With that, the two men rise from their table. Nolan, without saying a word, takes out a small, worn leather purse and extracts three silver coins, carefully placing them on the counter, earning a grateful glance from the waitress. He adjusts his coat slightly, then glances at Grace.
Nolan:
"What are you waiting for to pay?"
Grace, leaning on the bar, looking relaxed, waves her hand slightly in response.
Grace:
"You know, there are privileges to being a knight... Everything we eat here is free; it's their duty to those who protect the nation. Tradition dictates."
Nolan, raising an eyebrow, with a hint of sarcasm in his voice:
"Talk about a modest guy."
Grace, bursting into laughter and finishing the last of her tankard in one gulp:
"I never said I was a modest guy." But with certain conditions... you have to enjoy yourself a little, right? Hahaha!
They leave the inn together. Daylight greets them as they walk along the cobblestone road in front of the establishment. The atmosphere outside contrasts with the joyful din they leave behind.
Suddenly, Grace stops at the edge of the road. He puts two fingers to his mouth and lets out a powerful whistle.
In a few moments, the ground seems to vibrate faintly, then an immense creature emerges from a corner of shadow: an orkinés bear, with gleaming white fur, almost silver in the light, and whose most disturbing feature is its two pairs of eyes, perfectly aligned on either side of its head.
Grace proudly leaps nimbly onto the beast, which growls softly in recognition of its master.
Nolan, arms crossed, looking bored:
"Really? A bear?" Couldn't you have just opted for a normal horse, like everyone else?
Grace, half-laughing while patting the bear's neck:
"Believe me, in the capital you'll see much worse than an Orkiné bear. It's even pretty standard compared to some royal mounts. Now, are you riding or not?"
Nolan, looking away:
"I prefer to walk. I don't want to smell the beer-smelling fur or get run over if you slip."
Grace, shrugging with a broad smile:
"As you wish. I'll just warn you: Orko doesn't slow down for anyone."
The Orkiné bear snorted, then began to move forward with a heavy but assured stride, while Nolan followed calmly, his eyes fixed on the horizon.
Their adventure had only just begun.
Grace, turning her gaze slightly towards Nolan, continues to stroke the bear's neck, a look of pride in her eyes.
Grace:
"Do you know what these kinds of beasts are called, like the orkiné bear?"
Nolan, slightly distracted, glances at the bear walking imposingly beside him, and replies with a hint of curiosity.
Nolan:
"Magical beasts?"
Grace, smiling, nods:
"That's right. A normal orkiné bear is much smaller than the one I have here. It's a magical beast I received as a gift... Its abilities are incredible, but they're still rare creatures."
Nolan, with a wry smile and a slight touch of sarcasm, says:
"Certainly, since they're "magical beasts."
Grace, laughing heartily:
"Hahaha, you're joking, but you're not wrong. The true magic lies in their bond with their master. Once a magical beast chooses its master, the bond becomes eternal. It is bound to them, no matter what."
Nolan, intrigued despite himself, slowed his pace slightly to listen better.
Nolan:
"And what happens if... the master dies?"
Grace's gaze hardened slightly as he leaned closer to Nolan, his tone becoming more serious.
"If its master dies, the beast will follow him in his fall. It's a promise, a commitment they make. They can fight until their master's last breath. That's why some beasts are feared, but also respected. They know neither betrayal nor abandonment."
Nolan takes a moment to digest the information, the idea of this unwavering loyalty leaving him a little pensive. He turns his gaze to the orkinés bear, who seems perfectly at ease in his role as a mount, ready to defend his master at all costs.
Nolan, with a more thoughtful expression:
— Such a strong bond… It's impressive, even a little frightening.
Grace, nodding, a genuine smile tugging at her lips:
— That's what makes these creatures so special. But enough about that… You'll end up thinking I'm giving you a lesson in animal magic. Hahaha, let's see if you really have what it takes to survive in a dungeon with me.
Nolan, regaining his defiant attitude:
— I have more than enough. You'll see.
