The battlefield stretched before them, a chaotic scene of growling beasts and dark magic. Lupo, one of the Eldoan captains and a skilled mage, stood at the forefront, scanning the horizon where hordes of monstrous creations surged forward. His voice rang out with urgency, rallying the forces.
"They're here!" Lupo shouted, his magic staff glowing faintly.
The Eldoan soldiers responded instantly, their battle cries filling the air. "Attack!"
Standing beside them were the Beastfolk, their diverse and fierce forms prepared for battle. Among their ranks was Row, a tiger Beastfolk and one of their captains. Row's muscles rippled as he prepared to unleash his fok—a unique ability possessed by many Beastfolk.
Row's fok, Primal Beast, was a power that allowed him to double in size and strength. Though not rare among the Beastfolk, it was still formidable, making him a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
As the monsters, grotesque creations of Athos and Ash Minse, surged closer, many Beastfolk activated their fok, their forms changing and their power surging. Those who didn't possess fok still charged in, their determination no less fierce.
The Eldoan soldiers, wielding their elemental magic, stood side by side with the Beastfolk. Despite their combined efforts, the tension between the two groups was palpable. There was no trust between them—only a shared enemy that forced their uneasy alliance.
"Focus on the monsters! We cannot afford to falter now!" Lupo shouted above the noise, his words cutting through the animosity and reminding everyone of the greater threat.
Row, towering in his Primal Beast form, roared and leapt into the fray, slashing through the twisted creatures with claws that glinted like steel. Other Beastfolk followed suit, their combined strength clashing with the relentless tide of monsters.
The Eldoans unleashed their magic, hurling fire, water, earth,air into the enemy ranks. Yet, for every monster that fell, more seemed to take its place. The battlefield was a storm of chaos, and the uneasy alliance was tested with every passing moment.
Despite their differences, the Eldoan and Beastfolk forces knew one thing: if they didn't fight together, they wouldn't survive.
.........
Meanwhile, with Colerio Sapher and Bale Lomius
In the quiet expanse of a training field, Bale Lomius, a promising student of Magux Academy, stood before her teacher, Colerio Sapher, her hands glowing faintly with magic.
Bale glanced nervously at her instructor. "Is this correct, Teacher Colerio?"
Colerio's expression remained calm and nonchalant, though a glimmer of pride flickered in his eyes. While he didn't show it outwardly, he was genuinely pleased with Bale's progress.
With a small nod, he replied, "That's good. Your fundamentals in manipulating your elements are solid."
To emphasize his point, Colerio raised his hand. On his palm, four swirling elements—water, air, earth, and fire—manifested in perfect harmony, spinning like a miniature universe.
"Bale," Colerio continued, his voice steady but firm, "you've now achieved a combination of three elements. But there is still one step left. You have an affinity for all four elements."
Bale's eyes widened slightly, even now recalling the shock she felt when Colerio had first revealed her unique potential. "I couldn't believe it when you told me I had all four elemental affinities."
Colerio studied her for a moment, then said, "Having four affinities is rare, but it comes with great responsibility. The next step isn't about thinking or forcing the magic. It's about feeling it. To master all four elements, you need to establish a true connection with them. You must feel them as extensions of yourself."
Bale nodded, determination etched into her face. "I understand, Teacher."
Colerio's nonchalant mask cracked just enough to show a faint smile. "Good. Let's continue."
Bale closed her eyes, her breathing steadying as she prepared to follow Colerio's guidance. She extended her hands outward, palms facing the ground, and whispered softly.
"Aqua stirpem, aeris vocem, terrae fundamentum, ignis ardor... in unum convergite."
The words flowed naturally, each syllable resonating with her core. Slowly, tendrils of water spiraled around her left hand, while a faint breeze swirled around her right. Beneath her feet, the ground trembled softly as earth responded to her call, and a flicker of fire ignited, glowing warmly.
Colerio observed her with an analytical gaze. He noted how the elements were responding, but there was still a faint dissonance—each element operated individually rather than harmonizing.
"Good start," Colerio said, his voice cutting through the silence. "But the elements must feel like one, not separate forces. You're thinking too much about controlling them. Instead, let them flow through you."
Bale furrowed her brow, nodding as she tried again. This time, she cleared her mind and allowed the magic to guide her instead of forcing it. She began a new incantation, her voice calm but resolute:
"Elementa unitas, cordis nexus fiat, mundi harmoniam amplectens."
The magic reacted differently. The swirling tendrils of water, wind, earth, and fire began to intertwine, creating a luminous orb of elemental energy in front of her. It pulsed with life, glowing brighter with every passing moment.
But as the orb expanded, it started to destabilize. Bale felt the strain, her connection wavering.
"Don't fight it!" Colerio instructed sharply. "Feel the rhythm."
Bale took a deep breath, focusing her intent and emotions. She reached out, mentally embracing the essence of each element. Slowly, the orb stabilized, shrinking to a controlled, vibrant sphere.
A smile spread across Bale's face as she opened her eyes. "I did it!"
Colerio nodded approvingly. "That's progress....This is just the beginning. Mastery takes time. Try to use it now—not just to combine, but to shape and direct."
Bale concentrated again, her voice steady as she chanted:
"Elementa in forma mea, voluntatem sequantur."
The orb morphed into a long, glowing blade, shimmering with a mix of all four elements. She swung it experimentally, the blade leaving trails of light as it cut through the air.
