Later that day. Imperial Capital Telios.

"Where are you leading us Captain, isn't this the place where the princess was attacked?" - Hank's companions asked.

"Precisely, the guy I was talking to apperently opens a bar here."

"A bar? The hell?"

"Odd place. But he seems like a nice guy,and said he was bad with people. So I said no big groups."

"Oh. Is this you bringing us to investigate that place? Smart move."

"...Sure. Let's go with that." - Hank rolling his eyes.

When they open the door, they were overwhelmed by the difference between outside and the bar.

"...Okay, I didn't expect this. I don't think we can afford anything in here." - Hank looks on in awe.

"I've peeked into a noble's home once, that doesn't even compare to here."

Suddenly a voice rang

"Oh, you came back. Welcome. Your friend?" - Ray looking mildly interested in their reaction.

"Oh, uh. Hi, this is my friend, Will. Will, meet Alteus, our strange bartender."

"Welcome to Unlikely Haven, please order anything you like, or if you have any demands, please let me know."

"Uh...how are the prices here....we really don't have that much money." - Will, curiously looking around, asks.

"Depends on what you order, but I can custom made drinks based on your wallet and your taste, just relax." - Ray, amused by their attitude.

"You really are strange." - said Hank.

"Anyone other than me would've punched you in the face for that." - Ray, uninterested.

"Heh, my bad, rude again."

"So, what's your order?"

"Beer I guess, hey Will, order."

"If you have a drink that will let me sleep easier, that would be nice, I can only afford maximum of 2 gold by the way."

"Alright, please make yourself at home. I'll procure your drinks."

And so Ray disappears into the back.

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Beneath the bar.

There was a room, lit by light magic orbs encased in glass. In it, various alchemic tools and tubes was placed in an organized fashion. On the far right there was a shelf filled with records of unknown content.

In the middle of it was Ray, who seems to be thinking about his own "drink" and the order.

"2 gold...Cheapskates..." As he reaches out for a notebook, he mumbles to himself.

"Let's see here, things that helps with sleeping...."

"Oh, Arcol Flower petals, that's good....Tasting wise I can clear it out with a Dreaming Dew..."

"Maybe I should try and remove the sleeping chemicals from my medicine mix too. Yeah I'll do that after serving."

And like that, Ray manages to list out and prepare all the ingredients needed for Will's "drink".

"...2 gold huh. I guess I can take a hit for this one time. I should consider stocking on cheaper materials too."

Slightly dissatisfied from his usage of ingredients, he returns to the bar above.

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Outside the border of Extas.

"5 years...Sure a lot have changed." - Cole, reminiscing about the past - "Yet the heart of men remains the same, everthristing for power..."

"Don't you agree, Ray? If you're still watching over us."

"Sir, we're about to leave." - a servant reminded him.

"Yes, I'll be there in a moment." - Cole replied

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"...Why is she heading here now of all times..." - the King laments - "...Did she know about Extas's chosen visit?"

"We've tried to tell her to delay her return, but she refuses to listen..."

"...I need a moment. Also, contact all available knights to the palace, as soon as possible."

"Yes, your Majesty."

The King founds himself more tired than usual, if that's even possible.

"Father? You're still here?" - came Alexia's voice from the hallway.

"Ah, my dear, it's been a hectic day. I just need a moment. With Extas's Chosen coming and all, work has been most tiring."

"Extas? Their Chosen?"

"I suppose I need to teach you about this as well...A Chosen is a warrior blessed with innate strength and talent far above normal, their prowess are unmatched in their own fields. Each Chosen have power of about 10,000 mens on their own..."

Alexia, listening on, still trying to wrap her head around the concept of a man with power in the tens of thousands.

"We used to have 2 Chosens, one being the Hero and one is our current, Maria the Cleric, unrivaled in healing magic...Those were our glory days..."

"The Hero?"

"...That's a national secret, I'm afraid. You're still too young to learn about that." - The King realizes he said more than necessary - "I need to rest, maybe I'll tell you about it some other time okay?"

"Yes, thank you Father."

"Mmm." - the King nodded.

************************************************************************************************

Alexia has never heard of the name before, as she was taught that a party of 4 was responsible for ending the Great War. It was pretty much a fairy tale by now.

"Alfred, do you know anything about the Hero?" - she asked someone familar with the war itself.

"...That's beyond my capabilites to answer that princess, please stop."

"...Why is that? I'm sure you're retired by now. And if anything happens I'll take responsibilities."

"...Still no, I'm afraid."

"What can I do to convince you?"

"...Please stop, I'm serious." - Alfred, trying his best to not run from the barrage of questions.

"..But what about..." - "No."

This looks like it'll be a long night.

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The Unlikely Haven.

"This is some high quality stuff. I'm glad we came here. Right Will? Will?"

The only reply from Will was his snore.

"...I might've put too much emphasis on the sleeping part. My mistake." - Ray, nervously answer.

"...I'll take care of this. Here's our pay. It was great."- Hank said while tossing some gold coins on the counter.

"...Thank you for your patronage."

"We'll come back sometime." - Hank, while carrying Will over his shoulder and at the doorstep.

"...Sure."

As soon as Hank steps outside, a frown was on his face.

There's something shaking in his pocket.

"Royal Summon? Now of all times? This better be important. Oy Will, wake up. Will..."

And so he left, still trying to wake up his friend to no avail.

End of Chapter 7.