a cacophony of countless languages, creating a bewildering array of words that made it nearly impossible for her to discern any coherent meaning.
Tears began to trickle down her cheeks as she identified a faintly familiar voice among the multitude. It was the voice of her mother. She concentrated all her attention on that voice, and suddenly, it became the sole sound she could hear.
The dream abruptly concluded, and Elysia found herself once again in her room as the first light of dawn filtered through. Springing out of bed, her first action was to leap onto her study table. With urgency, she fetched a piece of paper and hastily scribbled down a few notes.
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Pope Valerius Sanctus possessesing an imposing and regal presence. Standing at an above-average height, he commands attention with his dignified posture. His frame is robust yet not overly bulky, exuding an air of both authority and wisdom. His visage is marked by age, with lines etched across his forehead and around his piercing eyes, evidence of a lifetime spent in devotion and contemplation.
Pope Valerius draped in rich and intricately embroidered vestments, symbolizing his exalted role within the Galadrian Sanctuary. His attire reflecting his position in the office, a blend of traditional reverence and his own refined taste. Carrying himself with a serene confidence, he calmly asks
“New prophecy you say?”
With courteous respect, a senior priest offers him the envelope that had been delivered to him earlier that morning by the Oracle personally.
In a relaxed manner, he unfolds the envelope to peruse the letter's contents, but midway through, his eyes widen, and a sense of comfort is swiftly replaced by tension coursing through his body.
His body's struggle to remain upright served as a poignant reminder of his age. His hands searched for a chair as his eyes remained fixed on the letter. With a determined effort, he managed to position the chair and lower himself onto it.
The contents of the letter were a prophecy, and it wasn't something the Oracle had composed using her own abilities. Prophecies were always woven in intricate poesie, making it the task of the recipients to unravel their poetic language into common speech, as well as to unveil any concealed meanings they might hold.
“Such information, it will be difficult to release all of it.” Declared the pope.
"I will designate two of these paragraphs as common knowledge, withhold three, and forward this particular paragraph to the information guild as top secret" he appended.
With that, he generated three distinct documents and affixed the pope's seal to each letter before returning them to the high priest.
The Galadrian Sanctuary held authority not only over the religious affairs of the continent but also maintained various guilds dispersed throughout the nations. Among these was the Information Guild, a trusted entity due to its affiliation with the Sanctuary itself.
Nonetheless, the sanctuary retained the authority to withhold any information considered likely to sow greater discord among the populace. Such data would be classified, accessible only through the information guild and at a substantial cost to the monarchs of various kingdoms and empires with whom they maintained affiliations.
Once the high priest exited the chamber, the pope let out a resigned sigh and lowered his head onto the table, arms shielding his face.
“What a mess, I’m too old for a possible demon lord situation?” he mumbled as he read the prophecy he decided to publicize.
In the realm of Everhart, where destinies align,
A looming darkness emerges, a force malign.
An outsider's shadow casts an ominous veil,
Unfurling a tale where the threads of fate sail.
With creatures rare and landscapes bold,
The tale unfolds, mysteries to behold.
From distant realms, an enigma draws near,
A foreboding harbinger, whispers of fear.
Ceasing to peruse the prophecy, he crumpled the parchment and cast it into the depths of his drawer.
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When I woke up the next day, feeling refreshed, I realized that everyone else was already awake and getting ready for the journey ahead. From the discussions I'd had about their plans, it seemed they were planning to cross borders and escape from this kingdom. Initially, I thought about going my own way now that I could communicate effectively in their language. However, Sera was insisted that I should join them on their journey.
I don't have any objections, especially since my companions seem to have grown comfortable with my presence over time. Plus, it's a welcome change to be around people who aren't suddenly attacking me without reason.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
When all packing was done I noticed the illuminating carriage from before was nowhere to be found, puzzled I asked about it to Roland
“Where is that beautiful carriage Roland”
“Ah well its duration of summon expired after two days were over.”
“summon?”
"Hmm, it appears that your knowledge is lacking. You need to learn not only about magic but also many common things. Where exactly do you come from?" Roland contemplated.
"I-I'm from a distant land, things were quite different there... very different," I replied with a touch of shyness.
