Midnight draped the world in its inky cloak, swallowing the fiery gash of the sunset and replacing it with a canvas sprinkled with a million diamond stars. Exhaustion gnawed at Frey's bones despite the unnatural speed that had devoured the miles. Dismounting from the Hell Horses, she marveled at the creatures themselves. They defied logic. Their fiery eyes burned with an undimmed intensity, and their muscles rippled with a power that seemed untouched by the eight-hour journey. These were no ordinary horses.
A dark silhouette emerged on the horizon—the formidable walls of Zuberk. With a silent, almost ritualistic command from Alex, the Hell Horses veered off the main path, their obsidian forms melting into the shadows of the nearby forest that flanked the city walls.
Reaching a clearing within the forest, they dismounted. Alex approached the Hell Horses, stroking their obsidian cheek with a touch that seemed almost reverent. A strange warmth flickered in his eyes. "Return safely, beauties," he murmured, his voice a low whisper that held an undercurrent of hidden meaning.
In response, the Hell Horses tossed their fiery manes and let out a chorus of snorts that echoed through the stillness of the night. Then, with a blur of motion that defied logic, they vanished. It was as if they had been swallowed whole by the darkness from which they had come.
Frey stared after them, speechless. "T-that was..." she stammered, her voice barely a whisper. "So fast... eight hours on those things... and they're not even tired?"
Alex chuckled, a low rumble that resonated in the quiet night. "Like I said," he replied, a hint of amusement coloring his voice, "these aren't your average steeds. They operate on... different principles."
"W-Why did we stop here?" Frey finally managed, still catching her breath.
"They might be scared if they see the horses," Alex explained. "And who knows what they might think—demons or worse. Best to keep them hidden."
"That's a good point..."
Leaving the cool embrace of the forest, Frey and Alex emerged onto the main path leading towards Zuberk Kingdom. The path, which had seen countless travelers, had worn cobblestones that faintly glinted in the moonlight. The silence of the woods gave way to the city's low hum of activity, a constant pulse that resonated like a heartbeat.
Ahead, two figures materialized against the imposing silhouette of the city walls. The guards stood with arms crossed, their expressions stoic under the flickering torchlight. The dancing shadows they cast stretched across the path, lending an air of unease.
Frey, despite her best efforts, couldn't entirely shake off the nervous energy that prickled at her skin. Having spent a month confined within the dungeon throne, this was her first step back into the world, far from the dungeon.
In stark contrast, Alex displayed an almost nonchalant swagger as they approached. The guards shifted, their gazes flitting between them with suspicion. As the distance closed, one guard's voice, gruff and laden with suspicion, cut through the tense silence.
"Halt!" he barked. "Who approaches the gates of Zuberk after nightfall?"
Alex stopped a few paces away, a sardonic smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Greetings, guardsmen," he replied, his voice smooth and deceptively friendly. "We are weary travelers seeking the hospitality of your fine city."
The guards remained silent, their eyes scrutinizing the pair with an intensity that made Frey acutely aware of a bead of sweat trickling down her temple. The air crackled with unspoken tension, a palpable sense of unease hanging heavy between them.
Finally, one guard broke the silence.
"Identification," he demanded, his voice clipped.
Alex gave a curt nod, reaching into a hidden pocket and producing a worn parchment. He extended it towards the guard captain, his smile fading slightly.
The guard captain, a man with a weathered face and a scar that ran down his cheek, took the identification and scrutinized it under the flickering torchlight. He muttered something under his breath, then passed it to his companion, a younger guard with a nervous twitch in his jaw.
[Name: Acomalaka]
[Age: 30]
[Race: Human]
[Adventure Class: Sage]
"Hmm..." the captain rumbled after a long moment, his voice gruff. "Looks authentic enough, for what it's worth." He didn't sound entirely convinced.
"Where are you travelers hailing from at this late hour?" the younger guard asked, his voice barely a squeak compared to the captain's.
"Elera Village," Alex replied smoothly.
The younger guard whistled, a low sound that echoed in the stillness. "That's a fair trek from here. What brings you to Zuberk at this hour?"
Alex's smile stretched a touch too wide, the edges flickering ominously in the uncertain torchlight. "Actually," he said, his voice smooth as oiled silk, "Sebastian himself requested my presence. For training, you see."
