Gilbert was a force to be reckoned with. He was stronger than Creston, his every move calculated and powerful. But Creston wasn't about to go down without a fight. He smirked, clenching a small orb in his hand.
In a split second, Creston crushed the orb, and a blinding flash of light filled the room. Everyone was momentarily blinded, and Creston seized the opportunity. He darted towards me, wrapping his arm around my neck and pressing his sword against my throat.
As the light faded, Gilbert's eyes narrowed, taking in the scene.
"Now, royal guard, what are you going to do?" Creston taunted, his voice dripping with malice.
"Let him go," Gilbert asked, lowering his sword slightly.
"First, drop your sword," Creston ordered. Gilbert complied, his sword clattering to the ground with a thud.
"Good. Now, what about the woman?" Creston nodded towards the elf, who still had her sword raised, ready for action.
She glanced at Creston, then at me, before slowly lowering her sword.
I knew I had to act fast. I activated [Void Focus], and a wave of numbness washed over me, dulling my senses. With a burst of my wind affinity, I sent a small gale of wind towards Creston, catching him off guard. Seizing the moment, I stabbed him in the thigh with my dagger.
I tried to jump away, but Creston was quick. He swung his sword, and the tip of his blade slashed across my chest.
"Aarghhhh!" I groaned in pain, crumpling to the ground.
The elf woman rushed towards Creston, her sword clashing against his in a flurry of steel. Meanwhile, Gilbert hurried to my side.
"Are you okay?" He asked, concern etched on his face.
"Not really," I grunted, pressing my hand against the wound. "Just kill him."
The pain was intense, but I bit back a scream. Maybe the lingering effects of [Void Focus] helped, but the agony was still overwhelming.
Gilbert nodded and joined the elf woman, their combined strength quickly overwhelming Creston. I heard Creston's scream as Gilbert's sword slashed across his chest, and he collapsed to the ground.
A moment later, the slave seal on my chest vanished, and I sighed in relief. Freedom at last.
"Hold on," Gilbert said, rushing back to me. But as he approached, he saw that the blood had stopped flowing, and I was already feeling better. The wound was closing up right before his eyes.
I hid the now-empty vial from him, the one labeled [Legendary Healing Vial. 100 Platinum Coins.]. Gilbert noticed the empty vial on the ground but didn't say a word. He just gave me a knowing look, understanding that I had used something valuable to heal myself.
"Now you are free," Gilber said, stretching out his hand. I grabbed his hand and hauled myself up, feeling every bit as grumpy as I looked.
"You as well. Was the story of your granddaughter even real?" I asked, eyeing him with a healthy dose of skepticism. I mean, the guy had just pulled a complete one-eighty on his whole 'accepting fate' spiel.
"Yes. I did accept my fate but I think I changed my mind." He said it so casually, like he was changing his order at a tavern, not flipping the script on his entire life philosophy.
"You quickly changed your mind," I muttered, barely hiding the mockery in my voice. But Gilbert just chuckled, like it was all some big joke.
"You are something special aren't you, young Starfrost?" he said, grinning at me like an idiot.
"Don't call me like that," I groaned.
He did recognize me entirely then.
"Fine but I am glad to have met you, Soren. Do you need my help to get out of here? I am planning to release all the others," he offered, suddenly all magnanimous.
"No, I am fine alone," I snapped. I didn't need his help, or anyone else's for that matter.
Gilbert just nodded, gave the elf a look, and then sauntered off like he didn't have a care in the world. Meanwhile, the elf turned her attention to the sniveling buyer, who looked like he was about to wet himself.
"Let's talk," she said, her voice as cold as ice.
"Yes ma'am!" the buyer squeaked, practically tripping over himself to follow her. She dragged him off, but not before throwing a glance my way. "Thank you," she muttered, which was about as much gratitude as I could stomach for one day.
Once they were gone, I turned to the window, realizing I had no clue where I was. Which kingdom was this, anyway? I'd been so focused on getting out that I'd forgotten to ask. Typical.
I shoved the window open and looked down. Perfect, just perfect. A bunch of startled faces stared back up at me. I ignored them, swung my legs over the ledge, and jumped. I hit the ground with a thud, sending a few more people scrambling back in surprise. Whatever. I didn't have time for their nonsense.
I rushed out of there. This kingdom was clearly not the Veridian Kingdom, but which one? I needed to ask someone, but first things first—I needed a place to crash.
I spotted the nearest inn and pushed my way inside. The receptionist, a greasy-looking man with a face like a well-used mop, looked me up and down and sneered. "Go away brat, I don't have time to waste."
I ignored him and I threw a gold coin at him, which he caught it immediately. His eyes widened as he realized it was the real deal. Suddenly, he was all smiles and servitude.
"So?" I asked, impatiently.
"Right away! Here the key! Third floor, fifth room!" He stammered, practically tripping over himself to hand me the key.
I snatched it out of his hand and made my way up the stairs. The inn was a dump, but it would do for the night. I just needed a place to lay low while I figured out my next move.
The third floor was just as charming as the rest of the place. A few of my lovely new neighbors were loitering in the corridor, giving me the once-over as I passed. Yep, I was definitely in the worst part of town, wherever that town might be.
I found my room, shoved the key in the lock, and practically fell inside, slamming the door behind me.
Finally, some peace and quiet.
I stepped into the room and took a good look around. What a dump. I mean, seriously? I dropped a whole gold coin on this place? You've got to be kidding me.
Growing up as a Duke's son, I knew the value of money. Most common folk dealt in copper coins, and if they were lucky, they'd see a silver coin or two. Gold? That was rare for them. But for the rich, the ones who really ruled the world, it was all about gold and platinum.
So yeah, I expected a hell of a lot more than a worn-out bed and a creaking wooden floor for my gold coin. This place was a joke. But whatever, it would have to do for the night.
I sat down on the bed, half-expecting it to collapse under me. The thing was a death trap, but at least it was a place to rest my head.
Downstairs, the receptionist was huddled with a couple of shady-looking guys. These weren't your average travelers; they were packing some serious heat.
"You called us to kill a brat? You kidding me?" One of them growled, looking none too pleased.
"No! No! Listen to me!" the receptionist stammered, his eyes wide with greed. "That brat tossed me a gold coin like it was nothing. Like it was a damn copper coin! He's got that noble vibe, I'm telling you. He's gotta be loaded. I bet he's got a pouch full of gold!"
The thug's eyes gleamed at the mention of gold. "Full of gold, you say?" He smirked, clearly interested now. "Well, well, isn't that something?"