Mastery Achievers: The Rise of The Dragon King

Chapter 2: Whispers of The Unknown

The Land of Achievers and the Royal Palace were built right next to each other, creating a strange yet powerful balance that mirrored the kingdom. The Land of Achievers stood as a formidable bastion, its towering walls constructed from rugged, grey stones and unyielding bricks, exuding an aura of unbreakable strength. Walking through the dim, grey hallways, illuminated by flickering torches, reminded Gu Qing Lan of the first night he had walked these same corridors, when innocent fears of ghosts and monsters had haunted him. These days, he ignored such thoughts easily, as if they were just another familiar sight. He passed another white ghoul standing there in the middle of the hallway, creeping with its bloodied face and torn skin, and exited the stronghold to the open air of the palace hallway, where the surroundings changed drastically. He glanced back at the watchtowers, manned by vigilant rank two Achievers, looming high like walking shadows under the bright moonlight.

Despite its stark and formidable appearance, the Land of Achievers was strategically situated adjacent to the Royal Palace, creating a striking contrast. The Royal Palace, with its grand architecture, was a marvel of opulence and elegance. Its walls were adorned with intricate carvings and gilded details that would glow under the sunlight with a warm, golden hue. The red-tiled roofs and soaring spires reached toward the sky, embodying the pinnacle of regal splendor. Lush gardens, filled with exotic flora and tranquil fountains, surrounded the palace, offering a serene counterbalance to the martial rigor next door.

Gu Qing Lan continued to roam around the palace as he was tasked to, watching over the night-duty servants and ensuring there were no hazards. He passed through the palace gardens, where the scent of blooming flowers mingled with the cool night air. There were parts of the palace with a clear view of the town, where hundreds of lights from houses shone against the dark sky like a sea of stars on earth. Gu Qing Lan planned to visit that area later, after completing his rounds.

As he walked past the dimly lit hallway next to the Throne Hall, the warrior was Earth by loud crashes coming from the hall. He rushed to see what was happening but halted when he heard the King's voice, angry and shouting at whoever had provoked him. He swallowed dryly, his heart pounding. Gu Qing Lan knew better than to interfere with the royal family's privacy, but he was already there, pressed against the wall, overhearing the heated argument. The voices were muffled but clear enough in the otherwise silent corridor.

"-that is the most humiliating thing a future king could ever do. Look at your cousin! He's supposed to be a prince like you but look at what he has become! A rowdy warrior who goes to brothels and sleeps, eats, and drinks with commoners. What does he think he is?" Gu Qing Lan gasped quietly, a mix of shock and dismay washing over him. How could the King, let alone Bao Jia Hao's uncle, say such things about his nephew?

Gu Qing Lan had always believed that the King was the most righteous and caring person in the land, deserving his title for the good deeds he had done for the kingdom. When Hu Tao Ran insulted Bao Jia Hao's choice of path, the warrior didn't know what to believe. Despite Bao Jia Hao's friendly demeanor, Gu Qing Lan would not describe him as rowdy. In fact, Bao Jia Hao radiated a royal aura in his manners and speech, earning the respect of most warriors in the land. His down-to-earth personality did not diminish the reverence he commanded, making him as deserving of respect as the crowned prince.

Memories of Bao Jia Hao training diligently, offering words of encouragement, and showing kindness to even the lowliest of servants flooded Gu Qing Lan's mind, further deepening his confusion. One thing that Gu Qing Lan still appreciates about his best friend is that Bao Jia Hao never judged the way Gu Qing Lan dressed in old worn-out attire because he had no money to afford a new one. Instead, he pulled Gu Qing Lan into one of the workshops in town and provided him with his first-ever fine garments that he still wears to these days.