With lightning reflexes, Elzid grabbed Aria by the arm, his grip like iron pinning her on one of the tree's barks.Elzid is a tall man with an athletic build, brown eyes, and tousled dark hair. He is a talented wielder from Viralinn and stands out for his exceptional skill and dedication. His impressive abilities on the battlefield are matched only by his humility and eagerness to improve. And just like Aria, he shows no mercy to his enemies and fears nothing, yet has a soft side with his allies.With a swift and practiced motion, Aria thrust her sword towards Elzid. In the blink of an eye, he dodged her attack, his movements fluid and graceful. A sudden voice pierced through the tension of their confrontation. "Stop Elzid!" It was Lili, a young wielder at Viralinn.Lili has a gentle, innocent appearance, with soft eyes and a sweet smile that radiates warmth. Her golden hair falls in cascades around her.Her voice trembled with fear and concern as she rushed towards them, her eyes darting between Aria and Elzid. "What if she kills you?" she whispered to Elzid. She was a little afraid of Aria because of the rumors spreading in Viralinn about her character.Elzid slowly looked at Lili, "I've experienced worse." Elzid's grip on Aria loosened momentarily, distracted by Lili's arrival. Aria used this opportunity to slip free, and she stood there, her chest heaving, her sword still ready.Elzid backed away from Aria, raising both hands while his gaze never left hers. He slowly lowered his guard, and with a measured breath, he let go of the tension in his shoulders, and the atmosphere around them shifted.Aria, still holding her sword, stood straight. Her voice was solid and unwavering as she called out to him, "Elzid."It was a surprise that Aria knew Elzid by name. It was a fact by others that she only talked to the headmistress alone. Aria looked at Lili with confusion.Lili understood her look and responded, "Lili. I'm from Viralinn, too." Aria glanced at her from head to toe and glanced back at Elzid, who was still staring at her.The forest was silent for a moment as if holding its breath. Aria took a step closer to Elzid, her voice laced with frustration. "What are you doing here, Elzid?" she asks with frustration.Despite her hatred around other wielders, Aria couldn't help but suspect that Erine had sent them to help her. Elzid met her gaze, his eyes hidden behind his enigmatic mask. "Erine sent us," he replied, his voice as calm and cryptic as ever.Aria's brow furrowed, "Then?" Her voice rose, tinged with disbelief. "I don't need help!"But Elzid, ever composed, raised a hand to silence her. He nodded toward a figure tied to a tree bark, a man who looked battered and beaten. "Our job, Aria, is Vincenzo," he said, his gaze unwavering. Aria's frustration disappeared as she saw Vincenzo bound securely to a branch. Vincenzo was struggling and shouting angrily.As she turned to Elzid, bewildered. "Our lead in finding him..." pointing at Aria, "...is you."With all Aria's frustration, knowing she was wrong for jumping to her conclusions, she leaned at the tree, sheathed her sword, and tried to wipe the blood off her clothes.Elzid approached Vincenzo while the latter squirmed against the rough ropes that bound him, panic in his eyes. "Why?" Elzid's voice was firm but laced with curiosity. "Why steal a half-torn scroll?"Vincenzo's lips trembled, his gaze darting around as if searching for an escape. "Money," he finally admitted, shouting. "I heard buyers were willing to pay a fortune for it. "Elzid's expression hardened, and he crouched before Vincenzo, his piercing eyes locked onto the thief's. Realizing that someone is willing to pay for the scroll, it must contain valuable information."Do you even know what's on that scroll?""Who cares? If someone pays me, I will do it!" with all arrogance in his voice.Elzid sighed, "To whom do you want to sell it?""Does it matter?""To whom do you want to sell it?" Elzid's voice was enraged.Vincenzo's lip tightened as his silence persisted. Indeed, if he says a word, he'll be hunted forever by whoever wants to buy the scroll."Alright! You can choose, ''Elzid continued as he slipped the half-torn scroll back into his pockets. "You either tell me who he is or just wait for your death," he said in a lower voice, but anger could be sensed in his words."I-I don't know! I don't know." Vincenzo started to feel terror when he sensed anger in Elzid's voice. He glanced at Aria, silently watching them, fear crawling in his bones that woman is deadly. She had just escaped a bunch of bandits earlier, and he had no escape. He admitted the truth as he glanced back at Elzid, who was