The streets of Virelith buzzed with the usual energy of the capital. Merchants called out their wares, challengers paraded their newly acquired weapons, and the scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the metallic tang of the smithies. Yet, Rodensky and Emmanuel paid little attention to the lively atmosphere. Their focus was singular: finding Izabella.
Having returned victorious from their class advancement trials, the two friends felt stronger than ever, but the weight of their missions and the lingering worry about their families kept their minds occupied.
Rodensky glanced at Emmanuel as they walked through the guild's courtyard. "Do you think she found anything?"
"She's thorough," Emmanuel replied, though his tone betrayed a flicker of anxiety. "If anyone could track them down, it's her."
The guild training grounds came into view a sprawling expanse of sand and stone where challengers sparred, practiced their skills, and honed their abilities. Among the combatants, Izabella stood out. Her glowing sword cut through the air with precision as she sparred with another guild member, her divine aura radiating strength and determination.
Rodensky and Emmanuel paused, watching her for a moment. She moved with a blend of grace and ferocity, her training as sharp and disciplined as ever. But the moment she spotted them, she stopped mid-strike, a look of surprise and relief crossing her face.
"Rodensky! Emmanuel!" she called out, her voice carrying over the din of clashing weapons. She lowered her sword and handed it to her sparring partner, hurrying toward them.
Her bright smile faded slightly as she approached, her expression shifting to something more serious. "You're back," she said, glancing between them. "And it looks like you've both grown stronger."
"We did it," Emmanuel said, his tone light but proud. "Dragon Master and Beast Master now."
"Impressive," she said with a nod. "But we have bigger things to discuss."
Rodensky frowned. "Did you find out anything about our families?"
Izabella hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Yes, I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?"
The tension between them was palpable. Rodensky exchanged a glance with Emmanuel before answering. "Good news first."
Izabella took a deep breath, her serious expression softening just slightly. "Your families are safe for now. Rodensky, your mother and sisters have taken refuge in a small town on the second continent. They've been staying with a local healer who's been helping them settle in. Emmanuel, your family managed to escape the third continent and is en route to the second as we speak. They're traveling with a caravan of refugees, but they've been making steady progress."
Rodensky exhaled, the knot in his chest loosening just a little. "That's… a relief. At least they're safe."
"But now the bad news," Izabella continued, her tone turning grim. "The Black Snake Guild isn't done with us or them. Word has spread about your fight with their leader, and they're furious. They've declared both of you their enemies and are actively hunting you. Worse, they've learned about your families and are targeting them too."
The weight of her words sank in like a stone. Emmanuel's fists clenched at his sides, and Rodensky felt a surge of anger mixed with dread.
"Why would they go after our families?" Rodensky demanded, his voice sharp. "This is between us and them."
Izabella shook her head. "You know how these guilds operate. It's not just about revenge; it's about sending a message. They want to break you, and they'll use anything and anyone to do it."
The air grew heavy with silence as the implications of her words settled in. Rodensky felt a familiar pang of guilt. He had chosen this path to protect his family, but now they were in greater danger because of him.
"We can't let this happen," Emmanuel said firmly. His voice was steady, but his eyes burned with determination. "We'll stop them before they can hurt anyone else."
Izabella nodded. "I thought you'd say that. That's why I've already started making preparations. I've contacted some trusted allies in the second continent who can help keep your families hidden and protected. But you need to be careful too. The Black Snake Guild is sending spies and bounty hunters after you. Traveling alone will make you easier targets."
Rodensky glanced at Emmanuel, his resolve hardening. "We can handle it. We've faced worse."
"Maybe," Izabella said, crossing her arms. "But this isn't just about you anymore. If you get caught, your families won't stand a chance. You'll need to be smart, not just strong."
She reached into her satchel and pulled out a map, spreading it out on a nearby table. "Here's what I suggest. You should head to the second continent and regroup with your families. From there, we can plan a counterattack against the Black Snake Guild. They think they're the hunters, but we'll turn the tables on them."
Rodensky studied the map, his mind racing. "That makes sense, but we can't leave them undefended while we're on the move."
Izabella smiled faintly. "I've already thought of that. The guild here has agreed to send some reinforcements to the second continent. They'll help fortify the town where your families are hiding."
Rodensky felt a wave of gratitude. "Thank you, Izabella. I don't know how we'll ever repay you."
"You can start by staying alive," she said with a smirk.
Emmanuel grinned despite the tension. "That's the plan."
As they prepared to leave the training grounds, Rodensky paused, turning to Izabella. "There's one more thing," he said, pulling the World Tree Seed from his inventory. "I want to plant this somewhere it can grow, somewhere safe. Do you know of any place like that?"
Izabella's eyes widened as she studied the glowing seed in his hand. "That's… incredible. The World Tree Seed is one of the rarest artifacts in existence. If planted in the right conditions, it could create a sanctuary unlike anything this world has ever seen."
"Then we'll find the right place," Rodensky said firmly. "It's not just for us it's for everyone who needs hope."
Izabella nodded, her respect for him evident in her expression. "You're right. And when you do, let me know. I'll do everything I can to protect it."
With their next steps clear and their resolve stronger than ever, Rodensky and Emmanuel left the training grounds. They knew the road ahead would be fraught with danger, but they also knew they weren't alone.
Together, they would face the Black Snake Guild, protect their families, and carve out a future where strength was not just a weapon but a shield.