Back to What Happened Minutes Ago
Inside Ash Minse's Office Room
Ash Minse, known for his cheerful and friendly demeanor as a martial arts teacher, was having a conversation with Dawk Coe, a teacher renowned for his expertise in offensive and defensive combat magic.
Dawk Coe eyed Ash suspiciously. "Minse, who are you really?" he asked, his voice tinged with suspicion.
Ash feigned ignorance. "What do you mean, Dawk?"
Dawk's gaze hardened. "Don't pretend. You know I can sense people's magic. And recently, I noticed something dark and sinister in yours. It's like pure blackness."
Ash's cheerful expression faded, replaced by a cold, calculating look. "Well, it seems like someone found out who I am. It appears my lord's power hasn't fully erased yet...."
Dawk's confusion turned to alarm. "What do you mean, Teacher Ash Minse?"
Ash's smile returned, but it was devoid of any warmth. "I actually respect you, Teacher Dawk. But it seems you've seen something you shouldn't have."
Dawk stood up, ready to defend himself. "Explain yourself, now!"
Before Dawk could react, Ash moved with quick speed, appearing right in front of him. "What?" Dawk gasped, but it was too late. Ash's hand, now transformed into a darkness like claw, pierced through Dawk's stomach.
At that moment, Lerona Everdale, the knight teacher, opened the door to Ash's office. "Kyahh!" she screamed, horrified by the sight of her colleague's lifeless body.
Ash turned to her, his eyes cold and emotionless. "You can't shout like that, Teacher Everdale." he said calmly before dragging her into the room and shutting the door to prevent anyone from noticing.
He kicked Lerona, sending her sprawling to the floor. She clutched her chest in pain and stared up at Ash with a mixture of anger and despair. "You traitorous bastard!!!!!!" she yelled, her voice echoing in the tense silence of the room.
Ash looked back at Lerona, his expression twisted into a wild smile. "Idiot. Who said that...," he began, his smile fading into a cold gaze as he locked eyes with Lerona. "...I'm not." he finished, his voice chillingly calm.
The room was dimly lit, with shadows dancing eerily along the walls. The scent of blood hung in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of incense. Books and scrolls were scattered across the floor, and a single flickering candle cast an unsteady light, illuminating the grim scene.
Lerona, despite the pain and fear, took a deep breath and steadied herself. She had to find a way to alert the academy and protect the students. With a silent resolve, she tightened her grip on her sword, ready to confront the monstrous Ash Minse.
......
Colerio Sapher and Damian Gothich walked through the quiet village. Their footsteps echoed on the cobblestone path. The sun was setting, casting long shadows and painting the sky with orange and pink colors. They approached a small house with smoke rising from its chimney. Inside, they could hear the steady clang of metal being worked.
Damian knocked on the door frame and peered inside. "Darius, it's been a while."
Inside, a burly man with a thick beard and muscular arms was hard at work, hammering a glowing piece of metal on an anvil. The room was filled with the smell of hot metal and the sound of the forge. Darius paused his blacksmithing, wiped the sweat from his brow, and turned to face his visitors.
Colerio, his eyes nonchalant but hiding a myriad of emotions, stepped forward. "We need your help, Darius."
Darius eyed Colerio for a moment, then chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "It's been a while since we last met, Captain, and the first words out of your mouth are a request for help," he said, shaking his head with a smile. "I guess you haven't changed much."
Colerio's expression softened slightly, revealing a hint of the bond they once shared. "Some things never change," he said. "anyway the situation is dire. We need the Raven Squad back together."
Darius set his hammer down and walked over to the pair, his eyes serious now. "What's happened?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
Damian stepped in. "The kingdom is in turmoil. Sir Colerio has been accused of treason for aiding Beastfolk. We need the Raven Squad."
Colerio looked into Damian's eyes and said, "It's important. We need you and the whole squad back."
Darius paused his blacksmithing and turned to face them, his face grim. "If you say it's important, then I believe you." he said. The room was dimly lit, with the glow of the forge casting flickering shadows on the walls. Tools and metal pieces were scattered around, and the heat from the forge made the air thick and warm.
Darius wiped his hands on a cloth and disappeared into a back room. The sounds of rustling and clinking metal filled the silence, mixing with the distant chirping of crickets and the occasional hoot of an owl. Colerio and Damian exchanged a glance, their expressions tense and focused, while the fading light outside cast a serene backdrop to the urgency of their mission.
Colerio glanced around the room, taking in the familiar sights and sounds of Darius's forge.Memories of past missions and camaraderie flooded his mind after all it was similar to what Darius do before. Then He looked at Damian, who gave him a reassuring nod.
A few moments later, Darius returned, a large pack slung over his shoulder. "Alright, Captain, where to next?" he asked, ready for whatever lay ahead.
Colerio smiled slightly. "We regroup with the others and plan our next move. We have a lot of work to do."
As they left Darius's forge, the weight of their mission hung heavy in the air. The Raven Squad was coming back together, and with it, the hope of uncovering the truth and restoring peace to their kingdom.
....
[Chalu side]
Chalu continued his training within his consciousness, guided by the legendary hero Roe. The space around them was an ethereal plane, a vast, open expanse filled with swirling energies and shimmering lights.
Chalu sat cross-legged in the middle of this dreamlike world. His body was surrounded by a soft, glowing aura that changed colors, showing how hard he was working and how focused he was. The air around him felt charged with energy, and the only sound was his calm, steady breathing.
