An Appetiser.

The guard led Arthur deeper into the prison complex, past empty cells carved from solid bedrock.

The village prison had been expanded considerably under Arthur's direction—another preparation for the coming chaos.

They stopped before a heavy iron door at the corridor's end.

"He's inside, sir. Would you like me to—"

"Leave us."

The guard bowed hastily and retreated, keys jingling at his belt as he hurried away.

Arthur waited until the guard's footsteps faded before pressing his palm against the door. A pulse of mana, and the locks disengaged with soft clicks.

Arthur waited until the guard's footsteps faded before pressing his palm against the door. A pulse of mana, and the locks disengaged with soft clicks.

Inside the cell, Adam froze at the sound.