Captain Adam strode purposefully along the corridor, flanked by a phalanx of guards stationed at regular intervals.
“Captain!” each sentinel proclaimed in unison, raising their hands in a crisp salute as he passed. Adam maintained his steady pace, his gaze fixed on the imposing double doors at the end of the passage, where two guards stood sentinel.
“Open the doors,” Adam commanded, his voice resonant with authority.
“Immediately, Captain!” one of the guards responded, and the massive doors swung open with a resounding clang.
Adam emerged into a spacious vicinity, its perimeter adorned with a verdant garden. The air was alive with the melodious chirping of unseen birds, creating an aura of tranquility.
He continued his journey, arriving at a clearing defined by four colossal pillars arranged in a rectangular formation. A generous space, capable of accommodating twenty men, occupied the center. Atop each pillar, a large blue crystal sphere emitted a soft, ethereal glow, casting an otherworldly luminescence upon the scene. Guards stood vigil, their presence augmented by several individuals cloaked in azure.
“Captain Adam, how may I be of service?” inquired one of the cloaked figures.
“I require immediate transport to Orstone,” Adam declared, his tone grave.
“At once, Captain,” the cloaked figure, the “Circle Keeper,” replied with a respectful bow. “It is my solemn duty.” And with that, the Circle Keeper turned to prepare the portal.
“Prepare the circle, divine casters,” the Circle Keeper commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber. The cloaked figures, each positioned beside a pillar, responded by raising their hands towards the ground and focusing their gaze inward. The crystalline orbs atop the pillars began to pulsate with an intensified luminescence.
“The activation of the portal will require a significant duration,” the Circle Keeper explained. “The divine energy must be channeled and aligned with the receiving circle situated near Orstone. You should be aware that upon arrival, you will need to secure a steed to complete your journey to Orstone. The distance, while not insurmountable, will require approximately thirty minutes of travel. This is the closest proximity the portal can facilitate, Captain.”
“Acknowledged,” Adam replied succinctly.
“Please feel free to relax until I signal your departure, Captain,” the Circle Keeper offered. “The process will require some time.”
“I shall await your signal here,” Adam confirmed, observing the Circle Keeper return to his duties within the intricate network of energy.
A voice, familiar yet tinged with a subtle undercurrent of unease, broke the silence. “Captain Adam,” a guard addressed him, approaching with a measured gait. His attire distinguished him from the rank and file, marking him as a saint knight.
“Yes, Officer,” Adam acknowledged, recognizing the officer’s rank.
“We have observed that you are adorned in your official battle attire, Captain,” the officer remarked. “Therefore, I felt compelled to offer my assistance for your mission, should the need arise. I do not presume to doubt your capabilities, but a measure of additional security can never be amiss.”
“Your concern is appreciated, Officer,” Adam replied, his tone firm yet courteous. “However, this is a personal matter. Please remain vigilant in your duties. You are dismissed.”
“As you command, Captain,” the officer replied, saluting smartly before retreating.
“It seems you are held in high regard here, Captain,” Noah observed, a hint of a sardonic smile playing on his lips. “The respect evident in that officer’s demeanor extended beyond mere obedience to a superior. It carried a genuine sense of esteem and admiration, if you grasp my meaning.”
Adam remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the ground, a flicker of something akin to annoyance crossing his features. He’s clearly not amused by the presence of Noah.
“Indeed, such sentiments are the culmination of years of responsible leadership. One cannot feign the genuine affection that arises from respecting those you do not know as you would those you hold dear. I trust you comprehend this particular point, Mr. Assistant, do you not?” Adam inquired, his voice laced with a subtle inflection on the final phrase, “do you not?” that piqued Noah’s suspicion.
“In fact, I do, Captain Adam,” Noah replied, “My current position as the Minister’s youngest assistant in the entire Kingdom of Vidin is testament to that.”
“You should be exceedingly proud of that achievement, Mr. Assistant,” Adam acknowledged, his tone now decidedly colder.
