...
Morning in the Kingdom of Roses...
Golden rays of the morning sun began to seep through the gaps in the windows, illuminating the fine dust particles floating in the air. The atmosphere outside was very cool, even slightly chilly. Dew still dripped slowly from the tips of leaves, and the green grass in the palace courtyard looked fresh and wet.
However, inside the comfortable guest room, Rovela Silvio was still sleeping very soundly. His face was calm, as if the exhaustion from his long journey and the events of last night could finally be healed now.
KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!
Firm knocking on the door shattered the morning silence.
"Lord Rovela! Lord Rovela Silvio!" called out a knight's voice from behind the door.
Rovela shifted his body slightly, letting out a low groan, his eyes still heavy shut.
"Hmm...?" he mumbled half-consciously.
"Sorry to disturb your rest, My Lord!" the knight's voice sounded again, this time clearer. "I am a messenger from His Majesty King Alderic Roses. My apologies, but this morning the King requests your presence immediately in the Main Guest Hall. There are important matters that were left unfinished last night, and we must discuss them in detail this morning."
Hearing the words "King" and "Discussion," Rovela's eyes slowly opened wide. He immediately sat up from his bed, ruffling his slightly messy hair.
"Ah... yes! Right!" Rovela called out from inside the room, his voice sounding deep and hoarse, still filled with drowsiness. "Alright, Sir Knight! I understand! I will be there as soon as possible!"
"Very well, I will wait outside, My Lord," the knight replied politely.
Rovela let out a long sigh, then stepped down from his bed. His feet moved slowly towards the washbasin in the corner of the room.
'Ah, damn... it feels like I just closed my eyes, and now it's already morning,' he complained inwardly as he splashed cold water on his face. 'But what can I do? It is a request from the King. It cannot be refused.'
With quick movements, though still looking sleepy, he began to clean himself, comb his hair, and change his clothes. This time, he did not wear the dirty white robe from yesterday, but instead put on adventurer attire that was neater, cleaner, and ready for discussion—or even battle, if necessary.
Not long after, the room door opened. Rovela stepped out looking much fresher, although a hint of sleepiness was still visible in his eyes.
"Come on... let's go," Rovela said to the waiting knight.
They walked down the long palace corridor, heading towards the Main Guest Hall where the King, Queen, and the military leaders were already waiting, filled with tension.
Rovela Silvio had just stepped out of his room. His face looked much fresher, his hair was combed neatly, and he wore his clean and sturdy adventurer's attire. He walked down the long, cold stone corridor, still yawning slightly as the drowsiness hadn't completely faded.
BLAM!!....BUKHH!!...
Suddenly, a figure ran fast from the opposite direction and bumped rather hard into Rovela's shoulder.
"Ouch! I'm sorry! Please forgive me, Sir!" exclaimed a young boy's voice.
Thick books that the teenager was holding scattered across the stone floor with a loud noise. The boy immediately crouched down in panic, gathering his belongings.
"It's alright, be careful," Rovela said softly as he helped pick up one book that had fallen near his feet.
The boy nodded quickly, looking nervous. "Thank you, Sir! Sorry again!"
Without waiting for Rovela to reply, the boy immediately ran off quickly, down the corridor and disappearing around the corner as if he were being chased or had urgent business.
Rovela just shook his head with a faint smile. But as he was about to continue walking, his eyes caught something sparkling on the floor, right at the spot where they had collided.
He bent down and picked it up.
It was a necklace with a pendant made of pitch-black metal. The design was very distinct and detailed... outstretched wings of a bird with claws gripping tightly.
Rovela's eyes narrowed instantly, his expression turning serious.
'This... this is the emblem of the Vulture Family!' Rovela thought in shock. 'The Vulture family... they are famous as dark merchants and often the masterminds behind riots in various regions. What connection does that boy have with this family?'
"Tch, wait!" Rovela called out, turning around. "Young man! You left your necklace!"
