The sight of the closed and boarded-up Northern gate took Kaiden by surprise, his eyes widening in disbelief. The sturdy wood panels had effectively sealed off the entrance, making it impossible to pass through at all. Looking up, Kaiden spotted the guards patrolling the wall above, their figures visible as they moved along the top of the gate walls. Oddly, there seemed to be no guards on the ground level, their absence an inexplicable departure from the usual protocol.

Kaiden's gaze shifted between the closed and boarded-up gate and the guards patrolling on the wall above, a puzzled expression on his face.

"Wait a moment," he said, addressing Loden. "Shouldn't there be some guards on the ground still?" He pointed towards the gate, his voice tinged with confusion. "Why are they all up on the wall? It doesn't seem right."

Loden's thoughts began to fall into place as he assessed the situation. "Ah, I see," he replied, the pieces of the puzzle coming together in his mind. "So that's the reason. They've barricaded the gate, which means there's no point in stationing guards here on the ground. It makes more sense for the guards to be up there to notify everyone of any potential attacks."

Kaiden shook his head in disbelief, his words filled with frustration and concern. "It's not fair to the people here," he said, his eyes scanning the decrepit surroundings. "This area has been torn apart and left to rot. Look around. It's dying. We need to inform the Emperor and Empress about this. They need to know the true consequences of sealing off this gate."

Kaiden's expression hardened as he took in the sight of the decaying area. The impact of the barricaded gate was undeniable, the once-thriving community now reduced to ruin. Loden nodded, acknowledging Kaiden's point.

"You're right," Loden agreed, his tone serious. "This isn't fair to the people here. This area is deteriorating because of the closed gate. But who do you think gave the order and hasn’t reversed it.”

Loden, feeling a mix of determination and frustration, took a deep breath and tried to think of a solution but came up with none. The sight of the ruined and decaying area was taking a toll on him a little, and he couldn't shake the sense of unfairness that had settled over the place. Memories of his childhood, slowly surfaced but were pressed back. Loden not wanting to remember and think of his past in front of Kaiden.

Kaiden remained at Loden’s side, his own concern and anger at the situation clear in his expression.

"There must be something we can do," he said, his voice filled with a mixture of frustration and determination. "We can't just stand by and let this place die."

Loden turned away from the barricaded gate, his expression contemplative. "Once Astryaln is summoned," he said, "you'll be able to restore this area, making the Empire whole and thriving. But for now, we must endure until that time." He paused, his eyes meeting Kaiden's. "Our focus should be on locating the next warrior. Let's continue our search and keep moving forward, even in the face of adversity."

Frustration welled up within Kaiden once again as he reluctantly acknowledged Loden's logic, reluctantly acknowledging the truth in his words. He knew that he lacked the power and influence to bring about change at that moment. The Emperor and Empress wouldn't listen to his pleas, as he held no authority at this time. Yet, he found solace in the knowledge that once the warriors were united, they would possess the power necessary to make a difference. It was a beacon of hope amidst the current situation.

Kaiden, still grappling with his inner turmoil, reluctantly followed Loden's lead walking once again. He huffed in frustration, but his determination to keep up with the Loden propelled him forward. Loden's quick pace and confident stride set the tempo, and Kaiden had no choice but to keep up, although annoyance simmered just beneath the surface.

The silence between Loden and Kaiden stretched out, with none of them speaking as they walked. Kaiden felt disoriented, lost in a maze of unfamiliar streets and alleys. Loden's turns and detours made it even harder for Kaiden to keep track of their path, his sense of direction completely thrown off. Frustration and uncertainty welled up inside him, adding to his already agitated mood.

Kaiden, feeling a sudden pain in his chest, realized that he had been walking for an extended period of time. His body protested against the prolonged exercise, and his thirst intensified. He tried to catch Loden's attention, wanting to signal his need for a break. Drawing a bag filled with water, Kaiden took a moment to quench his thirst. The cool liquid refreshed him, momentarily alleviating the nagging discomfort in his chest.

