Chapter 11: The Shield’s Rest and the Whisper Beneath

  After the small skirmish, Leo finally began his quest. His first course of action: gather information about the state of the kingdom. And what better place for information than a booze-filled tavern?

  He made his way to a local watering hole called “The Shield’s Rest.” The tavern lived up to its name—filled with weary men from all walks of life: soldiers, street workers, and even thugs. The noise was deafening, the stench of booze heavy in the air. Waiters rushed between tables while the tavern master stood like a sentinel behind the bar. About sixty demons filled the space.

  Leo quietly took a seat at an empty table, ready to start his investigation.

  Then—he sensed a shadow moving behind him.

  Startled, he felt a hand touch his shoulder. Spinning reflexively, he was surprised to find the same green eyes from the alley. Only this time, the stranger’s face was revealed—sharp features, plump lips, almost delicate enough to be mistaken for a girl.

  The man spoke, “Thanks for this morning, friend.”

  Leo smiled. “It was my pleasure.”

  The stranger sat beside him. “I go by Ryan. I lead a small group of back-alley rats just trying to survive in this corrupted city.”

  “I’m Leo,” he replied. “A stranger from a far-off land. Just entered the kingdom.”

  Ryan’s eyes widened. “Something beyond the kingdom? Is that even possible? Doesn’t the Forest of Nightmares stretch on forever?”

  Leo chuckled. “Don’t read too much into it. I’m from the outskirts. More importantly, what did you mean by corrupted city?”

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  Ryan leaned closer, voice lowering. “The old Demon King is dead. The one who rose after him… we thought he was salvation. Instead, he’s a savage out for blood. He replaced the old Six Stars with greedy monsters who drain the people dry. One of them rules this place—the Golden Star.”

  He continued, “This city survives on magic stones processed through the ley lines beneath it. The Golden Star started smuggling them away. Now the supply has thinned. People lost jobs. The Western Kingdom fell into ruin—all because of one man’s greed.”

  Suddenly—a glass rod flew and struck Ryan.

  It was the tavern master.

  A towering, muscular demon with short brown hair and a massive mustache stormed over.

  Ryan groaned, “What was that for, you dumb old fool?”

  The tavern owner barked, “Didn’t I tell you never to speak ill of the Chancellor in my tavern?”

  Ryan huffed. “Whatever, Stark. Meet Leo—my friend. He helped me this morning.”

  Stark scowled. “You messed with the soldiers again? You’ll get yourself killed, boy. When will you grow up?”

  Then, turning to Leo, his tone softened. “Sorry to show this side of me on our first meeting. I’m Stark. Nice to meet you.”

  Leo smiled. “Pleasure’s mine. The greatest tavern in the city, right?”

  Stark gave a short nod. “This city’s not safe, especially for outsiders. Stay sharp.”

  “Understood.”

  “Any friend of Ryan’s is a friend of mine. Make yourself at home, Leo.” With that, Stark returned to the bar.

  Just then, a man with long hair, a beard, and crimson red eyes began shouting drunkenly from the corner.

  Ryan shrugged. “Don’t mind him. He’s a regular.”

  Leo ignored the commotion and turned back. Ryan leaned forward again. “Leo, I told you about the underground ley lines, right? I’m on duty tonight. Wanna tag along?”

  Seeing an opportunity, Leo nodded. “Let’s go.”

  As they stepped into the night, the chaos of the kingdom was momentarily hidden by the serene star-lit sky. The two soon arrived at a large cave—the entrance to the ley lines that powered the Western Kingdom, and perhaps held secrets older than the kingdom itself.

  What lies beneath the ley lines? Will the night remain calm—or awaken a darker truth?

  -

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