The battle between the Eldoans and Beastfolk had reached a fever pitch. The air was thick with the clashing of steel and the crackling of magic. Spells flew through the air like comets, while the roars of warriors echoed across the battlefield.
On the Eldoan side, a young mage named Kelly stood at the forefront. Her green robes fluttered in the wind as she raised her staff, channeling energy into a powerful barrier spell. Sweat dripped down her face, but her eyes burned with determination.
Kelly was no ordinary mage. She was a prodigy and the disciple of Rowena Lomius, the strongest mage in the kingdom. Kelly possessed a rare aptitude for three elements: air, water, and earth. Through her rigorous training, she had learned to combine these elements to emulate lightning, a technique first created by Belz Lomius, the legendary Mother of Magic, during the ancient era.
"Breakthrough their defenses! Break through!" Kelly shouted, her voice cutting through the din of battle.
Around her, the Eldoan mages and knights responded with a unified roar. The mages concentrated their spells, launching a barrage of fireballs and lightning bolts towards the Beastfolk. The knights, clad in gleaming armor, formed a tight phalanx and prepared to charge, their swords and shields at the ready.
The ground beneath the Eldoan mages vibrated as Kelly combined air, water, and earth to create a massive lightning bolt. The energy crackled around her staff, illuminating the battlefield with a blinding light. With a swift motion, she hurled the bolt towards the Beastfolk, the air sizzling with raw power.
Meanwhile, on the Beastfolk side, chaos and fury reigned. Grizz, a towering figure from the bear clan and one of the vassals of the Beastfolk king, stood at the center of their formation. His fur was matted with blood, and his eyes glowed with a fierce, almost feral light.
"Let's fucking kill them all!" Grizz roared, his voice a thunderous boom.
Without hesitation, Grizz lunged towards the Eldoans, his massive frame barreling through their front lines like a battering ram. He activated his Fok ability, War Warrior, which made him stronger with each opponent he faced. As he fought, his muscles bulged and his strikes became more powerful, a terrifying spectacle to behold.
The ground shook with each of Grizz's steps. He swung his enormous battle axe with brutal precision, cleaving through armor and flesh alike. The Eldoan knights, brave as they were, struggled to hold their ground against his onslaught.
Kelly, witnessing the carnage, gritted her teeth and redoubled her efforts. She summoned a massive lightning bolt and hurled it at Grizz, hoping to slow him down. The bolt struck him square in the chest, causing him to stagger for a moment. But the War Warrior ability only seemed to amplify his strength in response to the attack.
Grizz roared in fury and charged at Kelly, his eyes locked onto her. The young mage stood her ground, summoning a protective barrier around herself. The force of Grizz's attack shattered the barrier, sending shockwaves through the battlefield.
Amidst the chaos of the battlefield, Kelly faced off against Grizz. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched the towering bear Beastfolk charge toward her. She muttered under her breath, "Tsk, so this is what a vassal of the king is like. Now I understand why I don't hold a candle against them."
Grizz saw Kelly and grinned savagely. "Prepare to die!" he roared, lunging at her with his massive battle axe raised high.
Kelly quickly reacted, raising her staff. "Aquatic Barrier!" she shouted. A shield of water, hard as diamond, formed in front of her just in time to absorb the impact of Grizz's attack. The force of the blow sent ripples through the barrier, but it held firm.
Grizz's grin widened. "Hoh," he muttered, impressed by her defense.
As they continued their fierce battle, neither of them noticed the dark figure watching from the shadows. Athos, the Calamity, observed the chaos with a sinister smile. He murmured to himself, "This is the perfect opportunity to gain more power."
...
Rowena Lomius sat inside her tent, dressed in majestic robes decorated with intricate designs that marked her as a vassal. The air inside was filled with the soothing scent of burning incense from small braziers, offering a calm contrast to the turmoil in her thoughts. Outside, the Eldoan camp bustled with activity: soldiers marched in organized formations, tents rustled in the gentle breeze, and the occasional sound of armor clashing added to the atmosphere.
Inside her tent, Rowena's thoughts were consumed by betrayal and regret. Her fingers absently traced the embroidered threads on her robe, a habit she often resorted to in moments of deep contemplation. Each stitch seemed to represent a choice, a decision made in the past that had led her to this point.
"Colerio, you bastard," Rowena muttered to herself, her voice thick with emotion. "Why did you betray us? I trusted you. I became a vassal because of you. Why did you save those beastfolk... who killed my brother?"
