Inside the grand halls of the Sapher Mansion, morning sunlight poured through tall, elegant windows. The sunlight created colorful patterns on the polished marble floors below, reflecting the intricate designs on the windows. The walls were adorned with rich tapestries that depicted victorious battles and historic alliances. The air carried a gentle scent of fresh flowers, carefully arranged in vases placed throughout the hall, which offered a calm contrast to the tense mood hanging in the air.
Lord Ron Sapher, dressed in noble attire suitable for his rank, walked anxiously around his brother Colerio. On the other hand Colerio, appeared outwardly calm, though his expression concealed the inner turmoil he felt. His calm demeanor hid the storm of emotions churning inside him.
"Brother, what are we going to do? You've become a wanted man... again!" Ron's voice echoed slightly in the spacious hall, a mix of concern and frustration evident in his tone.
Colerio's response was measured, his gaze steady as he addressed his brother. "Stay calm, Ron."
"How can I be calm in a situation like this?" Ron look towards Chalu, Raro, and Gori standing nearby, a stark reminder of the danger they were in. He sighed heavily. He let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his dark hair as he turned back to Colerio. "What's your plan?"
Interrupting their conversation, Bale Lomius, with her distinctive brown hair and keen eyes, spoke up tentatively. "Um, excuse me."
Ron's expression softened briefly in understanding. "Bale, as a member of the esteemed Lomius family, and you, Lyro," he nodded towards the young mage standing nearby, "are not considered criminals due to your family's influence. I don't know the specifics, but your families have managed to shield you from this accusation."
Lyro visibly relaxed at the news, relief evident on his face."So, the two of us are not wanted?"
Ron nodded solemnly. "Correct. However, my brother faces a different fate. Despite my position as a duke, Colerio has been labeled a criminal." he sighed deeply, a mix of resignation and empathy coloring his features.
Colerio, burdened with guilt yet grateful for his brother's understanding, spoke up with sincerity, "I'm sorry, Ron."
Ron met Colerio's gaze with a small, understanding smile. "I can't blame you. You were simply following your convictions, much like Lomius would."
Colerio nodded gratefully, then turned his attention to Chalu, and the others, his expression earnest and determined. "I believe these kids will bring an end to the Era of War between our factions."
As they gathered in the luxurious halls of the Sapher Mansion, the sense of duty and the desire for peace were heavy in the air. The mansion was grand, with tall windows that let in the morning sunlight, shining on polished marble floors and adorned with intricate tapestries depicting ancient battles. Despite the splendor, there was an underlying tension because of their uncertain future. The contrast between the majestic surroundings and their precarious circumstances made it clear that tough decisions lay ahead for them.
.......
Aro Lupe, known for his formidable mastery of offensive and defensive combat magic, stood rigidly in his office, his usually calm demeanor replaced by an air of staunch determination. His colleagues, Petra Haws, specializing in history magic, and Shen Mort, an alchemist renowned for his meticulous approach, tried to reason with him.
Petra approached Aro with earnest concern, her eyes pleading for understanding. "Teacher Aro, please reconsider. Colerio may not be what you think he is."
Aro's gaze hardened as he replied sternly, "Teacher Petra, my conviction remains steadfast!"
Shen, adjusting his glasses with a thoughtful expression, interjected calmly, "Perhaps we should take a step back and approach this with clarity."
Aro's frustration surfaced as he responded sharply, "No! Colerio has betrayed our trust, and that cannot be overlooked."
Petra, undeterred, pressed on desperately, "So you're advocating for Colerio's pursuit? Are you serious?"
Aro's voice grew more resolute as he invoked the words of Teacher Ash, their another colleague. "Remember what Teacher Ash told us, Petra!"
Petra hesitated, her voice trembling slightly. "But, but, Teacher Aro—"
Aro cut her off sharply, his tone unwavering. "Enough! Ash made it clear that Colerio has a dark history. He caused a mess in this kingdom twenty years ago!"
Petra countered softly, "But people can change. Colerio has become a different person."
Shen, observing the heated exchange between his colleagues, sighed deeply, recognizing the depth of their convictions and the gravity of the situation.
In Aro's office, amidst the swirling emotions and conflicting perspectives, the weight of past deeds and the possibility of redemption hung heavy in the air, casting a shadow over their shared commitment to their beliefs and the future of their kingdom.
Their debate remained unresolved, each of them grappling with their own truths and uncertainties as they navigated the complex web of loyalty, judgment, and forgiveness.
........
Ash Minse, typically known for his cheerful demeanor and expertise in martial arts, approached the desolate battlefield where death lingered in the air like a heavy fog. His steps were deliberate, each footfall echoing softly against the backdrop of fallen bodies—Eldoans and Beastfolk, These fallen figures bore silent witness to the recent violence and destruction.
Among the grim scene, Ash's expression remained unreadable, hiding a darker ambition beneath his facade of friendliness. His eyes scanned the area until they settled on a figure standing amidst the chaos, a creature with a hybrid form combining both Eldoan and monstrous features known as Athos.
As Ash approached, Athos was busy absorbing the life force of the fallen. Suddenly, he sensed Ash's presence. The monstrous creature turned towards Ash, his face showing a mix of recognition and hostility.
"You!!" Athos growled, his voice a gravelly rasp that cut through the eerie silence of the battlefield.
Ash approached cautiously, offering a disarming smile. "You remember me. I'm honored." he said, though there was an edge to his tone that hinted at something more sinister beneath the surface.
Athos eyed him suspiciously. "You're the one who awakened me," he accused, his tone accusing and filled with latent aggression.
