The guildhall buzzed with its usual activity. Adventurers boasted of recent quests, guild members laughed over drinks, and the air smelled of fresh bread and the sharp tang of steel. But at Ryuto's table, the atmosphere was heavy. He and his party sat in a corner booth, their faces tense, discussing the events of the ruins and the dark energy that now seemed to be spreading like a creeping shadow across the land.
Ryuto stared at his smartphone system, re-reading the quest notification: "The Source of the Darkness." It sat there, flashing ominously on his screen, a reminder that their battle had only just begun. His fingers hovered over the app, but he couldn't bring himself to open it just yet. Instead, he looked at his party.
"Whatever that thing was in the ruins," Ryuto said, leaning forward, "it's not over. We barely escaped, and it feels like that darkness is... growing."
Celeste nodded, her brows furrowed in concern. "I felt it too. That power, it's ancient, and it's not something we can handle on our own."
"I hate to say it," Roland added, his arms crossed, "but she's right. That was way beyond anything we've ever dealt with. We need help."
Nina, who had been unusually quiet, flicked her dagger between her fingers. "So, what's the plan, boss? We gonna wait around and hope the darkness just goes away, or are we actually gonna do something about it?"
Before Ryuto could answer, the doors to the guildhall burst open, and a royal messenger, clad in deep blue and gold, strode in. His presence immediately commanded attention, and the room fell silent as adventurers turned to see what the commotion was about. The messenger's gaze swept the hall, landing squarely on Ryuto.
"Ryuto of Velclair?" the messenger called out, his voice sharp and clear.
Ryuto blinked, surprised. "Uh… yeah, that's me."
The messenger approached, handing him an ornate scroll, sealed with the royal insignia of the kingdom. "By order of His Majesty the King, you are summoned to the royal court in the capital. You are to be honored for your recent heroics and to discuss matters of great importance regarding the security of the kingdom."
Ryuto glanced at his party, then back at the scroll. "The King wants to see me?"
The messenger nodded. "His Majesty has heard of your deeds and believes you may have insight into the growing darkness plaguing our lands."
Celeste's eyes lit up with excitement. "This is amazing, Ryuto! The King himself wants to meet with you."
Nina, always the rogue, grinned. "Looks like you're moving up in the world, boss. Think there'll be any princesses at the castle? You might be noble material after all."
Ryuto couldn't help but smile at her teasing, though the seriousness of the situation remained in the back of his mind. "Alright, let's go see what the King wants."
The journey to the royal capital took the better part of a day. Ryuto, Celeste, Nina, Roland, and Ruda rode in a comfortable carriage, provided by the royal court. As they traveled, the landscape changed from the familiar countryside to more luxurious estates, with sprawling vineyards and pristine gardens. The closer they got to the capital, the more regal the surroundings became.
Inside the carriage, the atmosphere was mostly light-hearted, though Celeste kept a close eye on Nina, who had been inching closer to Ryuto the entire ride. Nina, ever the playful troublemaker, found every opportunity to tease Ryuto.
At one point, she slid closer to him, her arm brushing against his. "So, Ryuto," she said with a mischievous smile, "how does it feel to be summoned by a king? Maybe they'll make you a knight, or even better, a lord. What'll your noble name be?"
Ryuto chuckled, leaning back in his seat. "I'm just a guy with a bit of magic, Nina. Let's not get carried away."
"Bit of magic?" Nina scoffed, lightly nudging him with her elbow. "Come on, you're practically a hero. You took out that forest behemoth like it was nothing. I bet the King's going to shower you with praise, and maybe some gold. Don't forget about us little people when you're living in your fancy castle."
Ryuto shook his head, grinning. "Yeah, yeah. Sure, Nina."
But Celeste, sitting across from them, was not amused. Her eyes narrowed as she watched Nina lean closer to Ryuto, her tone sharp. "You really should learn to keep some distance, Nina. Ryuto has more important things to focus on right now."
Nina gave Celeste a sideways glance, her smirk never fading. "Relax, Celeste. I'm just keeping him company while you sit over there looking like a schoolteacher."
Celeste's eyes flashed with annoyance. "I'm watching out for him. Unlike some people, I don't need to make everything a joke."
Before things could escalate, Ryuto cleared his throat, trying to change the subject. "We'll be at the capital soon. Let's try to focus on what the King wants from us."
