In a place where darkness reigned, the air was thick with the scent of death. The ground was littered with the lifeless bodies of Eldoans and beastfolk, their forms twisted and broken. Among the carnage, a monstrous figure moved with a sinister purpose, feasting on the remains.
This abomination was Athos, a creature born from the malevolent essence of the first calamity, Aurathos. Though he bore some resemblance to an Eldoan, but his true form was terrifying and twisted. His body was humanoid, but it radiated an unnatural energy. His limbs were long and thin, ending in sharp claws. His face was a distorted version of an Eldoan's, with features that seemed to shift and melt, and his eyes glowed with an eerie light. His ears were oddly shaped, more like fins, and his entire being gave off a powerful, dark aura.
The scariest thing about Athos was the octopus-like tentacles growing from his back. Each one ended in sharp, deadly points. These tentacles seemed alive, moving on their own, wrapping around the bodies of the fallen and pulling them toward Athos, who devoured them hungrily.
As he feasted, Athos murmured to himself, his voice a low, guttural growl. "This time... I will finish that bastard, Rowena Lomius... the so-called strongest mage."
His thoughts were consumed with hatred and the desire for revenge. Rowena Lomius, the Eldoan mage who had stood against him in the past, had thwarted his killing spree. But now, as Athos absorbed the life force of the dead, he could feel his power growing, his strength multiplying with each life he consumed.
He paused for a moment, looking down at the carnage around him—the broken bodies of Eldoans and beastfolk, their life force now a part of him. A cruel smile spread across his twisted features as he savored the power coursing through him.
"I should finish eating this... absorb every last drop of their essence," Athos muttered, his voice dripping with malice. "And then... then I will find Rowena Lomius... and kill her!"
His eyes, burning with a terrifying intensity, scanned the battlefield, as if searching for more prey. The bodies around him were mere fuel for his insatiable hunger, stepping stones on his path to vengeance.
Athos's tentacles kept pulling the lifeless bodies toward him as he continued his gruesome feast. With each soul he consumed, he grew stronger, feeding the dark magic inside him. Every death brought him closer to the power he needed to finally destroy Rowena Lomius.
The darkness around him seemed to pulse in rhythm with his growing power, and as the last remnants of life were drained from the battlefield, Athos felt invincible. His body, once monstrous and deformed, began to shift, the magic within him reshaping and refining his form, making him even more powerful—and more dangerous.
........
Colerio Sapher, accompanied by Damian Gothich, Darius Borne, and Elara Moon, embarked on a mission to find their final comrade—Darkin Vlen. The journey was fraught with tension and determination as they moved through a desolate landscape, their eyes set on the distant horizon where Vlen was rumored to be.
Colerio Sapher led the group with a commanding presence, his determined stride cutting through the desolation. The burden of leadership weighed heavily on him, but his focus was unshakable. He had one clear goal: to reunite the Raven Squad and face the impending threats with their combined strength.
Damian Gothich, Ron's steadfast confidant, walked beside him. His demeanor was calm and collected, a stark contrast to the intensity of the mission. His eyes constantly scanned their surroundings, ever vigilant for any sign of danger. Damian's loyalty to Colerio was unwavering, and he carried the weight of their past together with a sense of duty.
Darius Borne, the burly former blacksmith, followed closely behind. His muscular frame and thick beard gave him a rugged appearance, but his eyes were sharp and alert. Despite leaving his blacksmithing days behind, Darius's loyalty to Colerio was as strong as ever. His strength and experience were invaluable to the team.
Elara Moon, known by her nickname "Phantom Moon," walked with a silent grace that belied her deadly prowess. Her petite frame was wrapped in a dark, elegant dress with lace details and a high collar, combining a Lolita style with functional design. Her short, jet-black hair framed her delicate face, and her sharp, piercing eyes conveyed a mixture of youthful innocence and lethal precision. Despite her seemingly innocent appearance, every aspect of her outfit was designed for silent and swift movement, ensuring she could strike with deadly efficiency.
As they searched for Darkin Vlen, Colerio couldn't help but think about their former teammate. Darkin Vlen had been the best sharpshooter in their group, known for his incredible skill with a bow. He was part Eldoan and part Beastfolk, which made him stand out and face discrimination.
People didn't trust him because of his mixed heritage, and he was almost executed because of it. But Colerio had stepped in to save him. Despite the prejudice, Vlen had shown himself to be a loyal and skilled member of their team, proving his worth over and over again.
The group's journey took them to the entrance of a bustling mercenary guild, where rumors suggested that Darkin Vlen had made a name for himself. The guild, a grand structure of stone and steel, stood as a beacon for those seeking work and adventure in the war-torn world.
Colerio, with his face concealed by a hood and a cloak, moved cautiously. The past events had made him a wanted man, and the last thing he needed was unwanted attention. His usually recognizable features were hidden beneath the shadows of his garment, allowing him to move through the guild without raising suspicion.
Damian Gothich, with his steady demeanor, led the group into the guild's main hall. His focus was sharp, and he was eager to find Vlen, whose reputation as a renowned mercenary had spread far and wide.
Darius Borne stood tall and strong, his muscular build evident even though he had left blacksmithing behind. He scanned the busy hall with a keen eye, taking in the mix of mercenaries and adventurers. The lively and bustling atmosphere was both energetic and intimidating. Even though Darius wasn't drawing much attention, his imposing presence gave the people a sense of security and awareness.