Kaiden's eyes widened in panic as he noticed the absence of Loden. A wave of unease washed over him, and his voice echoed with concern. "Loden! Loden, where are you?" he called out, his tone tinged with both fear and disbelief. The realization of their separation sent a pang of anxiety through him, and he found himself questioning if this was some sort of joke.

Kaiden's voice carried an edge of impatience as he called out to Loden, his eyes scanning the surroundings in search of his companion. "Loden! This isn't funny. I'm not in the mood for games. Stop hiding and show yourself." He paused, his impatience turning into mild annoyance. "Cut it out already. Where the hell did you go?"

Kaiden's frustration mounted as his desperate search continued. He darted down a street, then turned into another, his voice carrying his growing sense of urgency. "Loden! Answer me, damn it!" he shouted, but the silence that answered back only heightened his worry. The absence of a response fueled Kaiden's anger, yet deep down, a nagging fear tugged at him.

Kaiden, exhausted and frustrated, leaned against the cool wall, taking a moment to catch his breath and gather his thoughts. He had reached a point where searching without plan or direction had proved fruitless. It was time to reassess and devise a different approach. Kaiden's mind worked relentlessly, considering options and possibilities. Perhaps seeking help from someone local would be the best course of action. With a newfound determination, he pushed himself off the wall, ready to find someone who could lend a hand.

Kaiden's voice rang out through the streets, echoing off the buildings as he called out for help. After a few moments of waiting, he finally heard a faint response, a hopeful sign that someone was nearby. Kaiden's heart quickened with anticipation as he approached the source of the sound, and he called out again, hoping for another response. This time, his words were met with a faint yet eager reply. "Hello," a voice responded.

Kaiden hastened his pace, drawn towards the source of the voice. He came to a standstill at the scene of collapsed buildings and a partially standing structure. There, he spotted three men gathered together, their forms huddled and united. The sight of these men presented a glimmer of hope for assistance, and Kaiden's eyes fixed on them, taking in their presence.

Kaiden approached the three men, his expression eager and hopeful. "Excuse me," he said, his voice carrying a sense of urgency. "Could any of you help me find my way to the palace? My companion and I got separated, and I'm lost. Any guidance on how to get to the palace or even the East Gate would be greatly appreciated." He eyed them with a mixture of desperation and hope, his gaze seeking assistance from the local individuals.

As Kaiden continued his approach, he suddenly felt a wave of unease wash over him. His steps halted, and he found himself only halfway toward the trio. Instinctively, his eyes scanned them, picking up on details - the weapons they carried, their sinister expressions. A sense of danger settled in, sending a shiver down his spine. Kaiden's instincts flared, warning him that something was amiss. He remained wary, his guard raised, as the trio turned to face him with menacing intent.

Kaiden decided to back away, his words betraying a hint of caution. "On second thought," he said, his voice steady though tinged with wariness, "I'll just search for the Northern Gate. Thanks for your time." As he turned to leave, however, his escape route was cut off by the sight of two more men with weapons on the street he had come from. His sense of danger intensified, the feeling of being trapped setting in. Kaiden realized he was cornered, with no apparent way out of the precarious situation.

One of the man nudged his friend beside him, a hint of mockery in his tone. "Did you hear that, he lost his companion. Poor lad." The man's jesting words hung in the air as a faint chuckle escaped him. The friend, visibly irritated, pushed him away with a hint of annoyance. His expression suggested he wasn't amused. The trio, armed and sinister, surrounded Kaiden further, their presence casting a dark shadow over the situation.

Kaiden, feeling the weight of the menacing strangers closing in on him, instinctively took a step back. He moved towards the partially collapsed building, his back pressing against its crumbling exterior. Memories of his training with both Wulfric and Loden flashed through his mind, the lessons and techniques they had imparted coming to the forefront of his thoughts. The pressure of the situation heightened, but Kaiden clung to their teachings, preparing himself to face the imminent threat head-on.

Kaiden, hoping to avoid a confrontation, spoke up, his voice steady. "Gentlemen," he began, addressing the armed strangers. "Let's try to resolve this peacefully. What is it you need? Money or ….." His words were tinged with a glimmer of hope, seeking a non-violent solution. The group of armed men paused, exchanging glances among themselves.

