Embers of Sun and Flame (Fuegoleon Vermillion x OC)

Chapter 21 "I will not permit you onto Thean soil."

The heavy doors of a gate opened up into a dark cave. And the flow of water was prominent nearby as Arcturus walked in. His steps echoed in the empty space, the air feeling devoid of mana, making a slight shiver run through him. This is it huh? He thought as the doors closed behind him with a heavy sound, the sound of a lock closing rang in the air as he stood there, in the dust, despite not being able to see it.

He rolled his head around with his entire body feeling tense, and a faint growl escaping him. It's been years since I've had my mana restricted... Can't say I ever enjoyed it, he sighed to himself before letting his gaze travel around in the light cast by his mana skin. Really? This is the kind of places Grandmother Idalia visits? But, then again, she says that she used to come here quite often... when it was still up and running, he shrugged. Now let's see... There was supposed to be a staircase behind the corner...

And just as promised, he found the stairs that led him to the surface, a forest opening up before him. Sunlight filtered through the trees and nothing but the subtle sounds of nature lingered in the air; it all seemed so calm and tranquil. He took out his CCE, opening up a hologram map from it before flying up into the air; trying to pinpoint his location. It was something that didn't take long for him, soon knowing precisely to which direction he should head. He took a moment to message Selena, telling her that he was in the kingdom.

She's a smart girl, so she'll be prepared if this 'rectifying' doesn't go according to plan. And I still doubt that she would leave with just some persuasion. He chuckled to himself as he started flying forward. She wouldn't. Besides, she too seems fascinated by this country... or someone in it, he smiled to himself. They're all growing up...

He flew forward, occasionally checking the map to see if he was still headed into the right direction. The forest turned into a field, which eventually turned into villages, towns, cities, and all that he passed as he was headed for the headquarters that housed a squad of magic knights, calling themselves as The Crimson Lion Kings. And, as promised, such a base eventually showed up, standing tall and resolute amidst its surroundings. A large courtyard, surrounded by walls laid before what must have been the front entrance.

He could practically feel the dozens of eyes turning to him as he lowered himself down gradually, his cloak brooch depicting the family insignia glimmering on his left shoulder. The knights circled around him, preparing themselves for an altercation, but not confronting him just yet.

I see you. I know this formation. Surrounding me, thinking that you could corner me like a common mouse... He closed his eyes, sensing the mana of those around him; reading how it flowed, the potency of it, and determining who might pose a genuine threat. Lads... I'm not here to fight you. If I was... I wouldn't be standing here, he thought as the soles of his boots hit the surface of the courtyard. And neither would you.

The doors of the base opened, and a man with vermillion hair emerged, summoning one of the great elemental spirits by his side. His right arm blazed and his eyes aimed to pierce through Arcturus as he walked closer with heavy steps. His mana perfectly contained, the flames swirling around as if preparing to combust into a wildfire.

Salamander huh? It seems that I wasn't told everything... Arcturus thought while looking at the man he could only presume to be the captain. But I will see having it by your side as a merit. Now. What do you have to say? What will you tell me?

---

Fuegoleon received an announcement of an approaching, unknown, mage with prominent mana. The attack still played vividly in the minds of him and the rest of the squad, making them reserved and their movements hasted. The first spell, the one to signify the beginning of a battle, had not yet been cast; and if everything went smoothly, it wouldn't be. And as Fuegoleon walked out of the base to face the stranger, that was what he aimed to do. To solve it without a battle, but still, as a captain, he had a duty to prepare for one. To be ready to defend the squad, the base, and the kingdom.