The atmosphere in the Duke's hall was heavy, charged with a tension so palpable even Alex could feel it—despite his usual indifference. Beside him, Aria and EMI remained silent, seated in rigid chairs before the grand door leading to Duke Alaric's main chamber.
The imposing carved wood seemed to whisper tales of power and legacy. Yet, what lay beyond was not just another meeting, but the beginning of a new and dangerous mission.
"Why do you think he summoned us so urgently?" EMI finally asked, breaking the silence, her gaze fixed on the door.
Aria, seated with perfect posture and her chin held high, responded calmly:
"If my father requested our presence, it means something of extreme importance has occurred. He wouldn't bother to interrupt us for something trivial."
Alex, who had been staring at the floor, sighed.
"If this means I have to wear that suit again, I'm out," he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
EMI rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile.
"Come on, you said yourself you felt more comfortable in it. Though I don't know why you make it sound like a carnival costume."
Before he could respond, the doors creaked open, revealing Duke Alaric. His imposing figure and serious expression made even Alex straighten up.
"Enter," said the Duke, his voice resonating like contained thunder.
Inside the room, the Duke began to explain the situation. A map of the kingdom and its surrounding regions was spread out on the table, with several red markers dotting it.
"It has been years since the dark mage Veyron was defeated and banished from these lands," the Duke began, pointing to one of the marks. "He was a man whose power and ambition nearly destroyed the kingdom. But thanks to the sacrifice of Magnus, the great archmage, we managed to stop him."
Aria nodded solemnly, recalling the stories her father had told her about Magnus's bravery. EMI, for her part, seemed intrigued.
"Why should we worry about a man who was already defeated?"
The Duke looked up, his eyes gleaming with a somber intensity.
"Because he has returned."
A heavy silence filled the room as his words echoed in their minds.
"Several reports have reached the castle in recent weeks," he continued. "Entire villages vanished. Creatures never before seen in these lands. And a group of mercenaries serving an unknown master. It all points to one thing: Veyron is back. More powerful than ever. And with a clear goal: vengeance."
Alex swallowed, feeling a chill run down his spine.
"And what are we supposed to do about it?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.
The Duke looked him directly in the eyes.
"Investigate. Veyron and his followers must be hiding somewhere remote, but we don't know where. I need you, as a group, to gather information, track their movements, and, if possible, find their exact location."
Aria nodded with determination.
"We will do everything we can."
The Duke nodded in turn, adding a warning:
"But remember, this mage is dangerous. Do not underestimate the darkness he commands. Do not act recklessly. Observe, and return with what you discover."
Alex exchanged looks with EMI and Aria. Although the mission seemed straightforward on the surface, he knew they were stepping into something far more dangerous than they had ever faced before.
---
As they left the chamber, the group began planning in the torch-lit hallway. The tapestries hanging on the walls narrated ancient battles, and Alex couldn't help but feel they were about to add a new chapter.
"We should start with the villages closest to the sightings," proposed EMI, her tone practical. "The villagers might have seen something, or at least noticed strange activity."
"I agree," said Aria, resting a finger on her chin. "But I will also contact some informants from my family. They have eyes and ears in places we don't."
Alex observed the map mentally, tracing lines between the red marks.
"What about the creatures?" he asked, turning his gaze to the Duke, who still stood by the table. "You said they were 'never before seen.' Could they be his summons? Experiments?"
The Duke frowned, appreciating the insight.
"It's likely. Veyron was always a student of the forbidden. Not just in magic, but in arcane biology. If he has returned with renewed power, he may have perfected those dark arts."
EMI shivered slightly.
"That doesn't sound good. It means we're not just dealing with a mage, but an army of... whatever he's created."
"Exactly," the Duke nodded. "That's why caution is paramount. Do not confront anything directly. Observe, listen, and return."
---
As they left the hall and headed toward the assigned quarters to prepare, Alex stopped on a balcony overlooking the castle gardens. The night was cold and starry, a deceptive calm before the storm.
"Thinking of running away again?" Aria smiled, appearing softly at his side.
"Just calculating how many ways this can go wrong," Alex replied, not taking his eyes off the horizon.
"Always so optimistic," EMI joked, joining them. "But seriously, Alex... this time is different, isn't it? It's not just bandits or wild beasts."
Alex nodded slowly.
"Yeah. This... is the shadow of something bigger. Something with history, with a grudge. It's personal to the kingdom, and now, somehow, to us."
Aria placed a hand on the cold stone parapet.
"My father would never have turned to us if he didn't believe we could handle this. He trusts us... and you."
EMI looked at Alex, and for the first time, there was no trace of mockery or exasperation in her eyes, only solid determination.
"She's right. You're not the same 'nobody' who got dragged here through a portal. Those runes, how you handled the lion... you have instinct, Alex. And we're with you."
Alex was silent for a moment, EMI's words resonating deeper than he expected. Finally, he offered a half-smile.
"Well, if I'm going to be the side character in this story, at least I'll be the one who survives to see the credits."
Both girls smiled, and for an instant, the weight of the mission seemed to lighten.
---
Back in the room, Alex picked up the black suit with red lining he had worn the day before. The fabric was sturdy, designed for mobility and some protection. As he put it on, Aria watched him from the doorway.
"You know, every time you put that on, you seem... more like yourself," she commented, her voice unusually soft.
"More like myself?" Alex asked, adjusting his gloves.
"Yes. Less like the guy who was dragged here against his will, and more like someone who chooses to be here," Aria explained, stepping closer to help him fasten the clasp of his cloak.
EMI entered at that moment, carrying a small case of potions and supplies. Seeing Aria so close to Alex, she paused for a second, but then continued.
"Here's some basic healing, just in case," she said, placing the case on a table. "And... yeah, Aria's right. The suit suits you. Don't let it go to your head, but... it gives you authority."
Alex looked at his reflection in the room's polished mirror. The metallic gray mask covered the lower half of his face, and the cloak fell in dramatic folds. He hardly recognized himself.
"It's not about appearances," he said finally, turning toward them. "It's about doing what needs to be done. And coming back all together."
Aria and EMI exchanged a look, and both nodded. No more needed to be said.
The three of them left the castle under the cloak of night, their silhouettes blending with the shadows. Behind them lay the safety of stone walls; ahead, an uncertain path toward the darkness growing at the edges of the kingdom. But for the first time, Alex didn't feel like merely a spectator dragged along by the plot.