Title: Shadow of the Eternal Flame - Chapter 16 : The journey Of No Return

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Chapter 16: The Journey of No Return

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Dawn had not fully broken yet.

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Heavy gray clouds covered the sky, while the first rays of sunlight slowly slipped between the mountain peaks surrounding Aros Village.

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A cold breeze swept through the air, causing the flags above the village walls to flutter and the dew-covered leaves to tremble.

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The gates of Aros...

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Stood wide open.

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As though they were bidding farewell to two souls...

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Unsure whether they would ever see them again.

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Khaled stepped out first.

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He wore his black cloak, his sword resting across his back.

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His eyes appeared calmer than before...

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But that calmness was not peace.

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It was the silence of a man who had buried a raging storm deep inside himself.

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A few steps behind him...

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Walked Abdulrahman.

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His shoulder was still wrapped in bandages, yet his grip around his sword remained firm.

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He did not look at Khaled.

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Nor did he say a single word.

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Silence...

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Was the only thing walking beside them.

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The Sage stood atop the village wall.

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The wind played with his white robe as he watched them walk farther away.

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Then he raised his voice calmly.

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"Remember..."

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The two of them stopped.

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Yet neither turned around.

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"The road you are about to walk..."

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"It will not test your strength."

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"It will test..."

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"Your hearts."

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Silence filled the air.

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Then he continued.

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"If you return stronger..."

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"The world will gain two true leaders."

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"But if you return as you are now..."

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"...Then you will never return at all."

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Khaled slowly closed his eyes for a brief moment.

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Then he continued walking.

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Abdulrahman tightened his grip around his sword.

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Yet he remained silent.

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The Sage kept watching until both of them disappeared among the trees.

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He let out a long sigh.

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Then whispered to himself.

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"May God protect you both..."

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"The journey has begun."

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The forest looked different in the early hours of the morning.

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White mist flowed between the enormous trees like a quiet sea.

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Sunlight filtered timidly through the branches.

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The road ahead...

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Was nothing more than a narrow dirt path surrounded by rocks and moss.

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Everything was still...

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Except for the sound of their footsteps.

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One step...

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Then another...

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Then another.

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An entire hour passed...

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Without either of them saying a single word.

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Even the birds singing high above the trees...

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Sounded louder than their silence.

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Khaled walked in front.

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While Abdulrahman followed several steps behind.

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Not because he was following him...

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But because he no longer wished to walk beside him.

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Khaled lifted his head slightly.

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The map the Sage had given him remained safely tucked inside his bag.

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Yet he never took it out.

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He knew the road.

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Or at least...

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He kept trying to convince himself that he did.

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Hours later...

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The trees gradually disappeared.

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They were replaced by endless golden plains.

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Tall grass swayed with the wind like waves upon an endless sea.

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Far in the distance...

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A towering mountain range appeared.

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Its peaks vanished into the clouds.

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The Sage had told them they would have to cross those mountains...

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Before reaching the northern lands.

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Suddenly...

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The wind stopped.

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Khaled halted.

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He slowly raised one hand.

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Then, for the first time since leaving the village, he spoke.

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"Someone's there."

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Abdulrahman did not answer.

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He simply placed one hand on the hilt of his sword.

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Three men emerged from the tall grass.

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Their clothes were torn.

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Their faces were filthy.

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Rusted swords hung in their hands.

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One of them smirked.

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"Looks like fortune is smiling on us today."

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The second laughed.

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"Only two boys."

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The third stared at Khaled's sword.

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"That sword alone..."

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"Could feed us for an entire month."

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Khaled remained perfectly still.

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Then calmly replied,

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"Walk away."

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The first man burst into laughter.

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"And if we don't?"

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Silence.

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Then...

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All three charged forward at once.

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The first rushed toward Khaled.

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The second circled around Abdulrahman.

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The third drew a dagger, attempting to strike them from behind.

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But...

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Before he could reach them—

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Shhk!