staring at him. "I know a broker, the moon broker. Have you ever heard of him? He offered me money for that scroll. He said about relic weapons."Aria's crimson eyes widened upon hearing the relic weapons. Looking away, her mind was clouded with different thoughts.As Vincenzo mentioned the moon broker, Elzid's expression shifted. Suddenly, it clicked. He remembered hearing about this elusive figure before. Realization dawned on Elzid, and he knew there was more to this situation than merely stealing.Elzid turned away upon hearing the thief's confession. He does not need to question him more. Their job was complete. They had retrieved the scroll from the thief. He gestured to Lili that they needed to go. "We're done here."Aria's eyes followed Elzid then walked towards Vincenzo, unsheathing her sword. As she approached him, it sent shivers down his spine."Hey! Don't leave me here," Vincenzo shouted at Elzid and Lili, but they both turned their backs. "I'll give you money, spare me, spare me, spare me," shouting and crying simultaneously."Too bad you can't bribe me." Aria thrust her sword through his heart, killing him instantly. She pulled her sword back and cleaned the blood on it."Damn, why did I even let this idiot escape earlier." whispering to herself."Do you need to kill him?"Elzid asked."Does it matter?" she walked past them, leaving Lili in shock.Elzid, Lili, and Aria headed back to Viralinn.Upon reaching their town they went straight to the Headmistress 'office. As Elzid and Lili entered, Erine looked up from her desk, her eyes narrowing with anticipation. "Ah, you're back," Erine said, her voice a melodic blend of curiosity and authority. Her smile vanished when she saw Aria enter after the two. "Aria?" Aria nods and sits on one of the chair's insides.Erine gazes and smiles at Elzid. "So? Did you get it?".Elzid reaches his pocket and hands the half-torn scroll to Erine. With the scroll in her hand, she looked at them. "Did you discover anything?". Lili shook her head while Elzid said nothing but mentioned the moon broker. Erine told them they could take a break since there was no available job for the minute.The two left her office, leaving Erine and Aria. Aria paced, irritated, in Erine's office, troubled by the questions in her head. Erine watched her protege with a knowing gaze, waiting for Aria to speak the words weighing heavily on her heart."Aria? Do you need anything else?"Aria stared at Erine and shifted her eyes on the half-torn scroll in the desk.Erine stared at her and sat at her desk. "Anything bothering you?""No, I'll be going"Days had passed, but Aria couldn't shake the thought of the relic weapons. She left her room and stood at the entrance of Lorenzo's shop.Lorenzo toiled away in his shop, the rhythmic clang of hammer against anvil echoing through the air. The forge's heat enveloped him like an old friend, comforting in its familiarity. But amidst the glow of molten metal, Lorenzo couldn't shake the feeling of unease.Her usual grace was marred by a shadow of uncertainty. Lorenzo noticed her uneasiness immediately, his keen eyes catching the subtle shift in her demeanor. "Something troubling you, Aria?" Lorenzo asked, his voice gruff but laced with genuine concern.Aria glanced around the smithy, her gaze lingering on the weapons and armor adorning the walls. "My last job."Lorenzo set aside his hammer, crossing the room to stand beside Aria. "What happen?"Aria sighed, the weight of her worries pressing down on her shoulders. "The thief mentioned the relic weapons."Lorenzo furrowed his brow, pondering her words. "What about it?"Aria hesitated, unsure of how much to say. "I don't know, the scroll Elzid retrieved might contain some information."Lorenzo nodded thoughtfully, understanding the gravity of Aria's concerns. "Did they find anything?"Aria met Lorenzo's gaze. "No.""Then what's troubling you? Years and no one had found anything, Aria." Lorenzo assured Aria, moving back to his work.Numerous individuals have searched for these relic weapons, yet they have not prevailed in their quests, leaving them in mystery and intrigue.Aria followed her gaze to him. "Years, but why now? Why is it resurfacing? The relics have been lost to myth and legend for centuries. Someone might..."Aria is usually fearless in battles, but now she feels an unusual fear creeping in when mentioning the relic weapons. Despite her usual courage, she worried that these ancient artifacts might somehow expose something only she knew.Lorenzo's grip on his hammer tightened. "If that's the case, what will you do?" It is not hidden from Lorenzo what Aria knows. She met Lorenzo's gaze, and fear surrounded