Escape to East

"What's that sound? It's so loud," Mistral asked, her voice barely audible above the rushing wind.

"It seems the weapon test has begun," Gulark said, striding towards the testing area. "Is the sound always this deafening?" Luciana inquired. "The one using it doesn't even make a sound; it's as if the wind itself is the only noise," Gulark replied. "Is that so? I wonder what the person wielding it is like," Marrie mused. "When the time and fate allow, you'll surely meet them," Gulark replied, continuing towards the testing grounds.

Meanwhile, Shadow, already at the location, continued to adjust to and familiarize himself with the rifle, still taking aim at the target dummies. "So, what's it like?" Gulark asked. "Gahhhh..." Shadow reacted with a start, his shot going wide. "Hahahahahahaha, seems like you need some focus to handle that thing," Gulark chuckled. "Of course, this is still very new to me," Shadow admitted. "Indeed, it's new to us as well, but it seems you're ahead in mastering it," Gulark remarked.

"What about the Wargs?" Shadow inquired. "White Fang and his pack will be yours; they're tame, right?" Gulark replied. "Upon returning, there's one slot for the Wargs; what do you think?" Shadow asked. "Lisa or Mirabel could fill that position," Gulark suggested. "Hmm... I'll think about it later." Unbeknownst to Shadow and Gulark, a figure cloaked in human guise watched them, their piercing blue eyes observing Shadow intently.

Meanwhile, within the Palace of Eternal, King Disonius pored over reports detailing the whereabouts of his nephew. "What's the latest on Prince Blackheart? I hear he's ventured into the Town of Mary," a soldier reported. "Is this confirmed?" King Disonius inquired. "It is indeed, Your Majesty. Our spies within the Adventure Guild have verified his presence," the soldier confirmed. "Very well. Prepare the pursuit party," King Disonius commanded. "The issue is, currently, he's in Titaniumforge, fulfilling a task. I'll postpone action for three days. Ensure they return to the Town of Mary by then," Disonius decided. "Understood, King Disonius," the soldier replied before departing.

"The vendetta against the Heart Royal Family will be complete once Shadow meets his demise," King Disonius declared grimly. With resolve burning in his veins, he mounted his steed and spurred it onward, accompanied by several Knights of the White Snake Legion.

Arriving swiftly in town, King Disonius made a beeline for the home of an oracle. "Oracle, is it true that the Grim Reaper you once spoke of is my nephew?" the king inquired of the Oracle of Fate. "Death looms near you, not bound by blood but not bound by order either," the Oracle cryptically replied. With a face twisted in anger, King Disonius swiftly departed.

As the afternoon sun cast its warm glow, Shadow hastily packed his belongings, preparing to return to the Town of Mary alongside Marrie, Mistral, and Luciana. Gulark also began to gather his things, this time bringing along the weapon designs as he mounted his Warg. "Finally, we're heading back to the Town of Mary. I can't wait to sink my teeth into some grilled meat at the Adventure Guild," Shadow exclaimed. "Wasn't the food in Titaniumforge to your liking?" Mistral inquired. "More like there wasn't enough of it..." Shadow chuckled, joined by Gulark's hearty laughter, while Luciana suppressed a giggle.

Suddenly, Shadow was startled as something streaked past his face with incredible speed, causing him to stumble. Something embedded itself into the wall nearby. "What was that?" Luciana asked, drawing her sword. "An arrow shot?" Mistral prepared her bow. A man clad in black attire with piercing blue eyes stood before them, brandishing a katana and hurling another knife identical to the one before. "An Assassin from the Black Serpent Clan!" Gulark exclaimed. Mistral swiftly fired her arrow, but the assassin effortlessly deflected it with his katana. Shadow dismounted White Fang and advanced with his Deathshycte, while Marrie cast a Fire Bolt from her magic staff. The assassin evaded Marrie's spell and lunged forward, easily sidestepping Luciana's prepared strike and launching an attack at Shadow, who countered with his Soul Reaper Deathshycte. The assassin blinked towards Shadow, who promptly fired his rifle, turning the assassin into a wooden tree.

