With two invaders quickly neutralized, Kaizen and Xisrith kept the pressure on the others.
The remaining invaders, now aware that the danger was even greater than they had been warned, tried to react and counterattack to protect themselves. Their steel swords clashed with Xisrith's scarlet sword, sparks flying through the air and the metallic sound echoing through the large living room. Xisrith wielded her blade masterfully, delivering precise, swift blows that sliced the air in fluid movements. She blocked and deflected the intruders' attacks with ease, while her eyes sought gaps in their defenses to counterattack. Her serious and determined gaze conveyed an unshakable confidence.
Kaizen, on the other hand, used his extreme physical strength to subdue his opponents with his fists alone. His punches were so powerful that the blows to the mercenaries' vital points were more than enough to kill them. His combat experience was obvious, and every move was executed with deadly efficiency.
It didn't take more than two minutes before all seven intruders were dead and the living room was partially destroyed.
Xisrith looked at Kaizen and said:
"They were targeting us."
"No doubt about it. It was probably Duke Frugold who sent them. That would explain the fact that there are no officials of theirs here, as well as his absence from the meeting that was supposed to take place yesterday." Kaizen theorized, putting a hand to his chin.
"But why would he do that?" Xisrith refused to believe that Kaizen's theory was true. "We were negotiating something that would be good for both sides, and my proposal was good."
"I don't know for sure. But you also heard one of those guys say it was to at least let you live, right? They probably wanted you for something."
"Me? But..."
"Xisrith, you may think like a player in this situation, but the truth is that your avatar is still a Descragon, a race that most of this world doesn't even believe exists. The Duke would have a wide range of options to use you if you were captured.
Xisrith took a deep breath and tucked her sword into the sheath at her waist. "You're right... What should I do now? Go home with my tail between my legs and tell my clan that I am the disgrace?"
"Actually, I have a better idea."
*
At the heart of the imposing capital of Vrikhodour stood the majestic royal castle of the Dragonsbane family, an imposing fortress with towers carved from white stone and adorned with fluttering blue flags. Built on a floating island, the city was protected by a natural barrier that isolated it from the normal world, giving it an air of mystery and grandeur.
Kaizen and Xisrith gazed at the castle from afar, marveling at its grandeur. Kaizen turned to Xisrith with a determined gleam in his eyes and heard her say:
"Do you really want to invade this place? You can only go crazy." She said, turning away and turning around.
"Xisrith, I believe this is our best chance to get answers and prevent future attacks."
"But storming the castle and demanding to speak with the king? Isn't that too extreme?"
Kaizen shook his head in the negative. "The Duke may have been involved in the attack against you, but only the King can really settle everything, including the issue of your race. We must storm the castle and make our voices heard."
Xisrith sighed as she realized the logic behind Kaizen's words. She turned to him again, a determined expression on her face. "All right, Klaus. If storming the castle is the only way, then we will do it. But we need a solid plan to reach the king without attracting the attention of the entire royal guard, or we will surely die."
Kaizen nodded, pleased with Xisrith's decision. He began to work out the plan in his mind, considering every detail. "First, we will need disguises. We cannot present ourselves to the castle as mere warriors. We will pose as members of the royal guard or trusted servants. This will allow us to move around the castle more freely."
"And how will we get the disguises? We can't just borrow royal guard clothes, our faces are still different."
Kaizen smiled, revealing a hint of mischief. "We don't need two uniforms, just one."
"What do you mean?" She inquired.
"I'll explain later. But don't worry about the uniform, I know how to get one."
"What about security at the castle? Surely there will be guards everywhere and access to the king must be restricted."
Kaizen nodded, thinking carefully. "We will have to rely on surprise and cunning. While we are inside, we will study the layout of the castle and identify alternate routes and security weaknesses. We can create a distraction for the guards, and if that is not possible, I believe a side entrance or access through the roofs may be our best options."
Xisrith agreed, mentally visualizing the plan. "And when we meet the king, what will we do? He may not believe our words, or he may even arrest us for trespassing on his castle."
Kaizen placed a hand on Xisrith's shoulder, conveying confidence. "At this point, Xisrith, I will rely on your powers of persuasion and the power of truth. Present all the evidence we have to prove the will of your race. We must convince the king that we are allies and that truth must prevail."
Xisrith took another deep breath. "Then this is it. We will storm the castle, face the guards, and hope for the best."
Kaizen nodded, the glow of determination shining in his eyes. He was excited to enter a castle for the first time in a long time, and he was sure that there would be strong people among the king's guards that he would have to face.
...
Edited by: DrHitsuji
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