"Grizz's capture is a severe blow," Lee said, his voice low and controlled, but carrying a note of underlying tension. He paced the length of the tent, the soft shuffle of his steps against the canvas floor punctuating his words. "And if Rowena Lomius is involved, we are dealing with a threat far greater than we anticipated."
Falo, still catching her breath, nodded in agreement. Her gaze was intense, reflecting both the urgency of the situation and the gravity of the challenge they now faced. "Yes, Rowena Lomius is not just another opponent. Her magical prowess is unmatched, and her involvement in this conflict could change the course of the war."
Lee stopped pacing and turned to face Falo, his eyes hard with resolve. "We cannot underestimate her capabilities. Her capture of Grizz shows that she has the means to neutralize even one of our strongest warriors. We must regroup and devise a strategy that accounts for her formidable powers."
He glanced at the scattered reports and maps on the table, then back at Falo. "Prepare a detailed assessment of our current situation and potential weaknesses. I want all vassals that is available and key commanders briefed immediately. We need to be ready for any further moves from Rowena Lomius and the Eldoans."
Falo's nod was brisk and resolute. "I'll make sure the information is distributed and the preparations are made."
As Falo departed to execute her tasks, Lee took a moment to collect his thoughts. The enormity of the task ahead weighed heavily on him. He understood that the stakes were higher than ever, and the need for unity and strength among the beastfolk was more crucial than it had ever been. The next steps would require every ounce of his skill, leadership, and resolve.
Lee sat down at the edge of a table cluttered with maps and reports, the heavy burden of leadership evident in his posture. The flickering light from a nearby lantern cast shadows across his face, accentuating the lines of worry etched deeply into his features. As he reviewed the latest updates on the conflict, his mind kept circling back to Rowena Lomius.
"I know I can beat every Vassal of the King of the Eldoans," Lee thought, the weight of his own confidence mingled with unease. He tapped a finger against the wooden surface of the table, his gaze fixed on the strategic maps sprawled before him. Each line and marking seemed to pulse with the gravity of the situation. "But Rowena Lomius... she's a different story."
Lee's thoughts raced as he recalled the reports of Rowena's magical prowess. He had fought and bested many powerful adversaries in his time, but the stories of Rowena Lomius painted a picture of a mage who surpassed all expectations. Her mastery over magic was not just impressive—it was legendary. The fact that she had managed to capture Grizz, one of the most formidable warriors in their ranks, underscored her terrifying strength.
"That's how strong she is," Lee continued to think, his brow furrowed in deep contemplation. "Her abilities are beyond anything I've faced. Even with all my skills and strategies, I can't afford to underestimate her. Her magic is on a different level entirely."
Lee stood up, his resolve hardening. The challenge posed by Rowena Lomius was immense, but it was not one he could shy away from. He had to prepare his forces, not just to counter her strengths but to find a way to exploit any potential weaknesses.
"We need to outthink her, anticipate her moves," he resolved silently. "It's not just about brute strength—it's about Plan!!"
As he gathered his thoughts and prepared for the task ahead, Lee knew that the coming days would test every bit of his leadership and tactical acumen. The battle against Rowena Lomius would not be won easily, but he was determined to face it head-on, for the sake of his people and the future of the beastfolk.
......
Meanwhile, in the Sapher mansion, Chalu the chimpanzee Beastfolk lay asleep on a bed, his body motionless on the bed. However, in his mind or consciousness, he was fully awake and training as hard as he could. In this mental realm, he stood in a vast, ethereal dojo, where the legendary hero Roe, his master, observed his progress.
The surroundings were vast and glowing softly, with light coming from the walls. The air was thick with a sense of wisdom and power. Chalu's form moved with precision and grace, his every motion a testament to his dedication and natural talent.
Roe, a figure of immense stature and presence, watched intently. His eyes, sharp and discerning, tracked every movement of his pupil. He thought, "As expected, if you add a bigger IQ with the memories of the Aura technique inside Chalu's brain, he will turn into the number one prodigy... no, like a monster. Sheesh, well, even if you give it to a normal person, they wouldn't have the same result as Chalu because Chalu already has the potential to master Aura and has a high constitution. That's why he's managed to break through to a new level of aura."
Chalu remained in deep meditation, his consciousness focused on refining his abilities. The inner area was a reflection of his mental state, calm yet filled with a palpable intensity. He thought, "I need to connect all the dots in my body for me to improve the Aura power."
In his mind's eye, he visualized the flow of aura within his body, tracing its path through his meridians. Each point of light represented a vital connection, a node that needed to be perfectly aligned. He could feel the energy coursing through him, vibrant and alive, waiting to be harnessed.
Roe's voice broke the silence, calm yet authoritative. "Focus, Chalu. Feel the energy within you. Understand it, control it. Let it become an extension of your will."
Chalu nodded, his resolve unwavering. He drew a deep breath, centering himself further. The ethereal glow around him intensified, the air shimmering with raw power. He directed his attention inward, towards the core of his being, seeking to harmonize the flow of aura.
As he concentrated, the points of light within his body began to pulse in unison. The connections grew stronger, more defined. Chalu could feel the aura responding to his will, bending and shaping according to his intent. His progress was remarkable, each meditation session bringing him closer to mastery.
Roe observed with a sense of pride and anticipation. "He's coming along faster than I anticipated." he thought. "With every session, he gets closer to unlocking his true potential. If he continues at this pace, he will surpass even those so called strongest of these Era!"
.........