The weight of her thoughts pressed upon her, each question a painful reminder of the choices that led to this moment.
As Rowena wrestled with her emotions, the flap of her tent was abruptly pulled aside, revealing Cevic, her comrade known for his strategic brilliance and intelligence. Despite his average magical prowess, Cevic excelled in analyzing information and devising strategies, making him invaluable to Rowena.
"What is it?" Rowena asked sharply, her eyes narrowing as she focused on Cevic.
Cevic hesitated briefly, then spoke with urgency, "Ms. Rowena, it appears your disciple is in danger."
Rowena's eyes widened in alarm. "What?"
Cevic swallowed hard, his expression grave. "She's engaged in battle with a vassal of the Beastfolk."
"What?!" Rowena exclaimed, rising to her feet in one swift motion. "Which vassal?"
"Grizz," Cevic answered solemnly. "From the bear clan."
Rowena's mind raced, thoughts of Kelly's safety consuming her. "Grizz," she said, her voice betraying both concern and frustration. "From the bear clan."
Realization dawned on Rowena; Grizz was known for his immense strength and battle prowess. Her grip tightened on the embroidered threads of her robe as she contemplated the dire situation.
"She can't defeat him," Rowena muttered to herself, her voice barely audible. "That bastard is too strong."
Determination flared in Rowena's eyes as she made a swift decision. "We must go to the battlefield and find her before it's too late!"
Cevic nodded sharply. "Affirmative, Ms. Rowena."
Together, they exited the tent, stepping out into the bustling camp. The sun hung low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the tents and soldiers. Rowena's robes fluttered in the breeze as she moved with purpose, her mind focused solely on reaching the battlefield.
With a final determined stride, Rowena surged forward, her thoughts focused solely on finding her disciple amidst the chaos of war.
....
Meanwhile back to the fight
Kelly's barrier shattered under Grizz's relentless assault, the shards of water dissipating into the air. She stumbled backward, but quickly regained her footing. Her mind raced, searching for a strategy to counter Grizz's overwhelming strength.
Grizz, seeing her momentary hesitation, laughed heartily. "You think you can stand against me, little mage? You're out of your depth!"
Kelly tightened her grip on her staff, determination blazing in her eyes. "I won't back down. For the Eldoans, for my people, I will fight!"
With a swift motion, she summoned a torrent of water, shaping it into a massive serpent that lunged at Grizz. The serpent coiled around him, its watery fangs sinking into his flesh. Grizz roared in annoyance, the War Warrior ability fueled his rage and strength, allowing him to break free from the serpent's grasp.
As Grizz prepared to strike down Kelly, Suddenly screams erupted from both Eldoans and Beastfolks across the battlefield. The cries echoed loudly, sending a chilling fear through everyone present.
Suddenly, Athos emerged from the shadows, moving swiftly among the fighters. He had a monstrous appearance, and with each swift movement, he drained the life force from those around him. Athos seemed to feed on their essence, leaving behind lifeless bodies.
As Athos continued to kill and consume the flesh of Eldoans and Beastfolk, he absorbed their essence, reveling in the newfound power coursing through his veins. His laughter echoed across the battlefield, chilling those who heard it.
"Hahahaahah!" Athos roared with delight. "So this is what power feels like!"
Grizz, witnessing Athos' rampage, halted his attack on Kelly. Despite his rage, Grizz knew that Athos posed a greater threat. He shouted angrily at Athos, "What are you doing?!"
Athos turned to face Grizz, his eyes gleaming with malicious glee. "Oh, this?" he sneered, gesturing casually at the fallen bodies around him. "This is just a snack. Their essence makes me stronger, you know."
Grizz growled, his grip tightening on his massive battle axe. "You bastard," he spat. "You think you can just slaughter us like animals?"
Athos chuckled darkly. "Animals? Oh no, my dear Grizz," he taunted. "You are much more than that. you're my food."
....
Meanwhile
Kenjo, disguised as an Eldoan, moved through the bustling streets of the kingdom, his transformation technique flawlessly concealing his true identity as a member of the Turtle Clan. His senses were sharp, honed by years of training in the clan's assassin techniques, and he navigated the crowded thoroughfares with ease.
As he strolled past the kingdom's marketplace, his eyes caught sight of a series of wanted posters plastered on a nearby wall. Among them were images of Chalu, Gori, and Raro—beastfolk he knew from his homeland—and another of an Eldoan man.
