The tension in front of the main gate of Antrows City had reached its peak. The air felt scorched by the blaze in Keyzier's right hand and piercingly cold from the ice crystals in his left.
On the other side, Donovan's greatsword radiated a bloodthirsty aura that made the gate guards swallow hard. Archers atop the ramparts had already drawn their bowstrings, waiting for a single command to release a rain of death.
However, amidst that haunting silence, a small group appeared, walking calmly from inside the city toward the outer gate. They did not wear military uniforms; instead, they donned armor and cloaks that radiated an extraordinary aura of authority.
The five individuals were members of the Gold Wings party, currently preparing to depart for an important mission from the Adventurers' Guild.
Their footsteps halted when they saw the scattering crowd and the immense commotion occurring right at the mouth of the city gate.
Without a second thought, the group leader signaled his team. The Gold Wings party immediately headed toward the gate to discover the cause of the disturbance and to see who dared to challenge the authority of the Antrows guards.
Knowing that the most prominent S-Rank adventurer party in the Altoria Kingdom was passing by, the people who had gathered previously made way with deep respect. Citizens whispered in awe, momentarily forgetting their fear of the young white-haired mage and the rugged warrior standing at the gate.
"What kind of commotion is happening here?"
A loud, deep voice rang out from a man wearing polished silver armor. The voice was so dominant that all eyes, including those of the tense soldiers, turned toward its source. The man stood tall, his hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his waist, exuding the dignity of a true leader.
Keyzier, who had been ready to unleash his magical assault, suddenly froze. He recognized that voice. It was the voice of the person who had once saved their lives.
"Bro Ronan?" Keyzier uttered in a tone of near disbelief.
Hearing his name called by a teenager who looked like a blood-stained fugitive, Ronan furrowed his brow. He looked toward the person who had called him. His sharp eyes scanned the youth before him, searching for remnants of past memories in a face that was now far more mature.
Suddenly, Ronan's eyes widened. He was utterly shocked to realize who was actually causing this massive disturbance.
"Key? You're... Keyzier, right?" Ronan asked, his voice previously authoritative, now turning to one of pure astonishment.
Keyzier lowered both hands, cancelling the fire and ice magic that had been threatening just moments ago. He gave a small snort, trying to regain his composure. "Of course I'm Keyzier! Who else named Keyzier do you know?"
Shortly after, the other four members of Gold Wings: Rin, Oliver, Chloe, and Harold arrived at the Antrows gate to join Ronan. They stopped in unison, staring at the strange sight of soldiers surrounding two village youths who looked incredibly dangerous.
Rin, the female healer who always maintained a cheerful demeanor, narrowed her eyes. The moment she recognized the familiar face amidst the bloodstains and road dust, her eyes sparkled with joy.
Disregarding her dignity as a top-tier adventurer, she immediately dashed forward like a bolt of lightning and hugged Keyzier tightly.
The event left everyone stunned, including the city gate guards who had been ready to attack. Their jaws dropped as they watched a "Hero of the Kingdom" embrace the suspicious youth they had been about to arrest.
"Wow... turns out the innocent, crybaby boy who used to hide behind his grandfather's back has become such a gallant and handsome young man!" Rin exclaimed while pinching Keyzier's cheeks within her embrace.
Keyzier struggled, his face turning beet-red. "Sister Rin... let go! I... can't... breathe!"
Keyzier tried to break free of the hug not only because he felt his oxygen levels dropping, but also because he felt immensely embarrassed to be hugged so suddenly in public, right in front of the soldiers and citizens watching with open mouths. He felt the "cool" reputation he was trying to build as a powerful mage shatter instantly in Rin's embrace.
Novalia, who had been prepared to run or fight, was left in confusion. She stood frozen, watching the surreal scene before her. Who were these powerful people? Why were they so close to the two of them?
She felt as though she truly had no idea what was going on.
"You must be Novan!" Rin cried out after releasing Keyzier, turning her attention to Donovan, who was still clutching his greatsword.
Donovan sheathed his sword awkwardly and scratched the back of his neck. "Yes, Sister Rin! It's been a long time, hasn't it?"
"Yes, it's been ages since we last met in the village! You two grew up so fast!" Rin then turned, her eyes landing on the beautiful hooded girl standing behind them. "And who is this sweet girl with you?"
"Her name is Novalia! She's traveling with us and wants to become an adventurer too!" Donovan answered, introducing her.
Novalia politely introduced herself to Rin and all the members of the Gold Wings party. Although she still felt a bit wary, Rin's friendliness and the kind gazes of Oliver, Chloe, and Harold put her heart at ease.
The atmosphere at the gate gradually calmed as the intent to fight faded from both sides.
Ronan stepped forward into the center of the circle, looking at Keyzier and Donovan in turn. "Now then, why did you go so far as to use magic and prepare to attack the gate guards? Don't you know that attacking city officials is a serious offense?"
Donovan took over the conversation. With a tone that was still slightly annoyed but controlled, he explained the entire chronology of the commotion. He told them how they were denied entry because they lacked identification cards, and the argument that ensued when the soldiers thought they were lying and accused them of being spies for using the Gold Wings' name.
"We really didn't know about the ID cards, Big Bro Ronan!" Donovan concluded.
After hearing the explanation, Ronan sighed and glanced at the gate sergeant, who now looked quite pale. Ronan realized this was merely a misunderstanding between formal procedure and the naivety of village youths who had never seen a city before.
Without hesitation, the Gold Wings party stood as guarantors for the three of them. Ronan officially stated that they had known Keyzier and Donovan since they were children, and Gold Wings would take full responsibility if they committed any crimes within Antrows City. With a guarantee from S-Rank adventurers, any law would soften slightly.
The gate guards finally lowered their weapons completely. With faces slightly flushed with embarrassment for almost attacking acquaintances of national heroes, they allowed Keyzier, Donovan, and Novalia to enter Antrows City without further conditions.
"Thank you for the help, Big Brother Ronan, Sister Rin, Sister Chloe, Brother Oliver, and Brother Harold," Keyzier said sincerely to them.
Ronan patted Keyzier's shoulder firmly before they parted ways. "No problem! We were the ones who told you to come here, weren't we?"
Ronan continued, "Let's meet again at the Guild or the inn once our mission is finished, Key, Novan, Novalia! I want to hear the story of how you ended up here with clothes covered in blood like that."
"Of course, Big Brother!" Keyzier replied with renewed spirit.
Once again, Keyzier and Donovan were indebted to the Gold Wings party. Without their presence, the entrance to their future might have turned into a prison cell, or something far worse.
With a sense of relief and deep gratitude, the three of them stepped through the shadow of the magnificent stone gate, straight into the bustling heart of Antrows City.