Chapter 13 -The Visitors at the Gate
After some time working in silence, Ashton finally looked up from the documents spread across his desk.
His eyes settled on Dino, who had been waiting patiently nearby.
"Go prepare the elite soldiers," Ashton said in a calm, steady tone.
"Make sure Siph is included.
Tell them to be ready tomorrow morning at the gates."
Dino bowed slightly. "Yes, Master." Without hesitation, he turned and left the room.
Once the door closed, Ashton leaned back in his chair and released a quiet sigh. His gaze drifted toward the ceiling as thoughts weighed on him.
Two months… it's already been two months since I came to this world.
His hand curled slightly at the memory of the battles, the blood, the constant tests of strength.
Well… at least the gods only sent their pawns this time.
That much is a relief.
The clang of steel and the shouts of soldiers filled the training ground as Dino arrived.
He scanned the area until his eyes found Siph, who was issuing commands with practiced authority.
The young woman carried herself with the composure of someone born to lead; her sharp gaze followed every movement of the soldiers under her, correcting mistakes with precision.
When she noticed Dino approaching, she allowed herself a small smile.
"Did Master send you?" she asked, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek.
Dino returned the smile with a faint smirk.
"Sharp mind as ever.
Yes. Master sent me to tell you to prepare twenty elite soldiers and station them at the gate tomorrow morning.
You'll be with them."
Syph's expression grew more serious. She nodded, then asked, "Understood. But may I ask—why would Master give such an order?"
Dino lifted his shoulders in a shrug. "I don't know the details. I only heard him murmur something about gods' pawns."
"Gods' pawns…" Siph repeated softly, her eyes narrowing. She looked thoughtful for a moment, then straightened. "I see. Then I understand. I'll make the necessary arrangements."
"Good," Dino said simply. With a brief nod, he turned and left the grounds, leaving Syph already moving to prepare her chosen soldiers for the task ahead.
Back at Ashton's quarters, Dino knocked lightly against the wooden door.
"Come in," Ashton's voice called.
Dino entered, shutting the door behind him. He moved forward until he stood directly before Ashton's desk, lowering his head slightly in respect.
"Siph has agreed to your request, Master."
Ashton gave a small nod.
"Good work."
For a time, the two returned to their tasks. The quiet was filled with the soft scratch of Ashton's quill and the faint rustle of parchment as Dino sorted through reports.
Hours passed this way, the rhythm of their work steady and unbroken, until Ashton finally set his quill aside.
"Let's go eat," he said, rising from his chair. "I think the villagers are waiting for us."
Dino gave a short nod. "As you wish."
Together, they left the chamber and walked through the simple wooden halls toward the large building where the villagers gathered for meals.
Warm voices, laughter, and the smell of cooked meat met them as they entered. The people looked up as they arrived, their expressions carrying respect, gratitude, and a quiet kind of trust.
Ashton felt the weight of those gazes, but also a sense of calm. This was becoming routine—sharing meals with the villagers, easing their worries with his presence.
The next morning dawned clear and sharp. Ashton rose early, beginning his routine as he always did.
Meditation, stretching, and steadying his mana flow—rituals that grounded him before any coming conflict.
Once finished, he turned toward the armor that Kiran had forged for him.
Black steel gleamed faintly under the morning light, golden lines etched across its surface like flowing veins.
The craftsmanship was flawless. The armor fit him perfectly, accentuating both strength and presence without being overly ornate.
This was no ordinary armor.
Kiran had incorporated enchantments Ashton had once only spoken of in passing—fragments of knowledge he recalled from novels and games of his previous life.
He had shared them with Kiran almost idly, never truly believing the smith could make them real. Yet here it was, solid and gleaming before him.
The armor's effects were remarkable:
• A strengthening spell that amplified his physical power.
• An enchantment to increase stamina, allowing longer endurance in combat.
• A regenerative effect, capable of repairing both the armor and the wearer's wounds.
Ashton fastened each piece carefully, feeling the way it settled against his body.
Kiran really outdid himself… he thought. I never imagined my words would turn into something like this.
When he was fully armed, Ashton stepped out into the cool morning air.
His footsteps carried him steadily toward the gates.
There, Dino, Siph, and the chosen elites were already waiting.
Their armor, while simpler than Ashton's, bore the same black-and-gold pattern, a sign of unity and strength.
Siph stood at the front, her sharp eyes fixed on the distance. She glanced briefly at Ashton as he approached, then turned her gaze back outward.
"Get ready," Ashton said as he took his place beside her.
His voice carried the weight of certainty.
"They're coming."
The soldiers shifted, their hands tightening on their weapons. A tense silence hung over them, heavy with anticipation.
It did not take long before shapes appeared on the horizon.
Figures slowly emerged from the shimmering line of distance, their approach steady and purposeful.
Dust rose with their march, and the outline of weapons gleamed faintly under the light.
As they drew nearer, it became clear they were no mere wanderers.
Their formation was too precise, their movements too confident. At their head strode a man dressed in fine robes, his posture elegant, his expression proud.
He carried himself with the assurance of someone who had authority—and the arrogance of one who expected obedience.
The group stopped a short distance from the gate.
The man's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Who is the leader of this village?"
For a moment, silence reigned. No one among the gathered soldiers spoke, though the villagers watching from behind the walls whispered nervously.
Then, Ashton stepped forward. His armor glinted as the sunlight struck it, and his gaze locked firmly on the man ahead.
"I am," he said simply.
The man's lips curled into a cold sneer. "So it's you. Then you are coming with us."
At his words, the tension thickened, like the final stillness before a storm. Dino's eyes narrowed, Siph's hand went to her sword, and the soldiers stood ready.
Ashton did not move, but his expression hardened. Inside, his thoughts were already racing.
So it begins…
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