But it was too late. The corridor was completely empty. Only the morning wind blew softly, carrying dust. The boy was gone without a trace.
Rovela looked at the necklace again, then carefully put it into his robe pocket.
'I'll keep it for now. Later, I'll find out who he really is,' he thought vigilantly.
In the Main Guest Hall...
The atmosphere here was magnificent and full of authority. The room was filled with the scent of expensive wine and the conversation of rulers.
Seated around the large round table were the honored guests who had arrived early:
- King Alderic Roses (The Host)
- Queen Blossom Roses I
- King Marcus Frillen (Ruler of arid and powerful lands)
- King Coman Abeille (Expert in agriculture and trade)
- King Arthur Victoria (Master of strategy and law)
They each held a diamond-crystal glass filled with top-quality red wine. Spread before them was a large and highly detailed map.
"Please enjoy the wine, Gentlemen," said King Alderic with a friendly yet authoritative smile. He pointed to the map with his small staff. "And look at this map. It marks the locations of the best natural resources, abundant hunting grounds, and even virgin or unexplored territories that we can turn into new domains."
The other Kings nodded with great interest, their eyes scanning the map with curiosity.
"Now, let us move to the main topic," Alderic's voice turned deeper and more serious. His brow furrowed, indicating a heavy discussion.
"I summoned you all here not just to divide territories," Alderic continued. "I want to ask for your opinions and information regarding the State of Middless, specifically the Southern region."
Alderic looked at each King's face one by one.
"We all know that the Kingdom of Hazfel stands there, our close ally. However, last night I received reports that the area was attacked by foreign forces from the West of the Continent. What do you think? Did any of you hear rumors or notice suspicious movements from that direction before?"
The room fell silent instantly. The Kings looked at each other, their expressions turning serious and contemplative.
The discussion began to heat up, while outside, Rovela Silvio was still walking towards the room, holding his pocket, thinking about the mysterious necklace he had just found.
...
Ohara Desert, Disidess Region - Eastern Part
The morning sun scorched intensely, reflecting blinding light from the vast, endless expanse of white sand. Dry winds blew, carrying particles of dust, creating an atmosphere that was silent and deadly.
Amidst the scorching silence, a figure walked slowly but steadily. He carried a large leather sack on his back, and beside him walked a loyal camel carrying additional loads.
In his right hand, he gripped a long staff made of jet-black wood that looked ancient yet incredibly sturdy. Its tip was carved with mysterious patterns that were difficult for the ordinary eye to comprehend.
The man paused for a moment. He wiped the sweat dampening his forehead, then gazed at the horizon stretching far ahead.
"Hah... It is so hot today. The Ohara Desert truly never plays games with its temperature," he murmured to himself. "If I walk like this all the way to the destination, it will take days. The forces there must have already started moving much faster."
He lifted his face towards the clear blue sky. His eyes narrowed, and slowly he raised the black wooden staff high up towards the heavens.
"It is time to take a shortcut. This world is too vast to explore only on foot," he thought with absolute confidence.
The tip of the staff instantly glowed faintly, emitting strange vibrations into the air. The space around them seemed to twist and split apart. In the blink of an eye, the man and his camel vanished from the middle of the desert, as if they had never existed there at all.
Disidess Region - Western Part
Seawater City - CIVICA
SWOOSH!
In an instant, the scenery changed drastically. From the scorching sands, they now appeared on the edge of a wind-cooled beach. Gentle waves crashed against the rocks. The air here was filled with the scent of salt and sea moisture.
The man landed softly on the beach sand. The camel beside him merely moved its neck as if nothing had happened.
He lowered his staff slowly, his breathing remaining calm.
"It worked. Now I am already in the coastal region," he thought as he looked towards the vast ocean. "Civica... The city built upon water. A place where merchants and nobles gather. Its floating City Hall is one of the greatest architectural wonders on this continent."
He patted his camel's neck gently.
"Come on, my friend, the journey is not over yet. We still have to cross over," he whispered softly.
