Nathaniel, Rin, and Viorst hurried from the temple, hearts pounding as they ventured deeper into unknown lands. But Nathaniel's tattoos, pulsing faintly beneath his skin, nagged at him with an insistent heat that he couldn't ignore.
Nathaniel glanced uneasily at Rin. "Did you see it back there? That symbol… I don't know why, but it felt like a warning. Like something big—something terrible—is coming."
Rin shared a concerned look, his eyes mirroring Nathaniel's unease. "Yeah, I saw it too. And if it rattled you like this… it can't be anything good."
They pressed forward, dusk descending around them. The air thickened, foreboding, as they searched for shelter, finally reaching the edge of Batima.
(At the Border of Batima)
Neal, a guard stationed near Batima's gate, kept a cautious watch on the travelers, giving his companion Misty a sidelong glance.
Neal spoke with a stern edge. "Misty, we're here to guard, not provoke. Don't cause trouble tonight, alright?"
Misty rolled his eyes, brushing off the warning. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say, Mr. Know-It-All." He smirked, ignoring Neal's reproach.
Neal narrowed his gaze, noticing the approaching figures of Nathaniel, Rin, and Viorst. A flicker of unease crossed his face as he motioned for his team to stay alert.
Misty, with his usual bravado, charged ahead, calling out loudly, "Hey! You three—freeze! One wrong move, and it's over!" His hand rested on his weapon, his eyes glinting with a touch of defiance.
Nathaniel raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. "What's with this guy? Is he lost, or just trying to show off?"
Rin stifled a chuckle. "Maybe both."
Misty's face twisted in anger as he moved aggressively toward Nathaniel. "Lone warrior, huh? Let's see if you're so cocky when I'm done with you!"
Misty lunged, his strikes swift and precise. But Nathaniel defended with ease, sidestepping and deflecting each blow. Frustration mounted in Misty's expression as Neal finally stepped between them.
Neal bowed apologetically. "Apologies for my companion's outburst. He can be… enthusiastic." He cast a reproachful glance at Misty.
Nathaniel scratched his head, laughing nervously. "No worries! We've seen worse."
Rin cleared his throat, serious once more. "We need a place to rest. Is there somewhere nearby?"
Neal smiled, nodding. "Of course. Follow me—I'll find you a spot."
As they walked away, Misty scowled, his gaze following them. Viorst noticed his demeanor and leaned closer to Neal.
Viorst asked gently, "What's his story? He seems… troubled."
Neal's face softened with a touch of sadness. "He's had a rough past… something that scarred him deeply."
They arrived at the gates of Batima Village, the soft glow of lanterns casting a warm, welcoming light. For a moment, each of them felt as if they had arrived at a place they could call home.
Nathaniel gazed around in wonder. "This place… it's like a dream."
Viorst giggled, a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe we won't want to leave."
(Meanwhile, in Chief Soto's Chambers)
Captain Lech stood before the chief, bowing respectfully.
"All preparations for the ceremony are complete," he announced. "It begins tomorrow."
Chief Soto's satisfied smile reflected his pride. "Good. The village needs strong warriors—and this will make us unstoppable." He waved Lech off with a warm nod, motioning for him to rise.
"How many times must I tell you not to kneel?"
Lech scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish. "Apologies, sir… Force of habit."
Just then, Neal led Nathaniel and his companions into the chamber, introducing them with a bow.
"Chief Soto, forgive my intrusion. I bring travelers seeking shelter."
The chief's face softened as he welcomed them. "No need for formalities. Welcome, travelers."
But as he examined Nathaniel more closely, Chief Soto's warm demeanor shifted. His expression grew serious, suspicion flickering in his gaze.
"Tell me," he asked in a low, intimidating voice, "are you allied with the Black Dragons?"
The weight of his question hung heavily in the room, sending a chill through Nathaniel and his friends.
Nathaniel swallowed, meeting the chief's gaze. "No, sir. We're only travelers seeking rest. Nothing more."
Captain Lech glanced at Nathaniel's tattoos, a hint of skepticism in his voice. "And those markings? Where do they come from?"
Nathaniel raised his hands in peace. "I… I was born with them. They mean nothing. Just markings."
Chief Soto studied him, a flash of something haunted crossing his face. After a long moment, he nodded. "Lech, stand down. These travelers mean us no harm."
Captain Lech nodded reluctantly, leading the group to their accommodations.
Outside, the village's golden lights filled the air, casting a sense of fleeting peace and wonder over them all.
Nathaniel whispered, almost to himself, "I never thought… a place like this could exist."
Viorst giggled softly. "It's beautiful."
(Back in Chief Soto's Chambers)
Once the travelers had gone, Chief Soto turned to Captain Lech, his expression darkening.
"How goes the plan to rescue the captured warriors?" he asked, his voice low and urgent.
"Our sources say the 'Game of the Faithful' begins in two days," Lech replied. "That will be our best chance."
A look of fear crossed Chief Soto's face. "Misty must stay hidden. If the Sons of Trinity learn of his existence…"
Lech nodded, his face serious. "Yes. He's too valuable to risk."
(In the Dark Kingdom of Degard)
Far away, in the shadowy halls of Degard, King Alcatraz sat on his throne, his eyes glinting with dark satisfaction. His commander approached, bowing deeply.
"Sire, the captives resisted, but we subdued them with the Divine of Chaos. They're ready… awaiting your command."
A cruel smile spread across King Alcatraz's face. "Good. The Sons of Trinity will have their entertainment—and the souls to fuel their dark rites."
The commander grinned. "The ceremony begins in two days."
Alcatraz's laughter echoed through the stone walls, a haunting sound that reverberated like an omen.
(Narrator)
And so, under the shadow of looming darkness, our heroes' fates inch closer to a twisted destiny, while enemies beyond imagination await. Their journey has only just begun.