And without another word, the two men set off on the path that leads them to the dungeon, the Orkinés bear trotting behind them, ready for any test.
Grace, observing Nolan with a penetrating gaze, said in a calm but sure tone, "You should consider having your own magical beast; it would be beneficial to you."
Nolan, hands deep in his pockets, maintained a detached air as he continued walking. "All things in good time, Grace."
The two men walked together, leaving the city behind them. As they walked further, the urban bustle dissipated, replaced by the soothing calm of nature. The road turned into a dusty path, bordered by lush green fields and meadows stretching as far as the eye could see. The light wind blew through the tall grass, creating a rippling sea of greens and yellows under the clear sky.
The birds sang joyfully, their melodies floating through the air like sweet natural music. At regular intervals, the buzzing of insects can be heard, busy foraging here and there, filling the air with a quiet but vibrant energy. The sounds of the forest, the wind, all harmonize into a symphony of sounds that lulls the two men into a peaceful silence.
Grace, almost meditative, lets out a contented sigh as she surveys her surroundings:
"Sometimes I wonder why I spend so much time in the capital, with all this peace and quiet here. It's much more pleasant."
Nolan, raising his head slightly to observe the horizon, replies in a more serious tone:
"Tranquility isn't for everyone, Grace. It's a matter of choice. City life may seem superficial, but for some, it's where they belong."
Grace, with a wry smile:
"You sound like a philosopher, Nolan. But you're not wrong."
They walk in silence for a while, absorbed by the beauty of the landscape. The transition from the city to nature is striking, and the simplicity of the environment contrasts sharply with the complexity of their lives. But each of them seems to savor this moment of calm before the chaos that might await them in the dungeon.
Grace, after a moment, turns to Nolan, breaking the silence:
"Tell me, have you ever thought about going back to your past? There must be things you'd like to change, right?"
Nolan, without looking at him, leaves a slight smile on his lips:
"Maybe... But the past is in the past. What matters is what we do today."
Grace, nodding, understands without asking any more questions. There's still a long way to go before they reach the dungeon, but for now, they simply enjoy the journey.
Grace, observing Nolan closely, her eyes betraying a silent understanding, says in a measured voice,
"You seem like someone who's suffered in the past; the way you speak is profound."
Nolan, without looking away from the path, lets out a heavy sigh:
"You have no idea..."
Grace, who seems much calmer than usual, continues in a tone that seems almost compassionate:
"Well, I understand you. I too had a tragic past. But here I am... I've turned something negative into something positive."
Nolan, with a slight grimace, stares straight ahead, as if forcing himself to keep his gaze fixed on the horizon, perhaps trying to hide what he feels.
"Time... always changes us, but some wounds never completely heal."
Grace, her expression becoming a little more serious, nods:
"That's true. Some wounds, you learn to live with. But what you choose to do afterward, that's what determines who you become. It's not easy, I know that. I've had my own demons to face. But I didn't become a warrior by chance."
Nolan, a slight bitter smile playing on his lips, replies in a tone meant to be detached:
"War shapes men, but sometimes it breaks them too."
Grace, with a light laugh, though there is a touch of gravity in her eyes:
"War, yes, but I'm not just talking about that. I'm talking about the trials of life, about what really shapes you. War is just one aspect among many."
They continue their walk, the wind blowing through the trees, the rustling of the leaves bringing a sense of serenity contrasting with the weight of their words. The two men, moving in step, advance without hurrying, as if they were saying many things to each other without needing words.
Nolan stopped abruptly, his gaze suddenly turning to the right, his expression focused. His sudden stance caught Grace's attention, and she also stopped her polar bear, Orkinés.
Grace, curiously:
"Why are we stopping? There's nothing here."
Nolan, without looking away, replied in a calm but confident voice:
"Yes, there is a dungeon here."
Grace, visibly perplexed, scanned the surroundings but saw nothing unusual. He remained motionless on his bear, one eyebrow raised.
