> "Every adventurer of the kingdom of Svardkust, these words are for you!
> More than a century has passed since the Demon King World War, and the five great kingdoms have been at peace. But still, the issue of 4 Demon generals is still at hand. Under this century, our kingdom has been plagued by the several attacks of the Demon generals and their monster forces. We have under the years attempted to use the Svardkustian army to combat these attacks, but they have been largely unsuccessful. The Demon generals have even threatened to attack cities if we engage in further military endeavors. Therefore, I have decided to start the Assisted Adventurers program. Groups of adventurers will be assisted by knight candidates to learn Svardkustian work mentality and increase the chance of survival when they go on dangerous missions. These assisted parties will gain experience and independently from the government be able to fight back against the Demon King's forces. With the final goal of every party being slaying a Demon general, something that has not been achieved since the end of the Demon King war. However, your bravery will also be well rewarded. I have chosen to pass down the throne to whoever manages to destroy one of the Demon generals and the royal duty of marrying one of my daughters.
> Adventurers, I the king, Karl XII believe in you. This speech shall be spread around the whole kingdom. Every citizen, strong and weak, is welcome. Those intrigued gather in the town of Fandohlin May 1st!"
The king was standing on a pre-built stage stationed in front of the royal palace. As the king was finishing his speech, the crowds filling the castle grounds applauded as an order went out to select knights in training. Only the top performing squires were notified of this order, and Audrey was one of them. She was watching in class through a portal based broadcast in the Royal Academy of swordsmanship and magic.
The general of Svardkust, Hirosus, had been selected by the king to call out and inform the students that had been chosen for the Assisted Adventurers program. Audrey and a few of her other classmates were called out of class and on to the academy's yard.
> "You all were selected for your outstanding performance this year, and I am here to give you this document filled with all the necessary information. I will now take time to personally give you a farewell and a blessing."
General Hirosus proceeded with a roll call, and slowly 1 by 1, all of the other students were sent home to prepare and say goodbye to their families.
> "Audrey Garudorf!"
> "Present!" She shouted and immediately went to Hirosus, who looked like he was checking all of them on a checklist.
> "Impressive Audrey, it seems you were a real star this year according to your instructors records. However, do not let your confidence be an obstacle. You still have a lot to learn, and I see you still have room to improve your sword technique. Also, before I forget to tell you, the horse carriages leaving Aldervinter to Fandohlin depart the 28th of April 09.00 in the morning." Hirosus said while checking her name on the checklist and handing out a sealed envelope with further information.
> "Understood general Hirosus! Well, I'll be going." She said while quickly bowing and then taking a light jog home.
Audrey was wearing light armor partly exposing her arms, and her brown ponytail bounced on her back. Her brown eyes were filled with ecstatic emotions, and the sun warmed her defined arms and fair skin.
While jogging home, the thoughts couldn't get out of her head. This is going to be the first time I will be leaving the capital. I have never gone much further than the city borders. It's very exciting but also kind of daunting, she thought.
This program will also be the perfect opportunity to get closer to the white dragon and avenge my mother. But let's not get ahead of yourself. There are still 3 days left until the Assisted Adventurers program starts, Audrey thought.
When she finally arrived at her doorstep, Audrey opened the door and rushed into her room through the hallway to take all the necessary luggage and pack it into a backpack. Then Audrey went to look for her father to tell him that she got selected.
> "Welcome back, Master Audrey! Are you going on a trip?" The 2 maids of the Garudorf household shouted across the house.
They were very short identical twins and had golden blonde hair. The only visible difference between them were their hairstyles. Even the black and white maid outfits they wore were the same. Shi, the older sister, had twin tails, and Su, the younger sister, had a ponytail.
> "Oh, Shi, Su, you're right. I'm going to travel to Fandohlin in a few days." Audrey said while seeing the maids outside her room.
> "By the way, where's dad? I didn't see his armor in the hallway? Didn't dad say that he would be back by today?"