Nina winked at Ryuto but leaned back, giving him a little more space. Celeste, meanwhile, remained tense, her gaze never leaving Nina. Roland and Ruda, oblivious to the tension, continued chatting about what kinds of monsters they might encounter in the capital.
By late afternoon, the party arrived at the royal capital. The city was breathtaking, its grand walls, towering spires, and bustling streets spoke of wealth and power. The royal palace itself was a marvel of architecture, its golden banners fluttering in the wind, casting a gleaming reflection over the cobblestone streets.
As they approached the palace gates, Ryuto couldn't help but feel a knot of unease in his stomach. Sure, he'd faced monsters, cultists, and dark energy, but politics? That was an entirely different kind of battle.
The party was escorted through the grand halls of the palace, the marble floors polished to a shine. Nobles dressed in extravagant silks and jewels milled about, casting curious glances at the newcomers. Ryuto could feel the weight of their gazes on him, some filled with curiosity, others with disdain. He wasn't used to being the center of attention in such an elegant setting.
Finally, they were led into the throne room, a vast chamber adorned with banners of the royal family and illuminated by the soft glow of crystal chandeliers. At the far end of the room sat King Aldric, a tall, imposing figure with sharp eyes and a thoughtful expression. He was flanked by his advisors, including a stern-looking general and several noblemen.
As Ryuto's party approached the throne, the King raised a hand in greeting. "Ryuto of Velclair," he said, his voice strong but welcoming. "Welcome to my court. I have heard much about your deeds. You have proven yourself not just as an adventurer, but as a protector of this kingdom."
Ryuto bowed respectfully, though he felt out of place in the opulent room. "Your Majesty, it's an honor to be here."
The King nodded, his gaze intense. "I have summoned you here because of the growing threat we face. Dark forces are stirring, and I believe you may have knowledge that will help us protect this kingdom."
Before Ryuto could respond, the doors to the throne room opened once again, and in walked a figure who immediately drew everyone's attention, a tall, graceful woman with silver hair and striking green eyes. She moved with the elegance of royalty, her every step purposeful and commanding.
She was introduced by one of the King's advisors: "Princess Lyriana of the Elven Kingdom."
Lyriana's gaze swept the room before landing on Ryuto. She smiled warmly. "It seems we have much to discuss," she said, her voice melodic but firm. "The darkness that threatens your kingdom is also spreading into mine. If we are to stop it, we must work together."
Celeste stiffened at the sight of the Elven Princess and her interaction with Ryuto, and Ryuto could practically feel her jealousy radiating from beside him.
The room seemed to hum with an air of importance as Princess Lyriana gracefully stepped forward, her silver hair glinting in the light of the chandeliers. She was tall, with a regal aura that immediately commanded attention. Her piercing green eyes never left Ryuto, and he couldn't shake the feeling that she was sizing him up.
"Your Majesty," Lyriana said, bowing her head slightly to the King before turning her attention fully to Ryuto. "It is an honor to meet the one responsible for stopping the corruption in the forests. However, the darkness we face is far more dangerous than a single incident. It is spreading, not just here in your lands, but throughout the Elven Kingdom as well."
King Aldric nodded gravely, his expression unreadable. "That is precisely why I have called this council. We need to understand the true nature of this threat, and how we can stop it before it consumes all of our lands."
Ryuto shifted uncomfortably under the weight of the attention. He wasn't used to this sort of high-level political maneuvering, monsters, yes, but standing in a room with the King and a foreign princess was something else entirely. Beside him, he could feel Celeste growing more tense by the second, her eyes darting between Lyriana and him.
Lyriana continued, her voice calm but serious. "We've noticed the spread of corruption in our forests. It manifests as dark creatures, twisted magic, and the degradation of nature itself. My people have been investigating the source, and while we believe the cults may be involved, there is something much older and darker behind it."
Celeste, who had been standing quietly, stepped forward, unable to hold back her frustration. "We already know about the cultists. We fought them in the ruins, and we barely made it out alive. What makes you think this isn't just their doing?"
Lyriana's sharp gaze flickered toward Celeste, but her voice remained measured. "Because the darkness has been stirring for much longer than your recent encounter with the cults. My people have felt it growing for years, slowly, at first, but now it moves with purpose. There is more at stake than we realized."