her eyes."I don't know." She looked away, moved inside, and sat on one of the chairs. And both of them didn't utter a word.A loud silence echoed in Lorenzo's shop when a familiar voice entered."Lorenzo, are my daggers ready?" Lili called out. Her voice tinged with anticipation. Lili who's an apprentice to the headmistress Erine, but most of the time, she was trained by Elzid himself under the order of the headmistress. Lorenzo rose and greeted her with a welcoming smile."Ah! I didn't expect you." he moved to one of his storages."I have a lot of time, Hehe. Headmistress just gave us a few days since we had no job."While waiting for Lorenzo, Lili's gaze swept over the shop. She froze in surprise, her eyes widening at the sight of Aria sitting nearby and staring into nothing. "Aria?" Lili exclaimed. Her voice tinged with disbelief. "What are you doing here?"Aria turned to face Lili. Her brows furrowed, thinking she looked familiar. As silence passed between them, Lili spoke, reminding her who she was. "I was with Elzid, remember? We retrieved the scroll?" a bit embarrassed as she realized her blunder.Aria looked away as she remembered her. "So, you frequented here?""I, uh, just needed to pick up some supplies. Didn't expect to find you here." Lili said shyly.To Lorenzo's surprise, seeing Aria and Lili talk, he chuckled, handing Lili her freshly sharpened daggers. "Small world. Seems like fate has brought you two together today."As Lili took hold of her daggers, Aria cast a curious glance at her, her eyes narrowing with intrigue. "I didn't know Aria sharpened her swords with you. I guess you are the best in town," she smiled genuinely. Lorenzo nodded at that compliment. Lili also said goodbye as she slipped out of the shop.As he looked at Aria, he was surprised to see a death glare from her. "What?" he exclaimed."Fate brought us together?" she said sarcastically."You could have some friends, you know." he continued working again."Not a chance, Lorenzo, you're an exception."For one reason, Aria never wanted to make friends. It will only complicate her situation, and Lorenzo is aware of that."It is because you are-" Aria cut him by raising her hand and went inside the back of the shop.At the center of the forest of the empire of Vittoria nestled the Varen Tower where the four headmaster and headmistresses gathered for a meeting. Headmistress Erine was along with them, representing the town of Viralinn. She's going to present the half-torn scroll.The Varen Tower is where the former headmasters or headmistresses reside. They are known as the Elders, and the current headmasters or headmistresses can consult them for knowledge. Currently, there are 4 Elders alive who are Elder Wareen, a former headmaster of Viralinn; Elder Alger, a former headmaster of Arcupil; Elder Humbert, a former headmaster of Lanza; and Elder Gorgo, a former headmaster of Rizeni.Viralinn, nestled in the mountains, is renowned for its combat wielders and skilled blacksmiths. The town's forge churns out top-quality swords, daggers, and axes, earning it a reputation as a hub for weapon craftsmanship.Arcupil, a quaint town nestled within lush forests and rolling hills, is famed for its mastery of the bow and arrow. Here, the townsfolk hone their skills with unwavering precision, becoming adept in speed and accuracy. From a young age, residents of Arcupil are taught the art of archery, and their expertise is passed down through generations.Lanza is a town renowned for its mastery of the spear. From young apprentices to seasoned warriors, its people excel in wielding this weapon with precision and skill.The art of combat is approached uniquely in Rizeni, nestled amidst serene landscapes. While there are few blacksmiths, their focus is not solely on crafting weapons but on mastering one's inner power before wielding any weapon. Here, the townsfolk understand that true strength comes from within. Before taking up arms, they embark on a journey of self-discovery and discipline. This dedication to inner strength sets the warriors of Rizeni apart, ensuring they do so with unmatched clarity and resolve when they wield a weapon.Headmistress Erine's hands trembled slightly as she presented the half-torn scroll they had retrieved. The Elders, cloaked in the wisdom of ages past, studied the scroll intensely, their eyes reflecting the moment's gravity."This... this is remarkable," Elder Alger murmured, his voice carrying the weight of centuries of knowledge. "Where did you find this, Headmistress Erine? I heard rumors about these weapons when I was still a kid""It was stolen at Paha and retrieved by my wielders," Erine replied, her gaze