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Abdulrahman's sword left its sheath like a flash of lightning.

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The dagger stopped only inches from his throat.

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The bandit's eyes widened.

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He could feel intense heat radiating from the blade.

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Yet Abdulrahman...

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Never ignited his flames.

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He simply stared at him.

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A cold stare...

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Unlike anything the man had ever seen before.

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On the other side...

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Khaled calmly stepped aside, avoiding the first strike.

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He seized his opponent's wrist.

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Twisted his body.

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And slammed the man violently onto the ground.

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Before the bandit could stand...

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Khaled's blade rested against his neck.

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The third man looked at his companions.

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Then back at the two young warriors.

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His face turned pale.

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He swallowed nervously.

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"L-Let's go!"

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No one needed to hear it twice.

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All three fled as fast as they could.

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Within seconds...

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They vanished into the endless grass.

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Khaled sheathed his sword.

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Then continued walking...

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Without looking back.

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Abdulrahman also returned his blade to its sheath.

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Then, for the first time...

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Since leaving Aros, he spoke.

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"You could've killed them."

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Without turning around, Khaled answered,

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"There was no need."

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Silence returned.

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But this time Abdulrahman spoke again.

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His voice carried no warmth whatsoever.

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"So now you know..."

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"When to use your strength."

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"Only after it's too late."

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Khaled's footsteps slowed for a moment.

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The words struck his heart like a blade.

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Yet...

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He remained silent.

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...Yet he remained silent.

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The sun slowly sank toward the horizon.

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The sky was painted in warm shades of orange, while the cool evening breeze returned once more.

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At the end of the vast plain...

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A small city came into view.

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Its gray stone walls were surrounded by short watchtowers.

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Outside the gates...

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Merchant wagons came and went without pause.

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Traders called out to passing customers.

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Travelers hurried to find shelter before continuing their journeys the next morning.

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Khaled came to a stop.

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"We'll spend the night here."

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Abdulrahman did not object.

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But neither did he agree.

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He simply walked toward the city gate.

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The moment they entered the city...

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Noise surrounded them from every direction.

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The aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the smoke rising from cooking fires.

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The ringing of blacksmiths' hammers blended with cheerful laughter.

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Fruit vendors called loudly to attract customers.

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The city overflowed with life...

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A complete contrast to the silence filling their hearts.

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Among the crowded streets...

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A large wooden sign swayed gently in the evening wind.

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Written across it in bold letters were the words:

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"The Last Traveler Inn."

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Khaled looked up at it.

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Then quietly said,

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"Let's get some rest."

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For the first time...

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Abdulrahman did not disagree.

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He simply walked inside.

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The moment Khaled pushed open the heavy wooden door...

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A small bell hanging above it rang loudly.

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Its brief chime was enough to draw dozens of eyes toward the entrance.

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Silence spread through the inn for only a few seconds.

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Then the lively atmosphere returned.

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Laughter filled the room.

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Wooden mugs clashed together.

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The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread drifted through the air.

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The inn was much larger than either of them had expected.

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In one corner...

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A group of merchants argued over prices.

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Elsewhere...

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Several mercenaries proudly boasted about battles they had survived.

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At the center of the hall...

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A musician stood upon a small wooden stage, playing a calm melody while some of the guests clapped along with the rhythm.

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Khaled approached the counter.

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Behind it stood a large, broad-shouldered man with a thick beard, polishing a wooden mug.

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He looked up.

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Then smiled warmly.

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"Welcome, travelers."

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"Food... or a room for the night?"

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Khaled glanced toward Abdulrahman.

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Then looked back at the innkeeper.

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"One room will be enough."

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The man nodded.

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"Thirty silver coins."

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Silence.

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Khaled reached into his bag.

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He searched once...

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Then again...

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Until his hand stopped moving.

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Slowly, he raised his head.

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And looked at Abdulrahman.

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Abdulrahman searched through his own bag.

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After a few moments...

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He sighed.

