Chapter 27: Roble Holy Kingdom (5)
She took a deep breath.
Cool, clear air filled her lungs and spread through her body like a quiet wave.
Arche made one last check of her equipment. From here on, she would be stepping into the unknown — a place where death could be waiting behind every shadow. Even an Adamantite adventurer or the captain of the Holy Knights could die out there.
No matter how powerful one became, death was always near. There was even an infamous tale of a man strong enough to slay a dragon, who later got beaten to death by goblins.
Strength never lasts forever.
That was why Arche always gathered information before moving. As a solo adventurer, reconnaissance was her first rule of survival.
But this time was different — the life of a royal was on the line. There was no time for preparation.
....
Equipment Check
The Guardian's Cloak.
A faint crimson cloak with a shield emblem embroidered on the back — a perfect match for its name.
It nullified weak physical attacks and reduced damage from stronger ones. Even among magical gear, it was a national treasure–class item.
It also possessed a unique defensive spell, one that Kaiser himself had personally given her. "You'll need it someday," he had said.
The Lion's Bracelet.
It granted near-absolute resistance to mental attacks and bolstered courage like the heart of a lion.
Arche rarely lost composure in battle, but as Kaiser once told her — "Fear doesn't always come from the enemy; sometimes it's from within."
She had learned to never underestimate her own emotions.
The Staff of Yggdrasil.
At first glance, it looked worthless — just an old wooden staff. But it could absorb one incoming spell, convert it into the user's own mana, and grant total resistance to that magic for an hour.
When she had tested it once, the staff had broken an Adamantite blade in half.
Old wood or not, it was harder than any metal.
....
Arche smiled faintly and brushed her fingers over two other items — the Rosario of the Sage and the Ring of Growth.
She probably should've taken the ring off — it drained stamina to accelerate training — but she refused.
Every battle was part of her growth.
And besides, she could always remove it if things got dangerous.
"Alright. Let's do this."
....
"H-Hey, Arche… are you sure I have to go too?"
"You don't want to?"
"No, it's an honor! It's just… my stomach hurts from the pressure."
"A ranger's always useful," Arche replied calmly. "One of the Nine Colors is a ranger too, but he's busy elsewhere — and if he came, he'd draw too much attention."
"That's… my father."
"Then he must be working on something important."
Arche's tone was flat, as always, and Neia Baraja let out a long sigh as she tightened her grip on her bow.
Normally, another ranger should've been selected, but Arche herself had requested Neia.
Aside from Remedios, the team composition was left to her — and Calca had readily agreed.
That was how Neia found herself part of a rescue mission for the kidnapped royal family — something far above her station.
The very thought made her dizzy.
"The royal family… kidnapped by demi-humans. This is insane. Why me? What could I possibly add? Why would someone like Arche trust me?"
Arche was a legend — an Adamantite adventurer at barely adulthood, strong enough to stand alongside Calca and Kelart, the top of the Holy Kingdom's hierarchy.
Even when Kelart was mentioned, Arche's expression had briefly darkened — but that was beside the point.
What mattered was that someone like her had chosen Neia, and Neia couldn't understand why.
"No need to be nervous," Arche said softly. "Think of this as your chance to prove your talent."
"That's easy for you to say! You're used to this!"
"Everyone starts somewhere," Arche replied, thinking for a moment before reaching into her pouch.
"Here. Take this."
"Huh? What is it?"
Arche handed her a necklace. Neia blinked, then hesitantly put it on.
The moment it touched her skin, her senses exploded into clarity.
She could hear the faint shuffle of boots outside the walls, the chatter of merchants down the street — every detail came alive.
"It's called the Necklace of Perception. It heightens your senses. You'll make better use of it than I would."
"W-wait, isn't this incredibly expensive!?"
"Maybe." Arche tilted her head. "I never checked."
Truth be told, she had no idea. Probably worth at least the price of a small house — maybe more.
But she didn't care. It was something Kaiser had given her as a gift, saying, "Use it when someone else needs it more."
And that was reason enough.
Neia looked down at the necklace, then clenched her fists.
"I'll… I'll take good care of it. And I'll return it when this is over."
Arche gave the faintest smile.
"I'll hold you to that."
And with that, the two young women — one a hardened adventurer, the other a trembling knight-in-training — set out toward the unknown, where the fate of the Holy Kingdom awaited.
"Take it."
"W-Wait—take it!? But it's precious, isn't it!?"
"Maybe. But if I can't use it, it's no better than a rock."
Arche's voice was matter-of-fact. Of course, she could use it if she wanted to, but the necklace would serve a ranger far better than a mage.
Besides—she finally had a real friend. Giving a gift didn't seem like such a big deal.
As the two girls continued talking, Neia suddenly turned her head toward the street. Arche followed her gaze. Two figures were approaching from a distance—one man, one woman, both dressed in plain clothes.
"You're ready?"
"Yeah."
"I look forward to working with you, Lady Arche… and with you as well, Squire Baraja."
Neia nearly choked. Thank the gods they're not wearing full plate armor.
They were here to rescue a kidnapped royal, not march in battle. Heavy armor would only rattle and draw attention.
