The grinding noise of the iron bars ceased, followed by the low rumble of the heavy door sliding open inward. One by one, the group stepped through: Shelmi, Josier, Berry, Manny, and finally Enya, who peeked through the legs of the taller figures in front of her—except Shelmi, who was shorter than she was.

  “Pell!” Enya’s voice rang out as her eyes fell on Pell’s skull lying abandoned on the ground. Her chest tightened as memories surged of the dungeon when he’d been just a skull, lifeless and shattered. Tears welled in her eyes as she darted forward, ignoring the imposing draconid to reach him.

  Heat erupted around her, a sudden, suffocating wave as the draconid’s scales brightened to a glowing crimson. The air between them shimmered with the intensity of the invisible barrier he’d created, and Enya stumbled back with a startled yelp.

  Berry moved forward, wrapping her arms around Enya and pulling her back into a firm embrace.

  The draconid huffed, his molten gaze sweeping over the unfamiliar faces before locking onto the two he recognized. “Miss Shelmi. Mr. Josier. Care to explain why there are civilians on the sixth floor of this prison?”

  “What are you doing to Pell?” Enya shouted, cutting off Shelmi before she could reply. Her voice cracked with a mix of anger and desperation. “You stupid… thing! Why are you hurting him?!”

  Nakrin’s snarl deepened, and the blistering heat around him intensified. The narrow hallway became a stifling furnace, drawing sweat from everyone.

  “Stand down, Nakrin,” Shelmi interjected sharply, swiping her forehead with her sleeve. “This little girl is the representative the skeleton called for. And for heaven’s sake, retract that damn heat. What are you trying to do—cook us alive?”

  With a sharp exhale, Nakrin’s scales dimmed, and the oppressive heat began to subside.

  “What is going on here?” Josier demanded, his expression hardening. “Why is the skeleton in the prison instead of the interrogation room? And why is he in pieces?”

  “Because this corrupt lizard tried—” Pell’s voice rasped from the floor, his indignation clear in his words. But before he could finish, Nakrin crouched down, seizing Pell’s skull in his clawed hand. A sharp clack silenced him as Nakrin snapped Pell’s jaw shut.

  “Hey! Let him go!” Enya yelled, her voice cracking with emotion. “Why are you doing this? Let him go you—”

  “Enough!” he roared, sending out the weight of his fury. Nakrin’s patience frayed. He let out a guttural growl, his heated breath rippling the air. “Shut your incessant screaming, you inane little child!”

  The raw power in Nakrin’s voice hit Enya like a hammer, causing her words to die in her throat. Wide-eyed, she staggered back into Berry, her lips trembling as fresh tears welled. Pell’s barbed humor and insults had steeled her to sharp words, but this was different. Nakrin’s blazing anger carried no humor or care—only disdain. She’d been yelled at by Pell, but his words never stung. What the draconid said, though—that hurt. Insults were one thing, but reprimand was another.

  Berry reacted, pulling Enya closer, her arm protectively circling the younger girl’s shoulders. “What is wrong with you?” Berry snapped, glaring at Nakrin. “Why are you yelling at her like that? She’s just a kid!”

  “Why is a child in the prison?” he countered, his scorn palpable. “If you were expecting cupcakes and lullabies, you’re in the wrong place, girl.”

  “Stop avoiding the question,” Shelmi interjected, her tone sharp. “Why isn’t the skeleton in the interrogation room as ordered?”

  Nakrin exhaled, smoke curling from his nostrils. “The skeleton became unruly,” he said, words dripping with contempt. “So I brought him here while I handled the situation. That’s when he decided to escape.” He gestured down the hall, revealing a scattered pile of bones at its end.

  The sight made Enya’s stomach turn. The pile looked like little more than remnants of Pell’s skeletal frame to most, but she could see more clearly. Some of the bones had been pulverized—more than what any simple scuffle might cause. Her heart sank. This person in front of her had actually tried to kill Pell.

