“Stay close, Leo!” Jorin’s voice quivered with urgency as they sprinted through the twisting alleys of Eldoria, her auburn hair flying behind her like a beacon. Her green eyes, usually so full of warmth, were now clouded with fear.

“I’m right behind you!” Leo shouted, clutching his wooden practice sword. The narrow streets seemed to close in on them, the grandeur of Eldoria’s spires feeling like an oppressive cage.

They rounded a corner and skidded to a halt. A group of heavily armored guards, their breastplates shimmering with dark enchantments, blocked their path. “Look at these urchins,” one guard sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. “The city’s refuse.”

“What did we do?” Leo’s voice trembled as he tried to protect Jorin, whose simple, elegant robe was now dirtied and torn. Despite her fear, her gaze remained steady.

Jorin stepped forward, her voice firm despite her trembling. “We’re only practicing our swordplay. We haven’t done anything wrong. Please, just let us go.”

The guards ignored her pleas. The leader of the group raised his hand, and a barrier of swirling dark magic encased them, its energy crackling menacingly. “You’re a disturbance to the city’s order. You’ll be dealt with.”

Before Leo could react, the guards advanced. They roughly grabbed him, their hands gripping him with a merciless strength. Leo struggled, trying to fend them off with his wooden sword, but it was no use. The guards’ grip was unyielding.

“Let go of me!” Leo shouted, but his voice was drowned out by the clamor of the guards’ armor and their harsh laughter. They dragged him away from Jorin, who watched with wide, terrified eyes.

Jorin reached out, her face pale with desperation. “Leo, please! Don’t take him!”

One of the guards pushed Jorin aside with a harsh shove, and she stumbled, her pleas fading into tears. “Hold on, Jorin!” Leo called out as he was pulled further away, but the distance grew, and his voice was swallowed by the city’s noise.

The guards forced Leo through the dark, winding streets, their grip unrelenting. Despite his struggles, he was powerless against their strength. As they marched him toward a fortified building at the city’s edge, Leo’s heart ached with the weight of the separation from Jorin. The dream they had shared seemed to slip further out of reach with each step.

The guards led him into a dimly lit holding cell, the door clanging shut behind him with a final, echoing thud. The cell was cold and damp, its walls covered in ancient runes that pulsed faintly with dark magic. Leo sank to the floor, his wooden sword now lying useless beside him.

He stared at the cold, stone walls, his mind racing with thoughts of Jorin. He could still hear her cries faintly in his ears, a reminder of the bond they shared and the hope they had dreamed of. Despite the harsh reality of his situation, Leo vowed to himself that he would find a way to escape and fulfill their dreams, no matter the cost.

Hello guys tomorrow I will add the next chapter sorry I'm to busy in school and I'm hoping you will understand don't worry after I finish my school activities I will try to release chapter every day.

Ps. I'm a Filipino and g12 student so thanks for support

The days in the cell were a blur of cold and silence. Leo’s wooden sword, worn but sturdy, was a constant companion as he practiced his strikes and footwork in the limited space. His body was sore from the confinement, but he pushed through the pain, knowing that his survival depended on staying strong and ready.

One morning, as Leo was deep in his routine, the cell door creaked open. Two guards entered, their heavy armor clanking with each step. Behind them, a man in opulent robes strode in, his demeanor authoritative.

“Prepare him,” the robed man commanded the guards. “He’s to be sold at the market.”

Leo stopped mid-swing, his heart racing. “Sold? What do you mean?”

The robed man didn’t look at him. “You’ll find out soon enough. Just be ready.”

The guards, wearing smirks, approached Leo and began shackling his hands. “Looks like your time’s up, kid,” one guard said with a sneer. “Time to see what you’re worth.”

Leo struggled against the shackles. “I haven’t done anything wrong! You can’t just sell me!”

The guard’s grin widened. “In Eldoria, it’s not about right or wrong. It’s about how much you can fetch.”

As they dragged Leo through the winding corridors of the prison, he glanced back, searching for any sign of Jorin. There was nothing. The guards pulled him into the bustling streets, the sunlight blinding after the darkness of his cell.

The city was a cacophony of sounds and smells. They led him to a large, dilapidated building with faded banners. Inside, the slave market was a grim spectacle. Captives were paraded before potential buyers, who examined them with a mix of curiosity and indifference.

Leo was shoved into a holding pen with other prisoners. He looked around at the haggard faces, trying to gauge their reactions. “What’s going to happen to us?” he asked a thin woman with tired eyes.

She shrugged, her voice barely above a whisper. “We’re going to be auctioned off. If you’re lucky, someone might buy you and treat you decently. If not, well… you know how it goes.”

Leo took a deep breath and watched as buyers roamed the market. His eyes were drawn to a distinguished figure—Duke Aric. The duke’s elaborate robes and commanding presence made him stand out. He was flanked by the robed man who had overseen Leo’s preparation.

“Duke Aric, allow me to present our finest selection,” the robed man said with a bow. “This young man here is particularly strong and resilient.”

Duke Aric’s gaze fell on Leo. “Is that so? Show me what you can do.”

Leo was led out of the pen, his heart pounding. “I’m not just another slave,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady. “I have skills that might interest you.”

Duke Aric raised an eyebrow. “And what skills would those be?”

“I’ve trained rigorously,” Leo explained. “I’m skilled with a sword and have considerable strength and agility. I can offer more than just physical labor.”

The duke’s interest was piqued. “Very well. Show me.”

Leo took a deep breath and demonstrated a series of practiced moves with his wooden sword. His form was precise and controlled, a testament to his training despite the shackles. He could feel Duke Aric’s eyes on him, scrutinizing every move.

Duke Aric watched intently, nodding slightly. “You have potential,” he said thoughtfully. “It’s rare to see such skill and spirit in a place like this.”

Leo seized the moment. “I’m willing to endure whatever it takes,” he said. “But if you buy me, I’ll use my skills to prove my worth. I’ll work hard and show that I’m more than just a commodity.”

The duke’s gaze softened. “You have spirit,” he remarked. “That’s a rare quality. I’m considering purchasing you. But be warned—life as a slave is harsh. Do you understand that?”

Leo nodded, his voice resolute. “I understand. But I need this chance. I have to find my friend and escape this fate.”

Duke Aric’s expression was inscrutable. “Very well. I will acquire you. If you live up to your potential, there may be more in your future than the typical fate of a slave.”

As Leo was led back to the holding pen, he felt a flicker of hope. The duke’s words offered a sliver of possibility. He needed to stay vigilant and make the most of this chance.

The robed man approached Duke Aric, his tone more respectful. “Your Grace, shall we proceed with the arrangements?”

Duke Aric nodded. “Yes. Make the necessary arrangements for his purchase and transport.”

The robed man turned to Leo with a faint, inscrutable smile. “It seems you’ve impressed the duke. Let’s hope you continue to do so.”

Leo was led away, his mind racing with strategies and plans. He knew that this was just the beginning, and the road ahead would be filled with challenges. But he was determined to escape this nightmare and reunite with Jorin. His resolve was unshaken, and he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.

In the dim light of the holding pen, Leo vowed to himself that he would seize every opportunity to reclaim his freedom and fulfill his dreams. The journey ahead would be perilous, but he was prepared to confront it with all the strength he had cultivated.