“I am not one for self-aggrandizement, much like yourself, I suspect,” Noah remarked, attempting to mitigate the escalating tension. “Your own trajectory – the youngest King’s personal guard, not merely in Vidin but across all of Plistura, and now head of capital security and the palace – speaks volumes of your talent and the trust bestowed upon you, especially considering your apparent youth."
“I doubt there are many parallels between us, Mr. Assistant,” Adam asserted bluntly.
“With all due respect, Captain, I believe we possess certain affinities,” Noah insisted, a polite smile gracing his lips. Adam paused, then mirrored the gesture.
“To what do I owe the pleasure of this unexpected discourse, Mr. Assistant?” Adam inquired, his smile now a mere façade.
“I sensed a degree of…dissonance between us during the conference, and felt compelled to address it directly,” Noah explained, his voice remaining calm and measured.
“And what, precisely, is the nature of this perceived dissonance?” Adam pressed, the façade of pleasantries crumbling.
“If my presence here is somehow…unwelcome, I would appreciate your candor. If you think that I’m not trustworthy then I’m ready to hear it from you now. I wish to avoid any unnecessary discord, particularly given my cooperative role in the same matter. Unless, of course, such circumspection is not your customary modus operandi. I merely sought to clarify the situation, if you will, Captain,” Noah concluded, his tone unwavering despite the increasing tension.
“Who, pray tell, has deluded you into believing that I do not trust you, Assistant Minister?” Adam inquired, his voice sharp and accusatory.
“Well, I—” Noah stammered, momentarily flummoxed. Adam’s smirk sent a shiver down his spine. Was the Captain deliberately attempting to unnerve him? To lure him into a trap? The unsettling mirth in his eyes spoke volumes about his cunning, a reputation well-earned throughout the kingdom. Noah’s apprehension grew.
“Why the sudden silence, Mr. Assistant? Has something occurred?” Adam pressed, his voice regaining its intimidating edge.
“No, no, I believe you are correct. I may be overreacting. There is no ill will between us,” Noah asserted, striving to regain control of the situation. Adam merely smiled, a knowing glint in his eyes.
“He is attempting to evade this discourse,” Adam mused, observing Noah’s discomfort. “Let us test his reaction to a specific point,” he decided, a flicker of suspicion igniting within him.
“I see. Nothing else troubles you?” Adam inquired, his tone now deceptively casual.
“No, perhaps we could discuss this…girl while we await the circle’s infusion of divine energy,” Noah suggested, eager to shift the focus.
“What are your thoughts on the minor disturbance in Orstone that I intend to investigate?” Adam asked, a subtle challenge in his voice.
“Frankly, I believe it to be a fruitless endeavor,” Noah stated bluntly.
“So, you believe she is not the individual we seek?” Adam probed.
“Precisely. I believe this excursion to Orstone would be a waste of your valuable time,” Noah reiterated.
Adam paused, considering Noah’s words. “And what leads you to this conclusion? She appears to possess the requisite characteristics.”
“You may deem it…preposterous, but it is a hunch,” Noah admitted.
“A hunch?” Adam echoed, raising an eyebrow.
“Yes,” Noah confirmed.
“Do you not recognize your own intellectual capacity, Mr. Assistant?” Adam pressed, his voice laced with a hint of amusement.
“What precisely do you mean by that, Captain?” Noah inquired, his voice edged with suspicion.
“You are among the most astute individuals the Minister has ever encountered. Do you not find this reliance on mere ‘hunch’ somewhat…uncharacteristic?” Adam pressed, the game of psychological manipulation already in full swing.
“Well, it is not entirely without foundation,” Noah countered. “The young woman in question is expected to be exceptionally powerful. And did you not mention, during your audience with His Majesty, that she was being assisted by a monster hunter?”
