The Warlord's Second Life As A Commoner : 021

A light mist shrouded the supposedly sunny morning at Arcadia Academy. Smoke from the burning ruins of the building still hung in the air, reminding Lucian and his friends of the vicious attack by the Order of the Dusk. But there was no time for grief or reflection. Master Gregory's information on the location of the Seal of Light had been an important clue they needed to follow.

Lucian stood in front of the large map spread out on the table in the Academy's meeting room. His hand pointed to the region of Evernight, an ancient city long abandoned and mentioned only in whispers of legend.

"Evernight is in the far north, beyond the Ice Mountains," Lucian said, his tone full of determination. "This journey will not be easy. The geography is poor, and it's likely that the Order of the Dawn has already turned its attention there."

"We have no choice," Alden replied, crossing his arms over his chest. "But I don't like the idea of crossing the Ice Mountains. It's not just a cold place, Lucian. It's a place where people disappear before they even see the top."

Eris, who was sitting in the corner of the room reading ancient scrolls, looked up at them. "We need a guide, someone who knows how to navigate such terrain. If we go alone, we'll probably never make it to Evernight."

"What about my friend Thalia?" suggested Herakles. "She's an explorer from the northern clans. She knows the Ice Mountains like the back of her hand."

Lucian looked at Herakles expectantly. "Where can we find her?"

Heracles smiled faintly. "He lives in the village of Frosthaven, at the foot of the Ice Mountains. If he agrees to help, our journey will be much easier."

The journey to Frosthaven took several days. They passed through rocky valleys and dense forests, battling bad weather and wild creatures that seemed to have become more aggressive since the Order of Dusk began its activities.

When they finally reached the village, Frosthaven seemed like a place isolated from the outside world. Small wooden and stone houses stood sturdily in the thick snow. The villagers, thickly dressed and carrying simple weapons, eyed Lucian's party suspiciously.

Heracles stepped forward, his broad smile easing some of the tension. "I am here to see Thalia. Tell her Herakles has returned."

An old man with a long stick nodded slowly and walked to one of the houses at the end of the village. A few minutes later, a tall woman with neatly braided silver hair emerged from the house. Her icy eyes scanned Lucian and his companions before settling on Heracles.

"You're back with a problem, aren't you?" she asked matter-of-factly.

Heracles chuckled. "I wouldn't have come back if it wasn't important. We need your help, Thalia. Travel across the Ice Mountains to Evernight."

Thalia frowned. "Evernight? You know that place is more than just a legend, right? No one has ever gone there and returned safely."

"That's why we need you," Lucian said, stepping forward. "We're after something that can save this world, and the Order of the Twilight has already made its move."

Thalia stared at Lucian as if trying to gauge his sincerity. Finally she took a long breath. "Very well. I will guide you. But this journey will not be easy. If you're not ready, you'd better turn back now."

The first day of their journey through the Ice Mountains was filled with bone-chilling air. Thalia led the way, guiding them through the narrow lanes hidden between the steep slopes. But the first danger soon came as night fell.

What had been a whispering wind turned into a raging blizzard. Huge snowflakes swirled around, obscuring the view and making the temperature even more unbearable.

"We have to find shelter!" cried Thalia, her voice nearly drowned out by the wind.

They found a small cave that was enough to protect them from the storm. But as they began to rest, Lucian sensed something was wrong. A low rumbling sound could be heard, coming closer and closer.

"Everyone, prepare!" cried Lucian and drew his sword.

From the darkness of the cave emerged a large, white-furred creature with sharp claws and fiery red eyes. It was the Yeti, the legendary guardian of the Ice Mountains.

The battle with the Yeti was fierce. The creature moved with incredible speed for its size and attacked with a brute force that pinned them down. However, through a combination of Eris' magic, Heracles' strength, and Thalia's ingenuity, they were able to defeat the creature.

"This is just the beginning," Thalia said as she cleaned the blood from her dagger. "If the Yeti has appeared, it means we're getting closer to something important."

After days of dangerous travel, they finally arrived in Evernight. The old city looked like a nightmare frozen in time. The buildings were crumbling, the streets were covered in ice, and a dark aura surrounded every corner.

In the center of the city, they found the ruins of a large temple filled with ancient carvings. Inside was an altar with a seal of light hovering above it, emitting a faint golden glow.

But before they could approach, the guardian of the seal appeared. He was in the shape of a giant knight with a golden armored body and white-glowing eyes.

"What are you doing here, human?" his voice echoed, deep and powerful.

"We have come to protect the Seal of Light from those who would use it for destruction," Lucian replied firmly.

The Guardian chuckled. "Many have come with the same claim, but none have been worthy. If you truly wish to possess this seal, prove yourself in battle."

The fight against the guard was their greatest test yet. His attacks were so powerful that they shook the ground, and each stroke of his sword created a wave of energy that was almost impossible to dodge.

But Lucian and his friends did not give up. They worked together perfectly, using all their strength and intelligence to fight back. Finally, Lucian found an opening in the guard's defenses and struck with all his might, bringing the creature to its knees.

"Very well," the guard said in a faint voice. "You have proven yourselves. The Seal of Light is now your responsibility. Use it wisely, or this world will pay the price."