Meanwhile, Ash Minse, known for his cheerful and friendly demeanor as a martial arts teacher, stood in stark contrast to his usual self. His face twisted into a wicked grin as he gazed down at Shen Mort, the alchemist teacher. Shen was kneeling, gritting his teeth, and shooting a look of pure hatred at Ash.
The room they were in was dimly lit, with flickering torches casting long, eerie shadows on the stone walls. The air was thick with tension, the oppressive silence broken only by the occasional crackle of the flames.
Ash's voice dripped with mockery. "Oh, so scary!"
Shen, struggling to maintain his composure, spat out, "Soon there will be someone who will kill you!"
Ash's smile widened, a sinister light gleaming in his eyes. "Hahahaha, how laughable." he said, then leaned closer, locking eyes with Shen. The playful glint in Ash's eyes was gone, replaced by a cold, menacing stare. Shen's hatred burned hotter, fueling his defiance.
"Do you think someone can kill me? Me?" Ash's voice was low and threatening.
Shen's lips curled into a smirk. "You forgot Rowena... and Colerio."
Ash's expression hardened. "Rowena Lomius, the strongest mage, who they say has surpassed her ancestor, the Mother of Magic, Belz Lomius. And Colerio... that bastard, said to be stronger than even Rowena. But even if he is, they still can't defeat us!"
"Us?" Shen echoed, confusion and curiosity flickering in his eyes.
Ash kneeled, bringing himself face to face with Shen. "Do you think I'm the only one acting up? No, no, no, you are wrong. I am just a loyal follower of the chosen one."
"The chosen one?" Shen's voice was filled with incredulity.
"Yes!" Ash's eyes filled with excitement and ecstasy. "He is mighty, he is like a god, and he is the chosen one!"
Shen's face twisted in disgust. "Crazy bastard! What do you mean?"
Ash's grin widened further. "What I mean is that soon, people will recognize Lord Athos."
"Athos?" Shen repeated, his confusion growing.
Ash's eyes gleamed with malice. "So they never told you, huh? Fine, I will tell you. He is the child of the first calamity, Aurathos." he said, smirking evilly.
Shen's eyes widened in shock. "What!!!"
The revelation hung heavily in the air, the weight of Ash's words sinking into Shen's mind. The dim light of the torches seemed to flicker more ominously, casting grotesque shadows on the walls. Ash stood up, his grin never wavering, as if savoring the chaos he had just unleashed.
In the depths of his mind, Shen felt a cold dread settling in. The mention of Athos, the child of Aurathos, a name shrouded in dark legend, sent chills down his spine. The implications were terrifying, and he knew that the battle ahead would be unlike anything they had faced before.
Ash, reveling in the fear he had instilled, turned away from Shen. "Soon, you will all see the true power of Lord Athos." he declared, his voice echoing in the dark chamber. Shen, still kneeling, clenched his fists, his mind racing with thoughts of Rowena and Colerio. The fight against Ash and the impending threat of Athos had just taken on a far more sinister and urgent tone.
...........
Meanwhile, Colerio Sapher, accompanied by Damian Gothich and Darius Borne, moved cautiously through the dimly lit streets of a secluded town. Colerio, the former leader of the Raven Squad, was on a mission to reunite his old comrades for a specific purpose. Damian, Ron's trusted confidant and a former comrade from the Raven Squad, walked beside him. Darius, a burly man with a thick beard and muscular arms, followed closely. Despite leaving his life as a blacksmith behind, his loyalty to Colerio remained unwavering.
Colerio, ever mindful of the watchful eyes and the fact that he was a wanted man for aiding a Beastfolk, kept to the shadows, his hood pulled low over his face. The streets were quiet, with only the occasional passerby glancing their way, but Colerio's sharp eyes missed nothing.
Damian broke the silence, "Sir, who will we recruit next?"
Colerio replied in a hushed tone, "The one with the strongest assassin abilities."
Darius, picking up on Colerio's implication, said with a hint of apprehension, "Don't tell me that..."
Colerio confirmed, "Yes, it's Elara Moon."
At the mention of Elara Moon, both Damian and Darius exchanged uneasy glances and gulped. The notorious former member of the Raven Squad was known for her deadly skills and elusive nature.
Determined, Colerio said, "Let's go."
After minutes of stealthy searching through the town, they arrived at a nondescript building. Damian, studying the surroundings, remarked, "I think, given her personality, she would live here."
The building was shrouded in shadows, with ivy creeping up its stone walls. The dim light from a nearby lamppost barely illuminated the entrance, giving the place an eerie and a bit scary, almost foreboding atmosphere. The trio approached cautiously, their footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath them.
Colerio, ever vigilant, scanned the area for any signs of movement. "Stay alert." he whispered.
They reached the door, which was slightly ajar. Darius, his muscles tensed, pushed it open gently, revealing a dark interior. The room was sparsely furnished, with minimal decorations—just enough to suggest it was lived in, but not enough to reveal anything about its occupant.
Damian whispered, "Elara, are you here?"
A sudden flicker of movement caught their attention. In the blink of an eye, a figure emerged from the shadows. Elara Moon, as deadly as she was beautiful, stepped into the faint light. Her eyes, sharp and calculating, took in the sight of her old comrades.
"Colerio," she said, her voice as cold as ice. "What brings you here? You know you're a wanted man."
Colerio met her gaze steadily. "We need your skills for a mission, Elara."
Elara's eyes narrowed. "And why should I help you? You're putting us all at risk."
Colerio, unwavering, replied, "So you know about my predicament...
To be continue