In the light of dawn in Sabin's Forest, a small sprout emerged from the ground, gentle and healthy. The first morning dew dropped onto its tiny, delicate blue shell. As time passed, the sprout remained resilient through every storm, growing into a beautiful plant with strong roots that cradled a fragile yet expanding shell. More time passed, and branches and leaves began to sprout, creating shade and protection around the shell. Eventually, it grew into a tall, majestic tree, its canopy broad and sheltering.
Then, on a night when stars collided seamlessly across the sky and the forest bustled with life, insects danced in rhythm as spirits began to gather around the tree, bearing witness to the birth of a goddess. They eagerly watched the glowing shell, which held two vibrant lights within one shining brighter than the other. Slowly, a crack formed in the shell, signaling the arrival of an Erbecea. In awe, the spirits observed as two figures emerged, each with beautiful silver hair and slender frames. The figures levitated gently before touching down on the forest floor.
For hundreds of years, the Erbecea had guarded the now-thriving forest, vibrant with life. But as the human population grew, those who had benefited from the forest began taking more than they needed. Arifea, the guardian, warned the forest spirits to stay close to avoid danger. One stormy day, however, the little Erbecea, who had been wandering the forest chasing a firefly, was seized by hunters wielding strange tools. Arifea sensed her sister's distress and attempted a rescue, but as the hunters took her further from the forest's edge, Arifea realized she could go no farther. Helpless, she watched her she being taken away, crying out in anguish.
As the hunters brought their catch to the village chief, who proudly presented it to their young ruler, the ruler cast a displeased glance at the poor creature. Enraged by his citizens' behavior, he slammed his fist onto his seat. He then issued an immediate order to return the beautiful creature to the forest and, with a kind heart, forbade anyone from trespassing into their territory. He acknowledged their roles in preserving the forest that gave them life. Fearing exile, the hunters hastily took the creature back to the forest, riding in an elegant carriage that carried the country's ruler, who personally returned the magical creature. As they arrived, they were greeted by the spirits of the forest. The hunters, once proud of their catch, were now terrified as the creatures bared their killing intent. However, the ruler remained unfazed.
He came face to face with Arifea, who floated closer to him, surprising his subordinates. He knelt down in front of her as she read his thoughts. Arifea then walked past him and gently retrieved her sister. With teary eyes, she cradled her in her arms and retreated back into the forest. As they moved, a thick mist began to envelop the forest, shielding them from any danger. Amidst the mist, Arifea's daughter looked back at the young ruler, who waved goodbye with a warm smile. Sensing the sincerity in his heart, she smiled in return before disappearing completely into the forest.
Days passed, and the young ruler was astonished when the little Erbecea appeared beside his desk. Startled, he fell from his seat, but from that moment, they formed a unique friendship that lasted for years, quietly growing stronger. As time went on and the ruler grew old, he could no longer play with her as he once did. He often shared tales of his adventures and his conquests, even introducing her to his son, a baby at the time.
When the ruler passed away, the little Erbecea watched from a distance as his body was laid to rest. She returned to the forest, crying in her sister's lap, questioning mortality. Arifea, ever patient, explained the limitations of humans something the young Erbecea struggled to accept as she mourned the loss of her dear friend.
She spent her days training, honing her mastery of the Ethereal energies. She vowed to her sister that she would return once she had learned more about the world. With a promise of growth, she embarked on her journey, bidding farewell to her and the forest spirits before disappearing into the mist.
The heavily armored figures amassed energies that illuminated the forest. Their armors bore symbols and patterns akin to the creatures they embodied. The Crimson Knight grew claw-like protrusions from his pauldrons, his cape seared and morphed into wing-like shapes. His helm now bore fangs, while his curved swords shifted in color to crimson and gained serrations. His armor became adorned with scales and symbols, resembling those of a formidable beast
The Obsidian Knight bore mystic symbols across his pauldrons and gloves. His helm sprouted six eyes and two sets of fangs, while his great sword gleamed with arcane energy. His armor was adorned with symbols resembling a mystical creature.
Finally, Kahtiaze fused with his form, enhancing his muscular build. Two additional sets of arms sprouted from his sides, and his pauldrons merged with his shoulders, creating a massive frame. His entire body grew exponentially, reaching an imposing height of five meters. On his chest, the symbol of a powerful creature was embedded, his eyes glowing with might.
