The moon hung high in the night sky, its silver light illuminating the dense forest that stretched endlessly before them. Jin Shang and Lysander walked side by side, their steps muffled by the soft earth.
"Where are we headed?" Jin finally asked, his voice cutting through the quiet.
"To find the first member of our team," Lysander replied. "Someone who can match our power and won't crumble under the weight of this mission."
Jin frowned. "Do you really think people like that are just waiting for us to recruit them?"
Lysander chuckled. "Not exactly. The first one isn't going to be easy to convince. In fact, it might take a bit of… persuasion."
Jin raised an eyebrow. "Who is it?"
"A wanderer known as Kaelros," Lysander said, his tone serious. "He was once a Celestial, but he renounced his status and vanished into obscurity. They say he's mastered the art of Elemental Symphony, a power that rivals the highest tiers of cultivation."
"A former Celestial?" Jin's interest was piqued. "Why would someone like him help us?"
Lysander smirked. "That's where your Abyssal power comes in. If anyone can convince him, it's you."
---
The Ruins of Elaris
Their journey led them to the ruins of Elaris, a desolate landscape of crumbled towers and shattered statues. The air was thick with a strange energy, crackling faintly as if alive.
"Kaelros is here?" Jin asked, scanning the area.
"Somewhere," Lysander said, stepping over a broken column. "He likes places that reek of ancient power. Stay sharp."
They moved cautiously through the ruins, their senses heightened. Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the air, followed by a voice.
"Who dares disturb my peace?"
Jin turned to see a man standing atop a crumbling archway. His silver hair gleamed in the moonlight, and his eyes burned with an intensity that sent a chill down Jin's spine. Kaelros wore simple robes, but the aura emanating from him was anything but ordinary.
"Kaelros," Lysander called out, stepping forward. "We've come to make you an offer."
Kaelros laughed, his voice sharp and mocking. "An offer? Do you think I care for whatever petty schemes you mortals are plotting?"
Jin stepped forward, his Abyssal Core flaring faintly. "We're here to tear down the Rankers' Association and the Celestials. If that doesn't interest you, we'll leave."
Kaelros narrowed his eyes, his gaze fixed on Jin. "The Abyss…" he murmured. "Interesting. But do you even understand the forces you're challenging?"
"We understand enough," Jin said firmly. "And if you're not with us, then you're against us."
Kaelros smirked. "Bold words for someone so young. Very well, let's see if you're worth my time."
---
The Trial of Elements
Without warning, Kaelros raised his hand, and the air around them erupted into chaos. Flames roared to life, water surged in violent waves, and the ground beneath them cracked open.
"Prove yourself, Abyssal Child!" Kaelros shouted.
Jin barely had time to react as a torrent of fire surged toward him. He raised his hand, summoning a shield of Abyssal energy that absorbed the flames.
"Is this all you've got?" Jin taunted, stepping forward.
Kaelros smiled, and the intensity of the attack doubled. Lightning streaked across the sky, striking the ground with deafening force. Jin dodged, his movements precise and fluid, while Lysander observed from a distance, his arms crossed.
"Don't die, Jin," Lysander called out. "We still need you."
"Helpful as ever," Jin muttered, dodging another strike.
Summoning the Abyssal Core's power, Jin unleashed a wave of dark energy that swallowed the elemental onslaught. The ruins trembled as the two forces collided, sending shockwaves through the air.
Kaelros leaped down from the archway, landing gracefully before Jin. "Impressive," he said, his tone genuine. "But power alone isn't enough."
Jin smirked. "Good thing I've got more than power."
With a burst of speed, Jin closed the distance between them, his fist cloaked in Abyssal energy. Kaelros blocked the strike with ease, but the force sent him skidding back.
Kaelros laughed. "You might actually survive this journey."
He lowered his hands, the elemental chaos around them dissipating. "Very well, I'll hear you out."
---
An Uneasy Alliance
Sitting around a fire in the heart of the ruins, Kaelros listened as Lysander outlined their plan. The destruction of the Rankers' Association, the pursuit of Cosmic Movement, and the ultimate goal of overthrowing the Celestials.
"You're insane," Kaelros said when Lysander finished.
"Maybe," Lysander replied, smirking. "But you've already agreed to join us."
Kaelros sighed. "I'll help, but only because I want to see where this madness leads. Don't expect me to save you if things go south."
Jin nodded. "That's all we need."
As the fire crackled and the ruins grew quiet, the three men solidified their alliance. Far above, the Celestials watched, their plans shifting in response to this unexpected union.
The war was coming, and the first pieces of the puzzle were falling into place.