Ryuto could sense the tension between the two women growing, and before things could escalate, he decided to interject. "So what do we do about it? If this is bigger than just the cults, we can't fight it on our own."
The King's advisor, a grizzled man with a stern expression, spoke up. "There have been whispers in the court of ancient prophecies... of an impending return of an evil that was banished long ago. If these cults are merely pawns in a greater game, then we are facing something far more dangerous than we thought."
Lyriana nodded. "The Elven Kingdom has its own legends of a sealed darkness, a being that once threatened both our realms, but was defeated by the combined forces of elves and humans. If this is the same force... we must act quickly, or it may be too late."
The weight of her words settled heavily in the room. Ryuto could feel the pressure building, he wasn't just dealing with corrupt cults or rogue monsters anymore. This was something ancient, something powerful. His thoughts raced, but his mind kept returning to the strange tear in reality he had witnessed in the ruins.
"This darkness... it's spreading faster than we thought," Ryuto said quietly, his voice breaking the silence. "We saw it in the ruins, the cultists were trying to awaken it, and we barely escaped. Whatever this thing is, it's growing stronger."
The King leaned forward on his throne, his eyes narrowing with concern. "Then we must prepare for war, not just against the cults, but against the darkness itself. Ryuto, your strength is well known among the people. I believe you have a crucial role to play in the battles ahead."
Ryuto felt the weight of the King's words settle on his shoulders. "I'll do whatever it takes to stop this darkness, Your Majesty. But I don't think we can face this alone."
Just as the tension in the room reached its peak, the sound of slow, deliberate footsteps echoed through the chamber. Ryuto turned to see a tall, thin man dressed in dark, regal robes, his expression sharp and calculating. This was Lord Arenthal, the head of one of the most powerful noble families in the kingdom. Ryuto had heard whispers about him, ambitious, manipulative, and always scheming to further his own influence.
"Your Majesty," Lord Arenthal began, his voice smooth but dripping with condescension, "while it is admirable that you have chosen to place your trust in this... adventurer, I must question the wisdom of relying on commoners to protect the realm."
Ryuto tensed at the obvious slight, but held his tongue. He wasn't here to start a political argument, even though his frustration simmered beneath the surface.
Celeste, however, was not as restrained. "Commoner or not," she shot back, her voice sharp, "Ryuto has done more to protect this kingdom in the last few months than you have in your entire life."
Lord Arenthal's eyes flicked to Celeste, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Ah, Lady Celeste of the Velclair family, always the fiery one. But surely, you must see the danger in placing such importance on one man. If the future of our kingdom depends on him alone, then we are already doomed."
Nina, who had been quietly observing the exchange, leaned toward Ryuto and whispered, "This guy's a piece of work, huh? I bet he's never fought a monster in his life."
Ryuto nodded subtly, biting back his irritation. "He's just trying to undermine us," Ryuto whispered back. "But we can't let him get to us."
Lord Arenthal continued, his voice dripping with venomous charm. "Surely, Your Majesty, it would be wiser to place the defense of the kingdom in the hands of the noble families, those who have been trained for generations to lead armies, to govern lands, to face the trials of war."
The King remained silent, his sharp gaze fixed on Arenthal, but it was Princess Lyriana who stepped forward, her presence once again commanding the room.
"Lord Arenthal," she said, her voice calm but authoritative, "I have traveled far from the Elven Kingdom to seek the aid of heroes, not politicians. I have seen firsthand what Ryuto and his companions are capable of. The darkness we face requires more than titles and bloodlines. It requires courage, and Ryuto has more than proven that he has what it takes."
Arenthal's face hardened at her words, but he forced a thin smile. "Of course, Princess. I merely speak out of concern for the kingdom's safety. After all, we must be cautious of where we place our trust."
Ryuto felt a swell of gratitude toward Princess Lyriana for standing up for him, but he also couldn't help but notice the way Celeste's jaw clenched as she stood beside him, clearly frustrated by Lyriana's presence, and her defense of Ryuto.
As the royal discussions continued, Ryuto found himself standing in the palace garden, taking a moment to clear his head. The weight of the meeting, the political intrigue, and the looming threat of the darkness felt suffocating. He needed a moment to breathe.
