SWNOVELXO Chapter 5: Chap 5:Mission
Duke Veloria shook his head and sighed, his eyes sad and tired. "I'm sorry, Kai. Although I am a Duke, I am no different from a commoner now. My power and influence have been greatly reduced due to the political upheavals and internal conflicts within the kingdom."
Kai felt surprised and disappointed when he heard these words. He could not believe that someone as powerful as the Duke could fall into such a situation. But at the same time, he also felt sympathy for the Duke, understanding that everyone had to face their own hardships and challenges.
Duke Veloria continued speaking, his voice low but filled with determination. "However, I will do my best to help you and your village. I have a number of loyal friends and allies, and together we will find a way to rebuild your village. Don't worry, Kai, we will not give up."
Kai asked Duke Veloria, "Why did you lose all your power?"
Duke Veloria sighed, his eyes pensive as if he was reminiscing about the past. "It's a long and complicated story, Kai. Political upheavals and internal conflicts have caused the kingdom to become unstable. Many factions and powers have emerged, fighting for control. I have tried to maintain peace and stability, but the situation has become worse and worse."
He continued, "Some powerful forces have joined forces, causing my power to gradually decline. Those who were loyal to me have been forced to leave their positions or have been forced to join other factions. Although I still have some loyal allies, I no longer have enough power to maintain my position as before."
Duke Veloria continued his story, his eyes pensive as he recalled the upheavals in the empire. "Currently, our empire is divided into four different factions, each vying for power and influence."
He slowly explained, "The first faction is the Royal Family, led by the emperor and members of the royal family. They still retain a large portion of power and influence in the empire, but are increasingly challenged by other factions."
"The second faction is the great nobles, the wealthy and powerful families. They control much of the land and property in the empire, and are always looking for ways to increase their power."
"The third faction is the mages and scholars, who possess extensive knowledge and magical power. They are often concentrated in academies and temples, but also constantly seek influence in politics."
"The last faction is the merchants and traders, they control the trade routes and economy of the empire. Although they do not have the political power of the other factions, their economic strength cannot be underestimated."
Duke Veloria continued, his voice gradually becoming calmer. "Each faction has its own goals and principles, constantly fighting for control of the empire. In this context, my power is increasingly weak."
Kai do you want to help me on my journey to regain power?
Kai listened attentively to Duke Veloria's proposal. He knew that this was a great opportunity to change the fate of not only himself but also his village. However, he was also aware of the great risks and challenges that this would bring.
Kai: Duke, I am willing to help you. I ask nothing more than to bring peace and development to my village. If you can keep this promise, I will do everything I can to support you in regaining power.
Duke Veloria nodded slightly, his eyes filled with hope and determination.
Duke Veloria: I promise, Kai. When I regain power, I will fulfill all your requests. Together we will overcome difficulties and rebuild everything from scratch.
Kai listened attentively, sensing the difficult situation the duke was facing. "So, Duke, what can we do to deal with this situation?"
Duke Veloria looked up, looking into Kai's eyes with determination. "First of all, we need to gather those who are still loyal and find ways to connect with factions we can trust. Cooperation will be the key to our survival and development"
The Duke thought for a moment, then took out the pre-written letter and gave it to Kai, telling him to follow this address.
Kai walked out of the room, feeling the cold and tense air enveloped. Curious and prying eyes from the people around him turned to him, as if they were judging his every step. However, Kai didn't let this attention make him falter. He clutched the letter in his hand, his mind focused on the important task that Duke Veloria had entrusted. He walked decisively, trying to blend in with the flow of people in the city, but the sharp eyes of the suspicious people kept watching him.
Kai carefully followed every detail on the map, determined to complete the assigned task. The city streets gradually became more deserted as he approached the edge of the city. The narrow streets led him through hidden corners and dark alleys.
Finally, he came to a small wooden house, isolated and quiet on the edge of the city. The house looked old but still retained its solidity. Kai stopped, looking around to make sure no one was following him before approaching the door.
He knocked lightly on the wooden door, the dry sound echoing in the quiet space. A short while later, the door slowly opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a wary but friendly gaze.
The man: Kai, right? I've been waiting for you.
Kai felt relieved to know he had come to the right place.
Kai: Yes, I'm Kai. I have an important letter from Duke Veloria.
The man nodded, inviting Kai inside. Entering the wooden house, Kai felt a warm and safe atmosphere.
Kai entered the wooden house, the light from the oil lamp gently warming the space. The middle-aged man closed the door and led Kai into a small room, where there was a simple table and chairs and a large map hanging on the wall.
The man: Sit down, Kai. I am Marlon, a close friend of Duke Veloria. You have come at the right time. The situation is more urgent than ever.
Kai sat down, placing the letter on the table. Marlon opened the letter and read it carefully. His eyes became more serious as he understood the contents of the letter.
Marlon: Duke Veloria is relying on us to find a solution. According to the content of the letter, we need to quickly contact the remaining allies and make a specific plan.
Kai felt the importance of the mission he was undertaking.
Kai: I am willing to do whatever is necessary. Where should we start?
Marlon looked at Kai with appreciation, then pointed to the map on the wall.
Marlon: This is a map of the city and its surroundings. We have several important locations to contact. First, let's go see Governor Gareth in this area. He is very loyal to the Duke and can provide important military support.
Kai nodded, remembering Marlon's instructions. He knew that this journey would be arduous, but he was determined not to let down the trust of Duke Veloria and Marlon.
Kai: I will go see Governor Gareth right away. Thank you, Marlon.
Marlon smiled, patting Kai on the shoulder.
Marlon: I believe in you, Kai. Act quickly and carefully. We still have a lot to do to restore the Duke's power.