He resumed his steps, leading the camel towards a wooden pier extending into the sea. In the distance, a magnificent building was clearly visible—not standing on land, but floating firmly above the shallow, clear waters.
The Main City Hall of Civica.
"That is where everything will begin. I hope I am not too late," he said inwardly with great determination, continuing to walk closer to the magnificent water city center.
...
The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly heated and tense. The conversation, which initially started as an exchange of information, had now turned into a report of a deeply alarming situation.
King Marcus Frillen, a man of sturdy build and fierce features, tapped the table gently.
"Listen closely, everyone," he said in a heavy voice. "The main trade routes we usually take are now unstable and extremely dangerous. Food supplies and logistics are completely stuck. Merchants are now forced to take long detours through the Plumea region just to stay safe. It doubles the time and cost!"
Next, it was King Coman Abeille's turn to speak. His face looked weary and confused.
"In my kingdom, the situation is far more bizarre," Coman lamented. "I have sent my best aspiring knights to patrol and investigate the area. But... for over a year now, not a single one has returned. The reports are baffling; some say they vanished into thin air, others claim they were kidnapped, or even deserted their duties. My country has become incredibly difficult to govern due to this shortage of manpower."
The room fell into a gloomy silence. Then, King Arthur Victoria, known for his wisdom yet mysterious nature, began to speak in a low tone.
"Something even more horrifying has befallen the church. The Priests and spiritual leaders in the border regions... they were all found dead. But the strangest part is, there were no wounds or signs of violence on their bodies. It was as if their lives were simply sucked out of them."
Arthur looked sharply at everyone present.
"And one of my surviving messengers whispered before he died, repeating a phrase the enemy kept saying: 'THE RING SOLAR ECLIPSE WILL BRING DESTRUCTION'... The Ring of the Solar Eclipse will bring ruin. I do not know what it means, but my instincts tell me this is no ordinary threat."
CREAK...
The room door opened slowly. All eyes, previously fixed on the map and the serious discussion, now turned towards the entrance.
In walked Rovela Silvio with a calm yet confident stride. He entered as if he were not in the middle of a meeting with the most powerful rulers on the continent.
"Wow... wow... So all the great Kings have gathered here," Rovela said in a slightly teasing yet still polite tone. "It is true, this matter is indeed huge and critical. But... there is one more piece of information that might be missing."
King Alderic turned his head. "Rovela? What have you found?"
Rovela walked towards the center of the room, standing right among the Kings.
"The information you have is correct, but there is one name that I believe is behind all of this," Rovela said slowly, causing the entire room to fall silent to listen. "Although there is no absolute proof yet, based on my experience... this style of operation is very distinct and definitely their work... The Vulture Family!"
Instantly, the faces of the Kings changed in shock.
"The Vulture Family?!" they exclaimed inwardly.
Without further ado, Rovela extended his hand forward. Resting on his open palm lay a necklace made of black metal with a pendant shaped like a Vulture with its wings spread wide—the iconic symbol of the family.
"I found this... just this morning," Rovela explained.
Seeing the object, King Marcus's eyes widened in shock, King Coman stepped back slightly startled, and King Arthur narrowed his eyes in disbelief.
"What?! That is the emblem of the Vulture! The official crest of the Vulture Family!" King Marcus exclaimed in disbelief. "But... how could you possibly obtain this, Mr. Adventurer? They are a shadow organization extremely difficult to track!"
"Do you mean to say that the infamous dark merchant family is behind all this?" asked King Coman anxiously. "If they are truly involved, then the situation is far more dangerous than we imagined!"
"Explain your theory," commanded King Alderic with a serious face, finally realizing that the enemy they were facing was not a regular army, but the largest criminal organization on the continent.
After Rovela explained about the necklace and his suspicions, the room fell into total silence. All eyes were fixed on him, waiting for further logical explanation.
Rovela took a long breath, then began to speak in a calm yet confident tone, much like a historian and strategist unfolding a map of the world.
