Title: Shadow of the Eternal Flame - Chapter 16 : The journey Of No Return

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Chapter 16: The Journey of No Return

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Dawn had not fully broken yet.

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Heavy gray clouds covered the sky, while the first rays of sunlight slowly slipped between the mountain peaks surrounding Aros Village.

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A cold breeze swept through the air, causing the flags above the village walls to flutter and the dew-covered leaves to tremble.

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The gates of Aros...

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Stood wide open.

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As though they were bidding farewell to two souls...

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Unsure whether they would ever see them again.

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Khaled stepped out first.

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He wore his black cloak, his sword resting across his back.

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His eyes appeared calmer than before...

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But that calmness was not peace.

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It was the silence of a man who had buried a raging storm deep inside himself.

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A few steps behind him...

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Walked Abdulrahman.

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His shoulder was still wrapped in bandages, yet his grip around his sword remained firm.

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He did not look at Khaled.

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Nor did he say a single word.

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Silence...

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Was the only thing walking beside them.

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The Sage stood atop the village wall.

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The wind played with his white robe as he watched them walk farther away.

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Then he raised his voice calmly.

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"Remember..."

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The two of them stopped.

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Yet neither turned around.

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"The road you are about to walk..."

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"It will not test your strength."

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"It will test..."

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"Your hearts."

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Silence filled the air.

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Then he continued.

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"If you return stronger..."

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"The world will gain two true leaders."

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"But if you return as you are now..."

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"...Then you will never return at all."

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Khaled slowly closed his eyes for a brief moment.

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Then he continued walking.

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Abdulrahman tightened his grip around his sword.

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Yet he remained silent.

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The Sage kept watching until both of them disappeared among the trees.

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He let out a long sigh.

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Then whispered to himself.

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"May God protect you both..."

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"The journey has begun."

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The forest looked different in the early hours of the morning.

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White mist flowed between the enormous trees like a quiet sea.

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Sunlight filtered timidly through the branches.

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The road ahead...

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Was nothing more than a narrow dirt path surrounded by rocks and moss.

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Everything was still...

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Except for the sound of their footsteps.

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One step...

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Then another...

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Then another.

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An entire hour passed...

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Without either of them saying a single word.

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Even the birds singing high above the trees...

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Sounded louder than their silence.

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Khaled walked in front.

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While Abdulrahman followed several steps behind.

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Not because he was following him...

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But because he no longer wished to walk beside him.

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Khaled lifted his head slightly.

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The map the Sage had given him remained safely tucked inside his bag.

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Yet he never took it out.

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He knew the road.

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Or at least...

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He kept trying to convince himself that he did.

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Hours later...

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The trees gradually disappeared.

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They were replaced by endless golden plains.

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Tall grass swayed with the wind like waves upon an endless sea.

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Far in the distance...

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A towering mountain range appeared.

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Its peaks vanished into the clouds.

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The Sage had told them they would have to cross those mountains...

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Before reaching the northern lands.

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Suddenly...

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The wind stopped.

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Khaled halted.

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He slowly raised one hand.

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Then, for the first time since leaving the village, he spoke.

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"Someone's there."

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Abdulrahman did not answer.

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He simply placed one hand on the hilt of his sword.

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Three men emerged from the tall grass.

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Their clothes were torn.

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Their faces were filthy.

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Rusted swords hung in their hands.

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One of them smirked.

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"Looks like fortune is smiling on us today."

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The second laughed.

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"Only two boys."

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The third stared at Khaled's sword.

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"That sword alone..."

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"Could feed us for an entire month."

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Khaled remained perfectly still.

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Then calmly replied,

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"Walk away."

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The first man burst into laughter.

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"And if we don't?"

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Silence.

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Then...

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All three charged forward at once.

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The first rushed toward Khaled.

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The second circled around Abdulrahman.

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The third drew a dagger, attempting to strike them from behind.

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But...

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Before he could reach them—

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Shhk!

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Abdulrahman's sword left its sheath like a flash of lightning.

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The dagger stopped only inches from his throat.

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The bandit's eyes widened.

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He could feel intense heat radiating from the blade.

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Yet Abdulrahman...

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Never ignited his flames.

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He simply stared at him.

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A cold stare...

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Unlike anything the man had ever seen before.

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On the other side...

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Khaled calmly stepped aside, avoiding the first strike.

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He seized his opponent's wrist.

