"No. There's no way we're throwing our lives away just to defend Shadowfell," Rylan refused bluntly.
"Then we'll rot in here forever," Nyssara snapped.
Nimora grew anxious at the thought of it happening to her—especially since she still had to find an antidote for her brother. She asked if there was any way they could get out of this prison.
There was only one option. Yep— the only way out was to join the deadly game that would be held in one month. If they accepted the deal, they'd be released but with a tracker implanted in their bodies. For that one month, they'd be free to go anywhere and use all of the kingdom's facilities to train.
However, once they agreed, there was no backing out. They would have to defeat Lilith to break the contract—and hundreds had already died trying to do just that. In other words, no one had ever successfully withdrawn from the deal; they all died miserably facing Lilith.
"Let's do it," Nimora said.
Rylan and Rowan jerked in shock, not expecting Nimora to say that without even discussing it.
"Nimora! We can't drag Rowan into this. His only job is to escort you to Mythren, nothing more!" Rylan snapped.
"I know. I'm sorry. But we don't have any other way left. We have to agree to it. Besides… we can try fighting her once our business is done," Nimora replied.
"You heard them! No one has ever survived fighting her."
"Maybe we can. You're the strongest druid I've ever met." Her gaze shifted to Rowan. "And you— the youngest and sharpest bard I know."
Then she turned to Nyssara and Thyra. "They're strong too. Thyra with her twin axes might be able to put up a fight against Lilith. And Nyssara—a harpist with enough power to combine with Rowan."
Rylan felt a little flattered hearing himself called the strongest druid. Still, that didn't change his stance; he remained firm about not dragging Rowan into something that could cost their lives.
"Well… maybe. I think a violin-and-harp duet is worth trying," Rowan said, glancing at Thyra.
Thyra gave him a faint smile. "Doesn't sound like a bad idea."
Somehow, after fighting each other to the brink earlier, they were now calm enough to talk.
Rylan still had misgivings, but he didn't have much time to think it over. In the end, he agreed to join the game.
Nimora called for the guard and explained their intention regarding the game called Project V. The guard left for a moment to inform Lilith, then returned and opened the cell, telling them to follow—hands bound.
Their hands weren't tied with ordinary rope, but with bindings infused with Lilith's magic, making them completely unable to use their powers.
Lilith sat on her throne, one leg crossed over the other, her eyes sharp as they walked in.
"And what exactly do you think you're capable of to join Project V?" Lilith asked. Her gaze shifted to Nyssara and Thyra. "You couldn't even complete your mission to kill these intruders."
"They're strong, Your Grace. Just as strong as me and Nyssara," Thyra answered.
Lilith laughed at that. "You call yourself strong? You're a cockroach—one stomp from me and you'd be dead."
"You're absolutely right. We could never match you. But we believe our strength is enough to win Project V," Thyra replied.
"And what about you three?" Lilith's gaze turned to Nimora, Rylan, and Rowan.
"Let me speak," Nimora whispered.
"Uh— I'm Nimora, a healer who can mend their wounds quickly. Next to me is Rylan, the strongest and most ferocious druid. And over there is Rowan, a bard who has experience—and once took down a group of bandits by himself."
"You do know your opponents won't be bandits, right?"
Before Nimora could answer, Rowan cut in. "Of course. If you don't believe me, you can test me with a few of your soldiers."
Nimora and Rylan froze, shocked that the kid would challenge Lilith of all people. Still, they expected Lilith to refuse after seeing Rowan's injuries and the fact he clearly needed rest.
"Release him," Lilith ordered. One guard untied Rowan's hands. "Everyone else, step aside."
"Rowan, what the hell are you doing?" Rylan hissed as the guards dragged him back.
"Relax. I've got this."
Everyone stepped back, leaving Rowan and his violin alone with the royal soldiers in the vast hall.
Today, Lilith would witness the so-called most skilled bard in all of Eldoria prove himself. The kingdom's elite soldiers gathered at the center of the hall, forming a tight formation.
"You've got this, Rowan," Nimora murmured.
Lilith raised her hand. "Begin the test!"
Silence fell. Rowan bowed respectfully, then lifted his violin to his chin. "Very well, Your Majesty. Allow my music to speak for me."
"Crescendo Impact." He whispered the spell. With a fierce stroke of his bow, Rowan unleashed a wave of sound that slammed into the marble floor and blasted forward.
BOOOOM!
The front line of soldiers was thrown back instantly—some crashed into pillars, others tumbled across the floor. The clattering of armor echoed throughout the hall.
On the throne, Lilith raised an eyebrow. Interesting… very interesting.
Spears were pointed at Rowan. These soldiers were trained, fast, and moved as one.
Rowan grinned. "Alright, this is my favorite part."
"Reverb Step," he whispered.
He moved like an echo—quick, blurred, impossible to predict. Every step left behind faint, shimmering shadows shaped like musical notes. Spears pierced empty air as soldiers grew more confused.
Lilith rested her chin on her hand. "A bard who dances like a shadow. Captivating."
"Wow, I'll admit—this kid's ridiculously agile," Nyssara muttered.
The captain of the guard stepped forward, wielding a massive greatsword glowing blue. "Face me, bard!"
Rowan played a sharp note, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Rhapsody Slash."
His bow sliced through the air, releasing a blade-shaped arc of light.
KA-BLASH!
The captain's energy shattered, his sword cracked, and he was blasted backward, skidding to a stop right at the base of the throne steps.
Lilith glanced at him, unfazed. "Stand up!"
The captain trembled. "F-forgive me, Your Majesty…"
The remaining soldiers prepared their final formation, attempting to surround Rowan from all sides.
Rowan closed his eyes and took a deep breath. The royal hall began to tremble. Lilith leaned forward slightly, intrigued.