After much deliberation had passed and everyone agreed on the plan. The group of men and both Kaiden and Loden find themselves concealed within the bustling crowd, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the emperor's entourage. The tension among the group is palpable, as they stand poised to execute their carefully planned strategy. Kaiden, his nerves tingling with anticipation, discreetly whispers to Grom, who stands next to him in the crowd.

"Are you certain this plan will work?" he asked, his voice betraying a hint of uncertainty. The enormity of the risk they were about to undertake weighed heavily on him, knowing it could lead to significant trouble with the authorities if things went awry.

Grom responds confidently, patting Kaiden on the shoulder. "Of course, I am certain," he said. "If 'Dirt' could come up with this elaborate plan, then I trust him. Just think of it as a performance, a theatrical event rather than a treacherous act."

Kaiden's memory jogged slightly as he recalled the name of the man who had discussed the emperor's city visits earlier - 'Dirt', he remembered. The thought that this plan of theirs could be construed as an attack on the emperor did not escape his mind, as he took a deep breath and prepared himself for what lay ahead.

Loden, keen-eyed, nudges Kaiden, prompting him to refocus his attention. "Pay attention," Loden murmurs, his tone steady. "I can hear the emperor's entourage approaching."

Kaiden leans forward, straining to catch a glimpse of the approaching entourage. However, to his disappointment, he doesn't hear the usual bells or horns that would normally announce someone's approach. Just as he is about to question Loden, Kaiden suddenly hears a distant voice shouting across the street.

"I can see the emperor's palace key!" the voice cries out.

At the sound of the cry, a wave of excitement ripples throughout the crowd. People instinctively push in closer, their curiosity piqued. Kaiden recalled being told earlier that it was rare for the emperor to distribute money or food to the crowd during his travels, making the current situation all the more intriguing. Kaiden finds himself tightly sandwiched between Loden and Grom as the pressing crowd closes in. Unfazed, Loden and Grom hold their ground, while Kaiden is jostled and carried forward, separated from them by the relentless press of bodies. In a desperate attempt to regain contact, Kaiden cries out and tries to grab hold of Loden, but he misses, his hands slipping through the air. Grom, intently fixed on watching the crowd for the palace key bearers, fails to notice Kaiden's disappearance in the swirling swarm of bodies. In a swift and protective motion, Loden reacts to the absence of Kaiden beside him and promptly grabs hold of the back of Kaiden's shirt. With a firm yank, Loden pulls Kaiden back towards the pair, securing his position.

Kaiden, still reeling from the chaotic push of the crowd, manages to gasp out a breathless thanks to Loden, who promptly positions himself in front of Kaiden, shielding him from the surging crowd. Loden remains steadfast and unruffled as he turns his gaze back towards the approaching palace key and the accompanying soldiers. Kaiden's attention shifts to the palace key and the soldiers, his curiosity mounting as they draw closer. Anticipation builds within him, fueled by the possibility of catching a glimpse of the emperor and - perhaps more importantly - his famed Silver Shield guardian, who could potentially become a valuable ally. The palace key, adorned in resplendent gold and radiant jewels, gleams brilliantly under the ambient light. Surrounding it, the soldiers stand at attention, stationed on all sides, their presence creating a formidable and imposing barrier. Scattered between the soldiers, a few servants diligently attend to their tasks, silently going about their duties.

Grom signals to his men with a discreet gesture, a move they had previously discussed in their plan. He locks eyes with Loden and nods, silently indicating that it's time to put their plan into action. Loden then gazes down at Kaiden, his expression serious. "Ready to begin?" he asks, a hint of determination in his voice.

Kaiden, still nervous, nods in response, wary that his voice might betray his anxiety. Loden and Grom stand even more erect as the palace key comes nearer, their bodies tense and ready. However, despite his anticipation, Kaiden fails to spot anyone who could be the famed Silver Shield among the entourage.

The palace key finally approaches and Grom and Loden set their plan into motion. Grom's voice rises boldly, shouting, "You little thief, attempting to pilfer my purse!" Without warning, Grom swiftly grabs Kaiden by the collar of his hoodie, hoisting him up in the air, catching both Loden and Kaiden off guard.

Caught completely off-guard, Kaiden finds himself stunned into speechless astonishment, the air knocked out of him at the abrupt turn of events. He dangles in Grom's grasp, struggling to find words or even breathe. Kaiden’s hoodie, now twisted taut around Kaiden's neck, bit into his skin, constricting his breathing slightly. However, lost in his thoughts, he didn't think to simply pull the zipper downward to alleviate the pressure on his throat.

Loden swiftly calibrates, reacting to the eyes of the crowd focusing on the disruption. He raises his voice, addressing Grom with conviction. "Put my friend down, you oversized brute! He didn't lay a finger on you!"

Grom counters with a retort, "Ah, are you working together, are you?"

Kaiden, his breath returning, vehemently protests, desperately calling out, "I'm not a thief! Drop me!"

Loden steals a quick glimpse and notes that the palace key has come to a halt, all eyes now fixed on the unfolding drama. Realizing this was not the original plan, Loden swiftly composes himself but decides to adapt, understanding that this unexpected diversion can still serve their purpose.

Loden, maintaining a steely determination, firmly instructs, "Drop him." Grom responds with a smug laugh, casually wagging a finger in Loden 's face. "Oh yeah, and what are you going to do about it then?"

