Kyran ran until his legs ached, not even daring to turn back for fear of the Scartans.
The dark woods stretched with massive trees and lurking eyes, threatening to consume him before he stepped into the greenery.
'How am I supposed to find my way out of here? How am I supposed to find the kingdom? Though, I heard the forest has only Iron and Bronze tier beasts... still, I'll be a goner without any fighting skills.' Kyran lamented silently.
Just then, the sound of frantic feet crashed into his ears. Kyran's hair immediately stood, his senses on alert and paying attention to all details.
He immediately scrambled behind a nearby tree, his heart racing crazily, his pulse quickening.
He peeked from the tree and was surprised to see a young human figure running towards his position.
The running figure suddenly paused, bending and grasping knees to catch breath.
The figure was now closer, and fortunately, Kyran was able to recognize the said person.
"Damian?" Kyran walked out of his hiding place, his eyes wearily scanning the exhausted boy.
Damian immediately jumped up, he staggered and shot a frightened gaze.
"How? What... are you doing here? Do you know what ha-happened in the village?" Damian stuttered, his eyes moistening with suspended tears.
"I'm aware. I... escaped," explained Kyran, his voice heavily laced with melancholy.
Then, a sudden outburst came from Damian.
"Are you sure this isn't your fault?! I'm pretty sure it's your bad luck, Plague Boy!" Damian shouted, his anger overcoming caution.
"Are you sure you're... not the cause of everyone's death?" His voice softened, the suspended tears finally flowing like stream.
Of course, Kyran was annoyed all of the blame was pinned on him, after all, he also lost his parents. With the reasoning of an adult, he knew the boy was just broken, and the human mind would always look for one to put blames on.
Kyran inched closer to ease the storm of emotions in the young lad and correct him for his wrong accusations. But suddenly, the leaves rustled again.
The boys' eyes were left widened, and they immediately sought sanctuary behind a tree, crouching to avoid unwanted detection.
"You can both come out, we can sense you from our stand." A voice bellowed, deep and thick. Undeniably a male adult's.
The boys hesitated, thinking it was the strange man in silk robe.
Kyran was first to peek, immediately recognizing four men in similar attire. Memories from his past life flooded his head, and he came to realization.
'It's the same as Valyria imperial soldier's forty-two years ago. Although I can see slight changes, they have a lot in common,' Kyran thought.
"It's fine. We're not here to harm you," another voiced, frustration clearly in this one.
"Ah, kids will always be kids. Let's just get them," the third man spoke.
Before they moved, Kyran had stepped out, his hands raised high in a surrender posture. Damian followed closely, his head bowed like a shy prince.
"We're not here to harm you. Information reached us about your village misfortune..." one attempted to explain before he was cut short by Damian.
"We need to go back! You all appear to be strong! We need to help the others!" Damian begged, his pitch rising in fear.
"I'm afraid it's too late for that, boy. We must return to the kingdom. Besides, we heard they're Scartans. I don't think we'll suffice. Dangerous things are also lurking around." One replied, already adjusting his attire and preparing to summon his beast.
Damian wanted to refute, but deep down, he knew their words were kinda true. He watched a beast tearing the flesh of his mother alive. His own mother! He knew going back was more like increasing the agony and emotional turbulence.
"They're all Iron and Bronze tier. You four seem to be above that rank," Kyran added, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He knew they weren't revealing all. He was pretty much aware the village had no ties with the kingdom.
How did they get to know about the incident?
The four immediately shot their gaze on Kyran like daggers, their eyebrows furrowed, hinting exasperation.
"What do you know about beasts?" One questioned, his eyes also narrowing in suspicion.
Kyran turned his gaze away from them, eyes now on the ground like something fascinating had just caught his attention.
"That's right. Now, ride with us," the annoyed man declared, his tone giving no room for arguments.
The first one summoned a Gold rank Abyssal Raven.
The second summoned his Silver rank Golden Eagle.
The third summoned a Gold rank Griffin.
Lastly, the fourth one summoned a Silver rank Hippogriff.
All were flying beasts, and couldn't be called weak beasts.
The four men's beasts were capable of attaining Diamond rank.
Kyran immediately noticed from his past life experience.
'These are no small beasts. These guards are no small ones either. What is going on? What has been going on since I left?' Kyran pondered.
Regardless the two boys joined a guard each, riding with them in the dark night.
They soared in the sky, and the boys immediately awed at the sight of the landscape. Not from the beautiful scenery, no, but from the thought of navigating the expanse all alone, with no beasts or some sort of power.
The two thanked the men silently—for delivering them from what would have been a nightmare.
Still, they both couldn't dismiss one thought—the thought of the ones they've lost. What they left behind. The emotional turbulence. The thirst for power and the damage they would cause to those who orchestrated everything.
...
The journey continued with unspoken words. The moon beamed the face of the world, litting the skies for the travelers. Although the beasts were ones with great eyesight.
Finally, after what seemed like an endless journey, a sight came into view. After two hours of journey, the kingdom presented itself to the travelers.
The gigantic castle stood several meters away, on an island ahead of the town. Its features remained unclear as it was still far from the travelers. Besides, that wasn't their destination... even if it was, they'd have to pass through the gigantic metallic gate of the kingdom.
The kingdom wasn't just fortified by the large metallic gate... no, a sturdy and high wall made from magical runes and the earth of the strongest tamers with earth elemental beasts rose around the kingdom.
On the wall, several guards stood on watch, their senses on lookout despite the dark hours.
The beasts swooped down just as they were approaching the kingdom's gate, immediately returning in their tamers the moment they landed.
The Gate Guards instantly approached the incoming figures. They were only ten meters away when recognition came to them.
The attire, the golden emblem attached to the black attire, their mana signature... it was undeniable.
"Welcome, Royal Guards," they greeted in unison, bowing their heads slightly.
'I knew it!' Kyran almost thought aloud.
"Shhh! Don't make a fuss. We wanna enter without creating much awareness," one of the imperial guards said.
Then he moved, whispering something in the ear of a Gate Guard, who in succession whispered to his partner.
Without further ado, they were all taken in without alerting others.
The moment they entered, the boys were introduced to a dream town with tons of streets and alleys. Lamps emanating orange incandescence were lit everywhere, adding to the town's beauty.
The buildings were sturdy, compared to the frail ones in the village. There were also modern infrastructures and styles incorporated that weren't familiar to Kyran.
Plants hung on the roofs of some, mineral stones were fused to some—emanating ethereal glow in the dark night.
The only missing thing was the buzz of the inhabitants as the town was asleep. Only animals roamed the streets, and rogues lurked in the dark alleys.
'So, a lot has changed since my departure.' A bewildered Kyran thought to himself.
The imperial guards soon noticed the boys' darting eyes, and couldn't help but smile.
"Oh, it's more beautiful in the day. Wait till tomorrow."
"Now, you need to get your rest for the big event tomorrow," another added, ushering them into a small house in the lower sect of the town.
The boys were surprised to find that a room had been prepared for them. The room had four beds, each made with soft sheets on it.
"Oh, don't be surprised. There are plenty of houses like this here. Feel free." An imperial guard explained with a smile that felt forced and reached for the knob.
The door was almost shut when Damian reached for it.
"Sirs, what event is holding tomorrow?" He asked sheepishly.
"Oh, yeah... both of you aren't contracted. Pretty sure you're of age.The event is the Summoning Festival. You should both come to get your beasts."
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Ooh! Something is gonna happen! We can only anticipate.
As usual... like it? Give it a Power Stone and add to library.