1.Stepping into the Sunlight: A World Beyond Red đ¨
With the immediate threat of Surat temporarily neutralized and the structural changes complete, Kevin requested permission from King Elarion to explore the capital. The King, intrigued by their peculiar defiance, readily agreed, assigning a silent Samaran guard to escort the core five.
For Kevin and Even, stepping out of the citadel and into the heart of a thriving Kingdom was a profound, sensory shock. They had known the world only through the lens of survival: the dirt of the Death March, the shadows of the trade roads, and the cold metal of their weapons.
The streets were a maelstrom of life they had never conceived of. Thousands of people moved in an overwhelming torrentâmerchants shouted, children laughed, and the air was thick with the scent of spices and baked goods. Their senses, honed for detecting danger, were overloaded by the sheer normalcy of it all.
Even, the ferocious executioner, came to an abrupt halt, his scarred face a mask of confusion and intense pain. He saw a child chase a rolling wooden hoop, his face lit with pure, unadulterated happiness. Even's breath hitchedâa sound rarely heard from the man of brute force.
"We have only ever seen red," Even muttered, his voice raw, echoing a bitter truth that resonated in Kevin's heart. "The red of blood, the red of rage, the red of final despair. We never knew the color of joy, of simple happiness, of family. I... I cannot stand this happiness. It burns me."
The tranquility of the crowd was almost a physical assault. Even felt the terrifying urge to destroy the peace he had never earned. Kevin, watching the people, felt the same profound unease. Their skills were designed to interrupt this beautiful, fragile order.
2. The Lure of the Samaran Market and the Museum đď¸
Their Samaran escort, sensing their disorientation, explained the scope of the life they were witnessing. "This is only the surface, gentlemen. This is merely the starting point. The true markets are deep inside the city."
They followed the escort into the Grand Market, a chaotic but ordered spectacle. They were like wide-eyed children, fascinated by objects of simple, peaceful artistryâintricately carved toys, silks woven with vibrant colors, and foods they had never imagined. They lingered at a stall selling ancient maps, Kevin studying them with strategic interest, realizing the scale of the world they had yet to conquer.
Next, their curiosity led them to the Samaran Arms Museum, a magnificent, ancient stone structure. Here, they found a strange comfort in the geometry of violence they understood. Even, the expert in raw force, was drawn to displays of giant war hammers and heavy axes, meticulously analyzing their balance and potential for destruction. Kevin, the master of the subtle strike, studied the weaknesses in historical armors and the flaws in defensive layouts. It was a brief, necessary return to the logic of their world.
3. The Grand Colosseum and the Forbidden Entry đ
Adjacent to the museum stood the Grand Colosseum, the source of a constant, distant roar. Curiosity drew the five men there, and inside, they found a massive stadium where a preliminary sparring match was underway.
The escort explained: "Next week, the King will host the Grand Samaran Tournamentâthe ultimate contest to find the Kingdom's number one warrior, who will be appointed the Royal Captain."
The idea instantly cut through their daze. It was a chance to measure the Unseen Edge and the Ghost Hook against the very best the civilized world had to offerâa true, non-lethal test of their years of suffering.
Even grinned, a dangerous, eager expression returning to his face. "We must fight. We must prove the Death March made us stronger than your gilded knights!"
They immediately approached the tournament official, announcing their intention to participate.
The official, a rigid man covered in medals, dismissed them with a shake of his head. "I apologize. The roster is closed. Every available spot was filled weeks ago by regional champions and nobles. You are too late."
Kevin and Even stood rejected, their chance to prove their worth seemingly snatched away by mere bureaucracy. But their escort intervened, whispering urgently: "Do not accept his denial! The King is the final authority! He wants to see you fight! Go to the King! He will want to see the men who defied the Second Kingdom and survived the Death March fight for his honor!"
Kevin's eyes met Even's. The path was clear. They would use the King's own curiosity and ego to secure their entry.
"We go to the King," Kevin declared, the decision cold and final. "We will not take the gold and run; we will take the stage and prove why we earned it."
The Samaran market and museum had shown them the value of life, but the arena offered the ultimate validation of their power. Their ultimate war against the Meridian Crown would wait; first, they would conquer Samara's arena.