"A dungeon? But... I don't see anything."
Nolan, with a precise gesture, extended his hand in front of him and cast a spell with ease. A thin layer of invisibility dissipated, revealing a majestic ice door that stood before them, like a barrier between the visible and the hidden world. The door glowed with a cold glow, the frost spreading around it, creating a striking contrast with the warmth of the surrounding air.
Grace, fascinated, watched the scene in awe.
"I wonder how you manage to locate dungeons."
Nolan, always calm and focused, replied in an expert voice, "Each class has its own innate ability. Experienced dungeon hunters, like myself, are able to detect the exact location of a dungeon effortlessly. It's second nature, a sort of connection to the magic of the place. Unlike beginners, who must exhaust most of their energy just to locate one."
Grace, impressed, nodded.
"Impressive indeed."
He observed the ice door, which seemed almost alive in its coldness and icy beauty. The surrounding sounds seemed to fade, as if even nature was waiting for a new test to begin.
Nolan, looking at Grace, didn't take his eyes off the door, as if waiting for something, or perhaps... a challenge.
"It's not my first time in there, but every dungeon offers its surprises. Prepare yourself."
Grace, a confident smile on her lips, cracked her knuckles and stared at the door.
"It looks like this will be an interesting adventure."
A luminous screen suddenly appeared in front of each of the two men, floating in the air with crystal clarity. Glowing letters appeared:
"Do you want to begin the dungeon quest and complete it? Accept or decline."
The text suspended the atmosphere for a moment, and the two men exchanged glances.
Grace, with an intriguing pout, broke the silence:
"If one of us accepts and the other hasn't yet made a choice, is it possible that the latter will be forced to complete the dungeon with the other?"
Nolan, in a calm and confident tone, replied without hesitation:
"No. The one who accepts will be transported to the dungeon, and the other will have to choose for themselves whether they want to or not."
He stared at Grace, an amused smile playing on his lips.
"Are you scared yet?"
Grace, a mischievous glint in her eyes, shook her head and replied undaunted, "No, I was just curious. I like to learn about others."
The two men looked at each other for a moment, the tension of the unknown enveloping them, before simultaneously placing their fingers on "Accept." A bright light flooded their visions, and in an instant, they were teleported to a completely different world.
They found themselves in a realm of ice. The ground was covered in a thin layer of frost, which emitted a slight crunch under their feet. Gigantic stalactites and stalagmites glittered in the surrounding darkness, their bizarre and imposing shapes giving the impression of being trapped in time. The icy walls of the cavern seemed to breathe with a strange energy, as if this world had a consciousness of its own.
Grace, seeming to revel in the place, let out an amused laugh. —It feels like we're in a real ice bath here. It's not what I expected, but... this is going to be interesting.
Nolan, clenching his fists, remained vigilant, his eyes scanning the surroundings, like a predator searching for its prey.
"This isn't just ice. It's a hunting ground. Let's keep our wits sharp."
In the distance, a low roar sounded, and an icy wind suddenly rose, sweeping across the area. The two men were ready.
The icy wind whipped at their faces as they plunged deeper into the frozen realm. The snow crunched beneath their feet, each movement echoing in the vast, silent expanse. The trees, frozen and twisted by the extreme cold, seemed like specters of winter, while the rivers, frozen in ice, reflected a cold, forbidding light.
Nolan felt a slight flutter in his mind as a screen appeared, glowing with a pale light:
"Increased Ice Resistance."
He raised an eyebrow, a faint smile forming on his lips. The spell or effect seemed to have taken effect, but he didn't have time to dwell on it. The icy wind no longer bothered him, as if his body had begun to adjust to the intensity of the cold.
Grace, walking alongside Nolan, turned to face him, breaking the silence.
"So, how's it going?"
Nolan, his voice calm despite the cold, replied with a determined look:
"In good shape, are you? Is your armor of any use?"
Grace, smiling slightly, touched the plates of her enchanted armor, whose surface gleamed in the distant sunlight.
