The refined-looking teenager strode towards Gwendoline, her fists clenched, eyes cast downward. With each step that struck the village's rocky path, her impending fury hinted at bursting at the slightest provocation. Her disgruntled posture oddly contrasted with her beautiful visage.
"Gwendoline, is that you?" she inquired with a sharp tone.
"Um, yes... that's me. And you are?"
"I am Lana Temparus! How dare you join the Lost Ones and bring shame upon their name? What right do you think you have?"
"Well... I don't know. My existence isn't—"
An abrupt slap resonated through the street, cutting off Gwendoline's response. Lana's mark was now embedded in a stark red hue on Gwendoline's cheek.
"Silence, you insolent girl! King Rymis, the whole world, even your own group trusted you! They all accepted you into the Lost Ones! You owe it to them to prove that it wasn't in vain! I was there in King Rymis's palace when the Lost Ones arrived. I saw you. I remember clearly when you promised him to do your part and right your past wrongs! Were those just empty words? Planning on dying a second time?"
"Yes... I really wish to end my life."
The demon, who had been observing Lana's lecture, growled even louder than before. Its saliva dripped incessantly, and a malicious aura erupted from its body with a frenzied noise.
"Hey! Am I bothering you?"
"Yes," she retorted, turning to face him. "You are a bother, you inferior creature! I'll end you!"
"Ha! Inferior? I'm a demon, and you're just a human!"
"That's where you're wrong. I'm Lana Temparus, the first heiress of the Temparus family, superior to my brother and father. I earned my place by taking down three archdemons when I was just 10."
The demon backed away as she approached, a mocking smile on her face and a hand on her hip. His aggressive growl faded as he recalled Lana Temparus's reputation.
"Wait, the Temparus? The family that controls time?"
"That's right."
I must get them out of my realm. Sacrifice the two Lost Ones if needed. I can't afford to die now.
"One of you will die by my hands. Mark my words!"
The demon declared his revenge, deactivating his power and suddenly teleporting the three girls back to the village marketplace. The residents and traders were back, but the demon was nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, Alora grabbed Lana's arm, thanking her repeatedly.
"Thank you for saving us!"
"You shouldn't be thanking me! You're the Lost Ones! The defenders of trillions of lives! Reevaluate your values."
Lana turned away and began walking in the opposite direction, swinging her arms. Glancing back at Alora and Gwendoline, she warned, "If not, your days are numbered."
With boldness, she left the two teenagers behind.
"Who does she think she is?! Where's her respect?" Alora fumed.
"No, Alora, she's right. I acted wrong... wanting to take my life again was utterly irresponsible..."
"Yeah, in that way, she's right. But she has no right to talk to us like we're beneath her!"
"Come on, let's go home. Let's hope she kills that demon."
"Your power was amazing, Gwen'! Your fists glowing green and your energy ablaze!"
"Yeah, the only thing is, I don't know how it happened. Maybe it was the power of fear? And everything was in slow motion."
"You're full of surprises, Gwendoline!"
"I surprise myself too."
As they walked silently, Gwendoline reflected on Lana's stern yet accurate words. She had a duty to the Lost Ones, to King Rymis, and to all who relied on them to protect the Kingdom of Rymis. To die again would be to forsake that trust.
If only Lana hadn't intervened... I could have ended this life.
*
As the blinding afternoon sun settled, Yanis, Rogue, and Jacob shared a meal together at a village inn, seemingly to celebrate the rewards of their rigorous training. At the heart of the tavern, dancing flames from torches attached to ancient stone walls cast mysterious, shifting shadows across the faces of the diners. Thick smoke billowed from the pipes of armored adventurers, shrouding the room in a misty veil of enigma.
The joyful sound of an upbeat melody poured from a group of minstrels. Seated on a platform, they played their instruments with impeccable skill. Their tuneful notes blended with lively conversations and infectious laughter echoing within the sturdy wooden walls.
Peasants, parched and worn from their daily toil, sought solace in their mugs of beer, downing them greedily. Their hearty laughter blended with the surrounding hubbub, creating a festive and warm atmosphere. Some recounted exaggerated tales of their work in the fields, while others discussed the latest rumors that had reached their humble ears.
Waiters and waitresses, dressed in rustic attire, bustled diligently among the tables, delivering steaming dishes and refreshing drinks. Their rhythmic and nimble footsteps resonated on the polished stone floor, adding a lively tempo to the tavern's ambiance.
In a dimly lit corner, a table was occupied by a group of mercenaries. Their sharp eyes and gleaming weapons left no doubt about their profession. Some wore modern outfits like shirts and jeans. Their discreet presence added a hint of danger, drawing curious glances from other patrons.
Amidst this buzz, Yanis, Rogue, and Jacob relished their meal, sharing tales of their lives on Earth. Their presence drew admiring looks and whispers of awe from those familiar with their legendary feats.