Ash kneeled before Athos, a gesture of respect tinged with deference. "Pardon me, my lord. I am Ash Minse, a teacher from the Magux Academy." he introduced himself formally, though there was an air of calculated politeness in his demeanor.
"I already know that!" Athos snapped impatiently, his demeanor betraying a mix of curiosity and anger.
Ash nodded, maintaining his composure despite Athos' brusqueness. "I'm sorry, my lord." he replied calmly, his eyes steady on Athos.
Athos, his monstrous form pulsating with absorbed energy, demanded, "Enough of that. Why did you create me?"
Ash hesitated briefly, choosing his words carefully. "Um, I awakened you through experimentation, believing that a being like you could bring about change in this world." he explained, his voice tinged with conviction.
"Why did you create me?!" Athos repeated, his tone more insistent, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Because I believe," Ash continued, meeting Athos' gaze unwaveringly, "that with the power you possess—derived from the first calamity, Aurathos—you are the only one capable of achieving greatness and ruling over us."
Athos's lips curled into a wild smile, revealing rows of sharp teeth. "Is that so?" he mused, his voice low and dangerous as he took a step closer to Ash.
Then suddenly, Athos's expression changed. His monstrous face twisted with suspicion and anger. His sharp claws raised threateningly as he spoke sharply, accusing Ash directly.
"Do you think I'm a fool? Do you believe you can deceive me?" His voice echoed with menace and distrust.
Ash, maintaining his calm demeanor, raised his hands in a placating gesture. "I didn't deceive you, my lord," he insisted earnestly. "I truly believe in your potential and am willing to do whatever it takes to prove my loyalty." he declared, his voice unwavering despite the danger.
Athos, intrigued by Ash's unwavering conviction, smirked darkly. "Is that so? Anything?" he challenged, his tone laced with malice.
Ash nodded firmly. "Yes, my lord." he affirmed resolutely, willing to go to any lengths to gain Athos's trust and further his own ambitions.
"Pardon me?" Ash blinked, taken aback by the sudden demand.
Athos, the imposing half-monster with a face like an Eldoan but monstrous features, roared in frustration and impatience, his clawed hand gesturing menacingly as he demanded, "I said, bring me that Eldoan!"
Ash, kneeling before Athos, remained composed despite the pressure. "But... No offense, my lord, but there is no Eldoan named Chalu." he replied calmly, trying to clarify the misunderstanding.
Athos's expression darkened as confusion crossed his face. "What do you mean?!" he demanded sharply, his monstrous features contorting with irritation.
Ash hesitated briefly before recalling Chalu, the chimpanzee beastfolk who had surprised him with his powers during a previous encounter. "Perhaps you mean that individual." Ash suggested cautiously.
Athos's eyes narrowed as he considered Ash's words. "Who?" he pressed, his tone skeptical yet intrigued.
Ash continued, "My lord, there is a chimpanzee beastfolk named Chalu who pretends to be an Eldoan. We discovered his true identity, and he managed to escape from us along with his comrades." he explained, hoping to clarify the situation.
Athos's reaction was immediate. "What?!" he exclaimed incredulously, his monstrous form towering over Ash with a mixture of surprise and anger.
Ash quickly reassured him, "But don't worry, my lord. I have already ensured his face is on wanted posters across the kingdom. It won't be long before he is caught." he assured, hoping to alleviate Athos's concern.
Athos's lips curled into a wild, predatory smile. "Is that so?" he chuckled darkly, amusement flickering in his eyes. "To think that the little pest is nothing more than a chimpanzee." he mused aloud, his laughter echoing through the grim surroundings.
Then, Athos's demeanor shifted, his expression turning serious and intense. "And a mere chimpanzee dares to challenge me, Athos." he muttered, his voice filled with a mix of amusement and malice.
Athos turned his piercing gaze towards Ash, his eyes glittering with a dangerous intensity. "If you truly wish to prove your loyalty and become my subordinate, capture Chalu. Do whatever it takes to bring that damned chimpanzee to me." he commanded, his voice carrying the weight of authority and threat.
Ash, meeting Athos's gaze with unwavering determination, nodded solemnly. "As you wish, my lord." he acknowledged, understanding the gravity of the task set before him.
Athos's smirk widened into a feral grin. "Go," he ordered, his voice resonating with power. "Bring me Chalu."
Ash rose from his kneeling position, a sense of urgency and purpose guiding his movements as he prepared to fulfill Athos's demand. With a deep breath, he replied with unwavering resolve, "Yes, my lord. It will be done."
As Ash swiftly departed from Athos's presence, a malevolent grin spread across his face, his eyes glinting with dark intent.
"Yes, this is it," he murmured to himself, his voice tinged with anticipation and malice. "Soon, the Dark Era will dawn upon us."
His laughter echoed through the desolate surroundings, a chilling sound that carried the weight of impending chaos and upheaval. With every step, Ash's determination grew stronger, fueled by his own hidden ambitions and the promise of power that lay ahead.
As he made his way towards his next destination, his thoughts raced with visions of domination and control. The world around him seemed to darken, mirroring the darkness within his own heart.
"Prepare yourselves," Ash whispered ominously into the air, his words carrying a sinister promise. "The end is coming soon."
As Joe, the heavenly father, watched the unfolding events in the mortal realm with a sense of urgency and determination, he knew that decisive action was needed to tip the scales in favor of Chalu and his companions.
"It's time to train Chalu." Joe murmured to himself, his voice resonating with a mix of concern and determination. From his vantage point outside the universe, he could see the challenges and threats that Chalu faced, particularly against formidable adversaries like Athos and the lurking ambitions of figures like Ash.
Joe's words echoed across the universe, signaling the start of a big change that would shape Eldan's history forever.
To be continue