"My armor is enchanted and reinforced, but most importantly, the cold doesn't affect me at all. It's not just steel. It's a special spell, woven directly into the materials. It's like a second skin."
Nolan eyed Grace's armor critically, impressed by the man's apparent resilience. He had never before seen such elegant and effective armor, especially to withstand such a hostile environment.
"Perfect protection. That's good to know," Nolan replied appreciatively.
Grace, looking around them, continued, still relaxed despite the icy atmosphere. —But this quest isn't just a stroll in the snow. There's bound to be something lurking in this region, something we must face. This icy world isn't here by chance.
Nolan, his gaze scanning the frozen horizons, nodded, mentally preparing himself for what awaited them.
"I'm sure of it. This kind of world doesn't exist just to give us a view. Let's keep our senses sharp."
In the distance, a moving figure caught their attention. A flash of blue light, almost invisible, shimmered between the frozen trees. A sign? Danger?
The two men exchanged a look, ready to move forward toward this new challenge.
They paused for a moment to stretch their limbs, numb from the biting cold. The snow crunched beneath their feet as the wind continued to blow around them, but it was in this apparent calm that danger struck.
A whistle pierced the air, and an arrow, quick as lightning, shot straight towards Grace. But, before the arrow even reached its target, he raised his hand with icy calm. His palm opened, and in one fluid movement, he caught the arrow in mid-flight, his finger brushing the tip before stopping it dead.
Grace, observing the arrow, held it between her fingers as if it were a mere trifle. He slowly turned his gaze back to the direction from which it had been fired, an amused smile on his lips.
"We'll have to try better than that, come on." A soft laugh escaped Grace, and he twirled the arrow in his fingers before tossing it into the snow beside him.
"Whoever's watching us should know it'll take more than an arrow to surprise us."
As he spoke, a slight movement in the shadows of the trees caught Nolan's attention. He approached purposefully, his sharp gaze searching for the source of the attack. The already tense atmosphere now seemed to fill with a much more tangible threat.
"They're here," Nolan replied, his voice calm but focused.
Grace smiled almost frighteningly, her gaze hardening, ready for a fight.
"Well, this will be more interesting than I thought... Looks like we're really going to have to show some strength."
The rain of ice arrows rained down on the two men with surprising speed. The icy projectiles shot in all directions, like a raging winter storm. But Nolan and Grace remained relentless, dodging the arrows with near-perfect agility. Every arrow that came too close was either destroyed with a swift movement or sidestepped with disconcerting agility. Shards of ice flew through the air, shattering into a thousand pieces without hitting their targets.
Nolan dodged an arrow that slammed into the snow with a fluid motion, waving his hand toward the remaining arrows. A swift punch, and one of the projectiles was pulverized in an instant. He then turned to Grace, who, with a satisfied smile, had just broken an ice arrow with a single palm strike.
"We'll have to do better than that, we're just warming up right now..." Nolan said, a hint of defiance in his voice.
Immediately, sounds of movement came from the bushes and behind the trees. Shadows shifted, gradually revealing themselves. Slender, graceful figures, clad in cloaks and armed with long, glittering ice swords, emerged from the thickets. Their eyes shone with an icy glow, their features noble, and their postures perfectly coordinated. These were not mere archers, but ice elves. Their numbers seemed endless; hundreds, perhaps more, emerged from the darkness of this frozen land.
Nolan didn't seem perturbed. He stretched slowly, spreading his legs one after the other, as if preparing for a much greater battle. Grace, for his part, simply cracked her neck with a predatory grin that widened as he took in the magnitude of the enemy.
"The festivities finally begin..." he said, his tone almost joyful, like a fighter eagerly awaiting a decisive battle.
The ice elves, armed to the teeth and ready to launch the assault, advanced at an imposing pace. Their blades glittered like diamond shards, and the temperature seemed to drop with every movement. The tension was palpable, a heavy silence hung in the icy air just before the attack unfolded.
