The silence at Mélovetsia's gate lingered, heavy and sharp, until Makoa finally exhaled. His gaze never left Michi, his expression caught between awe and deep relief.
"I should explain," Makoa said, stepping closer. "I am Makoa, son of the King of Mélovetsia. And… my father knows you very well, Michi. He has been waiting for the day you would come."
The words struck Michi like steel against stone. He stiffened, uncertain whether to accept them or question them.
Eric, however, broke the silence first. He whistled dramatically, leaning on his walking stick. "Well, well, Michi… looks like you've been keeping secrets from us. You're not just some wandering swordsman—you're a king's VIP!"
Julia giggled, her braid swinging over her shoulder as she nudged Michi with her elbow. "Imagine that. The King of Mélovetsia rarely meets anyone in person, yet here you are, invited directly. You're special, Michi. Very, very special."
Michi frowned, his voice low. "I never even knew him."
"Doesn't matter," Eric teased, grinning. "Kings don't wait for people they don't care about. You've got quite the spotlight on you now."
Julia added softly, her tone still playful but curious, "And I have a feeling this is going to be a story for the ages. You're living history, Michi."
Makoa smiled faintly, though his eyes carried seriousness. "My father… is from a very old system. He holds knowledge far older than our current age, wisdom that few alive today can even imagine. He told me that one day, someone would arrive—someone he must share his most precious details with. That person is you, Michi."
The group exchanged looks, uncertain and intrigued.
Makoa turned toward Eric and Julia, addressing them with respect. "And as for you two—my father asked specifically that you be present as well. He wants you to record everything he reveals, to put it into words, to publish it. Not just for Mélovetsia, but for the world. People must know the truth of us, of the world, of what has been hidden."
Eric's grin widened, almost boyish. He tapped his stick against the ground and exclaimed, "Well, if that isn't the adventure of a lifetime, I don't know what is! A king, ancient secrets, truths to be told? This will be the greatest story we'll ever write."
Julia's eyes lit with excitement. "To think, our next book won't just be about wandering roads or festivals—it will be about the hidden truths of existence itself. I'm honored, truly honored."
Michi's voice was calm, though a flicker of unease passed through his eyes. "If your father knows me, then I'll face him directly. I need those answers. I've carried too many questions for too long."
Lior crossed his arms, leaning back slightly. His tone was dry but thoughtful. "Seems like fate enjoys pushing you into the spotlight, Michi. First mysterious saviors, now kings who know your name. You really can't stay ordinary even if you try."
Kael gave a crooked grin, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "Looks like we're about to step into something bigger than all of us. But hey, I like big. Big means dangerous. Dangerous means fun."
Junia tilted her head, her voice softer but edged with concern. "Michi, if the King really knows you, then maybe he also knows what lies ahead. I just hope the answers he gives don't hurt more than they help."
Tieu, walking quietly beside her sister, looked toward Makoa with curiosity. "And if these truths are meant to be shared with the whole world… then maybe it's not just about Michi. Maybe it's about all of us."
Their voices mingled into the still air, each reaction a small ripple in the greater current that seemed to be pulling them all toward Mélovetsia's heart.
Makoa raised his hand, silencing the small chatter. His expression grew solemn, but his voice carried warmth. "My precious friends, the moment is near. You will not have to wait long. My father's chamber is close, and the path to him is unlike any other."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle before continuing. "But to reach him, we will first meet those who guard his truth. They are the Four Horsemen of Despair."
The words rang in the air like distant thunder.
Makoa's eyes hardened with resolve, yet his smile remained gentle. "Do not be afraid. They are not our enemies. They will guide us to the King's chamber. Without them, no one can enter. They are both guardians and keys, shaped by the old system my father belongs to."
Eric leaned forward, his grin undimmed. "Four Horsemen of Despair? Now that sounds like a title worthy of legend. Our book is writing itself already."
Julia clapped her hands together, her face alight. "It's like walking into a myth. I can't believe we're actually going to see them."
Michi kept his gaze steady, though his hand rested lightly on the hilt of his sword. "Despair or not, I'll face whatever comes. If they lead me to the King, then I'll follow."
Lior gave a small chuckle, shaking his head. "Four Horsemen, a King, and ancient truths. Honestly, Michi, you make life exhausting."
Tiana smirked. "Exhausting? More like entertaining."
Junia glanced at Michi with a soft smile. "We'll be with you. No matter what the truth is, we'll carry it together."
Tieu added quietly, "And maybe despair isn't meant to break us… but to prepare us."
The sun dipped lower behind the towers, shadows stretching long across the ground. Makoa looked at each of them in turn, his voice steady, filled with promise.
"Wait just a little longer. Soon, you will meet them—the Four Horsemen of Despair. And through them, my father's truths will finally be revealed."
The wind shifted, carrying the echo of his words into the twilight.
And so they waited, the border of Mélovetsia now behind them, the weight of the unknown pressing ahead like an unseen storm.