Chapter 18:

Above The Clouds, Above The Storm

Fate


Kyran, with a calm and impressive stance, said, "I am Kyran, the guardian of the Time Castle. It is my duty to assess the intentions of those who enter and to protect time." His voice held a tranquility that was both a distant echo and a close whisper.

Solve, in astonishment, murmured, "Kyran... The Master of Time." "Have you lived in this castle all this time?"

Kyran, staring at Solve, replied, "The Time Castle is my home. Here, I sustain my existence by protecting time."

Before Kyran, Lordhair, Solve, and the soldiers set off toward the Black Castle, Kyran began preparing for a magical ritual. He gathered the necessary materials to heal Vermithor's wounds using time magic and began to focus his energy.

While Kyran completed his preparations, Lordhair and Solve were explaining protection tactics to the soldiers. They were taking precautions for the dangers they might encounter during their journey. The soldiers listened carefully and followed the orders.

Once Kyran had gathered his energy, he turned to Lordhair and Solve. "I am ready," he said. "I have completed the preparations for the time spell. Now, we can set off toward the Black Castle."

Lordhair, gripping his swords, said, "Then let’s begin. We must complete this mission successfully for Vermithor's healing."

Solve and the soldiers took their positions beside Kyran. The group began their journey toward the Black Castle with careful determination. Throughout the journey, everyone remained vigilant, observing their surroundings and staying alert for any danger that might arise.

As they approached the Black Castle, its dark and gloomy atmosphere greeted them. The walls seemed to have disappeared into the darkness over centuries. Kyran gathered his energy and moved toward the castle.

"Let’s go inside and heal Vermithor’s wounds," Kyran said. "I will use the power of time to heal him."

The group stepped into the Black Castle and moved toward the room where Vermithor was located. Kyran, focusing his energy, began performing the magical ritual. Purple flames emanated from his hands, carrying the power of time. As Kyran carefully and attentively performed his magic, Lordhair, Solve, and the soldiers kept watch to protect him.

Vermithor began to slowly heal under the effect of the spell. Kyran’s time magic rapidly closed his wounds and restored his energy. Once the spell was completed, Vermithor took a deep breath and opened his eyes.

Lordhair turned to Kyran and said, "You did it. You healed Vermithor’s wounds."

Kyran replied, "He’s not fully healed yet. His body will slowly regress in time, and in about 1-2 weeks, he will regain his full strength."

Kyran, calming his energy, added, "Using the power of time requires great responsibility."

After Kyran completed his ritual, Vermithor’s healing brought joy to the entire group. To celebrate this significant achievement, Solve decided to organize a grand feast in the Black Castle.

Solve immediately set to work with the soldiers to prepare the castle’s great hall. Tables were laden with food, and every corner of the castle was lit with lights. The scents of the prepared meals filled the hall from the castle's kitchen. Everyone gathered to enjoy the taste of this victory and healing.

Solve entered the great hall and announced, "Tonight, we will celebrate Vermithor’s recovery and the great victory we’ve achieved together!" The soldiers cheered and clapped, expressing their joy.

Lordhair walked among the crowd, conversing with the soldiers and Solve. He emphasized that this victory was the result of working together and solidarity. "Tonight, let’s celebrate together. This victory belongs to all of us," he said.

Kyran also joined in the celebration, offering his support to the group. As the guardian of the Time Castle, he took pride in having used the power of time to heal Vermithor. Solve turned to Kyran and said, "This celebration is possible because of you. You have done us a great favor by using the power of time."

Kyran smiled slightly and said, "Using the power of time requires great responsibility. But together, we can overcome any challenge."

Throughout the feast, everyone chatted cheerfully, enjoyed the food, and savored the taste of victory. The soldiers did everything they could to make this night unforgettable.


This celebration lifted the spirits of everyone in Kara Kale and made them stronger against the challenges they would face in the future. Lordhair, Solve, and the soldiers, by sharing the joy of this victory and healing, prepared themselves with even more determination for their future tasks.

When Solve stepped away from the crowd and moved to a quieter corner, Lordhair joined him. Solve, smiling faintly, said, "Celebrating this victory with you is truly special."

Lordhair, sitting next to Solve, replied, "What we've achieved together is truly incredible. Without your skills, we wouldn't have been this successful." Admiration for Solve was clearly shining in his eyes.