Kaiden, attempting to negotiate with the strangers, was interrupted by one of the men, his irritated shouting almost deafening. "Quiet, brat!" he snapped, his voice filled with a stern authority as he raised his sword. "We do the talking around here." The man's harsh tone cut through the air, making it clear that Kaiden's attempt at a peaceful resolution was being dismissed.

Kaiden assessed the 5 strangers again, appraising them closer. All of them had disheveled clothing, with holes here and there among all of their garments. They appeared to be regular thugs, their abilities with swords seemingly average at best at Kaiden’s glance. One of them held a dagger instead of a sword, a formidable weapon in its own right. Kaiden's thoughts raced as he contemplated his options. He wished Wulfric or Loden were here. Their presence would undeniably tip the scales in his favor. However, he was alone against these armed individuals, their intentions clear.

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Kaiden, feeling a sense of helplessness, silently called out to Astryaln, seeking divine intervention. Deep down, he knew that the deity probably couldn't physically intervene, but the gesture gave him some semblance of comfort and courage. As he silently prayed, his hand moved slowly towards his sword, resting on its hilt. He bided his time, waiting for an opening to draw it.

The lead figure among the 5 thugs spoke up again, issuing a command to his companions. "Alright, boys," he said, a hint of authority in his voice. "Bag him, but don't damage the goods this time." The others nodded, acknowledging the instruction. Their intentions clear, the group prepared to surround Kaiden and restrain him.

Kaiden, refusing to be taken without a fight, swiftly unsheathed his blade with a practiced grace, disarming two of the 5 thugs in a swift movement. He then pushed off the wall, using the element of surprise to his advantage, and rammed into one of them. Kaiden darted out into the street, his movements filled with determination and a readiness to fight. The thugs were stunned for a moment, but quickly rallied, closing in on him with a renewed sense of urgency.

The 5 attackers encircled Kaiden, with the two he had disarmed swiftly retrieving their weapons and joining the fray. They swung their weapons with relentless force, aiming to disrupt his rhythm and throw him off balance. Kaiden stood amidst the whirlwind of blades, his senses heightened as he parried and dodged their strikes. The sound of clashing metal filled the air, each block and counterstrike echoing through the tension-filled street.

Kaiden fought with a steely determination, his mind laser-focused on his movements and those of his opponents. Though his thoughts occasionally threatened to surface, he quickly pushed them aside, channeling his anger and his past experience at the slave market. He fought fiercely, fueled by a fierce desire to never return to such a moment of time. Each strike and parry held the weight of his determination, his body a blur as he fought against his attackers.

After a series of fierce exchanges, Kaiden managed to injure only one of the 5 attackers, incapacitating him enough to pause their assault. The remaining 4 thugs circled around him, their expressions a mix of annoyance and frustration. The leader of the group, still seething with irritation, let out a frustrated bark. "You idiots, grab him!" he snapped, his voice filled with anger. "It's just a kid! This is becoming ridiculous!"

Kaiden, buoyed by a sense of pride upon hearing the leader's words, continued to parry and dodge the relentless attacks, moving with swift and agile movements. However, suddenly, Kaiden felt a quick stabbing pain in his leg. He adjusted his steps and eventually backed up to the partially collapsed building again, leaning on its crumbling exterior. As he glanced down, he saw a trail of blood on the ground and noticed the growing stain on his own leg.

Kaiden's thought process ran through his mind, the realization slowly sinking in. How did I get hurt? I was being careful... Did I get cocky? He quickly replayed the recent events, trying to figure out what went wrong. As he looked over at the thugs, his eyes landed on the man with the dagger. Blood dripped from the blade, and realization struck him. That man must have slipped behind me and slashed my leg. Dammit.

The men, now in a victorious mood, chuckled and laughed amongst themselves. The leader spoke up, his tone still firm but with a hint of mockery. "See, that wasn't too hard. We'll make sure to bandage that wound once we get you settled." He paused, his next words carrying a clear threat. "Now come with us, or else" he commanded, emphasizing the consequences of disobedience.

