Chapter 102: The Mission to Rescue King Ragnar
Scene: The South Nation's castle, just before dawn. The sky is still dark, but the first light of day begins to peek over the horizon. The air is cool and filled with a sense of urgency as the commanders prepare to embark on their dangerous mission to the East Nation.
Narrator: A new day dawns, bringing with it the moment of truth. The Knight Commanders, under the leadership of Thalanor, are ready to embark on their mission to rescue King Ragnar from the clutches of Zarek. Dressed in special stealth outfits and with their mana presence erased, they move out with the hope of freeing the captive king and gathering crucial information.
Thalanor, Commander Elara, Commander Thoran, and Commander Aric stand at the castle gates, their expressions serious and focused. They have been given their orders, and now it is time to act. Thalanor looks to each of them, his voice steady and authoritative.
Thalanor: (commandingly) Remember, this mission requires absolute stealth. Our objective is to locate and rescue King Ragnar without engaging the enemy. We must also gather any valuable information that can aid us in the coming battle. Let's move out.
The commanders nod in agreement, and with that, they set off toward the East Nation. The journey is tense but swift, their special outfits allowing them to move silently and blend into the shadows. As they travel, they remain vigilant, always aware of the possibility of encountering enemy patrols.
Narrator: The journey to the East Nation is fraught with danger, but the commanders are well-prepared. Their special outfits and the erasure of their mana presence allow them to move undetected through the land. After hours of travel, they finally reach the East Nation and the imposing structure of the castle.
The East Nation's castle looms before them, its dark, foreboding walls a stark contrast to the quiet of the surrounding landscape. The air is heavy with a sense of dread, but the commanders remain focused on their mission. Thalanor motions for them to stop, his eyes scanning the castle's exterior.
Thalanor: (whispering) We'll split up to cover more ground. Elara, you take the east wing of the castle. Thoran and Aric, you'll keep watch from here. I'll head underground and search the lower levels. Remember, stay unnoticed and avoid combat if possible.
Commander Elara nods and swiftly moves toward the east wing of the castle, her steps silent as she navigates the dark corridors. She keeps to the shadows, her senses heightened as she begins her search for King Ragnar.
Elara: (thinking) I have to be careful… one wrong move and we'll be discovered. I must find King Ragnar quickly.
Meanwhile, Thalanor makes his way toward the underground entrance of the castle. The air grows colder as he descends, the stone walls closing in around him. As he moves deeper into the castle's depths, he suddenly comes across an enclosed room. He pauses, hearing faint voices from within.
Narrator: Thalanor's instincts tell him to investigate further. He cautiously approaches the room, pressing his ear to the door. Inside, he hears the voices of Zarek and his allies, discussing their plans for the South Nation. Thalanor listens intently, knowing that this information could be crucial.
Inside the room, Zarek's voice is low and calculated, filled with a cold resolve.
Zarek: (calmly) The time has come to strike. In one week, we will launch our full-scale attack on the South Nation. They won't be expecting us, and by the time they realize what's happening, it will be too late. We will crush them and take control of their lands.
Thalanor's eyes narrow as he listens, his mind racing with the implications of Zarek's words. This information could change everything. But he knows he cannot linger—he must continue his mission and find King Ragnar.
Thalanor moves away from the door and continues down to the underground levels of the castle. The air grows colder and more oppressive as he descends, but he remains focused. Finally, he reaches a large cave, its entrance hidden deep within the castle's foundations.
Narrator: Thalanor enters the cave cautiously, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. At the far end of the cave, he sees a figure—King Ragnar, chained to the wall, his body bruised and battered. Thalanor's heart tightens at the sight, but he knows he must act quickly.
Thalanor approaches King Ragnar, who looks up at him with weary but determined eyes.
Thalanor: (softly) Your Majesty, I'm Thalanor, sent by King Alden to rescue you. We need to get you out of here.
King Ragnar, though weakened, nods in understanding. He is relieved to see a friendly face, but he knows that escape will not be easy.
King Ragnar: (weakly) Thalanor… I feared no one would come. But these chains… they're bound by Zarek's mana. I've tried to break free, but it's impossible.
Thalanor examines the chains closely, his hand hovering over them. As soon as he touches the chains, a powerful surge of white electricity shocks him, forcing him to recoil in pain. He realizes that the chains are infused with Zarek's Divine Mana, making them nearly impossible to break.
Thalanor: (gritting his teeth) Zarek's mana… it's too strong. I can't break these chains.
Thalanor tries again and again, using all his strength and skill to break the chains, but each attempt is met with the same result—a powerful shock that forces him back. After countless tries, he finally stops, his body trembling from the effort.
Narrator: Thalanor realizes that there is only one way to free King Ragnar—Zarek himself must be forced to remove the chains, or he must be defeated. It is a grim realization, but there is no other option.
King Ragnar, seeing the strain on Thalanor's face, speaks with a quiet but firm resolve.
King Ragnar: (softly) Thalanor, you must return to the South Nation and report what you've found. Tell King Alden what Zarek plans. There's no time to waste. Leave me here for now… but promise me, you'll come back.
Thalanor, his heart heavy, bows his head in respect and swears an oath.
Thalanor: (solemnly) I swear it, Your Majesty. I will return, and we will free you. Stay strong until then.
With that, Thalanor quickly activates a special communication device, signaling the other commanders to withdraw immediately. He knows that their mission is complete—they have gathered the information they need, and it's time to return to the South Nation.
The commanders, receiving Thalanor's signal, begin their retreat. They move swiftly and silently through the castle, careful not to draw any attention to themselves. Once outside, they regroup and make their way back to the South Nation as quickly as possible.
Narrator: The commanders move with haste, their minds focused on the mission. Thalanor shares the grim news of King Ragnar's imprisonment and the impending attack on the South Nation. They know that time is running out, but they are determined to reach the castle and report their findings.
After hours of travel, the commanders finally arrive at the South Nation's castle. They are exhausted but determined as they enter the throne room, where King Alden awaits them. Thalanor steps forward, his expression grim as he delivers the report.
Thalanor: (seriously) Your Majesty, we located King Ragnar, but he is bound by Zarek's Divine Mana. The chains cannot be broken by normal means. We also learned that Zarek plans to attack the South Nation in one week's time. We have little time to prepare.
King Alden's expression darkens as he listens, his hands clenching into fists. The news is worse than he had hoped, but he is grateful for the valuable information the commanders have gathered.
King Alden: (angrily) So, Zarek plans to strike in a week… and King Ragnar is still in his clutches. This is dire news, but you have done well. We will use this information to our advantage. We must prepare for Zarek's attack.
King Alden takes a deep breath, his mind already working on a plan. He knows that there is no time to waste.
King Alden: (commandingly) Summon the rest of the knights and the heroes at once. We will hold a final strategy meeting to prepare for Zarek's return. Every moment counts.
The commanders bow and quickly move to carry out the King's orders. The castle is soon abuzz with activity as knights and heroes are summoned to the throne room, each one filled with curiosity and concern about the meeting to come.
Narrator: The knights and heroes gather in the castle, their hearts filled with a mix of anticipation and fear. They know that the battle ahead will be unlike any they have faced before, but they are ready to stand together and fight for the South Nation.
The chapter ends with the knights and heroes entering the throne room, their expressions serious and focused. The final strategy meeting is about to begin, and the fate of the South Nation hangs in the balance.