A calm prevailed over the skies.
At the crack of dawn, the sun showcased its bliss from behind the mountain tops. The clouds glowed with a golden radiance as the light cascaded on the once dark lands below.
A few miles from Marvel city, a flock of birds chirped playfully while zigzagging all through the blue-lit sky. They numbered in the hundreds as they harmoniously moved as if being of one body.
WOSH!
They dove in unison to avoid an incoming small hawk that had lunged at some flock members at the center. It had, however, missed its pinpointed targets once again. The birds flew mockingly close to the hawk only to avoid it as if playing a game at the last second.
It went on for some while as the young hawk tried its best to fill its hungry stomach, but it was to no avail as the flock teased while they soared through the sky.
Rrrrrk!
A monstrous squeak was suddenly heard, and the once mockingbirds were panic-stricken for the first time. A colossal beak could be seen gobbling up dozens of the once playful birds with one bite.
Before them, a hawk white as snow could be seen. It had a gigantic stature spanning approximately twenty meters in length.
"Not a bad snack, huh, girl?"
On the back of the gigantic white hawk, five figures could be seen sitting in black garments with strips of purple. Pleased with its seeming performance, a man with fiery-red hair patted the hawk as it ate.
"I know it is our sworn duty, but couldn't the sect have selected some other squad to take on this mission. Isn't this looking down on us?"
A black-haired youth with a sabre on his back that looked no more than 18 blurted out in annoyance as he looked at the seemingly never-ending skies.
His counterpart, another youth with messy-green hair, seemingly did not share his view as he responded,
"It is but a simple task Lovren. Enjoy nature's profound bliss as we journey through the land. Do you have to complain about everything?
" Hmmm, of course, there would be no objection from you, Luke. Isn't this the perfect means by which you can train? Being as you would say, one with the wind."
The two went back and forth until a commanding voice silenced them.
"We have no say in what missions we are given, but you seem to be high strung Lovren. Why don't I recommend you for the next beast horde reinforcement team?"
Hearing the words Beast horde the once outspoken youth, Lovren had a look of apparent dread. It could be seen this was an undesirable task in everyone's view.
Lovren then pleaded his case once more as he looked at the red fiery-haired man."I just wanted a mission that utilizes our talents better, team leader."
"I agree with Lovren, and seeing he is as cowardly as they come. If he says that about a mission, you know it is lame. It has always been the scraping the barrel mission. No one ever wants it, and those that get it are always ridiculed. Do you think a three-star squad would be given this mission?"
A vein could be seen forming on Lovren's face as he heard a girl's voice, who had seemingly acknowledged his point only to burn his character to the ground along the way.
A teenage girl with dark brown hair that flowed to her shoulders could be seen sitting in an upright position. In her lap, a big broad sword was placed neatly.
"Niesha you, Bit.."
A fuming Lovren shouted, yet she waited for him to finish his statement with a calm expression.
"Say what's on your mind, and let me see if your body can pay the penance of your tongue." Apparently, her words carried some weight, so Lovren held back his words, looking in the other directions. He knew far too well he was no match for her.
Hehe!
Laughter was heard from the fiery-haired team leader as he looked at the calm girl.
"Niesha, having been promoted, I thought you would be more nurturing to your fellow teammates. Why scare poor Lovren like that?"He then addressed all the other members,
"You know better than anyone that the Dark Abylis Sect honours its debt. So what if the ones that are owed are none cultivators? The debt is still to be paid. Furthermore, the process is simple and fast. We will be on our way back to the sect within a short time."
"Let's hope we don't go back empty-handed at the very least, as I heard these trips are not usually fruitful. The odds are not that high for meeting anyone capable of cultivating are basically nil for any with the least bit of talent."
The last remaining member, a youth with blonde hair with a blue bow, could not help but say.
"In any case, let's finish this mission pronto so we can once more be given another. Maybe we might find a more exciting venture in the next one."
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Outside Old Man Ming's restaurant, dust filled the air as a broom swept.
A teen no more than fourteen with hair of dreads was working tirelessly against the elements. No matter how he swept away the dirt, the gusts blew it all back.
'Why does the wind always seem to blow the dust at this damn entrance? So many buildings, but this is the only one that has to be swept every second of the day. I bet it's a curse placed by one of the many victims that old man has conned.'
Taf laughed while he swept diligently. He stopped when he saw a petite figure walking in his direction. She wore a beautiful blue dress that somehow showcased her innocent beauty even more. She stopped before Taf, who had finished sweeping and stared before uttering a simple phrase.
"It's you, isn't it?"
To be continued...
Final Edit: Lord of Sleep