> "Master Garudorf was offered to assist in the upcoming knight graduation exams by headmaster Loekee. The exam will be held outside of town, and master won't return in 2 months time." The twins said all of that in a monotone voice in unison.
> "Alright, guys, if you need help with something heavy, be sure to ask! I'll be training."
> "Understood master Audrey!" The older ponytailed sister Su said while dragging the slow daydreaming down the stairs.
Audrey proceeded by going to the back garden. It was surrounded by flowery bushes and a small empty sparing ground. They were also a few wooden dummies, some broken.
She then drew her sword and breathed steadily. To harness that power father uses, I need to strengthen my body and take control of my soul's battle spirit or something like that. Audrey thought to herself as she practiced on a wooden dummy.
Audrey mustered up all her strength and slashed the dummy in half. But to no avail, whatever she attempted to do the power did not manifest. Was she really not strong enough.
She guessed that since only knights were thought that power and it was confidential information for the public. Her father wouldn't teach it as he always told her that it was for her to discover. After 1 hour of training the entire body and her technique, the tired Audrey layed down on the grass and fell asleep.
> "Oh, while I took a nap, it has already turned late. Ah! All my sweaty clothes are going to make my armor stinky!" Audrey thought panicking as she was woken up by birds chirping while the sun set.
She was then busy showering and making sure the maids took care of the mess she made. Which she apologized for during dinner. Su laughed at her worry, and Shi smilingly said it was no big deal.
Audrey then went to her bedroom with a king-sized blue bed, a small drawer, and some books on shelves. On the way to her room, she looked at her father's and mothers medals of great feats hanging in between multiple other medals.
Defeating an officer of the Demon King's army, the monstrous troll who had stolen the legendary Grava hammer from a dwarfish king of the past. Her mother, in contrast, was given a medal for saving people. Over 1000 soldiers signed the proof. Destroying evil, helping people, they became great.
Audrey was starting to get sleepy after thinking about if she could ever be great like her parents. However, before going to bed, she started to think about what she'll be doing tomorrow since she doesn't have to attend academy anymore. Audrey decided that should tell her instructors goodbye, at least the good ones. The classmates, though I don't really hang out with them. Hmm, I think I'll do it out of respect she thought.
Is there anything else I have to do before I go on this journey. As moonlight hit her in the eyes, she looked away at the bookshelf. Right, the legend of the 3 heroes i borrowed from Pastor Frudou. I haven't even found time to read it yet, but i should give it back so he could lend it to someone who needs it more. That's the plan for tomorrow.
The night was pleasant as the mildly cold breeze covered the room. Even though it was hard to fall asleep with so much for her to look forward to, she was finally able to force herself to rid her head of the exciting thoughts and finally fall asleep.
- - -
The next morning, Audrey hears Su call for her, which wakes her up. But since she is a morning sleeper, she is in a sleepy mood.
> "Master Audrey, please wake up! We have prepared your breakfast!"
They usually only make father's breakfast cause I eat mine in the academy, but I guess since he's gone, they made an exception. Audrey thought as she shouted.
> "I'm coming down, just going to put on my clothes, okay?"
Audrey reached out to her wordrobe and pulled out a new set of clothes to put on. A blue shirt, grey pants, white panties, and socks. She then takes her belongings, including the borrowed book running through the room. Then, running past the door and then down the stairs to eat a nostalgic smelling breakfast.
> "Su, what's for breakfast?" Audrey asked Su as she arrived at the kitchen door.
> "Master Audrey, I made some meat and potato stew while Shi is taking care of the garden." Su replied as she put some brooth with extra meat into a bowl.
> "Thanks!" Audrey said, sitting down and eagerly grabbing the spoon on the table.
I'm pretty sure that's dads favorite dish. Mom even used to make it for us... Don't worry, dad. One day, I'll avenge mom by killing the white dragon. Audrey thought as time quickly passed and the bowl emptied.
> "Done!" Audrey shouted, leaving the bowl beside the other dishes.
