As dawn crept over the training grounds, Squad Three was gathered in a loose circle, stretching out the fatigue from yesterday's training. Taiyou, brimming with energy, couldn't stop moving. Ryojin, as always, stood in a quiet corner, arms crossed, a calm contrast to Taiyou's infectious excitement. Aira and Daichi were chatting about previous missions, though Daichi kept shooting Taiyou amused glances, clearly entertained by his high spirits.
Just then, a figure appeared in the archway, her presence commanding everyone's attention immediately. She had long, silvery hair that cascaded down her shoulders, shimmering in the light like strands of moonlight, with a single violet streak framing her face. Her deep, piercing eyes held a glint of intensity and intelligence that couldn't be ignored. Her tall, graceful figure moved with purpose, and her expression held a slight edge, giving her an air of mystery and danger. Dressed in fitted black and silver combat gear, her every step exuded confidence. She was stunning, and her aura alone was magnetic.
"That's Eli," Aira whispered to Taiyou with a smile. "She was out on a mission, but she's been part of Squad Three for a while."
Eli's gaze swept over the group and lingered briefly on Ryojin, her eyes softening slightly. She approached with her hands clasped behind her back, then gave a slight nod to everyone, though her attention remained on Ryojin. "Ryojin," she said, her voice calm but edged with warmth, "back from your own mission, I see."
Ryojin merely nodded, not showing any reaction. "It was successful."
Eli's lips quirked up just a bit as she stepped closer to him. "I'm sure it was. You don't miss, after all," she said, the compliment carrying a hint of admiration.
Ryojin nodded but gave no further response, his gaze steady and neutral. To him, emotions or relationships had always seemed unnecessary—something he'd never considered. And Eli, noticing the unchanging look in his eyes, took a small step back, maintaining her composed smile but with a trace of disappointment hidden behind her expression.
To break the silence, Taiyou stepped forward, grinning. "So, Eli, huh? Heard you're supposed to be pretty strong—though you don't look that tough," he teased, trying to gauge her reaction.
Eli's attention snapped to him, her calm demeanor shifting as her eyes narrowed. "Is that so?" she replied coolly. "And you're the new recruit? I heard you were full of... enthusiasm."
Taiyou's grin widened, leaning into his teasing. "Yeah, enthusiasm. Also, skill, strength, and maybe a little *humility.*" He crossed his arms, looking pleased with himself.
Eli raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp. "Maybe I'll have to humble you myself."
Before Taiyou could react, Eli gave him a light, but swift, smack on the back of the head, knocking him off balance. He stumbled, blinking in surprise as the rest of Squad Three stifled their laughter.
"Got a lot to learn," Eli remarked, a faint smile on her lips as she walked past Taiyou. "But I suppose we'll have plenty of time for that." Taiyou, rubbing his head and feigning offense, couldn't help but grin, secretly impressed by her quick reflexes.
---
They were interrupted by the sharp ring of a bell echoing through the grounds, calling all squads to the main hall. Together, Squad Three made their way across the grounds toward the hall, a grand stone building adorned with intricate carvings of past Creed heroes. Its high arches and glass windows gleamed under the morning sun, casting colorful reflections over the tiled path that led to the main doors. Upon entering, Taiyou's eyes widened at the sheer beauty of the hall.
The main hall was vast and majestic, with a ceiling so high it seemed to touch the heavens. Elegant chandeliers hung overhead, their crystal pieces refracting light that danced over the polished marble floor. At the far end of the hall was a raised dais, framed by tall banners of silver and black, the Creed's insignia in the center of each. Atop the dais stood an elderly man with long, silver hair and a beard that reached his chest. Dressed in a flowing, dark robe trimmed with gold, he radiated wisdom and authority. His posture was regal yet gentle, and his eyes held a kindness that tempered the power and knowledge in his gaze.
"Welcome, Squad Three," he greeted, his voice deep but warm. "I am Master Kohei, the founder of the Creed."
Everyone bowed slightly in respect, though Taiyou couldn't help but keep sneaking glances, awestruck by the man before them. Kohei looked over them with a nod of approval before continuing.
