LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Refu
Alix decides to gather more information. He leans forward slightly on his throne, addressing Gornak.
"Tell me, is there a city near my kingdom? Somewhere I could learn more about this world?"
"A city, Your Majesty? No, not nearby. But there is a town called Gilderock, governed by Lord Refu. It's a small place, but it's important. They trade with the humans and that's where we get our gold coins when we sell our goods."
Alix said. "This Lord Refu—what kind of monster is he?"
Gornak shrugs. "I've only seen him from afar during trade gatherings, so I don't have any Idea. He seems fair, though strict. Gilderock is well-protected, and the humans seem to respect him."
Brak interjects. "Chief, do you think it's wise to mention our trade with humans to His Majesty?"
Alix waves a hand dismissively.
"Relax. I'm not here to punish or restrict you. Continue trading as you see fit."
"Thank you, Your Majesty. If it pleases you, I can draw a simple map to show you where Gilderock is located."
"Do that," Alix says. "I'll need it."
Gornak quickly sketches a rough map on a piece of parchment provided by Draya. He hands it to the king with a deep bow.
"Here, Your Majesty. I hope it serves you well."
Alix takes the map, studying it for a moment before tucking it away.
"You've been helpful, Gornak. Now, return to your village and prepare your people."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Gornak says. He bows deeply once more before turning to leave with Calak and Brak following closely behind.
Once they've exited the throne room, Alix slumps back into his throne, muttering under his breath.
"Damn. That answers my question. I'm not in the game world anymore." He pauses, letting the realization sink in. "Well… this might actually be better."
Alix glances at the map again, then looks over to Draya, who stands quietly at his side.
"Draya, can you get my beastskin armor?"
Draya nods immediately. "Yes, Your Majesty. Right away."
While she's gone, Alix leans back in his throne, his fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. The beastskin armor isn't impressive by any means—it's a low-level piece of gear he'd long since outgrown in terms of stats. But it had one invaluable feature: it allowed the wearer to blend in perfectly.
The enchantment on the armor dulls his imposing presence and slightly alters his appearance, making him look like an ordinary monster. It had been his favorite tool for infiltrating enemy territory and causing chaos in the game.
Minutes later, Draya returns, carrying the simple, worn-looking armor in her arms. She kneels before him, holding it out with reverence.
"Your beastskin armor, as requested, Your Majesty."
Alix stands and steps down from the throne, taking the armor from her. He smirks, running a hand over its rough surface.
"This old thing… It's not much to look at, but it never failed me before."
Draya tilts her head slightly. "If I may ask, Your Majesty… why this armor? You have far grander pieces."
Alix chuckles, slipping off his crimson gauntlets.
"Exactly why I'm wearing it. I don't want to attract attention."
He begins putting on the beastskin armor, its enchantment activating instantly. His sharp features soften, his height appears slightly reduced, and his crimson eyes become ordinary.
Draya observes in silence as Alix finishes adjusting the armor. She takes a step forward, bowing slightly.
"Shall I prepare anything else, Your Majesty?"
Alix said. "Just one more thing—prepare the royal carriage. I'll need it ready within the hour."
"As you command." Draya turns and strides out.
Alix follows shortly after, the soft hum of the beastskin's enchantment making him feel less conspicuous. As he steps into the grand hall, his eyes fall upon a lizardman standing at attention near the entrance—a royal guard clad in dark-scaled armor, his posture disciplined and unwavering.
"You," Alix calls out, his voice commanding yet casual.
The lizardman snaps to attention, his tail flicking slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty?"
"You're coming with me," Alix says as he walks past him, not breaking his stride. "We're going somewhere."
The lizardman's eyes gleam with a mix of surprise and honor.
"It would be my privilege to accompany you, Your Majesty."
The lizardman is almost overwhelmed with pride. During the kingdom's peak, he was just another soldier guarding the throne room, barely acknowledged by the higher-ups. Now, to be chosen to accompany the king himself—it's more than he ever dreamed.
He'd chosen the royal guard to accompany him for a reason. If trouble came in the form of a high-level enemy—something far beyond his current locked level of 200—the guard could serve as a valuable distraction, even for a second. That would be enough for Alix to activate the emergency teleport item hidden in his belt.
Cautious and pragmatic, Alix had no intention of gambling with his life in this unfamiliar world. He didn't yet know if death here meant true death, and he wasn't eager to find out.
They arrive at the palace gates, where Draya awaits beside the sleek, black carriage. The intricate designs carved into its surface reflect the sunlight.
"The carriage is ready, Your Majesty," Draya announces, stepping aside to open the door.
Alix studies the carriage for a moment, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. The design may seem simple at first glance, but its true power lies beneath. This wasn't just any carriage—it was one of the kingdom's prized artifacts, capable of flight thanks to the rare skybeast bound to its core.
As he approaches, Alix nods to the lizardman. "You'll take the reins."
The lizardman blinks in surprise. "Me, Your Majesty? I've never driven a sky carriage before."
"You'll learn fast," Alix says, his tone leaving no room for argument. "The skybeast knows the way. Just keep your hands steady, and don't crash."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
He climbs onto the driver's seat, gripping the reins with both hands. The reins are connected to a shimmering orb embedded in the front of the carriage, which hums faintly as he takes control. The orb glows brighter, and with a soft rumble, the carriage lifts gently off the ground.