Chapter 6
The city of Solaria stood behind them, its glowing light piercing the ever-present gloom of the world. Caelan, Elden, and Zaimond were gathered near the outskirts, their gazes shifting toward the towering walls of the fortress. They had done their part, defeating the last remnants of darkness that had threatened the city, but there was still one problem left unsolved—the Life Stone, the key to keeping Solaria's light alive.
"Okay, so… who's watching the stone while we're off fighting demon lords and saving the world?" Caelan asked, rubbing the back of his neck.
Zaimond glanced over, eyebrows raised as he stretched lazily. "Yeah, that's a big one. Can't exactly leave the thing unguarded. It's like putting a 'free real estate' sign up for every evil creature around here."
Elden frowned, his hand resting on his sword hilt. "We can't delay the journey. The longer we wait, the more powerful the Demon King in the north becomes. But… we also can't leave Solaria undefended."
Caelan's gaze swept over the bustling city behind them, his eyes narrowing slightly. "There's gotta be someone we can trust, right? Someone who can hold the fort while we're out kicking demon butt."
As if on cue, a familiar figure appeared on the horizon—Aira, the fierce warrior they had met on their first mission here. Her violet hair flowed behind her as she strode forward, a confident smirk on her face.
"Well, looks like you guys are in a bind," Aira said, crossing her arms. "Need someone to babysit your shiny rock while you go off and get yourselves killed?"
Caelan's face lit up with a grin. "Aira! Man, I was hoping you'd show up. You up for the job?"
Aira gave him a sly look. "You're trusting me with the most important thing in the city? Bold move."
Zaimond snickered. "Sheesh, if she says no, we might have to ask the baker down the street."
Caelan elbowed Zaimond playfully, earning a dramatic huff from the wizard.
Elden, ever serious, stepped forward. "You're strong, Aira. The people trust you, and so do we. You're the best choice to protect Solaria."
Aira's smirk softened into a genuine smile. "You're lucky I like you guys. Fine, I'll hold things down here. But if I come back to find out you idiots got yourselves killed, I'm gonna be pissed."
Caelan laughed, giving her a thumbs-up. "We'll try not to disappoint!"
With that, Aira turned back toward the city, her hand raised in a silent farewell. Caelan watched her go before glancing at his companions. "Alright, that's sorted. Let's hit the road!"
As they moved further from Solaria, the atmosphere shifted. The air grew colder, and the faint sense of dread that always accompanied the encroaching darkness began to settle over them once again. Zaimond, walking with an exaggerated swagger, kept his eyes on the road ahead.
"So, guys… I've been thinking," Zaimond started, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "We're about to head north and face The Tenth Demon King, right? Big nasty guy. Total nightmare."
"Yeah, that's kinda the plan," Caelan replied, giving him a curious look. "You sound like you've got something on your mind."
Zaimond stopped walking, turning to face the group with an uncharacteristically serious expression. "Here's the thing. We're not ready."
Elden's eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms. "What do you mean?"
Zaimond pointed his staff toward the darkened horizon. "I've seen what's out there. The Tenth Demon King isn't like the other ones we've faced. He's… on another level. His magic, his power—it's way beyond anything we've dealt with so far."
Caelan frowned, tilting his head. "So, what's the plan, then? You got some crazy trick up your sleeve?"
Zaimond grinned, his old mischief returning. "Well, not exactly a trick, but I do have an idea. We need to make a pit stop before heading north."
Caelan raised an eyebrow. "A pit stop? Dude, are you serious? Where?"
Zaimond's grin widened as he leaned in, almost like he was about to reveal some ancient secret. "Rasdogh, Dragon Vale."
Elden's eyes widened in shock. "What?"
Caelan blinked, clearly not catching the weight of the name. "Dragon what now?"
Zaimond chuckled. "Rasdogh is a hidden valley to the west. It's the home of Velldora Rul, the Dragon Lord from the Age of the Void. The guy's a living legend. A beast so powerful that even the Demon Kings were wary of him back in the day."
Caelan's face lit up with excitement. "Wait, you're telling me we could get a dragon on our team?! That's… that's awesome!"
Elden, on the other hand, looked less thrilled. "Zaimond, you can't be serious. Dragons haven't been seen in centuries, and Velldora is no ordinary dragon. He's dangerous."