unwavering. "It was only the half scroll. Who knows where the other half is," she added.Elder Wareen leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he examined the faded script on the parchment. "What is this? A weapon?" he inquired, his tone betraying curiosity and apprehension."As it looks like, but we cannot confirm if we don't have the other half," Erine began, her voice tinged with awe.Elder Humbert's brow furrowed in thought. "And what of these relics? Do they still exist?"Erine hesitated, her fingers tracing the torn edges of the scroll. "The text is incomplete," she admitted. "But--."The Elders exchanged wary glances."We must tread carefully," Elder Humbert cautioned, his voice barely above a whisper. "If these relics exist, they could either save us or damn us all.""Indeed," Headmaster Raz, the headmaster of the town of Rizeni, "You'll never know the authenticity of scroll headmistress, if I may add."A mysterious man, Headmaster Raz, stood tall and had a lean, enigmatic presence. His dark hair framed a face marked by sharp angles and piercing eyes, hinting at depths of untold secrets. Clad in dark attire, he exuded confidence and intrigue, drawing others into his mysterious aura. Erine looked at the headmaster. She was not on good terms with him. Erine exchanged glances with Raz but then looked away."We had served our town for years, yet this incident arose only this time. I agree with the Headmaster of Rizeni. It is rather suspicious." Elder Gorgo agreed with the headmaster. Erine glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of each Elder in turn. She can't find the words to say."The question we must ask ourselves," headmaster Wareen began, his voice measured, "is whether the relic weapons are real, and if so, whether they pose a threat or a boon to our world." Elder Gorgo nodded, his expression thoughtful."The half-torn scroll suggests their existence," he conceded, "but we cannot ignore the possibility of misinformation or manipulation."Other elders nod in agreement.Elder Humbert leaned forward. His gaze is intense. "If the relic weapons are real, their power could be a double-edged sword," he cautioned. "They may hold the key to salvation, and again, in the wrong hands, they could unleash unimaginable destruction."Elder Alger stroked his beard, his expression grave. "We must proceed cautiously," he advised, echoing centuries of wisdom. "Gathering more information and assessing the true nature of the relics is paramount before we make any decisions."The other headmasters, including Erine, agreed with what the Elder said. They discussed what they should do if they ever cross paths and any other information regarding the relic weapons.As the meeting adjourned, Raz approached Erine with a determined stride, "Erine," he called out, his voice echoing off the stone walls.Erine paused and turned to face him. Her brows furrowed in frustration and curiosity. "Headmaster Raz," she replied tersely, her tone betraying a hint of annoyance."Cut with the honorifics, Erine," he said softly yet firmly."What is it then?" her voice filled with annoyance.Raz shrugged, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as he stepped closer to Erine. She moved backward until her back felt the stone walls. Raz's face stopped inches from her, his arm resting on the wall.Erine met Raz's gaze, his emerald eyes staring at her. She rolled her eyes out of annoyance and slightly pushed Raz away. "What do you want?" she asked, looking at the floor.Raz grinned unabashedly, his gaze still looking at her. "You never change, do you?" he quipped, gently touching her arm.As Raz reached out to touch her arm, Erine tensed, her muscles tightening beneath his grasp. She managed to push him away. "Raz, this is not the time for your games," she snapped, her patience wearing thin.Raz's grin is unfiltered, his hand falling back to his side as he recoiled slightly at her sharp tone. "Erine, you're still the same," he began, his words trailing off as he realized the depth of her anger.But Erine was already turning away, her jaw clenched in frustration. "No, I'm not," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. "You barely know me now. A lot of things change, a lot of things happen. And now? We have more important matters to attend to. Like finding the other half of the scroll."And with that, she strode off, leaving Raz standing alone amidst the shadows of the Elder's tower as he watched the headmistress leave. Though his eyes followed her every step, his expression remained impassive, betraying no hint of emotion. For Raz, emotions were a vulnerability he refused to entertain. Emotions are weaknesses.