For months, my feet have carried me toward the setting sun. Throughout this journey, the road had been deceptively peaceful, undisturbed by the chaos of the world. My homeland lies within the borders of the Kingdom of Thornwall, a territory nestled far from the front lines, shielded from the rampaging legions of the Demon King who prefer to concentrate their malice upon the western reaches.
Yet, the further I travel, the more the whispers find me. One particular rumor has clawed its way into my mind—a piece of news so dire it feels like a physical blow.
The Kingdom of Velanor has fallen.
How could an ancient bastion like Velanor collapse? It was more than a mere city; it was the ultimate symbol of unity for the three great races of Eldryn—Human, Elf, and Dwarf. These three powers had sworn a blood oath to stand as one beneath a single banner against the demonic tide. Velanor was meant to be the proof that unity is a shield no darkness can pierce. Now, news of its ruin spreads like a plague.
What baffles me most is its geography. Velanor sits in the mid-eastern region, a territory that should have been safe, tucked far behind the primary defensive lines.
Logically, the Kingdom of Ardenfall in the west serves as the bulwark of the Valthera Continent—the wall that halts the demon advance before they can bleed into the heart of the land. If Ardenfall still stands firm, how could Velanor, so far to its rear, be shattered into dust?
Has the enemy found a hidden path? Or is there a rot of treachery festering from within the very walls themselves?
"Rowan."
The call shattered my reverie. I blinked, turning my gaze to the right.
"Yes?"
"Look there," said Walter, an elderly merchant who had shared my path for the past few days.
I narrowed my eyes, looking toward the horizon where he pointed. Towering majestically in the distance was the City of Harbinger—one of the great strongholds under the rule of Ardenfall.
"That is where the adventurers gather. If you seek to dig for more information, head to the Adventurers' Guild. Ask them; they will surely have the answers," Walter added.
I remained silent for a moment, but a question nagged at me. Throughout my journey from the east, the roads had been hauntingly quiet.
"If the city is swarming with adventurers, why haven't we crossed paths with a single soul on the road today?" I asked, suspicious.
Walter offered a thin, knowing smile.
"The city has four main gates. Most adventurers arrive from the west or the mid-east. It is rare to see anyone coming from the Far East, like yourself," he explained softly. "Perhaps it is because, in the Far East, life is too tranquil for anyone to ever dream of becoming an adventurer."
His words rang with truth. I myself hailed from a corner of the world so peaceful it almost made me forget that the outside world was burning.
The Warning at the Gate
"When you reach the gates, ensure you present your identity token. If you have none, do not even think of slipping in. They will seize you without a word. Since the fall of Velanor, every kingdom is on high alert. They are terrified of infiltrators from the demon realms."
"Thank you for the warning," I replied sincerely.
It was this old man who had opened my eyes to the tragedy of Velanor and the turmoil of the western territories during our time together. Without his tales, I might still be blind to the true state of Eldryn.
"May our paths cross again, young man," Walter said as he began to turn his carriage.
"Where will you go now?"
"As I said, the city has four gates. Merchants like me are required to use the South Gate to avoid the congestion of the main thoroughfares."
"I see. Well then, may your journey be swift and safe."
Walter gave a brief wave before vanishing into the road dust along with the other merchant caravans. Now, I stood alone before the looming shadow of Harbinger, ready to step into the heart of the storm.
"Show your identity token!"
The guard's gravelly voice snapped me out of my thoughts. I observed from a distance; there was not a shred of warmth on their faces. Every traveler was scrutinized with agonizing detail, as if every soul crossing the threshold carried a hidden dagger.
I looked behind me. Silence. I was the last in line this morning.
"Hey! Move forward!"
The sharp command forced my focus. The guards' eyes were now fixed on me, sharp and heavy with suspicion. I stepped forward calmly, the sound of my leather boots echoing against the cold stone floor of the gateway.
As I reached them, several guards closed in. They measured me from head to toe, as if weighing whether I was a hero or a villain in disguise.
"Are you an adventurer?" one asked, his tone pressing.
"No."
"Then show us your identity token."
Without a word, I reached into my pocket and pulled out a badge I had kept tucked away for years. My Knight's Token.
The moment the metal glinted in the sunlight, the tension evaporated. The hard lines on the guards' faces collapsed, replaced by sheer shock. I could even detect a flicker of fear in their eyes.
"Forgive us, Sir!" They bowed in unison—a gesture I hadn't expected.
"It's no matter," I replied curtly.
"What is your business here, Sir?" the guard asked again, his voice now hushed and profoundly respectful.
"I am heading to the Adventurers' Guild."
"If that is the case, please allow me to escort you myself, Sir."
I raised an eyebrow slightly. "Is it not a trouble for you?"
"Not at all... it is an honor."
"Very well."
I entered the city under his escort, leaving a trail of confused whispers at the gate. It seemed the title I earned in the Far East still carried a sharp edge in these western lands.
"Magnificent."
Only that one word could describe the sight before me. For the first time, I witnessed hundreds of adventurers filling every corner of the city. They were a formidable sight, geared in varied weaponry—some hefting massive war hammers, others with longbows slung across their backs, their armor a kaleidoscope of styles and colors.
More surprising still, the divide between races seemed non-existent here. Elegant Elves, sturdy Dwarves, and even Beastfolk moved alongside humans without a hint of friction.
"This is the Guild, Sir."
My steps halted before a majestic multi-story wooden building. Its massive doors were never still, with adventurers flowing in and out, their faces set with grim determination.
"Thank you for your help."
"Of course. If you require anything else, Sir, please visit our Lord's manor. He would be most honored to host a Knight," the guard said before bowing and taking his leave.
I gave a short nod. Once he was gone, I stepped inside.
Silence in the Hall
Inside, the hall was alive with the boisterous laughter and chatter of adventurers. I stood frozen for a second, watching an Elf and a Dwarf sharing a table, talking like old friends. This harmony was a rarity in the East.
"How may I assist you, traveler?"
A young woman behind the counter greeted me with a practiced, friendly smile.
"I need information regarding the Western Front."
"What kind of information, sir?"
"If possible, I require a map to the Demon King's castle."
The girl went still. Her expression shifted to one of utter bewilderment, as if I had just asked for the impossible.
"To access information of that magnitude, one must hold at least a Gold-grade adventurer rank. May I see your adventurer token?"
"I have no such token. But perhaps this will suffice?" I produced my Knight's Token, hoping it would hold weight.
A Sudden Silence
"My deepest apologies, Sir Knight!"
"Eh?"
I was caught off guard as the girl suddenly bowed as low as she possibly could. The rowdy atmosphere of the hall died instantly. A heavy, suffocating silence fell over the room, so quiet that even a breath felt loud. I looked around at the adventurers, but strangely, they all averted their eyes. Some stared intently at their tables; others pretended to be deeply occupied with their weapons.
"Please wait a moment, Sir! I shall summon the Guild Master immediately!"
"Wait—"
My words trailed off. She was already sprinting toward the upper floor without looking back. I stood frozen in the center of the hall, a cold feeling of unease settling in my gut. Why is it that every time this small piece of metal appears, everyone around me changes so drastically? Does this badge carry a power far greater than I ever imagined?