Chapter 15

Clifford was gaping in awe as he stepped into the castle halls. White marble pillars dawned on them upon stepping inside.

All laced with intricately designed crimson curtains interwoven with golden linings. A red carpet set on the middle of the floor to greet them.

People lined up from each side, some wearing those frilly medieval clothing, others dressed in just the same rags he was in. Yet all of them were murmuring, whispering to one another as they gave them condescending gazes.

He had to swallow hard to force the uncontrolled pumping in his chest, needing to remove the lump that had formed because of it.

The number of onlookers made him uncomfortable, as he was never good at being the center of attraction. But even with his heart racing, his mind remained collected, driving his legs to move on their own to follow the royal guards.

"Welcome to Salemhide, sir otherworlder. I am Brell Briskworn, ruler of this magnificent land. We have been awaiting your arrival."

The king wore his best red cape, strapped with a large ruby etched in gold as a clip. Hands reaching out in a welcoming greeting. His garment was as extravagant as his smile, both lively and shimmering.

"Thank you, your majesty."

Clifford was keen to do a curtsy.

As he had watched and read a lot of medieval themed stories, he copied the decorum they give to a noble, as to not humiliate himself or the others, seeing as they all did the same thing.

There was another round of murmurs from the crowd, they can even hear some laughing, unable to hide their grins of amusement at the display.

"Apologies if our introduction will be brief, sir otherworlder. But my subjects request for you to exhibit your talents. As many of them do not believe, you are from the other world where our heroes have come from."

King Brell chuckles, yet his eyes showed this glimmer of excitement.

This announcement riled up everyone around them, as there were clapping, cheering, and pleasantries were now being exchanged.

Some were already scurrying out of the throne hall. Hurrying to take out their coin purses as they chased after a person who had some kind of scroll.

"And what would you have me do, exactly?"

This got Clifford's instinct kicking in, noticing the sudden liveliness and energy of everyone gathered there. Opposite of the previous reaction when he had first arrived.

Also, he was not expecting this to happen as he was planning on staying on the sidelines to avoid trouble. But with how he was getting pushed to it, he was certain it would cause an issue if he were to deny such a request.

"Well, we wish you to show your prowess in battle."

King Brell waved a hand, and in moments several servants came out, pushing wheeled trolleys with various armor and weapons. This included magical books, scrolls, and trinkets.

"You want me to fight?"

Was all Clifford can come up with, considering all the items being shown to him.

He can't help the awkward frown forming on his forehead, confused and concerned about where this was heading.

He did not think such a development, since this was the sole reason he set his name as an otherworld commoner to avoid all of this. Yet it seems all of his planning was for naught, as the worst scenario he had expected was happening.

"Consider this as your rite of passage to join the heroic party."

With an almost indifferent laugh, along with a proud look, king Brell motioned his hand to the armory. Quite pleased with the selection of magical items they have gathered.

This was something that even the other kingdoms cannot equal to, as they boast the most collection among everyone else.

Though it was indeed a sight, Clifford's mind remained wondering at a lot of stuff. Of course, he stayed quiet and smiling, pretending his attention focused on the things in front.

Mainly checking the stats of all the items being provided, as he saw they were all mark as special, but their damage and effects weren't something he can consider unique.

His multitasking did not do well in such a situation, as he looked like he remained staring into nothingness without commenting or anything.

This prompted the person who stood on the king's right side to clear his throat, noticing the odd silence that had come between them.

"Due to some unforeseen problems, the council has decided on an edict to complete the five heroic guardians."

The fellow in question is none other than the grand adviser to the noble, Olfric Handell.

"Can you please further explain?"

Clifford fainting ignorance.

But he already had an inkling of what was going on, considering he had perceived a similar idea from sir Malver before. Of course, he wanted to hear it from for himself, needing to confirm things for himself.

"We are to search for the strongest warriors that can support them through the means of combat."

Olfric's expression remained stoic, not giving out any kind of emotion except an appealing and welcoming one, to make sure the man would not consider them hostile.

"I see. So this is like an entrance test."

But Clifford had already become wary from the start, having received such unwarranted looks of arrogance, jealousy, and malice.

Plus, there was this continues voice at the back of his mind that told him he should be careful on how he threads from here on out. Especially since he had no way to shift to his other modes after entering the said kingdom, making him feel vulnerable and small.

Because of this, there was no means for him to create additional weaponry for the fight.

"Please do not be too concerned. This is nothing but an assessment, so we can be sure if it's safe to let you accompany our heros. Rest assure as we have the best healers at the ready if anything happens."

King Brell's voice remained full of cheer in anticipation, having caught news of the amazing exploits from one of their messengers.

"If you may, do choose your weapon of choice now."

Olfric steps in, once again motioning a hand to the trollies.

Clifford ponder for a bit, thinking of the cause of such a favor. Also, he had no plans to go on an adventure, as he wished to focus on his investigation.

"Have the other participants finish choosing?"

He asks.

He was keen to point it out when a memory crossed his mind. And as he wanted to avoid owing the kingdom, this was his best plan to evade inciting trouble.

"Oh, no, these are only for otherworlders."

King Brell immediately flapped a hand to dismiss the idea.

Such treasures were far too valuable to let some warriors with unknown allegiance and loyalty to wield. This was also a safeguard to avoid enemies from acquiring their treasured items.

"Then, if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to use an ordinary weapon just to be fair."

Clifford gave his sweetest smile, along with a bow. In order to not show any kind of ill intent towards them.

Thankfully, the king did not seem bothered, as the noble ended up laughing out loud and clapping in amusement.

"Ah, truly a valiant gesture, nothing less from someone from the other world."

The grin on Brell's face turned wider from the sheer excitement of seeing the otherworlder fight with a normal weapon.

He had never heard of such a thing, causing a sudden fascination to spring forth. Since this was a first time, he became certain it was bound to attract more audience.

After all that said and done, agreeing to the setup. The crowd was quick to rush out of there, racing towards the door. Even the noblemen were hurrying, chuckling as they chatted while moving.

While Clifford remained steady, waiting for everyone to leave.

But when there was only him and the lads who stayed by his side. He still can't shake off the sensation of prying eyes, causing a sense of dread to crawl up his spine, especially sensing they were coming from the statues there.