Dark clouds loom over the City of Themis. The wind is chilly, and the starless sky is eerily gloomy.
The night is in Mystic Moon phase, and everything seems engulfed into the abyss. The oppressive atmosphere and the darkness are truly forbidding.
Master Luc and Little Eu shortly arrived after the group manages to escape Themis town proper. Meanwhile, the man confronts and blocks the Holy Guardians' way.
They came just in time to overhear their conversation. Master's Luc suggests watching how the situation will progress and then discreetly intervene.
Little Eu understood. She knew that this mysterious master of hers also has some issues he intends to keep. It's probably not time to delve into the matter as she agreed.
Mostly of the mysterious man's features are hidden under his cloak and scarf. All they can see is his amber eyes glowering like a wild animal looking at his prey.
Master Luc knits his brows as he tries to identify him. He is mysteriously familiar as he searches his memory.
Who is he?
"Master..." she worriedly called out.
"Don't worry, Little One. You got this. I won't let you fail." Master Luc reassures her.
Master Luc casts a deception spell concealing their presence amongst the sea of dark clouds. Little Eu highjacked Freya's magic while combining it with a void spell.
His magic is nothing like she had seen before. His skills on a barely used Spell Arts is simply astonishing.
Then again, Little Eu can also use the Seven Elemental Spell, which most considers a Forgotten Arts.
Simply, Master Luc is using older spell arts than Ancients used. Eu creases her brows, trying to figure out her Master's true identity.
Who else lives much older than the Ancients? Several ruins signify a much older civilization than them.
Still, most of their existence is shrouded in mystery. Nobody can honestly tell if they continue to exists or not.
"Little Eu, concentrate." Master Luc said, breaking her train of thoughts.
She can tell that Master Luc doesn't want her to delve further. She nodded and respected his wishes while she concentrated on the pressing matters before her.
Master Luc is casting support spells to make their movements as discreet as possible. Nobody should know his involvement with this child.
He shifted his attention to the mysterious man. He could tell the intense dark power he is wielding.
It resembles the dark past that they feared and is deeply concealed through the ages. A tale that only lives through their legends.
Even the thought sends shivers to his nerves. He shrugs at the thought of that person's involvement as he continues to ponder on its possibility.
Meanwhile, Little Eu is busy casting spells over spells. She knew that this person greatly outclasses her, but she continues to weave her spell with Freya's magic.
Thankfully, Freya continues to weave her spell into the attack as well. It created powerful synchronized combination magic beyond her expectations.
The Mysterious man is agitated, failing to conquer them. He knew all their weaknesses, and he is confident they will face their demise upon his return.
Instead, the table has turned against him that resulted in his defeat. He can only assume someone is indeed helping them out even if he failed to confirm it.
He swears that he will have his revenge after garnering such humiliation twice. He will return to cause havoc, and this is just a small set back to realize his plans.
Meanwhile, the shadow army disperses as soon as their Master disappears. The Guardians were left alone in the cold, abandoned the City of Themis, and left no trace of the intense battle occurring earlier.
Exhaustion finally caught up with Freya as she heaves a heavy sigh of relief. She can barely recall how they surpass such a calamity.
Her hands still tremble at the thought of confronting such a powerful entity. His presence is simply overwhelming, even to them.
Who is he? What does he really want?
The Holy Guardian Lord Tiger runs to Vermilion's side. She can tell that she is barely holding herself after the intense battle.
"Freya rest well. I got you." Lady Rean said as she supports her.
"Thank you, Sister Tiger. I will rest for a while..." Freya said before drifting to slumber and resting on her shoulder.
Her hardbound grimoire disappears as soon as she closes her eyes. At this moment, she is completely defenseless.
Meanwhile, Master Luc is holding Little Eu on his arm as he heaves a heavy sigh. He can tell that Little Eu has indeed exhausted herself as well.
"Little one, I told you not to exhaust yourself. You overdid yourself…" he murmurs at the barely awake little girl.
"I'm truly sorry, Master. Let me rest for a few days… and thank you for your assistance…" she murmured as her consciousness drifted away.
She has overexerted and drained herself dry. Still, she is contented that her efforts are not in vain.
Master Luc can only look at this little girl helplessly resting on his arms. Her face is pale, and her magic powers are gravely depleted.
For an Oracle, Little Eu has indeed surpassed the normalcy. She is indeed a mystery, as well. He can't help thinking that this little child is keeping a secret or two under her sleeve.
He decided not to delve into the matter as well. There are pressing matters like restoring her powers and bring her back in shape.
The couple disappears after ensuring that everyone below is safe. He smiles mysteriously as a thought crosses his mind. This child is a blessing, indeed.