Colerio's lips curved into a faint smile. "Impressive. You've taken your first step toward mastering your affinities. But don't grow complacent—what you've done here is just the foundation. True mastery means wielding this power instinctively, even under the most challenging circumstances."
Bale nodded earnestly. "I'll keep training, Teacher. I won't let you down."
"Good," Colerio said, his expression returning to its usual stoicism. "Prepare yourself. Tomorrow"
Bale was confused, then bowed deeply. "Uh.. Okay I'll be ready ... Thank you, Teacher Colerio.."
.........
Rowena Lomius paced inside the dimly lit strategy tent, her brow furrowed as the weight of the situation bore down on her. She glanced at her assistant, Cevic, who stood nearby with a report in hand.
"Cevic," she said sharply, her tone carrying authority. "What's the situation?"
Cevic hesitated, his expression caught between pride and concern. "It's... not entirely bad, but not good either, Master."
Rowena's eyes narrowed. "Not good and not bad? Explain."
Cevic sighed, lowering his head slightly. "We managed to hold Area 2 successfully. The defenses there were strong, and the reinforcements arrived on time to prevent any significant casualties. But... Area 4 didn't fare as well. The monsters broke through the defenses, and many of our Eldoan people were slaughtered. The beastfolk stationed there suffered heavy losses too."
Rowena's fist slammed down on the wooden desk in front of her, the impact causing nearby maps and plans to flutter. Her voice trembled with restrained anger. "Tsk. To think these monsters could cause this much devastation. It's beyond what we prepared for."
Cevic nodded solemnly. "Yes, Master Rowena. What's worse is that these creatures appear to be evolving. The more we kill, the stronger the next wave becomes. It's as if they're adapting to our tactics and using them against us."
Rowena clenched her fists, her mind racing. She thought about the implications of this. The monsters, creations of Athos, weren't just relentless—they were intelligent in their design.
"I'll need to bring this to the attention of the other vassals," she said, her voice firm. "Perhaps even the beastfolk leaders. As much as I loathe relying on them, we need their insight if we're to survive this."
Cevic hesitated before responding. "That might be wise, Master. Cooperation is key, even if there's still distrust between our people and the beastfolk."
Rowena let out a deep sigh, her gaze distant as she weighed her options. Her strategic mind sought a solution that could turn the tide of the battle, even in the face of growing losses.
After a moment, she broke her silence. "Where is Colerio?"
Cevic straightened, his tone neutral but cautious. "Colerio is currently training Bale Lomius, as we speak."
At the mention of her niece's name, Rowena's expression hardened. "Bale Lomius... tsk. Waste of time. Colerio should be here, fighting alongside us. We can't afford to waste time on training when the battlefield demands every capable mage."
Cevic fidgeted, unsure whether to agree or defend Colerio. "Master Rowena, perhaps his training of Bale is part of a larger strategy. Bale possesses unique potential—"
"Potential won't save lives in the moment," Rowena interrupted, her tone sharp. "We're losing ground, Cevic. Every moment he spends away from the battlefield costs us more than we can afford. If Bale's training pays off, fine, but right now, we need Colerio's strength and experience here."
Her words hung heavy in the air as Cevic nodded silently, knowing better than to argue.
Rowena turned her attention back to the maps spread out on the desk, her fingers tracing potential strategies. In her mind, she resolved to confront Colerio herself if the need arose. This wasn't a battle of potential futures—it was a fight for survival in the present, and every second counted.
...........
Inside a dimly lit, foreboding cave, the oppressive aura of dark magic suffused the air. The jagged walls pulsed faintly with unnatural energy, as though feeding off the sinister power of its inhabitant. At the center stood Athos, a monstrous figure that resembled an grotesque, nightmarish features. His humanoid hands ended in sharp, claw-like talons, and his face, a distorted blend of Eldoan and squid, glistened in the faint light. He was no mere being—he was the son of Aurathos, the First Calamity, who had been vanquished by the heroes millennia ago.
Beside him stood Ash Minse, his loyal but worn-out follower. Once strong and full of life, Ash had grown old and frail after using the forbidden spell, Endios Lalute. His hair was now completely white, and deep wrinkles lined his face, showing how much the spell had aged him. Once a powerful mage, Ash had given up years of his life to serve his master.
"Master Athos," Ash rasped, his voice gravelly with age. "The plan has been executed perfectly. Everything is proceeding as you envisioned."
Athos turned his monstrous visage toward Ash, his voice a chilling growl. "Very well."
Raising one clawed hand, Athos summoned a surge of dark magic that crackled and coiled like living shadows around him. He extended his arm toward the mouth of the cave, unleashing a devastating blast of energy. The ground trembled violently as the dark magic erupted, obliterating the trees in its path.
Boom!
The landscape before them was reduced to utter devastation—once lush and vibrant, it now lay barren and lifeless, scorched by the malevolent power of Athos.
"I am now fully healed," Athos declared, his voice brimming with cruel satisfaction. "Stronger than ever before."
He surveyed the ruined expanse with a sense of grim accomplishment before shifting his gaze back toward the world outside the cave. His eyes glowed with malice as he spoke with a chilling resolve.
"Rowena Lomius, Colerio Sapher," he intoned, his voice echoing with ominous power. "Prepare yourselves, for I, Athos, will come. And this time, there will be no heroes to stop me."
Ash remained silent, bowing his head slightly in deference. The dark cave seemed to hum with anticipation as the calamity that was Athos prepared to unleash his wrath upon Eldoans, beastfolk, and all who dared stand in his way
To be continue