  “Let Pell speak,” she tried to say, her voice trembling. But the searing glare Nakrin shot her way snuffed out her courage like a candle in the wind.

  Shelmi stepped forward with a groan. “Alright, enough. We’re here now, and this little girl is his representative, whether you like it or not. Let the skeleton go and escort us back to the interrogation room.”

  Nakrin’s tail thumped against the floor. “The fight with those adventurers is one issue,” he growled, lifting Pell’s skull higher, “but an attempted escape? That’s another matter entirely.”

  “Nakrin…” Shelmi’s tone carried a warning.

  He cut her off. “Section Code 3A:22B: Attempted escape is punishable by re-imprisonment, with punishment at the discretion of the lead officer. Representation is suspended for no less than three days pending review and paperwork.” He scoffed. “Rules are rules, laws are laws. I am the head of the City Watch. I am in charge of all discretion here.”

  “You can’t be serious,” Josier said, his voice tight with disbelief.

  “Serious as the laws we all claim to uphold. Now, all of you—leave before—”

  “Nakrin. Stand down.”

  A voice cut through the space as if to penetrable everyone’s souls, slicing cleanly through the tension. Its weight pressed on the room like an invisible hand, stealing the breath from everyone present. The atmosphere shifted, dense and suffocating, as though gravity itself had doubled.

  Nakrin stiffened, claws loosening slightly on Pell’s skull. His narrowed eyes turned toward the source of the voice.

  From the shadows emerged a figure draped in dark, elegant armor trimmed with silver. A pair of gleaming spectacles caught the light, obscuring the man’s eyes as he stepped forward. His every movement was deliberate, exuding a controlled power that demanded submission.

  “Release the skeleton,” the man commanded. His voice was calm yet unyielding, like he held even higher authority than the draconid.

  The weight in the room froze most of them in place. Even Nakrin, though visibly straining against the oppressive force, managed to move enough to speak. Only Enya wasn’t bound by the force, as she darted her head between Nakrin and the new intruder.

  “Sir,” the draconid said, his tone carefully measured as he dipped his head in a bow. “Why are you here?”

  Lorrin stepped further into the corridor, his sharp gaze sweeping across the scene. His eyes lingered on Enya, her trembling frame and tear-filled eyes betraying her fear. His expression hardened as his attention shifted to Nakrin’s claws, which still held Pell’s decapitated skull.

  The scene could not have looked worse.

  “Nakrin,” Lorrin said, his tone ice-cold. “Release that skeleton. Now. And apologize to Miss Enya here.” He gestured toward the young girl, his piercing glare locking onto the draconid captain.

  “What? Apologize?” he scoffed, incredulous. “Sir Lorrin, you’ve just arrived. You don’t know the situation—”

  “I will not ask twice.” Lorrin’s voice darkened, each word laced with threat. “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. I don’t care what they’ve done—they could have razed half the city for all it matters. My order stands: release the skeleton and kneel.”

  Nakrin’s jaw tightened, his disbelief etched into his scaled features. “But, Sir, protocol—”

  The pressure in the room surged. Nakrin’s claws trembled before prying open against his will, releasing Pell’s skull. Instead of dropping, the skull floated gently through the air, guided by an unseen force, until it reached Enya.

  “Pell!” Enya cried, darting forward to catch the skull. She clutched it to her chest, tears spilling over as relief and anger mingled on her face.

  “Why—” Nakrin began, but he didn’t finish.

  A wave of force erupted from Lorrin, a blast of invisible energy that sent Nakrin hurtling down the corridor. He became a blur before slamming into the far wall with a deafening crash, the impact shaking the entire hallway and filling it with a cloud of dust and debris.

  Enya stared wide-eyed at the man in spectacles. Whatever he had done, it was beyond anything she could fathom. The mana he wielded had swelled so quickly and powerfully that she couldn’t even begin to measure it. It was like he exploded with power a thousand times larger than her own mana pool, and it all vanished before she could blink.