Before Kai left the cabin, Marlon called out to him, his eyes filled with worry and concern.
Marlon: Kai, be careful. This city is full of dangers. You need to be vigilant at all times.
Marlon stepped forward, took out a small gun from the cabinet, and handed it to Kai.
Marlon: Take this. It can save your life in an emergency. I hope you won't have to use it, but it's better to be prepared.
Kai took the gun from Marlon, feeling its weight in his hand. He knew that the situation was becoming more serious than ever.
Kai: Thank you, Marlon. I will be careful and do my best to complete this mission.
Marlon nodded, patting Kai on the shoulder again.
Marlon: I believe in you, Kai. Go and complete your mission. We will overcome any challenge together.
Kai put the gun in his coat and walked out of the cabin.
Kai stepped out of the wooden house, his eyes constantly scanning the alleys and dark corners around him. He knew that in a city filled with dangers like this, vigilance was a vital factor.
Kai finally reached the vicinity of the Governor Gareth's residence. He paused for a moment, checking the map and address to make sure he was on the right track. The letter from Duke Veloria was still safely tucked away in his coat, and the pistol in his pocket was ready if needed.
Kai cautiously approached the house of the General Gareth, his eyes constantly scanning the surrounding area. The street lights were just enough to illuminate the mysterious alleys and deep shadows. Kai decided to walk faster, wanting to avoid any curious eyes that might be watching.
He stopped in front of the gate of the large brick house. It was the address on the letter. Kai could feel the majesty of the house through its sturdy architecture and the strict guards around it. He took a deep breath, mentally preparing himself for this important meeting.
Kai knocked on the door, the knocking sound echoed in the quiet night. A guard opened the door, his eyes scrutinizing Kai from head to toe.
Guardian: Who are you? What brings you here at this hour?
Kai: I am Kai, carrying an important letter from Duke Veloria. Please take me to General Gareth immediately.
The guard looked at Kai with suspicion, but after examining the letter and recognizing the seal of Duke Veloria, he nodded and led Kai inside.
Guardian: Follow me. Commander Gareth is waiting for you in the reception room.
Kai followed the guard, feeling the solemn and authoritative atmosphere in the house. He knew that every step was important, and he had to be ready to face anything that happened.
Kai entered the room, but instead of seeing Commander Gareth, he saw two skinny men, swords in hand, standing next to the body of a man who had been stabbed multiple times. Kai's heart pounded, he realized the dangerous situation before him.
Kai: Who are you? What happened to Commander Gareth?
One of the skinny men sneered, his eyes cold.
Skinny Man 1: Commander Gareth is no more. Now, you will have to face us.
Kai did not hesitate, he pulled out a gun from his coat and aimed straight at the first skinny guy. The gunshot rang out in the quiet space, the bullet went straight to its target. The first skinny guy fell down, his hand dropping the sword.
Kai quickly changed his target, aimed at the second skinny man and pulled the trigger. The gun rang out again, and the second man fell to the floor, the sword falling from his hand.
Kai thought to himself, "The gun is so easy to use. Just a small movement, but the effect is obvious." He looked back at the two skinny men who had been taken down, clearly feeling the danger he had just experienced.
Checking the room again, Kai found some documents scattered on the table and a small wooden box. He opened the box and found a detailed map of the surrounding area inside. Next to the map was a handwritten card: "Meet at a safe location, south of the city."
Suddenly, a noise behind him made Kai turn around. Kai was surprised to see the two skinny guys suddenly stand up, as if they had been revived. Their eyes were filled with anger and determination, without any sign of pain or weakness.
Skinny 1: You think you can take us down so easily? We won't let you get away from here!
Kai knew that this situation had become more dangerous than ever. He gripped his gun tightly, ready to deal with any move from the two skinny guys.
Kai: Who are you? Why did you attack Commander Gareth?
Skinny 2: You don't need to know. What's important is that you won't leave without paying the price!
The first skinny guy sneered, his eyes full of challenge.
Skinny guy 1: You think bullets can take us down? We are not ordinary people. Our strength is beyond your understanding.
The second skinny guy also laughed, his eyes cold.
Skinny guy 2: You will soon realize that you are facing people who cannot be defeated easily. Prepare yourself, Kai
Kai did not hesitate, he fired another shot at the second skinny guy. But surprisingly, he shouted a mysterious word: 『valhalla!』
Immediately, a strange energy surrounded his body. The wound seemed to no longer affect him. He stood up straight, his eyes burning with hatred.
Skinny guy 2: You think you can destroy us so easily? The power of 『Valhalla』 will not allow that!
Kai felt a shiver, realizing that he was facing a supernatural force. He knew that he needed to find another way to deal with them, and quickly thought of retreating to preserve his life and the important letter.
Without further ado, Kai turned and ran out of the room. His footsteps quickly echoed, blending into the quiet space of the house. He knew that he didn't have much time, he had to escape this place before the two skinny men could catch up.
Kai ran through the narrow hallways, his eyes constantly scanning for an exit. Finally, he saw a door leading outside. He rushed towards the door, pushed it open and....
Kai felt the intense pain as the blade from behind pierced his stomach. He fell down, blood flowing from the wound. Everything around seems to be blurred.
The skinny guy stomped on Kai, causing him to feel extreme pain. He bent down, his eyes filled with resentment and defiance.
Skinny guy 1: Who are you trying to run away from? You think you can escape us that easily?
Suddenly, a voice came from behind: 『Ignorance slash! 』The voice is strong and majestic. Immediately, a dazzling light appeared, slashing at two skinny men. Kai felt the magical power of the light, and saw the two skinny men break in half, fall to the ground and no longer move. He looked up, trying to find the source of that magical voice and light.