Remedios, confident as ever, stood beside Gustavo Montagnes, who greeted Arche with formal respect.
Arche found the contrast between their manners almost amusing.
Gustavo had joined the mission at Calca's and Kelart's insistence—he was one of the few people who could keep Remedios from charging blindly into trouble.
It was probably his idea that they come in casual wear. Arche couldn't help thinking that being his subordinate must be exhausting.
She cleared her throat lightly to focus the group.
"Let's review the plan—just in case."
All eyes turned to her. For a moment, they flicked toward Remedios, but quickly shifted back; everyone knew where the authority lay on this mission.
"Our objective is to rescue Lord Caspond Bassarez,"
Arche began, her tone crisp and clear. "The ransom deadline hasn't passed, so he's likely still alive—though his condition is uncertain. The top priority is to bring him back safely. Avoid unnecessary combat. Even if something unexpected happens before us, do not engage until I give the order."
"Understood," Gustavo replied.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!" Neia stammered.
Remedios crossed her arms.
"Even if they attack first?"
"We'll be moving stealthily," Arche said. "They shouldn't detect us first—but yes, if they do, we'll fight. Just make it quick. Eliminate immediate threats, then withdraw. Prolonged fighting wastes mana, stamina, and focus."
"Wouldn't it be better to wipe them all out on the spot?" Remedios asked bluntly. "Leave no pursuers."
"That would work if we had time to spare," Arche replied, shaking her head. "But this isn't an extermination. We're here to retrieve a hostage, not start a war. Kill too many, and we'll draw the attention of other tribes. When humans fight, other humans usually take sides. Demi-humans are the same. And we both know which side will be outnumbered if that happens."
She spoke as if reciting a field manual—calm, strategic, without arrogance.
Even Gustavo seemed a little surprised at her composure.
"The Captain's actually quite sharp once battle starts," Gustavo remarked quietly.
"I see," Arche said, arching a brow. "Then perhaps I should revise my impression."
"No… I wouldn't," Gustavo sighed. "She's not a bad person, but she's… complicated. Having a good opinion of her has never worked out for anyone."
Arche scratched her cheek awkwardly.
Still, she had to admit—Remedios was strong, and her experience fighting demi-humans would be invaluable. She'd be foolish to dismiss her outright.
"Alright," Arche said finally, turning toward the gate.
"Let's move. Neia, keep watch around us."
"Got it!" Neia answered, straightening up, her new Necklace of Perception gleaming faintly at her throat.
And with that, the unlikely quartet—Arche, Remedios, Gustavo, and Neia—set off on their dangerous mission into the unknown, where every breath could be their last, and the fate of a kingdom hung by a single thread.
"It's not that I doubt her," Remedios said flatly, arms crossed. "But does Squire Baraja truly have the skill for this mission? The fate of the royal family—and Her Highness Calca's command—depends on it."
Ugh…
Neia winced as if the words had struck her chest.
She couldn't argue; Remedios was right. She wasn't ready.
But before the silence grew awkward, Arche spoke calmly.
"Neia is necessary."
Remedios blinked.
"…Is that so? Well, if an Adamantite says so, I'll trust your judgment. Then—Squire Baraja."
Her tone softened slightly. "No, that's too formal. We're comrades on the same battlefield. I'll call you Neia, if that's alright?"
"Y-Yes! Of course, Captain Custodio!"
"Just call me Remedios. I'm not here as the Paladin Captain today."
"U-Understood!"
Arche found herself smiling faintly.
Despite her harsh words, Remedios wasn't a bad person.
She simply lacked the ability to judge calmly when it came to demi-humans—blinded by her sense of justice. But as a person, she was genuine and good-hearted. Her attempt to put Neia at ease proved that.
"Gustavo," Remedios said suddenly, "you'll just call me Captain as usual."
"That was the plan," Gustavo replied dryly. "Calling you by name feels wrong on so many levels. You know, your personality is why both Her Highness and Lady Kelart worry about your future."
"My future?"
The implication was obvious—husband, family, romance, love.
Arche could imagine it. With her strength and beauty, Remedios would have no shortage of suitors. Even those who didn't love her would covet her power and position. Strength, after all, had always been attractive—no matter the gender or age.
"Speaking of which, Lady—no, Arche," Gustavo said, turning toward her.
"Arche is fine. You're clearly older than me."
"Etiquette's a habit of mine, but very well—Arche it is. You seem calm and rational, unlike our Captain. Please, use that judgment wisely."
"I'm not perfect," Arche said modestly. "If I make a poor call, please don't hesitate to correct me."
She looked toward Remedios and Neia again—Remedios laughing heartily as she clapped Neia on the back hard enough to nearly knock her over.
Neia's eyes were watering, her small frame trembling under the impact, and Arche could feel her own shoulders tense unconsciously. Even Gustavo instinctively stepped back.
They exchanged a glance that silently said: Yes, that's terrifying.
But it was also oddly reassuring—proof that they were all veterans of real battle, people who'd survived enough to sense danger without words.
"Then, let's move out!" Arche declared.
"O-Okay! I'll do my best!" Neia said, straightening up.
Arche exhaled softly as they began to walk.
"Hmm… this might actually go better than I expected."
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