"Mind if I join you, boss?"
Ryuto turned to see Nina approaching, a playful smirk on her face. "Needed some air, huh?" she asked, leaning casually against a marble pillar.
"Yeah," Ryuto sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's... a lot."
Nina chuckled softly. "You're telling me. That Lord Arenthal guy? Total jerk. But you handled it pretty well, considering."
Ryuto smiled faintly. "Thanks. I'm just trying not to get involved in the politics. I just want to focus on stopping the darkness."
Nina stepped closer, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, if it's any consolation, you've got me on your side. And between us, I think we're the only two in this whole palace who aren't completely full of it."
Ryuto laughed, appreciating her humor. "Yeah, that sounds about right."
Nina leaned in slightly, her voice lowering. "You know, I've been thinking... we make a pretty good team. You, me, Celeste, Roland, it's working, right?"
Ryuto nodded, though he could sense where this conversation was heading. Nina had always been flirtatious, but lately, it felt like her teasing had a different edge to it.
Before he could respond, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"Nina."
Ryuto and Nina turned to see Celeste, standing at the entrance to the garden with her arms crossed and an expression that could cut through steel. "I think you've been close enough to Ryuto for one day, don't you?"
Nina raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "Oh, come on, Celeste. I'm just talking with him. It's not like I'm stealing your man or anything."
Celeste's eyes flashed with jealousy. "Maybe you should remember your place, Nina. Ryuto's got more important things to deal with than your little games."
Nina didn't back down, her smile never faltering. "You know, Celeste, for someone so confident.
The air between Celeste and Nina crackled with tension. Ryuto could almost feel the heat radiating off Celeste as she stood there, her fists clenched and eyes narrowing at Nina. Nina, however, remained unfazed, her smirk widening as if she was enjoying every second of Celeste's growing jealousy.
"Confident?" Celeste snapped, taking a step closer. "If by confident, you mean that I'm not going to let some flirt come in and distract Ryuto from what really matters, then yes, I'm confident."
Nina, ever the provocateur, leaned against the marble pillar with a casual grace. "Oh, come on, Celeste. You're acting like you've got a leash on him or something. Ryuto's his own man. Or are you worried he might actually enjoy my company?"
Ryuto stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. "Alright, enough. We're all on the same side here."
But neither woman was listening to him.
Celeste's face flushed with anger as she squared off with Nina. "You think this is a joke, Nina? You're constantly playing these games, but Ryuto has real enemies out there. Enemies that want him dead. Maybe you should stop distracting him with your little act and actually take things seriously for once."
Nina's eyes flashed dangerously, her voice dropping an octave. "I take everything seriously when it counts. But that doesn't mean I'm going to walk around with a stick up my, "
"Enough!" Ryuto raised his voice, stepping between them and placing a hand on both of their shoulders. He looked from Nina to Celeste, his tone firm but calm. "Both of you, stop. We have bigger things to worry about than this."
Celeste huffed but finally backed off, though not without giving Nina a final glare. "Fine. But don't forget, Ryuto, you know where your loyalties lie."
Nina shook her head, still smirking but with less enthusiasm. "Whatever you say, Celeste. I'll back off. For now."
Ryuto sighed deeply as the tension slowly dissipated. He knew Celeste and Nina's rivalry wasn't going away anytime soon, but they couldn't afford to fight among themselves, not with the darkness looming larger every day.
After the incident in the garden, Ryuto was summoned for a private audience with the King. The throne room, now quiet and empty of nobles, felt much more imposing without the murmurs of the court. King Aldric sat on his throne, his gaze serious and thoughtful as Ryuto approached.
The King gestured for Ryuto to stand before him. "Ryuto," he began, his voice calm but grave, "you've done well to reach this point. But I must speak plainly to you now, away from the politics and posturing of the court."
Ryuto stood tall, knowing that whatever the King had to say, it was important.
"The darkness you've encountered is no ordinary threat. My advisors, and now Princess Lyriana, have brought troubling news. This evil you've faced in the ruins, it's part of something much older, much more dangerous. You're strong, Ryuto, but the forces you're up against may be beyond even your considerable talents."
Ryuto nodded, feeling the weight of the King's words. "I've sensed that too, Your Majesty. The darkness, it's not just spreading. It's growing stronger. And the cultists we've fought... they're just a piece of a much larger puzzle."