"Very well, Your Majesties... Allow me to piece all these puzzles together into one big picture. This is my assumption and analysis based on my experience traveling to the far corners of the world."
He pointed to the map on the table one by one.
1. About the Vulture Family
"They are not merely ordinary dark merchants," Rovela stated firmly. "The Vulture Family is exactly like their namesake—scavengers. They never attack head-on. They wait until a kingdom or region is weak, troubled, or engulfed in conflict, and only then do they move in to seize profit. They are experts in kidnapping, illegal trading, and spreading false information. This necklace proves that they have already infiltrated even the very environment of our palace."
2. About the Dark Association
"However, the Vulture Family is too small to cause chaos of this magnitude alone. That is why I am certain of the existence of the Dark Association," Rovela continued. "This is a dark alliance. They gather outcasts, dark sorcerers, assassins, and rebel groups from various nations under one banner. They work not just for money, but to destroy the current world order."
3. About the Raymond Kingdom
Rovela then pointed to a distant territory on the map.
"The Raymond Kingdom... This nation is known for being secretive and highly militaristic. According to my observations, they are extremely suspicious. It is highly possible that this kingdom is the 'Head' or the main backer of the Dark Association. They provide shelter, protection, and possibly weaponry, while the Vulture Family handles the dirty work on the ground."
4. About the Novax Continent
"And lastly... the Novax Continent," Rovela's eyes narrowed seriously. "This region is the key. The continent is vast, but most of it remains 'unexplored' or shrouded in mystery. I suspect that the main headquarters of this evil association is actually located there. It is where they gather their strength, collect forbidden artifacts, and wait for the perfect moment to launch a massive attack across our entire continent."
Rovela looked at each King's face one by one, who now looked pale and stunned.
"So, in conclusion, Your Majesties... What happened in Middless, the disappearance of the knights, the death of the priests... these are just the beginning signs. They are testing our strength. They are cutting off our lines of communication. If we do not unite now, then the eclipse they speak of will truly come, and destruction will be inevitable."
Aura in the room became deathly silent, broken only by the heavy breathing of the rulers, who had just realized just how enormous and terrifying the enemy they were facing truly was.
"You mean... everything is connected?" asked King Arthur Victoria as he leaned back in his chair, his face showing deep thought.
Rovela shook his head slowly, his fingers still playing with the black necklace on the table.
"Not exactly, Your Majesty. The Vulture Family is indeed known for being cunning and playing games behind the scenes, but chaos of this magnitude... making knights disappear, killing priests without a trace, and wrecking the economy—this is usually the work of the Dark Association... it is simply too massive for just one family to handle alone. There are other hands at work. There is a third party, possibly even a fourth or fifth, involved and working together with them. This is still just a possibility as the information is unclear, and it might very well be a trap," Rovela explained firmly.
He then looked at King Alderic and the other rulers.
"That is exactly why I suggest we make a move. We must go to the city of Winlow near the Kingdom of Kenlard. That place is the center of information and a meeting point for all news writers. If there is a common thread connecting all these strange events, the traces will definitely be there. But we must be extremely careful, as many eyes are watching."
The discussion moved on to other topics—troop allocation, border security, and supply preparations. However, Rovela's mind felt distracted. His eyes kept glancing towards the necklace in his hand. A strange energy seemed to radiate from the object, piquing his curiosity to the limit.
Finally, he could stand it no longer.
"Please forgive me, Your Majesty, and all fellow Kings," Rovela said as he stood up and bowed. "Allow me to excuse myself for a moment. There is something important I need to check regarding this object."
"Go ahead, Rovela. We will finish the rest here," Alderic replied, granting permission.
Rovela walked out quickly. As soon as he reached the corridor, he immediately called out to one of the soldiers standing guard.
"Hey, you! Find and bring me one of the Palace Seers or sorcerers who can read the energy of ancient items. Hurry, I need their help right now!"
