Second Chance: Reincarnated Into Another World (Chronicles Of Viktor)

Zahid Al Tregosha

As night fell over the Reuben Kingdom's capital, a sea of laughter and cheers filled the air. Lanterns illuminated the city, casting a warm glow over the jubilant crowd gathered in the grand square. Adventurers and soldiers embraced, mugs of ale raised high in celebration of what they believed was a hard-won victory against the Al Zaydizz Empire. King Leo Reuben, adorned in a regal blue and red mantle, stood on the steps of the castle, his voice booming as he thanked the valiant fighters who had safeguarded their land.

But one man amidst the merriment felt the chill of uncertainty creeping into his heart. Raphael stood with his arms crossed. His gaze wandered over the faces lighted by joy, yet worry creased his brow.

Gaston, clapped Raphael on the back, nearly spilling his drink. "You look like you've just seen a ghost, my friend! Let's celebrate! The war is over!"

"Gaston, put down your tankard for a moment," Raphael replied, his voice grave. "Something doesn't sit right with me. The Al Zaydizz soldiers retreated too easily."

Beside them, Phillip, nodded in agreement. "You know what, Raphael? I felt something was off as well. I don't know what it is, but my instincts say we may have missed something important." His fiery red hair glinted in the lantern light, mirroring his inner intensity.

Sera, chimed in. "Maybe we should speak to King Reuben. He's in the castle. If anyone knows what's happening, it's him, right?"

Before Raphael could respond, Gaston's brow furrowed in concentration. "You mentioned too easily... That reminds me of the wyvern riders we encountered." He stroked his beard thoughtfully. "There was something familiar about the sigil on those riders. I've seen it before..."

Radical realization dawned upon Raphael's face. "Tregosha!" he exclaimed, his voice low but intense. His companions looked at him with bewilderment, each echoing the question that hung in the air: "How can it be possible?"

Sera's green eyes widened. "I thought Tregosha was just a myth!"

"This was always a decoy," Raphael warned, urgency now etched on his features. Without a moment's hesitation, he beckoned to his party. "We need to inform the royal advisor. This could be a matter of life or death."

With urgency propelling them through the vibrant streets, the Guardians reached the castle. They were met by the royal advisor as the jubilant crowd continued their festivities, oblivious to the brewing storm.

"What brings you here at this hour?" the advisor asked.

Raphael wasted no time. "We have urgent information about the Al Zaydizz Empire's forces. We believe this 'victory' could be a trap."

The advisor raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You must speak with the King immediately." He guided them through the lavish halls, hurriedly taking the group to the grand library filled with scrolls and tomes of ancient knowledge.

Sera seemed to glow with determination, her fingers brushing over the spines of books until she found one that caught her attention - "The Demon Race War." Opening its timeworn pages, her eyes flickered over the text. "There!" she said, pointing to a crude drawing of the sigil they had seen on the wyvern riders. "This confirms Raphael's suspicion!"

The advisor's eyes widened in alarm as Raphael laid out their findings. "We must alert the King," he insisted, his heart pounding. "If the Al Zaydizz forces are a decoy, there may be more going on than we realized."

Just as they finished speaking, a distant clang echoed through the capital. The ringing of emergency bells reverberated across the marketplace, drowning out the celebrations as a wave of confusion and dread cascaded over the citizens. The festive atmosphere turned to chaos as the realization spread that the war was far from over.