> "Su, I'll visit the academy and return a book I borrowed to pastor Frudou, okay?"
> "Alright, be careful!" Su said as she waved her hand.
Audrey then walks out of the kitchen and to the front door. She opens it and sees the bright light of the sun reflecting on the white tile road into her face. Shi was cutting down the bushes and grass on the lawn.
> "Oh, Master Audrey, are you going out somewhere?" Shi said while turning her head towards Audrey.
> "Yes, I am going to the academy!"
> "Well... what about your equipment?"
Audrey looks around for a second before realizing that she forgot her sword. It's usually an obvious school tool, but since she won't be attending anymore, she left it beside her other baggage.
> "Thanks, Shi!" Audrey shouted as she ran through the house and picked up her sword.
Even though she doesn't have to bring it, she might spar a little, and having a weapon never hurts.
> "See ya, Su and Shi!" Audrey shouted as she jogged over the white road and through the other side of the highlight district.
As she approached the academy, a giant palace comprised of three central buildings with smaller structures around them, Audrey slowed down to walk by the students around the school grounds.
This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Audrey walked to the right building, which is called the school of swordsmanship. The school is full of students, all of them wearing one of three main uniforms. The classic green uniform was worn by general studies students and the traditional Svardkustian robes, which are blue and red worn by students stutiying magic attending the school of magic. The squires wore dark blue light armor fit for sparring.
In these halls, the strongest magic and regular knights of Svardkust graduated. My parents and many other great knights passed the exam and became great. I hope that the time I spend during the assisted adventurers program will give me the push to pass the knight graduation exam as I'll probably miss the third year, Audrey thought.
By the time Audrey reaches her class, they're having duals in the garden arenas. These battlefields are supposed to simulate different environments so that knight students can adapt their swordsmanship and movement to different surroundings.
> "Oh hey Audrey! What a surprise! I thought you were going to be partying with the rest of the students who got selected for the assisted adventurers program. Are you not going?" I hear a shaky voice from behind.
> "Instructor Johan, good morning! Well, I'm still going to Fandohlin, but no one told me about a party. I was planning on giving you all a farewell, but it seems that the others are busy."
> "Well Audrey, I don't have to take your attendance so as long as you don't interrupt the duals trying to bring out the second heart, you're free to ask me or the other students whatever you want. By the way, I heard from Iliad and Odeodor that the party is going to be held at the Olovskvast household." Johan said, winking as if he hadn't said a thing.
Grateful to the instructor, Audrey thought about what to do next. I guess I'll visit the party and thank Odeodor. His house should be near the great bazaar. Perfect as pastor Frudou's small church is on the way.
Audrey arrived at the bazaar in the early evening. Walking into the wooden church, she was distracted by the many art pieces laying on long wooden seats in rows. As Frudou seemed to be in his room, judging by the still glowing candles, Audrey decided to wait for him to come out.
Time passed, and the enamored Audrey was trapped in an endless loop of getting distracted by art that was put for sale. Paintings, statues, and jewelry filled the room. It was primarily following a religious theme depicting saints and the savior, the mortal reincarnation of the creator God of gods.
As the sun started to set, Audrey finally noticed the passage of time and decided to knock on Frudou's door. Through the door, Audrey could hear that some pens fell to the ground, but the still door opened not long after. Clause Frudou amiddle aged priest approached Audrey and immediately started talking.
> "Hello, young lady, are you looking for something in particular? Wait... Audrey, what are you doing here?" Frudou asked her with distraction, turning into slight worry.
> "I am returning you this book since I am going to be a part of the new assisted adventurers program. I thought it would be better if someone else could read it." Audrey said while handing the book into Frudou's hands.
> "Audrey, you are so sweet. You can keep the book as a gift. In fact, I apologize that I did not tell you sooner. But the reason I want you to keep it is that I will retire soon and you haven't been visiting as often anymore. " The pastor reasoned meekly.