"That was a formidable assassin," Mistral commented. "He... gave us a warning," Shadow revealed. "What? But that's impossible, wasn't he just..." Mistral began, only to be interrupted by Shadow. "I know the code he gave. It's a code known only to the Black Serpent Shadow Master and the Royal Family," Shadow explained. "Is it... Uncle V?" Luciana inquired. "Yes, it's him. I recognize his swordsmanship and his distinctive weapons," Shadow confirmed. "What did he say?" Luciana pressed on. "He said not to return to the Town of Mary. You're being hunted. The Kingdom of Timania in the east knows of your whereabouts and is ready to receive you. Await me at the eastern border," Shadow relayed. "It seems the Emperor has caught wind of your presence. What should we do?" Marrie asked. "Head east immediately. From what I know, it's only a few hours' journey, and we can make it there swiftly," Shadow responded. "Considering the Black Serpent Assassin Clan's allegiance to the royal family, Uncle V wouldn't lie," Luciana concluded. "Well then, the eastern border it is," Shadow declared.

Shadow readied himself once again to journey towards the eastern border, unaware that a guard who overheard their plans hastily scribed a letter and dispatched it to King Disonius. Meanwhile, Shadow and his companions hurried towards the eastern border.

In his chambers, King Disonius received the message delivered through magic. "So, Prince Blackheart intends to flee to the eastern border? Not this time. I won't let him slip away," the king muttered as he swiftly left his room. "Commander Arthenius, where are you?" he called out as he strode into the main hall of the palace. "The Commander is in the field, Your Majesty. Shall I summon him for you?" a servant offered. "No need, I'll go to him," King Disonius replied as he made his way to the training grounds.

At the training grounds, Commander Arthenius was drilling his troops, instructing them on tactics for cutting down or piercing through enemies. "Commander, prepare your forces at once," King Disonius commanded upon arrival. "Has Prince Blackheart been located?" Commander Arthenius inquired. "They're heading towards the eastern border; one of our scouts spotted them in Titaniumforge," King Disonius informed. "Very well, I'll ready the finest troops at my disposal," replied Commander Arthenius. "Bring him back alive..." King Disonius added before returning to his chambers.

Shortly after, King Disonius observed Commander Arthenius departing with 300 specially mounted soldiers, heading eastward.

Shadow spurred White Fangs onward towards the eastern border. Though they were relatively close, the terrain leading to the main road of the border proved challenging. Guided by V's markings on the trees, they navigated through the dense foliage, Shadow and his companions following closely behind.

"The terrain exiting the forest can indeed be troublesome. Thankfully, Uncle V left these marks," Luciana remarked as she urged her Warg forward.

"At least we're getting closer to the eastern border," Marrie commented, glancing at the map as she spurred her own mount onward.

"We're almost at Timania. We can figure out our next steps from there," Shadow stated, urging White Fang forward. Soon, they reached the main road, continuing their journey atop their Wargs.

The royal cavalry of Belarus quickly followed behind Shadow's group. Marrie set up a Fire Wall trap, while Mistral laid down rope traps to hinder the advance of the Belarusian troops.

Shadow, leading the way atop White Fangs, emerged from the forest first and caught sight of the assassin mounting a steed of deep crimson. Behind him followed Shadow's companions and a lone riderless Warg. "Gulark isn't joining us? What a shame... King Erenius was eager to meet him," V remarked as Shadow and his group successfully exited the forest and continued towards the nearest village, only to find their path blocked in the middle of the road.

The Belarusian troops, upon reaching the forest's exit, came to an abrupt halt at the sight of the assassin standing in the middle of the road, astride his crimson steed. "Halt! What is the meaning and purpose of bringing your forces into the territory of the Timania Empire?" the assassin inquired.

"We are in pursuit of a criminal wanted by Emperor Disonius. I hope you'll clear our path," replied Commander Artherius.

"A criminal? I've been standing guard here and haven't seen anyone pass by. Withdraw, or I will report your actions as an attack on the Timania Empire," the assassin retorted.

"Everyone, withdraw!" ordered Commander Arthenius. "I will discuss this matter with Emperor Disonius... remember my words," he added to the assassin before pulling back his troops.

V quickly retreated to the nearest village and came upon a stable housing five Wargs, designated for the Adventure Guild's exclusive use. Entering the guild, V spotted Shadow and his group taking a rest. "You're quite fortunate. Commander Arthenius is a specialist in capturing high-profile criminals," V remarked as he removed his face covering.

"I knew it was you, uncle. The techniques of the Black Serpent sometimes defy logic," Shadow replied.

"For now, your assignment is at the Timania branch of the Adventure Guild. I've already recommended you as the Commander of the Timania Rider Force," V announced.

"Is it possible that King Tarsarus is still leading Timania?" Shadow inquired.

"King Tarsarus has decided to retire. Your main betrothed, who is now the Empress of Timania, has taken over," V revealed.

"My betrothed... WHHHHAAAT?!" Shadow exclaimed in shock.