Kaiden's hand touched his wounded leg, his fingers coming away stained with blood. Frustration and helplessness welled up inside him as he considered his options. Should he fight back further? Would it even make a difference against this group? He thought about calling on the little power he had received from Astryaln, but the surge of strength and energy he had felt before was nowhere to be found. Kaiden realized he was on his own, with no sign of the deity answering his silent plea for assistance.

Kaiden stood straight and lifted his sword, his voice firm and resolute. "I won't back down," he declared, determination burning in his eyes. "You will not take me." The thugs exchange glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and amusement. A few of them even chuckled, clearly up for a challenge and more bloodshed. It seemed that Kaiden's defiance only fueled their desire to fight further.

The leader, his annoyance growing, pointed at Kaiden and gave a sinister command to the man with the dagger. "Slice his other leg. And maybe an arm. That should silence him." The thug with the dagger, following the leader's order, nodded eagerly. With a sinister gleam in his eyes, he took a step toward Kaiden, his blade poised to strike.

Kaiden, balancing on his one good leg, carefully avoided leaning on the wall behind him. Trying to maintain his stance, he lifted his sword higher, preparing to strike. With strategy in mind, he considered going for a high cut to the man's head, hoping the threat would make him back off.

A sudden, booming voice echoed from within the collapsing building, the sound causing Kaiden and the thugs to pause in their tracks. The voice was deep and commanding, filled with authority. "You are trespassing and disturbing my rest," it said, its words carrying an air of annoyance. "Get lost."

The leader, his anger flaring, turned his attention to the doorway of the crumbling building and shouted back, his voice full of irritation. "Pipe down, you rat. We'll be gone in a moment. This is my territory, you freeloading rodent," he yelled, his words laced with a mocking tone. The thugs around him joined in his laughter, adding their support to the leader’s display of dominance.

The man with the dagger took another step forward, the blade aimed at Kaiden's leg or arm. However, before he could lunge, a large rock suddenly struck him from the side, emerging from the doorway of the collapsing building. The unexpected impact sent the thug stumbling backward, his focus broken and his attack interrupted.

From within the shadows of the doorway, a cloaked figure slowly stepped out into the opening, light from the high sun cascading down on their form. Their face concealed by the dark cloak, their identity remained a mystery, for even the sun could not see the identity of this newcomer. They spoke firmly, their voice filled with authority. "I told you lot to leave," the figure proclaimed. "Leave the kid alone. And get lost!" The thugs, momentarily stunned by the unexpected appearance, exchanged glances, contemplating their options.

The leader, filled with anger, made the first move, charging at the new figure with his sword raised. However, the cloaked figure swiftly responded, drawing a sword and effortlessly disarming the leader. In a single, fluid motion, the figure threw him to the ground with an impactful force. The other 3 thugs, taken aback by the speed and effectiveness of the cloaked figure's actions, stood paralyzed, their gazes alternating between the fallen leader and the cloaked figure wielding the sword. Their companion that Kaiden had injured laid on the ground, watching the scene unfold, pressing his wound on his side.

Kaiden, his eyes fixed on the unfolding scene, silently wished for the cloaked figure to be an ally in this dangerous situation. As he leaned against the wall, attempting to stabilize himself, he also remembered his wounded leg. With a grimace, he promptly ripped a piece of his shirt and used the makeshift bandage to bind the injury, hoping to staunch the flow of blood.

The cloaked figure, with the blade lowered to touch the ground, presented an intimidating sight. His words echoed with authority, challenging any who dared to face him. "Does anyone else want to test their luck?" The men, now looking scared and worried, exchanged anxious glances. The leader, groaning as he struggled to rise from the ground, shouted out a command, his voice filled with urgency. "Get him," he ordered, his words laced with determination.