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Twisted his body.

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And slammed the man violently onto the ground.

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Before the bandit could stand...

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Khaled's blade rested against his neck.

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The third man looked at his companions.

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Then back at the two young warriors.

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His face turned pale.

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He swallowed nervously.

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"L-Let's go!"

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No one needed to hear it twice.

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All three fled as fast as they could.

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Within seconds...

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They vanished into the endless grass.

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Khaled sheathed his sword.

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Then continued walking...

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Without looking back.

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Abdulrahman also returned his blade to its sheath.

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Then, for the first time...

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Since leaving Aros, he spoke.

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"You could've killed them."

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Without turning around, Khaled answered,

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"There was no need."

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Silence returned.

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But this time Abdulrahman spoke again.

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His voice carried no warmth whatsoever.

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"So now you know..."

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"When to use your strength."

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"Only after it's too late."

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Khaled's footsteps slowed for a moment.

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The words struck his heart like a blade.

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Yet...

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He remained silent.

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...Yet he remained silent.

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The sun slowly sank toward the horizon.

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The sky was painted in warm shades of orange, while the cool evening breeze returned once more.

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At the end of the vast plain...

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A small city came into view.

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Its gray stone walls were surrounded by short watchtowers.

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Outside the gates...

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Merchant wagons came and went without pause.

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Traders called out to passing customers.

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Travelers hurried to find shelter before continuing their journeys the next morning.

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Khaled came to a stop.

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"We'll spend the night here."

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Abdulrahman did not object.

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But neither did he agree.

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He simply walked toward the city gate.

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The moment they entered the city...

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Noise surrounded them from every direction.

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The aroma of freshly baked bread mixed with the smoke rising from cooking fires.

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The ringing of blacksmiths' hammers blended with cheerful laughter.

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Fruit vendors called loudly to attract customers.

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The city overflowed with life...

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A complete contrast to the silence filling their hearts.

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Among the crowded streets...

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A large wooden sign swayed gently in the evening wind.

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Written across it in bold letters were the words:

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"The Last Traveler Inn."

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Khaled looked up at it.

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Then quietly said,

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"Let's get some rest."

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For the first time...

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Abdulrahman did not disagree.

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He simply walked inside.

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The moment Khaled pushed open the heavy wooden door...

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A small bell hanging above it rang loudly.

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Its brief chime was enough to draw dozens of eyes toward the entrance.

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Silence spread through the inn for only a few seconds.

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Then the lively atmosphere returned.

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Laughter filled the room.

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Wooden mugs clashed together.

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The smell of roasted meat and fresh bread drifted through the air.

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The inn was much larger than either of them had expected.

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In one corner...

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A group of merchants argued over prices.

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Elsewhere...

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Several mercenaries proudly boasted about battles they had survived.

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At the center of the hall...

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A musician stood upon a small wooden stage, playing a calm melody while some of the guests clapped along with the rhythm.

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Khaled approached the counter.

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Behind it stood a large, broad-shouldered man with a thick beard, polishing a wooden mug.

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He looked up.

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Then smiled warmly.

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"Welcome, travelers."

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"Food... or a room for the night?"

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Khaled glanced toward Abdulrahman.

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Then looked back at the innkeeper.

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"One room will be enough."

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The man nodded.

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"Thirty silver coins."

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Silence.

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Khaled reached into his bag.

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He searched once...

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Then again...

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Until his hand stopped moving.

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Slowly, he raised his head.

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And looked at Abdulrahman.

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Abdulrahman searched through his own bag.

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After a few moments...

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He sighed.

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"I don't have anything."

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The innkeeper chuckled softly.

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"Don't worry."

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsiWfLUnGiQ

"It happens all the time."

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Then he pointed toward a large notice board hanging on the wall.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjiQFJisHY

"There are plenty of ways for travelers to earn money."

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrAvs5RsFkP

Both of them turned toward it.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTrbYt3obv

It was covered with requests.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHFqckN1Qv

Escort missions.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWNOqOypIN

Herb gathering.

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Monster hunts.

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Various odd jobs.

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Most of them...

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Had already been stamped:

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Completed.

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While Khaled examined the board...

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A loud noise echoed from the upper floor.

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Moments later...

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A tall man hurried downstairs carrying a large rolled-up parchment.

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He wore a brown cloak.

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On his chest was the emblem of the Adventurers' Guild.

