As they approach the magnificent palace, Kaiden looks around, taking in the sight. However, as they get closer, his awe quickly turns to trepidation as he notices the many steps that lead up to the palace's front entrance. His steps become more deliberate and fearful, the thought of climbing the steps gnawing at his confidence. As Kaiden begins to ascend the stairs with the soldiers and Loden, he struggles to maintain his footing. He slips a few times but manages to catch himself before taking a spill. Despite his efforts, his energy wanes with each movement, leaving him drained and apprehensive. Fearful of speaking up and asking for a break, he continues climbing, his body growing more exhausted with each step.

Loden keeps a watchful eye on Kaiden as they climb, noticing his fatigue. Eventually, they reach a landing several steps from the palace. The soldiers are taken aback by Loden 's sudden halt, about to say something when Loden swiftly steps in front of Kaiden and bends down.

Loden sensing Kaiden's exhaustion, turns to him and grins. "Jump on, princess. You're tired," he teases, holding his arms out behind him, offering his back for a piggyback ride up the remaining steps.

Kaiden hesitates for a moment, considering declining the offer, but ultimately decides to accept. He encircles his arms around Loden's neck, settling his weight onto Loden's back as he lifts him into the air.

Loden addresses the soldiers, a hint of playfulness in his tone. "Shall we continue?" The soldiers, still taken aback by Loden's actions and words, remain momentarily stunned before shrugging it off and resuming their march up the steps of the palace.

Kaiden clinging to Loden's neck, gradually succumbs to his exhaustion and drifts off to sleep. Loden senses Kaiden's body relaxing against his back and lets out a soft breath, a tender smile flickering across his face.

In his dream, Kaiden witnesses his grandpa holding the wolf pendant, a look of sorrow on his face as he gazes upon a portrait of a lady. With a pang of sadness, Kaiden attempts to reach out and touch his grandpa, but his hand falls short, just out of reach. In a desperate attempt to communicate, Kaiden tries to call out to his grandfather, but only silence greets his ears. As he strains to get closer, the dream takes a new turn, and Kaiden finds himself peering through a window at his father, mother, and little sister engaged in their daily routine within their home. Kaiden desperately tries once again to reach out to his family, but the silence remains, only his own heartbeat echoing in his ears. Overwhelmed by the longing to be close to them, tears well up in his eyes. The ache in his heart intensifies, each beat bringing the fear that he may never see them again in person, leaving him filled with a deep sense of melancholy and loneliness.

The sound of a hushed voice pierced through the silence of Kaiden's dream, gently yet urgently addressing him by name, "Kaiden. Kaiden. Wake up. It's okay." Initially, Kaiden failed to recognize the voice, but gradually, he becomes aware that it is Loden calling out to him.

Within the surreal landscape of the dream, Kaiden feels himself collapsing, plummeting into a pool of liquid silver. The sudden impact jolts him out of his sleep, and in an instant, the sounds of the waking world crash in on him as his senses reorient themselves to the reality of his surroundings.

Loden, his voice a soft whisper, addresses Kaiden once more, "Kaiden. Hey, you should wake up now. We have an audience. I need you." The weight of his words and the implication of their current situation hang heavy in the air, making it clear that Kaiden's waking is necessary.

Kaiden's mind begins to awaken, the earlier events swiftly racing through his thoughts. He straightens up with sudden intensity, urgently sharing crucial information with Loden. "Loden," he exclaims, the words tumbling out in a hurried breath, "That soldier is the Silver Shield! He's a celestial warrior!"

Loden glances over at Kaiden, a knowing expression etched on his face. "I know," he responds, continuing, "I just discovered it myself." Loden then turns his attention back to Kaiden's physical condition, asking, "Are you able to stand?"

Kaiden lifts his gaze to meet Loden's, then glances around, taking in their surroundings for the first time. They find themselves in a grand hall, and before them stand the regal Silver Shield and the emperor, deep in a hushed discussion atop the palace throne.

"Yeah," Kaiden affirms, finding his bearings and regaining his composure.

Loden gently lowers Kaiden from his back, allowing him to stand on his own. As Kaiden regains his footing, a wave of confusion washes over him. How did Loden know the identity of the Silver Shield? Did he miss something significant while he was unconscious?

Kaiden is just about to voice his questions when the emperor's commanding presence interrupts his thoughts. The emperor's loud cough draws their attention, and as Kaiden turns to face him, he sees him seated on the throne, the Silver Shield standing beside him. The emperor's booming voice commands, "That is enough."

The Silver Shield, recognizing the emperor's directive, steps back, bowing in submission. He then turns his gaze toward Loden and Kaiden, his expression a medley of emotions that defy easy interpretation. The emperor's stern gaze shifts, eyeing first Kaiden and then settling on Loden. Addressing Loden with a commanding tone, he states, "State your name, warrior of Astralyn. You have our attention."

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Loden kneels, his movements followed closely by Kaiden, who, unsure of the proper protocol in this scenario, mimics his gesture. Loden lifts his sleeve, revealing the mark on his shoulder to the emperor and Silver Shield. "My name is Loden," he proclaims, "the Swiftness and Agility of the Wolf." Once finished, he lowers his shirt, hiding the mark from sight.

The emperor gives a nod in acknowledgment, then turns his focus towards the Silver Shield. "Your mark, please," he instructs, his voice authoritative. "As is customary."

The Silver Shield, removing his glove from his right hand, holds it up, revealing a glowing mark similar to Loden 's on the back of his hand. "My name is Wulfric," he states firmly, his voice steady and resolute, "the Prowess and Ferocity of the Wolf."