“Well, let's get going. We can't linger here all day; we need to hurry and reach our destination.” Said Roland.
Upon reaching the road, Albert advanced and produced a piece of parchment. Tearing it, a cloud of smoke enveloped the area. To my astonishment, a similar carriage as before materialized out of nowhere, albeit with a horse of a different-colored hide.
“What sorcery is this?” I asked bewildered
To this Elara and Sera chuckled and responded in unison
"It's a carriage scroll. Do you understand what scrolls are? They're enchanted spells sketched as magic circles on parchment. They allow us to effortlessly and immediately cast intricate magic that would otherwise demand a significant amount of time to perform."
"Moreover, this is quite the pricey scroll, considering the intricate magic it involves. This one, in particular, is reserved for... well, let's just say it's meant for noteworthy figures," Roland added, slyly alluding to the substantial dent it made in his wallet.
"The scrolls, you see, were single-use commodities," Albert chimed in, his expression revealing a deep understanding of Roland's wallet-related woes.
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As we were travelling, suddenly Elara jumped of the carriage towards a tree, plucked out few fruits and returned to the carriage
“Here Pr-Ssera Sera try these. They're nicely ripe and sweet," Elara offered, extending the fruit to Sera.
Elara, a consistent presence in her life, seemed like an elder sister. However, due to her royal lineage, Elara always maintained a respectful distance and consistently addressed her as "princess" or "your highness." Sera, being the sole child of the King and Queen, often grappled with loneliness.
Even in their private moments away from formal audiences, Elara would continue to address her with the same respectful tone.
Nevertheless, when Arion managed to quickly grasp the Lorendian language, surprising us all, Roland proposed that we stop referring to her as "princess" or "highness" due to the need for their current disguise.
Though Arion doesn't bear any malice, there's no advantage in disclosing all the details to him.
Sera relished her nickname, finding amusement in her companions' awkwardness as they struggled to get used to addressing her by that name.
She accepted the fruit without hesitation and took her first bite. Her eyes widened as the delightful flavor filled her mouth, and she quickly devoured bite after bite.
"Mmm, it's incredibly delicious! Give me more," she exclaimed, savoring the newfound taste.
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After several hours of traveling, we chose to take a break. Elara and Roland set up the camp, and I assisted Albert in gathering firewood. I also decided to explore for more of that intriguing fruit. Discreetly, I prompted my system to memorize its appearance and keep a continuous scan.
I can't determine the exact length of my slumber, but upon waking, It’s the only thing I really liked. Its effect on my mood was unmistakable, almost akin to a rush of dopamine flooding my brain and elevating my spirits.
While scanning the area, my gaze fell upon an unmoving child lying on the ground. I immediately alerted Albert, who swiftly unsheathed his dagger. Together, we approached the child, only to find ourselves encircled by a gang of armed bandits. Our outnumbered group was now hemmed in by at least thirty individuals, all clad in ragged attire. Their skin was smudged with dirt, eyes sunken with dark circles, and lips parched, giving them a worn and weakened appearance.
Evidently, they had been without sustenance for an uncertain number of days. Stirred by compassion, Albert offered them food in exchange for safe passage.
The kid from before woke up with cheerful smile on his face as soon as he heard about Albert’s proposal. However, adults thought differently.
“We don’t want your charity… your people ignored us when we really needed it anyways” said one of them
“Yeah… now that we have raised arms, you want to help us? Have you no shame?” added another
“Look at them shaking in fear, saving their own skin is all they can think of” said another
“These bastard nobles… “ said another as he spat on the ground.
With a wry smile, Albert accepted the remarks
“You are right, I-I’m sorry for being selfish… let me help y- no, let’s help each other here” he replied.
What a diplomat, I pondered. This guy is powerful enough to skin everyone here alive yet he is showing so much restraint. I like this guy.
“Lies… you will kill us the moment we let our guard down” my thoughts short lived as things were still difficult.
“I don’t have all day… “ I said as I cracked my knuckles but as soon as I took one step.
Albert vanished, he quickly disarmed everyone around us and beat the crap out of each of them except the kids.
He then ordered the kids to tie everyone up. Battered and bruised, the adults came to their senses, now begging for mercy.