The enigmatic lady braced herself, carefully watching her enemies for their next move. The Obsidian Knight struck first, swinging his sword to the right and suddenly, everything went dark. Taken aback by this ability, she found herself enveloped in darkness, forcing her to rely solely on her other senses. Focusing intently, she tuned into the faintest sounds, and with precision, managed to parry a devastating blow. The force of the impact staggered her, but she steadied herself, only to evade again as a wave of scorching heat surged from below. Another attack followed a powerful strike from an axe. She realized that her foes were performing coordinated attacks, and she began to strategize, searching for a way to break free from the onslaught.
She anticipated an attack from her side, raising her sickle to block it, but suddenly something seized her left hand. Her eyes widened as she realized it was a feint. In that moment of distraction, a powerful kick struck her gut, sending her reeling as her weapon was wrenched away by force. She staggered, coughing, and wiped away the blue blood from her mouth. Refocusing, she crouched down, pressing her fingers to the ground to feel for any vibrations.
Learning from her mistake, she closed her eyes, visualizing her enemies' positions. With precision, she parried an oncoming attack, dispersing its force with minimal movement. Rising smoothly, she sidestepped another strike from behind, moving with a controlled finesse, her evasions flowing like a graceful dance.
From a distance, Selah watched in awe, amazed by the woman's ability to perform such impressive techniques while facing three powerful foes simultaneously. She didn't even realize that the woman was fighting with impaired vision. Hyuwin, too, felt a surge of respect, sensing there was much he could learn from witnessing this battle.
But even this was not enough. She knew that merely dodging wouldn't lead to victory. Thinking critically, she searched for a way to turn the tide in her favor. In a split second, she unleashed a powerful eruption of ethereal energy, blasting everything around her to create some breathing room. Seizing the momentary pause in their attacks, she quickly pinpointed one of her enemies and selected him as the target for her next strike. With swift, fluid motion, she slashed his neck, and blood spurted out. As the obsidian knight convulsed on the ground in pain, she felt her vision return.
Kahtiaze: You dare!
With a cold, piercing glare, Kahtiaze felt as if he were facing the very incarnation of death. The Crimson knight charged at her with murderous intent.
Kahtiaze: Wait!
With her vision restored, she effortlessly dodged his attack, leaping onto his shoulder. With a flick of her wrist, she angled her sickle to slice his neck. As he collapsed to the ground, his blood staining the shallow stream, she turned to face her final foe.
Kahtiaze: I know the secret behind your attacks.
Enigmatic lady: …
Kahtiaze: You crystallize ethereal energies from the air and sharpen them like a blade of many forms. My eyes can see clearly, and with only one weapon left, you have no chance of victory.
Facing each other, Kahtiaze smashed one of the petrified spirits, halting her movement momentarily. He seized this brief weakness to gain further advantage in their fight. The enigmatic lady, even with one hand, managed to stand toe-to-toe against him, but she left few margins for error as she protected the petrified spirits. Casually, he raised his axe and swung it powerfully not intended to strike her, but to shatter another petrified spirit. In response, she purposely left an opening on her neck.
Kahtiaze grinned, certain of his victory, as he raised the sickle in his other hand to strike her neck and end the battle.
Kahtiaze: You fool! Now you die!
The enigmatic lady, still occupied with blocking the axe, whispered softly to her foe.
Enigmatic lady: You've fallen into your own trap.
In that pivotal moment, she made a subtle motion, and the sickle halted mid-air. With a swift parry, she deflected the axe and drove her heel into his knee, unbalancing her stunned opponent. Seizing the sickle in her right hand, she moved with practiced precision, slashing twice in quick, intersecting arcs across his throat. His blood sprayed across the petrified spirit stones, leaving dark smears, an offering for the spirits whose suffering had been bound within.
Kahtiaze, now gasping for air as his hands clutched futilely at his throat to stem the flow of blood, was approached by the enigmatic lady. With a single, swift motion, she ended his suffering, beheading him cleanly before turning to walk calmly toward the pendant.
Hyuwin shielded Selah, preparing for the possibility that the enigmatic lady might turn her attention toward them next. But she paid them no mind, instead reaching down to retrieve the pendant by its broken, intricate chain and slipping it into her pocket.
