The gates of the Imperial Palace creaked open, revealing the bustling courtyard filled with soldiers and nobles gathered to watch their departure. Emperor Jin rode at the forefront, his golden armor gleaming in the sunlight. Joel flanked his right, clad in his own battle-worn attire, while Lillian rode on the Emperor's left, her gaze distant and unfocused. The three of them led the procession of soldiers and horses that stretched far behind them.
As they trotted through the streets, whispers rippled among the onlookers. Most murmured prayers for success or gossiped about the dangerous mission ahead. Joel ignored them, his mind preoccupied.
From somewhere near the middle of the column, two young soldiers exchanged hushed words. Their conversation, though lighthearted, reached Joel's ears.
"Do you think the Emperor will really lead us all the way there?" one asked, his voice tinged with nervousness.
"Of course," the other replied with mock confidence. "The Emperor's leading us because he's tired of palace life. He wants to get some fresh air and maybe catch a glimpse of the Empress again."
The first soldier chuckled, his tone skeptical. "Fresh air? Out here? With the Inn forest waiting for us?"
"Better than being stuck inside with all those ministers. And besides, if something does go wrong, you're the first to run, right?"
"Me? Run? Never!" the first soldier protested, his voice rising slightly before he caught himself. "I'm just saying, if the Black Sun shows up, I'll let the Emperor handle it."
Their banter drew a faint smirk from Joel, though he kept his face neutral. The fleeting moment of humor was a welcome distraction, but his thoughts quickly returned to more pressing matters.
---
Joel's gaze shifted toward Lillian, her delicate frame stiff on her horse. He frowned.
Was this the right choice?
The question plagued him as the rhythmic clatter of hooves filled the silence between his thoughts. Lillian's condition was fragile, and while she seemed safer in the palace, he couldn't shake the unease gnawing at him. The unseen evil's taunts still echoed in his memory, a cruel reminder of the danger she faced no matter where she was.
She's safer there. She has to be, he told himself, trying to silence the doubts. The Emperor's guards will protect her. And Seo Hye-jin is there, too.
But even that reassurance felt hollow. He knew all too well that the unseen evil wasn't a threat that could be fended off with swords or spells alone. He clenched the reins tighter, his knuckles whitening.
"Joel," the Emperor's voice broke through his reverie.
Joel straightened in his saddle, turning his head to meet Jin's gaze. The Emperor's expression was calm, his sharp eyes scanning the horizon ahead.
"This reminds me of the old days," Jin said, his voice carrying a faint nostalgia. "Do you remember? The wars we fought together, riding side by side?"
Joel nodded slowly. "I do. Those were simpler times."
The Emperor chuckled, though the sound was tinged with sadness. "Simpler, yes, but no less dangerous. Back then, we fought for territory, for honor. Now…" He trailed off, his expression hardening.
Joel remained silent, sensing the shift in the Emperor's mood.
Jin's voice dropped, low and firm. "Joel, I need your word. No matter what happens to me, you must find my wife. Promise me you'll bring her back."
Joel stared at him, the weight of the request settling heavily on his shoulders. He took a deep breath before nodding. "I promise."
For a moment, they rode in silence, the Emperor's gaze fixed on the path ahead. Then, as if a cloud had passed over the sun, Joel felt the air grow colder.
---
[System Notification]
Joel stiffened as the familiar voice echoed in his mind.
["Ascension No. 5 initiating mission review. Do you have any complaints or questions about the objective?"]
Joel's jaw tightened. He glanced at the Emperor, who appeared unaware of the system's presence. He debated ignoring it but ultimately replied under his breath. "I don't even fully understand the objective."
["Would you like elaboration?"]
"Yes," Joel said through gritted teeth. "What exactly am I supposed to do?"
["Objective: Retrieve the key to the forgotten Vessel."]
Joel's brows furrowed. "What vessel? What key?"
["The forgotten Vessel is a relic tied to the Odd Realm, a place beyond mortal comprehension. The key is required to unlock its dormant power."]
Joel's grip on the reins tightened. "And what does this have to do with the Empress?"
["The Empress holds the key's resonance, a connection that cannot be severed. Her survival is crucial to the mission's success."]
A chill ran down Joel's spine. "You're saying she's more than just the Emperor's wife. She's tied to…this Vessel?"
["Not completely true, but as of know, the empress is still alive but things are not always what they seem to be no matter how compelling they look. Which also makes me worried for you, your behavior is seeming like less of Kale and more of Joel you were not brought here to live Joel's life."]
"I was also not brought here, I was forced here, I am not a hero, all I am doing is surviving, so can you please continue with the mission?" Joel's mind raced a bit as the thought lingered in his head for a while, but before he could ask more, the system continued.
["Warning: The influence of the Black Sun is significant in this mission. Its energy lingers in the ambush site, a result of its brief venture into the Odd Realm."]
"The Black Sun…" Joel murmured. "What is it? I hope this isn't a racist thing?"
[Of course not, I love black people. The black: "An entity neither ascended nor born, the Black Sun exists outside the conventional hierarchy of gods. It entered the Odd Realm and returned, permanently altered. Its presence warps reality and corrupts the boundaries between realms."]
Joel's breath hitched. "And it's involved in this?"
["All you need to know is that The Black Sun's presence near the ambush site suggests interference. Proceed with caution. Further elaboration will incur additional system privileges."]
Joel scowled. "Additional privileges? What are you holding back?"
["Classified data. Ascension protocols must be completed to unlock access."]
The system fell silent, leaving Joel with more questions than answers. He shook his head, frustration mounting.
---
The Emperor glanced at him, breaking the tension. "You seem troubled. Are you worried about the mission?"
Joel forced a small smile. "Just preparing myself for what's to come."
Jin nodded, his expression softening. "We'll succeed, Joel. We always do."
Joel said nothing, as he only gave a small smile and nodded his head.