But Grace and Nolan weren't afraid. They had both been through far worse and seemed more excited than threatened by the multitude of opponents.
The elves took up positions around them, ready to descend on their prey like a swarm of hungry predators. But for Nolan and Grace, it was a different kind of dance, a new opportunity to face enemies worthy of them. Ice swords rose into the air, ready to strike. The fight was about to erupt in pure violence.
The ice elves didn't even have time to react. Nolan reached out, and his dark sword, as black as night, appeared in a flash. Before the elves could make a single move, Nolan had teleported behind them, his sword ripping through the air with a precise and devastating blow.
The enormous shadow slash he launched sliced through the air with crushing power. The shadow unfurled in a dark wave, sweeping away the elves, who were cut to pieces, their bodies dissolving into a cloud of black shadow before they even touched the ground. The scene unfolded in a split second. The elves, despite their numbers, were nothing compared to the speed and power of Nolan's attack.
Grace, for her part, watched the scene with an admiring smile. He'd seen many powerful powers during his career, but Nolan's shadow techniques were impressive, even for a veteran like him.
"Impressive, Shadow Step," Grace said, her tone tinged with respect.
Nolan shrugged slightly, his gaze remaining focused on the battlefield.
"Oh, you know that ability?" he asked, curiosity flashing in his eyes.
Grace burst out laughing, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
"Of course," he replied. "You're not the only one with shadow powers here. I've known others who've mastered that spell. It allows you to move through your opponents' shadows. A formidable technique for striking unseen."
Nolan nodded slowly, an amused smile playing on his lips.
"Not bad," he replied, clearly pleased to have encountered someone so well-versed in the mysteries of shadows.
The elves, though decimated in an instant, were only the first waves of a much larger invasion. Behind them, more icy figures appeared in the trees and bushes, ghostly silhouettes ready to continue the fight. But this time, Nolan and Grace knew the real challenge was only just beginning.
The fight seemed almost over, but Grace had no intention of letting the scene end without a demonstration of what he was truly capable of. Once the elves surrounded Grace, he activated his aura. A sudden and terrifying change occurred. The air around him became heavy and saturated with dark energy, an aura of intense fear pervading the surroundings.
The elves, previously frozen, were seized by visceral terror. An inexplicable fear invaded them, a profound terror that even drove them mad. They began to scream, fighting each other in a frenzied madness. Within moments, the fear intensified so much that they all fell, dead of terror, leaving behind only frozen bodies twisted in endless agony.
Nolan, who had finished his sword work, turned to Grace as he heard the elves' last cries die away in the cold wind.
"Is this what you call 'fun'?" he asked, his tone slightly mocking, but also a little disillusioned by the scale of the massacre.
Grace, all smiles, was in no way embarrassed by the excess of his display.
"I couldn't help it," he replied with a broad grin. "I had to flex, you know? Hahaha."
Nolan, visibly more reserved, vanished his sword with an elegant gesture and began to continue on the road.
"How arrogant. Let's hit the road. We've already dealt with the appetizer. The dessert, where the main course is surely further ahead."
Grace, still relaxed, nodded without hesitation.
"Yes, let's go." The two men walked away into the icy wastes, their footsteps echoing on the frozen snow, ready to face the challenges ahead. The battle was only the beginning, and they knew that greater dangers lay ahead. But for now, they were ready to continue, their spirits light and their determination intact.
The enormous shadow slash he launched sliced through the air with crushing power. The shadow unfurled in a dark wave, sweeping away the elves, who were cut to pieces, their bodies dissolving into a cloud of black shadow before they even touched the ground. The scene unfolded in a split second. The elves, despite their numbers, were nothing compared to the speed and power of Nolan's attack.
Grace, for her part, watched the scene with an admiring smile. He'd seen many powerful powers during his career, but Nolan's shadow techniques were impressive, even for a veteran like him.
"Impressive, Shadow Step," Grace said, her tone tinged with respect.
Nolan shrugged slightly, his gaze remain