Selah: Wait, where are you taking my friend?
Before she left, the enigmatic lady turned her back on Selah, a curious look in her eyes.
Enigmatic lady: Friend?
As Selah opened her mouth to explain, the air shifted. The stream evaporated, and a thick veil of fog descended upon the battlefield. The armored corps, who had been standing by, suddenly felt an unnatural chill, and some turned to flee, terror gripping their hearts. The enigmatic lady's instincts flared, she knew something massive was approaching.
From within the fog, her slain foe rose again, their form emerging from the mist. Their shadows stretched unnaturally behind them, and their eyes, glowing with a sinister intensity, pierced through the haze. Without hesitation, they advanced, intent on attacking her once more.
She skillfully dodged the first strike, all the while keeping a wary eye on the massive presence that had just arrived. In a single, swift motion, she maimed one of the attackers, severing its arm and sending its lifeless body crumpling to the ground. But to her surprise, even this did not stop them.
Then, from the mist, came a shocking sight Kahtiaze, still headless, charging toward her with unrelenting fury. His body, now a grotesque shell driven by some dark force, sprinted at her with terrifying speed, his limbs moving with a disturbing purpose, as though he sought vengeance despite his decapitation.
The enigmatic lady knew she had to act quickly. She dodged an incoming attack, then hurled her sickle into the fog. It stopped mid-air, as though striking something unseen.
In that instant, she realized the truth, the mastermind had been hiding all along, puppeteering the now empty shell of corpses.
Then, a foot emerged from the torn mist, followed by the figure of an old man. His long white hair cascaded around his pale, gaunt face, and a bronze crown rested atop his head. His eyes, devoid of life, were bland and cold, matching the frailty of his skin. Standing at nearly two meters tall, his flowing robes were adorned with intricate patterns that traced along his chest. Rings adorned each of his fingers as he glared at the enigmatic lady, his voice husky and laden with malice.
Orihi Ves'ruun: Clever girl, my name is Orihi Ves'ruun the ruler of this country and these are my loyal subjects.
Without a word, the ground beneath the enigmatic lady darkened, a thick, suffocating fume rising from the earth. Her eyes widened in realization, and with a swift motion, she grabbed the pendant from her pocket and threw it toward Selah. In the very next instant, a towering pillar of blue flames erupted from where she stood, engulfing her in a blinding inferno.
Selah and Hyuwin stood frozen, both shocked by the sudden turn of events. As Selah grabbed the pendant, it began to glow mysteriously in her hands. She called out to the enigmatic lady, her voice filled with both desperation and confusion.
The flames continued to ascend, their intense blue light casting long shadows across the battlefield. As they rose higher, they fully unveiled the lady's fate… not a trace remained of her. She had completely vanished.
The ruler, his expression unreadable, clicked his tongue in annoyance. He whispered to himself, his voice barely audible over the dying embers
Orihi Ves'ruun: Tsk. She got away.
The three knights stood lifeless, their bodies motionless as the armored corps closed in, surrounding Selah and everyone else. Without mercy, they were taken into the country's dungeon, their weapons confiscated, including the pendant from Selah's possession. Stripped of their belongings, they were given rugged, prison garments, and cold steel shackles were clamped around their hands and feet.
Vaisth and his daughter, too, met the same fate, their resistance broken as they were locked away separately, each left to face an uncertain future behind cold, unforgiving bars.
Inside the dark, cold confines of their cells, they pondered how to face such a powerful being, one who seemed utterly invincible, surrounded by his immortal soldiers. The odds of victory felt impossible, and despair weighed heavily on their hearts.
But within Selah's mind, the enigmatic lady's presence lingered, her thoughts and the mystery of her whereabouts occupying her every waking moment.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable situation, Selah clung to the belief that the lady's actions had not been in vain, that perhaps there was more to her sacrifice than they understood.
Hyuwin called out to Selah from the cell next to hers, his voice faint but filled with concern. Lying on an old rag, he placed his arm over his head.
Hyuwin: Selah, you okay down there?
She murmured, his voice barely audible.
Selah: We can't give up. We have to find a way out of here, no matter what.
Suddenly, a cry was heard on a cell further away from them.
