HBWnovel Chapter 42: Months to the flame (1)
Chapter 42: Months to the flame (1)
In Kalardix’s majestic form, Akun strode purposefully beyond the anthill’s boundaries. With a determined air, he called upon the system to display the map it had painstakingly crafted by tracking Darius and his companions. The map was a guide to the path Akun intended to tread.
Akun’s purpose was clear. "System," he commanded with a firmness in his tone, "show me the map you created from tracking Darius and his group."
[Displaying map.....]
The system complied, projecting the map before their eyes. Mellin, curious as ever, leaned in slightly to take a look. "What’s going on, Master?" she inquired, her bright blue eyes reflecting genuine interest. Continue your adventure at empire
Akun’s focus remained on the map, his eyes scanning the information displayed. "We’re gonna be heading towards a town, Mellin," he replied, his voice steady and resolute. "But before they, we have to know where we are."
Mellin nodded. "Understood, Master," she affirmed, her presence by his side unwavering and supportive.
Upon gazing at the projected map, Akun’s keen instincts quickly interpreted its information. He could discern their approximate location and deduced that Darius and his group were currently situated about four towns away. A hint of satisfaction crossed his features.
However, a curious twist in the situation unfolded before him. The marker indicating Darius and his party seemed to be shifting direction, appearing as though they were retracing their steps back toward the anthill. Akun’s eyebrows knitted in thought, a brief contemplation flickering through his mind.
"Could they be coming back?"
He dismissed the idea as quickly as it surfaced, reasoning that they were likely headed to another destination that lay in the same general direction.
"That’s most likely the case."
The map offered more than just the tracking of his targets. A nearby town was highlighted on the display, catching his attention. He scrutinized the distance and concluded that it was within a reasonable range for a night’s stopover. Akun’s practicality took over, making the decision an easy one. He turned to Mellin, his eyes meeting hers with an unspoken understanding.
"Let’s head to that nearby town," he suggested to her, his tone carrying a mix of practicality and a touch of anticipation. "We can rest there for the night and continue adventuring tomorrow."
Mellin’s response was swift and agreeable, a hint of excitement in her voice. "Sounds like a plan, Master. Lead the way."
With their next destination set and a sense of purpose propelling them forward, Akun and Mellin set off, their unity solidified through their shared journey.
Meanwhile back in the royal capital, Amidst the bustling activity, Vector and his crew were busily making ready for their impending raid on the anthill. An air of both anticipation and tension hung around them, as if every member of the group was well aware of the significance of the mission ahead.
Vector’s voice cut through the preparation chaos, crisp and authoritative, as he directed his questions to various members. "Are the smoke-bombs, fire-bombs, and potions all sorted out? We need to ensure we’re fully equipped for this."
As they continued their journey, now clad in more inconspicuous clothing, Akun’s thoughts turned to the task ahead and the mysteries that awaited them in the town.
As Akun and Mellin neared the formidable town walls, their progress was abruptly halted by the imposing figures of two guards adorned in unyielding iron armor. Their voices resonated with authority as they demanded a one-gold-coin entrance fee. Akun’s hand mimicked the action of reaching into his pocket, producing a gold coin seemingly conjured from thin air.
He handed it over, expecting a straightforward passage.
However, their journey hit another snag. The guards scrutinized the coin and exchanged wary glances. "Hold on," one of them grumbled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "This doesn’t bear the emblem of the royal capital," he pointed out.
"Emblem? What emblem?" Akun interjected, his eyes filled with confusion as he inspected the coin. His voice held a mixture of curiosity and slight playfulness.
Prompting the guard to gesture to the emblem on his own armor. "The emblem of the royal capital," the guard explained.
Akun’s lips curled into a satisfied grin as he pondered the situation. "Took the bait," he mused, amusement twinkling in his eyes. "Now I’ve got a clear picture of what the royal capital’s emblem looks like."
Using his gold manipulation, Akun imprinted the royal capital’s emblem on the coin without the guard noticing. Pretending to be confused he replied. "Emblem? Look again," he responded, his tone casual yet contrite. As he playfully gestured for them to look again, a sly smile touching his lips. As the guards did, their eyes widened in realization.
The emblem of the royal capital was now clearly imprinted on the coin’s surface.
The second guard arched an eyebrow, studying the emblem now embedded on the coin. "How did... Nevermind," he admitted, a grudging nod accompanying his words. "Alright then, off you go," he said, motioning them forward.
Akun chuckled in response, lifting a hand in a casual wave as he continued alongside Mellin. The encounter, while momentarily unexpected, had showcased the practical applications of his magical abilities in an everyday setting.
Meanwhile vector and his group had the forest in sight, tho it was a few mills away from them. Vector and his assembled crew stood at a distance, their expressions a mix of anticipation and determination. Vector’s eyes gleamed as he pointed ahead, his voice carrying a sense of triumph. "There it is, lads, our ticket to fortune."
However, as Vector surveyed their target, a man with slick black hair and penetrating green eyes approached him. This man exuded an air of sophistication, dressed in an attire that struck a balance between elegance and authority. His tone was firm, underscoring the gravity of his message. "Vector, remember our arrangement.
This operation must be conducted discreetly, and you must not let your enthusiasm carry you away."
Vector’s response was casual, a touch of defiance in his voice. "Yeah, yeah, I’ve got it all figured out. We’re going in for the cores, you get your specimens, and your family keeps a tight lid on the entire event so the holy church doesn’t catch a whiff of it. Win-win for everyone, right?"
The man’s gaze held steady, his features betraying no emotion. "Indeed, Vector. But remember, even the most meticulous plans can unravel if we’re not careful. This could change the course of our entire endeavor."
Vector waved off the caution, his confidence unshaken. "Trust me, Professor, we’ve got this under control. No need to be so uptight."