Chapter 1297: The Guardians

"Call the Guardians."

Arthur’s expression became solemn.

He had hoped that they would never need to be involved again. After all, using their help weren’t for free...

However, after hearing what had happened in Valenridge, he knew there was little choice.

"If we activate the Pact, the other kingdoms will know about the incident as well."

King Aldric nodded.

"That is unavoidable."

Arthur remained silent for a moment.

The Guardians’ Pact was not an alliance between the kingdoms in the traditional sense. The kingdoms of the Farinas Continent were far too large and too different to remain united under a single authority.

There were disagreements, conflicts, and even wars between them.

But centuries ago, their rulers had agreed on one thing.

If a threat appeared that could endanger the entire continent, they would share information and coordinate their forces.

The Guardians stood at the center of that agreement.

And if they were being called now, then the situation had already reached a level that could no longer be handled by Davai Kingdom alone.

Arthur looked at the king.

"What do you want me to do?"

Aldric opened a drawer beneath his desk and took out an ancient medallion.

It was made from dark metal and engraved with intricate runes. At its center was a strange symbol that Arthur immediately recognized.

He reached out and accepted it.

"I want you to go to the Guardian’s entrance."

Arthur nodded.

"I’ll go immediately."

"Take no more than one person with you."

Arthur glanced toward the king.

"Mordred?"

"Yes."

Arthur understood the reason.

The Guardians did not appreciate large groups entering their territory, and bringing an entire squad of knights would only make the situation more complicated.

"Understood."

King Aldric then walked toward another part of the room.

A large circular object was covered by a thick cloth.

He pulled the cloth away and Arthur recognized it immediately.

Beneath it was an ancient artifact made from several layers of crystal and metal. Numerous runes had been engraved around its surface, and several small crystals were embedded around its outer ring.

"The World Mirror," Aldric said.

Arthur had seen it before.

The artifact had been created centuries ago and was one of the most important treasures connected to the Guardians’ Pact.

"When the Guardians confirm the nature of these creatures, activate it."

Arthur nodded.

"The other kingdoms."

"Yes."

Aldric’s expression became grim.

"Do not cause unnecessary panic. We still don’t know whether the Vampires are connected to the Dawnblades."

Arthur understood, since the connection was suspicious.

The Dawnblades had rescued the four prisoners and the masked attackers had used strange abilities.

Then the Vampires had appeared immediately afterward.

But suspicion alone was not enough to start a war.

"I’ll investigate before making any move against them."

Aldric nodded.

"Good. Arthur, if these creatures are truly what we believe them to be, don’t underestimate them."

Arthur placed his hand on the hilt of Excalibur.

"I won’t."

***

Just like that, Arthur left the royal palace shortly afterward.

Mordred was already waiting for him outside.

The moment he saw the medallion in Arthur’s hand, he understood that the king had agreed to activate the Pact.

"So we’re going to the forest."

Arthur nodded.

"Yes."

Mordred glanced at Excalibur.

"Do you think they’ll provide us with anything useful?"

"They should."

Arthur’s expression remained serious.

"If Vampires have truly appeared again, we’ll need everything they can provide."

The two knights immediately departed.

They traveled through the outskirts of the capital before eventually entering the enormous forest beyond the royal territory.

The journey took several hours.

By the time they reached their destination, the sun had already begun to disappear beyond the horizon.

Arthur stopped his horse at the edge of a quiet clearing as Mordred looked around.

"Where is it?"

Arthur didn’t answer.

Instead, he dismounted and walked toward the center of the clearing.

There was nothing there... Only trees.

Arthur took the medallion from his cloak.

The moment he raised it, the ancient runes engraved on its surface began to glow.

Soon, a faint vibration spread through the ground.

Mordred’s expression changed.

The trees surrounding the clearing suddenly began to shimmer.

It was an illusion.

The forest that had appeared completely ordinary slowly faded away... and what had been hidden behind it finally revealed itself.

A massive stone entrance stood between the trees!

It was enormous.

The gate alone was nearly twenty meters tall, and its surface was covered with countless ancient runes.

Mordred stared at it.

"How long has this been here?"

Arthur smiled faintly.

"For longer than Davai Kingdom has existed."

He approached the gate and held the medallion against a small depression in the stone.

Click.

A deep rumbling sound echoed through the forest...

Just like that, the enormous gate slowly began to open.

Then came the sound of footsteps.

In just a few seconds, several figures emerged from the darkness...

Mordred’s hand immediately moved toward his sword.

Arthur remained completely still.

The figures were short compared to humans, but their bodies were broad and heavily built. They wore thick metal armor covered in intricate runes, and several carried enormous axes, hammers, and strange weapons that Mordred had never seen before.

The last figure to emerge was an old man with a massive gray beard.

He stopped in front of Arthur.

His eyes immediately fell upon Excalibur.

Then he looked at the medallion.

"That Human King finally called."

"It’s King Aldric..." Arthur muttered as the old man’s expression became serious.

"What happened this time? No... What do you need? Just don’t ask something impossible..."

Arthur looked directly at him and gently nodded.

"Vampires. We need something to use against these creatures."

The old man’s face changed.

For several seconds, he said nothing.

Then, he sighed... "How many?"

"We don’t know."

The old man exchanged a glance with the other figures behind him.

Arthur continued.

"They appeared immediately after an unknown group rescued four prisoners belonging to the Dawnblades."

The old man frowned.

"Dawnblades?"

"It’s a relatively new adventurer organization."

"I see... Very well... We will prepare the Guardian Hall."