Dual Support

The train station, which stood for the Republic's strict control, got smaller behind Shen as he got closer to the castle. With each step, the controlled city environment faded away, leaving behind the wild, wavy plants of the Kingdom. The air itself seemed to change; instead of the strong smell of industry, it smelled richer of wet earth and natural plants. It was a huge, beautiful wilderness, but the peace of it didn't help. A single, creepy phrase from Shen's dream kept hitting his mind like a hurricane.

You told her a lie.

The words echoed in his mind like a ghostly whisper with no meaning or context. Who had he lied to? What is it? The accusation hung over him like a thick, invisible cloak, making each step feel heavier than the last. He was so focused on the internal conflict that he almost missed the castle's huge walls rising out of the ground. The grey stone looked like it was going through the clouds.

He was almost at the main gate when a loud, sudden noise broke the silence. When the huge doors opened inward with a loud groan of protesting metal, a squad of soldiers poured out like a steel tsunami. With a phalanx formed, spears aimed at him, and shields locked, they moved quickly and aggressively.

"Stop right there!" One of them barked in a harsh, commanding way. "This area is off-limits!" Say what you want to do or people might think you're being rude.

Shen was surprised by their hostility at first because his clothing had his position and the Kingdom's own emblem on it. He instinctively raised his hands in a gesture of peace. He knew, of course. The recent attempt on the King's life would have made security stronger. But a well-known voice broke the tension before he could say anything.

"Stand down! He's with us now.

Two people moved with a quick confidence that was appropriate for someone in charge as they stepped out of the shadow of the gate. Shen knew who they were and felt a wave of strong relief right away. Fenix and Kelly were friends who had been through hard times together and trained together.

Fenix walked ahead, talking to the cautious men in a commanding way. "We know this guy. "Put down your weapons," he said in a strong but soothing voice. He then turned to Shen, his eyes showing a hint of regret. "I'm sorry, Shen, for the party." Things have been tough since the attack.

Fenix's order made the soldiers stop and look at him, then at Shen, and finally put down their weapons. But their faces still showed that they didn't trust them. Shen was only interested in his friends, who were a comforting and unexpected source of stability during the chaos.

"Fenix? Kelly? What brings you two here? Shen asked, his previous worry eased by his genuine interest.

Fenix's face broke into a sarcastic smile. In any case, we decided to stay after finishing a task nearby. They put us in charge of the local army.

Shen raised his eyebrows. "Commanders? I thought the King was the only one who could make such an appointment.

Kelly shrugged and crossed her arms. We also thought that. But it looks like the usual rules become more like suggestions when things go wrong in the kingdom. They needed skilled officers to shut things down, so here we are.

As Shen took a deep breath, the meaning of what they had said started to sink in. He had been told that things in the Kingdom were more stable than they really were. It was suggested that the royal court was under a lot of stress, maybe even falling apart, to give such important power.

"How's the King doing?" Fenix's happy face turned into a worried one. "We were told about the assassination attempt."

Thinking about it made Shen's own face stiff. He is stable at the moment. But the court is a mess, and the people are scared. We have reason to believe that another country is pulling the strings, which is why I'm here.

Kelly and Fenix looked at each other with understanding and seriousness. Shen's honest words confirmed their worries, and it was clear how serious the situation was. He wasn't here to socialize; he was hunting.

Kelly's eyes became piercing. "Well, if you're here, you have a lead, right?"

Shen stopped for a moment to think, then nodded. Yes. We think that a high-ranking official from Regalia is involved. Admiral Takeda says that this area is the quickest way to get to their coasts.

The word "Regalia" made the air feel colder. Fenix's face got harder as he took in the details. You can get to Regalia from here, but it won't be easy. There are a lot of different pirate crews in that part of the water, and the only way to get there is by ship.

Kelly said in a low, sad voice, "They're not just pirates." They are vultures. They never ask questions and always shoot first.

Shen's forehead wrinkled as he thought about this new problem. It was the most direct and risky way. It seemed like a recurring theme on this mission. He asked, "Is there another way?"

Kelly shook her head firmly. There is a land route to Emporia, but its border is protected by a strong wall. To get past their troops, you would have to fight a battle you couldn't win. It would take ten times as long and be twice as risky.

Shen took a deep breath and made up his mind about what to do. Even though there were risks, the choice was clear. "Everything is fine. I'll cross the ocean.

Fenix and Kelly looked at each other and then smiled a little, as if to say, "You can do it." He had lived up to their expectations. Fenix gave Shen's shoulder a strong, comforting pat. "We were ready for what you said. Don't worry. We are on your side.