"Exactly why we need him," Zaimond shot back, leaning on his staff with a cocky grin. "Look, if we're gonna have any chance of beating the Tenth Demon King, we need backup. And Velldora's the best backup we could ask for. Plus, he owes me a favor."
Caelan gaped at him. "Wait, you know him? How does a guy like you know a dragon lord?"
Zaimond winked. "Ah, it's a long story, my friend. But trust me, Velldora and I go way back. Let's just say, we've had… adventures."
Elden's skepticism was evident, but after a long moment of silence, he sighed, resigned. "If this Velldora is as powerful as you say, it might be worth the risk. But if things go south, we leave. Understood?"
Zaimond raised his hands in mock surrender. "Sure, sure. No funny business. Scout's honor."
Caelan laughed, already imagining the chaos that would ensue once they found the dragon. "I don't know, Elden. This sounds kinda fun. Plus, who wouldn't want a dragon on their side?"
"Don't get too excited," Elden muttered. "Dragons aren't known for being friendly."
The conversation lulled as they continued their journey toward Rasdogh. The land around them grew darker, and the eerie quiet of the world seemed to close in on them. As they walked, Caelan glanced up at the sky, the oppressive weight of the encroaching darkness filling him with unease.
"Man," he muttered under his breath, "this world really is messed up."
Zaimond nodded, his expression uncharacteristically serious again. "Yeah. The darkness has spread farther than I thought. It's worse than the stories say."
Caelan glanced at his friend. "You still think we can fix it? I mean, it feels like we're barely holding on here."
Zaimond flashed a grin. "Hey, we've got light, we've got swords, and we've got magic. What more do we need?"
"A dragon, apparently," Caelan joked, though his heart wasn't entirely in it. The weight of the world's suffering was starting to settle heavily on his shoulders, but he wasn't about to let it break him.
The journey to Rasdogh wasn't going to be easy, but if Zaimond was right—and he usually wasn't entirely wrong—then maybe they had a chance. Maybe Velldora could tip the scales in their favor.
As the darkness thickened and the path ahead grew steeper, the three companions moved forward, determined to seek out the ancient power of the Dragon Lord. The world had never looked more grim, but Caelan knew one thing for sure: they weren't giving up anytime soon.
End of Chapter 6.
Notes for Chapter 6:
1. Character Dynamics:
The playful banter between Caelan and Zaimond helps keep the tone light despite the serious journey they're embarking on. Their "tengil" personalities shine through in their casual dialogue, giving the chapter a humorous edge while still progressing the plot.
Elden's serious nature provides a nice contrast to Caelan and Zaimond, balancing the humor with some much-needed gravity.
2. Plot Development:
The introduction of Velldora Rul, the Dragon Lord, adds an exciting new element. It gives the team a potential ally of immense power while also adding tension—dragons are unpredictable.
The mention of Rasdogh and The Age of the Void builds the lore of the world further, creating a sense of history and mystery.
3. Setting up Future Conflict:
The looming threat of the Tenth Demon King remains a constant background tension, giving readers a clear sense of the stakes.
Zaimond's uncertainty about their readiness for the fight adds a layer of suspense. This uncertainty will likely grow as they encounter new challenges.
4. Aira's Role:
Although Aira is briefly introduced in this chapter, her frustration at being left behind is evident. She channels her energy into becoming a teacher, training the townspeople in self-defense. This gives her character an important role even when not directly traveling with the group.
Her reluctance to be sidelined adds depth to her character, showing her loyalty to the city but also her desire for action.
Example Scene with Aira: As they made their final preparations, Aira crossed her arms, watching them with a scowl. "You guys get to go off on a grand adventure, and I'm stuck babysitting a rock," she muttered under her breath.
"It's not just any rock!" Caelan grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "It's the Life Stone. Pretty important stuff."
Aira rolled her eyes but didn't argue. Instead, she glanced back toward the city, already gathering a small group of townspeople behind her. "Fine, whatever. I'll teach these folks how to hold their own. Don't come crying to me when you need backup."
Caelan gave her a thumbs-up. "We're counting on you!"
Aira muttered something unintelligible as she walked away, already barking orders at the townspeople to line up for training. Though frustrated, it was clear she took her new role seriously.