Solve, with a sincere smile, said, "Without your leadership and determination, we couldn't have reached this point. We succeeded because of our trust and solidarity with each other."

Lordhair, gently holding Solve's hand, said, "The trust and bond between us on this journey makes everything even more meaningful." In his eyes, admiration and devotion to Solve were clearly visible.

Solve, blushing slightly, said, "Walking this path with you is a great honor for me. I feel stronger by your side."

Lordhair, squeezing Solve's hand, replied, "I’m also happy to walk this path with you. Together, we can accomplish anything."

They both enjoyed the moment, expressing their feelings for each other more openly. Amid the celebration, their affection and bond grew even stronger. This night was not only a celebration of victory but also a celebration of the bond between the two of them.

After enjoying cheerful conversations and savoring the food, everyone retreated to their rooms to rest. Lordhair, too, went to his room and reflected on the events. As the challenges and victories of the day swirled in his mind, he closed his eyes, and, overcome by exhaustion, fell into a deep sleep.

With the first light of dawn, Lordhair woke up and took a fresh breath. Looking out the window of his room, he felt the light of the new day's beginning. When he woke, his mind was filled with mixed thoughts. While Solve's interest in him and his leadership abilities affected him, doubts also surfaced within him. He couldn’t pinpoint the exact source of these doubts, but he had begun to deeply question Solve's intentions.

"Can I really trust Solve? Are his intentions truly genuine?" Lordhair wondered. While Solve's abilities and loyalty were unquestionable, the doubts within Lordhair couldn't be silenced. Being close to Solve and by his side made him feel both stronger and more confused.

Just then, Solve knocked on his door and entered.

Solve approached Lordhair with a serious expression. "Lordhair, we have a new mission today. This one is much more risky, and we must be careful," he said.

Lordhair: "Don’t we go on missions frequently? Why the rush?"

Solve, seriously: "We are simply following the Kingdom's orders."

Seeing the seriousness in Solve's demeanor, Lordhair took a deep breath. "What kind of mission?" he asked.

Solve, with determination in his eyes, replied, "In this mission, we need to scout the progress of Draugr King's army. This army is filled with dark magic and energies. Completing this mission successfully is vital for our future wars."

Lordhair, with a mix of concern and determination in his eyes, said, "Draugr King's army is indeed a huge threat. Let’s start preparations right away," he said. "We will handle this mission together."

Solve nodded, "Yes, we will succeed in this mission by working together."

Lordhair and Solve began mobilizing to assemble a strong team. They knew they needed a powerful and capable team to scout the progress of Draugr King's army.

Solve started selecting the most skilled and courageous warriors by talking to the soldiers inside the castle. Each one accepted the mission with full awareness of its importance and with determination. Lordhair, in the same way, contacted the mages and scouting experts in the castle. Everyone understood the significance of the mission and was doing their best to create a large team.

Lordhair and Solve reviewed the team members gathered in the castle's great hall. This team consisted of strong warriors and experienced scouts. They were all ready to face Draugr King's army and maintain the balance of time.

Lordhair stood in front of the team and said, "This mission will be a great test for all of us. We need to be careful and strategic to find out how far Draugr King's army has advanced. Together, we will complete this mission successfully."

Solve, standing next to Lordhair, added, "We trust each of your abilities. We will succeed in this difficult mission by working together."

The team quickly finished their preparations and was ready to set off. Everyone had gathered the necessary equipment and weapons for the mission. Lordhair and Solve led the team as they set out to scout Draugr King's army.

Outside the castle, the roads surrounded by cold winds and snow-covered hills awaited them. The team carefully and resolutely began tracking Draugr King's army's trail. Despite the uncertainties of the future, there was great determination within them. This journey would test their courage and abilities once again. But together, they knew they could overcome any challenge.

Lordhair, Solve, and the team started making their way towards a mountainous valley to find out how far Draugr King's army had advanced. Leaving the castle, they embarked on a difficult and dangerous journey. The snow-covered peaks and rocky paths revealed the challenges of this mission. The team proceeded carefully and cautiously, heading deeper into the valley.

The valley was surrounded by high cliffs, and the wind blew cold gusts through it. The sounds echoing between the mountains made the valley's desolate and eerie atmosphere even more distinct. With every step, they searched for traces of Draugr King's army.

