Chapter 220: Killian: The Bow
Dusk thundered across the snow-covered plains, his paws kicking up white dust as he galloped toward the southern border of the Human Kingdom. Atop his back sat Leon, his expression calm and unreadable, his eyes lost in quiet thought.
Though the sky was growing brighter, a curtain of dark clouds still loomed over the twin suns, casting a dim shadow over the snowy expanse. The snowfall had ceased, but the world remained cloaked in cold silence.
Leon slowly lifted his hand and balanced a thin wooden stick upon his palm. Releasing his grip ever so slightly, he allowed the stick to begin falling southward—but before it could tumble completely, he caught it again.
’Still south.’ Leon thought for a second before opening the map.
’A forest in front of a white-dotted lake... But why is the forest drawn upside-down? And what are these white dots in the lake?’ Leon narrowed his eyes in confusion, studying the strange map markings with growing curiosity.
Screech—!
"What the-!?"
Dusk came to an abrupt halt, jerking Leon from his concentration.
Sniff-Sniff
"Master... Blood. A very strong stench—it’s coming from that direction," Dusk said, his voice grim as his gaze fixed on a distant wooden gate.
Etched in faded, weatherworn letters above the gate were the words:
"Truvale Checkpost."