In a world balanced on the edge of shadow and light, a mysterious codex emerges, its pages alive with ancient forces-whispers of boundless desire, strength, and secrets long buried. A lone soldier stumbles upon it, unknowingly awakening the power wi...
The gates of the kingdom loomed ahead, towering structures of stone and iron, casting long shadows across the road as the afternoon sun began to wane. The day had arrived when the five heroes' party would finally be assembled. A procession of carriages lined the road leading into the kingdom, each carrying representatives from various regions, all arriving for the same purpose.
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Among them, a grand red carriage adorned with intricate gold detailing approached the gates. Pulled by two pristine white-furred horses clad in ornate caparisons, the vehicle radiated nobility and power. It came to a stop before the gate, and the first coachman, clad in a formal red coat accented with gold trim. His movements were precise, his white cravat resting neatly against his neck, marking him as more than a mere servant.
Seated inside was a striking woman, her silver-white hair flowing down her back like a cascade of moonlight. Her piercing blue eyes surveyed the scene beyond the gate. Beside her rested a sheathed weapon, an unmistakable sign of her status as a warrior. Her attire-a blend of sleek, dark fabric and white-lavender armor, reinforced with gleaming metallic accents-suggested she was a seasoned knight.
As the first coachman stood at attention, the second coachman, a man with sharp amber eyes that seemed to cut through the air, broke the silence.
Aaron: I told you to take the shortcut. If you hadn't insisted on that detour, we would've arrived yesterday.
He spoke with a tone of irritation, casting a cold glance at his colleague. Jack, the first coachman, straightened. His response was measured, if slightly defensive.
Jack: Forgive me, Aaron, but the 'shortcut' you suggested is infamous for its bandit activity. I wasn't about to risk further delays-or worse, an ambush. Precaution was necessary.
The woman inside the carriage, Kureha Clyret, sighed softly, her voice calm yet firm.
Clyret: It's fine, Aaron. We were bound to be delayed regardless. There's no need for the two of you to argue. Let's proceed swiftly, we wouldn't want the king to think poorly of us for tardiness.
Jack: Very well.
Aaron folded his arms but relented.
Aaron: Whatever.
As the guards stationed at the gate recognized the carriage's arrival, they waved the travelers through, and with a sharp command from Jack, the horses began to pull the carriage forward. The capital's gates opened before them, granting entry to the grand city within, where the fate of nations and heroes would soon converge.
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After the incident that occurred last night, Noriyuki has remained on high alert, scrutinizing everything the people of this world say to him. He simply couldn't bring himself to trust these nobles. One lesson his commander had drilled into him while serving at Base Nevermore was never to trust those belonging to the aristocracy. It seems that his commander's teachings were proving valuable.
