The day of action was drawing near. While the shadows were quietly tightening their noose around the Richard Trading Company—preparing for a strike powerful enough to shake its very foundations—Alex and Elden were busy with a different mission. They had spent the past two days meeting potential candidates, men and women who might accompany Rudra on his dangerous future journey.
But disappointment greeted them at every turn.
After interviewing dozens of adventurers, guards, and mercenaries, they found no one who possessed the courage—or the resolve—needed for such a path.
Alex leaned back on his chair, rubbing his temples with frustration.
"What a shame… We couldn't find a single person willing to take the risk of joining the kid on his journey."
Elden sighed heavily.
"I completely agree with you, Sir Alex. It's shameful. This city is full of capable fighters and adventurers, but when it comes to facing life and death, they act like cowards."
Alex clenched his jaw.
"I don't want to disappoint my brother this time. We have to find someone who can become both a sword and a shield."
Elden thought for a moment, eyes narrowing as if recalling someone dangerous.
"…I know someone who can be that. But he's not like the others. He acts on his own—no rules, no limits. And knowing him… I'm not sure he would join the boy. He's fickle-minded. His actions depend only on what catches his eye."
Alex leaned forward. "We're in a situation where we have to try at least once. But is he strong enough?"
A smirk curved Elden's lips.
"If it comes to strength, he might even surpass Rudra. I've known him for a long time, and I'm telling you… if he agrees to join, this would be the best outcome we could hope for."
Alex let out a short breath.
"You sound very sure about him. But as for strength—you don't know how much power Rudra holds. When those wild blue flames cover him… it feels like death itself has come to meet you in person."
Elden didn't flinch.
"Even then… the person I know is not inferior."
Alex narrowed his eyes. "Then tell me—who is he? And where can we find him?"
Elden's expression shifted into something heavy and serious.
"…I'm sorry, Alex. I have been hiding something important from you all this time."
Alex straightened.
"What are you talking about?"
"You remember Sir Richard telling us about the three magical clans who hold ancient powers? The Devaran… the Ashvarin… and the Nirveth?"
Alex nodded. "Yes. What about them?"
"This is confidential," Elden said quietly. "You have to promise you won't share it with anyone."
Alex scoffed.
"We're trusting each other with dangerous matters. You can tell me."
Elden inhaled deeply.
"…You know I belong to the Virel Clan—the clan from which most of the king's knights and council members come."
"I know they are one of the most esteemed nobles in the country."
"Actually…" Elden lowered his voice.
"…We are the Nirveth. Some of our clan members hold those magical powers. Not only us—every nation has its own secret magical units that serve only the throne. But the existence of magic and powers is kept hidden from ordinary citizens. Only high nobles and those with power know about it."
Alex's eyes widened.
"So you're telling me there is a special magic division… and even being part of the royal army, we were kept in the dark?"
"Yes."
"And the person you know is a Nirveth? Someone powerful enough to join Rudra?"
"There is one person," Elden admitted. "But I have to persuade him… and get the clan leader's approval."
Alex nodded slowly.
"That's great. For a journey like Rudra's, someone like him might be the best fit."
Elden bowed slightly.
"Then give me your permission to leave. I'll return to my hometown at once and bring him, if I can."
"You have my permission," Alex said. "You're a great help. Do your best."
Elden nodded and left the office immediately.
He already knew where the man was.
---
THE JOURNEY TO VALENFYR
That same evening, Elden returned home only briefly, ordering his butler to prepare a carriage at once.
"A fast one," he commanded. "I leave for Valenfyr tonight."
By sundown, the carriage raced through the countryside, lanterns shaking violently as the wheels pounded the dirt road. Elden didn't sleep. Not even for a moment. His mind kept returning to the boy with the blue flames… and the man he was going to retrieve.
By dawn, after traveling through the night, the carriage reached the outskirts of the Eastern Empire—a region surrounded by mountains, thick forests, and ancient ruins.
Despite being a border state, it was known as one of the most peaceful places in the empire.
That peace existed because of one name:
The Virel Clan.
A family of unmatched knights, deadly influence, and unbroken loyalty to the throne.
The land they ruled was known as…
Valenfyr State.
As the carriage approached the massive iron-reinforced gate of Valenfyr, a guard stepped out.
"Wait! Stop right there!" he shouted at the coachman. "You seem to be in a hurry. Do you have a permit to enter?"
The coachman shook his head nervously.
"I—I don't have the permit, sir, but it's urgent! We came from the capital! This man is known to the lord of this land—"
"That doesn't matter."
The guard thumped his spear on the ground.
"No permit, no entry. Strict orders."
"Please, sir, it's urgent—"
Before the coachman could finish, a shadow dropped from the top of the gate tower.
A knight.
He landed like a falling star, metal boots crushing dirt as he unsheathed his sword in mid-air and placed it at the coachman's throat.
"I think you don't understand your situation," the knight growled. "If you don't have a permit, you don't enter. Simple. Don't make me repeat myself."
Inside the carriage, Elden heard everything.
He sighed, slipped his hand into his pocket, and pulled out a small golden medallion attached to a silver chain—a shimmering symbol engraved with the Virel insignia.
He lowered the window and extended his hand silently.
The sunlight hit the medal.
Every guard froze.
Their eyes widened.
Weapons dropped instantly.
"S-Sir… the man in the carriage holds the insignia of our lord!" one guard cried out. "We have no right to stand against him!"
The knight's aggressive stance broke immediately.
"What… what did you say?"
Then he saw Elden himself.
The knight stepped back and saluted sharply.
"So you've returned… That means something important has brought you here."
The massive gates creaked open.
---
AT THE VIREL MANSION
The carriage rolled through the quiet stone streets of Valenfyr until it reached a towering mansion surrounded by silver-leaf trees and white stone statues of past clan leaders.
Elden stepped out before the carriage fully stopped.
He ran—literally sprinted—through the grand hallway of the mansion, past confused maids and guards. His breathing grew heavier, chest tightening, but he didn't slow down.
He reached his father's study and slammed the door open, leaning on it for support as he gasped for air.
His father sat calmly at his desk, signing paperwork with a feather quill.
Without looking up, he asked:
"…What brings you here this time, Elden?"
Elden tried to speak, but his breath was collapsing in his lungs.
"I—I… fo… found him… the vassal of… vo… vo… voidddddddd…"
His legs trembled.
His father finally looked up.
His expression froze.