On the other hand, Lord Azure scans the premises before making his decision to advance. He wants to ensure everything is safe and no more traps awaiting them.
Gwyddien is supporting Lord Turtle, who can barely stand after the intense battle. Everyone has indeed done their best to prevail against the mysterious dark entity and his shadow army.
Meanwhile, Lord Azure knows Lord Vermilion's capabilities. He knows she is not entirely responsible for casting the combination spell. He can't help wonder who else was there.
Despite the oddity that they can't detect anyone else presence around them, he knew their chances are close to impossible.
The Shadow army greatly outnumbers them, and the man is overwhelmingly powerful. He wields powers that are simply beyond them.
"Let's leave before someone more menacing shows up. This place gives me the creeps... " Lord Azure said as he shrugs.
He decided to forgo the questions forming on his head. He needs to ensure their safety first as they finally left the City of Themis.
The mysterious man's emergence has reached far and wide— the Divine Lord Foeni, the Divine Witch Circe, the Oracle Clan Grand Elder, and even the Sovereign King of Astra.
His brief appearance has sent an alarming message to all corners of Astra. They all knew that they need to prepare upon his imminent return.
Somewhere no normal beings have crossed, a powerful man watches the changes on the formation of the stars. It was indeed an unexpected turn of events but something not to be alarmed.
He seems used to this kind of thing as he focuses his attention on something else. There is someone else he wanted to monitor but remained elusive on his radar.
"Broaden the search! Tell him to report his progress upon his return!"
The man bows his head to acknowledge the command and left. The room remained silent as the man continues watching over the sea of stars hoping to find a specific light amongst the dazzling sky.
Back to Celesea, the Holy Guardian Lord Azure Dragon decided to transform into his original form. An enormous cerulean Dragon emerges in the outskirts of Themis, forming a thick heaped of cloud surrounding them.
"Hop on. I won't ask twice. I am not that generous." his voice is resounding and robust. Different from his human form.
Everyone carefully climbs on his beautiful body, covered with glistening gem-like scales. His mane flutters like fine threads, and his eyes are shimmering like aurora borealis.
"Your scales are like precious gems. I want to take one and keep it…" Gwyddien chuckles as he marvels at his scales.
"Don't you even dare! I don't eat humans, but I swear to hunt you down and make an exception." he threatens him without second thoughts.
Gwyddien was beyond terrified. He was only joking, but Lord Azure has taken him seriously. It would be nice if he truly gave him one, though.
"It was a joke. Forgive me for my rudeness, Oh, mighty Azure Dragon..." Gwyddien starts showering him with pleasantries.
The beautiful dragon glares at him with his lustrous eyes. It is mystifying and terrifying at the same time.
"Brother Azure, your eyes sure fits you well. I like it better than the old one." the Holy Guardian Black Turtle chuckled, dispersing the tension.
They are truly spellbinding.
His words have given him waves of satisfaction, indeed. His adorable Little Eu fought the grumpy Ancient Silver Dragon to attain this for him. He can't help but laugh as he imagines the scenario.
"Thanks for the compliment. Hold on tight." Azure chuckles as he advises everyone.
"Do you think it's over?" the Witch Gwyddien reluctantly asked.
He secures the Gateway of Realms and inquires. They can't possibly defeat that man so easily, can they?
"No. We only tasted what is about to come. Inform your Mistress of the incident in Themis. Please refrain from telling your people more than you should. I swear won't hesitate to hunt you down." Rean glared at the Witch behind her.
Gwyddien has stayed with them for weeks and indeed grew fond of them. He is simply reluctant to part ways with everyone.
He knew deep inside that Lady Rean is giving him empty threats. Still, he nods to comply and assures them he won't disclose more than he should.
"I wouldn't dare offend you, Lady Rean. I really wouldn't dare…" he responded with a reassuring smile.
Lord Azure decided to fly directly to the Border between Celesea and the Mystic Realm. The Witch has indeed been helpful, and this is the least he could do.
"We are sending you back now, little witch." Azure spoke via telepathy.
If he spoke normally, his voice would bring forth thunder and lightning storms.
"Yes, I know." he said in a low reluctant tone as he continued, teary-eyed and all, "It's okay, Lord Azure. I will always treasure the short time I've spent with everyone. I will never forget our friendship."
"Don't be melodramatic. I'm pretty sure we will meet again, silly little witch." Rean has the urge to slap him.
They are riding on Azure's back and refrain herself from being too physical. She doesn't want to look like he pushed him to die.
"Take care of yourself and don't wander off alone. You are just lucky last time to find us." Rean said as she reminds him.
Not long, the tall brick walls and reinforced heavy doors come into view. They have finally reached the Fortress Bordertown, governed by the mysterious Knights of Rossenkruez.