As Xenon walked out of the temple, the wind welcomed him with a ghostly howl, sweeping through the empty streets like the breath of a forgotten world. The sun shone weakly through the dense clouds, casting long shadows across the towering buildings, all still standing, yet eerily void of life. Behind him, Phoenix and Hydra emerged from the temple, their faces reflecting the weight of the world they were now forced to face.
Hydra's eyes scanned the desolate landscape, his heart sinking at the sight of the lifeless city. "They've destroyed everything... my world is gone," he murmured, his voice thick with grief. "Countless lives... vanished in the blink of an eye. There's no trace of anyone left—no humans, no animals. Nothing. All that remains are these tall buildings, and even they stand as gravestones for what once was." He paused, the wetness of unshed tears brimming in his eyes. "It's been a hundred years… everyone who was caught in the curse has turned to dust."
Xenon, standing ahead, looked back over his shoulder, his expression unmoved by the devastation. "This?" he said, his voice cool and detached. "This is nothing. I've seen worse." He stepped forward, the wind ruffling his silver cloak as he glanced up at the vacant skyline. "Entire star systems… obliterated. Galaxies devoured in seconds. Worlds reduced to cold, silent rocks floating aimlessly in the dark. You think this planet's destruction is unique?" He let out a breath, shaking his head. "The universe is much larger than anything you've seen or imagined, Hydra. The battles you're about to face… they're beyond comprehension. Every step you take will cost lives—sometimes in the millions, sometimes entire planets."
Hydra turned to him, anger mixed with sorrow in his eyes. "I am prepared for that."
Xenon met his gaze, the slightest hint of approval flickering in his cold eyes before vanishing. "You say that now, but you don't understand what's out there. The enemies we'll face—there are those who can shatter planets with a word, swallow black holes whole. There's no room for the weak."
Hydra clenched his fists, determination hardening his expression. "I will face whatever comes."
Phoenix, however, remained silent for a moment, watching Xenon with a calculating look. "How can we trust you?" he finally asked, his tone laced with doubt. "You once served under Evangeline. You were part of his most feared force. How do we know you've truly left that path?"
Xenon's gaze grew colder, his eyes narrowing as he considered Phoenix's words. "I left that path long ago. But if you don't trust me, then don't. I never asked for your trust."
Phoenix hesitated, his fiery wings twitching slightly as he weighed Xenon's words. "I want to believe you," he said, his tone guarded. "But we're not walking into this blind. We need to know you're not still playing for the other side."
Xenon's lips twitched in the faintest hint of a smirk. "You want reassurances? I have none to offer. But you'll soon realize that there are far worse threats than me out there."
Phoenix sighed, but the fire in his eyes didn't dim. "So… what now? Where do we go next?"
Xenon tilted his head, his gaze shifting to Phoenix. "You're the one with a plan, aren't you? Where are we headed?"
Phoenix didn't break his stare, his wings glowing faintly as he spoke. "We're going to the ELEMENTALS' headquarters."
Xenon scoffed, his tone sharp. "I'm not joining the ELEMENTALS."
Phoenix raised an eyebrow. "And what choices do you have left, Xenon? Can you truly do this alone? You may not have asked for our trust, but the truth is, you need it."
For a moment, the air was tense. Xenon's eyes darkened, but after a long silence, he gave a reluctant nod. "Fine. But don't think this means I'm following your orders."
Without further words, Phoenix stepped forward, lifting his arm and tracing a glowing circle in the air. Ancient symbols ignited in a vibrant, fiery hue, swirling together to form a portal. The air shimmered, crackling with power as the gateway to the Elementals' headquarters yawned open before them.
As they stepped through the portal, Hydra's eyes widened in astonishment. What lay before him was beyond anything he could have imagined. The world of the Elementals was alive, bustling with humanoid creatures, towering machines, mages in robes, soldiers clad in enchanted armor, and even—Hydra had to do a double-take—dogs that were talking to one another.
"What is this place?" Hydra muttered under his breath, his eyes darting between the unfamiliar sights. His gaze landed on a massive metallic structure that loomed overhead. It was cylindrical, with intricate runes glowing along its surface, giving off a soft hum of power.
"What's that structure made of?" Hydra asked Phoenix, pointing at the behemoth.
Phoenix glanced casually in the direction of Hydra's finger and smirked. "That? Oh, that's a High-Powered Cannon. Built with a fusion of science and magic. It's powered by elemental energy, mostly from fire and plasma cores." Phoenix tapped his chin playfully. "Good thing they haven't had to use it recently."
Hydra frowned, confused. "Science? What's that?"
Phoenix laughed lightly. "Ah, right. You're from a place that's not as advanced. Science is what people study when they don't have access to magic. They've learned to manipulate the physical world, create machines, and even things like those big cannons. Though," he added with a grin, "magic still reigns supreme. Spells, seals, curses—they're always stronger than any machine science can build."
Xenon, standing nearby, scoffed at Phoenix's tone. "Science or magic, it doesn't matter. In the end, those without power get crushed. No machine, no weapon can survive the likes of Evangeline's forces for long."
Hydra nodded, trying to absorb everything, but his mind was reeling. This was all so new. "So, people who can't master magic study this science thing?"
"Exactly," Phoenix responded. "Most who can't channel magic tend to hit a limit, never progressing beyond planetary defense. But then, there are always a few exceptions. People who manage to blend science and magic—that's when things really get interesting." He winked, seemingly amused by Hydra's confusion.
The young snake-prince's attention shifted again as they passed a group of women, their flowing robes shimmering with arcane symbols. Phoenix's eyes lit up with mischief, and he nudged Hydra with his elbow. "Well, well, looks like there are some fine ladies here for you, Hydra. Perhaps they can show you a... fun time."
Xenon growled, crossing his arms. "He's just a kid, Phoenix. Quit acting like a perverted bird."
Phoenix rolled his eyes. "I am not just a bird! I can be human, too, you know. Besides, look at him!" He gestured to Hydra, who had now taken on his 18-year-old form. "He looks like he's 19—he's no child."
Xenon's gaze hardened. "He may look 19, but inside, he's got the mind of a 12-year-old. Stop filling his head with your nonsense."
As Phoenix opened his mouth to retort, a woman stepped out of the shadows, her long silver hair flowing behind her. Her dark eyes studied the group with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. She wore a sleek, obsidian-colored armor that hugged her frame, and the intricate patterns engraved into the metal seemed to pulse faintly with magical energy.
"Are you two done squabbling like children?" she asked, her voice smooth but commanding.....