Shameless One

After the enemies sensed the potential threat Shun posed, it seemed as though they abandoned any attempt at ambush or direct confrontation. The path to the central castle ahead was disturbingly peaceful, the eerie silence permeating the air as if the very city itself held its breath. Occasionally, a word would escape someone's lips, but the weight of the atmosphere stifled any prolonged conversations. Witnessing Shun's true power had altered everyone's perspective of the mysterious boy—everyone, that is, except Silver.

Shun silently thanked his past self for bringing Silver to the Royal Palace and including her in this mission. While his own safety and strength were assured by the Harvester, Silver's mere presence brought an unexpected comfort to his heart. He couldn't quite understand the peculiar and unsettling feeling of attachment that had developed over time. It wasn't just simple gratitude or appreciation; it was something deeper. Though many despised him—or would eventually come to do so—there remained a handful who accepted and appreciated him. Silver was one of them, though she was not unique. There were others who stood behind him, offering their loyalty, but she held a special place in his heart. Yet, he couldn't understand the emotion that laid within. 

"We're here," Kris announced, breaking his reverie.

Joe, shaking his head, replied with a sardonic chuckle, "We have eyes to see, Kris."

Though the small jest lightened the mood slightly, it didn't bring any smiles to their faces. As Joe had said, their eyes had already provided them with that information. The castle, much like the street outside, was unnervingly silent. Even the expansive garden, once surely alive with activity, was deserted. The colossal doors leading into the castle stood ominously sealed shut. In normal circumstances, this might not have raised alarm, but under the current dire situation, the absence of guards was a glaring concern.

However, the outer gate stood wide open, as if inviting them in—whether friend or foe.

With little time to ponder the meaning of the open gate, they had no choice but to press forward. The only person who could offer any answers now was Alexander Levison.

Joe signaled for silence as they moved cautiously into the front garden. His sharp senses were always alert for potential threats. But Shun didn't need a warning. His connection with ethereal arms had attuned him to the slightest disturbance in the air.

Almost in unison, Shun and Joe turned sharply, calling out to the others.

"Watch out!"

"Another ambush!"

In an instant, Olivia Skyland's massive ethereal arm materialized in her hand. The sword, large enough to be a shield, gleamed with an ethereal light. The Steel of Isolation, ranked the 75th complete ethereal arm, radiated a brilliant barrier that immediately spread out, covering the group in an unbreakable shield.

Though not as rare as healing types, protection-type ethereal arms were still uncommon, and Olivia's was among the most powerful in Lordrixis, the second strongest of its kind. As the barrier expanded, multiple ethereal warriors appeared from all directions, launching their attacks against Olivia's shield.

Shun, unfazed, observed the incoming assault. Despite their impressive displays of power, these new enemies—dressed in armor and wielding ascended-class abilities—seemed more like city guards than terrorists. This offered some reassurance, though there was an inexplicable unease in his gut. Something about the whole situation felt wrong. Even for a central city like Sila, the number of ascended ethereal warriors assembled here was extraordinary.

The attacks, though powerful, were utterly neutralized by Olivia's shield, not even a glimmer of force slipping through. However, Shun could see the toll it was taking on her. Despite the ethereal arm's theoretical invulnerability, it drained her stamina significantly. Without her exceptional endurance, she would never have been able to hold out for so long.

Everyone, Shun included, silently respected Olivia's unyielding strength.

The attacks eventually ceased, and the warriors seemed to hesitate, choosing to watch rather than continue their assault.

"Halt your attacks!" Kris shouted, waving his arms in an attempt to calm the situation. "We were sent by King Eldran to assist with the counterstrike against The Unfinished."

The guards exchanged wary glances, doubt lingering in their eyes. Given the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the city, trusting strangers wasn't an easy task. Before any further words could be spoken, the heavy doors of the castle shuddered and slowly opened.

Standing in the doorway was a slender, handsome man with a meticulously styled appearance. From his attire, he appeared to be a retainer of some kind. He raised his hand, and the guards immediately lowered their weapons, saluting him reluctantly. Despite their untidy and lazy postures, it was clear that this man was in charge.

"Assistance from Haven, is it?" The man's voice was weary, his expression betraying a deep sense of frustration. "I thought you all had perished on the way here, or that the King had long since abandoned us."

Shun's brow furrowed. He hadn't expected such insolence from someone so low in rank.

Otto, seething with quiet rage at the sight of Olivia's exhausted form, pointed towards the guards who had launched the previous assault. "What was that about?" he demanded, his voice calm but laced with tension. "And who are you?"

The man's icy gaze met Otto's without flinching. "My name is Eden Pyram, assistant to Prime Advisor Alexander Levison," he replied coldly, the lack of emotion in his words palpable. "Given the circumstances, it was only natural for us to prepare defences. You are here to assist us, not to complain."

Shun raised an eyebrow at Eden's indifferent tone, the mockery in his voice all too evident. This man, it seemed, had no sense of gratitude for the help that had been sent.

Joe rolled his eyes in frustration. "Not even an apology?" he muttered under his breath, but Silver silenced him with a sharp look.

Silver stepped forward, her voice rising with authority. "So, you know we're here to help, then?" Her tone was tinged with sarcasm. "If this is the kind of welcome we get, we might just leave you to your fate."

Eden's expression remained unreadable, but Silver wasn't finished. "You're the ones who need help, not the other way around. So if you want it, then act that way."

Shun couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at Silver's straightforwardness. Not so much at Silver's blunt, biting retort, but how significant his own influence was on her.