The captain's weathered face creased further. "Sebastian, huh?" he rumbled, his voice low and gravelly. "He did mention something about an Alex arriving for... special instruction."
The younger guard's face lit up. "Yeah, just yesterday! Said anyone named Alex gets immediate passage for training." He scratched his head, a confused frown marring his youthful features. "But... your papers say Acomalaka..."
A heavy silence descended, thick enough to choke on. The guards' initial suspicion had morphed into a potent cocktail of unease and confusion. This wasn't just about a late-night arrival. The discrepancy between Alex's words and his identification, coupled with Sebastian's cryptic message, hinted at something far more clandestine—something that sent a shiver crawling down Frey's spine despite her best efforts to appear composed.
Alex, however, remained the picture of nonchalance. A faint, almost predatory smile played on his lips, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes that sent a tremor of unease through Frey. He met the captain's gaze head-on, his voice smooth yet imbued with a subtle power that resonated in the stillness of the night.
"It seems," he began, his words measured and deliberate, "there might be a slight... misunderstanding. Perhaps a direct conversation with this Sebastian is in order. I'm certain he'll be more than happy to clarify the situation."
The guard grunted, tossing Alex's identification card onto the rough-hewn table. "Spill it," he commanded, his voice gruff.
Sweat beaded on Alex's brow despite the cool night air. "W-well," he stammered, "it seems there's a slight discrepancy. My papers say Acomalaka, but Sebastian apparently requested... Alex."
The captain's gaze narrowed, like a hawk eyeing a wounded rabbit. "We're waiting," he rumbled, his silence more intimidating than any outburst.
Alex cleared his throat, forcing a smile. "Perhaps it's a matter of... aliases," he offered, the word tasting foreign on his tongue. "Adventurers, you understand, often operate under assumed names."
The younger guard, ever eager, chimed in, "Oh, an adventurer's name! You should've said so from the start." He snatched the identification card and flipped it over, scrutinizing it further.
The captain, however, remained unconvinced. He eyed Frey, cloaked in her maid's attire. "And what about the lady with you?"
"Just my loyal companion," Alex replied smoothly. "She goes wherever I do."
The captain grunted again, a sound that could have meant anything. Finally, he tossed the identification card back at Alex. "Sebastian might be sleeping this hour. You better find a room for rent."
"Thank you," Alex said, his voice betraying no hint of his churning emotions. Pocketing the card, he shot a sidelong glance at Frey, a silent message passing between them.
"Good night, adventurers," the younger guard piped up, oblivious to the undercurrent of tension.
As they walked from the gate inside the kingdom, the weight of the captain's gaze lingered on their backs. The air crackled with unspoken questions, and a sense of unease gnawed at Frey.
As they walked away from the gate, the weight of the captain's gaze lingered on their backs like a physical touch. The air crackled with unspoken questions, and a sense of unease gnawed at Frey.
The city unfolded before them, bathed in the cool luminescence of a half-moon. It presented a stark contrast to the sun-drenched plains they'd just traversed. Here, shadows stretched long and menacing from the towering buildings, their upper stories shrouded in an inky blackness that swallowed the moonlight whole. The silence was profound, broken only by the occasional, mournful cry of a nocturnal bird or the rhythmic chirping of unseen insects—a haunting counterpoint to the vibrant hum of life they'd left behind.
Frey shivered, not just from the cool night air, but also from the inadequacy of her flimsy maid attire. The cobblestone streets beneath their feet were slick and uneven, a testament to the lack of recent rainfall. An unsettling feeling gnawed at her. Zuberk, despite its imposing walls, felt less like a haven and more like a sleeping beast, its slumber filled with an undercurrent of tension that prickled her skin.
Her voice was barely audible as she began, "This place," but the oppressive silence swallowed it. "So... quiet."
The hood of his cloak covering his face, Alex cast a downward glance at her. "Just the quiet hum of a city asleep," he replied, his voice a low murmur. But even in the dim light, Frey could sense the amusement dancing in his eyes. "Though come morning," he continued, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips, "it'll likely be a different story altogether. A cacophony of commerce and life will fill these streets."
