As Artreus and Guinevere walked toward the town, Artreus's sharp eyes caught something ahead—a lone traveler on horseback, slowly making his way down the road.
The man wore a long cloak, concealing most of his features. His hood was pulled low, shadowing his face, but Artreus could make out the light armor beneath his cloak and the sword strapped to his side.
Immediately, Artreus's imagination kicked in.
Inside Artreus' Mind…
Artreus charged forward, his movements lightning-fast.
With one swift motion, he jumped onto the traveler, knocking him out cold before the man could react.
Then, standing triumphantly over his unconscious body, he dramatically tore off the cloak and tossed it to Guinevere.
"Here. Problem solved." he'd say coolly.
Guinevere would look at him in awe, her purple eyes shining with admiration.
"Wow, Artreus, you're so smart and strong! Truly an amazing warrior!"
Back to Reality…
"I should knock him out, steal his cloak," Artreus said out loud.
Guinevere side-eyed him.
"No, you're not."
Artreus huffed, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
Meanwhile, the traveler slowed his horse, stopping when he saw them on the road.
The man's voice was calm and steady.
"Well, hello there… You must be travelers as well."
Guinevere stepped forward gracefully, keeping her voice polite.
"Indeed. We are on our way to town."
The traveler tilted his head slightly.
"Oh… you're an elf. I haven't seen an elf in a while… and you wear some kind of noble dress… for a traveler."
His tone was casual, but there was a hint of curiosity.
"You know, this world is not safe for a kid and a young elf to travel alone. There are bounty hunters and slave traders looking for certain individuals these days."
Artreus, meanwhile, was still debating whether or not he should just take the cloak anyway.
The traveler noticed his expression and let out a light chuckle.
"Relax, kid. I'm not one of them."
Guinevere, ever composed, nodded.
"Well… it's a long story, sir. We are trying to get into the town, but… I need something to cover my face to blend in."
The traveler studied her for a moment before nodding.
"I see… well, you can borrow mine, elf girl."
He casually tossed his cloak to her.
Guinevere caught it gracefully, her eyes flickering with slight surprise.
"Thank you, kind sir."
The traveler waved a hand dismissively.
"Don't mention it. Name's Ken. And you are?"
Guinevere hesitated for a split second before smoothly responding.
"Gwen… Linora."
Artreus, catching on to the fake name, quickly added,
"Artreus."
Ken nodded.
"Gwen Linora. Artreus. Well, it's nice to meet you. You two heading into Eldoria? I can escort you there if you'd like. I'm heading that way myself."
Artreus's instincts immediately kicked in.
He leaned closer to Guinevere, whispering.
"Hmm… I think we should not trust this guy. I have a bad feeling about him."
Guinevere glanced at Ken, who remained relaxed on his horse, then turned back to Artreus.
"I don't know. He's just trying to help us blend in. He even gave me his cloak."
Artreus narrowed his eyes.
"Are you sure?"
Guinevere nodded confidently.
"Yeah. Trust me on this."
Artreus huffed, crossing his arms.
"Hmm…"
Guinevere turned back to Ken, her expression calm.
"We accept your offer, sir."
Ken smiled slightly.
"Good choice. Let's get going."
He gently nudged his horse forward, and the three of them continued their journey toward Eldoria.
Arrival at Eldoria
The town of Eldoria was bustling with life. Merchants shouted from their stalls, selling everything from fresh fruit to enchanted trinkets. The smell of baked bread and roasted meat filled the air, mixing with the scent of horses and burning lanterns.
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People of all kinds walked through the cobblestone streets—traders, mercenaries, and travelers alike.
As Artreus, Guinevere, and Ken made their way into the town, Ken casually glanced at them.
"So… what brings you two to Eldoria?"
Guinevere, keeping up her fake identity, responded smoothly.
"Uh… we need a place to stay for the night, and we also need a map for our travels. I was ambushed by night bandits and mana users."
She gestured toward Artreus.
"Artreus here is a warrior and disciple of Master Samson."
Ken raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"Samson? You mean Samson the Beast Slayer? That guy's still alive?"
He let out a short chuckle.
"I swear, that man has been around for centuries."
Guinevere nodded.
"That's right. Artreus saved me from the fortress ruins. But then, we fell into an underground cavern and got lost in the forest."
