The flames of the Fire Clan's stronghold flickered gently against the stone walls, casting long shadows across the great hall. The air was heavy with the scent of smoldering incense, yet the mood of the room remained tense.
Seated atop his molten throne, the Fire Clan Leader rested his chin against his fist, eyes narrowing as he gazed at the empty space before him.
It had been over a day since Elder Pung Han led fifty elite warriors to Dead Mountain in pursuit of the Water Clan princess.
Clan Leader (thinking):
"Pung Han should have returned by now…"
He leaned back, his fingers tapping lightly against the armrest.
Clan Leader (coldly):
"Something isn't right."
The doors creaked open, and Elder Toh Han stepped inside, bowing deeply.
Elder Toh Han:
"My lord, there is still no word from Elder Pung Han."
The Fire Clan Leader's gaze darkened.
Clan Leader:
"Pung Han may be reckless, but he wouldn't fail this long unless something happened."
Toh Han hesitated for a moment before stepping closer.
Elder Toh Han (carefully):
"There is a possibility… that he encountered someone stronger on the mountain. Perhaps the mysterious man protecting the girl is more powerful than we anticipated."
The Clan Leader's eyes flickered with irritation.
Clan Leader:
"A man who hides in a hut and disguises his power? Ridiculous. But…"
His voice trailed off as he considered the possibility.
Clan Leader:
"Send someone to investigate. Quietly. I want to know what happened on Dead Mountain."
Elder Toh Han:
"I'll dispatch our spies immediately, my lord."
As Toh Han left the hall, the Fire Clan Leader's expression hardened.
Clan Leader (thinking):
"If Pung Han is dead, then whoever killed him will know the Fire Clan never forgets."
Far above the Fire Clan's lands, Lim Kris stood at the edge of Chen Franz's temple courtyard atop Dead Mountain.
Waves of water flowed around her, twisting into shapes as she guided them with careful precision.
Nearby, Chen Franz observed silently, arms crossed as he leaned against the temple door.
Chen Franz (softly):
"Your control is getting better… but you still hesitate."
Lim Kris exhaled sharply, dropping her stance.
Lim Kris (frustrated):
"It's not hesitation, Master. I'm just… tired."
Chen Franz gave a faint smirk.
Chen Franz:
"Tired already? We've barely started."
Lim Kris rolled her eyes, brushing sweat from her forehead.
Lim Kris (grumbling):
"Not everyone can be like you, Master. You make everything look effortless."
Chen Franz chuckled lightly, watching her carefully.
After a brief pause, Chen Franz stretched his arms.
Chen Franz:
"I'm heading down the mountain for a while."
Lim Kris glanced at him in surprise.
Lim Kris (curious):
"Where are you going?"
Chen Franz (calmly):
"To hunt. We're running low on food, and besides… it'll be good to step away for a bit."
Lim Kris crossed her arms, smirking.
Lim Kris:
"I didn't think someone like you needed to hunt. Can't you just imagine food into existence like you do everything else?"
Chen Franz (grinning):
"I could. But where's the fun in that?"
Lim Kris laughed softly.
Lim Kris:
"Fine, fine. Go enjoy your little hunting trip. I'll hold down the fort."
Chen Franz nodded and began descending the path that led down the mountain, leaving Lim Kris to continue her training.
As the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, Lim Kris sat at the temple steps, lazily twirling a small orb of water between her fingertips.
The air was quiet until the sharp sound of knocking echoed from the temple's front door.
Lim Kris sat up, blinking in confusion.
Lim Kris (thinking):
"Master just left… who could that be?"
Cautiously, she approached the door, gripping the handle.
As she pulled it open, her breath caught in her throat.
Standing at the entrance was a cloaked figure, their face partially obscured by the shadows of the hood.
Lim Kris froze, gripping the door tightly.
Lim Kris (softly):
"Who…?"
The figure swayed slightly, as if struggling to remain standing.
Before Lim Kris could react further, the stranger stepped forward, and their legs gave out beneath them.
The figure collapsed at the doorway, falling into Lim Kris's arms.
Lim Kris (panicking):
"Master! You need to come back… now!"
Her voice echoed into the empty courtyard, but Chen Franz was nowhere in sight.