> "Aw, I remember how you were trying to teach me how to use magic. Many of my friends were going to become magic knighs yet never even learned how to cast a single spell. Still, I am thankful you took care of me a lot years ago." Audrey expressed.
> "No... do not thank me. All I have been doing is following the words of the Savior. Guiding children is the duty of adults as the savior told his compatriots. Everything is being sold, and the revenue donated directly to the godwilling cardinals spreading the word of the Savior. "
Audrey knew of the cardinals as the highest authority in the church, Salvian kingdoms and the holy land. However, many nobles, including her father, have critiqued the increased influence they have on the Svardkustian royal family.
> "Oh, I apologize! I always go on quite the long spiels, don't I? " Frudou exclaimed.
> "Well, happy retirement, Pastor Frudou!" Audrey said and hugged him.
Then she said goodbye while exiting the church. When she was just about to go out into the evening bazaar, a man carrying hard liquor with a golden bird logo bumped into her.
> "Out of my way, brat, I almost dropped these beverages!" The man clothed in priest robes exclaimed as he rushed into the church straight to Frodou.
> "The good Frudou you have immediate orders." The priest said as he dragged Frudou into the vestry.
Audrey thought about eavesdropping on their conversation but decided that would be a little rude. So she left the church and went home.
The sun was setting, and Audrey had come home safely. Su and Shi were done with all the chores and were playing chess. Audrey, on the other hand, started to train, not unlike she did the other day. However, this time, she didn't end up falling asleep and wasting much time.
It's getting late, so I should eat something and then sleep Audrey thought. As she put the book with her other luggage and went down the stairs.
When Audrey came down to the kitchen, she noticed there was some soup left from the morning. Eating alone on the kitchen table, she thought about how this was the last night she was gonna be home. Dad isn't even home... but maybe that's a good thing. I could probably relax with some of dads fine wine.
At the moment, when Audrey was going to open the basement housing the vine door, she remembered the party at Olovskvast's. It had gotten late, but she doubted that they were going to end the party before midnight so it wouldn't hurt to check.
> "Su, Shi, I'm going out for a while!" Audrey said as she closed the door and left.
Walking on a road lit up by moonlight and fire lanterns, Audrey was on her way. Having trained for much of her life, she wasn't really afraid to walk around at night. The power of even squires, much less knights, far surpassed the strength of the common folk. With a royal blade that has the Svardkust emblem, which signifies knight authority, no criminal should attack her.
Arriving after 20 minutes of strolling through the streets to the party. It was going full force with loud music, lights, and many voices she could hear screaming from the backyard. Audrey then knocked at the door, and surprisingly, it was opened in the blick of an eye.
> "Hahaha, it's Audrey... what are you doing here, you weren't invited? Although if you are here, join the fun! We certainly lack some female charm..." It was Iliad who had opened the door and greeted Audrey with a drunken sight.
> "Thanks, Iliad... but I think I'll pass!" Audrey said, trying to put on a happy appearance even though it was difficult.
Iliad Holodorf was a man with a big ego due to his famous father, the knight called the unstoppable slicer. He also liked to get on Audrey's nerves by teasing her.
What was I thinking going to this party? It was just a big waste of time. These idiots can party as much as they want without me. I have a goal, so doing something important instead of messing around should be better, Audrey thought. She was going to go home and rest before the journey ahead of her.
> "Bye and tell the others I said hi!" Audrey told Iliad as she pushed his approaching hand away.
But as Iliad's hand was pushed back, he fell on the carpet in front of the door. Was he wasted, or did she accidentally push him to hard Audrey thought. Even though she never considered Iliad, her friend Audrey felt pity toward him and decided to carry him to the nearest sofa after checking that he passed out.
Entering the mansion, she saw some of her classmates and students from other classes. Audrey threw Iliad on the sofa, but then she noticed that some people were collapsing. The others were seemingly drunk, but weirdly, they didn't react at all. Slowly, more people passed out. She thought that maybe it was some kind of joke or event and therefore decided to leave.