  Lorrin turned to the rest of the group. With a flick of his hand, the oppressive force binding Berry and Manny lifted. They gasped in unison, finally able to breathe again. Josier and Shelmi, however, remained frozen, unable to move or speak.

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “Miss Enya, I presume?” Lorrin’s voice softened as he addressed her.

  Enya hesitated, clutching Pell’s skull tightly. “Y-yes?” she stammered.

  Lorrin knelt before her, his expression gentler now. “I deeply apologize for what has transpired here. My name is Lorrin Veyd. I am the Overseer of Order in Talo. I was sent by Lord Clament to assist you.”

  Pell’s jaw rattled faintly in Enya’s grasp as he interjected. “Why’s the city lord sending an overseer to us?”

  Lorrin inclined his head slightly. “Your arrival in Talo was noted the moment you entered the city. Lord Clament entrusted me to ensure your stay here was… unhindered. Unfortunately, this incident occurred before we could properly extend our welcome. For that, I offer my sincerest apologies—on behalf of myself, Lord Clament, and the city of Talo. Rest assured, the adventurers responsible for this farce will face justice. If you wish, I can arrange for their imprisonment or execution.” His tone turned cold, words devoid of hesitation.

  “Hmph!” Pell scoffed. “Sounds great to me. How about you imprison them for ten yea—”

  “Kill them!” Enya snapped. “They tried to hurt Pell! They almost killed him! And that red guy too—I want them dead!”

  Pell’s soul flames flickered faintly, startled by her outburst.

  Lorrin’s expression turned thoughtful. After a moment, he spoke carefully. “Miss Enya, I understand your anger. However, Nakrin—the ‘red guy’—is captain of the City Watch War Paragons. Losing him would severely compromise Talo’s defenses. While I cannot sanction his death, I can ensure he faces reprimand and… extensive re-education. I can also promise it will be… painful.”

  Enya’s face scrunched with frustration, but after a pause, she relented. “F-fine,” she muttered. “But I want whoever accused Pell and sent him here dead. And I don’t want to see that red thing again, ever!”

  Lorrin nodded solemnly. “As you wish. Consider it done. Nakrin will never step foot within your eyesight for as long as you remain here.”

  The group—Enya, Berry, Manny, and Pell with his newly restored body—now stood in the lobby near the clerk’s desk. Medical personnel had arrived earlier, all carrying spare potions with them. This allowed Enya to heal the bones on Pell’s body quickly. Her summon skeleton spell didn’t work against existing re-animated constructs, but the bone-creation portion seemed to. The only thing restricted was claiming Pell as her own summon with the spell. After she revived Pell from the dungeon core, he was no longer bound to the dungeon itself, allowing her own spells to bypass the other restrictions.

  Lorrin Veyd remained with them, his calm authority a sharp contrast to the tension earlier. Shelmi and Josier were still on the lower floors, helping Nakrin, and to assist the medical staff.

  “Once again, I extend my deepest apologies for the earlier fiasco,” Lorrin began, his tone composed. “I will personally ensure the City Watch and guards are made aware of your presence to prevent further misunderstandings. I must also ask for your forgiveness regarding Nakrin’s actions. Draconids are... prone to irritation, but I can vouch for Nakrin’s dedication to upholding the city’s laws. However, his zeal sometimes leads him to operate in ways that, while not illegal, can be... unconventional.”

  Pell harrumphed, crossing his bony arms. “As long as that lizard doesn’t try to crush my skull again without hearing me out, fine. I was just trying to get to the information guild to pass on a message.”

  “Then allow me to expedite that for you,” Lorrin said, reaching into his coat pocket. He produced a small, rounded coin and held it out. “This is my personal recommendation coin. With it, you can bypass wait times, waive fees, and receive the best transfer services at the guild.”