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He jumped onto the wooden stage.

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Then struck the floor with his staff.

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BOOM!

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The entire inn fell silent.

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Even the musician stopped playing.

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The man unrolled the parchment.

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Then raised his voice.

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"Everyone!"

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"A brand-new request has just arrived!"

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People immediately gathered around.

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Even the mercenaries abandoned their conversations.

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He continued,

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"This isn't an ordinary request."

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"It's an emergency commission."

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He pinned the parchment onto the notice board.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJS5HKlOhU

The instant he did...

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The crowd gasped.

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Whispers spread throughout the inn.

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"Impossible..."

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"Is that reward real?"

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrMMZuFGoD

Someone nearby swallowed nervously.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuciOTONJ1v

Khaled tried to read the notice.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75UttvLIBT

But too many people blocked his view.

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He slowly made his way through the crowd.

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Until he finally reached the board.

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Then he read:

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"A team of adventurers is needed to participate in the Last Traveler Inn Tournament."

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"The winning team will receive..."

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His eyes stopped at the final line.

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Fifty Gold Coins.

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Silence filled the room.

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Fifty gold coins...

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More than enough to fund their entire journey.

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And even more.

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Khaled slowly lifted his gaze.

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Then looked toward Abdulrahman.

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For the first time since their journey had begun...

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Their eyes met.

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Neither of them spoke.

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Yet both of them...

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Understood exactly what the other was thinking.

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The innkeeper stepped closer with a smile.

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"It seems you're interested."

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoZXo70FqB

Khaled answered calmly,

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcloCdRBkGZ

"What kind of tournament is it?"

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The innkeeper straightened his posture before replying.

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"It takes place once every month."

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"Adventurers compete through several different rounds."

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"Not all of them are about strength."

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"Some require speed..."

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"Some require intelligence..."

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"And others demand true teamwork."

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He smiled.

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"That's why..."

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"The strongest team doesn't always win."

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Abdulrahman looked back at the notice.

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"When does it begin?"

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"Tomorrow morning."

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"And registration..."

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"Closes in one hour."

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Silence returned once again.

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Khaled lowered his eyes.

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This was a real opportunity.

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But...

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Could they truly fight together...

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When they could barely speak to one another?

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"We should enter."

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Khaled's voice was quiet.

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Abdulrahman didn't answer immediately.

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He stared at the notice for several long moments.

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Then said without looking at Khaled,

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"If we lose..."

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"We'll waste an entire day."

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Khaled replied,

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"And if we don't enter..."

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"Our journey ends here."

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Silence.

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Then Abdulrahman let out a long sigh.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusK2QH4zvu

"...Fine."

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpws8bhoilt

Khaled walked over to the registration desk.

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He picked up the pen.

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Paused for a brief moment...

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Then wrote their names.

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Khaled.

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Abdulrahman.

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The guild official smiled.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbWRMR4QTF

Stamped the registration form.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzGXath2rwn

Then handed it back.

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"Your team has officially been registered."

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"I just hope you don't withdraw before the tournament begins."

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSEJCZgjh7

"A lot of people lose their nerve after seeing the competition."

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Khaled stepped away from the counter.

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Meanwhile, Abdulrahman stood beside the window.

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Watching the rain slowly fall outside.

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Khaled approached him.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcXnVRjbxp

But no words came.

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Abdulrahman never looked at him.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzto3Ap5Qg3

He simply said,

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWzzRDul41k

"We'll win."

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"Then we'll continue the journey."

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"That's all."

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Khaled silently nodded.

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He knew...

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Words alone...

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Would never repair what had been broken between them.

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But perhaps...

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeORbUKPbjb

This tournament...

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Would become their chance...

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To start over.

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Far away...

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Beyond the mountains buried beneath eternal snow...

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRjEbAakC4R

The massive gates of the Ice Kingdom slowly opened.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbZcwwcJXI

A squad of Ice Knights marched inside...

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vHLOQ2KMu

Led by Salman himself.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4NT5ij3ei2

Catalina remained unconscious.

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The soldiers carried her deep into the frozen palace.

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Toward a destiny...

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She knew nothing about.

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡraaTBoGnST

Back at the inn...

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Khaled had no idea...

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That every minute he spent there...

81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4vuWOtG3tw

Was bringing him closer...

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To the greatest trial of his life.

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To be continued...

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81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7GCg82XJge
81Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFmZGEJIJD

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