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"I don't have anything."

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The innkeeper chuckled softly.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjjhxuFQpN

"Don't worry."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIEbR8xTok

"It happens all the time."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyHDEDxm2V

Then he pointed toward a large notice board hanging on the wall.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6UxZM3Nezj

"There are plenty of ways for travelers to earn money."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWquBEWVCdC

Both of them turned toward it.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcxuHtEqUU

It was covered with requests.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTheUCirnK

Escort missions.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJVclJrdEe

Herb gathering.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtTFx58YVXK

Monster hunts.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Q1N7XnQt1

Various odd jobs.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwScr6tX5e

Most of them...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66QpiYPzWi

Had already been stamped:

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgBVXeprEx

Completed.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDuUGglgL3

While Khaled examined the board...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaU9ckZya6P

A loud noise echoed from the upper floor.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0ejhaPayD

Moments later...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAkR5mVlMV

A tall man hurried downstairs carrying a large rolled-up parchment.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lRBCRa4XC

He wore a brown cloak.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhkfwNeFO6

On his chest was the emblem of the Adventurers' Guild.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCe2YtuyrrM

He jumped onto the wooden stage.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdLf0p30QM

Then struck the floor with his staff.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aeDOyu4Gt

BOOM!

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAMGORBX5rx

The entire inn fell silent.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoFgIcqJq5

Even the musician stopped playing.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhmKbREX5t

The man unrolled the parchment.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8m04BBgYy

Then raised his voice.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUEKF4fniH

"Everyone!"

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiEekXJpP4

"A brand-new request has just arrived!"

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJv7TXKq6z

People immediately gathered around.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvq5JcC6jXl

Even the mercenaries abandoned their conversations.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7nGUt5SR1

He continued,

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdixyRxQyW

"This isn't an ordinary request."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74RbSq6TT0

"It's an emergency commission."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbR5ICaabiL

He pinned the parchment onto the notice board.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMbbQyrzOU

The instant he did...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWDwW0IcIon

The crowd gasped.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1xULUrg0GK

Whispers spread throughout the inn.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTWyFhERE5

"Impossible..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsI6CaUStW

"Is that reward real?"

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZy9xT5UNJM

Someone nearby swallowed nervously.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJCsiAW6HC

Khaled tried to read the notice.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwUQ4jrKnan

But too many people blocked his view.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WFP8mDiai

He slowly made his way through the crowd.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkRzThXCa5j

Until he finally reached the board.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDWXfk6ZdGY

Then he read:

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DR95Ya81D

"A team of adventurers is needed to participate in the Last Traveler Inn Tournament."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7wdvoSHh3

"The winning team will receive..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqeomHXPRY

His eyes stopped at the final line.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkQo0CjkeL

Fifty Gold Coins.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzIRXYQrWXF

Silence filled the room.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXFAXWlJDE

Fifty gold coins...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczd9WvlPG1

More than enough to fund their entire journey.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJZSU20xd0

And even more.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoApbJZeTo

Khaled slowly lifted his gaze.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb02TRUlNcj

Then looked toward Abdulrahman.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxamzzlAyC

For the first time since their journey had begun...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3tSvRf4Sd

Their eyes met.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRKEhrw69o

Neither of them spoke.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIf6fFitEUv

Yet both of them...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD29234PJpz

Understood exactly what the other was thinking.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVvENRM13ax

The innkeeper stepped closer with a smile.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWZHv3E9X5

"It seems you're interested."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSL8jqn3RrF

Khaled answered calmly,

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzNGAMDL56

"What kind of tournament is it?"

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqSD8Tbjk0

The innkeeper straightened his posture before replying.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWx0o4hYZl

"It takes place once every month."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMn829s4SsJ

"Adventurers compete through several different rounds."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGFY2AL53D

"Not all of them are about strength."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouNXiClkLW

"Some require speed..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAnBybZDUW

"Some require intelligence..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjshUf56O3

"And others demand true teamwork."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCdwQw4oSYD

He smiled.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGE1eZ5hGXu

"That's why..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmrrE0Tm2R

"The strongest team doesn't always win."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VmMqYEtvC

Abdulrahman looked back at the notice.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTaoLmmcGxL

"When does it begin?"

