The wheels of the supply wagon creaked softly on the cobblestone road, accompanied by the galloping of the Solaris soldiers' horses. At the head of the column, Ardyn rode his horse calmly, though his gaze remained sharp. Elric walked beside him, his eyes constantly watching and observing every movement in the surrounding forest.
"It's so quiet…" Elric muttered under his breath. "Usually this border route is filled with traders. Now it's just us."
Darius, closing the vanguard, laughed dryly. "If you ask me, this isn't a good sign. Ardelia might have deliberately blocked their trade route. Either because of the threat of monsters, or… they don't want other kingdoms interfering."
Ardyn remained silent, his eyes darting around. But from his gaze, Elric could tell his mind was filled with dire possibilities. He simply said, "Stay alert. Ardelia never does anything without a reason."
The group's steps continued northward. The thin mist began to lift, revealing a magnificent sight: Ardelia's border wall towering in the distance. The finely carved black stone stood tall, towering, and above it flew the Ardelian flag—a symbol of a steel shield with crossed swords.
The atmosphere in the Solaris entourage was tense. Many of the young soldiers marveled at the grandeur of the wall, as if they were about to enter the lair of a giant.
As they approached, a loud trumpet blast echoed from the top of the wall. The steel gates slowly opened, revealing a dark passageway beyond. From there, a group of Ardelian knights stepped out, marching toward the Solaris forces, their armor gleaming in the light.
A red-robed Ardelian officer stood at the head of the line. His eyes were sharp and commanding. He stared at the Solaris entourage with an unreadable gaze.
"Commander Ardyn of Solaris," he said loudly. "We have heard news of your arrival. However, Ardelia is not a land to be entered carelessly."
Elric turned his horse slightly, taking precautions. Darius had already placed his hand on his sword hilt, ready for any eventuality.
But Ardyn raised a hand, signaling for them to calm down. He moved forward slightly on his horse, looking the Ardelian officer directly in the eye.
"We have not come to incite war. We seek aid—and if any kingdom knows how to confront the darkness that is now spreading, it is Ardelia. Are you truly going to turn a deaf ear to Solaris's warnings?"
Silence filled the air. The Ardelian knights stood motionless, their faces as still as statues. The officer stepped forward, his voice lower, but carrying a weight that made the Solaris soldiers tense.
"Then… follow me. But remember—Ardelia does not welcome strangers with open arms."
The steel gates rumbled, opening wider. From within, the dark passageway leading to Ardelia's domain looked like a dragon's mouth, ready to swallow anyone who entered.
Ardyn took a deep breath, then glanced briefly at Elric and Darius.
"Be prepared. Whatever happens, we will not retreat."
The Solaris entourage slowly advanced, entering the borders of Ardelia—a land of steel warriors, where friendship or enmity can be forged with a single swing of the sword.
A long stone corridor greeted the Solaris group. The sound of supply wagon wheels and horse hooves echoed through it, as if every sound served as a reminder that they were now in foreign land.
As soon as they exited the corridor, the majestic view of the fortress city of Ardelia unfolded. Wide, black stone streets stretched straight, lined with rows of sturdy stone houses with low roofs. The market was bustling, but the Ardelians remained silent as they watched the Solaris group approach. Their gazes were sharp and wary, as if weighing whether these visitors were a friend or a threat.
Atop the steel towers, the Ardelian flag fluttered majestically. Heavily armored soldiers stood guard at every corner, their eyes never leaving the foreign visitors.
Elric whispered to Darius, keeping his posture upright.
"No wonder they're called the land of warriors. Everyone here looks ready for battle at any moment."
Darius snorted, but his eyes remained alert. "If war breaks out, even their market vendors could become armed forces."
Ardyn listened silently. He knew full well that their first steps on Ardelia's soil would determine whether this mission would be a fruit of cooperation… or destruction.
The group was led toward the city center, toward the Hall of the Black Shield, a majestic octagonal building with massive steel columns supporting its roof. At the entrance to the hall, Ardelian soldiers lined up with their spears at attention, forming a guard of honor that felt more like a delayed ambush.
As soon as they arrived, the four-meter-high steel doors creaked open. A heavily armored guard signaled.
"Commander Ardyn, the Ardelian Commanders await you."
Ardyn dismounted. Elric and Darius followed him, while other Solaris soldiers remained guarding the supply cart outside the hall.
Inside, the hall was spacious, lit by large torches that reflected light off the polished black walls. A large circular table sat in the center, with high chairs occupied by the dignitaries—the elders and commanders of Ardelia.
There were four main figures seated in the seats of honor:
General Roderic, a large man with gray hair, his face scarred by battle scars.
Lady Seraphine, the female commander in black and silver armor, her eyes sharp as a hawk's.
Grand Councilor Theon, an elderly man with a long white beard, wearing a dark blue robe emblazoned with a sword symbol.
Junior Commander Kaelen, a young, energetic warrior, but his eyes clearly held suspicion of outsiders.
As Ardyn, Elric, and Darius stepped inside, silence engulfed the room.
General Roderic was the first to speak, his voice deep and echoing.
"Commander Ardyn of Solaris. We understand why you have come. But Ardelia is not a land that can be called upon to aid another kingdom. Explain your reasons—and make sure your words are worthy of attention."
Ardyn stood tall in the center of the hall. The gazes of all the commanders were on him, but he did not waver.
"The same darkness that engulfed Solaris… is now moving toward Ardelia. Monsters, black mist, destruction. This is not just a threat to us, but to you as well. Solaris does not ask for mercy—we offer an alliance. If we stand together, we can weather this storm. But if we are separated, even Ardelia's steel walls will not last long."
There was silence again.
Lady Seraphine narrowed her eyes and leaned back in her chair. "Fine words, but is there any proof? Many kingdoms come bearing tales, but few bring the truth."
Elric stepped forward, taking out a prepared scroll. "This is a record of the battlefield in Solaris. The testimony of soldiers, and reports from our scouts. The monster we faced was no ordinary creature."
Counselor Theon took the scroll and read it carefully. His old face showed no emotion, but his fingers clenched tighter as he examined the writing.
Darius, who had been silent until then, added in a heavy voice. "I saw it with my own eyes. That monster… is unlike anything that has ever existed in this world. And believe me, if Solaris falls, Ardelia won't have time to prepare."
The tension rose. Young Commander Kaelen snorted, clearly dissatisfied. "Words can be forged. Reports can be fabricated. How do we know this isn't a Solaris ploy to drag us into your war?"
Ardyn stared straight at him. His gaze was sharp, but calm.
"Because I don't come bearing threats, Kaelen. I come bearing the truth. If you wish to test it… send your scouts. See for yourself what's happening on Solaris."
Kaelen fell silent, though his face remained stern.
Finally, Councilor Theon closed the scroll and looked at the other commanders.
"Ardyn may be right. These signs… we've been observing them for a long time. And if all he brings are lies, we'll know in a moment."
That was brief. But if it's true… then it's time for Ardelia to no longer remain within its walls."
General Roderic nodded slowly, though his face remained cold.
"Ardyn of Solaris. You will get our answer—but not today. Rest in our fortress city. Tonight, the council will convene. And tomorrow, you will know whether Ardelia stands with you… or against you."
Ardyn bowed respectfully. "That's more than enough. We will wait."
As they were led out of the hall, Elric whispered softly to Ardyn.
"It wasn't easy. But at least they listened."
Ardyn just stared ahead, his eyes sharp.
"True. But I know… their decision will determine the fate of the world."