Outside the city walls, two armored guards stood holding spears, their faces hidden behind iron helmets.
One of them sighed and muttered, "This is so boring…"
"It's not a game, Alaric. Stand straight and do your job," the other replied.
Alaric glanced at his brother and sighed again.
"You're too boring, Sam. If we weren't standing here like statues, we could've gone to the bar... enjoyed a little youth, if you know what I mean. Hehe."
Sam frowned. "You and your disgusting mind."
Alaric shook his head. "I'm just enjoying youth before we're dead. This city's doomed, and the Empire doesn't care."
Sam struck Alaric on the head with the butt of his spear.
"Ow, ow! What was that for?!"
"Do you want your head cut off? Stop saying that, idiot!"
Alaric grumbled but stood straight again, silently praying for his shift to end.
Time passed. Two hours slipped by.
Suddenly, Alaric noticed movement in the forest.
Both brothers raised their spears.
From the treeline emerged a man—his body lean and battle-worn, dark hair tangled, torn clothes clinging to his frame. A collar with shimmering runes hung around his neck.
He ran toward the gates.
"Stop right there!" the brothers shouted in unison.
The man stopped, panting. "Guards! Please—I have information for the lord. It's urgent!"
Sam narrowed his eyes. "Are you a slave?"
"Y-Yes! From one of the expeditions."
"If so, where are the others from your expedition?"
"They… they died. They sacrificed themselves so at least one of us could return. That's how important this is!"
"And what's the information?" Alaric asked.
"It's about the infection. We think—no, I'm certain—we found the source."
The guards' eyes widened.
"You're serious?" Sam asked.
"I swear on the War God, every word is true!"
Sam and Alaric exchanged glances, then lowered their spears.
"Come. We'll escort you," Sam said.
"Thank you. Their sacrifice won't be in vain."
The brothers led the man into the city, toward the castle.
Behind them, the man's face remained still and unreadable.
'That was easy…'
He was none other than Ghost.
***
The grand hall stretched wide, its marble floor reflecting colored light from towering stained-glass windows. Golden chandeliers flickered faintly overhead, but even they couldn't rival the sun's brilliance. At the far end stood a silver throne, inlaid with gemstones and framed by twin lion statues.
Ghost knelt before the throne, his head bowed low. Beside him, the two guards stood with heads slightly lowered, eyes on him.
Footsteps echoed.
Then silence.
"Raise your heads," a calm voice commanded.
The guards spoke in unison, "Thank you, my lord," and Ghost followed suit.
The lord was a middle-aged man with blond hair and a short beard, his brown eyes sharp. Beside him stood an old man with long gray hair and a thick beard.
"I was told there's an emergency requiring my presence," the lord said.
Sam stepped forward. "Yes, my lord. This slave claims he and his expedition found the source of the infection."
The lord looked to Ghost. "Is that true?"
"Y-Yes, my lord."
"Speak, then."
Ghost's body trembled faintly. "My group ventured deep into the horde. It was hard to stay hidden, but we survived long enough… to see it."
He paused. "A monster. Fly-like wings. Tentacles from its lower body. Mantis-like claws from its chest. It didn't act like the others. It... commanded them."
Silence followed—until the old man beside the throne finally spoke.
"And how did you escape the horde?"
Ghost met his gaze.
'They're suspicious…'
"Thanks to the others' sacrifices. They stayed behind to distract the horde."
The old man sneered. "A little too convenient, don't you think?"
"Enough, Marcus," the lord said calmly.
Marcus bowed. "Apologies, my lord."
The lord looked to Ghost. "If your words are true, you've done this city a great service. What is your name, slave?"
"I have no name, my lord."
"Hm. Marcus—remove his collar."
Ghost's eyes widened. He bowed repeatedly. "Thank you, my lord. I will never forget your grace."
"You may leave."
The guards nodded and exited with Ghost.
Marcus turned to the lord. "Are you sure, my lord?"
The lord's expression remained cold. "Marcus."
"Y-Yes, my lord?"
"Have someone watch him at all times. If he does anything suspicious, report to me immediately."
"As you wish."
The lord nodded and stood, leaving the hall in silence.
***
I know it's a short chapter, but this chapter should be 2k word chapter, but I divide it to two. The second chapter will be uploaded shortly.
Leave a review on this fanfic, chapter and some power stones, so more people can read it.