They finally arrived in the city; their bodies weary from the arduous journey. They made their way to the princess's friend, Elsa. As Elsa caught sight of the princess, her emotions overwhelmed her, and tears streamed down her face as she tightly embraced her long-lost friend. It was a reunion filled with tears of joy and relief.
Elsa warmly welcomed them into her home, sensing the unease that emanated from Ares. As they sat down for a much-needed lunch, Ares and Frost couldn't help but overhear snippets of conversation between the two friends. They discovered that the princess had fled from an arranged marriage with the son of the prime minister, seeking refuge in the frozen citadel with Elsa.
After the meal, Ares and Frost bid farewell to the princess and Elsa, each retreating to their respective rooms. Ares intended to log out momentarily, believing that the princess would be safe within the confines of Elsa's home. However, just as he settled down, a system notification shattered the tranquility.
Ding! "You have been poisoned. The silent poison has taken effect, and you will be paralyzed, losing 100 health points per second until you die."
A wave of panic washed over Ares as he grappled with the horrifying reality. But then, a second notification sounded.
Ding! "Due to your superior physique, the poison has been eliminated by the sword chi coursing through your body."
Frost, too, found herself in a similar predicament, but her eternal frost fire ability swiftly eradicated the poison's effects. Realizing the princess was in imminent danger, they rushed towards Elsa's room, only to discover her unconscious and bound once again. Masked figures surrounded the room, and Elsa stood at the center, clad in the same garb, clutching a mask. Ares had suspected Elsa, but when he witnessed her crying alongside the princess earlier, he had let go of his doubts. However, the sight before him now left him bewildered, struggling to reconcile the two contrasting versions of Elsa.
A mix of surprise and disbelief washed over Ares and Frost as they exchanged puzzled glances. How could the emotional friend they had just encountered suddenly transform into this cold, unfamiliar figure? Doubt gnawed at their minds as they tried to make sense of the perplexing situation unfolding before them.
With a steely gaze, Elsa locked eyes with Ares and Frost, an unsettling aura surrounding her. It was as if she had undergone a drastic transformation, shedding her previous demeanor like a snake shedding its skin. Ares couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to Elsa's true identity, hidden beneath the surface.
As the masked figures tightened their grip on their weapons, tension filled the air, and Ares braced himself for a battle he had not anticipated. His instincts screamed at him to protect the princess at all costs, urging him to unravel the mystery behind Elsa's sudden change.
Ares' reflexes kicked in as he activated the Light Steps skill of his boots, granting him an astonishing 500% boost in agility for a fleeting 15 seconds. With lightning speed, he materialized before Elsa, slashing his sword with precision. Caught off guard, Elsa countered with a dagger, but she had no choice but to retreat.
The level gap between the dark faction members and Ares's party was immense, rendering Ares unable to discern their names or levels. "Frost, activate your martial soul! We're breaking through!" Ares shouted, unleashing his martial soul as well. A dazzling display of sky-rendering sword chi engulfed everyone in the room, suppressing their adversaries. Lightning crackled, summoning forth a colossal dragon. Seizing the opportunity, Ares swiftly scooped up the unconscious princess, deploying every skill at his disposal.
With the princess cradled protectively in his arms, Ares crashed through the shattered window, propelling himself forward in a desperate sprint toward the towering walls of the duke's castle. His heart pounded in his chest, adrenaline surging through his veins as he raced against time. Every step he took was infused with the urgency of the situation, his determination eclipsing any fear that threatened to overtake him.
Ares maneuvered through the labyrinthine buildings and corridors; his senses heightened to the imminent danger lurking in the shadows. The echoes of his footsteps reverberated through the empty halls, a haunting reminder of the life-and-death struggle that unfolded behind him.
As he traversed the class change house, he notified the elders about the dark faction's attack and very soon the clash of steel against steel resounded from every corner. NPC elders, representing different factions, showcased their mastery of combat, their martial prowess on full display. Each elder fought with unwavering determination, their unique techniques and skills creating a symphony of chaos and bravery.
Ares's eyes widened in awe as he witnessed a scene that could rival the battles of legends. A venerable elder, emanating an aura of pure power, engaged several dark faction assailants single-handedly. His movements were fluid and precise, every strike a testament to his skill and experience. With each swing of his weapon, enemies were sent hurtling through the air, their cries of pain merging with the clash of weapons.