Roe, the legendary hero, stood nearby with a strong and reassuring presence. His eyes were focused and intense as he watched Chalu. He wore ancient armor that seemed to glow softly, and his face showed a mix of concentration and support.
"That's it, Chalu," Roe's voice echoed through the mist, firm yet supportive. "Don't lose focus. Always remain determined towards your goal. Don't look back; instead, look forward. Focus!"
Chalu had his eyes closed, sweat dripping down his face, as he focused intently. He was working to connect the energy channels in his body to strengthen his aura. His muscles were tight with effort as he tried to steady the swirling energy inside him. His aura, a halo of bright, shifting colors, flickered and moved, showing the struggle he was going through.
Suddenly, Chalu sensed his aura becoming chaotic, The once steady colors of his aura started swirling and clashing with each other, creating a chaotic mix. Overwhelmed by the confusion, Chalu let out a frustrated grunt, "Aurg!" He struggled to regain control and calm the chaotic energy.
Despite the chaos inside him, Chalu stayed focused. He visualized his aura expanding, pushing through the chaotic energy to create a more stable and larger field. He breathed deeply, each inhale and exhale synchronized with the rhythm of his inner energy. His hands, resting on his knees, shook a little as he concentrated hard.
Roe, watching intently, couldn't help but smile at Chalu's perseverance. The shifting mist around them seemed to respond to Chalu's growing aura, swirling more energetically. Roe quietly said to himself, "You're getting stronger, Chalu."
As Chalu continued to work through his struggle, the mist around him became brighter and more colorful, resonating with the power of his expanding aura. The ancient trees seemed to lean closer, their leaves rustling softly as if they were encouraging him. The glowing flowers on the ground shone even brighter, showing how powerful Chalu's energy was becoming.
In the midst of this dreamlike setting, Chalu's aura began to calm down and grow stronger. His effort and concentration were starting to show results. With every moment, he was getting closer to fully mastering his inner energy.
.....
In the Beastfolk kingdom, the training grounds were busy with activity. Tall trees surrounded the area, their leaves rustling in the breeze. Sunlight shone through the branches, creating patterns of light and shadow on the ground. The air was filled with the sounds of chirping birds, rustling leaves, and the grunts and shouts of Beastfolk warriors training.
Mandu, the wise and gentle elephant beastfolk, stood at the edge of the training area. His large, expressive eyes watched over the warriors with a mix of pride and concern. Beside him, Lomi, the fast and agile cheetah beastfolk, was pacing back and forth. Her sleek muscles rippled under her spotted fur, and her eyes were sharp and focused.
"How many times do I have to tell you all to focus on channeling your energy?!" Lomi shouted, her voice cutting through the air like a whip.
The trainees fell silent, their previous conversations dying out instantly.
"Again!" Lomi commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.
"Yes, ma'am!" the warriors responded in unison, their voices a mix of determination and exhaustion.
Mandu couldn't help but smile at Lomi's intensity. He turned to her and remarked, "You're really fierce with them, huh?"
Lomi stopped her pacing and faced Mandu, her eyes softening slightly. "Well, I have to be. They're going into battle, and I don't want them to die. I don't want to lose them."
Mandu sighed deeply, his trunk swaying gently. "If I could stop them from going, I would... but it's the king's command."
He looked into Lomi's eyes, his expression heavy with guilt. "I don't know if I can face Chalu anymore... it feels like I've failed him."
Lomi's fierce demeanor softened at the mention of their friend. "Chalu..."
Suddenly, a voice called out from the distance, "Mandu! Lomi!"
Both Mandu and Lomi turned towards the source of the voice. Emerging from the dense forest were Raro, a sleek and agile cat beastfolk, and Gori, a massive and imposing gorilla beastfolk. With them was an unfamiliar cat beastfolk, who seemed out of place.
"Raro! Gori!" Mandu and Lomi shouted in unison, rushing to greet their friends.
Lyro, the Eldoan student mage disguised as a beastfolk thanks to Raro's fok power, looked around in awe. His eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the vibrant, bustling scene. "Whoa, so this is a Beastfolk place... so cool!"
Raro chuckled at Lyro's excitement, while Gori remained stoic, his large frame casting a shadow over the ground.
As the group gathered, Mandu's eyes settled on Lyro, who appeared as a cat beastfolk. "Who is this cat gentleman?" he asked, his trunk curling slightly in curiosity.
Raro introduced him, "Oh, this is Lyro."
Lyro, trying to fit in, enthusiastically greeted, "Hi! I'm Lyro, a eldo- nono, a cat beastfolk, hehehe."
Gori just shook his head at Lyro's near slip, while Lomi eyed Lyro suspiciously, her keen senses picking up on something off.
Mandu, focusing on what mattered, asked, "Hmm anyway, Where is Chalu?"
Raro's expression faltered. "Um, Chalu isn't here..." he quickly tried to change the subject, "Ahem, anyway, how are you all? Has our team grown?"
Mandu and Lomi exchanged glances, their eyes filled with sadness. Mandu, looking back at Raro, said, "Our numbers have grown, but... it's been difficult. The king's command is absolute, and many of our people are afraid. We've lost so many already."
Lomi added, her voice softer now, "We're doing our best to prepare them, but the war...."
The mood grew somber as they stood there, surrounded by the natural beauty of their homeland, united by their shared concern for their comrades and the heavy burden of their duties. The forest seemed to close in around them, the once comforting sounds now a reminder of the looming danger they all faced.
To be continue