BXBX NOVEL Chapter 526 Palace
The air of the majestic Tretidian Capital was charged with the acrid odor of destruction, a mixture of smoke and ruins. And the eerie glow of devouring flames danced on the shattered buildings.
Moving nimbly and swiftly through the cluttered streets of the ruined city, Andrew deftly dodged the debris that blocked his path. He could feel the oppression in the air, as if the city itself was groaning in agony. Although he was unfamiliar with that particular city, because he spent most of his time exploring the Kingdom of Mibothen in RO, Andrew was sensitive enough to grasp the sadness and despair at the ruined grandeur of that metropolis.
With each corner turned, new images of destruction unfolded before Andrew\'s eyes. Many once-great buildings were now skeletons of concrete and steel, with shattered windows and crumbling walls. Fragments of glass shimmered like fallen stars on the cracked sidewalks, while the breeze brought with it the melancholy whisper of the night wind.
With each step he took, he got closer and closer to the palace, but even though he ran with all his strength and vigor for several minutes, he was still far from reaching his destination. It was clear that physical speed was not his specialty, but his determination was unshakable. Despite the devastation around him, Andrew\'s mind remained focused on his mission. He felt the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, pushing him to excel.
Sweat dripped down his face, mixing with the dust and dirt that permeated the air. The physical effort required was immense because he did not rest, but his determination did not waver.
The sounds of the battle between Kaizen and the Lamia leader now echoed in the distance, but the tremors could still be felt, bringing an atmosphere of tension and urgency. Moreover, Andrew could hear the distant explosions, the furious roar of the monsters, and the anguished cries of those fighting for their very survival. These sounds echoed in his chest, reinforcing his conviction that he could not fail.
As he continued to run, closer and closer to the palace, Andrew felt an energy pulsing within him, a mixture of fear and courage that fueled his determination. Klaus\' words still echoed in his mind, reminding him that his friend put a lot of faith in him. He was fully aware that he should do everything in his power to ensure the safety of the Princesses. It was a challenging task, but he was determined to do his duty.
When he arrived at the palace, a huge place with thick walls and rigid security, Andrew spotted several bodies of guards on the floor of the entrance and the main gate completely destroyed.
"Shit! Hopefully I wasn\'t too late!" Andrew said, gazing at the scene of the injured guards who were still groaning.
Andrew entered the palace through the destroyed gate with his soft, cautious steps echoing through the air. All was eerily quiet, despite all the dead guards outside the palace. This was strange, very strange.
As Andrew crossed the threshold of the thick walls, he found himself in a vast, lush garden that stretched between the walls and the palace\'s majestic main building. However, the once lush and verdant grass was now trampled and worn down by the rushing footsteps of the soldiers amidst the chaos, and was also an odd, almost gray color.
The entire environment was dark, not even simple torches were lit, and all that illuminated the environment was the light of the moon.
Andrew\'s eyes drifted to the rows of flowers that had once embellished the garden, but were now withered and lifeless. Red roses that once exuded fragrant scents were now ashen, their petals faded and drooping to the ground. Colorful tulips, which once danced in the wind, now hung sadly on their stems, completely dead.
Andrew approached a rose bush as he continued silently. He reached out and touched the withered and brittle petals, feeling the dry texture. The scent that once flooded the air was now gone, replaced by a bitter, almost putrid odor. It was as if the garden was reflecting the very devastation that had taken over the palace and the city.
The wind whispered sadly through the trees, rustling the withered and discolored leaves.
The sky was slowly becoming overcast with heavy clouds of smoke, reflecting the gloomy state of the surrounding environment.
Andrew looked up and caught a glimpse of the palace tower, standing tall and imposing against the gray sky. The grandeur of the building contrasted sharply with the desolation of the garden.
As he continued his advance, Andrew noticed a small fountain that gushed water. Now, however, the water had ceased its flow, leaving only a bed of blood-soaked stones. He reached down and touched the surface of the stones, imagining the soft, soothing sound the water used to produce, but staring at the fresh blood on his fingers.
\'It hasn\'t been long since that happened...\' Andrew thought.
While nervousness filled his heart, Andrew still chose to move forward, and with one last glance at the garden, Andrew moved on, leaving behind the wilted flowers and desolation. His silent footsteps echoed as he entered the palace, stepping onto the fine quartz.
As soon as Andrew entered the palace, his ears were filled with the panting sound of someone. His eyes narrowed as he stepped cautiously toward the sound.
His heart was racing with tension, and his heartbeat intensified as his brain processed the macabre scene unfolding before his eyes.
There, in front of him, in the center of the palace\'s initial hall, was a wounded warrior, almost on his knees, leaning only on his sword. His eyes displayed determination and a fierce will to survive, despite the deep battle marks that disfigured his face. The man exuded a mixture of exhaustion and courage, his trembling body bearing witness to a fierce fight.
Around the warrior lay the bodies of several lamia, grotesque creatures with human bodies, bat wings and sharp vampire fangs. The lamia lay sprawled on the ground, inert and lifeless. Their twisted features revealed the brutal conflict that had taken place there. The air was permeated with the metallic smell of spilled blood and the atmosphere was heavy, filled with an unsettling aura.