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8s53e3lvG

"Tomorrow morning."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIcidA2QemO

"And registration..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HFh85ljew

"Closes in one hour."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSoQPxCv9c4

Silence returned once again.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1dbOEBm8O

Khaled lowered his eyes.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR1qm7SJDCb

This was a real opportunity.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwL8mBZ2z6Q

But...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjz4YlO9p9

Could they truly fight together...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7QgnihNKp9

When they could barely speak to one another?

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5HQgGLcY4

"We should enter."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0u0RGztGO

Khaled's voice was quiet.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDfzVUwk3I

Abdulrahman didn't answer immediately.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27WYgjZJ3f

He stared at the notice for several long moments.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfaWqHRo9K

Then said without looking at Khaled,

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPdnaM5Ymg

"If we lose..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4t1PJl5hv4

"We'll waste an entire day."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1LRKuKZRT

Khaled replied,

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjv2TYLzEdc

"And if we don't enter..."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GhLJocyrX

"Our journey ends here."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZhmvXuXNuw

Silence.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6oXuzN8rE

Then Abdulrahman let out a long sigh.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqWUA3qHvi

"...Fine."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6TH9V9LoUi

Khaled walked over to the registration desk.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhGMJ7sausW

He picked up the pen.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0eZgK7jBL

Paused for a brief moment...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPcwn8noYA6

Then wrote their names.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY90qIf4MkG

Khaled.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAzCDG97Uj

Abdulrahman.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2KEM3sEYP2

The guild official smiled.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMMxQMQoYE

Stamped the registration form.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs5yFMjzgc

Then handed it back.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5n5KYRDzA7

"Your team has officially been registered."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wmtznf2Ro

"I just hope you don't withdraw before the tournament begins."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDX2uKNB0Pi

"A lot of people lose their nerve after seeing the competition."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrxkRZUWW3f

Khaled stepped away from the counter.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20YRjg91u0

Meanwhile, Abdulrahman stood beside the window.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQ36DZYcC5

Watching the rain slowly fall outside.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2gYyjQPPp

Khaled approached him.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9JOcHcgd0

But no words came.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWe9Zw9GxG9

Abdulrahman never looked at him.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqPt7GyZUy

He simply said,

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwf89cbgbp

"We'll win."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NHhVA9i56

"Then we'll continue the journey."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVw7AztmNc

"That's all."

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxPXwWZf7Z

Khaled silently nodded.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFsqEQzPXWV

He knew...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY43dPxibTd

Words alone...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzdsh1kWIA3

Would never repair what had been broken between them.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIMY8TfJYe

But perhaps...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3xEAt9AhzP

This tournament...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpCXZRROtby

Would become their chance...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1J4gkc1nM

To start over.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgGHTOtaMY

Far away...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjqaC8AsTrm

Beyond the mountains buried beneath eternal snow...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFiWwDcuyT

The massive gates of the Ice Kingdom slowly opened.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpRjUycoxO

A squad of Ice Knights marched inside...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XWen2IXHt

Led by Salman himself.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2cIqe50Ag

Catalina remained unconscious.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwydQQXkQ9

The soldiers carried her deep into the frozen palace.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6RfvyoYT9

Toward a destiny...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3DhYPZ4xs

She knew nothing about.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UcjgzMeS4

Back at the inn...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrnlHNkGWQ

Khaled had no idea...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOVztbWNxN

That every minute he spent there...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qIJXxafa8

Was bringing him closer...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4qeEIekHX

To the greatest trial of his life.

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqHl2HJhg8

To be continued...

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4eJs60f8p

37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckGVg5PGqS
37Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6c4fpEuITt

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