In the Sorcerer's Chamber - Kingdom of Roses
The room was dimly lit, illuminated only by candlelight and several bottles of glowing liquids on the shelves. In the center of the room, atop a round stone table, lay the black necklace bearing the Vulture emblem.
Rovela Silvio stood with his arms crossed, his expression extremely serious and impatient. Before him stood Eilis Mogina, a sorceress with long silver hair and sharp eyes. She wore a dark purple robe that looked simple yet radiated a powerful magical aura.
"So, this is the necklace you're talking about?" asked Eilis in a flat and slightly lazy tone, twirling a short magic wand in her hand. "Are you sure you want to do this right now? That long-distance tracking spell is exhausting, you know."
"There is no time, Eilis," Rovela replied firmly. "I need to know where this object came from, who its original owner is, and what its connection is to the Vulture Family. And if there is a reaction... teleport me directly to that place right now! Do not delay, do not waste time."
Eilis snorted softly and shook her head. 'What a stubborn man,' she thought to herself.
"Fine, fine... enough talking. I'll just do it so it's not complicated and gets done quickly," Eilis said with annoyance, yet she still complied with the request.
She stepped forward, placing both her palms directly above the necklace without touching it. Her eyes closed tightly, her breathing steady. A magical aura began to swirl around her body.
"Listen closely to the incantation... this is a high-level spell I created myself," Eilis murmured.
Then, in a loud and rhythmic voice, she chanted:
"La magia dell'inventore, oh oscurità senza senso,
e a luz que penetra na escuridão,
i sve u ovom sjećanju,
und bring diese Person dorthin!"
In that exact instant...
BOOM!!
A golden-green light exploded out from the necklace! The radiance was blindingly bright, enveloping the entire body of Rovela and also Eilis, who happened to be standing too close.
"Wow! The effect is quite amazing—" Before Rovela could even finish his comment, their bodies shook violently. "W-wait, why am I shaking too—"
spoke Eilis Mogina in confusion as her body began to glow and tremble intensely, unable to finish her sentence. The room seemed to spin a full 360 degrees.
SWOOSH!
In the blink of an eye, both figures vanished completely from the room. As if they had been swallowed by the earth or sucked into another dimension. All that remained was the blowing wind and candles extinguished by the burst of energy.
Moments later...
CREAK...
The room door opened slowly. A servant entered carrying a tray with a plate of sliced fruits and a fresh apple, which had been requested earlier.
"Excuse me for disturbing you, Mr. Rovela, Ms. Sorceress... the food and apple you asked for have arrived," the servant said politely as he stepped inside.
However...
His footsteps came to a dead halt. His face turned to one of utter confusion and shock.
He scanned the entire room. Empty. No one was there. The chairs were still neatly arranged, the fireplace was still burning, but the occupants were gone without a trace.
"Huh? Where are they?" the servant muttered in confusion, scratching his head even though it didn't itch. "They were just here... they even asked for apples. Can they disappear like smoke? Or did a ghost take them away?"
The servant could only stand frozen in the middle of the room, holding his tray with a face full of huge question marks.
Moving to the same desert where the mysterious man previously landed, namely in the middle Continen, a barren and endless area.
Above the Ohara Desert...
SWOOOSH!!
The green light carrying Rovela and Eilis exploded and vanished instantly.
Rovela's eyes snapped open wide, but what he saw wasn't a room or a building, but the vast blue sky and clouds moving rapidly backward. Their bodies were floating... or rather, free-falling from a terrifying height!
"WHAT?! ARE WE ABOVE THE CLOUDS?!" Rovela screamed in utter shock.
Beside him, Eilis Mogina also stared wide-eyed, her face pale as she saw the ground approaching fast.
THUUDD!!!
The two bodies crashed hard onto the scorching white sand. Dust flew high into the air from the impact.
Some time passed...
Rovela Silvio slowly opened his eyes. His face immediately scrunched up from the intense heat burning his skin. The sun here blazed fiercely, completely different from the cool air in the Kingdom of Roses.