Audrey thought it was weird but didn't think deeper about it. She left and tried to close the door but it got stuck. There was a glass bottle on the floor with a golden bird logo. She kicked the bottle and finally left.
However, someone opened the door behind her. It was Odeodor, the sole heir of the Olovskvast family. A social class leader type, although he wasn't a friend, he sometimes stopped school ruckus with some clever speech.
> "Hey Audrey, wait up!" Odeodor yelled, sweaty catching up to Audrey that already had walked off the property.
> "What's going on, Odeodor? Everyone at your place was acting kind of weird."
> "Huh ha... that's what I wanted to ask you. It seems there was something wrong with the drinks. Luckily, since I can't drink, I didn't fall asleep. That definitely wasn't normal. We have only been partying for maybe 2 hours."
> "Should we call..." Audrey said, turning around after seeing Odeodor's concerned face.
As the young squires stood on the shining road, they saw the shadow of a cloaked man approaching.
> "Young people, what are you doing here at night... Well, your answer matters not." The man said with a dark and pronounced voice as he stopped in front of them.
Audrey drew her sword with both of her hands reflexively and jumped back two meters. Odeodor, not armed, brought up his knuckles to his face.
> "Who are you?" Audrey said with a worried voice.
> "Me, well, I'm a humble follower of the church of the new god. Hahaha, I didn't think I would have to do this! However, you will be spared if the girl becomes a follower and my bride." The man said enthusiastically.
Church of the new God, is that some kind of cult and becoming his bride, what is he talking about Audrey thought.
> "Hey, old man, I don't know who you think you are, but that girl is my classmate, and you'll have to get through me first!" Odeodor exclaimed, moving in front of Audrey.
> "You're insane if you think I'd marry a man I just met it is you're trying to do I'll stop it! Audrey exclaimed!
> "What terrible shame that is, you stand in the way of salvation with that stupid boy instead of being by my side. Although we may be more familiar than you think!" The man claimed in front of the half crescent moon's light.
He quickly raised his right hand and screamed.
> "Encantation, Evangelion arrow!" His open palm was shining and out of it leaked magic that formed into a golden glowing arrow.
The arrow radiated pressure that even Audrey could feel. Odeodor rushed at the magic user, attempting to strike him before he attacked.
"Fire!" The man shouted, and the arrow flew forward faster than a man could punch. Odeodor only had a split second to react.
Managing to graze the man's cloak with a hook, he was sent backwards pierced through the chest. The arrow continued its trajectory after passing through Odeodor, only barely slowing down horrified Audrey ducked as fast she could. The momentum gained from the quick duck followed into a dash under the arrow.
She was just accomplishing to get her head away from the spell, which flew past some centimeters above her skull. It was so close that her ponytail was pierced and then lastly a city lantern cracking the metal pipe, making it fall over.
Audrey could feel the power of the arrow through the force it exerted on her hair. Dashing from a crouching position, she accelerated to a speed surpassing a hunted hare by jumping off the ground with all her might.
That man is a magic user, so I should focus on disarming him by cutting off his arms. Removing the point from which he can concentrate and cast magic, Audrey reasoned in the blink of an eye. The cloaked man was barely able to react gasping.
Audrey used her full body and her two hands to swing her blade. Swinging the sword, it slashed through the waist like it was air. But there wasn't any blood, the Cloak was hollow.
The man that was cut in half slowly faded into nothingness. Audrey was confused and scared. Was it an illusion, but illusions can't interact with reality or cast spells. He must be somewhere close.
Audrey looked around for just a second but saw no one. Odeodor was bleeding powerless on the ground, barely managing to make a noise. Looking for a clue, Audrey then saw it, a shadow. She looked upwards, nimbl, but it was too late.
> "Encantation, Radiant nail!" A giant glowing nail the size of a fist pierced Audreys hand from the sky with incredible speed.
