Drowned Abyss

On the bustling docks of Etris sat a solitary Canor, his sharp gaze fixed on the shimmering water. Leonardo Zeshi, or Leo as most called him, had spent much of his life in the capital, though his origins remained a mystery. He didn't know his parents; all he knew was the story his adoptive family told him—that one fateful night, he was left at their doorstep with no explanation.

"Why the long face, Leo?" came a familiar voice, tinged with a hint of mockery. It was Rajin Kikoshi, Leo's rival and perpetual thorn in his side.

Leo sighed, his brow furrowing. "I'm not sure about this mission. People disappearing in Erisia... It feels off. These kinds of things don't just happen." He absentmindedly conjured a small ball of wind in his hand, letting it swirl and dance in his palm.

"Relax," Rajin replied, a sly grin tugging at his lips. "It's just one mission. Besides, you wouldn't want me to finally surpass you, would you?"

Leo chuckled softly, though his unease lingered. "I suppose not," he admitted, releasing the wind with a faint sigh. Rising to his feet, he decided it was time to get to know his expedition group better. If they were going to face danger together, teamwork would be vital.

His attention was drawn to a cloaked figure standing a short distance away. Curious, Leo approached them. "So, it seems we're on the same squad. What's your name?"

The figure hesitated for a moment before replying, "My name is Kounéli."

"Kounéli? Nice to meet you." Leo offered a warm smile.

To his surprise, the cloaked figure's expression shifted, a flicker of astonishment crossing their face. "You haven't heard of me?" Kounéli asked, their voice tinged with disbelief.

Leo tilted his head. "Are you famous?"

"No... Forget it." Kounéli's tone softened, their guarded demeanor faltering. "I'm just... glad I can finally talk to someone."

Before Leo could respond, Rajin's voice cut in from behind him. "Wait, hey, you're an Adret, aren't you?"

Kounéli nodded, pulling their cloak tighter. "Yeah, but I was banished from The Authority a while ago. I came to Etris seeking refuge."

Rajin shrugged nonchalantly. "Huh. Well, it looks like your boat's about to leave. Better get moving."

As Leo and Kounéli boarded the vessel, they fell into a quiet conversation about life in Etris. Kounéli's reserved nature began to thaw, their words coming easier with each exchange.

Suddenly, a flash of blue lightning streaked across the dock, followed by a voice shouting, "I'm late!"

A blur of motion barreled toward the departing boat. It was a figure with a guitar slung across their back, running at full speed before launching themselves onto the deck in an electrifying display of Thunder magic. The onlookers stared in stunned silence.

"Pfft—showoff," muttered a large man standing near the mast, shaking his head.

Leo, intrigued by the dramatic entrance, strode over to the newcomer. "Hey, my name's Leonardo Zeshi—Leo for short. And this is Kounéli Atsáli."

The figure grinned, their vibrant energy almost tangible. "Yo! Name's Velvet Isabella!"

As the boat sailed slowly toward the shores of Erisia, the docks of Etris faded into the horizon. The group's journey had begun.