Chapter 128: Into the Elements
Scene: The tension in the air fades as the group lowers their weapons, standing face to face with Kirito and Ryu. After the brief battle and introduction, both sides seem to realize they share more in common than they first thought. The heroes of the South Nation, still shaken from the encounter, listen closely as Kirito and Ryu reveal their identities.
Narrator: The island's eerie quiet returns, broken only by the sound of Kirito and Ryu's calm voices as they introduce themselves. Their words, however, send shockwaves through the group. Kirito and Ryu belong to a group of elite assassins known as the Shadow Troupe, a secretive organization that operates in the shadows to eliminate global threats—an organization with ties to Zisteria and a mission to stop the Aquarians.
Commander Elara, sensing no immediate danger, lowers her guard but remains cautious. She glances at Eren and the others before addressing the two men.
Commander Elara: (seriously) My name is Commander Elara, and I lead this mission for the Great South Nation. These are Eren, Rylan, Aria, Asher, and… Zarek. We've been tasked with finding Zisteria and stopping the Aquarians, who pose a threat to all our lands.
At the mention of the Great South Nation, Kirito and Ryu exchange glances. Recognition flickers in their eyes as Kirito speaks up, his tone curious.
Kirito: (curious) The South Nation… I know that name. Tell me, is King Alden still your ruler?
The mention of King Alden sends a wave of sadness through the group. Commander Elara's expression softens as she responds, her voice tinged with sorrow.
Commander Elara: (quietly) King Alden is no longer with us. He fell in battle, defending the South Nation. His successor is King Thalanor, Eren's father.
Kirito and Ryu listen in silence, their expressions neutral, but there's a hint of respect in their eyes. After a pause, Kirito speaks again, this time explaining more about their identities.
Kirito: (calmly) I see. My condolences. We are part of a group known as the Shadow Troupe. We operate from the shadows, eliminating threats that could destroy our world. Our current mission is to find and stop the Aquarians, who, as you know, are wreaking havoc beyond the Four Great Nations.
The group, still processing everything, exchanges shocked glances. Commander Elara steps forward, her voice filled with urgency.
Commander Elara: (seriously) The Aquarians are our target as well. We're on the same mission. Have you ever heard of a place called Zisteria? We've been trying to reach it to stop the Aquarians.
At the mention of Zisteria, both Kirito and Ryu stiffen. Their shock is clear as they stare at the group, their voices filled with surprise.
Ryu: (wide-eyed) Zisteria? That's our home. We were born and trained there.
The group exhales a collective breath of relief. For the first time since the journey began, they see a glimmer of hope. Eren steps forward, his tone calm but curious as he explains the cloaked man who visited his village.
Eren: (thoughtfully) Before we left, a cloaked man appeared in my village. He told us to reach Zisteria to stop the Aquarians. Do you know who he is?
Ryu's eyes narrow in recognition, and he nods slowly.
Ryu: (seriously) That man is the leader of the Shadow Troupe. If he told you to go to Zisteria, then the situation is far more dire than we thought.
Commander Elara, now realizing the depth of their connection to Zisteria, steps forward, her tone firm but hopeful.
Commander Elara: (determined) If Zisteria is your home, then you can take us there. We need to get there as quickly as possible. Can you help us?
Kirito nods but raises his hand in caution.
Kirito: (seriously) I can take you to Zisteria, but the journey won't be easy. It will take about a week to reach the outskirts of the continent. And I'll only take you on one condition.
The group listens closely as Kirito's tone becomes more intense.
Kirito: (firmly) The road ahead is filled with dangers—far worse than what you've faced so far. To survive, you'll need to unlock your full potential. Most of you haven't harnessed your Elemental Mana yet. Only Commander Elara has unlocked hers—Fire. The rest of you must learn to control your element if you want to stand a chance.
The group falls into a heavy silence, the gravity of Kirito's words sinking in. Eren, Rylan, Aria, and Asher exchange uneasy glances. They've each mastered their individual mana abilities, but the idea of harnessing an elemental force seems distant and unknown.
Rylan is the first to speak, his voice laced with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.
Rylan: (thoughtfully) Elemental Mana? We've heard of it, but… how do we even begin to unlock something like that?
Kirito glances at Commander Elara, then back at the group.
Kirito: (nodding) It's not easy, but you've already taken the first steps. Elemental Mana is connected to your core mana, but it's more primal, more powerful. Commander Elara has tapped into the Fire Element, and if you focus, you can find your element too. It's the key to surviving what lies ahead.
Commander Elara looks at her team, her expression one of both concern and determination.
Commander Elara: (seriously) He's right. If we're going to Zisteria, we need every advantage we can get. Unlocking your elemental power could be the difference between victory and defeat.
The group remains silent for a moment, processing the weight of the task before them. But eventually, they nod, their determination renewed. Eren steps forward, his voice filled with resolve.
Eren: (firmly) If that's what it takes, we'll do it. Teach us.
Kirito and Ryu exchange a glance before nodding in approval. The path ahead will be dangerous, but with their newfound allies, the group has a chance to reach Zisteria—and stop the Aquarians before it's too late.
Narrator: With the mission now clear and the stakes higher than ever, the group prepares to undergo intense training in order to unlock their Elemental Mana. The road to Zisteria will be long and dangerous, but they are determined to see it through. The fate of the world may very well depend on it.
The chapter ends with Kirito and Ryu stepping forward, ready to guide the group on their journey to Zisteria. But first, they will teach them the ancient secrets of Elemental Mana, a power that could tip the scales in their favor.