The momentum the spell carried pushed her hand down to the brick path. Her hand was stuck to the ground and crushed.
> "Audrey, I will give you another chance to be mine." The man said, slowly landing on the ground.
Ignoring the proposal, Audrey continued to resist. However, without cutting her hand off, she didn't have the raw strength to pull the nail out.
> "That nail is capable of pinning down a full grown brown bear... Please understand I am so much more than the common vulgar, weak, and parasitic man. I am devoted to your beauty. Even your determined personality awakens a fire in me."
Damn it, what do I do? If I try to cut off my arm, he'll use magic, and if I throw my sword even if it manges to hit, it won't be enough to defeat him. Audrey thought hopelessly as she listened to the man.
Audrey's day started flashing, and her vision was getting blurry. She remembered the lesson instructor Johan was teaching her classmates earlier that day. The second heart rate, if only she could tap into it. A state that was seemingly a precursor to the power knights use. But she believed that never even during all her training, she was able to use it.
> "It seems that you will continue to not answer me. If so, I will be forced to erase you from this mortal realm so no man can take your unripen fruits away from me. I guess there is one last thing I can do to change your mind." The man said as he approached her and removed his hood.
> "I think you deserve to know the identity of yours..." Before the man was able to mutter who he was, Audrey saw it clear.
Pastor Clause Frudou, it was him... Audrey lost all sense of thought as the realization hit her. The betreyal cut deep and blew back her concieciness.
Her heart pumped faster than it ever had before.
Audrey broke her hand in a moment of heartbreak as she launched at the dark priest with her blade in her left arm. Frudou stopped his speech, immediately reacting with a spell.
> "Oh, what a burning last stand! As expected of my beloved and if you want heat I'll give you just that. Encantation, Hell Fire!" Frudou screamed with a hint of sorrow.
A blast of fire origintating from Frudou's hands engulfed Audrey. The heat emitted surpassed 1000 C° having the potential to instantly burn a human body into a piece of charcoal. Not making a sound, Audrey flew through the blast of flames.
In a second, her clothes burst into flames, and her body was covered with burns. The large hellish wall of flames covered the road burning the already mortally wounded Odeodor. In the moment, she was subjected to intense fire, which made Audrey lose her thoughts. With merely her instincts and the adrenaline that numbed her pain, she continued carrying on through the blaze.
> "Impossible, how could she jump through the force of this blaze." Frudou exclaimed concerned, but believing that there was nothing a burnt girl clinging to life could do.
With that burnt left hand, she might not even be able to swing the blade at all. Frudou thought until he saw into her eyes.
Audrey's eyes were filled with a fire that spread around her body as an aura of life and strength. As she swung her sword as hard as she could, the aura channeled through the blade with the glow of determination.
It slashed diagonally upwards through the waist, then the chest and out of the left shoulder. It was a horribly executed slash, but the power behind it was overwhelming.
Both the young girl and middle-aged man fell to the ground. Audrey's concieciness returned to her with pain like she had never felt before. A broken hand and burned skin.
> "Father Frudou... I didn't want to kill you... I'm sorry..." Audrey muttered as her thoughts ran her by.
Clause Frudou raised his voice for the last time with his final breaths.
> "No! Do not apologize, my love! A face broken by despair does not fit a perky young girl." Frudou commanded.
> "Stand up, you can not die here! This is all my fault. I apologize Audrey, my stupid desires almost killed you!" He barely added, being almost unable to make out the words coming out of his mouth.
Audrey crawled and took the fallen blade to help her stand up.
> "Father Frudou, it's not too late! If I run, I could find a cleric that could heal you!" She muttered.
> "Ah, I feel the gates of hell opening. Dear, if it's not to be, then I'd rather burn away in hell. I was a sinful priest, wasn't I, and succumbing to my lust. I was scared of hell, that it would stand in the way of my eternal happiness. However, our lord, the new God, proved that our creator is no longer with us. You need to stay away from them... the capital church, they see the new generation of knights as threats. Promise me, I want to see you when C..." After his long speech, Clause Frudou got struck by deaths embrace.