Ken glanced at Artreus, looking him up and down.
"Really? And for such a child like him to know how to wield a sword, huh?"
Artreus's eye twitched.
"Who are you calling a child?!" Artreus snapped, glaring at Ken.
Ken simply smirked, unfazed.
"Relax, kid. No need to get all worked up."
Artreus grumbled under his breath. He hated being called a child.
Guinevere chuckled softly at Artreus's reaction.
Ken turned back to Guinevere, his expression more neutral.
"Well, glad you're safe, Gwen."
Guinevere gave a small nod.
"Thanks. We just need a map to find my home."
Ken hummed in thought, then gestured around.
"There's a shop nearby in the square. You'll probably find what you need there."
He then stopped walking, turning to them.
"Well, this is where we split up."
Artreus and Guinevere paused, looking at him.
"Hope you find your way home, Gwen and Artreus."
His expression grew more serious.
"Also… be careful. Watch yourselves nowadays. A lot of people have gone missing—kidnapped and sold to the black market."
Artreus frowned.
"Black market? You mean slave traders?"
Ken nodded.
"Not just them."
His voice lowered slightly.
"Demons."
Both Artreus and Guinevere tensed.
Ken exhaled, glancing toward the darkening sky.
"The world is no longer the same without our hero, King Arthur. When the sun sets, demons come out at night, hunting, feeding on human flesh."
His gaze turned sharp.
"I've seen the aftermath. Entire villages emptied. Houses burned. Bodies scattered across the roads. In my past travels, I've barely survived encounters with them."
He turned back to them.
"So be careful. Especially on your travels. You might think you're safe, but you never know what's lurking in the dark."
For a moment, silence hung between them.
Guinevere placed a hand over her chest, her voice softer.
"Thank you for everything, Sir Ken."
Ken smiled slightly, giving them a casual wave.
"Don't mention it, my friends. Hope we'll meet again."
With that, he turned and walked away, disappearing into the crowded streets of Eldoria.
Artreus watched him go, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Then, he muttered under his breath, arms crossed.
"Hmm… I still don’t trust that guy. He creeps me out."
Guinevere gave him a side glance, raising an eyebrow.
"Why? Because he’s mysterious?"
Artreus shook his head.
"No. Is he Chinese?"
Guinevere blinked.
"…What?!"
Artreus shrugged.
"I dunno, he just gives me that vibe. The way he talks, the calm but deadly aura. That’s some ancient master energy right there."
Guinevere sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
"Don’t judge, Artreus…"
Artreus huffed.
"Tch. I’m just saying… If he suddenly pulls out a katana and starts spouting wisdom quotes, don’t say I didn’t warn you."
Guinevere rolled her eyes.
"That’s not even the right culture."
Artreus smirked.
"Still! Something’s up with that guy. I’ll keep my eye on him."
Guinevere chuckled softly.
Artreus and Guinevere stepped out of the shop, the newly purchased map in Artreus's hands.
"We have a map," Artreus declared, grinning.
Guinevere clasped her hands together.
"Great! Now we know where we're heading!"
The town of Eldoria bustled around them—merchants selling goods, travelers chatting in groups, and townsfolk going about their daily lives.
As they walked through the market square, something caught Guinevere's attention.
She suddenly stopped, her eyes sparkling.
"Wah! Traveler clothes!"
Artreus followed her gaze.
Displayed on a wooden rack outside a clothing shop were a set of fine traveler's clothes—A traveler's shirt, corset-style waistcoat, dark gloves, Sturdy trousers and a stylish hooded cloak. The material looked durable, perfect for long journeys.
Guinevere was mesmerized.
"You want those clothes?" Artreus asked, raising an eyebrow.
Guinevere sighed, shaking her head.
"I always wanted to wear something like this. It's perfect for traveling! But…" she sighed. "We don't have enough money. Maybe next time… if I ever come back here again."
Artreus glanced at her.
She was clearly interested.
His gaze flickered to his pockets. He had just enough money to pay for the inn, but not enough for extra luxuries.
Then he grinned.
"Hmm… wait here."
Guinevere turned to him, confused.
"Where are you going?"
Artreus scratched his head awkwardly.
"Uhh… finding a restroom."