"I have a mission for you. There has been a surge in chaos energy from a timeline known as Ashenfall. We've received reports of numerous monsters created from fragments of chaos roaming there, causing havoc and endangering that world. You are to investigate and put an end to this before the chaos spreads further," he explained, his gaze intense as it settled on each of them. "This will be without your captain. The captains have… other matters to attend to. You are to leave for ashenfall imediately"
Taiyou looked around at his teammates, sensing both the seriousness of the mission and the absence of their captain weighing on them. Yet, an excited glint filled his eyes, ready for this new challenge.
Master Kohei gave a final nod. "Prepare yourselves well. This is not just a battle. It's a matter of protecting all timelines from chaos's reach."
As they returned to gather supplies, Taiyou nudged Ryojin. "Hey… What exactly is a 'timeline?' I mean, it's not just another place, right?"
Ryojin looked at him, understanding Taiyou's curiosity. "A timeline is more than just another world. Each timeline has its own—planets, stars, and space. We're only aware of eight that still exist. The others…" Ryojin paused, his gaze darkening. "The others have been lost. Destroyed or disappeared, though we don't fully understand why."
Taiyou's expression grew thoughtful, but before he could ask more questions, Kaizen called out, gesturing for them to move toward the northern gate, where they'd begin their journey to Ashenfall. They were suited up, they all wore the same crimson jumpsuits, except ryojins who had a hood on his but never put on the hood, with the emblem of the creed on it.
At the center of the emblem was a large shield, symbolizing protection and defense against chaos. The shield's surface was smooth, with a subtle silver sheen that gives it a sense of both strength and elegance. Across its center, a horizontal band was engraved with intricate runes that represent unity and order—a nod to the Creed's dedication to maintaining balance across timelines.
Behind the shield, a spiral symbol sat within a circular outline, its curves forming a swirling, protective vortex that represented the endless energy of Aether. The spiral's gentle movement drew the viewer's eye inward, which evoked the concept of harmony within the universe, as well as the Creed's purpose of managing and directing chaotic energy.
At the top of the emblem, a pair of silver wings extended outward, their feathers finely detailed and slightly curved as if ready to take flight. The wings represented the Creed's watchfulness and their presence across different worlds and timelines. The wings added an uplifting, almost ethereal quality to the design, suggesting that the organization is not only powerful but also benevolent.
Encircling the emblem was a border of eight stars, each star representing one of the timelines that still exist. These stars were equally spaced, symbolizing the organization's commitment to all timelines without favoring one over another. Finally, at the very bottom of the emblem, a delicate chain linked the stars in a complete circle, representing the interdependence of each timeline and the Creed's vow to preserve them all.
The whole emblem exudes an aura of strength, elegance, and cosmic balance, reflecting the Creed's role as a powerful guardian of harmony across timelines.
---
The northern gate was a towering arch crafted from ancient stones etched with symbols and seals. Blue energy pulsed faintly within the gateway, creating a transparent barrier that shimmered like the surface of a calm lake. As they stepped forward, the barrier rippled, parting to reveal a swirling void on the other side—a passage to Ashenfall.
As the group crossed the threshold, Taiyou felt an intense pull, a twisting sensation that left him breathless for a second. And then, they were there.
The land of Ashenfall spread out before them, a world bathed in muted, gray light. Ashen skies loomed above, dark clouds swirling in ominous patterns. The ground was a barren landscape, cracked and scorched as if fire had swept through it, leaving only charred remains of what might have once been vibrant forests and fields. Ancient, skeletal trees dotted the desolate land, their leafless branches twisting up like reaching hands frozen in agony. In the distance, towering mountain ranges carved into jagged peaks cast dark shadows over the land. A thin mist wove between them, ghostly and unsettling, clinging to the ground like a haunting echo of lost souls.
Every so often, bursts of dark energy pulsed from hidden cracks in the ground, sending ripples of chaotic force through the air, vibrating with an intensity that made Taiyou's heart race. The oppressive silence was only broken by distant rumblings and eerie whispers carried on the wind—a land teetering on the brink of ruin.
"Welcome to Ashenfall," Daichi murmured, his voice low, a mix of reverence and foreboding.
Taiyou took a shaky breath, clenching his fists tightly, his usual enthusiasm tempered by the reality of the mission ahead.