Riding my loyal horse, I approached the grand city looming on the horizon with steady resolve. Its towering spires and sharp rooftops rose proudly against the sky.
As I neared the walls, two winged figures suddenly appeared in the sky, gliding toward me with effortless grace. I stopped in my tracks, watching in awe as these creatures, who seemed to be city guards, descended with precision.
When they landed before me, I could make out their details more clearly. They looked human but with powerful wings sprouting from their backs, allowing them to hover above the ground. Their gleaming armor caught the rays of the setting sun, giving them a commanding, almost intimidating presence.
"Stranger, what is your business here?" one of them boomed in a deep, authoritative voice. "This city is under the protection of the Empire. Only those with permission may enter."
I steadied myself, determined to appear calm and confident despite their intimidating demeanor.
"Greetings, my friends," I replied in an even tone. "I am Griffith, a traveler on a mission from the eastward kingdom of Golden River. I need to pass through your city to continue my journey eastward."
The two paladins exchanged a knowing glance, deliberating silently. After a tense pause, one of them stepped forward with a menacing air.
"A mission from Golden River, you say?" he questioned, his piercing eyes scrutinizing me with suspicion. "What is the nature of this mission?"
I took a deep breath, fully aware of the need to tread carefully.
"My mission is to recover a mysterious artifact known as the Demon’s Vein," I explained calmly. "It’s vital for maintaining the balance of the kingdom, and I must retrieve it at all costs."
The moment those words left my mouth, the paladins stiffened, exchanging alarmed glances. In unison, they unsheathed their gleaming swords, their stances turning openly hostile.
"The Demon’s Vein, you say?" one of them growled, his wings flaring wide with force. "That artifact is extremely dangerous! We cannot allow anyone to gain access to it."
I instinctively stepped back, my hand gripping the hilt of my sword. It was clear they weren’t going to let me pass without a fight.
Suddenly, a sharp whistle pierced the air, making the paladins flinch. Within moments, a swarm of winged figures descended upon me, surrounding me completely. I found myself facing a hundred paladins, their swords and lances all aimed in my direction.
"Griffith, you are deemed a threat to the Empire!" one of them declared, his voice reverberating with authority. "By order of His Majesty the Emperor, we are placing you under arrest!"
I clenched my teeth, realizing my quest for the Demon’s Vein had triggered far more resistance than I’d anticipated. These paladins seemed dead set on stopping me.
Stolen novel; please report.
But I wasn’t about to let myself be captured without a fight. Glancing at Rutger, I gave him a reassuring nod, signaling that I was ready for action.
"Listen to me, my friends," I said, raising my hands in a final attempt to reason with them. "I mean no harm. I’m simply on a mission to protect the balance of this world. Please, let me pass!"
But their resolve didn’t waver. Their swords rose with unwavering determination.
"It’s too late for negotiations, Griffith," one of them replied coldly. "You are too dangerous to be allowed freedom. By the Empire’s decree, you are condemned!"
Without another word, the lead paladin charged at me, his sword held high. I reacted instantly, summoning my power.
"[Wind Blade – Level 2]!" I shouted, focusing my mana to unleash a razor-sharp gust of wind.
The attack shot forward with devastating speed, striking the paladin head-on and knocking him out of the fight. Seizing the moment of shock among his comrades, I bolted forward with Rutger galloping by my side.
However, the paladins quickly regrouped, forming an impenetrable cage around me with their spears and swords. I skidded to a halt, realizing I couldn’t take on all of them without risking serious injury.
Frustrated, I exhaled sharply and raised my hands in surrender, understanding that resistance was futile. The paladins closed in, binding my wrists with enchanted shackles before dragging me away.
As we passed through the city gates, I caught Rutger’s worried gaze. Forcing a small smile, I silently reassured him to wait for me. I would find a way to escape and continue my quest, no matter the cost.
The paladins led me through the bustling streets of the city, drawing curious stares from the townsfolk. Some whispered nervously at the sight of me, while others glared with open hostility. It seemed my reputation as the seeker of the Demon’s Vein had preceded me.
Eventually, we arrived at a massive fortress in the heart of the city. Its heavy iron gates creaked open, and I was shoved inside, into a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors.
I was marched past numerous guardrooms until, finally, I was thrown into a damp, shadowy cell. The paladins locked the door behind me and left without another word.
Sinking onto the straw mattress that passed for a bed, I tried to think through my predicament. Being imprisoned was far from ideal, but I had no one to blame but myself. My quest for the Demon’s Vein had stirred up far more trouble than I’d imagined.
Still, I had no intention of giving up. I’d come too far and overcome too many obstacles to stop now. There was no way I was abandoning my mission.
Rising to my feet, I inspected the cell bars carefully. They were solid and reinforced with magic, making escape difficult. But I wasn’t without resources.
Reaching into my pocket, I pulled out a small, shimmering stone I’d found during my travels. I’d discovered it in the ruins of a dungeon back during my academy trials. From what I understood, it could disrupt magical locks.
Smiling with renewed determination, I pressed the stone against the lock, channeling my mana into it. The stone glowed brightly, emitting waves of energy that caused the bars to crackle. With a loud creak, the cell door swung open.
"Well, let’s see what awaits me outside," I murmured, stepping cautiously into the hallway.
Sticking to the shadows, I moved carefully through the dark corridors, avoiding the guards’ patrols. My top priority was to reunite with my horse and escape this fortress as quickly as possible. The road ahead was long, and my journey was far from over.