“Did I now?” Adam feigned surprise. “I do not recall making such a statement. Unless, of course, your own intelligence provided that particular detail.” Noah’s apprehension resurfaced. Adam was clearly attempting to establish something, his brazen confidence a calculated tactic. He had indeed mentioned the monster hunter, Noah was certain.
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“I am quite certain you did, Captain,” Noah insisted.
“My apologies, then,” Adam conceded, affecting an air of innocence. “A lapse in memory, perhaps.”
“No need for apologies,” Noah replied, maintaining his composure. “So, are you still intent on this journey to Orstone?” he inquired, sensing a subtle attempt to dissuade him from further investigation.
“Mr. Assistant,” Adam began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, “I have just recalled a matter of significance pertaining to you. I believe you will find it…gratifying.”
“I am listening, Captain,” Noah acknowledged, intrigued.
“You recall the…unfortunate incident involving your family three years ago? May the gods eternally condemn those responsible for such a heinous act,” Adam remarked, his voice imbued with a somber tone.
“Of course, I do,” Noah confirmed, a wave of sadness washing over him. The memory of that tragic event remained a painful scar.
“And what of it, Captain? The case was ultimately deemed unsolvable due to a lack of evidence. It is undoubtedly difficult to accept that the perpetrator remains at large, unpunished for such a barbaric crime,” Noah said, his voice rising with anger.
“That is precisely why I mentioned your potential gratification,” Adam explained. “A benefactor, a close associate of mine, commissioned a discreet investigation into the matter. Witnessing your parents and sister succumb to such a vile act, he felt compelled to rectify this grave injustice. He engaged a team of highly skilled professionals to undertake the inquiry just a few days ago.” Noah was stunned by this revelation.
“How could I have been kept in the dark about this, Captain?” Noah demanded, his voice laced with disbelief.
“You do not appear particularly elated, Mr. Assistant,” Adam observed, his tone unwavering. “I anticipated a more enthusiastic response, especially considering the imminent apprehension of your family’s murderer.”
“Of course I am elated,” Noah assured him, though his voice lacked conviction. “I had, in a manner of speaking, resigned myself to the inevitability of this tragedy. I believed justice would never be served. Therefore, upon accepting the Minister’s offer, I vowed to become the most exceptional assistant imaginable, perhaps even his successor should he deem me worthy. I sought to honor my family’s memory through my own achievements, even in their absence." Noah's voice trailed off, his gaze cast downwards. Tears welled in his eyes, but he resolutely held them back.
“I understand your sentiments intimately, Mr. Assistant,” Adam acknowledged. “That is precisely why I chose to inform you now.”
“I am eternally grateful, Captain,” Noah expressed, his gaze finally meeting Adam’s cold blue eyes. “Please, enlighten me as to the identity of the individual leading this investigation. I must express my sincere gratitude for their efforts. I cannot believe what you have just revealed.”
“You are looking at him, Noah,” Adam replied, a knowing smile playing on his lips. Noah’s countenance paled visibly.
“You appear unwell, Mr. Assistant,” Adam remarked, his smile widening. “Are you feeling faint?” It was evident that Adam had achieved his objective. Noah remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on Adam, before regaining his composure.
“I am perfectly fine, Captain,” he replied, his voice steady. “I simply did not anticipate that you yourself would be spearheading the investigation.”
“Only the finest for the Minister’s most promising protégé,” Adam declared, a polite façade masking his underlying amusement. Noah nodded in acquiescence.
“The circle is poised for activation, Captain Aravos. You may inspect the grounds at your leisure, once your discourse with the Minister’s adjunct concludes,” intoned the Circle Keeper, his voice a silken thread behind Adam.
“I shall attend to it momentarily,” Adam replied, his voice measured.
“Take your time, Captain. If you will excuse me, gentlemen,” the Circle Keeper bowed slightly before withdrawing.
“How imminent is his downfall, Captain Adam?” inquired Noah, his voice laced with a hint of impatience.
