Athos stood confidently, facing Rowena Lomius, the formidable first vassal of the King and a powerful mage. Grizz and Kelly, both visibly injured, were on the other side of the clearing, leaning on each other for support.
Rowena's sharp eyes scanned the scene, taking in the bodies of fallen Eldoans and Beastfolk. The battlefield was a grim tableau of the recent conflict, with the ground littered with the aftermath of the battle. The air was thick with the scent of magic and blood, a testament to the intensity of the clash.
Rowena's gaze settled on Kelly, her expression stern. "What's going on here, Kelly?" she asked, her voice cutting through the silence. Her eyes briefly darted to Grizz, filled with suspicion. "And you, Beastfolk!"
Kelly, clutching her wounded side, shook her head vigorously. "No, Master. Grizz didn't hurt me," she explained, her voice earnest. She pointed accusingly at Athos, her eyes filled with fear and anger. "That monster was the one who caused all of this."
Rowena looked taken aback as she shifted her gaze to Athos. "Are you sure that Beastfolk didn't hurt you? But this guy—he looks like a Beastfolk too!"
Kelly, still visibly shaken, shook her head again. "No, Master. If that monster were a Beastfolk, he wouldn't have killed these Beastfolk you see here." she insisted, gesturing to the fallen around them.
Rowena's eyes narrowed as she tried to reconcile the conflicting information. "Is that so? But I still won't believe it.. We will have this conversation after I capture this guy!!"
Athos chuckled darkly, his voice dripping with mockery. "A foolish person never believes her students. As expected of the strongest mage, Rowena Lomius."
Enraged, Rowena lunged at Athos, her movements swift and precise. "Shut up!" she shouted, her voice filled with authority and fury. Her hands crackled with magical energy, ready to unleash a powerful spell.
Athos prepared to counter, his own dark aura intensifying as he readied himself for the clash. The air between them seemed to vibrate with the tension of impending combat, as the strongest mage and the enigmatic Athos prepared to face off. The outcome of their confrontation would have far-reaching consequences for both Eldoans and Beastfolk alike, as old alliances and enmities were tested on this blood-soaked battlefield.
As Kelly leaned on Grizz for support, they stood amidst a battlefield strewn with the bodies of both Eldoans and Beastfolk. The ground was scorched and littered with debris, remnants of the fierce battle that had taken place. The air was thick with the scent of smoke and the metallic tang of blood, mingling with the faint rustle of the wind in the distance.
Kelly whispered, "Thank you for supporting me." her voice barely audible over the sounds of the ongoing clash.
Grizz, his fur matted and his eyes hardened, responded, "Don't misunderstand me. I'm just helping you because you have your worth in defeating that monster."
Kelly looked up at him, her eyes wide with a mix of gratitude and confusion. "But still, thank you... I thought Beastfolk were monsters who killed people."
Grizz's eyes narrowed, a flicker of pain crossing his face as he surveyed the aftermath around them. "You thought? How funny. You Eldoans ruined our peace. You people killed our kin!"
Kelly's voice faltered, her tone laden with regret. "I... we... didn't mean to..."
Grizz's expression darkened, his tone becoming harsh. "Enough. I don't want to talk about it. Let's focus on defeating that monster first." he said, his gaze shifting to the intense battle raging nearby.
Rowena Lomius, a figure of regal authority, stood firm against Athos, her robes billowing as she summoned powerful spells. Her power shimmered with an ethereal light, reflecting her mastery of magic. Athos, however, seemed almost unfazed, his movements fluid and his eyes glinting with dark amusement. Shadows circling around him, twisting and writhing in response to his commands.
Kelly, her voice tinged with hope, said, "Why? My master is here. I'm sure she can defeat that monster with ease."
Grizz shook his head, his expression grim. "Don't get me wrong, Rowena Lomius is the strongest mage in the world. It's said she might surpass her ancestor, Belz Lomius, the Mother of Magic. But that monster... he's not an easy feat." His eyes narrowed as he watched the fight, the tension in his posture evident.
Kelly's eyes widened in disbelief. "Not an easy feat?"
