I heard faint calls for help carried on the wind, their desperate pleas growing clearer as the howling gusts intensified. Intrigued by the urgency in the voice, I turned my gaze, and there, amidst the tumultuous air, emerged a figure.
A middle-aged man, dressed in tattered garments and clutching an ancient staff, came into view. His grip was tight around the hand of a masked woman as they raced through the treacherous terrain, fleeing for their lives. Fear etched deeply into the man's face as he cried out for assistance.
"Help! S-save me!" he implored, his voice trembling with terror.
Before I could even contemplate my response, humanoid creatures composed of living flame charged toward me, their fiery intentions evident in their relentless pursuit. Their malicious intent sent shivers down my spine.
With a surge of ethereal energy, I summoned forth my powers, tapping into the mystical forces that flowed through my veins. The air around me shimmered with an otherworldly glow as I prepared to face the fiery onslaught.
As the flaming creatures charged towards me, their furious assault fueled by their wicked intentions, I called upon the spirits of light and darkness to aid me. A shield of pure, radiant energy formed around me, warding off the scorching heat and protecting me from harm. The flames collided with the barrier, their fiery rage futile against the power of spirits.
Feeling the ethereal energy coursing through my veins, I extended my hand towards the charging creatures. Whispers of forgotten incantations escaped my lips, carrying the weight of ancient magic. A wave of spiritual force surged forth, wrapping around the creatures like ethereal chains.
The flaming beings convulsed, their fiery forms flickering as the spectral bindings constricted around them. With a final burst of spirit energy, I severed their connection to the living flame, severing their power source. They dissipated into plumes of smoke, vanishing back into the realms from which they came.
But the battle was not over yet. From the smoldering remains, a massive fire elemental arose, towering over me with its intense, blazing presence. The very ground trembled beneath its fiery footsteps as it unleashed a devastating wave of scorching flames towards me.
Undeterred, I embraced my spirit essence, allowing it to surge through my body. Flames of pure spirit power enveloped my hands as I thrust them forward. A beam of ethereal fire shot forth, colliding with the elemental's attack. The clash of elemental forces created a dazzling display of light and energy, each force vying for dominance.
With every ounce of my will, I pushed back against the searing onslaught. The elemental's flames faltered and waned in the face of my formidable spirit powers. Gradually, the balance tipped in my favor, and the elemental's power diminished.
With a final burst of ethereal energy, I unleashed a torrent of spectral flames upon the weakened creature. The searing spiritual fire consumed the elemental, reducing it to mere embers that scattered into the wind.
The man managed to catch his breath between gasps, and with gratitude in his eyes, he spoke, "Thank you... may I ask the name of my savior?"
My voice resonated firmly as I answered, "Saika."
He proceeded to introduce himself, his voice carrying an air of wisdom. "My name is Malak. I am a scholar," he revealed, gesturing toward the masked woman by his side. "She is Isra, an orphan I found in Twinluna Valley. Intrigued by my studies, she decided to accompany me."
Isra remained silent, her masked visage concealing her thoughts.
Curiosity ignited within me, prompting me to inquire further. "What subject do you dedicate your studies to?" I questioned, eager to delve into the depths of his intellectual pursuits.
Malak turned his gaze towards the expanse of the desert, a hint of melancholy in his eyes. "Ah... in this age of ceaseless conflict, one might deem my endeavors futile," he began. "I am dedicated to unraveling the history of this land, not the tales of old empires or the marvels of the machina age."
Relieved by the realization that he remained unharmed, I interjected, "As long as you and Isra are safe, that is what truly matters."
"These monsters, the Ifrit, emerged after the Black Sun rose in the sky," Malak explained, his voice tinged with both knowledge and trepidation. "Though they may bear a human semblance, their bodies are engulfed in relentless flames. They possess an insatiable thirst for violence, particularly against humans and human mages. This particular weak Ifrit lacks self-awareness," he added, nudging the lifeless creature with his staff, "but it is said that more powerful Ifrits surpass human intellect. Yet, I cannot confirm the veracity of such claims."
Expressing my gratitude for the information he shared, I said, "Once again, I am thankful for the opportunity to aid you. Please accept my assistance as a simple act of goodwill." With those words, he handed me a pouch containing 100 taels, a token of their appreciation. "Your kindness shines brightly, and I must warn you that the path ahead is fraught with danger. Proceed with utmost caution."
Malak and Isra expressed their sincere gratitude before resuming their perilous journey. As they disappeared from sight, I stood there, contemplating the ephemeral nature of the Ifrit. Like charred remnants, they disintegrated swiftly, their remains scattered effortlessly by the wind.
The Battle of the Black Sun had rendered this world unrecognizable, yet the flames of war continued to rage unabated. The emergence of these monstrous beings held little power to deter humanity's ceaseless pursuit of conquest and dominion.
Bracing myself against the relentless wind, I steeled my resolve and pressed forward.