While suspended in the air, Kaiden continues to participate in the ruse, surreptitiously glancing at the crowd and furtively searching for Grom's men, hoping to locate them among the assembled onlookers.

"This," Loden retorts, immediately closing the distance between him and Grom. Despite the impact not being enough to topple Grom, the seasoned warrior remains firmly standing, withstanding Loden's blow. Loden counters swiftly with a jab to Grom's side, driving in the point. Caught up in the moment, Kaiden momentarily forgets that they are merely playing the part of adversaries and nearly calls out for them to halt, but he catches himself just in time.

Grom, continuing to hold the struggling Kaiden aloft with one hand, attempts to swat at Loden with his other hand. Loden nimbly dances away, avoiding the blow and deftly maneuvering behind Grom. He counterattacks with precise jabs to Grom's back and shoulder, causing Grom to loosen his grip and inadvertently releasing Kaiden. Kaiden crashes onto the ground, his knees and palms taking the brunt of the impact, causing him to let out a small cry. Loden swiftly turns his attention to Kaiden, a flicker of anger crossing his features. He then directs his gaze back at Grom, clearly incensed by the situation.

Loden, fueled by his immense celestial power, grabs ahold of Grom, unleashing a flurry of punches with a significant fraction of his strength. Grom dodges some of the attacks, but a couple connect with force, causing him to grunt in pain. In response, Grom retaliates by seizing Loden in a powerful headlock. "What the hell are you doing? That last hit really did some damage."

In a hushed voice, Loden replies, "What am I doing? You are the one who deviated from the plan. You were supposed to grab me, not Kaiden."

Grom tightens his hold on Loden, spinning him around in the headlock, then responds in a hushed tone, "I thought it would be more effective to include Kaiden in the mix. And I was right, it caught everyone's attention."

The conversation between Loden and Grom is abruptly interrupted by the sound of a commotion and a commanding voice shouting, "Step aside, move! Grab that one." Instantly aware of the changing situation, they turn their attention toward the source of the commotion.

Kaiden sensing the impending danger, tries to flee into the throng of people, but a soldier stands in his path, blocking his escape. The soldier firmly seizes hold of Kaiden's arm, while another takes hold of his other arm, effectively preventing any further movement. Grom and Loden disengage, and Loden makes a move to intervene but is held back by Grom who grips his shoulder firmly to restrain him. Loden, taken aback by the unexpected situation, silently wonders where Grom's men are. They were meant to keep a watchful eye on the soldiers, signaling their approach. The absence of Grom's allies leaves him concerned about what might unfold.

Kaiden feels a surge of celestial power welling up within him, a mixture of fear and uncertainty fueling the growing energy. Kaiden clenches his fists, struggling to find his inner calm. The deity's guidance comes to mind, but amid the chaos, Kaiden grapples with the question of how to maintain composure or meditate in such a dire situation. The urge to unleash the power builds within him, a tantalizing but perilous course of action.

The head soldier of the troop, adorned in resplendent armor and bearing a formidable sword, strides purposefully toward Grom and Loden. The lead soldier's facial features are completely concealed by the helmet he wears, his mouth and eyes hidden from view. The gloves protecting his hands further contribute to the mysterious and intimidating presence he exudes. He halts a few feet away, his steely gaze fixing firmly upon them, and demands in a stern tone, "What is the meaning of this?"

Loden flushed with a mix of anger and unease, swiftly interjects, "Just a misunderstanding, sir. No harm done. We forgive and forget, right?" He punctuates the question with a pointed elbow nudge at Grom, who responds with a firm nod, signaling his reluctant agreement.

The soldier, his eyes narrowing in suspicion within the helmet, approaches Loden, studying him closely. "There's something about you I don't like," he says in a curt tone. The soldier then steps back and pivots, advancing toward Kaiden, scrutinizing him intently.

The soldier, his attention now fixed on Kaiden, observes the nervous reactions and notes the unique qualities he perceives. He mentions, "This one... he's different from the other two." Shifting his sword to the other hand, the soldier declares, "All citizens know not to interfere with the emperor's travels. A punishment is in order." The soldier then turns away and continues, "He shall be cast into the dungeon for a period of one month."

Kaiden taken aback and alarmed, struggles against the soldiers' hold on him, exclaiming, "What!" Loden, alarmed by the pronouncement, swiftly moves to rush towards Kaiden. Grom, however, gives a subtle step back, clearing a path for Loden to advance.

The soldier, keenly aware of Loden 's intentions, swiftly moves to halt him by brandishing his sword. He positions himself in front of Loden, blocking his path and declaring firmly, "You shall not interfere."

Loden seething with anger, barks at the soldier, "Get out of my way." The soldier remains firm, his smirk growing more pronounced as he holds his sword defiantly. Kaiden watches as Grom silently withdraws further into the crowd, silently cursing the inevitable complications. Kaiden laments silently, "Why can't plans ever go smoothly anymore?"

A booming, authoritative voice resonates from the direction of the palace key, its tone leaving no room for ambiguity. "What is the meaning of this?" The soldier, momentarily taken aback, immediately drops to a kneel in response. He hastily responds, "This will only be a brief moment, Your Majesty."

Loden bristling with anger, scoffs and fires back at the soldier, "This is going to take more than a moment. Unhand him immediately or you'll suffer the consequences, soldier boy."

The soldier, bristling with irritation, faces Loden, shaking his head in disbelief at the perceived arrogance. "That arrogance... come at me then, peasant filth," the soldier spits out, wielding his sword in anticipation of a fight.