Neros: Help, me I'm starving…
Guard: Get your hands off me you dirty animal!
Neros, weak and desperate, clung to the waist of a passing cell guard, pleading for food. He gasped, his voice hoarse with hunger. But instead of sympathy, the guard swiftly kicked him down, sending him crashing to the cold stone floor.
Hyuwin and Selah recognized the voice and looked toward it to catch a glimpse of him.
Selah: Neros, is that you?
Neros: Oh, merciful heavens, is that you, Selah… Hyuwin? I'm so glad to see you again!
Neros clung to the steel bars with teary eyes, rejoicing at the sight of them. They shared a brief, emotional moment of reunion, their gazes filled with relief and gratitude, before the guards swiftly intervened, silencing them with a harsh command.
Selah was startled when she noticed something creeping behind her, tucked inside the pile of rags. As she lifted the fabric to inspect it, she revealed a small creature unlike anything she had ever seen before. It was carrying what appeared to be a folded parchment. She carefully took it, read the contents, and then discreetly passed it to Hyuwin in the next cell.
That night, the warden made his rounds, checking the inmates. Clad in his wide spaulders and red armor, with the same dangling artifact hanging from his chest, he surveyed the captives one by one. As he paused momentarily at Selah's cell, his cold gaze lingered on her before he continued walking, flanked by two guards. They took one prisoner, whose screams echoed through the corridor as they dragged him away.
Moments later, they brought in two new prisoners, Vaisth and his daughter Nyliara. The pair were roughly thrown into a cell not far from Neros, the clang of the bars echoing through the dungeon.
The next day, the prisoners were taken to the country's chamber to meet the ruler, who looked down upon them from his high throne inside a bronze-walled chamber.
The chamber was vast, its walls gleaming with polished bronze that reflected the dim torchlight, casting eerie shadows across the room. The air was heavy with the scent of metal and age, and the floor was made of smooth stone, worn from centuries of use. At the far end of the chamber, a towering bronze throne stood, intricately adorned with ancient symbols and sharp, angular designs, from which the ruler surveyed his domain with cold, calculating eyes.
Orihi Ves'ruun: Pleasantries to my humble guests…
Neros looked dozy, his head drooping as if struggling to stay awake, while Selah and the others maintained serious expressions, their eyes sharp and focused on the ruler.
Hyuwin: You bastard, what do you plan to do to us?
Then, the guard struck Hyuwin on the neck with a brutal blow, sending him sprawling to the ground, his body crumpling in pain.
Orihi Ves'ruun: I think you mistake me for a cruel ruler who destroys the realm to fulfill his own selfish desires.
Vaisth and Nyliara glared at the ruler with seething anger, their eyes burning with hatred. The ruler, however, seemed to relish their resentment, as if feeding off their misery, a cruel smile curling at the edges of his lips as he savored their disdain.
Orihi Ves'ruun: This, in fact, is our victory, come, celebrate with me, your new ruler.
The ruler gestured, and the guards wheeled in a table laden with food and wine, offering it to the prisoners one by one. Neros, suddenly looking lively, took the food eagerly, savoring each bite, while the others looked on in disgust.
Nyliara, her eyes burning with fury, grabbed the wine and hurled it into the guard's face, then swiftly tripped him with a powerful kick. With a surge of anger, she lunged toward the ruler, her every step driven by a burning desire for vengeance.
Vaisth: Nyliara, no!
But before she could reach him, the obsidian knight appeared out of nowhere. With a swift, brutal punch to her gut, he sent her crashing to the ground. She cursed under her breath, before she lost consciousness, her body slumping in defeat.
Nyliara: I swear, I will kill you!
The guards pushed them forcefully to their knees, their hands gripping the prisoners tightly as they were forced into submission. The ruler descended from his throne, his footsteps echoing in the silent chamber as he approached his captives.
He walked past them, his gaze cold and calculating. When he reached Vaisth, who was straining to control his rage, the guard yanked Vaisth's hair back, forcing him to glance up at the ruler. The ruler's eyes gleamed with amusement as he looked down at the restrained man, savoring his power over them.
Orihi Ves'ruun: You all look better this way.
