The sea, with its vast, infinite horizon, gently crashed against the rocks along the coast as the salty breeze mixed with the coolness of the afternoon. The port city of Velthar, famous for being a crossroads for traders and travelers from all over the world, rose before them with its bustling activity. The houses with sloped roofs, wood weathered by salt, and shops filled with exotic goods brought life to the main streets, while the harbor, always active, was a swarm of ships from all nations.
Ryuu and Kara walked along the pier, surrounded by merchants, fishermen, and travelers shouting, bargaining prices, and loading goods. The air was filled with various smells: fresh fish, spices, and the unmistakable scent of seawater. Kara, with her focused and determined expression, seemed oblivious to everything around her. Her mind was, as always, focused on her next goal. Ryuu, on the other hand, observed everything with a mix of fascination and anxiety. The city's noise made him nervous, especially after what he had experienced in the forest.
"This isn't much for such a big port city," Kara commented quietly as they walked down one of the narrow alleyways.
Ryuu nodded without speaking, absorbing the chaos around him. On the coast, the villages were quieter, with little movement and the calm brought by the sea. But here, everything was different: a boiling pot of activity, full of people from different nations, with intentions and goals that Ryuu couldn't read.
The crowd parted before them, and in the distance, Ryuu saw a hooded man who seemed to be watching them discreetly. Kara, as if sensing something strange, quickened her pace, leading him toward a fish market. The hooded figure moved away, and Ryuu wondered if it had really been someone important or just a coincidence.
"We're close to the port, but we still haven't found the ship to the Eternal Island," Kara said, not looking back at him. "The journey here is long and difficult. We can't afford to waste time."
Before Ryuu could ask more, a deep voice interrupted the brief silence.
"Hey, you two!" A tall man, his face partially hidden by a red cloak and a hat, called from the end of the street. Ryuu tensed, not trusting the roughness of his tone, but Kara looked at him, unimpressed.
"What do you want, friend?" Kara asked, raising an eyebrow. She didn't seem interested in making friends, but her tone was neutral, calculating.
The man approached slowly, and Ryuu could see that he carried a bow on his back, along with a quiver full of arrows. His posture was imposing, but his attitude was more defiant.
"You're Kara, right? The swordswoman from the Volcano Clan. I've heard of you," the man said with a mocking grin, as if testing her reaction.
Kara stayed silent for a moment, looking him up and down as if evaluating his worth. Ryuu, confused by the reference to the clan, took a step forward.
"Who are you?" Ryuu asked cautiously, but the man simply waved his hand dismissively.
"I'm Talon, an archer from the Fire Nation," he said, with a deep and calculating voice. "And don't worry, I'm not here to fight. But something tells me that the journey you have ahead won't be as simple as you think."
Kara shot him a piercing glance. She didn't like a stranger talking about her future, especially so confidently. But before she could respond, Talon continued.
"I've heard about the tournament, and I've seen how the rumors are spreading. I suppose you're in it too, huh, Ryuu?" he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Everyone in the city knows that the Tournament of the Elements attracts the strongest warriors. But trust me, this isn't just a tournament. It's more than that. And if you really want to make it to the Eternal Island and leave alive, you'll need to be prepared."
Ryuu eyed him with suspicion. Talon's tone was serious, as if he were talking about something bigger than they could comprehend. Although he didn't know how, Ryuu felt that this man had more information than he was letting on.
"And why should we trust you?" Kara asked, her gaze sharp.
Talon took a step forward, letting his cloak slide slightly to reveal the symbol of a flaming bird, the emblem of the Fire Nation.
"Because I know a lot more than you think," he said. "And if you don't prepare for what's coming, you won't have any chance in the tournament. The power of the Lance of Aether is closer than you imagine, and many are willing to do whatever it takes to get it."
Ryuu, still confused by the mystery surrounding the man, exchanged a look with Kara. Although they didn't trust him, there was something in the way he spoke—an urgency—that made it hard to ignore him.
"So, what do you suggest?" Kara asked, keeping her voice cold.
Talon observed the city for a moment before speaking again.
"First, we need to meet with more people before we set sail. There are enemies among us, and the tournament is just one part of the problem." His gaze hardened. "But trust me, they'll come after us soon."
The conversation was interrupted by the sound of a distant bell, marking the arrival of a ship at the port. Talon nodded, as if he had anticipated it.
"That's our ship. Make sure you're ready," he said and started walking toward the harbor without waiting for a response.
Kara and Ryuu exchanged a brief glance, and without a word, they began following him. The port city faded behind them as they moved toward what would be the first step toward the Eternal Island. Inside, Ryuu felt a mix of uncertainty and determination. The tournament was near, but so was the darkness that surrounded it.