The days at the Devil's Shadows Guild passed with a strange mixture of routine and unease. While the group busied themselves with restocking supplies, training, and reviewing missions, JC found himself drawn to the weight of the system window that only he could see.
---
Preparing for the Next Step
Mark returned with bags of new potions and enchanted weapons. "I've got everything we'll need for the next mission," he said, dropping the items onto the guild table.
Angel was flipping through the mission board's new postings. "There's a quest to investigate the rise of cursed beasts in the eastern region," she said, her finger tracing the words. "It's marked A-rank, but I bet we can handle it."
"Too soon," JC said, stepping into the room. His tone was calm but carried an edge of authority.
Angel frowned. "Too soon? We've been resting for days!"
JC crossed his arms. "I'm not saying we're not ready for challenges. But there's something bigger coming. The cursed beasts aren't the main threat. They're just the beginning."
Jackson tilted his head. "You're being cryptic again, JC. What do you know that we don't?"
Lissy looked at him, concern evident in her eyes. "JC?"
He sighed, glancing at the system window only he could see. Quest Update: Rise of the Abyss. The text glowed ominously, warning of impending chaos.
"I have a hunch," he finally said, his voice steady. "There's something connected to these cursed beasts. Something worse. We need to be at our peak before we take it on."
---
A Fateful Letter
Later that evening, as the group gathered in the common area, a courier entered the guild hall. The young boy looked nervous as he approached JC, holding out an envelope sealed with a black and silver crest.
"This came for you, sir," the boy stammered.
JC took the letter, his expression unreadable as he broke the seal. His crimson eyes scanned the words quickly, his jaw tightening with every line.
"What is it?" Lissy asked, stepping closer.
JC handed her the letter. As she read it aloud, the room fell silent:
"To JC Logia,
Your presence is required at the Council of Nations. The shadows of the past stir once more, and your family's legacy will be called upon. Prepare yourself for the trials ahead.
Signed,
The Council of Elders"
---
The Revelation
Jackson whistled low. "The Council of Nations? That's no small deal."
Mark frowned. "Why now? What could they possibly want from you?"
JC's gaze was distant. "The Logia family has always been tied to the Council. If they're calling me now, it's because something big is happening."
Angel leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Are you going to go?"
JC nodded. "I don't have a choice. But I won't go alone. You're all coming with me."
---
Preparing for the Journey
The decision was made. Over the next few days, the group prepared for the journey to the Council of Nations.
"We'll need better gear," Mark said, inspecting his sword.
"And more mana stones," Angel added. "If we're facing whatever the Council is worried about, we need to be at our best."
JC stood apart from the group, his mind racing. The Council wouldn't summon me without a reason, he thought. Whatever's coming, it's tied to the abyssal energy I've been sensing.
Lissy approached him, her voice soft. "Are you sure about this?"
JC turned to her, his expression softer than usual. "I have to be. The Council is part of my responsibility. But I'm not doing this alone. I need you all with me."
She nodded, placing a hand on his arm. "We'll be ready."
---
The Road Ahead
The morning of their departure arrived. The group stood at the guild's entrance, their gear packed and their resolve firm.
JC looked at his team, a flicker of pride in his eyes. "This journey isn't just about the Council," he said. "It's about proving who we are and what we're capable of."
Angel grinned. "Let's show them what the Devil's Shadows can do."
With that, they set off, the road ahead filled with uncertainty and the promise of trials yet to come. JC's hand brushed against the hilt of his sword, the glowing marks of wrath flickering faintly as if in anticipation.
The shadows may rise, he thought. But so will we.