Jonathan now sat cross-legged by the fire, the glow casting long shadows across the walls of the cave. His face bore a mix of exhaustion and contemplation, but his eyes remained sharp, ever vigilant. Opposite him sat Liriana, her gaze distant as though she were lost in thought. It wasn't until Jonathan cleared his throat that she turned to him, her lips forming a faint smile.
"But why are you telling me this now?" Jonathan asked, his voice calm but tinged with curiosity.
Liriana remained quiet for a long moment, her eyes darting toward the flickering flames. Finally, she turned to face him fully, her expression solemn.
"Because we are now being hunted," she said softly. "It's only fair that you know the truth about who I really am. We're in this together now."
Jonathan's brows furrowed. "Hunted?"
She nodded, reaching into the folds of her cloak to produce a rolled parchment. Unfurling it, she handed it to him. It was a wanted poster, the ink still fresh. Two faces were sketched on the paper—his own, and a veiled woman whose features were obscured.
"The Black Tied Sect didn't take your retaliation lightly," Liriana explained, her voice steady but grim. "They've declared us wanted. They won't stop until we're captured—or worse."
Jonathan studied the parchment, his jaw tightening. "It seems a confrontation with the Black Tied Sect was always inevitable," he said, more to himself than to her.
Liriana's voice cut through his thoughts. "Are you sure we can take them?"
The question caught him off guard. He looked at her, noting the determination in her eyes. He had assumed she would remain distant from the fight, offering guidance but little else.
"You're going to help?" he asked.
Liriana smirked. "Did you think I'd let you face them alone?"
Jonathan sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Even with the two of us, we might not be enough. Their numbers... their resources... it's overwhelming."
"You don't need to worry about that," she replied confidently. "I'll find us help."
Jonathan's interest was piqued. "You know people who would stand against the sect?"
She nodded, a hint of pride in her smile. "My younger sister is already a master in her own right. She can help—and she has allies, powerful ones."
The revelation made Jonathan pause. "I don't doubt your sister's abilities," he began cautiously, "but this fight requires more than strength. It demands strategy and experience. We can't afford to rely on—"
"Inexperience?" Liriana interrupted, raising an eyebrow. "My sister and her companions have fought countless battles. They are no strangers to war."
Jonathan fell silent, absorbing her words. His curiosity about Liriana's world deepened. If what she said was true, her realm was far more formidable than he had imagined.
"So, you've already reached out to them?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied. "They'll be here soon. In the meantime, I need you to gather some supplies from the valley market." She handed him a list scribbled on a scrap of parchment.
Jonathan scanned the list—simple necessities, but items he recognized from his father's trade. He nodded, tucking the parchment into his pocket. Without another word, he left the cave, his steps purposeful.
...
An hour passed. Alone in the cave, Liriana sat cross-legged, her breathing slow and measured. She wasn't meditating, not truly—she was waiting.
Suddenly, a faint shimmer of light appeared behind her, growing brighter until it coalesced into seven figures. Liriana opened her eyes and turned to face them.
Four young women and three young men stood before her, each clad in pristine white garments that seemed to glow faintly in the dim cave. Their auras radiated power, a tangible force that filled the space.
"The Seven Angels in Training," Liriana murmured, rising gracefully to her feet.
"Sister," one of the women stepped forward, bowing slightly. "We have arrived."
It was Litia, Liriana's younger sister. Her presence was commanding despite her youth, her sharp gaze scanning the cave before resting on Liriana.
"You've grown stronger," Liriana observed with a smile.
"And you... haven't changed much," Litia replied, her tone teasing but affectionate.
The sisters embraced briefly before Liriana turned her attention to the others. "And these are your companions?"
"Yes," Litia replied with pride. "Three of them are already two-star masters. The others are seven-star adepts."
Liriana nodded appreciatively. "It won't be long before you surpass me."
The six warriors exchanged modest smiles, bowing their heads slightly in acknowledgment.
"So, why did you summon us?" Litia asked.
Liriana's expression turned serious. "A friend of mine needs help. He's being hunted by the Black Tied Sect, and their numbers are too great for us to face alone."
"The Black Tied Sect?" one of the young men spoke, his voice low and steady. "Powerful enemies, I presume?"
"It's not their individual strength but their sheer numbers," Liriana explained. "Even with my friend's abilities, we wouldn't last long against an all-out assault."
The group nodded, their expressions solemn.
...
As the conversation continued, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed from the cave's entrance. Jonathan appeared, carrying several bags filled with supplies. He stopped abruptly upon seeing the newcomers, his instincts immediately on high alert.
He studied their auras, his surprise evident. Each of them exuded a strength that far surpassed his
Litia noticed him first. Without a word, she darted toward him, her movements swift and calculated. She raised her hand, sending a gust of wind hurtling toward him.
Jonathan reacted instinctively, summoning his own wind technique to counter. The two forces collided with a deafening crash, sending ripples of energy through the cave.