Solve, examining his surroundings closely, said, "We should find traces of Draugr King in this area. Any clue or sign could be important for us."

Lordhair, leading the team, replied, "Be careful and don’t lose communication with each other. If we detect any danger or movement, let’s alert everyone immediately."

As they continued deeper into the valley, they carefully examined the traces on the ground and the signs around them. After a while, they came across a large camp area that stretched along the valley. The camp was filled with traces that could belong to Draugr King's army: burnt fires, battle equipment, and tracks on the ground indicated that the army had passed through this area.

Lordhair examined the camp area carefully and said, "This could belong to Draugr King's army. We must be sure we’re following their trail."

Solve, inspecting the traces in the camp area, said, "Yes, there’s been significant activity here. By following these traces, we can learn how far the army has advanced and where it’s heading."

The team continued tracking the traces in the camp area to determine the direction of Draugr King's army. With every step, they proceeded carefully and stayed alert, continuing their pursuit.

In the depths of the valley, tracking Draugr King's army would once again test their courage and abilities. But they knew that together, they could overcome any challenge.

Lordhair, Solve, and the team continued their journey through the mountainous valley, chatting and carefully observing their surroundings. With every step, they searched for traces of Draugr King's army, and they were giving each other encouragement. The dark atmosphere of the valley kept the team vigilant and alert.

Solve, speaking up from among the team, said, "This valley is really eerie. But together, we can overcome everything, right?" The soldiers joined in and shared words of encouragement.

Lordhair, while examining the surroundings with his micro-eye ability, also listened to the team’s conversation.

He noticed someone hiding on top of the valley. Figures moving between the rocks and under the shadows of trees caught his eye.

Just as he was about to share this information with Solve and the team, Draugr King's army launched a sudden attack. This unexpected assault caught the team off guard. Lordhair quickly drew his sword, taking a defensive stance and trying to rally the team.

"We’re under attack! Stay alert and take defensive positions!" shouted Lordhair. Solve and the soldiers quickly took their positions and began fighting the enemy. This fierce battle with Draugr King's army would once again test their courage and determination.

The soldiers fought resolutely against Draugr King's army, and Solve and Lordhair had to face the enemy head-on. A tough and brutal battle began. The clash of steel swords, magical arrows flying through the air, and battle cries broke the silence of the valley. The team fought using their abilities and supported each other. Lordhair, using his micro-eye ability, was able to anticipate the enemy’s moves and lead the team strategically.

Solve, meanwhile, used his magical abilities to try to neutralize the enemy. Team members fought courageously against Draugr King's army, moving as one. In the midst of the battle, the team members continued to encourage each other, fighting through this difficult struggle together.

Just when the soldiers thought they were holding their ground against Draugr King's army, Lordhair turned around and looked at the cliffs above the valley. He saw that Draugr King's army was rapidly growing in size. Realizing the situation was becoming even more dangerous, Lordhair quickly called out to Solve and the other soldiers.

"You need to retreat! Draugr King's army is growing rapidly, you must get out of here now!" he shouted.

Solve and the other soldiers heard Lordhair's warning and quickly retreated, forming a strategic withdrawal plan. Lordhair guided the team, ensuring their safety. This sudden retreat became a life-saving operation for the team, and they managed to escape the valley safely.

After noticing the rapid growth of Draugr King's army, Lordhair courageously stayed behind, deciding to fight the army with all his might. He tightly gripped his sword and faced the enemy.

Lordhair, using his courage and skills, began to fight Draugr King's army for a long time. Steel swords clashed, magical attacks flew through the air. With each move, he tried to neutralize the enemy. Lordhair's eyes allowed him to quickly grasp the enemy’s movements and strike strategically.

As time passed, Lordhair's strength and determination began to diminish the number of enemies. However, Draugr King's army still posed a great threat. Lordhair continued fighting without tiring or giving up.

At that moment, Draugr King himself appeared. Surrounded by a Blue aura, he appeared before Lordhair and commanded his army to stop. Draugr King's voice echoed across the valley, drawing everyone's attention. His army immediately halted and withdrew.

Draugr King, walking toward Lordhair, said, "It will be interesting to meet you, Lordhair. Your courage and strength are impressive."

Lordhair, with a faint smile, replied, "I’m here for you too. I guess we both thought the same thing at the same time."

Was it their own will that brought them together, or was it fate?

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