Elara Moon moved gracefully through the guild, her elegant Lolita dress not slowing her down. She slipped through the busy hall with ease, using her stealth to look for any sign of Vlen among the mercenaries and adventurers.
Damian approached the guild's receptionist, a weathered man with a gruff demeanor. "We're looking for Darkin Vlen," he stated firmly. "We heard he's become quite well-known around here."
The receptionist eyed them with curiosity, his gaze lingering on Colerio's concealed figure. "Vlen? He's a big deal around here. You'll find him in the back, usually near the training grounds. But be careful—he's not the type to take kindly to unexpected visitors."
The team moved towards the back of the guild, where the training grounds were located. The noise of clashing weapons and shouted commands grew louder as they approached. The scene before them was one of intense training and preparation, a stark reminder of the world they lived in.
As they approached the training grounds, Colerio's mind was on the upcoming reunion with Darkin Vlen. He hoped Vlen would see why they needed him and understand the reasons behind their search. The guild was buzzing with activity and excitement, and everyone knew that finding Vlen was crucial for dealing with what Colerio's facing.
They finally spotted Vlen among the mercenaries, his distinct appearance—a blend of Eldoan and Beastfolk features—making him stand out. His sharp eyes and commanding presence spoke of his skill and experience. The moment of truth had arrived, and the team prepared themselves for the crucial reunion that could change the course of their mission.
Darkin Vlen's commanding presence filled the training grounds, his authority clear as he delivered a powerful punch to one of the mercenaries, causing them to collapse in pain. The room was filled with a chorus of shouts as the mercenaries, accustomed to Vlen's tough leadership, responded in unison, "Yes sir! Yes sir!"
Despite the harshness of his training, the respect Vlen commanded from the mercenaries was palpable. His reputation as a hero among them was well earned, a testament to his skill and the legacy of his past with the Raven Squad. His mixed heritage as a half-Eldoan and half-Beastfolk had once made him a target for prejudice, but his actions and dedication had earned him a place of honor in the mercenary ranks.
As Vlen's gaze swept across the room, he saw Colerio standing at the edge of the training grounds. His eyes widened with recognition and emotion. "Leader." Vlen said, his voice trembling slightly as he wiped away tears that had begun to form.
Colerio took a hesitant step forward, his heart heavy with the weight of past decisions and current responsibilities. "Vlen…"
Vlen, trying to maintain his composure, addressed his mercenaries with a firm tone. "You all, don't slack off, okay?"
The mercenaries, loyal and disciplined, shouted in response, "Yes, Leader!"
With his orders given, Vlen turned back to Colerio, his face showing a mix of relief and resolve. "You're here. You're finally here."
Colerio struggled to find the right words, the gravity of their reunion settling heavily on him. "I… Uh…"
Vlen placed a reassuring hand on Colerio's shoulder. "You don't need to explain, Leader. I understand why you disbanded the group all those years ago. I knew you must have had your reasons."
Colerio looked at Vlen with gratitude and sorrow. "Vlen…"
Vlen's voice grew more determined. "And I knew that you'd need me again someday. That's why I joined this mercenary team—to hone my skills and stay sharp. I wanted to be ready to help you when the time came."
Colerio nodded, a mixture of relief and pride in his eyes. "Thank you, Vlen. Your dedication means more than you to me."
Vlen's eyes searched Colerio's face with a mix of confusion and hope. "Leader, is that...?"
Colerio nodded, a solemn expression on his face as he glanced over his shoulder. "We are reuniting again."
Darius Borne stepped forward with a hearty laugh. "Hohoh, it's been a long time, Vlen! Looks like you've gained some serious muscle!"
Elara Moon, her tone laced with a hint of her old, elusive charm, added, "Nice to see you again, half-breed."
Damian Gothich, his demeanor as steady as ever, nodded in acknowledgment. "It's been a while, Vlen."
Vlen's gaze swept over his old comrades, a mixture of emotions flashing across his face. "Everyone…"
Colerio, despite his usually composed and nonchalant demeanor, allowed a genuine smile to form. The reunion with his old team, the camaraderie that had once been a cornerstone of their lives, brought a warmth to his expression that was rare to see.
........
Petra Haws, a respected teacher specializing in history and magic, and Lerona Everdale, a knight teacher, were making their way with determination. Petra, though visibly tired and injured, was steadfast in her support of Lerona, who was struggling with her own wounds.
Petra's brow furrowed with concern as she spoke, "The problem is we don't know where we're going to find Colerio."
Lerona, wincing in pain but resolute, suggested, "What about the manor? The Sapher Household Manor? Perhaps he's there, hiding."
Petra's eyes lit up with realization, and a wide, grateful smile spread across her face. "You're brilliant, Lerona! There's a strong possibility he might be there. Let's go to the manor."
As Petra helped Lerona walk, they made their way towards the Sapher Household Manor.The two women pressed on, their determination unwavering despite their injuries. The path to the manor was fraught with challenges, but their resolve to find Colerio and stop Ash Minse drove them forward.
As Petra and Lerona approached the Sapher Household Manor, the stakes were high. Would they succeed in finding Colerio and confronting Ash Minse, the traitor? Well, that will be revealed in another chapter as you continue reading this novel.
To be continue