The Moonlight Swordsman

David, Katherine, and her father walked towards the vast dining hall, their steps echoing off the polished marble floor. David's gaze traveled over the room as they passed through the doorway, taking in the sight of the servants bustling about, setting platters of food on the long, wooden table.

The trio took their seats at the head of the table, eager to enjoy the lavish feast that greeted them.

The aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air, making David's stomach growl in anticipation.

"So David, when are you going back?" Katherine's father asked while they were enjoying the feast.

"Tomorrow morning, sir," David replied while slowly sipping his wine.

"Tomorrow, good.

"You should be careful on your way back. The riots are getting more and more frequent nowadays."

"Riots?" David asked in confusion.

"Yes, there have been instances of normal people and hunters causing problems for mages and the Noble family."

"I don't know how the royal family is going to handle this situation, but the noble families are not going to sit quietly. "Shortly, they might take action against it."

"Hmm, this might be a good thing. I can take advantage of this to take Katherine with me and escape further away from everyone." David thought.

They talked during the meal, discussing a variety of topics and enjoying each other's company.

David found himself in Katherine's room as the hours passed, assisting her in gathering her belongings and preparing for their upcoming escape.

Their plan weighed heavily in the air, and a sense of urgency propelled them to work swiftly and effectively.

"Are you certain you want to come with me? You know we'll both be hunted down." David said this as he hugged Katherine from behind.

"I will rather die than marry a mage without my choice and live with him for more than 1000 years.

"That's what makes us special, David, everything is more beautiful, our love is more beautiful because we both are doomed to die at any moment.

"Let's live together and enjoy every last moment of our lives," Katherine spoke as she turned toward him, her lips meeting his in a tender embrace.

They quickly gathered their belongings and made their way to the window, feeling a sense of urgency. Thankfully, Katherine's room was on the ground floor, which made their escape easier.

They sneaked through the shadows, their hearts beating as they made their way to a remote street corner, avoiding the guards' watchful eyes. A carriage in the distance was just getting ready to leave, so they quickened their pace in the hopes of making it there on time.

They hastily paid the fare and climbed onto the carriage, ready to leave the town of Strykewood behind.

The horse whinnied in answer to the driver's demand, and they were off with a jolt, their road ahead cloaked in mystery and uncertainty.

In the far distance, another carriage thundered down the road with great speed.

Aizel sat at the front with Alex, while Daisy and the children huddled at the back, their journey through the rugged terrain of the town fraught with danger and excitement.

As they made their journey toward Felgura, the kids' emotions were high, their excitement apparent as they talked and joked amongst themselves.

"So that's the mountain you warned about?" Aizel asked.

"Yes, Fangspire, the snakes' catacombs.

Aizel looked towards it.

It was a massive mountain that towered over the surrounding terrain, throwing a long and sweeping shadow. Its rocky top is crowned with a twisted pile of rocks and boulders shooting out at strange angles, giving it a threatening look.

"The mountain is known to be the lair of a terrifying Grade III snake-type monster and its horde, making it one of the most deadly places in the entire kingdom of Felgura.

"The mountain is supposed to be cursed, and many brave hunters and mages who have attempted to discover its secrets have perished.

"Few survivors speak of enormous predators lurking in the shadows, their scales gleaming in the faint light, and the thunderous hiss of the snake monster that rules over them all," Alex said.

"So why do they even attempt to go there if they know there is a Grade III monster there?"

"Well, despite the danger, the mountains hold many treasures and artifacts." There is also a rumor that there is a lake there inside the Grade III monster lair; it can help a mage to advance its core."

Aizel's eyes widened in surprise upon hearing those words.

"So that's the reason; even I want to visit there now, will it be able to help my mental core heal to some extent? I have to confirm with Alora first." Aizel thought.

"The path we have taken right now, It's gonna take us one extra day to reach Felgura city?" Aizel asked.

"Yes, it's better to avoid that mountain path. I don't want to die young." Alex replied.

"There's a chance we'll run into some small hordes of monsters or bandits. You can take care of them, right?"

Aizle didn't respond to Alex as he stretched his arms and closed his eyes to take a nap.

"Right?"

They were approaching the outskirts of Felgura city when the sun rose the next day. The carriage came to a slow stop, and the passengers took some time to stretch their legs and tend to the animals.

Aizel and Alex led the animals to a nearby stream to drink and graze because they were plainly exhausted and hungry.

They set up a tent and started a fire as they settled in for some much-needed rest. As they pulled a few beers from their storage rings, the aroma of roasted meat filled the air.

Alex and Daisy gladly told Aizel stories of Fangspire and other notable spots in the Felgura kingdom as they sat around the campfire.

Daisy's expression changed abruptly as she turned her head in a specific direction. She had detected something with her mana sense, prompting her to pull on Aizel's robe in concern.