  Pell accepted the coin, turning it over in his skeletal hand. It looked like a gold piece, but its texture felt unusual—almost malleable. Engraved on one side was an ornate letter L, undoubtedly for Lorrin.

  “This is my maker's coin. The coin itself is made from Heltem metal,” Lorrin explained. “It’s a durable material that weakens when imbued with mana. At the guild, they’ll extract the mana to verify its authenticity. Once used, the coin will dissolve entirely.”

  He then turned to Enya, who had regained some composure after the chaos. His expression softened. “Miss Enya, is there anything I may assist you with?”

  “A-ah…” Enya hesitated, wringing her hands. Pell had his task, but she wasn’t sure what to ask for herself. She had plans to explore the city with Berry and Manny, and contacting her parents still felt... complicated. The only pressing matter was her intent to join the Lightway Tournament in a few days. That was the only thing she could think of.

  “I see.” After listening to Enya’s interest in the tournament, Lorrin nodded thoughtfully. “The Lightway Tournament is a celebrated event, drawing many hopefuls from far and wide. While I lack direct ties to the academy, I can offer you this.” He reached into his coat and retrieved another coin, extending it toward her.

  “If you present this at the Magic Association, you’ll be entitled to a C+ rank spell free of charge,” he explained. After a brief pause, as if gauging her reaction, he added, “They may have necromantic spells in their records, though I cannot guarantee it.”

  Enya’s expression didn’t waver, encouraging Lorrin to continue. “If C+ tier spells are not to your liking, you can still use the coin for a discount on higher-ranked spells. The Magic Association operates independently of Talo’s administration, so this is the extent of what I can provide.”

  Enya accepted the coin carefully, cradling it in her hand. “T-thank you,” she said, her voice soft but genuine.

  Lorrin inclined his head, a faint smile on his lips. “You are most welcome, Miss Enya. I trust it will aid you in your endeavors.” His gaze flicked briefly to Berry and Manny before returning to her. “Should you need further assistance, you are welcome to seek me out. Alternatively, you may request a meeting with Lord Clament at the office in the city center. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must attend to other matters.”

  “Ah, one more thing.” Pell interjected, raising a bony finger. “Think you could arrange a carriage for us? The information guild is quite a ways off, and... due to certain circumstances I’d rather not explain, we currently lack the currency of… this layer.”

  Apparently, this Lorrin fellow not only recognized Enya’s high-noble status but also assumed Pell to be some sort of trusted aide—or perhaps a butler of considerable importance. If he could play into this—act all mysterious, then perhaps this would work to their advantage. Pell seized the opportunity. He was broke, and a free carriage sounded much better than walking. Free things always did.

  “Of course. I can have that arranged. A carriage will arrive within a few minutes.” Lorrin bowed with impeccable form before turning on his heel. His deliberate steps carried him to the exit, leaving the room noticeably lighter in his absence.

  Pell let out a sigh, strolling over to Enya. He placed a hand on her head and gave her hair a playful ruffle. “Thanks, kid. Saved me again. That damned draconid almost had me executed back there.”

  “Y-you’re welcome!” Enya stammered, stepping away from his hand and smoothing down her hair.

  “Thanks to you two kids for showing up, too,” Pell said, glancing at Berry and Manny. “Not that you really did much, but still.” The words sounded much better in his head. Out loud, they came off more than a little rude.

  “Don’t worry about it. If it was false imprisonment, then coming to help is the right thing to do, right?” Manny replied.

  “Yep! Just doing our civic duty!” Berry chimed in with a grin.

  Looks like they’re going to forget about the part where the kid casually suggested executing those three adventurers, Pell thought with relief. Fine by me. He flipped the coin Lorrin had given him between his fingers. “I’ll need to stop by the information guild real quick to deliver a message. Kid, what about you? You sticking with them or tagging along?”

  Enya glanced down at her own coin before responding. “We’ll come with you first, then head to the magic acitation!”

