Realm of Myths and Legends

"Oh? Are you referring to one of these?" Izroth said as a small smooth wooden-like token with black carvings on its surface appeared in the palm of his hand.

"That's...!" Ranzera lightly gasped as she saw the item in Izroth's hands.

Without a doubt, that was a genuine Tempest identity plate!

"How did you- I see—it must have been back during that battle..." Ranazera muttered to herself with furrowed brows.

Ranazera recognized the Tempest identity plate in Izroth's possession. It belonged to one of the Tempest elite troops that were a part of the separate contingent.

Still, Ranazera was shocked Izroth had time to get his hands on one. After all, he defeated Centurion Aloysius and pursued her while somehow making time to swipe a Tempest identity plate.

"So, he even thought this far ahead. This man is more terrifying than I gauged. He is far too dangerous to ignore..!" Ranazera thought to herself.

Just as Ranazera guessed, Izroth indeed took the identity plate from one of the Tempest elite soldiers.

Right before chasing after Ranazera, Izroth helped cut down a few of the Tempest elite soldiers to make things easier for the 9th Division in his absence. It was also during this time that he noticed the identity plate hanging on the side of the Tempest soldier's waist by a twine.

In that instant of his Compressed Lightning Movement and Flickering Steps, Izroth used his Appraisal skill to inspect the identity plate and discovered its purpose.

That's when Izroth came up with a plan on the spot and snatched a couple of identity plates while cleaning up several of the elite troops.

Izroth knew that he would not be able to use a teleportation scroll after capturing Ranazera. He was also aware that his path of retreat to the Cave Mortem Monsoon would likely be under heavy protection by Tempest forces.

Ultimately, there was only one path left for Izroth to take, and that was to blend in within plain sight. Naturally, having an identity plate was crucial to this plan.

'Fortunately, the Tempest identity plates do not have the same safety measures installed as the insignias of the war branches. Otherwise, using someone else's identity plate would prove to be somewhat difficult.'

"The line is starting to move a lot faster. I'm sure I don't have to remind you, but I suggest you be on your best behavior when we reach the gate." Izroth said as he returned the identity plate to his inventory.

"Hmph, your concern is unwarranted. I value my life quite highly. I have no intention of gambling it away." Ranazera responded calmly.

"As long as you understand. Here." Izroth said as he tossed something over to Ranazera.

Ranazera was almost hesitant to catch it after what happened earlier with her power being suppressed; however, after she realized what it was, she caught it without incident.

The item Izroth gave to Ranazera was a Tempest identity plate. It was nearly the exact same as the one he revealed earlier, except the black carvings on its surface were different.

"What is the meaning of this? I already have an identity plate." Ranazera stated.

"Showing the identity plate of a Tempest royal family member at its border is bound to draw unnecessary attention. Though I'm sure you were already well aware of that." Izroth stated in a carefree manner.

Ranazera narrowed her eyes and released an inward sigh. She figured it was unlikely that Izroth would overlook such a major detail, but she still held out some hope that it would get lost in the chaos.

"I cannot cross the Gates of Aegis. Do I truly have no other choice but to disclose that...?" Ranazera contemplated.

Now that it had come to this, at the very least, Ranazera had to ensure that her actions did not bring forth great danger.

"...Wait, there is something you must hear before we cross the Gates of Aegis. As long as you listen to my words sincerely, I promise you on my life, I will be fully cooperative on our journey." Ranazera said with a serious expression on her face.

She then continued, "Of course, divulging anything that would do harm to my Tempest kingdom is out of the question. But, besides that, my promise remains the same."

Izroth did not immediately respond to Ranazera as the line continued to move, and they were quickly approaching the front near the gate.

'Strange... What caused such a sudden change of heart?'

Not long ago, Izroth could still sense Ranazera's watchful gaze looking for every opportunity to make an escape without risking harm to herself. But, the words she just spoke contained no hints of falsehoods. And, for the first time since their journey began, Izroth could not feel the sixth princess' watchful gaze.

It may have been that this was just because they were so close to the Gates of Aegis. Or, it could have to do with the fact that those at the gate may recognize her even with the Moonlit Concealing Mantle equipped. But, Izroth believed that it was no harm to hearing her out.

If Ranazera turned out to be sincere, then it would indeed make the rest of the journey proceed smoothly.

"Very well. I shall listen to what you have to say." Izroth replied as he removed a talisman from his inventory.

When the talisman appeared, it released a faint pulse that spread out to cover Izroth and Ranazera.

"This is... A Drifting Barrier Talisman?" Ranazera said to herself as she recognized the effects of the talisman.

"Correct," Izroth responded casually as the talisman in his hand dispersed.

The Drifting Barrier Talisman was something Izroth decided to get his hands on after his conversation with Zouren at the Moonlit Dove Garden.

The Drifting Barrier Talisman was used to hide a conversation from prying ears. And, as they moved closer to the gate, those prying ears would increase in great abundance.

'It seems that I will have to thank Sychia again the next time I see her for providing me with the Drifting Barrier Talismans.'

"Whatever you have to say seems important enough that you've erased the thoughts of escaping. Even if it turns out to just be something temporary, it's enough to gain my attention. Or, at the very least, enough for me to hear you out properly." Izroth stated.

Ranazera was taken aback by Izroth's seemingly straightforward nature. But, since she managed to get his attention, there was no time to waste.

"Then, I will get right to it. As I have mentioned previously, the place we are about to cross is known as the Gates of Aegis," Ranazera explained.

"Yes, I am aware of this. As well as the name it's called by other kingdoms—the Impenetrable Shield of Tempest." Izroth commented.

The Gates of Aegis—this place was well known among the various kingdoms as being one of the most heavily fortified locations in Tempest for well over a century.

Throughout history, several attempts had been made to overcome the Gates of Aegis; however, all of them ended in total failure.

It was because of this undefeated string of victories that the Gates of Aegis earned its nickname, the Impenetrable Shield of Tempest.

Even now, it remained unconquered and was one of the greatest symbols of strength wielded by the Tempest kingdom.

"Since you are aware of that much, I will spare you the small details. The Gates of Aegis was not constructed to protect my Tempest kingdom against the other kingdoms of the Mortal Realm. It was built to protect us from a much greater threat." Ranazera stated solemnly.

'A threat greater than the kingdoms of the Mortal Realm? Besides the potential reemergence of the shadahi and the Nether Realm... Can there be another powerful force lurking in the shadows of the Mortal Realm?'

However, it did not make any sense to Izroth. If there was a force in the Mortal Realm strong enough to rival or even surpass the major kingdoms, how could they fly under the radar for so long?

After all, there was no way those major kingdoms would allow such a threat to go unchecked.

"And? Just what is this greater threat that you speak of?" Izroth inquired.

"The Northern Wild Lands," Ranazera answered without hesitation.

Though the sixth princess' response caused Izroth to frown inwardly.

"Northern Wild Lands? To my knowledge, such a place does not exist in the Mortal Realm." Izroth said as he narrowed his eyes.

There was indeed a place called the Wild Lands in the Mortal Realm; however, that place was located almost completely opposite of the Tempest kingdom!