After a heartfelt farewell, Kael and Julian set out toward Ashmorg.
A land said to rest in the lap of a giant volcano, formed from hardened ash and cooled magma. By no means a normal place.
And yet
It thrived.
After two weeks of travel, they finally reached the outskirts.
Perched atop a hill, both men sat on horseback, cloaked in hooded mantles. From that vantage point, the entirety of Ashmorg stretched before them.
It was a sprawling town nestled against the base of a colossal volcano that pierced through the clouds. Sunlight cascaded down its jagged slopes, illuminating veins of exposed rock and carved pathways.
Mines dotted the surrounding terrain.
Smoke rose in thin streams.
Even from that distance, the scent of ash and iron lingered in the air.
And faint...
But unmistakable...
The rhythmic clang of metal echoed across the land.
Julian leaned forward slightly, pointing toward the town.
"Kael… we've arrived. This place looks exciting."
A grin spread across his face.
"I don't think we'll be bored anytime soon."
Kael narrowed his eyes, observing the terrain.
A small smirk followed.
"…You're right."
His hand moved to his blade, casually wiping away the last traces of blood with a cloth.
"This place… is interesting."
He sheathed the sword.
"Let's move. The forest isn't forgiving."
Behind them.
A hog-like monster lay lifeless.
Its crimson-tinted hide matted with blood, yellowed tusks cracked from the final blow.
Julian gave a small nod.
"Yeah… let's not stay out here any longer than we have to."
They urged their horses forward.
Soon,
They reached the gates of Ashmorg.
A long line stretched ahead of them.
Merchants with loaded caravans.
Mercenaries clad in mismatched armor.
Travelers from distant regions.
Kael observed silently.
'So the information still holds true…
A town built on volcanic land… rich in minerals and ores.
A natural hub for blacksmiths… and dwarves.'
They waited.
Time passed slowly as the line crept forward.
Eventually,
Their turn came.
The gatekeeper looked them over and thought to himself.
'Young.
Well-equipped.
High-quality horses.
Refined armor beneath their cloaks.
…Definitely not ordinary travelers.
Probably rich.'
He extended his hand.
"State your identity and purpose for entering Ashmorg."
A pause.
"Also provide proof of identity."
Kael and Julian reached into their side pouches simultaneously.
They handed over their academy badges.
"We're trainee knights from Magnum Academy," Kael said calmly.
"We've come to deliver a message to the family of a recently deceased companion."
The guard examined the badges carefully.
Turning them.
Checking the engravings.
Verifying authenticity.
After a moment,
He nodded.
"…Everything checks out."
He handed the badges back.
"Well then… try not to get yourselves swept into any trouble."
A faint smirk.
"And good luck."
He stepped aside and raised his voice.
"NEXT!!"
The gates opened.
Kael and Julian rode forward.
Crossing into Ashmorg,
Unaware, but both with the same goal in their mind to fulfill their promise to Dorian Grey.