Greyrock's market was as crowded and alive as ever. The old stone streets echoed with the voices of merchants, the sound of animal hooves, and the loud shouting of shopkeepers trying to attract customers. Colorful stalls covered every corner of the market—some displayed expensive silk cloaks while others showcased enchanted weapons glowing with a faint blue light. The smell of roasted food and freshly baked bread mixed with the cold air, making the entire place feel strangely lively. Above the streets, massive banners carrying the silver wolf symbol of the Greyrock Kingdom fluttered in the wind.
Leo, Ray, and Chris slowly walked through the crowd. Their old travel clothes were covered with dust and dried blood stains. Chris glanced around before speaking in a low voice.
"We need to change our appearance first."
A few moments later, the three entered a large luxurious clothing shop. Golden chandeliers spread a warm light across the room while expensive velvet coats, royal black suits, and silver embroidered outfits were displayed on glass mannequins. The scent of sandalwood and expensive perfume floated through the air, giving the shop a noble atmosphere.
When they finally stepped outside, they looked completely different. Leo wore a dark royal coat, Ray was dressed in an elegant black outfit, and Chris's long grey coat made him look like the heir of a noble family. Their new appearance made it obvious that they were no ordinary people. Quietly, Chris took out their old clothes and stored them inside his dimensional space with a faint blue glow.
"These clothes are perfect," Chris said while adjusting his sleeves. "No one will suspect us now. We'll look like normal rich citizens of Greyrock Town."
He looked at Leo and Ray once before nodding slightly.
"And now, we need to meet the Captain of the 9th Division Magic Knights."
At that moment, Chris noticed a carriage approaching from behind Leo and Ray. It looked old, but its wooden wheels seemed strong enough for long travel. Chris raised his hand and signaled for it to stop.
The carriage slowly came to a halt in front of them.
"Get inside," Chris said calmly.
The three entered the carriage. The space inside was not very large, but the velvet seats and dim lantern light made it surprisingly comfortable. Chris spoke in a slightly louder yet calm voice.
"We're heading to the 9th Division base."
The man driving the carriage was old and wore worn-out clothes with several tears on them. Exhaustion could clearly be seen in his eyes. He simply nodded once and the carriage began moving again.
For a while, only the sound of the wheels could be heard. Then Chris looked toward Leo and Ray.
"When we meet the Captain of the 9th Division, behave properly," he said seriously. "He's extremely strict. Show respect and discipline in front of him."
Ray raised an eyebrow. "But don't you have a good relationship with the Captain of the 9th Division? Do you still have to act disciplined around him?"
Chris stayed silent for a few seconds before a faint smile appeared on his face.
"First of all… his name is Vortan Wells."
He looked outside the carriage window as he continued speaking.
"I've known him since childhood. We studied in the same academy… and he was my senior."
Chris's voice slowly softened.
"He taught me many things. Our relationship is more like brothers."
The moment Chris said the word brothers, a genuine smile appeared on his face.
"I learned a lot from him," Chris continued. "He was the one who showed me how cool it was to become a Knight Captain."
Leo quietly watched Chris's expression. It was obvious that Chris respected Vortan Wells deeply. In many ways, Vortan was Chris's inspiration.
Then Leo asked, "What kind of power does the Captain of the 9th Division use?"
Chris answered calmly, "His element is Wood. He can make his body as hard as wood… and he can also turn his hands incredibly sharp."
"Sir Chris," Ray asked curiously, "what about your power?"
Chris looked at him in surprise. "I never told you about my element?"
Leo and Ray shook their heads together.
"Really…" Chris chuckled softly before pausing for a moment. "My element is Smoke. I can manipulate smoke."
A faint grey smoke appeared between his fingers for a second before disappearing.
"It sounds weak," Chris admitted, "but smoke becomes extremely useful during battle."
At that exact moment, the carriage slowly came to a stop.
"Looks like we've arrived," Chris said.
The three stepped out of the carriage. Chris handed the driver twelve silver coins.
"Thank you," he said calmly.
The old man bowed respectfully before driving away.
Leo and Ray looked ahead… and both of them fell silent for a few seconds.
The 9th Division base stood before them.
It was a massive castle. Not large enough to touch the sky, but its presence alone felt powerful. The castle looked completely new. Its white stone walls, dark blue banners, and silver decorations gave it a royal atmosphere.
Ray let out a small laugh. "Your base looked way older than this."
Chris immediately turned toward him with an irritated expression. "I'm planning to move my base, alright?"
After that, the three walked toward the massive entrance gate. Three guards stood there wearing the uniform and cloaks of the 9th Division, with a silver "IX" symbol stitched onto them.
One of the guards stepped forward. "Who are you here to meet?"
Without saying a word, Chris showed them his golden badge carrying the symbol of the 6th Division.
The moment the guards saw it, their eyes widened slightly.
They immediately bowed respectfully and opened the gates.
Chris, Leo, and Ray walked inside.
"This place is even better from the inside…" Leo muttered quietly.
Near the entrance stood a massive garden filled with colorful flowers. Two small fountains stood on the left and right sides, their crystal-clear water reflecting the sunlight beautifully.
Ray and Leo looked around in amazement.
A few moments later, they reached the main entrance of the base. The guard there asked for identification as well, but once again Chris showed his badge and they were allowed inside immediately.
As soon as they entered the base, Leo and Ray's eyes widened slightly.
The main hall was enormous. The white tiles reflected the light so clearly that the floor almost looked like glass. Expensive paintings covered the walls while members of the 9th Division walked throughout the hall.
But the moment Chris entered… everyone's attention shifted toward him.
"Isn't that the Captain of the 6th Division?" one member whispered quietly.
"Wasn't his base attacked recently…?" another muttered.
Chris overheard them. He simply glanced in their direction once… and they immediately turned away in fear.
At that moment, a man approached them from the front.
He also wore the uniform and cloak of the 9th Division. He had large eyes and fair skin.
The man respectfully bowed toward Chris.
"My name is Ken Fenrir," he said calmly. "I am the Vice Captain here. Captain informed me that the three of you would be arriving, so he ordered me to personally look after you."
Then Ken politely added, "Please follow me."
The three followed behind him. The main hall contained two massive staircases—one leading right and the other left. Ken began walking toward the staircase on the right.
"The Captain specifically told me to take good care of you," Ken said respectfully.
As they walked, he pointed toward several paintings hanging on the walls.
"all of these paintings were personally bought by the Captain."
Leo did not see anything particularly special about them, but both Ray and Chris stopped immediately.
"These paintings were made by a legendary painter," Chris explained. "Each one is probably worth around twenty platinum coins."
"Twenty platinum coins?!" Leo exclaimed in shock.
Ken smiled faintly. "The Captain enjoys collecting old and expensive things."
Soon, Ken led them toward a massive chamber.
"This is the Captain's chamber," he said. "Please wait here. The Captain should arrive soon."
The chamber was enormous. More paintings covered the walls, and in one glass showcase rested a large ancient katana that looked extremely old. At the center of the room stood a massive table covered with papers and pens, while a luxurious chair rested behind it.
Chris, Leo, and Ray sat down on the sofas placed in front of the table.
Then Chris asked, "Where is the Captain?"
Ken answered calmly, "There have been many murders happening recently in Greyrock, so the Captain went to investigate personally."
And at that exact moment—
Click.
The sound of the chamber door opening echoed throughout the room.