“Please forgive us oh wise one, we were delusional. To think we would oppose the hands who intended to feed us” cried the same guy who was the most angry before.
Doing their best buttering Albert. I was left dumbfounded. Fucking scammers.
He beat them some more then handed them some rations, and few weapons and some meat he was storing from previous hunts. Overall it was nice seeing a soft side of that all time serious guy.
“So what is your deal?” I asked Albert
“What do you mean?” he asked back
“I mean why did you attack them all of a sudden?”
“Look I know you know that I don’t trust you. You are dangerous. These are my people, I grew up in these areas and I don’t want you killing them” He clarified honestly.
Harsh
But true… I would have killed them without batting an eye.
Shrugging, I just signalled him to return back to the camp site and he followed silently.
After meal, we travelled some more and by evening we almost reached the borders, so we decided to end the day and reach border on a fresh day. After all crossing a border with nation was a tough task and while they had their paper works, I didn’t. Not sure if I will go with them or part ways.
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Next day the companions along with Arion reached the border office. There they saw huge crowd and commotion.
At first Roland’s heart sank, did the Kingdom officials located where they were planning to escape from?
But then he noticed the Kingdom’s soldiers were not many, they were just commoners and merchants that were flustered.
Upon reaching the official who was repeatedly being yelled at by dissatisfied people, he noticed the man sweating profusely while being nervous.
The angry crowd could become a mob any moment and he was tasked with informing that the border was closed.
“Dear friend, how are you? May I enquire why the borders with Gaul empire have closed?” Asked Roland politely while trying to act like a merchant.
“And you are?” Asked the official from Gaul empire
“I’m just a merchant from The Guild of Everlasting Commerce, trying to export goods to Gaul empire” He responded while rubbing his hands acting in a cliché merchant like gestures.
Ignoring his terrible acting, the official declared “The borders between Gaul empire and Kingdom of Everhart have been closed indefinitely”
“May I ask why? Did the new king declare war?” asked Roland
“Huh as if, that new king will soil the throne at our soldier’s battle cry the first day” spat the official as he puffed his chest with pride.
Struggling to ignoring the insult to his kingdom, Roland bit his lips but calmed himself down and forced a smile.
“So why have the Gaul empire closed the borders”
“Its strange how a merchant from such a prestigious guild not know of the Goddess prophecy.”
“Goddess prophecy?” his mind started racing as he remembered the goddess revelation back at the dungeon exit.
“Yes, some prophecy about how a demon king will attack Everhart and change the terrain and shit I don’t know the full details, maybe ask your superiors” he responded
“D-demon king?”
“Yes, now off you go, Emperor’s orders, no one, not even new king of Everhart is allowed here” he declared.
“C-can you help me meet the Sir Harrison, I know him from many years”
“His office is in third building from here but know this, even he can’t let you in… no one can overwrite Emperor’s orders.”
“Sure, I just want to talk that’s all”
After proceeding to the third office, he asked for Harrison, but first he was declined an audience by the guards.
On further insisting, with some shiny circular things, he somehow managed an entry.
“Good morning Sir Harrison, its been a long time” Roland Greeted
“Ah if it isn’t Sir Roland” Harrison acknowledged
“I must apologise to you first sir Roland, I had planned to allow you and your family an entry to the empire in hopes that we would be able to get your services and loyalty” he paused
“However some unexpected events have foiled our attempts. I regret to inform you that you must endure your new mad king until our Emperor changes his mind” he declared.
Roland's shoulders sagged with the weight of his burden. He had fabricated a story of seeking refuge with his family in the empire, deceiving the officials in the hope of securing a safe haven for the princess within the Gaul empire. His intention was to leverage his influence over the Emperor to forge an alliance with the princess at the helm. Yet, he was increasingly convinced that the very cause of his schemes unraveling was none other than the monster from the dungeon.
Returning in a state of defeat, Roland resolved to rejoin the princess and their companions to engage in further discussions and planning. Yet, his profound contemplations were abruptly cut short when he was beckoned by a shrouded man emerging from a gathering of commoners.
“Hey old man, do you want to cross borders? Ahem illegally?”
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