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Chapter 29 — Between Luxury and the Search for Power
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Scene 1 — In Front of the Iron Gate
The massive gate rose before them like a sleeping metal beast, its black iron pillars gleaming, reflecting the sunlight in tiny sparks.
Kiora, Renyon, and Zukimushi stood before it as two guards advanced with the weight of their metal armor, their steps creating a faint creaking sound as if they did not welcome visitors.
The first guard raised his long spear, adorned with blue steel, and said in a booming voice:
Guard 1: Halt! Where are you going?
Guard 2: You are not permitted to enter.
Kiora took a calm step forward despite the guards' sharp eyes:
Kiora: Our friend Orphan is inside… we wish to see him.
Guard 1: Sorry… you will never enter.
Zukimushi bent slightly, placing his hand on his sword:
Zukimushi: Shall I cut them down?
The second guard responded immediately, a clear warning in his tone:
Guard 2: If your intention is murder… we will not allow you to take another step!
Kiora with displeasure: Zukimushi, don't make things worse…
Before the situation could grow more tense, they heard a voice coming from behind:
Orphan: What is all this noise?
The two guards turned immediately, and when they saw him, their features trembled beneath their helmets.
Orphan was wearing luxurious dark blue silk clothes, embroidered with fine golden threads, his hair styled as if he had just come from a royal party, with several golden teeth gleaming whenever he smiled.
In his hand was a luxurious golden watch that reflected the sun like a small mirror.
The guards froze.
Guard 1: They tried to enter… and we stopped them, sir…
Orphan looked at Kiora in surprise:
Orphan: Kiora! Why are you wearing hospital clothes? What happened to you?!
The guards grew flustered.
Guard 2: Sir… do you know them?
Orphan: Yes, these are my friends.
Upon hearing those words… the guards' faces did a complete 180.
Both guards together: We apologize! Please forgive us!
Kiora: It's alright.
As the guards stepped away, they whispered to each other:
Guard 1: I hope he doesn't fire us…
Guard 2: We have a logical excuse! We didn't know them!
Guard 1: Right… golden thinking…
Orphan: Please, come inside my… humble home.
Kiora thought for a moment:
(His "humble" home? Is he trying to provoke me?)
They opened the gate and entered.
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Scene 2 — Inside the Palace
The moment they passed through the large door, it was as if they had entered another world.
Luxurious red carpets stretched from the wide staircase deep into the hallways.
Gleaming gray wooden tables were topped with meticulously arranged fruits, and luxurious bottles of red and blue sake reflected the light.
The floor was made of white marble veined with faint golden threads.
On the walls were statues of builder knights and carefully polished ancient swords.
Orphan sat on a soft sofa adorned with golden threads, and the three sat across from him on another sofa—except Zukimushi began to disappear into it due to its extreme softness.
Zukimushi: I wish you'd help me…
Renyon: Stop it, you fool, you're embarrassing us!
Orphan: It's fine… he can do as he wishes.
Suddenly Zukimushi stood up with fiery eyes:
Zukimushi: Then… can I slice up the place?
Orphan: That's not what I meant.
Then he added:
Orphan: Do as you wish… just don't break anything.
Maidens in uniform appeared, each carrying something:
The first placed tall glass cups.
The second poured the sake.
The third offered the fruit.
Then they stood at a respectful distance.
Kiora thought:
(Am I in a dreamland? When will this dream end?)
Kiora raised his cup.
Kiora: Sorry… I don't drink sake.
Renyon did the same.
Meanwhile, Zukimushi raised his cup in confusion:
Zukimushi: What is this strange drink? And what is sake anyway?!
Kiora sighed:
Kiora: Let's get to the point… I need your help, Orphan.
Orphan: Very well… but first, let's treat you and change these clothes.
Orphan gestured to a maiden:
Orphan: Bring clothes suitable for Kiora and the girl… and bring a healing potion of level B; I believe it will suffice.
The maiden bowed quickly and disappeared, then returned carrying clothes and a green potion.
Orphan presented it himself:
Orphan: Please.
Kiora drank the potion and felt energy returning to his bones as if the pain had never been part of his existence.
Two maidens led Kiora and Renyon to separate rooms to change clothes…
Scene 3 — The Changing Room
Kiora entered the room and began to take off his clothes, then grabbed the clothes the maiden had given him and started turning them over in confusion.
Kiora:
How do they wear this?
The maiden answered from behind him:
You're holding them the wrong way.
Kiora turned around and covered himself with his hands, then shouted angrily:
Kiora:
How long have you been here? Never mind, get out quickly.
The maiden bowed, slightly lifted her dress, and left.
Kiora:
She was quiet, so I didn't feel her presence…
His eyes gleamed with astonishment, and he added:
They are amazing maidens. Alright, how do I wear these clothes?
After a while, Renyon returned, but Kiora was delayed…
A few minutes later, he finally returned.
Renyon:
Why were you so late? Where were you?
A maiden replied:
He couldn't put on the clothes.
Renyon:
Were you inside with him?
Her eyes flared with anger, and she quickly ran toward Kiora even before hearing an answer and slapped him across the face.
Renyon screamed:
You pervert.
Kiora said as he flew through the air:
Whaaaat???!
The maiden:
No, I wasn't with him.
Renyon returned to her normal self and said gently:
Sorry about that, I know you'll forgive me because I'm beautiful.
Kiora thought angrily:
Of course, I won't forgive you.
Orphan: Well, that's enough, and you both look better now. So… how can I help you?
Kiora's face reddened slightly:
Kiora: You've helped us so much without asking for anything… thank you. We're looking for a trainer.
Orphan: I know one… in fact, one of the most skilled trainers.
He picked up a golden pen and wrote an address on a small piece of paper.
Orphan: This is his address. You'll find him there.
Kiora: I won't forget this… I'll repay you someday.
Orphan: No need for such talk… I only did my duty.
The three left the palace, passed through the gate that opened for them respectfully this time, and continued on their way toward the mysterious trainer.
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Kiora's + Renyon's Outfits
Kiora wore a dark black combat jacket, fitted with thin gray lines on the shoulders and arms.
The jacket was light yet snug, made of flexible, tear-resistant fabric.
Underneath, a simple gray shirt, and black pants with wide side pockets.
Black leather combat boots, tightly laced.
A small metal shoulder piece was added on one side only—giving him a strong appearance without exaggeration.
◀ Renyon
The maid chose an elegant combat outfit for her, consisting of two pieces:
A tight navy blue shirt, decorated with silver lines on the arms.
A short, light gray jacket, shiny, providing flexibility for movement.
Dark pants reaching the knees, and light shoes suitable for running and jumping.
Her hair was tied with a simple white ribbon, giving her a calm yet strong appearance at the same time.
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To be continued...