179 She Arrives At the First Level (2/2)

”Now? But the summons might come any minute-” Robin began.

”If not, then I'll have Jasmine magic you to a seat and hand feed you in front of the messenger.” Christian narrowed his eyes. ”And I am pretty sure Queen Ayva would have a good laugh at your expense once she hears of it.”

”...You drive a hard bargain.” Robin sighed, as she sat down at a nearby table in defeat.

”I learned from the Hero after all.” He smiled as he sat down across from Robin.

”Hmm...” Robin was originally going to only grab something light to eat, but now that she was looking, she found that she was famished. She ended up eating three wyvern bacon sandwiches and a side of hash browns.

”Huh...I guess I really was hungry.” Robin tilted her head in pondering the mystery that is hunger. Sometimes one can feel it poignantly; other times, not at all.

Christian's prior frown had melted away into a knowing smile.

”See? You need to eat properly. Some people can get irritable if they don't eat.” Christian prompted.

”And some people can get irritable even when other people don't eat.”Robin muttered under her breath. With a practiced ease, she ducked away from his hair-ruffling hand, and danced away towards the door.

”Why you!-” Christian called, pretending to be offended.

”No thanks, maybe later~!” Robin laughed cheekily before stepping outside.

”...Heh! That Robin.” Christian smirked as he shook his head fondly.

---

”Oh? Robin, just in time! The carriage arrived with the invitation to meet with King Throm and Queen Ayva.” Chelsea pointed out.

”Oh great! I see you and Liam are back from your little disappearing act.” Robin said.

”Eheheh. At least we didn't get stuck down a rabbit hole.” Chelsea teased.

”What rabbit? It was clearly a grumpy old badger's burrow!” Robin shot back as she headed to the carriage.

”You aren't going to take the Hero's blade with you?” The coachman asked.

”Need I? I'm going to talk, not to spar-unless you feel like it might become something like that?” Robin said.

”Oh, don't go mindin' li'l ole me. It's just usually heroes are inseparable from their blades. It isn't often that we can examine them.”The coachman replied.

The stagecoach made its way up through all the city levels, only coming to a stop in front of the gates to the first level.

”I'm afraid ye'll hafta get down and walk. Carriages aren't allowed past this point.” The coach driver told Robin, handing her the invitation token, which had a hammer emblazoned with a flying dragon on the front.

”Oh? All right then. Thanks for the ride!” Robin said as she hopped off the carriage.

”Wha-Pshaw! Twas jus doing mah job, Hero!” He shook his head with a smile.

”Yes, you were: which I am very thankful for.” Robin nodded with a twinkle in her eyes. But, before he could answer, she had waved a farewell, and walked up to the gate.

----

The First Level was large. Though it had the same amount of square mileage/meters in it as the other levels, it seemed larger than the others due to the fact that there were pretty much only two large buildings here: The King's castle, and the King's Forge. Also, the area wasn't limited to the shape of an outer ring. Instead, all the area was condensed into a solid circle. This is what made it seem larger than the other levels.

The road to the castle was made of a somewhat reflective polished quartz. One thing Robin did notice, though, was the absence of the violet guards she had seen dutifully guarding the gate. Wouldn't there usually be more guards around the castle in case of intruders?