Kenjo's initial shock was palpable as he muttered to himself, "Chalu and the others... What's going on?" His instincts told him that something significant had transpired.
His mission, assigned directly by King Regulus the 5th, the powerful Lion King of the Beastfolk, was clear: find Chalu and report his whereabouts and activities back to the king. Kenjo's loyalty to his king was unwavering, yet he couldn't shake the nagging doubts and questions swirling in his mind about the circumstances surrounding Chalu and the others.
A nearby Eldoan civilian, also observing the posters, expressed disdain, "Tsk, to think Teacher Colerio helped these beastfolk."
Intrigued, Kenjo turned to the civilian, a middle-aged man with a weary expression. "What's going on with these posters?" Kenjo inquired, maintaining his guise as an Eldoan.
The civilian sighed heavily before responding, "Oh, you didn't know? These beastfolk disguised themselves as Eldoan students and were caught. They fled, and that Eldoan man," he pointed to the image on the poster, "is Colerio Sapher. He's a teacher from the Magux Academy and one of the king's vassals."
Kenjo furrowed his brow in contemplation, absorbing the information. "Colerio Sapher... A vassal of the king... and he helped these beastfolk?"
The civilian nodded grimly. "Yes, it's true. It's caused quite a stir. Many believe he betrayed us by aiding them."
Kenjo's mind raced with possibilities. Colerio Sapher's actions had clearly stirred up controversy and divided public opinion. He needed more details to accurately report back to King Regulus, but he also knew he had to tread carefully.
"Thank you for informing me." Kenjo said, nodding respectfully to the civilian before continuing on his way. His mind raced with thoughts of Chalu, Gori, Raro, and the enigmatic Colerio Sapher. The situation was far more complex than he had imagined, and he knew that unraveling the truth behind the wanted posters would require caution and careful investigation.
Afterall in a kingdom where suspicion and dislike towards beastfolk were widespread, he knew it was crucial to maintain his disguise and gather more information discreetly.
As he moved through the marketplace, Kenjo's thoughts were consumed by his mission. He needed to gather information swiftly and discreetly. The wanted posters had provided a crucial lead, indicating that Chalu and his companions were on the run and that Colerio Sapher, a prominent figure, had aided them.
Kenjo's first task was to verify this information and then report back to King Regulus. Finding a secluded spot, he activated his Serpent Sense—a unique fok ability of the Beastfolk that heightened his perception of danger and allowed him to sense movements and intentions around him.
From his hidden spot where no one could see him, Kenjo watched the people passing by. He listened carefully to their conversations, hoping to hear something useful. The Eldoans talked about recent troubles with beastfolk and how they felt betrayed. Kenjo stayed calm and didn't show any emotion, making sure he looked like he belonged there. He didn't want anyone to suspect he was actually a beastfolk in disguise.
Kenjo noticed a group of Eldoans talking quietly near a merchant's stall. Curious, he pretended to examine the goods on display while secretly listening to their conversation.
"... I heard they fled towards the southern border." one Eldoan murmured nervously.
Another shook his head, saying, "No, I heard they were spotted heading east, towards the old ruins."
A third Eldoan chimed in mockingly, "Idiot! I heard that Sir Colerio Sapher is hiding them in his Sapher household."
The first Eldoan nodded thoughtfully, "That's also possible. After all, Sir Colerio is from the Sapher family, a duke's household. It would make sense for his brother to shelter them."
The second Eldoan interjected, "Doesn't matter. What matters to me is that Sir Colerio, who saved us back then, is a good person. He must have a reason to protect those damn beastfolk."
"Yeah, yeah, perhaps those damn beastfolk have taken his loved one hostage or something." another Eldoan added, joining the conversation.
As Kenjo stood among the Eldoans, disguised as one of them, his ears tuned to every whispered conversation around him. The discussions were fragmented but held valuable clues about Chalu and his companions' whereabouts. Some Eldoans speculated they had fled south towards the border, while others believed they headed east, towards the old ruins.
However, when one Eldoan mentioned Colerio Sapher hiding in his household, Kenjo's focus sharpened. The name 'Sapher' resonated deeply; it was a powerful family name among the Eldoans, associated with wealth and influence. This detail stood out to Kenjo the most because it suggested a possible sanctuary for Chalu and the others. Being from a duke's household, Colerio would likely have the resources and protection to shield fugitives like Chalu.
