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Under the scorching midday sun, High Mages Zara, Levi, and Mike made their way toward King Roger's Castle, a fortress reputed for its impenetrable defenses and the tyrannical rule of its master. As the castle loomed closer, its towering spires casting long shadows over the land, the tension among the trio was palpable. Their journey had been uneventful until they reached the boundary of the castle's domain, marked by ancient stones and a faint shimmer in the air—a protective barrier of magical energy.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHH0gLzRQc
About a mile from the castle, their path was abruptly halted by a group of mages dressed in the livery of King Roger’s Elite Guard. The lead mage stepped forward, his hand raised in a halting motion.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyvg7hoysV
"Clearance card?" he demanded, his voice echoing slightly in the open air.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCA9K0BhnA
"We don’t have one," Zara replied, her tone diplomatic yet firm. "We wish to speak with King Roger on important matters."
The mage scoffed, a smirk twisting his features. "No one enters King Roger’s domain without a clearance card. Turn back now."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlyJA3hJ5ig
Zara sighed, reaching into her cloak to pull out a small bag heavy with gold coins. She tossed it to the ground at the mage's feet, the clink of metal loud in the silent standoff. "Perhaps we can arrange an entry? We are willing to compensate for our lack of formalities."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GkJ43mkfY
The mages exchanged amused glances, their laughter grating on the nerves. The lead mage stooped to pick up the bag, weighing it in his hand before sneering at Zara. "Thanks for the gold. Now leave."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwBRd16CHh
Levi's patience snapped. Without a word, he drew his sword, the blade gleaming with an unnatural light. "Divine Edge," he muttered under his breath. In a swift, fluid motion, he advanced, his blade moving with precision and grace that belied the deadly power it wielded. The sword sliced through the air, cutting through the magical barriers and armor as if they were mere cloth. The mages were incapacitated before they could mount a defense, knocked aside effortlessly by the sheer force of Levi's attack.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5SqlwLIGq
Zara turned to Levi, her expression a mix of admiration and reprimand. "You could have given them another chance to reconsider," she said, though her voice carried no real heat.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2NkgmhfuS
Levi sheathed his sword, his face set in grim lines. "My patience was wearing thin," he responded simply, his gaze fixed on the path ahead.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6W82uWFrpW
With the immediate obstacle removed, they continued their approach to King Roger’s Castle, now unimpeded. The domain's magical sphere flickered around them, the barrier disrupted by Levi’s powerful strike, allowing them entry.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe70WnOYbnD
As they walked the final mile toward the imposing structure, the scale of King Roger’s power became increasingly evident. The castle was a fortress of old stone and newer magical enhancements, a testament to centuries of rule and conquest. It stood as a silent guardian over the lands it controlled, its presence both awe-inspiring and foreboding.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhx5PgrZpDX
The grandeur of King Roger's castle was imposing, a colossal structure of stone and enchantments designed to intimidate any who approached. As Zara, Levi, and Mike reached the towering front gates, the heavy silence was broken only by the occasional clank of armor from the guards stationed there.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5dDKSRvo6m
Zara stepped forward, her voice clear and authoritative. "We request an audience with King Roger," she announced, expecting some level of protocol or at least a response. The guards, clad in heavy armor adorned with the crest of King Roger, remained stoic, their gazes fixed ahead as if they had heard nothing.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbIO2p5p8Ki
She repeated her request, her tone edged with impatience this time. Again, there was no response, not even a flicker of acknowledgement from the guards.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7SDVj0SXf
Seeing the lack of progress, Levi's temper flared. He strode up the massive stone steps towards the entrance, his every step resonating with determined purpose. As one of the guards reached out to stop him, a swift, almost invisible motion from Levi resulted in the guard's hand being severed. The air was instantly charged with tension, the sound of the guard's agony echoing off the stone.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LEBN5qZi9
Reacting instantly to the escalation, Zara launched forward, her fists connecting with the remaining guards with precision and power. Each strike was a blur, her training as a High Mage evident in her efficiency and strength. In moments, all five guards were incapacitated, sprawled unconscious around the entrance.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFDtoMBSln7
With the path now clear, the trio burst through the heavy doors of the castle. The moment they entered, a shrill alarm pierced the air, reverberating through the vast halls of the fortress. Lights began to flash, casting stark, moving shadows across the ornate tapestries and the polished stone floors.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEi6ddLGEIB
Almost immediately, they found themselves surrounded by a cadre of elite mages, each wearing the intricate silver robes that signified the highest order of King Roger’s sorcerers. These were not ordinary guards; they were battle-hardened mages with skills honed in arcane warfare.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsls0YTzsD9
Zara, Levi, and Mike stood back to back, their expressions set in grim determination. The mages formed a tight circle around them, their hands glowing with the buildup of magical energy.
"We do not wish to engage in unnecessary conflict," Zara called out, her voice steady despite the escalating threat. "We seek only to speak with King Roger. This can end without further bloodshed."134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlEu6fsfVgy
The leader of the mages, a tall figure with sharp features and piercing eyes, stepped forward. "You have forced your way into the heart of our domain," he said, his voice cold and unyielding. "Such actions cannot be overlooked. King Roger will hear of this, but on his terms, not yours."
As the mage finished speaking, the circle tightened, the air thick with the promise of a magical onslaught. Zara glanced at Levi and Mike, nodding subtly. They understood the situation—diplomacy had faltered, and now they needed to prepare for a confrontation that would test their abilities to the fullest.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkttFuJWQE
The standoff was tense, each side measuring the other, waiting for a moment's weakness to exploit. For Zara, Levi, and Mike, the mission was clear, but the path forward was fraught with danger. They stood ready, their powers at their fingertips, aware that the outcome of this encounter could significantly influence their wider goals in the Land of Spade.134Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDtNc2QrfQ
