Velian's heart raced as he led his weary group through the dense forest. He didn't have any need to hide his peers anymore, so he used his levitation skill to lead the way, but still, it was hard to find the Union since the direction was too complex for them with the mediocre map they had.
The past few days had been filled with perilous encounters with all sorts of monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows. But now, a glimmer of hope emerged through the towering trees—a glimpse of a magnificent structure in the distance.
Velian's companion, Kyla, caught her breath and pointed in the direction they were looking at. "Look, Velian! It's the Union of Dukas! We're almost there!"
Velian's eyes widened as he took in the sight with curiosity. The Union of Dukas stood proudly before them—a sprawling kingdom, a huge kingdom that is even bigger than the former Rapidclaw Kingdom and the Montero Kingdom. Its grandeur was unrivalled, towering spires reaching for the heavens, and its walls stretching as far as the eye could see.
'What are you hiding? Who are you? What do you want?'
Velian asked looking at the kingdom hoping for an answer. But he knew until he meet that unknown woman, he won't get any answers.
With renewed vigour, Velian quickened his pace, his footsteps echoing through the forest. His other companions, Daphnia, Ellena and Ellena's brother, followed suit, their excitement palpable. The forest seemed to thin as they drew closer, allowing glimpses of bustling streets and vibrant marketplaces.
Finally, they reached the gates of the Union of Dukas, guarded by soldiers clad in gleaming armour. A guard stepped forward, eyeing them with suspicion.
"Halt! State your business in the Union of Dukas," the guard commanded, his voice resolute.
Velian's hand instinctively reached for his adventuring guild card, a symbol of his experience and credibility.
He expected these guards to be just as how the rumours said they are.
With a calm yet firm voice, he presented it to the guard before him, the card shimmering in the rays of sunlight that pierced through the forest canopy.
"Here! Guild approval,"
The guard's eyes flickered over the card, scrutinizing every detail. A moment of anticipation stretched between them as the guard's gaze shifted from Velian to his companions, then back to Velian once more.
eaglesnovɐ1,сoМ After what felt like an eternity, a spark of recognition lit up the guard's eyes. His stern countenance softened, replaced by a hint of respect. With a nod, he stepped aside, granting them passage into the Union of Dukas.
It really felt odd because they didn't really have to respect Velian since he was a newbie to Guild, but still, they did it like that. It really showed how respected the guild was and how they are treated in Union.
"Your guild card confirms your status as newbie adventurers," the guard stated, his voice tinged with newfound respect. "Proceed and present yourselves before the main office of the guild. Your presence is expected."
Velian breathed a sigh of relief, gratitude welling up within him. With a gracious nod, he led his companions through the open gates, the weight of their mission pressing upon their shoulders.
Velian was thankful that his cover didn't get revealed unlike what happened in the Montero Kingdom. Unlike Mkntero, Velian really wanted to keep his presence hidden here since they are now in enemy territory.
The enemy which Velian considered a real enemy.
The group entered the city, marvelling at the splendour that surrounded them. The streets were lined with bustling merchants, their stalls adorned with treasures from distant lands. The air hummed with a sense of vitality, the mingling aromas of exotic spices filling their nostrils.
It was nothing like their own kingdom or Montero Kingdom. Instead, it looked like heaven on this war-driven land.
As they made their way through the labyrinthine streets, they caught whispers of the Union's history. Tales of a once-divided land, now united under the banner of prosperity and cooperation. The people spoke of the Union as a beacon of hope—a place where dreams could be realized and where the power of unity reigned supreme.
And Kyla managed to squeeze out some information from the people and it really surprised them to see everyone talking about how their nation fought the demon lord, who appeared with the help of their first king, who was also a hero.
For everyone in the group including Daphnia, this was the first time they heard something like that which haven't even been mentioned in the history books of the empire.
"This place is really strange," Daphnia muttered feeling uneasy from the smile of the people.
They looked like they were having a great time, but deep down, she felt that wasn't the case at all.
"Should we visit the main office of the guild?"
Kyla questioned not knowing how to proceed. Just like they promised their mission of acting as the group members of Velian is over, but they didn't want to end their adventure.
"How do we find that woman now?" Daphnia asked but even Velian had no idea how to proceed. He could make a huge scene and gain everyone's attention, but he knew that won't be a good way to assess the strength of these unknown people.
"Let's stay here for a few days and try to find some clues without gaining any unwanted attention, we should find the least popular lodge for now,"
Kyla glanced around, her eyes scanning the surrounding lodges. "Agreed, Velian. We need to blend in and avoid attracting undue attention. Let's look for a place that's off the beaten path, where we can keep a low profile."
Ellena, ever vigilant, surveyed the surroundings. "I see a small lodge nestled between the grand establishments. It seems less frequented and might provide the anonymity we seek."
Daphnia, her curiosity piqued, tilted her head. "Shall we investigate, then? Sometimes hidden gems can be found in the most unlikely places."
With a nod of agreement, the group made their way toward the modest lodge Ellena had spotted. Its facade was unassuming, its exterior aged but well-maintained. As they entered, the atmosphere shifted, the noise of the city gradually fading into the background.
Inside, they were greeted by a kind innkeeper, his eyes warm and welcoming. He studied them with a discerning gaze before breaking into a gentle smile.
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