Grizz nodded, his voice low and filled with concern. "That monster, the more he fights, the stronger he becomes. It's like he's adapting to the battle. I don't know if Rowena can defeat him."
Kelly's face paled as she looked at the ongoing battle, the gravity of the situation sinking in. "What?" she murmured, fear creeping into her voice.
Grizz continued, his voice urgent, "Like I said, that monster isn't just any opponent. His power grows with each exchange, and even the strongest mage might find it hard to keep up. We have to be ready for worse outcome."
.....
Meanwhile, at the Sapher household manor, Bale Lomius, a 15-year-old Eldoan student mage with flowing brown hair, stood quietly by a bed. She gazed down at Chalu, a 15-year-old chimpanzee Beastfolk, who lay peacefully asleep. The room was dimly lit, filled with the soft glow of enchanted lamps casting a warm, gentle light over the scene.
Bale murmured softly, "Chalu, I hope you're fine." her voice tender as she gently held his hand. The warmth of his fur and the steady rhythm of his breathing gave her a sense of calm amidst the turmoil outside.
As she stood there, her mind raced with thoughts of the battles and challenges ahead. "I have to become stronger than before." she thought, her resolve hardening. With a final squeeze of Chalu's hand, she turned and quietly left the room, her footsteps soft against the polished tiles floors.
Bale walked through the grand halls of the Sapher manor, her resolve growing stronger with each step. The manor was a grand building, decorated with detailed carvings and tapestries that showed the Sapher family's long history. She moved through tall arched doorways and descended a stone staircase until she reached the training grounds.
The training grounds were expansive, with a clear view of the sky above. The area was equipped with various training tools, practice dummies, and targets. The ground was covered in soft grass, with patches of worn earth where countless training sessions had taken place.
Bale stood in the center of the training grounds, her expression serious and focused. She stretched her arms, feeling the energy surge through her veins. "Time to complete that technique I created!" she declared, her voice echoing in the quiet of the evening.
She began to channel her magic, her body enveloped in a soft glow. Bale's eyes narrowed in concentration as she visualized the steps of her technique, a complex combination of spells and movements she had been developing. The air around her crackled with energy, her hair lifting slightly as the power coursed through her. She moved gracefully, her hands weaving intricate patterns in the air, her magic responding to her will.
With each movement, she refined her control, pushing her limits and honing her skills. Bale was determined to master this technique, knowing it could be the key to protecting those she cared about and making a difference in the ongoing conflict between Eldoans and Beastfolk.
....
Mandu the elephant, Lomi the cheetah, Raro the cat, Gori the gorilla, and Lyro, disguised as a cat Beastfolk, were huddled inside a small, dimly lit room. The air was thick with tension, shadows playing across their faces from the flickering candlelight.
Mandu, towering over the others, spoke in a hushed yet urgent tone, "Are you kidding me, Raro?!" His voice carried a mix of disbelief and concern.
Mandu moved closer to Raro, lowering his voice to a whisper that only they could hear, "That person is an Eldoan," he said, pointing subtly towards Lyro.
Raro, his expression a mix of determination and guilt, replied, "Come on, you know what Chalu said—unite both factions. That's what I'm trying to do."
Mandu sighed heavily, his large frame casting a shadow over the room. "I know, I know. But bringing an Eldoan here, to the Beastfolk kingdom (Atlas)... What if someone discovers him? What if his disguise wears off? The Beastfolk will hunt him down!"
Lomi, her feline features tense with distrust, stepped closer to Lyro, her eyes sharp as she pointed a dagger towards him. "I respect Chalu's words about uniting both factions, but I still don't trust you Eldoans!" she hissed, her voice laced with anger.
Lyro raised his hands slightly, a nervous smile on his face. "Easy there, princess." he said, trying to defuse the situation.
Lomi's eyes narrowed, filled with pain and anger. "I'm not joking. Your people killed my family."
Mandu interjected, his voice gentle but firm, "Lomi, remember Chalu's teachings. Remember why we're doing this."
With a deep sigh, Lomi sheathed her dagger, though her gaze remained cold and unforgiving. "I'm doing this out of respect for Chalu." she muttered, stepping back.
Mandu looked between Raro and Lyro, his expression grave. "Make sure Lyro remains hidden until Chalu arrives, okay?"
