Aurora awoke in her room at the west temple, her body adorned with bandages. Rising from her bed with painstaking slowness, she managed to navigate to the bathroom to wash her face, the pain a constant reminder of the recent battle. Dressed and ready, albeit weakened, she ventured out to the living room.
There, Noah lingered, smoking his ever-present cigarette, while Suki, engrossed in a book, attempted to convince him to join her literary journey. Ju lay on a chair, a silent figure in repose. Suki, spotting Aurora, greeted her warmly, inquiring about her well-being.
Noah, acknowledging her presence, suggested she take a seat. Aurora, determined to demonstrate her strength, hesitated but acquiesced, easing into a chair. The room held a quiet atmosphere, each guardian nursing their physical and emotional wounds from the recent battle.
Noah, breaking the silence, spoke gently, "How are you holding up, Aurora?"
Aurora's eyes reflecting resilience, replied, "I'll be fine. Just need some time."
Looking up from her book, Suki added, "We're all in this together. If you need anything, just ask."
Ju, still reclined, nodded in agreement, silently affirming their shared bond in the aftermath of adversity.
Aurora, feeling the weight of her injuries, couldn't help but voice the question that lingered in her mind. "How did Zod fight so effortlessly without any elemental powers? We couldn't even come close to defeating him."
Exhaling a plume of smoke, Noah contemplated her inquiry before responding. "Zod's strength and speed are beyond anything we've faced. It's like he's in a league of his own. We underestimated him."
Closing her book, Suki chimed in, "And his ability to materialize himself adds another layer of complexity. It's not just about elements; it's about how he wields his power."
Aurora, absorbing their insights, nodded thoughtfully. "But we can't just accept defeat. There has to be a way to counter his strength, his speed."
Finally joining the conversation, Ju interjected, "Perhaps Guardian Kim has some insights. She's been through countless battles, and she might know how to face someone like Zod."
Noah, taking another drag from his cigarette, added, "We need to train harder, understand our elements better, and figure out a strategy. Zod may be powerful, but we can't let him be an insurmountable obstacle."
Determined, Suki affirmed, "I agree. We're not giving up. We'll find a way to become stronger, together."
Ju, taking a thoughtful stance, began to analyze the battle with Zod from its inception. "It's like he was toying with us right from the start. We couldn't land a proper hit, and every move we made, he countered effortlessly."
Leaning back with a contemplative expression, Noah remarked, "True, Zod's mastery over his abilities is unparalleled. But let's not forget Thaddeus. Did you see the power he unleashed? It was incredible."
Ju, nodding in agreement, responded, "Thaddeus was like a demigod, especially when he transformed into that skeletal form. I've never seen anything like it."
Noah, exhaling smoke, shifted the perspective. "Yet, even Thaddeus fell before Zod. It goes to show the level of adversaries we're dealing with. But speaking of impressive displays, let's not forget how Raven handled him."
Raising an eyebrow, Ju recalled the moment with a mix of awe and chagrin. "That was... unexpected. A single touch, and he was sent flying."
Noah's tone laced with humor, added, "Raven's got her own bag of tricks. It's not always about brute force. We need to be ready for anything."
Suki, who had been listening attentively, chimed in, "So, it's not just Zod. There are others out there who pose a different kind of threat. We have to be prepared for every possibility."
Contemplating their discussion, Aurora spoke, "Then our training should encompass not only mastering our elements but also developing strategies for unpredictable situations."
Noah, tapping his cigarette, concluded, "Exactly. We learn from our defeats, and we adapt. We'll get stronger and smarter. That's the only way to face the challenges that lie ahead."
Feeling a need for change, Ju abruptly shifted the conversation. "Hey, Noah, mind sparing a cigarette?"
Noah, taken aback by Ju's unexpected request, smirked and responded, "I don't share, Ju. You know that."
Aurora's curiosity piqued, questioning Noah, "Why do you smoke, Noah? Is it just a habit?"
Leaning against the wall with a cigarette dangling from his lips, chuckled. "It's more than a habit, Aurora. Smoking helps me stay active, agile. Plus, it warms me up, especially in times like these."
Ju, intrigued by Noah's explanation, remarked, "So, smoking is your secret to staying sharp and nimble?"
Exhaling a plume of smoke, Noah grinned. "Call it what you want. It's my way of keeping the senses alert. Besides, in our line of work, you never know when you'll need that extra edge."
Suki, looking skeptical, added, "It can't be healthy, though."
Noah, shrugging, replied, "Life's full of risks, Suki. We face them every day. A little smoke won't change that."
However, their mirth was abruptly interrupted by a loud, echoing knock on the door. The guardians exchanged puzzled glances, the levity dissipating as quickly as it had come.
Noah with a hint of suspicion in his eyes, extinguished his cigarette in an ashtray and approached the door cautiously. Suki and Aurora shared a concerned glance, while Ju leaned back, still chuckling, seemingly undisturbed by the unexpected interruption.
Noah opened the door to find a messenger standing there, bearing the crest of Ellasmera. The guardian handed Noah a sealed letter, nodding before departing.
Noah closed the door and examined the letter before addressing the others. "We've got a message from Ellasmera. Looks like we're needed."
Aurora's brows furrowed with curiosity. "What could be so urgent?"
Noah, unfolding the letter, replied, "Guess we'll find out soon enough."
Noah's eyes scanned the contents of the letter, and as he began to read it aloud, the anticipation in the room intensified.
"Dear Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well. In honor of your dedication and recent endeavors, you are invited to the grand feast at Eldoria. Magus Rex extends a warm welcome to you, recognizing your exceptional efforts in safeguarding our realm. Your presence is requested to celebrate the unity and strength that binds our magical community.
The feast will take place in the Great Hall of Eldoria on the eve of the next lunar convergence. Your attendance is not only encouraged but eagerly awaited.
May your journey to Eldoria be swift and safe.
With utmost respect,
Magus Rex"
Noah folded the letter, a smile playing on his lips. "Looks like we're in for a treat, Guardians. A feast at Eldoria hosted by none other than Magus Rex himself."
Aurora's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Magus Rex? This is incredible! I've always wanted to meet him."
Suki chimed in, "It's an honor to be invited. We must prepare and make a good impression."
Ju, ever the nonchalant one, smirked. "A feast sounds good. Count me in."
Noah, still holding the letter, added, "Let's get ready, then. Eldoria awaits."