They continued their trek, their footsteps echoing off the deserted buildings. The narrow alleyways they navigated felt like a maze, each turn revealing another dark, foreboding passage. The air, thick and heavy with the scent of stale incense and damp stone, clung to them like a shroud, adding to the oppressive atmosphere.
Their trek through the labyrinthine alleys felt endless. Every turn offered a new vista of shadowed doorways and looming structures that seemed to close in on them. The rhythmic click of unseen insects intensified, their chirps becoming a monotonous drone in the oppressive silence.
Frey, her grip tightening on Alex's arm, couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. It wasn't a physical sensation, but rather a prickling awareness that their arrival in Zuberk hadn't gone unnoticed. Every creak of a weathered signpost, every rustle in the unseen foliage, sent a tremor of unease through her.
"Do you know where you're going?" she whispered, her voice barely audible above the incessant insect song.
Before Frey could question his cryptic statement, a change came over Alex. His posture straightened, and a jolt of energy seemingly ran through him. He squeezed her hand, not with a comforting touch, but with an almost desperate urgency.
"Hold on tight, Frey," he whispered, a hint of a warning lacing his voice.
In a blur of motion, the world around them warped. One moment they were navigating the deserted alley, the next, they were hurtling through the maze of buildings, the cool night air whipping past them. Frey, caught completely off guard, let out a startled yelp. The cobblestones beneath their feet blurred into a grey streak, and the buildings transformed into fleeting silhouettes.
Alex, his cloak billowing behind him like a phantom's shroud, was no longer walking; he was running. Frey, her eyes wide with exhilaration, clung to him desperately. The city, once a menacing labyrinth, now becomes a surreal landscape of rushing shadows and distorted sounds.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Alex skidded to a halt in front of a massive structure. It wasn't an inn, but a magnificent palace—a glittering edifice of white marble that seemed to pierce the night sky with its towering spires. Golden light spilled from its grand windows, illuminating intricate carvings and ornate balconies that dripped with a decadent opulence.
Frey, still reeling from the breakneck journey, stared at the palace in disbelief. "This… this is where we're staying?" she stammered, her voice barely a whisper.
Alex, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips despite his ragged breaths, turned to her. "Welcome to the LunaLuxe, Frey," he said, his voice low and enigmatic. "Our temporary haven in Zuberk."
[Welcome to LunaLuxe Hotel]
The opulent entrance doors of the LunaLuxe loomed before them, intricately carved with scenes of celestial bodies and mythical creatures. Frey, still breathless from their breakneck arrival, stared at the palace in awe. This was a far cry from the modest inns she'd envisioned.
"Seems you know this place already, master?" she whispered, her voice barely audible amidst the faint strains of music wafting from within.
Alex chuckled, making a low, almost conspiratorial sound. "Heh, of course I do," he replied, his voice regaining its usual smoothness. "Consider it a… professional courtesy."
With a flourish, he swept open the doors, ushering Frey inside. A wave of warmth and the intoxicating scent of exotic flowers washed over them.
The grand lobby was a marvel of opulence. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light on a polished marble floor, and plush velvet carpets stretch out in a vibrant crimson. Murals depicting fantastical landscapes adorned the walls, and statues of mythical heroes stood sentinel in alcoves. Scattered around the room, nobles and dignitaries conversed in hushed tones, their attire shimmering with jewels and fine fabrics.
A young woman with a dazzling smile and a dress that shimmered like spun moonlight stood behind a polished mahogany reception desk.
Alex, his cloak falling gracefully from his shoulders, approached her with an air of easy confidence. Frey, still slightly overwhelmed by the grandeur of it all, trailed behind him, clutching the folds of her maid's dress self-consciously.
"Greetings," Alex said, his voice smooth as polished obsidian. A faint smile played on his lips, a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "We are weary travelers in need of… accommodations," he paused, his gaze flickering to Frey for a fleeting moment. "The finest you have available, of course."
The receptionist, a young woman with a dazzling smile and a dress that shimmered like spun moonlight, tilted her head slightly, her eyes flitting between them. "Certainly, sir," she replied, her voice courteous yet laced with a hint of skepticism. "However, I must inform you that due to a recent influx of dignitaries, we currently only have one luxury suite remaining."
A sardonic chuckle quickly covered up a flash of surprise on Alex's face. "Ah, a busy night at the LunaLuxe, it seems. Then, please understand that we would not want to annoy anyone by asking for subpar accommodations."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Perhaps you could… inquire about the usual occupancy of this suite? Discreetly, of course."
