The discontent that was brewing in the gang and in the outside world was reflected in the sickening tint that had taken over the collapsing metropolis. The adventures of Arin and Cassiel had taken off like wildfire. Rumors circulated among survivors about the two who defeated dungeons and provided refuge in an area when mayhem reigned. While some regarded them as the final chance for mankind, others saw in their growth a threat to the weak power structures that still existed.
There was opposition to Arin and Cassiel leading their group of survivors toward an abandoned military facility. Tall and formidable, with ferocious eyes and armor honed by combat, Seraphina advanced on them accompanied by a group of fighters who were well-armed. Respect was required by her presence, and she made it apparent that she wasn't the kind to be persuaded quickly.
"Please explain yourself." Sharp as a knife, Seraphina's voice broke through the tension in the room. "What do you actually want? Strength? In charge?
With a chilly and enigmatic gaze, Cassiel moved forward. "Our goal is to avert the end of the world. The dungeons are dynamic and getting stronger; they are not random. If we want to live, we must band together.
Seraphina's doubt was evident when her eyes strayed to Cassiel. And I'm meant to think that you are here to assist with your... powers? I've seen enough to conclude that you're not quite human.
The charge lingered in the atmosphere, weighty and perilous. The survivors in the group with Cassiel and Arin shuffled nervously. Because Seraphina's remarks sowed uncertainty, trust was fragile.
Sensing their tension, Arin moved to stand between them. "Cassiel preserved us more times than I can recall," they remarked in a calm voice. "Like you, we're fighting to protect everyone."
Seraphina squinted as she thought. At last, she responded, "Fine." But don't put your confidence in me just yet.
The Conflict That Completely Shifted Everything
Although Seraphina's party and Arin's group had a tenuous alliance, they were forced to cooperate due to their common objective. Seraphina stayed back, her gaze fixed on Cassiel as though she were waiting for the smallest oversight. With every day that went by, the tension in the camp increased, and it became evident that not everyone was comfortable with Cassiel's presence. Words of treachery and covert plans proliferated rapidly.
Those accusations were not investigated until after the incident.
A terrifying horde from a neighboring dungeon arrived at the camp in the dark of night. The beasts tore through their fortifications, leaving behind screams and roars that filled the air. Anarchy broke out, and it appeared like there was no hope left.
Arin triggered Time Fragments, causing their vision to flash forward to times of disaster, knowing that the camp would not survive the invasion without a strategy. They witnessed the animals breaking through the barrier and destroying everything in their path. Just in time to plan a counteroffensive, Arin used their last remaining power to inform Seraphina and Cassiel of the monsters' locations.
However, the price was high.
Arin fell, the last monster to fall, their body depleted of vitality. They had gone too far in using their abilities. Typically, Cassiel calm and stern, they hurried to Arin's side, their expressions revealing a feeling they didn't often display: terror.
Cassiel picked Arin up into their arms without thinking, their strength scarcely stuttering with the weight. While the camp was still in shock following the fight, Cassiel's attention was solely on Arin. Even though they knew Arin could hardly hear them, Cassiel muttered, "You've pushed yourself too hard."
With shaky hands, Cassiel lay Arin down gently back in their tent and searched for signs of life. Arin's complexion was pale, and their breath was shallow. Cassiel felt completely powerless for the first time in generations. The remorse of not protecting the planet earlier that had plagued them for so long returned with a vengeance. What if they didn't succeed this time?
A Moment of Vulnerability
Seraphina went into the tent as Cassiel sat next to Arin, waiting for them to get better. The scene in front of her appeared to soften her formerly steely appearance. She said, more as a statement than a question, "You care for them."
Cassiel didn't answer right away, but eventually they did, speaking in a harsh and low voice. "More than I ever imagined being able to."
Seated opposite Cassiel, Seraphina's customary apprehension gave way to something like comprehension. She said, "You're not what I expected." "I should not have mistrusted you."
Cassiel gave a headshake. "You did not make a mistake. I did not succeed in saving the planet the last time. It was my people's responsibility to keep it secure, yet we were haughty. I was confused. And now the payment is this apocalyptic event.
Seraphina investigated them, the fragments of Cassiel's history coming together. "That explains your extreme drive."
Cassiel turned to look at Arin, and their countenance softened. At first, it was guilt. But now, things aren't the same. Arin gives me hope that perhaps this time things will turn out differently.
There was a long pause before Seraphina spoke once more. In this, you're not by yourself. Now I see it. Everyone needs someone to stand up for.
She disappeared from the tent, leaving Cassiel to keep an eye on Arin in the peaceful darkness. Cassiel sensed something change within of them for the first time since the end of the world. The tenuous but burgeoning optimism that Arin had provided them started to replace the shame that had been smothering them for so long into their existence.
Cassiel delicately entwined Arin's fingers as he reached for her hand. With a determined voice, they muttered, "I won't fail again." "Not at this moment. Not in your presence.
The camp was rebuilding outside. A new chapter in their survival was opening as allies began to emerge. But in the middle it all, a relationship was developing that would eventually show to be crucial to preserving the planet, even if it would be put to the test by future adversities.