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.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡos4EQ3i1iu

"Don't worry."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDYUoH1rVC

"It happens all the time."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3iFkP6R4q

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5l8PcZWRL

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32vNYRpdTA

Both of them turned toward it.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrCiXdINu5

It was covered with requests.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6HXpKwRp4

Escort missions.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡupT9eumjAa

Herb gathering.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6YrzHCRQuI

Monster hunts.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7M5gFMLY3W

Various odd jobs.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpih6u9GGCp

Most of them...

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Had already been stamped:

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Completed.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2A7PTbajoq

While Khaled examined the board...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9BmOyRVeUQ

A loud noise echoed from the upper floor.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw8rbTF17p

Moments later...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTlsxWSnUG

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmGAnHikMB

He wore a brown cloak.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSV99GwrTFT

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUI9KE5vxi1

He jumped onto the wooden stage.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg8AcT1LrQ

Then struck the floor with his staff.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbckhg3fCjf

BOOM!

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The entire inn fell silent.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmspcLN7hlq

Even the musician stopped playing.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykncecfLV0

The man unrolled the parchment.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72zPrBtpS9

Then raised his voice.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJtecLDZuh

"Everyone!"

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhZ7cZx1sbB

"A brand-new request has just arrived!"

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgr34mge70V

People immediately gathered around.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAtDr27Woe

Even the mercenaries abandoned their conversations.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJuPZXDLEsB

He continued,

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ549ofA4OKX

"This isn't an ordinary request."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcUzt4hn3Y

"It's an emergency commission."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqHe5bFQpiX

He pinned the parchment onto the notice board.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHI7rW8A832

The instant he did...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dXMNqPMvs

The crowd gasped.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9DthaKYdc

Whispers spread throughout the inn.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Q7cJDdGxV

"Impossible..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CwBqpB4PE

"Is that reward real?"

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEfR5wZEBs

Someone nearby swallowed nervously.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXXKatHGF9

Khaled tried to read the notice.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYnEre0dBNd

But too many people blocked his view.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltGh3nqzEE

He slowly made his way through the crowd.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzzfaD87aW

Until he finally reached the board.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPvMjDJZlb

Then he read:

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtS2XMO1Uyk

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcWSI97VYT

"The winning team will receive..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yl8TnjmaI

His eyes stopped at the final line.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7F4xkBOG6v

Fifty Gold Coins.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIb5BI8pZyz

Silence filled the room.

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Fifty gold coins...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4o2sT2v0c

More than enough to fund their entire journey.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FnwmzAvoS

And even more.

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Khaled slowly lifted his gaze.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHblaNaQS1L

Then looked toward Abdulrahman.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8z45UGt8BG

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZpSvBRkIt

Their eyes met.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvlRluGDuX

Neither of them spoke.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡteva9LXfhB

Yet both of them...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aO2fu13np

Understood exactly what the other was thinking.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUR4WroTtKK

The innkeeper stepped closer with a smile.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjWKBKobqQ

"It seems you're interested."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vbuOlTYik

Khaled answered calmly,

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2RABRWKNZz

"What kind of tournament is it?"

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61r4baTxTa

The innkeeper straightened his posture before replying.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnX9PIYMlsn

"It takes place once every month."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkxDkdzrCEV

"Adventurers compete through several different rounds."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22HKMO9FTY

"Not all of them are about strength."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEk3a2rXXGU

"Some require speed..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaaHilXjy6

"Some require intelligence..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ39u1wdMZaC

"And others demand true teamwork."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi184SLIfmE

He smiled.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvDWe1Knsv

"That's why..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IORUtOCfG

"The strongest team doesn't always win."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAhzgZ3FqMB

Abdulrahman looked back at the notice.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjG0L50e4J

"When does it begin?"

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5doYOJvcuw

"Tomorrow morning."

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"And registration..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS55ugKOmMG

"Closes in one hour."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLyjowAmHNn

Silence returned once again.

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Khaled lowered his eyes.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5W4crVNKjr

This was a real opportunity.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhvyKPOm57h

But...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTShKOqSnak

Could they truly fight together...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QTlyzZenx

When they could barely speak to one another?

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUTTPIL3ef

"We should enter."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRlm5QBj9NG

Khaled's voice was quiet.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKM8EWWvHs

Abdulrahman didn't answer immediately.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6muzxIbbYt

He stared at the notice for several long moments.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcDQP0r4tQt

Then said without looking at Khaled,

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNWcMxHyCXf

"If we lose..."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrHdcd5vVi

"We'll waste an entire day."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrjoPc3JXH

Khaled replied,

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVH7RKXoJj

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3z9zhljtdi

"Our journey ends here."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxZX4ot8na

Silence.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7phI7Fo7C

Then Abdulrahman let out a long sigh.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsuvJIuPtZ

"...Fine."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2F1x2UTCA

Khaled walked over to the registration desk.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtlokYCZDSk

He picked up the pen.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡilC6mNi31O

Paused for a brief moment...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8X2PDtXFX

Then wrote their names.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ57geAZFhao

Khaled.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbXIUZPYXw

Abdulrahman.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCx4Qlq1qDS

The guild official smiled.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLWEiQ5cLJ

Stamped the registration form.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMH5EoFEzhf

Then handed it back.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESovrlhONt

"Your team has officially been registered."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKSI1mieys

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8hJcgwkbCz

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

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkWg6cfbAW

Khaled stepped away from the counter.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhlVd5RKcO4

Meanwhile, Abdulrahman stood beside the window.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRhRPo6QRS

Watching the rain slowly fall outside.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZsPQZP8qAq

Khaled approached him.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkWFou2LZf

But no words came.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvREUKZOIHq

Abdulrahman never looked at him.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzk9vEfFtqs

He simply said,

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJFURFmoox

"We'll win."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8lCGkC8arw

"Then we'll continue the journey."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzSGgXkt8N

"That's all."

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfTOXfr31x

Khaled silently nodded.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXUhQKNG5H

He knew...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6v4ESwOCv

Words alone...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasUybCfUhH

Would never repair what had been broken between them.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpYQjk4aydB

But perhaps...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RTxSFeR48

This tournament...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7EeUO68rGh

Would become their chance...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevIYPOjLC2

To start over.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYG8ZqpkfZ

Far away...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgZDwpUVq7S

Beyond the mountains buried beneath eternal snow...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpl28d4cuc

The massive gates of the Ice Kingdom slowly opened.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxgdLHIShx

A squad of Ice Knights marched inside...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycernkDDWJ

Led by Salman himself.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8acwA8iYCW

Catalina remained unconscious.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkW6rcFbNK

The soldiers carried her deep into the frozen palace.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWxXdNC515

Toward a destiny...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNQsntjLC0V

She knew nothing about.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHPdGlDlWR

Back at the inn...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEadYPDPu8B

Khaled had no idea...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4UuehZQTi7

That every minute he spent there...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrujx3SEjjz

Was bringing him closer...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbyThm3RzG

To the greatest trial of his life.

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJJ0XKyvej

To be continued...

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7876X2FiAy

30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjN97FOFux
30Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMegbX4Gtr

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