Javier was riding on Buddy’s back, wind rushing past his face as the giant bird dashed through the rugged terrain. In the distance, the towering black - stone walls of the Dwarven Kingdom’s capital loomed ever closer. “Buddy… we’re not far now,” he muttered under his breath. Buddy responded with a sharp cry, his pace never faltering. As they moved, Javier’s expression turned serious. The weight of his mission pressed on his mind - Garius’s final instructions echoing clearly. “Kill if you have to. If the Celestial inside Gumarak goes berserk, and you’re left with no choice - end him.” “Or, capture and drag him to the Beastkin Kingdom border. Our shadow unit will take over from there.” “Remember, Javier - kill only if you have no other option.” His hands tightened slightly on Buddy’s reins. “You’ll either face heavy resistance… or none at all. Complete your mission under your own judgment.” Javier exhaled slowly. “I get it, old man…” he muttered. “I’ll finish this. My way.” He raised his gaze again - eyes locked on the fortified gate ahead. “Let’s end this clean… if we can.” Javier signaled Buddy to stop with a slight tug. The great Pekko halted right in front of the towering black iron gates of the dwarven capital. Dozens of dwarven soldiers lined the high walls, their weapons drawn, eyes locked onto the lone rider clad in unfamiliar armor - a samurai silhouette with a horned oni mask concealing his identity. From above came the shout: “Halt! State your business!” Javier didn’t flinch. He remained seated on Buddy, back straight, voice calm and low. “Hmm? Didn’t one of your commanders already arrive ahead of me?” he said, tapping the side of his mask with a gloved finger. “With ten food caravans… and soldiers bearing an unfamiliar black banner with a golden emblem?” The dwarven guards fell silent. Uneasy glances were exchanged. “Didn’t he hand you a sealed letter from me - addressed to Chieftain Gumarak?” The dwarves raised their weapons in sync, lining the battlements with bows, axes, and polearms, targeting Javier without hesitation. Above them, the puppet knights standing shoulder to shoulder with the dwarves suddenly activated.
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