"I thought you said you just had to pray for rain. What's going on?" Elias asked Helen quietly as they stood at the outskirts of the palace later that night. The night breeze rustled the leaves of the trees nearby, and the flickering torchlights along the palace wall cast long shadows on the ground.
Helen kept her eyes low, hesitant. "That's true… I don't know why that priestess's assistant said it was the lost staff."
Elias folded his arms, deep in thought. "Do you have any idea where it could be?"
Helen paused for a while, staring at the stars above. Then her eyes lit up faintly. "No… but I've heard my grandmother mention it before. Mmm… I think she said something about Minister Frederick's family being connected to it… or something close."
Elias took a step forward. "So I just have to search there?"
"I'll go with you," Helen replied with a nod, her expression suddenly serious. I can sense powerful relics when they're close by. If it's not there, I'll know."
Elias glanced toward the palace. "Why don't we go now?"
Helen's brows furrowed. "What?"
"There's no time," Elias replied firmly. "Every second we wait gives that assistant more time to act."
"Won't people at the palace notice you're gone?" she asked.
"We'll have to be quick," Elias answered.
Helen gave a small nod, her face determined.
That night, Elias and Helen made their way to the night market in the capital. It was a hidden world that came alive only when the moon was high. The market buzzed with hushed trade, rare goods, and cloaked merchants. Colorful lanterns swayed gently, casting soft glows over wares. The scent of roasted meats and wild herbs lingered in the air.
Elias purchased a black cloak for himself, a sleek sword with a silver edge, and a golden mask that concealed the top half of his face. He handed Helen a similar black cloak with a hood and a simple wooden mask.
They walked quietly through the dimly lit streets until they reached the outskirts of Minister Frederick's large compound. The walls were tall, built from dark stone, with thorny vines creeping up the sides. A few guards moved about casually, unaware of the presence lurking beyond.
"Is that his house?" Helen whispered.
"I think so, We'll ask someone nearby," Elias replied, pointing to a man closing his stall.
They approached, and after a brief conversation and a coin, the man pointed them in the right direction.
Soon, they stood at the entrance of Frederick's compound. Helen adjusted her hood and whispered, "Ready?"
Elias nodded. They crouched, about to leap over the wall, when a sharp voice rang out.
"Who's there?" Frederick called. He had just returned from a late night out, his steps slightly unsteady from drink.
"What are you doing at my house at this hour?" he demanded, squinting into the dark.
Helen whispered, "I think it might be here. Let me check while you handle him."
Elias nodded. "Be careful."
With a swift leap, Helen disappeared over the wall with silent grace. Frederick, meanwhile, stumbled toward Elias, his face twisted in irritation.
He lifted his foot to strike, but Elias dodged and drew his sword.
"You're raising your blade against the second-best swordsman?" Frederick said with a low chuckle. "You must be bold... or reckless."
"There's no ranking in a real fight," Elias answered calmly. "You're only stronger if you win."
Frederick pulled a short, sharp-edged blade from under his robe. It glinted in the moonlight. Without hesitation, he lunged. Their blades clashed with a sharp ring. Sparks flew. After six rapid strikes, Frederick managed to tear the edge of Elias's robe.
"This man is fast and skilled," Elias thought, keeping his footing steady. "Aside from Master Ben, I haven't met such a difficult opponent."
Frederick grinned. "So it's you, isn't it? The one who defeated Ken. I recognize that style. But tonight, I'll return the favor… and bring your head to the king."
"Try," Elias said quietly.
The duel resumed, swift and relentless. Their swords danced through the air, slicing and parrying with expert precision. They moved like shadows through the clearing, each step deliberate.
Eventually, the fight spilled onto the edge of a forest nearby, where the trees loomed tall and moonlight filtered through the leaves in scattered beams.
Suddenly, Elias spun and sprinted into the trees. Frederick gave chase, shouting.
Then, with no warning, Elias turned and hurled his sword like a spear.
It cut through the air with force and precision.
Frederick reacted too slowly. The blade struck his right arm. He let out a sharp cry and yanked the sword free, blood staining his sleeve.
He threw it aside, breathing heavily, but Elias was already gone.
"Coward!" Frederick spat, clutching his injured arm.
Meanwhile, Elias had doubled back and quietly emerged from the opposite side of the woods. Helen waited nearby, her eyes scanning the trees.
"Did you find it?" Elias asked, catching his breath.
Helen shook her head. "No. There was a blue relic… but it wasn't the staff."
Elias exhaled slowly, disappointment flickering across his face. "What now? That priestess's assistant is already planning her next move."
Helen lowered her hood. "We'll keep searching. The staff exists. And someone clearly wants it hidden. That means we're getting closer."
The wind stirred the leaves, and the night grew cooler. They stood in silence, both aware that the ceremony would not wait forever.
Suddenly, a voice called softly behind them.
"Brother?"
Elias turned. Seraphina stood several paces away, her eyes wide.
"W…what are you doing here?" she asked, stepping closer, concern in her voice.
"Greetings, my princess," Helen said respectfully and bowed.
"You're the one claiming to be the White Tiger's descendant, aren't you?" Seraphina asked, eyeing her carefully.
Helen nodded, her gaze steady.
Elias tensed. He could feel the weight of time running out. Frederick would likely return every second.
"Do you two know each other already, brother?" Seraphina asked with narrowed eyes.
"Mmm... I just met her recently and..."
Before Elias could finish, an arrow whistled from the trees.
Elias snatched it from the air in one swift motion.
"Run!" he shouted, his voice sharp with urgency.