"Ouch... my back... feels like it's broken," he grumbled softly as he tried to sit up. He brushed off the sand sticking to his clothes and hair.
He then turned to his side. Eilis Mogina lay motionless. Her eyes were tightly closed, her breathing steady but weak. The sorceress had apparently fainted from the shock, or perhaps the side effects of such a sudden long-distance teleportation.
"Eilis? Hey Eilis! Wake up!" Rovela shook her shoulder, but there was no response. "Honestly... work her just a little bit and she faints. So troublesome!"
Rovela looked around. Nothing but sand. Endless white sand stretching to the horizon, not a single tree or building in sight.
'Where is this? Ohara Desert? It's so far!' Rovela panicked inwardly. 'Okay, calm down Rovela. Try contacting the knights at Roses telepathically.'
He closed his eyes, concentrating hard to send his aura and signals to his companions at the palace.
'Hello? Anyone hearing this? It's Rovela! We're lost in the desert! Need evacuation!'
...
Silence. No reply at all. Only the dry wind blew.
'Damn it! The signal is too weak. The distance is too great and the aura here is chaotic. Can't rely on that,' Rovela cursed in his mind. 'Fine then, guess we have to walk.'
In the Middle of the Journey...
Rovela took out an ancient yet sophisticated tool from his bag, the World Compass. The needle spun wildly before stopping and pointing firmly in a specific direction.
"Okay, at least there's a sign of life in that direction," he muttered.
The problem now was Eilis, who was still unconscious. Rovela couldn't leave her alone in the middle of the desert. With a heavy sigh, he hoisted the sorceress onto his back.
"Alright, let's go, Ms. Sorceress... you're quite heavy, you know," Rovela complained as he walked with difficulty.
The sun rose higher, its heat becoming unbearable. Sweat drenched Rovela's entire body. He was exhausted, thirsty, and tired from carrying the extra weight.
'Why did I even get involved in this... my back feels like it's going to snap. I just wanted to check a necklace, and now I'm a porter,' he complained inwardly while forcing his legs to move. 'Be patient Rovela... be patient... this is for the truth.'
Suddenly, his eyes caught something in the distance. There was lush greenery and a pool of water reflecting the sunlight.
AN OASIS!
Rovela's eyes instantly lit up. His fatigue vanished instantly, replaced by newfound energy.
"FINALLY!!" he shouted.
Without thinking twice, he started running despite his heavy load. He ran as fast as he could towards the spot, still carrying Eilis on his back.
'Wait for us... fresh water... we're coming!'
At the Edge of the Oasis...
They finally arrived. The atmosphere here was completely different. The air felt cool, large trees provided shade, and the pool water was clear and cold.
Rovela gently laid Eilis down on the soft green grass under the shade. He himself collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily, sweat pouring down his face.
"Phew... finally... made it," he said weakly but relieved. He swept his sweat-soaked hair back. "Just a short rest... before moving on. In a quiet place like this, monsters or bandits are sure to appear, so I have to stay alert."
He drank a little water from his pouch, then looked at Eilis's face, who was still sleeping soundly.
"You have it so easy sleeping... leaving all the hard work to me," he murmured with a faint smile, starting to enjoy the temporary peace in the middle of the deadly desert.
At the Edge of the Oasis...
The cold, fresh spring water flowed down Rovela's throat, bringing incredible refreshment after a whole day of scorching heat and exhaustion. He splashed water on his face, feeling his strength slowly returning.
"Ah... feels so good. I was almost dying of thirst back there," Rovela murmured in relief, leaning his back against a palm tree trunk. "Thank goodness we found a place like this. Otherwise, we might have ended up as dried mummies in the middle of the desert."
However...
THUD!
Suddenly, his head throbbed violently. An intense dizziness attacked him, his vision blurred and spun rapidly.
"Ouch... what is this...?" Rovela clutched his head tightly.
