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Part 2

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As the warning message appeared on my screen, I was about to trespass the border of every player’s worst nightmare.

WARNING!

You are about to trespass the Royal Palace of Aessirun. If you ever get caught by any of the guards, you will immediately be jailed, have your fame deducted or even worse, exiled from the country.

Be warned!

Because of the new event ‘Siege of Valenheim’ is taking place currently, all guards are now on their highest alerts. The punishments could be much, much harsher and severe.

As if something like this would ever deter me. Having resolved myself as I walked towards the main gate – barricaded at least 2 dozens of heavily armed guards with the items I procured earlier in both of my hands – suddenly I saw a shadow came from my side.

And it was too fast for me to properly react. I was pulled away with such force that I felt I was dragged away by an invisible force. Just when I was about to do my deeds, someone or something stopped and pulled me to the side, hiding amongst the shadows provided by the building around the Royal Palace. My mouth was covered by soft flesh and I heard a couple of familiar voices.

“Po! You are indeed crazy!”

“What are you two doing here?!” I could not believe my eyes to see Popo and his wife alongside him.

“How would you rescue Elly if you do not know where they are holding her, po?” His whiskers moved as if to point out my earlier stupidity. I gave him a bitter smile to acknowledge his point.

“Popo is right. You are not familiar with this place. Fortunately, the two of us could help you with that.” Mimi reiterated her husband’s point but that was not what I was worried about.

“But, both of you are injured! You two will slow me down!”

“Slow you down? Don’t be silly. Injuries like these are nothing to us warriors, po. Having our friends taken from us right under our nose is not just shameful but would smear our good name.”

Seemed like this rabbit would not budge from his decision. Looking at his wife, I asked, “And what about Mimi?”

“I have to get revenge for all the plants they destroyed.” And she was dead serious about it even though it sounded silly to most people, including me. But nonetheless, I had to admire their resolve and tenacity.

“Alright, since I can’t say or do anything else that would sway you two, I’ll gladly take your assistance. But remember, if things go south, run away and leave me be.”

“Don’t talk as if you are a hero, po. You are just a lowbie. A nothing student of mine!” I could not help but to chuckle at Popo’s words.

“Perhaps, Popo. But by the end of tonight, neither one of us would be heroes. We would be wanted criminals. Especially you two since both of you had staked your fame and all the deeds you had done for this Kingdom.”

“A small price to pay for our pride and our friend’s life.”

Mimi was right. I was thinking too much about being a Rambo-like persona; waltzing away into someone’s fortress without any consequences. This might be a game for me, but for these two NPCs, it was a different matter. Even for Elly too. I never thought I could think like that to non-living things. Or more specifically, a lump of data.

“Are you scared, po?” Popo was bemused by my sudden pained expression.

“A little. But for Elly’s sake, I’d do this 10 times over. By the way, do you know where is she taken to?” The earlier question still played in my mind and if anyone were to know anything, perhaps these two could provide the answer.

“I have an idea where to begin. Royal Palace is huge and it would take a long time to find if you do not know where to look first. The night is short, so might as well look into that place.” Popo said while emphasizing the word ‘that’.

“And ‘that’ would be?” Finally, a useful information to begin our search. And Popo answered in a hushed tone, “The Royal Guest-Chamber, Northern Quadrant.”

“A what?” I never heard of the place before. But Popo and Mimi looked assured with the location they had given me.

“Like I told you, po. Elly would be taken and prepared first before presented to the King. And from there, her fate shall finally be sealed. Most likely, by dawn.”

“Explain to me while we are moving.”

*****