Gori began to speak, "About that—" but was cut off by a sudden voice from outside the room, calling out, "Mandu, are you here?!"
Mandu immediately recognized the voice as Rex, the courtier from the bird clan and a trusted aide to King Regulus. His eyes widened with a mix of concern and urgency.
Without missing a beat, Mandu turned to the group and whispered urgently, "Make sure to stay hidden. Shh!" His voice was low but commanding, urging them to silence and caution.
The room fell into a tense silence, the atmosphere heavy with the weight of their secret. Lyro, Raro, Gori, and Lomi exchanged worried glances, fully aware of the precariousness of their situation. They knew that discovery could lead to dire consequences, not just for Lyro, but for all of them.
Mandu took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves before addressing the courtier outside. He moved towards the door, his large frame casting long shadows in the dim light, and prepared to face Rex, hoping to maintain the facade and protect the hidden Eldoan among them.
....
Ash Minse, known for his cheerful and friendly demeanor as a martial arts teacher, now wore a wicked expression as he faced the trio of teachers: Lerona Everdale, the knight teacher; Petra Haws, a specialist in history magic; and Shen Mort, an alchemist teacher. The three were battered and bloodied, bearing the marks of their struggle against Ash, who had revealed his mastery of dark magic.
Lerona, struggling to stay on her feet, spat blood onto the cold stone floor, her breaths shallow and labored. Her armor, dented and scratched, bore the marks of their battle. Petra, eyes wide with fear and determination, knelt beside her, desperately trying to provide support. Shen Mort, clutching his side where blood seeped through his fingers, stood protectively in front of the two women, his face set with grim resolve.
Ash's laughter echoed in the room, a dark, chilling sound. "Hahahaha! Fools! You think you can beat me? Me! The wielder of Dark Magic, the origin magic!" His hands glowed with a sinister, black energy, tendrils of darkness swirling around him like living shadows.
The ground beneath them seemed to tremble with the power radiating from Ash, the very air thickening with malevolence. The torches flickered more wildly, casting eerie, flickering lights across the scene.
Lerona, her voice a weak whisper, tried to reassure Petra, "Teacher Petra, it seems... my time is near..." Her grip tightened on Petra's arm, a silent plea for strength and courage.
Petra, tears welling up in her eyes, shook her head, refusing to accept the reality. "No, no, no! You can't die!" Her voice was filled with desperation, her heart breaking at the sight of her fellow teacher.
Shen Mort, feeling the weight of the situation and their perilous position, knew he had to act. He reached into his alchemical pouch with shaking hands, pulling out a small vial filled with a shimmering liquid. With a swift motion, he threw it to the ground, where it shattered and released a blinding light.
Ash, momentarily blinded by the brilliance, shielded his eyes. "What are you doing?" he snarled, suspicion and anger flaring in his voice.
Ignoring the question, Shen shouted, "Teleportation!" The potion's magic activated, enveloping Petra and Lerona in a radiant glow. The light grew brighter, a swirling vortex forming around them.
Ash's face twisted in fury as he realized what was happening. "No, no, no! Stop!"
Petra, realizing what was happening, reached out towards Shen, her eyes filled with sorrow and disbelief. "No, Teacher Shen!" she cried out, her voice cracking with emotion.
In that brief moment, Shen met her gaze, a soft smile on his lips despite the pain etched on his face. "I like you, Petra." he said, his voice tender and filled with sincerity. The world around them seemed to pause, the moment suspended in time.
Then, with a flash, Petra and Lerona vanished, teleported to safety by Shen's quick thinking.
Ash's eyes blazed with fury as he realized his prey had escaped. The dark energy around him surged, the room growing colder and the shadows deeper. "You bastard!" he roared, his voice filled with rage. He lunged towards Shen, the dark magic in his hands crackling with lethal intent.
Shen braced himself, knowing he faced certain doom, but ready to stand his ground. The room seemed to close in around him, the oppressive darkness pressing down as Ash's form loomed larger, his face twisted with anger and malice. The air was thick with the stench of burnt magic, the remnants of Shen's spell hanging in the air like a veil of smoke.
To be continue