Instantly, the scenery before him changed drastically. The green trees, the clear pool water, and the white sand... everything seemed to melt and shift shape. In the blink of an eye, the oasis vanished, replaced by the view of magnificent buildings made of wood and white stone, with long bridges crossing over the waters.
THE WATER CITY - CIVICA!
Rovela stared wide-eyed, unable to believe the transformation.
"Crazy... this isn't an illusion spell, is it?! Did we teleport again?!"
Right at that moment, Eilis Mogina began to move her fingers. She slowly opened her eyes, blinking to adjust to the light. She sat up and rubbed her sore neck.
"Umm... where is this...?" Eilis asked in a heavy, sleepy voice. "Weren't we in the desert just now? Why does it look like a fancy city now?"
Eilis was about to stand up and scream, but before a sound could escape her lips, Rovela's hand moved swiftly.
WHOOSH!
Rovela grabbed Eilis, pulling her roughly but quickly to the side, into a narrow alley between two buildings. Simultaneously, his palm clamped tightly over her mouth.
"MMMMPHHH!!" Eilis struggled in shock, her eyes bulging.
"Quiet! Don't make a sound!!" Rovela whispered extremely softly and firmly right into Eilis's ear, his eyes staring sharply towards the city sky.
Eilis obeyed and peeked out through the gap in the alley.
What they saw made their hair stand on end.
In the vast sky, hundreds, even thousands of FLYING FISH were lined up. Not ordinary fish, but massive creatures swimming through the air as if they were underwater. They moved with perfect order, forming neat formations, circling and monitoring every corner of the city.
One wrong move, even the slightest sound, and they would surely be detected.
'What kind of city is this...' Rovela trembled inwardly. 'The defenses are insane. No wonder this place is so hard for enemies to infiltrate.'
Rovela slowly removed his hand from Eilis's mouth.
"Ssshh... easy now," Rovela whispered. "We are currently in Civica City, the most heavily guarded water city on the entire continent. And look at the sky... those are the aerial guards. If they detect us here, our lives are finished."
Eilis nodded slowly, holding her breath, her face pale with shock. The two of them were now cornered in that narrow alley, in the heart of a foreign city filled with mystery and danger
In the Narrow Alley of Civica City...
Watching the rows of flying fish circling like surveillance satellites, Eilis's heart pounded fast. She nudged Rovela's arm gently, then whispered with sparkling eyes full of ideas.
"Rovela... I have a way. I can use a High-Level Disguise Spell. It won't just change our clothes, but I can completely alter our body shape, height, voice, and even our facial features. They won't recognize us at all," Eilis whispered confidently.
Rovela furrowed his brows, weighing the idea for a moment, then nodded quickly.
"That's a good idea. But make sure it looks natural, don't make it weird. I don't want anyone getting suspicious," he replied. His eyes then scanned the street corner, looking for a suitable target.
His gaze landed on a stout man walking leisurely in the distance. He was wearing wealthy merchant attire, carrying a trade bag, and walking with a confident stride.
"That's it! Look at that fat man passing by there! Mimic his appearance, and I'll become his assistant or another merchant. Hurry, before someone else walks by!" Rovela commanded.
Eilis nodded firmly. She closed her eyes, clasped her palms together, and began chanting a short but powerful incantation:
"ændret Forme es!"
WHOOSHH!!!
A magical wind blew fiercely around their bodies. A golden light enveloped them momentarily. Rovela's tall, sturdy frame slowly transformed into the figure of a middle-aged man with a fuller build; his face changed to one with a thin beard and the wrinkles typical of an experienced merchant.
Eilis too transformed, turning into the figure of a loyal assistant or business partner.
When the light faded...
They stood as completely different people!
Rovela looked at his own hands, touched his face, and checked their reflection in a puddle of water.
"Wow... That's amazing!" Rovela exclaimed, unable to hide his admiration. His voice had also changed, becoming deep and hoarse, exactly like that of a wealthy old man. "Truly perfect! There is absolutely no difference from the real locals."