The King's eyes darkened. "Exactly. My spies have reported strange occurrences, cults gaining power, dark creatures appearing across the land, and whispers of an ancient evil stirring once more. The Elven Kingdom faces the same danger. If this continues unchecked, we could see the return of a force that nearly destroyed both our peoples centuries ago."
Ryuto's heart pounded in his chest. He had suspected something like this, but hearing it confirmed by the King himself sent a chill down his spine.
King Aldric leaned forward slightly, his voice soft but filled with authority. "I will be frank, Ryuto. You are more than just an adventurer now. You've proven your strength, but with that strength comes responsibility. The people will look to you in the battles to come. But remember this: your power makes you a target, not just for the darkness, but for those who seek to control it."
Ryuto clenched his fists, feeling the gravity of the King's words. "I understand, Your Majesty. I'll do whatever it takes to protect the kingdom."
The King gave a small nod. "Good. You've earned the respect of many, including myself. But be wary of those like Lord Arenthal. They see your power as a threat, and in times like these, not all enemies wear the face of a monster."
Ryuto grimaced, thinking back to the nobleman's thinly veiled insults earlier. "I'll be careful."
The King stood, his presence filling the room. "You will not be alone in this fight. I will give you what aid I can, and Princess Lyriana has already offered her support. But remember this: the darkness is cunning. It will seek to divide us, to turn us against each other. Stay vigilant."
With that, the King dismissed him, leaving Ryuto to process the enormity of the situation. The darkness was growing stronger, and it wasn't just about stopping monsters or cults. It was about facing an ancient evil, one that could reshape the world if left unchecked.
As Ryuto made his way back to the main hall, he was intercepted by Princess Lyriana. Her green eyes sparkled with intelligence and a hint of mischief as she approached him, her silver hair flowing elegantly behind her.
"Ryuto," she said, her voice soft but commanding, "may I speak with you privately?"
Ryuto hesitated for a moment, glancing around the hall, but nodded. "Of course."
They stepped into a small, private alcove just off the main corridor, away from prying eyes and ears. Lyriana studied him for a moment before speaking, her voice low.
"You've impressed me, Ryuto. Not just with your strength, but with your wisdom. You understand the gravity of what we're facing. The darkness... it is older than either of our kingdoms. If we are to stop it, we must work together."
Ryuto nodded. "I agree. The King has already warned me about what's coming."
Lyriana's gaze softened slightly. "I know you have your... companions. But I believe you and I could accomplish great things together. The Elven Kingdom has resources, knowledge, and ancient magics that could aid you in your quest. If you are willing, I would like to extend an invitation for you and your party to visit our lands. There, we can plan our next steps."
Ryuto considered her offer. The idea of working with the Elves, and having access to their ancient knowledge, was tempting. But he couldn't ignore the growing tension between Celeste and Lyriana.
Before he could answer, Lyriana added with a sly smile, "And who knows? Perhaps you'll find our lands more welcoming than you expect."
Ryuto felt a slight heat rise to his cheeks, but he quickly pushed it aside. "I'll talk it over with my party. But I appreciate the offer."
Lyriana gave a graceful nod. "I look forward to hearing your decision, Ryuto."
Later that evening, Ryuto found Celeste and Nina sitting at a table in the royal banquet hall, the tension between them still palpable but cooled down after their earlier argument. Ryuto could tell that while the rivalry wasn't over, they had at least agreed to temporarily set aside their differences.
Celeste gave Ryuto a small smile as he approached. "Everything go okay with the King?"
Ryuto nodded, sitting down next to her. "Yeah. He made it clear that things are going to get worse before they get better. But we're going to fight this, together."
Nina, who was leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed, gave him a sly grin. "You know, I was thinking, if we're going to take on this ancient darkness, maybe I should be promoted to second-in-command. Someone's gotta keep you in line when Celeste's not around."
Celeste shot Nina a glare, but Ryuto chuckled. "Nice try, Nina."
Nina shrugged playfully. "Can't blame me for trying."
For now, the tension between them had eased, but Ryuto knew that bigger battles awaited, both outside and within his party. With the looming threat of the darkness and the growing complications of his relationships, things were only going to get more intense from here on out.