Chapter 7 – The Kingdom and Its Secrets
The massive doors of the palace slowly opened, revealing a hall gleaming with gold and marble. Knights in armor bowed as a young man advanced from the throne. His blonde hair sparkled under the light of the stained glass, and his deep blue eyes radiated a quiet strength.
— I am Arthur, King of Britania, he said in a voice grave yet gentle. Welcome.
Suo knelt, a gesture that surprised Seth and Kael.
— Your Majesty, I answer your summons.
Arthur nodded.
— You are Suo, the seventh S-rank hunter. Your presence honors this kingdom.
Kael's eyes widened.
— Wait… seventh? How many are there in total?
Arthur smiled kindly.
— Twelve. The most powerful warriors of the continent. Suo is one of them… and his name alone can shake entire kingdoms.
Kael shot a discreet glance at Suo, but he remained impassive, as if that weight didn't matter to him.
— Follow me, said Arthur as he moved into a magnificent hall of the palace, inviting the travelers to take their seats so that the conversation could begin.
Arthur turned to Seth.
— And you… you are not like the others. I sense a strange power within you. Who are you?
Seth clenched his fists, hesitating, then spoke in a low but firm voice:
— I seek answers. I seek to understand what… Azatoh is.
At that name, the air seemed to freeze. Even the knights turned their gazes away. Arthur's expression turned grave as he furrowed his brow.
— Astaroth…? that name should not be spoken lightly.
— Do you know him?!
Arthur lowered his head slightly.
— Little information circulates about him. But if the legends are true… Astaroth is not an ordinary demon. He is a Primordial. A being that comes from the very depths of Hell, older than gods and kings.
Seth felt his heart tighten.
— So… is it related to me?
Arthur placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
— I do not know. But I can guide you to someone: Merlin.
Seth raised his eyebrows.
— The mage?
Arthur nodded slowly.
— He appears to be a young man… but behind his smile lies more than ten thousand years of knowledge. If anyone holds the answers, it is him.
After a long silence, Arthur locked eyes with Suo.
— You carry a burden much heavier than you let on.
Suo simply replied tersely:
— Demons do not grant respite. Each scar is a reminder of those I have killed.
Arthur inclined his head with respect.
— Then you are worthy to sit among the twelve. Soon, we will convene. And you, Suo, will play a crucial role.
Meanwhile, Kael and Tara wandered the streets of the capital. The markets bustled with life: musicians, silk vendors, blacksmiths boasting their shining weapons.
But Kael, guided by his instincts as a former thief, noticed a narrow alley, almost invisible.
— Come, Tara. This way.
— Kael… I don't like this place, she murmured, wary.
They descended into a dark basement, illuminated by a few torches. The black market. Here, hooded men exchanged bloody weapons, forbidden artifacts, and dusty grimoires.
Kael approached a stall where an old merchant, with glassy eyes, handed him a book with a charred leather cover.
— This grimoire… is ancient. Very ancient. A forbidden knowledge that only the most desperate dare to covet.
Kael stood frozen, his eyes glued to the book. He felt his heart beat faster. Something within him called to this book, as if its darkness whispered his name.
Tara suddenly placed her hand firmly on his arm.
— Kael! No! This place… this book… nothing good will come from it.
Kael turned his gaze away, but deep inside him, the temptation grew.
To be continued…