  Berry snickered at the mangled pronunciation. “Sorry, you two. Me and Manny have to head back home. It’s been a few hours already, and we should check in.”

  “Yeah,” Manny added. “We’ll probably rest up and get some training in before the tournament. But we’ll see you at the city square in two days—an hour before it starts sound good?”

  “Okay!” Enya agreed with a bright smile.

  As the siblings waved goodbye and left, Pell couldn’t shake an odd tightness in his soul flames. Heading home was a convenient excuse, but… had they been put off by how easily Enya suggested those executions? “Hey, kid,” Pell said quietly. “You didn’t tell them who you are, right? About being a high-noble?”

  Enya shook her head. “No, I haven’t told them. I… I only told the guy at the sign-up place because he needed my ID. But Berry and Manny? No.”

  “I see.” Pell scratched his skull, uncertain. Maybe he was overthinking it. If nothing else, they had promised to meet in two days. The kid would find out soon enough if they were true to their word.

  They stood around for a couple of minutes, idly talking. Enya spoke about a magical place that served meat on a stick. Her recollection of the events sounded fantastical, like the food was a long-lost mythical artifact.

  I can’t even begin to imagine what the high-nobles on the fourth or fifth layer even eat, if she’s this happy about stall food. The clatter of wheels outside broke his thoughts. Their carriage had arrived. Pell turned toward the sound. “Alright. Let’s head to the information guild. After that, we’ll swing by the magic association.”

  They went outside, and Enya’s eyes grew wide as she saw a large carriage, drawn by two horses and a coachman, waving at them. Pell greeted the man, then assisted Enya into getting inside.

  It was Enya’s first time riding in a carriage, and she was captivated by its simplicity. Wheels turned effortlessly as horses pulled them along, gliding through the streets of Talo. She leaned against the window, her wide eyes drinking in the city’s sights—a blur of bustling streets, spell-lit lamps, and the towering spire at the heart of it all. The world outside felt alive, a stark contrast to the stillness within the carriage.

  Elsewhere in the city, two adventurers roamed leisurely down the sidewalk. Or rather, one experienced adventurer and his teenage soon-to-be-adventurer nephew—the other nephew was still bedridden in the city hospital. The older man, Hendel, wore a cold, brooding expression. The events of the day weighed heavily on him. That skeleton... how had it overpowered them so easily?

  The entire situation earlier was absurd. Skeletons weren’t supposed to be that strong. They were mindless undead, brittle bones animated by weak magic. And yet, one had blocked his strike and crippled his nephew with ease. His pride stung at the memory, the disbelief and astonishment still fresh.

  Suddenly, a squad of guards emerged, surrounding the group. Their armor gleamed, their movements precise—War Paragons, elite among Talo’s protectors.

  “W-what’s going on?” Hendel stammered, his head snapping toward the guards.

  “Mr. Hendel, you are under arrest,” one of them declared firmly.

  The teenager scowled and moved instinctively to stand behind his uncle, his fists clenched.

  “On what grounds?” Hendel demanded, his voice rising. “I’ve already explained everything! That skeleton attacked us, injured my nephew—this is all documented! The War Paragons themselves took my statements!”

  “This matter is unrelated,” the guard replied, his tone cold and unyielding. “Sir Lorrin has ordered your detainment. It seems the person you offended has far more influence than you realize.”

  Hendel froze. That skeleton? His mind reeled. “You’re telling me... that thing is important? No, forget that! What about the attack—”

  Before he could finish, one of the guards stepped forward and struck with brutal efficiency. Hendel and his nephew crumpled to the ground, unconscious before they could resist.

  The guards moved swiftly, hoisting the two limp bodies onto their shoulders. They didn’t head for the city’s prison or courthouse. No, their destination was far more final.

  The execution quarters.

  Unbeknownst to Hendel, his other nephew’s fate had already been sealed. His removal from the hospital had occurred minutes earlier, and his end had already come to pass.