Guinevere's eyelid twitched.
"Wait!! That child—is he seriously leaving me here?!"
But before she could stop him, Artreus sprinted off.
Artreus's Plan – Getting More Money
Artreus jogged through the streets, checking his pockets again.
"How do I get more coins?" he muttered to himself. "Maybe I should sell something valuable from my travels…"
As he pondered, his ears picked up a sound from a nearby alley.
A rough voice growled.
"Hand over your money, old man. We don't like to ask twice."
Artreus peeked around the corner.
A group of three thugs were cornering a civilian, a frail-looking merchant. The old man trembled as he clutched his coin purse.
One of the thugs drew a dagger.
"Better pay up, old man. Unless you want to see what's inside your stomach."
Artreus grinned.
"Heh… looks like I just earned some loot."
A Few Minutes Later…
Guinevere sat on the stairs outside the shop.
"Hmph… That brat is taking too long." she muttered.
Just as she was about to go after him, Artreus appeared—dusting off his hands.
"Hey, I'm back."
Guinevere stood up immediately.
"Where have you been?! It's not the way of a knight to abandon the princess, you know"
Artreus waved her off.
"Relax. I had to sell something." He grabbed her hand, pulling her toward the shop.
"Come on, let's go in."
Guinevere blinked.
"What? What do you mean?!"
Artreus smirked.
"You want that traveler's outfit, right?"
Guinevere's eyes widened.
"…Wait. What do you mean by that?"
Artreus grinned.
"Let's buy it."
Artreus stood outside the fitting room, arms crossed, waiting. His foot tapped against the wooden floor impatiently.
He had seen Guinevere's excited expression when she saw the traveler's outfit, so he knew she had to like it.
Still… why was she taking so long?
Before he could complain, the curtains parted, and Guinevere stepped out.
"How do I look, Artreus?" she asked.
Artreus froze.
His brain completely shut down.
She stood there, wearing a sleek traveler's outfit—a fitted white shirt, a corset-style waistcoat hugging her figure, sturdy dark trousers, and a long cloak draped over her shoulders.
She looked… different.
Less like a princess—
More like a warrior.
Artreus's face immediately turned red.
"Dang… She's so hot…" he thought, his heart skipping a beat.
The shop seller, an older woman, clapped her hands together.
"Wow, dear, you look beautiful in that outfit! It suits you perfectly!"
Guinevere smiled, looking down at herself.
"Thank you! But… please don't tell anyone there's an elf here in town."
The seller waved a hand dismissively.
"Of course, sweetheart. I would never do that."
Guinevere sighed in relief.
"Thanks…"
She then turned to Artreus, tilting her head slightly.
"Artreus…?"
Artreus snapped back to reality, realizing he had been staring too long.
He coughed loudly, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Uhh… Looks great on you."
Guinevere's lips curved into a small smile
Walking Out of the Shop
As they stepped outside, the cool evening air greeted them.
The streets of Eldoria were still bustling, lanterns now lit along the roads, casting a warm golden glow.
Guinevere adjusted the cloak over her head, glancing at Artreus.
"Thank you for this gift, Artreus."
Artreus shrugged, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just noticed you were staring at those clothes for too long… figured you wanted to wear them. Plus, it's more comfortable for our travels."
Guinevere tilted her head slightly, smirking.
"Hmm… so you pretended to go to the restroom just to sell something for me?"
Artreus tensed.
"W-Well…"
She leaned slightly closer, teasing.
"You know how to make a girl happy, huh?"
Artreus quickly looked away, flustered.
"T-Tch! D-Don't make it weird! I just thought it'd be useful!"
Guinevere chuckled, then crossed her arms.
"Anyway, where did you get the money? We still have enough left for the inn, right? What did you sell?"
Artreus cleared his throat.
"Well… I got some loots on the way and sold it to a merchant I ran into."
Guinevere raised an eyebrow.
"Loots?"
Artreus quickly looked ahead.
"Yep! Anyway, let's get moving! We gotta find an inn!"
As they walked past a side alley, Guinevere didn't notice it.
But in the distance—
A group of thugs lay sprawled on the ground, bruised, unconscious, and groaning in pain.
Guinevere, completely unaware, kept walking.
Artreus?
He smirked slightly—but said nothing.