"A disciple?" one of the young men muttered, his eyes narrowing. "But to block Litia's strike so easily… intriguing."
"Litia, enough!" Liriana's sharp voice cut through the tension.
The young woman halted mid-step, her expression curious but calm. "Testing him, that's all," she said with a smirk, brushing her long braid over her shoulder.
Jonathan relaxed slightly but kept his guard up. "Friends of yours?" he asked Liriana, his tone dry.
"They're here to help," Liriana replied. "Meet my sister, Litia, and her companions—the Seven Angels in Training."
Jonathan raised an eyebrow, looking from one glowing figure to the next. "Angels, huh? They seem more like troublemakers."
Litia grinned. "You'll change your tune when we save your life."
Liriana stepped between them, her tone firm. "Enough. We don't have time for games. The Black Tied Sect is closing in, and we need to move."
Jonathan handed Liriana the supplies, his gaze lingering on Litia and her team. "I hope they're as capable as you say."
"They'll prove themselves," Liriana said confidently.
...
The group spent the evening strategizing, pouring over maps and scouting reports. Liriana outlined the plan: an assault on the Black Tied Sect's stronghold to dismantle their leadership and scatter their forces.
"We'll split into two groups," she explained. "Litia and her team will handle the vanguard, drawing their main force into a trap. Jonathan and I will infiltrate the stronghold to take down their leaders."
Jonathan frowned. "You make it sound simple, but their numbers…"
"They'll be overconfident," Litia interjected. "That's their weakness. They think they're untouchable."
Jonathan glanced at her, skepticism evident. "And if they're not?"
"Then we adapt," Liriana said firmly.
...
At dawn, the group set out, the forest alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant birdsong. They approached the sect's territory cautiously, avoiding patrols and traps.
When they reached the outer edge of the stronghold, Litia turned to her team. "Stay sharp. Move quickly and strike hard. We're here to disrupt, not conquer."
Her team nodded, their expressions steely.
As Litia and her team moved to engage the sect's outer forces, Jonathan and Liriana slipped through the chaos, navigating the shadows.
Inside the stronghold, they encountered minimal resistance at first. Most of the sect's fighters had rushed to the perimeter, drawn by the commotion outside.
But their luck didn't hold.
A hulking figure stepped into their path—a Black Tied Sect enforcer, clad in dark armor and wielding twin blades. His presence was suffocating, his aura oppressive.
"So, the fugitives dare step into our den," he growled.
Jonathan tensed, his wind techniques ready. "Stand down, and you might walk away from this."
The enforcer laughed, his voice echoing through the hall. "Brave words for dead men."
The fight was swift and brutal. Jonathan's wind techniques clashed against the enforcer's raw strength, while Liriana struck with precision, targeting his weak points. Their teamwork proved decisive, and soon the enforcer lay unconscious.
"No time to celebrate," Liriana said, wiping blood from her blade. "The leaders are close."
...
They reached the central chamber, its doors massive and ornately carved. Inside, the air was thick with dark energy. At the center stood a man cloaked in shadows, his presence radiating malice.
"Jonathan Runner," the sect leader said, his tone mocking. "You bring outsiders into our sacred halls? I expected more from you."
Liriana's grip tightened on her blade. "Your reign ends today."
The sect leader chuckled. "You think you've won? Even if you defeat me, the sect's reach extends far beyond this stronghold. You've accomplished nothing."
Jonathan stepped forward, his aura flaring. "Then we'll dismantle it piece by piece, starting with you."
The battle that followed was unlike anything Jonathan had experienced. The sect leader wielded dark energy with devastating precision, his attacks relentless. But Jonathan and Liriana fought as one, their techniques complementing each other.
Every strike, every dodge, every counter was a testament to their training and determination. Slowly but surely, they began to overpower him.
In a final, coordinated assault, they struck together. Liriana's blade found its mark, while Jonathan's wind technique crushed the leader's defenses. The man collapsed, his power dissipating.
"It's over," Jonathan said, his voice heavy with relief.
Liriana nodded, her expression somber. "For now."
...
Outside, the battle had ended. Litia and her team rejoined them, battered but victorious.
"We drove them back," Litia reported. "The sect's forces are in disarray."
Jonathan looked around, taking in the sight of his allies—friends who had risked everything to stand against a common enemy.
"Thank you," he said earnestly. "I couldn't have done this without you."
Liriana placed a hand on his arm. "This is just the beginning. The sect may be broken, but their influence runs deep. There's still work to be done."
Jonathan nodded, determination burning in his eyes. "Then let's finish what we started."
..
With the Black Tied Sect's stronghold in ruins and their leaders defeated, Jonathan, Liriana, and their newfound allies prepared for the next phase of their journey. Together, they vowed to root out the sect's remnants and restore peace to the land.
For Jonathan, this was more than a mission—it was a chance to create a better future, one where justice and hope could prevail.
And as they set out, he knew one thing for certain: he was no longer fighting alone.