Step-step-step-step-step
Fifteen minutes of running, and Leon finally came to a halt in front of the Kingdom's gate.
"Huff…" His breath came steady but deep, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. His chest rose and fell with calm excitement as he stepped forward and crossed through the entrance, eyes sharp and locked ahead.
The market streets lay ahead. Merchants shuffled, carts creaked, crates hit tabletops. It was early — too early for crowds — but the quiet hum of life stirred around him. Leon moved through them like a shadow, weaving past shopkeepers setting up their stalls without breaking stride.
His pace was steady, but filled with excitement.
Five minutes later, he stood in front of Dekkn's Smithy.
Without pausing, he climbed the stone steps, boots tapping firmly, and raised his hand to knock.
Knock-Knock
He waited. Ten seconds passed. Silence.
Leon exhaled through his nose, lifted his hand again—
Click