Kenjo processed this information swiftly. It meant that if Chalu and his companions were indeed hiding with Colerio, they would be in a well-defended and politically sensitive location. This added complexity to Kenjo's mission, requiring him to tread carefully and possibly rethink his approach.
As he listened further, the Eldoans debated Colerio's motivations. Some defended him, suggesting he had valid reasons for aiding the beastfolk, possibly tied to personal connections or past debts. Others were skeptical, questioning whether Colerio might have been coerced or manipulated.
The speculation grew more heated, with one Eldoan suggesting that the beastfolk might have taken Colerio's loved ones hostage, explaining his actions. Kenjo absorbed all these theories, understanding that they shaped the Eldoans' perceptions of Colerio and potentially influenced their actions.
Satisfied with the information gathered, Kenjo retreated further into the crowds
As Kenjo withdrew from the crowd, Kenjo's mind still raced with the implications. If Colerio was indeed sheltering Chalu and the others, it meant Kenjo had to approach his mission with even greater caution. The Sapher household would be heavily guarded, both physically and politically. Any attempt to confront Colerio or apprehend the beastfolk would require meticulous planning and precise execution.
....
As the 12 Noon light filtering through the tall windows of the Sapher household's grand hall, Ron Sapher and his brother Colerio stood together. Despite their middle age, they looked remarkably youthful, thanks to their magic circles' rejuvenating effects.
As Ron Sapher, a respected elder Eldoan with striking black hair and a commanding presence, stood beside his brother Colerio Sapher. Colerio, still in his prime with a sharp gaze and an aura of quiet authority, exchanged a meaningful glance with Damian Gothich, Ron's trusted confidant and former comrade from the Raven squad.
And yes, Damian was a former member of the Raven squad led by Colerio Sapher 29 years ago. Damian was known for his strategic acumen and unique battle tactics during that time. Now, time has flown by, and Damian, Colerio, and Ron are all in their forties.
"So, what's our next move?" Ron's voice resonated softly in the spacious hall.
Colerio, his expression serious but youthful, replied, "First, we need to contact our comrades."
Ron Sapher's voice echoed through the grand hall, his tone weighted with urgency, "You mean the Raven squad?"
Colerio nodded solemnly, his gaze shifting to Damian Gothich, the confidential secretary who had once been his trusted lieutenant in the Raven squad.
"Damian, do you still have their contact?" Colerio inquired, his voice steady despite the underlying concern.
Damian, now in his 40s but still possessing the sharp intellect and tactical acumen he was renowned for, sighed softly. "It's been years, Sir. They've all moved on, started families, gone into hiding. Finding them won't be easy."
Colerio's expression tightened with a hint of sadness despite his nonchalant demeanor, yet determination flickered in his eyes. 'I know, but we need their help now more than ever.'"
Damian met Colerio's gaze with a nod, his loyalty unwavering even after all these years. "I will try my best, Sir."
"Thank you, Damian." Colerio acknowledged gratefully, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Damian smiled faintly, a gesture laden with years of camaraderie and shared battles fought side by side.
As they discussed their plans, Chalu, the young chimpanzee beastfolk known for his distinctive features and energetic demeanor, suddenly clutched his head in distress. His companions gathered around in concern: Bale, her brown hair tied back in a kind manner, exuding a sense of focus and determination; Lyro, with an adventurer's spirit evident in his curious gaze and readiness for action; Raro, from the agile cat clan, alert and swift, his eyes fixed on Chalu with worry; and Gori, the gorilla clan member, strong and prideful, showing concern etched on his features.
Their discussion halted abruptly as they noticed Chalu's distress. He staggered slightly, his brow furrowed in pain, clutching his head as if assaulted by unseen forces. Bale stepped forward first, her voice laced with concern, "Chalu, what's happening?"
Lyro, spoke up, "Chalu?"
Raro's ears twitched nervously as he observed Chalu's struggle. "Are you alright? Did something happen?"
Gori's brow furrowed deeply, his massive frame tense with worry. "Chalu, what's wrong? Can you hear us?"
Even Colerio, typically composed and nonchalant person, couldn't hide his concern. "Chalu..."
Suddenly, Chalu's eyes widened with a pained expression, and he slumped to the ground, his body going limp as he lost consciousness. To his companions, it seemed as if he had simply collapsed, but little did they know, Chalu was now embarking on an extraordinary journey deep within his own mind.
Everyone shouted "Chalu!!!!"
To be continue