The ruler sneered, his voice dripping with mockery
Orihi Ves'ruun: Like obedient human beings. It's amusing how far you've come in this farce. After years of perfecting my kingdom, you think you can just barge in and ruin everything I've worked so hard for? You will learn what true pain and suffering are!
The ruler regarded them with utter disdain, as though they were nothing more than trash. He gestured to his guards, instructing them to beat the prisoners in front of him for sport. The sounds of metal hitting flesh echoed through the chamber, while the ruler laughed maniacally, reveling in their pain and suffering. His laughter grew louder with each strike, feeding off their misery like a twisted form of entertainment.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, he grew bored. Waving his hand dismissively, he ordered the guards to stop. The prisoners, bruised and battered from the brutality, were dragged back to their cells, their bodies broken, but their spirits, though shaken, still flickered with defiance.
That night, the warden made his usual rounds, his footsteps echoing through the cold, dark corridors. He ordered his guards to drag another prisoner out of his cell, and they also hauled Neros, who appeared lifeless and unresisting, still sleeping soundly. The guards lifted him as if he were nothing more than a sack of potatoes, his body limp in their grasp.
Selah noticed this, and panicked. She and Hyuwin slammed their fists against the steel bars, shouting to wake him, but Neros didn't stir. His body remained lifeless, oblivious to their frantic attempts.
Desperate, she gripped the bars tightly, tears streaming down her face. Her sobs echoed through the dungeon as she realized the terrible truth, she sensed it in her bones. The guards were taking the prisoners to their death.
The next day, Selah stared at Neros's empty cell, her heart heavy with grief. He was gone, and the space where he had once been felt cold and lifeless. She clutched her legs to her chest, curling into the corner as tears welled in her eyes. Hyuwin, noticing her distress, talked to her gently. He spoke softly, trying to cheer her up.
Hyuwin: Look, this is Neros we're talking about. With his ingenuity, I'm sure he can get out of this one without needing our help.
Selah nodded, a faint glimmer of hope returning to her expression.
Their hopes soon faded when they were summoned to the country's execution grounds, a grim arena reserved for those condemned to die. The massive structure loomed around them, built from pale, weathered stones that seemed to glow dully in the morning light. Bronze accents lined the upper tiers and reinforced the heavy gates, now streaked with age and grime. Rows of stone seats stretched upward, filled with a crowd eager for bloodshed, while the sand below, stained from countless battles, awaited the next victims.
Selah and the others stood on a platform above, watching as the crowd roared in anticipation. Below, the iron gates groaned open, and a lone prisoner was dragged into the arena, his pleas ignored as the guards pushed him roughly onto the sand and unlocked the shackles from his wrists.
Across the arena, a second gate opened, and a group of beast tamers strained to control an enormous, scarred beast. The creature looked like a tiger but more monstrous, with two massive heads that snarled in unison. Weathered chains hung heavily around its neck, clinking with each movement, and deep scars crisscrossed its powerful body, a living weapon bred for slaughter.
The beast tamers unleashed the creature, and with a deafening roar, it fixed its bloodthirsty gaze upon its helpless prey. The prisoner clung desperately to the gate, his face pale with terror, but the beast lunged forward with brutal speed, pouncing on him and mauling him mercilessly.
Selah and the others recoiled in horror, unable to look away from the gruesome scene unfolding below. Their hearts sank as they realized the ruthless fate awaiting any who entered this arena.
Vaisth: This is the fate of those who dared to oppose the ruler. His tyranny, his insatiable lust for power… it has driven our kind to the brink of extinction, condemned to die in ways too horrific to describe.
Nyliara wore an expression of grief and despair, her gaze narrowing as she watched the brutal spectacle below. Her eyes, dark with sorrow
Vaisth: But I will face death head-on when my time comes and join those who have fallen before me. If this is the end, then let it be with courage.
The guards then brought in the next prisoner Neros who, to everyone's surprise, walked voluntarily, his head held high. As they uncuffed him, he glanced around the arena with a calm, unreadable expression. Above, the ruler grinned, savoring every moment, his eyes gleaming with a twisted delight at the spectacle unfolding before him.
As the beast circled around Neros, he showed no resistance as it pounced on him and mauled him. Selah shouted, but to no avail. Unbeknownst to everyone, the skies were filled with dozens of invisible satellites, strategically positioned, and quietly charging energy.