The emperor claps his hands, signaling the conclusion of the exchange. Wulfric replaces his glove and assumes a formal stance once more. Addressing Kaiden, the emperor asks, "Now that is settled, might we have your name, lad? Or shall I simply refer to you as 'warrior' or 'priestess'?"

Kaiden uncertain as to how to proceed, casts a brief glance in Loden's direction. Loden maintaining his bowed stance, subtly beckons for Kaiden to proceed. Following Loden's cue, Kaiden stands, addressing the emperor with clear determination in his voice. "My name is Kaiden," he declares, " Astralyn brought me to this world, and it is my mission to summon Astralyn to aid this empire against the formidable threat looming in the future."

The emperor nods in acknowledgment, but Wulfric is swift to respond. "What threat is there to this empire?" he questions, his voice laced with skepticism. "We have not heard of any war or rebellion occurring within or beyond our walls." Wulfric then turns to the emperor, addressing him directly. "My lord," he says, his voice firm, "these two are attempting to deceive you. There is no threat. Astralyn would not summon a man to be the priestess. This is an offense and an act of treason against the empire."

Kaiden is caught off guard by Wulfric's accusations. Confused, he starts to defend himself, but a firm grasp on his hand halts his words. Turning to look at Loden, he notices him holding him back. Loden locks eyes with him and firmly advises, "Wait."

The emperor stirs in his seat, his gaze flickering between Kaiden and Loden, then settling on Wulfric. "My dear friend," he says, his voice steady, "let us not rush to judgment. I'm inclined to believe the pair. That convincing demonstration earlier served as evidence of the deity's powers and the undeniable presence of the priestess before us."

Kaiden grips his hand tight, reassured by the emperor's words and feeling a sense of validation with the emperor on their side. He feels Loden's grip loosen, and the emperor turns to the pair, addressing them directly. "You may rise, warrior," he declares, his voice firm and authoritative.

Loden rises and stands beside Kaiden, and Wulfric's frustration is palpable. His attempts to form coherent words become increasingly futile until he finally blurts out, "He is a man! This defies all the texts. How can he possibly summon the deity?" His voice tinged with disbelief and indignation.

The emperor rises from his seat, gesturing with his hands as he speaks. "We are guided by the will of the deity," he proclaims, "who safeguards us from harm. As the sacred texts recount, a female priestess failed in her summons long ago, inadvertently leading to a period of suffering for the empire."

Kaiden's eyes widen as he recalls the portrait and the pendant from his dream, his thoughts lingering on the potential connection between them. Could they hold the key to understanding the past and the significance of his role?

The emperor redirects his focus solely onto Kaiden but addresses Wulfric directly. "If Astralyn has chosen Kaiden to defend us from this looming danger," he declares, "then I shall place my trust in our protector." The emperor descends from the throne, moving closer to Kaiden and Loden, his expression resolute.

Wulfric swiftly walks up to be beside the emperor as he advances on the duo. He shakes his head, muttering almost inaudibly, "I still don't like it." His skepticism is still evident in his expression.

Loden and Kaiden remain motionless as the emperor and Wulfric approach them. The emperor's smile broadens as he speaks. "Now, let us cast aside the formalities. I am the ruler of this Great Empire. Officially, I am known as 'Emperor Regulus Aurelianus.’ However, you are welcome to refer to me as 'Reg’: if it so pleases you."

Wulfric is immediately displeased, protesting to the emperor, "Your highness! It is improper to have commoners address you by 'Reg’: Such a breach of the empire's traditions. What about those who may inadvertently overhear?" His voice laced with concern and loyalty to the established etiquette.

Regulus waves his hand, brushing aside Wulfric's concern. "Stop your fussing, Wulf," he declares, "you need to unwind a bit more. We are in the company of good people, and nobody else will ever refer to me in that manner."

Kaiden notices Loden letting out a breath, seemingly holding back a smile. This catches Wulfric's attention, and he turns to Loden with a confrontational tone, "You've got a problem or something?"

Loden responds quietly, his voice betraying a hint of suppressed laughter, "Of course not, Wulf." Wulfric moves to confront Loden, but Regulus intervenes by raising his hand, effectively stopping him.

Kaiden playfully hits Loden on the arm, and Loden quickly regains his composure. He addresses Wulfric, "I apologize for my behavior." Then, turning to the emperor, he affirms, "My lord, Kaiden and I are at your service, ready to assist the empire in any way needed."

The emperor nods slightly, admitting, "It is actually the other way around for now. We are at your service, assisting in your quest to locate the celestial warriors as a required part of the summoning ritual. Wulfric will accompany you on this journey."

Wulfric is taken aback, expressing disbelief at the emperor's words. "Hold on, what? I'm meant to stay here and protect you, Your Highness. I am the finest warrior and soldier around. Should a threat arise, I must be present to..."

The emperor interjects firmly and assertively, "Your duty as a celestial warrior is to safeguard and serve the priestess first and foremost, and then the empire. You will accompany these two on their journey, and I shall not be swayed otherwise. I am the emperor, and my decree stands."

Wulfric lowers his head respectfully, accepting the emperor's decision. "Of course, Your Highness," he responds, reluctantly submitting to the emperor's will.

The emperor claps his hands together, his tone cheerful. "Very well then, let us head to the banquet hall to nourish ourselves. I imagine you two must be famished after your extensive journey. We can continue our conversation over a meal." With that, the emperor gestures toward a door on the side of the great hall, signaling their next destination.