In the world of Eldoria, entering the Royal Castle was not just a formality. It was an event.
As guests approached the gates, the streets surrounding the castle was full of tension.
The guards were in full silver armor. Every visitor was stopped, checked, questioned, and verified.
Protocol was strict. Identity papers, adventurer badge, weapons declared, magical signatures identified by royal mages in long robes holding crystal staves.
Horns occasionally sounded as ceremonial signals of each new arrival.
Some of the arrivals walked with pride, beastmen warriors, dwarves, and even elves. Others kept low profiles, cloaked in plain fabric, their eyes watching everything.
All were here. The famous and strongest people in the whole continent, at least on the paper.
Inside the castle, the air was cool and still. Rich carpets lined the floors. Paintings of past kings and queens watched from the walls.
Two men stood near a tall window, observing the main courtyard.
One was an old man with soft, faded robes and a narrow staff carved with runes.
His eyes were sharp behind his half-moon glasses. He looked like an old wizard.
The other stood behind him, leaning casually against the window’s frame.
He was wearing a long dark coat with a high collar, his face hidden.
"It should have been restricted. We called for this meeting to prepare, not parade every sword-swinger in the kingdom."
The cloaked figure chuckled softly.
"Of course they are. That was the point."
The old man turned.
"I suggested we restrict this meeting. Invite only those we need, not parade every sword-swinger in the kingdom."
"And you would miss the chance to see the faces of the strongest adventurers in the continent?" the hidden man replied smoothly.
"I would rather not show my back to my enemies," the old man sighed. "You think demons won’t try to sneak in? You’re showing your back to the enemy. If they’re already among us, this gives them a perfect stage. They might be there. Maybe even strike."
The cloaked figure smiled.
"Oh, they will. It’s not just possible. It’s expected. They’ll come. They’ll watch. And they’ll listen very closely to see what we do next."
He tapped the glass gently.
"And in doing so, they’ll expose themselves."
The old man blinked.
"This... is a trap?"
The cloaked man turned slightly, just enough for the light to catch a hint of a bearded smile.
"Not a trap," he said. "A test. And by the time it’s over, we’ll know exactly who the traitors are."
The castle courtyard was buzzing with energy. Knights and adventurers of all kinds filled the space.
Bel stood silently near one of the fountains, gaze distant. Elysia walked beside him, wide-eyed.
"This place... wow," she whispered, then twirled around like a tourist. "I mean, I knew it would be big, but this is royal big."
Bel glanced at her.
"Aren’t you a knight? Shouldn’t you be used to this?"
"I mean, yeah, but... I was mostly stationed with the Duke. I never came to the capital like this."
Bel gave a small nod.
"So much for being an important knight."
"Hey! I am important... in the Duke’s territory... I think?" she muttered.
Before Bel could respond, a familiar voice called out.
"Bel?!"
He turned slowly.
Cassandra, Arkel, Crest, and Airi were making their way across the courtyard. Cassandra reached him first, slowing down as she observed him.
"Whoa..." Her eyes widened. "How did you get even more perfect? Taller, buffer... My, is this legal?"
She looked like she was one breath away from pouncing, until Arkel and Ronan grabbed her by the shoulders.
"Down, Cassandra," Arkel groaned.
Elysia stepped forward with a smile.
"Crest! I didn’t expect you to be here. You must’ve really improved!"
Crest chuckled awkwardly.
"Ah, well, I—"
"He didn’t," Airi cut in sharply, waving her invitation. "The kingdom summoned the party leaders. The elf was supposed to come, because she’s the veteran or something, but she refused, so the spot fell to him."
Crest deflated instantly.
"Still, I’m Iron Rank. It’s normal that I got invited..."
"Bragging much, huh?" Ronan muttered.
"Pathetic," Arkel sighed.
Bel rolled his eyes. He had come to see potential future enemies, not relive old dramas.
Cassandra stepped in, brushing imaginary dust from her shoulder.
"I had a feeling you’d be invited. I just didn’t think you’d vanish for so long. You just disappeared after that day. Lyraen, Dusteria, and Sienna searched everywhere. But turns out... you were with another woman."
She gave Elysia a teasing look. Elysia laughed nervously, bringing her hands to her cheeks.
"I... Um... In my defense, nothing really happened. I’ve seen stuff... But... Hehe..."
Bel looked ready to leave. And then his eyes met Airi’s.
She had been studying him. Her gaze was sharp, analytical. When she noticed he was watching, she smirked.
"You know what’s funny? They only let everyone else in because of us," she said, her voice cocky, just like always. "They’re using us to make it flashy. Doesn’t that make you mad? It does for me. I mean, if I have to be the excuse they let everyone in, might as well make it a private event. Special people deserve special treatment."
Bel remained expressionless, but Crest looked uncomfortable.
"Airi... you usually don’t say things like that. We’re a team, remember?"
Airi turned to him with a confident grin.
"Of course. But remember our bet? I said I’d replace him. In every way. So yeah... just greeting my rival."
She faced Bel fully.
"You carried the party, right? And you keep improving. Which means... you’re in my world now."
Bel raised an eyebrow.
"Rival?"
"Damn right."
Crest looked like he was about to explode.
"If you want a rival, then why not me?! I mean, we’re both Iron Rank, so I’m technical—"
"Wait," Arkel blinked. "Bel is still Iron Rank?"
There was a moment of silence. Ronan and Arkel exchanged glances.
Airi’s eyes widened, intrigued.
"Iron still? Since.... Huh. Oh... Maybe I judged you too fast."
Bel opened his mouth, but Elysia cut in quickly, nudging him with her elbow.
"He is Iron Rank, but it’s because he refuses to rank up. He soloed a dungeon that—"
"Elysia." Bel warned.
She gasped, clapped her hands over her mouth and laughed nervously.
"Oops. Sorry! My bad..."
Airi looked at him, doubtful.
"Tch. Disappointing. I thought we’d compete to see who climbs faster. But I see how it is. You’re one of those types. Trying to live a quiet life. That’s just weak."
Crest jumped in.
"Maybe I should be the rival, then. I’m still climbing, and—"
But Bel suddenly turned to the side, eyes widening. Everyone followed his gaze.
From across the courtyard, a voice echoed.
"Bel!"
It was Ilya.