Even after all he had done to hurt Audrey, she still felt conflicted about him. Those words felt geniune, that warning important but the sight of Olovskvast's burnt corpse was sickening. Barely keeping herself from falling unconscious, Audrey desperately inched her way back home.
> "Master Audrey, how was the... Are you okay? Your clothes, your hand what happened?" Su asked, shocked having been cleaning the halls.
> "Heh, it's noth..." Audrey collapsed before Su.
Su screamed for Shi to come and help her at once to treat Audrey. They carried her onto her bed and used a healing potion, which they applied to all parts of her body.
- - -
Audrey woke up early in the morning with her body fully treated. As she opened her eyes, she saw Su and Shi lean on the shelf half asleep. They must have tired themselves out by taking care of me Audrey thought.
> "Good morning, Su and Shi!" Audrey shouted as she shook the maids out of their slumber.
> "Master Audrey... Yawn, are you okay? Shi said first while stretching a little, and Su just stayed silent with a concered expression.
> "I don't know what you did, but I feel great even greater than usual, actually." Audrey said as she got herself ready by getting in her clothes.
Seeing the book, she decided to keep made her remember that while the fight was over, Odeodor was dead. But if she lets that get to her, she won't be able to be a great knight. The maids breathed a sigh of relief as Audrey took the documents detailing everything about the assisted adventurers program. Then they went down with Audrey to make her some great departure breakfast.
> "Master Audrey, we sadly didn't prepare any fancy breakfast, but we'll try to make something great!" Su said while rushing forward before Audrey and pulling Shi with her.
Audrey sat down at the kitchen table and started reading the documents she got from General Hirosus.
> "Master Audrey, I am curious about what happened yesterday. Your wounds looked quite severe." Su asked, worried for Audrey.
> "It was some crazy cultist, but everything is fine. Thank you for worrying." Audrey said after thinking a little while trying to maintain a normal tone.
That fight was quite scary even if, in retrospect, she knows it was Clause Frudou. She didn't want to worry the maids and her father. If dad got to know about this, he would probably start a hunt to eradicate that cult. Audrey doesn't want her father to fight anymore.
While Su and Shi were frying dough, Audrey got to the last page and noticed something ghastly. After checking on the old clock in the kitchen, she stood up.
> "Oh no, Su and Shi, I'm sorry I'll have to run! The gathering for the Assisted Adventurers Program starts at 09.00 the 30th of April, and I have only 20 minutes to run across half the city!" Audrey exclaimed as she ran out of the room to take her backpack, armor, and sword.
Everything necessary was in that backpack as she packed everything yesterday. She then opened the door only to be stopped by Su.
> "Master Audrey here, it would be a shame to let this go to waste. Also this letter was delivered in the morning from Master Garudorf." Su said as she put the desert and the letter in the backpack.
> "Good luck, Audrey, and return safely!" Shi exclaimed as Audrey ran off.
- - -
> "General Hirosus, it looks like an entire class is missing. Should I tell the coachmen to wait?" A soldier informed.
> "Sir, have you not heard of the incident this morning of a busted class party where the students were found paralyzed and one has disappeared. We shall not stall the departure of the other squires!" Hirosus replied.
> "Understod General, I shall open the city gates!" The soldier said before he ran off.
> "Huff, puff hello... General Hirosus! I'm present!" Audrey said while breathing heavily.
> "Good, Audrey. I started to think you chickened out, haha. Run to carriage number 3 if you want to get there in time, and it's looking like you're getting the entire carriage for yourself!" Hirosus said, standing in front of the 9 carriages that are just about to depart.
Audrey got to the carriage and greeted the coachman as she entered. It was large, almost like a small building of royal glamour pulled by four horses. Inside were sofas and a table to hause around 10-15 people.
The carriage soon departed, and Audrey looked hopefully out the window, seeing the plains stretching out to the horizon.