Forever. Daiden counted down to the minutes towards the end of a collective marathon. Anvi and Balder joined the parts to finish their armour. While Kir focused on the completion of a new sword. After a detailed conversation, and a method exchange, Daiden finished his cape as well. It attached to the armour, more leather than cloth – dark on the outside, but red on the inside.

They rested that night and decided to accompany Daiden until the Lord’s Castle. Balder insisted on lending the clothes for the meeting, often tailor-made for Godvildian Nobility. It helped in a way, allowing the otherwise trainee to pass through security unchecked. Anvi and Balder’s presence contributed to an increase in reputation as well. Daiden shivered a little from the déjà vu.

“Just like when Lord Zane introduced me to the village as his grandson…” thought Daiden, out loud.

“What?” asked Anvi, moving to his side.

“Nothing, nothing,” said Daiden, waving his hand. “Just mumbling is all.”

Anvi patted the boy’s shoulder and stepped to a comfortable distance. They stopped in front of the gates, greased and bright, wide open, without security.

“What’s this about?” asked Daiden, curiously.

“Well, nothing much,” explained Kir. “Lord Ingrid opens his garden to the public until sundown. Nobles often gather here for discussions, and with a permit, you can even open a shop.”

“Sounds quite lucrative,” said Daiden, innocently. He noticed Kir sweat from the remark, while carefully pointing at Balder and Anvi. The former paused, scratching the back of his head. “Um, did I say something I shouldn’t have?”

“Bah, no!” spat Anvi, with a frown. “The only merchants here are those who couldn’t make it at Craftsman’s Cross. They make ornate garbage for the sons and daughters of the rich and stupid.”

“Anvi and I pride ourselves with the quality of our work,” added Balder, folding his arms. “You can tell from the result, yes? Ehedus recognized it. You don’t see our god recognizing the trash here. Well, I think I’ve explained myself enough.”

Daiden smiled, stifling a laugh – almost, almost until bursting out loud. “Sorry, sorry. I love you, guys. Thanks for being here with me.”

Kir grinned and immediately reciprocated with a hug, while Anvi and Balder stuttered into a half-response.

“Ah, is that a bit much?” checked Daiden. “I used to be a lot more expressive before my…well, illness, I guess.”

“Aeter toxicity,” revealed Kir, to Anvi and Balder. He turned to Daiden, and added, “I wonder about that every now and then. It must have been tough.”

Daiden pursed his lips, choosing to avoid the lie with silence. They waded through the garden paths, admiring the delicately sculpted fountain pieces, and the manicured trees and shrubs. It felt cooler inside as well. They finally reached a wide stairway, guarded at the platform to the Lord’s Castle. One of the guards blocked their access with a stern expression.

“Well met, Balder, Anvi,” the guard said, recognizing the craftsmen. “May I know the purpose of your visit?”

Daiden meekly raised an arm and stepped forward. “They’re here for me, actually.” He opened the quest information on his Mioveroldian Page and flipped it over to the guard. “This is what I’m here for; it’s been approved by the GCQI as my official trainee quest.”

The guard quietly verified the information and nodded. “It looks fine, I suppose. But be warned about the trouble underneath this castle. I fear that you may not be allowed to pursue this quest.

“Alas, that is for Lord Ingrid to decide.”

Daiden scratched his chin, a little puzzled. “Is it because I’m a trainee?”

“Not at all,” said the guard, pleasantly. “We expect a lot from our High Rankers. You do us soldiers proud. Between you and me, you ought to ignore the jealousy.”

Daiden smiled at the praise. He lowered his head with embarrassment.

“Besides, we’ve heard the rumours,” the guard continued. “My friends and I frequent the inn run by the GCQI. Lady Moonscarf never tires of recalling your raid against the Sand King. We are very impressed!

“Anyway, I mustn’t keep you here much longer. Go on ahead.”

Just as Daiden passed, the guard stopped the others. “If you’re here merely as escorts, then may I suggest waiting in the gardens? Enjoy the scenery, breathe in the fresh air.”

“Would it be too much trouble to have them come along with me?” asked Daiden, now from the other side.

“I’m sorry, Daiden Lost,” the guard said, curtly. “But Lord Ingrid doesn’t entertain the idea of escorts without notice. I’m obligated to allow you the chance for an audience given your official business with the quest. The others, well…no. I’m sorry again.”

Daiden helplessly turned to the others, and mouthed the words. “What do we do?”

“Fine, fine,” conceded Balder, with a sigh. “We’ll wait outside. Let’s go, Anvi, Kir.”

“Are you sure?” checked Daiden, with a worried expression.

“You’re the only one here on official business,” admitted Balder. “There’s no need to create a fuss. And the guards can’t do much to solve the problem anyway.”

Daiden slowly nodded.

“Send us a message if you run into any trouble inside,” said Anvi. “There’s no rush. You don’t have to complete the quest right away. Take the time if you need to think it over.”

“I’ll keep you informed, then,” said Daiden. “Thank you.”

***

★ Special Authority Quest: Lord Ingrid’s Challenge ★

Quest Grade: A~S

Description:

Gis, the Man-eating Butcher is currently being held prisoner in the underground dungeon of the Lord’s Castle in Multana City. Despite the original punishment of death for unspeakable crimes, Lord Ingrid chose to use Gis as a method to train his soldiers and improve economy via the challenge system. There are two tiers to success when using the challenge system and the rewards are proportional to the difficulty.

Clear Condition One: Survive ten minutes in combat against Gis

Reward: 10,000 bloodstones and a special skill from Lord Ingrid’s inventory

Clear Condition Two: Defeat or kill Gis

Reward: 5,000 bloodstones, a special skill from Lord Ingrid’s inventory, Gis’ remains and a Lord’s recommendation for a promotion.

Conditions of Acceptance: A participation fee of 1,000 bloodstones.