"I'd still prefer a good kebab, nothing beats that!" Yanis joked, devouring his meal.
"You're exaggerating, this is still good," Jacob replied, laughing.
"So, you're a gaming pro?"
"Ah, well, that's just the tip of the iceberg. In truth, my skill isn't in gaming, but a supernatural adaptability."
"Seriously?!"
"Yeah, be it sports, academics, relationships, anything."
"That's insane!"
"But you know, even though I'm the best, I'm not proud of it."
"Why not? Everyone would kill for your title," inquired Rogue.
"I can't count the number of times I've crushed the careers of streamers, YouTubers, and professional gamers."
"Why would you wreck them?" asked Yanis.
"In that world, viewers are relentless. By becoming the top player, they grow bored of their favorite streamer or YouTuber. They stop watching, the channel crumbles, and that's it."
"I wasn't expecting that."
"There's one I'll always remember. His name was Elvis Porter, an American YouTuber with over 120 million subscribers. He was also considered one of the world's best gamers. People insisted we face off in a game. To determine the true champion."
"Oh, I remember, it was live-streamed on Twitch!" Rogue recalled.
"As you might guess, I won effortlessly. After that, I secured my spot in the Guinness World Records as the best video gamer of the century. As for Elvis, his subscribers dropped to 15 million, and his videos barely hit 100,000 views. He spiraled into depression, and no one knows his whereabouts now..."
"Wow, that's heartbreaking. He lost everything," Yanis remarked.
Overwhelmed by regret and sadness, Jacob lowered his head, whispering to himself, "I wish I could become someone better..."
*
Several hours later, within the castle that overlooked the village of Érétide, King Rymis III, Dasra, Jaïka, Charnald, and some soldiers gathered around a conference table, bathed in the golden hues of the setting sun, which cast an earnest and nostalgic atmosphere over the room.
One of the many steel-clad soldiers beside Charnald stood to address the group. "Early this morning," he began, "all the residents of the village of Bellshear, some 300 kilometers from Érétide, were mysteriously found dead. Magical analysis suggests their souls were violently absorbed, pointing towards a known or at least suspected perpetrator."
In a grave revelation, Charnald placed a dark and enigmatic file on the table. The papers bore the name "Abaguo" and an image of the twisted face of the suspected archdemon.
"It is believed to be the fearsome archdemon named Abaguo, who first appeared four years ago in the village of Haradi during the traditional end-of-month festival. His goal is to become a transcendent archdemon. His pastime? Absorbing the souls of living beings, regardless of their race."
Dasra sighed heavily. "That guy is everywhere…"
"All demons absorb souls... What makes you think it's him in particular?" Jaïka questioned with a stern demeanor.
"He has an unfortunate habit of absorbing his victims by the thousands," informed the soldier.
Rymis asked, "Anything else?"
"Well, this is unconfirmed, but there's a high probability that the next village to be targeted is Paraya. Many peasants claim to sense the presence of one or more archdemons at night."
Rymis scratched his beard, "This is quite inconvenient."
As the discussion continued, the attendees were startled when an old man burst through the door. He was exhausted from a long run, wearing an outfit similar to Lana Temparus', but in a male version combining white and red. The elder man, with short white hair and a neatly trimmed beard, had deep blue eyes that accentuated his age.
"Charles?! What are you doing here?" King Rymis III was surprised to recognize Charles Temparus, an old friend.
"I have a report!" he exclaimed.
"Seriously?! At a time like this?" Dasra leaned heavily against the table, mumbling, "Can't you see we're in a meeting?"
"This noon, my daughter saved two teenage members of the Lost Ones from a demon in Érétide."
"A demon in Érétide?" Rymis was concerned.
"He can create pocket dimensions and trap his victims inside."
"I've got my hands full..."
"What were you discussing?"
"All the residents of a village disappeared. That's the topic of this meeting," Dasra mumbled, her head still resting in her arms.
"May I join?"
"Of course, my friend. Take a seat."
"Thank you, Rymis."
After a moment, Charles caught up with the discussions, while Rymis locked eyes with Jaïka, inquiring, "A last question for you, Jaïka."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"You're overseeing the Lost Ones' power training. Are they progressing?"
"I visited them the day before yesterday. They're indeed improving."
"Are they ready for a mission?"
"They're ready for their first mission."
"Very well. The Lost Ones will undertake their first mission with Dasra, heading to Paraya to investigate and protect the village. As we conclude, I order a thorough search for Abaguo throughout the kingdom and mobilize soldiers in every village."
As Rymis finished, Charles placed the file on Abaguo back on the table, bowing slightly to the King, "I have a request!"
"Go on."
"My son, Kalen. Could he join the Lost Ones on the mission?"
"Kalen? Are you certain?"
"Yes, I want to see what he's made of."
"Very well. It's granted! If there are no other matters, this meeting is adjourned."
Silence prevailed, signaling the end of their deliberation.