The receptionist's smile faltered slightly, a flicker of unease crossing her features. Alex's words, delivered with a casual nonchalance, hinted at a hidden meaning that left her feeling unsettled.
"The usual rate for the luxury suite is fifty thousand gold per night, sir," she replied, her voice regaining its composure. "Would you like to proceed?"
Alex's eyes narrowed for a brief moment, a hint of something akin to annoyance flashing within them. However, he quickly schooled his expression back into one of amusement.
"Fifty thousand gold, you say?" he chuckled, a touch too loud for a simple conversation. "My, my, are you guys in inflation? Surely such a sum wouldn't be necessary for a mere room, no matter how luxurious."
The tension in the air crackled, and Frey couldn't help but shift nervously on her feet. Alex's words, delivered with an undercurrent of veiled threat, seemed to hang heavy in the opulent lobby.
"Apologies, sir," the receptionist stammered, her smile now strained. "It truly is the only room remaining in the Luxury category—"
Brak!
Before she could finish, a clinking sound erupted from the reception desk. Alex, his expression nonchalant, had seemingly materialized a small mountain of gold coins—easily fifty thousand. The coins spilled over the polished wood, glinting under the crystal chandeliers.
A stunned silence descended upon the opulent lobby. The murmurs of conversation ceased as patrons and staff alike turned to gawk at the unexpected display of wealth.
Alex, unfazed by the stunned gazes, leaned closer to the receptionist, his voice dropping to a low murmur. "There you have it," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "It seems the room is within our budget after all. Now, about escorting us to these… luxurious accommodations?"
"Y-Yes sir!" stammered the receptionist, her composure shaken. With trembling hands, she reached beneath the counter and retrieved a key unlike any Frey had ever seen. It was massive, crafted from gleaming silver, and adorned with a swirling gold emblem that seemed to writhe in the chandelier light.
"Here, sir," she offered, her voice barely a whisper. "Your room is number one, located on the very top floor."
A hint of a triumphant smirk played on Alex's lips as he accepted the key. The display of wealth, as unexpected as it was extravagant, had served its purpose. He cast a sidelong glance at Frey, a silent message passing between them—a message that spoke of hidden resources and agendas far grander than a simple night's stay.
"Excellent," he replied, his voice smooth and collected. "Let's go, frey."
Alex gestured towards a grand staircase that spiraled upwards, its steps seemingly carved from moonlight itself. The air shimmered faintly around them, and Frey felt a strange lightness in her steps, almost as if the opulent surroundings themselves were welcoming them.
Together, they ascended, the weight of the golden key a cold promise of secrets to be unveiled on the highest floor of the LunaLuxe.
They ascended the grand staircase, the moonlight steps guiding their way upward. The air shimmered faintly with each step, and an ethereal melody seemed to weave through the air, growing more pronounced with every floor they climbed. With each step, Frey felt lighter, as if the LunaLuxe itself were welcoming them, replacing her initial sense of apprehension with one of wonder.
Finally, they reached the top floor. Unlike the opulent lower floors teeming with activity, an air of hushed reverence cloaked this level. A plush, midnight-blue carpet stretched before them, the only sound of their own footsteps breaking the silence.
At the very end of the corridor, a single, ornately carved door stood out from the rest. Unlike the gold-plated doors below, thone was crafted from a dark, ebony wood, its surface etched with swirling silver sigils that seemed to writhe faintly in the dim light. A single, luminous number one adorned the center.
Frey, still breathless from their rapid ascent, leaned against the wall, her hand pressed to her chest. "Sigh... master," she finally managed, her voice barely a whisper, "how can you have such energy? That… that was incredible."
Alex, his eyes gleaming with a hint of amusement, turned to her. "Let's just say I have my ways, Frey," he replied, his voice a low murmur. "Now, shall we see what awaits us in this… very special room?"
He strode confidently towards the ebony door, the weight of the golden key heavy in his hand. As he reached for the handle, the sigils on the door flared momentarily, bathing the corridor in an ethereal silver light. Then, with a soft click, the door swung open, revealing a scene that left Frey speechless.
< Chapter 16 > Fin.