Akkah

The guards looked at each other. They were due another ascendant soon, so this wasn't out of the ordinary, but the timing was a bit bad. However, it was up for their superiors to decide, and they were responsible for making sure that whoever showed up didn't make trouble.

"We will have to take precautions..."

The guard said this cautiously, some people could get very offended by these words if they were from a significant family and a spy would probably be adverse to the idea, but Alex just smiled.

"I understand. Please take care of me."

The guard let out the breath he was holding in. Seems like a good seed had shown up. Though the ascendant who had come before this boy had said nothing about a boy named Alex when they were updating the 2nd Heaven on the 1st Heaven's condition, it wasn't that uncommon for someone talented to climb the ranks quickly.

The guard took out a pair of cuffs, about to explain the purpose, when Alex offered his wrists.

"I understand."

Alex withdrew his wrists for a second to hand over his sword and sheathe.

"Please take care of her as well."

"Naturally."

Getting attached to weapons was quite common, especially when they've been through thick and thin with you.

Allowing himself to be shackled, Alex walked through the gates.

As Alex continued on, he heard a yell behind him. An alert had gone off and a barrier activated as a certain crow had tried to follow him. However, as expected of a major kingdom of the 2nd Heaven, the guards had detected her.

The guards instantly went into combat mode, slashing at the dazed crow. She had slammed right into the barrier. However, before they could, a blur passed, just knocking the sword to the side.

"My apologies. This crow spirit beast here has been my guide. She helped me while I was stuck in the forest and helped me find my way. Please don't hurt her."

The guards kept their weapons raised, though not because they were intending to hurt the crow. They were certainly still wary, but now they were also wary of the ascender. No fresh 9th level GM should be able to move that fast, but he did. Plus, he was strong enough to impact the trajectory, albeit slightly, of a guard who was in territory of low-mid Lord.

'This man... he's not an ordinary ascender.'

Since he had readily agreed to the checks, they would assume the best, but the best meant that he was extremely talented. Not a bad thing, but not something they wanted should he decide to not be on their side.

They looked at the crow, who had taken human form. She sat on the ground, and they could tell her cultivation was around theirs, though a bit lower.

"Thank you. If you want to continue following me as you have... you might want to tell them who you are. I don't even know so I can't help. They clearly don't recognize you so you would have to go through the procedure."

The crow shook her head. She didn't want to do that. She preferred her life in the woods to getting involved.

The guards looked at her, their weapons still raised.

"You'll have to leave then."

The crow's eyes widened. She shook her head again, this time more different.

"You don't have a choice. Go through the procedure or stay out."

The crow looked at Alex with pleading eyes, but he only smiled a bit sadly.

"You're welcome to wait..."

He looked at her pitifully.

"I hold no sway here. To be honest, I understand where their coming from. It's just one of those things..."

The crow looked at him, before lowering her head. She walked away, but not before whispering a single word.

"Akkah."

Alex, knowing that was her name, smiled again.

"I hope to see you again, Akkah."