“Imminent, Mr. Assistant. Only a conclusive piece of evidence remains. Perhaps it is merely a matter of time before he stumbles,” Adam declared, his confidence unwavering. Noah’s gaze narrowed, a flicker of unease crossing his features.
“If you will excuse me, Mr. Assistant, I must attend to my duties,” Adam stated, turning to depart.
“Are you certain you can apprehend this man, Captain? He is a dangerous adversary, one who has eluded capture for far too long,” Noah pressed, his voice edged with concern.
Adam halted, his gaze fixed on Noah. “Scoundrels of his ilk should never pose a challenge to my sword of justice. He shall meet the same fate as the others who foolishly believed themselves beyond its reach,” Adam declared, his voice a low growl, his eyes gleaming with a fierce resolve that sent shivers down Noah’s spine. He then turned and strode towards the rectangular expanse between the towering pillars. As he approached, the pillars began to emit an intense luminescence, and the ground beneath his feet shimmered with an ethereal blue light. Gradually, the light intensity decreased and Adam vanished from sight!
Noah remained motionless for a moment, the weight of Adam’s words settling upon him like a shroud. A chilling emptiness settled within him.
In an instant, Adam materialized from the shimmering portal, reappearing within another identical circle. However, this location bore no resemblance to the palace. Instead, he found himself amidst a sprawling military encampment. The cacophony of soldiers’ shouts during training exercises and the rhythmic clang of weapons echoed through the air, while the surrounding terrain was dominated by vast stretches of sand.
Adam inhaled deeply, stepping out of the circle as the pillars gradually extinguished their luminescence.
Before he could fully emerge, a guard stepped before him. “I must insist on seeing your transit permit, sir,” the guard stated politely. Adam merely offered a faint smile.
“Have I misspoken, sir?” the guard inquired, his gaze lingering on Adam’s attire – the fine suit and the elegant sword hinting at a man of high station.
Suddenly, a commanding voice cut through the air. “Stand aside, soldier! RIGHT NOW!” An officer, clad in the official crimson armor of the Vidin saint knights, strode towards them.
The guard recoiled, visibly intimidated. “That is Captain Adam Aravos, King Walt’s personal guard and the head of palace security. Show due respect, soldier,” the officer declared.
“By all means! My apologies for my oversight, Captain,” the soldier stammered, saluting smartly.
Adam returned the salute with a nod. “No need for apologies. The young man was merely fulfilling his duty,” he remarked, addressing the officer.
He then turned to the soldier. “Continue to be vigilant. If you are uncertain about the identity of incoming personnel, proceed as you did with me. Do not hesitate.” Adam concluded, placing a reassuring hand on the soldier’s arm.
“Understood, Captain,” the soldier affirmed, his posture now resolute. Adam acknowledged his resolve with a calm nod.
“After you, Captain,” the officer gestured with a flourish towards the exit of the teleportation circle, patiently awaiting Adam’s departure.
Adam began to walk, the officer and two guards following close behind.
“I refrained from announcing your arrival, Captain, as you explicitly stated in your message yesterday that this matter was sensitive and required discretion,” the officer explained.
“Well executed, Officer. Precisely what I desired,” Adam acknowledged, his gaze sweeping across the diligently training soldiers.
“As per your instructions, a horse awaits your arrival at the gate outpost. Orstone is approximately thirty minutes from this location,” the officer informed him.
“Excellent,” Adam replied succinctly.
“Forgive me, Captain, but I observe that you are unaccompanied. Would you prefer that I dispatch a squad for your protection? These are the finest soldiers within this encampment, the very same unit I was to command in the recent appearance of the scarlet giant,” the officer offered.
Adam halted abruptly, turning to face the officer. “You are aware of what transpired?” he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
“Only the bare essentials, Captain. I learned from Officer Ronald that the demonic threat has been neutralized,” the officer replied.
“Then enlighten me, Officer. Relate to me what you have been informed,” Adam demanded, his tone firm.
“Certainly, Captain,” the officer replied, his demeanor respectful.