The King's Beloved

~ [Music Recommendation: "Track 3 - Dragonspine" by Mihoyo (Genshin Impact OST) - available in Youtube] ~ Please listen to it in loop while you read this part to experience the utmost beauty of this chapter ~

The Tenth Gate that Rania and Elliot entered was a sturdy-looking arch made of combined ice shards. A cold breeze could be felt from it, along with tiny snowflakes swirling around the arch. It was not hard to guess that the next Guardian would be the one governing Ice. As to what trial it would be about, that was the part both of them didn't know.

With a heavy heart, Ducis bid his farewell to Rania and Elliot. The two of them kept on reassuring him that everything would be fine until the last moment. And so, they jumped into the black hole and unto the next realm.

When they opened their eyes from the blinding lights, what awaited them was an enchantingly beautiful city surrounded by a crystalized lake. By the looks of it, it seemed to be winter since the whole surroundings were covered in snow and ice. They found themselves on top of a hill not far from the city, enabling them to see the magnificent view before them. From a distance just behind the city were lofty hills and cliffs, and at the horizon, was a Great Wall made of exceedingly thick ice.

"It's really beautiful here," Rania commented as she marvelled at the sight of everything around her.

"Yes, beautiful and cold," Elliot added, stressing on the "cold" part. 

Rania chuckled at his remark. "Of course it's cold, - it's winter! But nevermind that, let's go to the city".

Elliot nodded and they walked towards the city afterwards.

The nearer they got to the city, they noticed many contraptions placed all around the City Walls. There were lots of magical circles drawn on the ground as well, and platoons of knights stationed at every corner. Rania and Elliot suspected there might be another war. Either that, or it was normal for this city to have their security in such extremities.

Arriving at the City Gates, they were hastily ushered inside by the knights, almost dragging them inside while shouting at them, "Why in the world were you two outside? Get in quickly!" Rania and Elliot were surprised but as soon as they saw the situation inside, they understood why.

Inside the city, almost every citizen, even children, were walking back and forth, busy with each of their tasks. Some carried blankets, foods, bottles containing different liquids in them, magical items, and other items they weren't quite sure what. The others held their hands up in the air casting a barrier that covered the entire city. Some were grouped into their specialties like those in the corner who seemed to be crafting or fixing magical weapons, and on the other side were people making those liquids in the bottles, and on another were people healing the wounded. But everyone of them had one thing in common - the look of worry and fear drawn in their faces. It seemed that Rania and Elliot's speculation was correct.

"Make way! Make way!" a man who suddenly popped out of nowhere shouted with all his might. On his shoulders was another man who was severely injured and a dark aura seeping out from his wounds. 

The citizens immediately parted ways towards the healers and the healers in turn, tended the wounded man. A priestess used her holy energy to conjure healing magic towards the man.

Not even a moment passed and a group of high ranking knights came, along with their General. They wore gold-plated armors and carried huge swords on their back. Their General was especially tall and muscular that he stood out amongst them. Just from his stance alone, he looked like an experienced man, an expert, when it comes to the sword. 

"What is the situation, Scout?" the General asked in a firm and commanding tone. The scout tried to stand and salute, which he interrupted, "No need to stand, you are injured".

"Ugh … Y-yes, sir!" the scout saluted whilst sitting down instead. "The hordes of monsters have been spotted 20 kilometers from the southeast direction. Half are low-ranking ones and the rest are mid to high. The other scouts were unlucky to be surrounded by high ranking ones and I'm afraid we suffered a few casualties". 

The other knights that were with the General wretched their faces, the same with everyone else who heard the sad news.

"They haven't even arrived and we already suffered casualties," the General murmured to himself. "Were there airborne monsters? Or those that dig the earth? What elements were the high ranking ones?" he continued asking the scout.

"There were airborne and earth-digger monsters, sir. As for the elements of the high ranking monsters, most of them had high affinity with ice. The others were thunder, and wind, and only one with water. Some of them could fly, too. Dragons, golems, banshees, and harpies".

The General sighed deeply. "This will be a really hard battle". Then, he turned to everyone and spoke in a loud voice, "Citizens of Nix! Lend me your ears!"

And there was silence. All the citizens turned towards the General, nervously waiting for his words.

"The battle ahead of us will be extremely difficult. More difficult than what we faced in the past," the General started, with all seriousness apparent on his face. "But don't lose heart! If we managed to overcome the trials before, we can definitely overcome this time as well. We just need everyone's full cooperation and help. 

The citizens nodded in agreement.

"For all the children, follow the priests and priestesses towards the stronghold. Once inside, you are not allowed to step foot outside until this war is over. You may assist the priests and priestesses in tending to the wounded which will come to recuperate in the stronghold. To all able men and women, those who can and are willing to fight, join us in the front lines. If you are well-versed in projectile magic, join the platoon located at the towers. If you have aptitude for close to mid-range battle, join the platoons surrounding the walls of the city. And for the rest, do what you are able".

And so, everyone followed as the General commanded, including Rania and Elliot. They followed the General and went towards the City Gates and onto the platoons standing by outside. They found the platoon leaders instructing the new ones of their strategy.

"Excuse me, you two," a man called out to Rania and Elliot. "Where do you think you're going?"

"?!" both of them were surprised.

"We would like to help out in fighting the hordes of monsters," Elliot answered him.

"Fight? How are you going to fight if you've got … close to nothing spiritual energies?" the man raised his eyebrows in skepticism. "Do you think this is a joke? Join the children in the stronghold instead!"

It was only then that Rania and Elliot noticed it. Indeed, all their spiritual energies were gone!

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