"Of course... this is my own creation, a high-level magic," Eilis answered proudly. Her voice had also turned into the soft tone of a middle-aged woman. "Stop talking too much, remember your role as a wealthy merchant who is arrogant yet friendly."
"Yes,Sirr!"
They both took a deep breath, straightened their disguised clothes, and began to walk out of the narrow alley casually.
They walked side by side, chatting just like ordinary merchants discussing prices or browsing goods. Above their heads, the flying fish continued to circle, but this time they showed no suspicion at all. In the eyes of those sky guardians, Rovela and Eilis were simply two harmless citizens.
In the Research Chamber - Kingdom of Roses
The atmosphere inside the room previously used by Rovela and Eilis was now chaotic yet filled with mystery. Traces of magical energy could still be faintly felt floating in the air.
King Alderic Roses and Queen Blossom Roses I stood in the center of the room, surrounded by the palace wizards who were busy examining the residual energy left behind.
Queen Blossom looked anxious and slightly panicked. She looked around the empty room.
"Truly troublesome... They vanished just like that without saying goodbye," the Queen complained, crossing her arms over her chest. "How could Mr. Rovela take one of our best sorcerers away to who knows where? What if they are in danger there? I am so worried, Alderic."
However, unlike his wife, King Alderic was smiling broadly. In fact, a hearty laugh began to escape his lips.
"WAHAHAHA!! HAHAHA!!"
The King laughed boisterously, patting the table affectionately.
"That Rovela... truly beyond expectations! I know he is reckless and full of surprises, but to leave the city like this... vanishing as if swallowed by the earth! Hahaha, what a genius way to escape!"
Seeing her husband laughing freely without a single worry, Queen Blossom became even more confused and baffled. She gently tapped Alderic's arm.
"Hey! Why are you laughing? They are gone, you know! This is serious! Why are you happy and not panicking at all?!" asked the Queen in an annoyed yet curious tone.
Alderic stopped laughing and wiped the tear from the corner of his eye.
"Calm down, Blossom. Rovela is no ordinary man. He is a master adventurer who has traveled the world. And he has Eilis with him, who is quite a capable sorceress. They will be fine. I was just laughing because their way of leaving... is so 'them'. No need to worry excessively."
Suddenly, the air in the room began to vibrate. A golden light appeared in the corner of the room, and slowly the figure of an old wizard materialized. He wore a long, dark purple robe, and his white beard extended down to his chest.
It was Esvaragus, the leader of the sorcerers and the supreme advisor to the kingdom.
"Your Majesty the King, Your Majesty the Queen..." Esvaragus's voice sounded heavy and authoritative, instantly silencing the room.
Everyone immediately bowed respectfully.
"Forgive me for arriving late. I have just finished tracking the energy traces they left behind," Esvaragus said, slowly waving his staff. "This magical signature is very strong and unique. They did not move to an ordinary place."
"Then where did they go, Master Wizard?" asked Alderic seriously.
"Most likely, they have arrived at a very remote region... a kingdom rarely visited by ordinary people, one that isn't even marked on many maps," Esvaragus replied mysteriously. "However, I know its exact location. It is a territory heavily guarded and shrouded in mystery."
Esvaragus looked directly into the eyes of the King and Queen.
"For now, let them stay there for a while. I will send several other skilled wizards to monitor the situation from a distance and provide regular reports. They will depart shortly."
Hearing this explanation, Alderic and Blossom looked at each other briefly. They both let out a long sigh and closed their eyes, seemingly accepting their fate.
"Very well... if that is what you say, Esvaragus," Alderic finally spoke calmly. "We trust you. We will wait for reports and updates from you."
Queen Blossom added, "And prepare some of our troops or best commanders. Do not send everyone, just a small but elite force. Have them stand by at the borders near that region, just in case something bad happens."
"Understood, Your Majesty. I will carry this out immediately," Esvaragus replied with a respectful nod.
The plan was set. Rovela and Eilis might be adventuring far away, but the protection of the Kingdom of Roses was already following close behind them.