The grand hall of the castle became a stage for this dramatic clash of forces. The air crackled with energy, and Ares found himself captivated by the sight before him. He knew he had stumbled upon a rare and remarkable display of martial might, where the line between life and death blurred with every swing, and destiny hung in the balance.
But it was when the duke himself made his entrance that the atmosphere transformed entirely. The mere presence of the almighty ruler sent ripples of trepidation through the room, causing even the most battle-hardened warriors to tremble in awe. As the duke strode forward, his steps resonated with power, each footfall commanding attention.
With a mere gesture, the duke's will manifested itself, and the chaotic battlefield fell silent. The clash of swords and the cries of combatants ceased, replaced by an eerie hush. The duke's authority radiated from him like an unyielding force, rendering everyone in his presence acutely aware of their own insignificance.
Ares and Frost watched, breathless, as the duke surveyed the aftermath of the clash. His piercing gaze, filled with an unwavering determination, swept across the room, taking in the fallen adversaries and the courageous defenders. It was a testament to his unyielding resolve, his undying commitment to protect his domain and its people.
In that moment, Ares realized the true might of the duke, the indomitable power that had earned him his exalted position. He understood why the duke was revered as a living legend, a force to be reckoned with. It was an honor to witness the almighty ruler in action, a glimpse into the extraordinary world where strength and destiny intertwined.
The princess stirred in Ares's arms, her eyelids fluttering open. Groggy and disoriented, she let out a yawn, oblivious to the gravity of the situation that had unfolded. Her carefree demeanor starkly contrasted with the tension that still lingered in the air. Ares couldn't help but smile, his heart swelling with relief. They had made it to safety, thanks to the heroic efforts of those who fought by their side. "Uhwaaa... What happened? Why are we here? Where is Elsa?" she questioned, her carefree demeanor at odds with the gravity of the situation. Ares couldn't help but feel the urge to give her a good smack on the head.
Duke began to investigate and found two youth made a great contribution and were frost to discover the dark faction so he called to reward them.
Ares and Frost, with the princess in tow, stepped into the grand hall of the duke's mansion, they couldn't help but feel a mixture of nerves and anticipation. The echoes of their footsteps resonated through the opulent chamber, adding an air of solemnity to the moment.
The duke, perched on his imposing throne, observed their arrival with an intense gaze. His stern expression hinted at the gravity of the situation, but little did he know that a twist of fate would soon inject an unexpected dose of humor into the proceedings.
One by one, Ares and Frost gracefully bowed before the duke, their eyes fixated on the floor, showing utmost respect. However, as their eyes shifted towards the princess, they couldn't help but stifle a chuckle. The princess, in all her obliviousness, remained standing, oblivious to the proper protocol of the occasion.
The duke's eyebrows furrowed, ready to deliver a stern reprimand, but before he could utter a word, he felt a sense of familiarity and his gaze fell upon the girl's finger. His eyes widened, and he let out a startled gasp. In a moment of realization, he shouted with a mix of surprise and relief, "P...pri...princess Vera!! Why are you here, your highness?!"
The duke's voice echoed through the hall, and his sudden outburst startled the princess, who looked around in confusion. Seeing the duke's reaction, she couldn't help but burst into laughter, her melodic giggles filling the chamber. The tension that had hung in the air dissipated, replaced by the infectious sound of mirth.
The duke, caught off guard by the princess's laughter, descended from his throne with a mixture of embarrassment and amusement. Sweat formed on his brow, his regal composure momentarily shattered by the unexpected turn of events. He hastily wiped his forehead with the back of his hand, trying to regain his poise.
The princess, still giggling, finally managed to compose herself and shared the details of their perilous adventure. The duke listened with a mixture of relief and horror, imagining the disastrous consequences if the princess had indeed been kidnapped on his watch. The mere thought caused him to break into a cold sweat, exaggerating his already disheveled appearance.
Overwhelmed by gratitude, the duke turned to Ares and Frost, his voice filled with sincere appreciation. "You two! Words cannot express my gratitude for saving our beloved princess. You are true heroes." He reached into his robes and produced two pouches overflowing with gold coins, extending them towards Ares and Frost.
Ares and Frost's eyes widened in disbelief as they realized the weight of the reward being bestowed upon them. The sheer amount of gold coins glimmering before them seemed almost unreal. Ares struggled to find the right words, his mouth agape, while Frost managed a stunned "Thank you, Your Grace."
As the duke regained his composure and made plans to escort the princess to the emperor, a sense of camaraderie and humor lingered in the air, turning what could have been a solemn affair into a moment filled with laughter and gratitude.