One of the men, sensing the growing danger, quickly turned, grabbed the injured thug and absconded down the street, their footsteps echoing in the daylight. The remaining two, however, had a different plan. Charging forward with determination, they aimed to overpower the cloaked figure. However, their attack proved futile as the figure responded swiftly and gracefully, maneuvering to knock both men down, their bodies landing on top of the leader in a tangled heap.

Kaiden, watching the cloaked figure's movements with a mix of awe and intrigue, found his gaze drawn closer to the figure's head and sides. He discerned subtle, almost imperceptible movements happening beneath the material of the cloak. It was as if something was hidden, or perhaps protected, beneath its dark, concealing cover.

Kaiden's head began to feel fuzzy, a sense of lightheadedness washing over him. The loss of blood started to take its toll maybe, causing discomfort. He tried to alleviate the sensation by placing his head in his hand, but it brought no relief. The world around him seemed to spin faintly, and he had to fight to maintain his focus on the cloaked figure standing before him.

Kaiden, fighting to steady his balance, spoke up, his voice tinged with gratitude. "Thank you," he managed to say, closing his eyes in an attempt to stop the dizzying sensation. "Whoever you are, thank you for helping me." Kaiden's words hung in the air, a mix of appreciation and vulnerability evident in his voice.

The cloaked figure replied, their voice carrying a tone of concern mixed with admiration. "Someone like yourself shouldn't be in this area, or by yourself either." The figure then added, "That was some good swordsmanship, though. With more training and practice, you could have taken them." The compliment was genuine, recognizing the potential in Kaiden's skills but also hinting at the need for further refinement and development.

Kaiden, his eyes opening slowly, startled a little as he realized the cloaked figure was now standing right beside him. He took a small step backward, replying, "Thank you," his voice still carrying a hint of surprise. He added, "I didn't want to kill them, just stop them." The cloaked figure nodded in understanding, a subtle movement under the dark material indicating a gesture of acknowledgment.

The cloaked figure, his head leaned closer to Kaiden, pointed with gloved hands and commented on Kaidens leg. "You should get that treated soon," he said, a hint of concern in his voice. "The blood smells horrible." He paused, his nose twitching slightly as he sniffed the air. "That dagger might have been dipped in something. There's a faint odor to it." The implication was clear - the dagger used to inflict the wound may have been laced with a hazardous substance.

The cloaked figure's observation didn't go unnoticed by Kaiden, who tilted his head in curiosity. "How do you know that, mister?" he asked. Despite his own senses being somewhat overwhelmed by the iron scent of his blood, he couldn't discern any other odors. The persistent light-headedness still clung to his awareness, a constant reminder of his injury.

The cloaked figure stepped back, turning slightly away, responding to Kaiden's question. "Strong sense of smell," he explained simply. "You should get going. Your companion should be coming soon to get you." The words hinted at the individual's exceptional olfactory abilities, but also carried a sense of dismissal, signaling the conversation was drawing to a close.

Kaiden, grateful for the cloaked figure's help, responded, "Wait. I have to thank you for saving me." He paused for a moment before suggesting, "Maybe I can reward you for your assistance." As a thought struck him, he added, "Also, maybe you could help me find someone. We are looking for a warrior; the map showed they were located here." The mention of the warrior and the map piqued the cloaked figure's interest, and he tilted his head in a subtle, intrigued manner.

The cloaked figure's quick denial was unexpected, but it left little room for argument. "No one like that is here," he stated firmly. "They must have moved along, and that map is wrong." He then instructed Kaiden, "Wait here for your friend." There was a note of finality in his tone, as if the topic was closed for discussion.

Kaiden's determination to question the cloaked figure was interrupted by a sharp pain shooting through his wounded leg and spreading across his body, causing him to lose balance and fall to his knees. The cloaked figure, acting swiftly, caught his shoulders, preventing him from falling completely. "Easy there," the figure said calmly, the concern evident in his voice.

The cloaked figure, having caught Kaiden's shoulders and steadying him, paused briefly as if experiencing a brief moment of discomfort himself. During this pause, a slight movement under the hood of his cloak near his head was visible.

Suddenly, a loud voice shattered the silence, shouting with urgency, "Kaiden! Kaiden. Get away from him!"