The road to the Council of Nations was long and winding, stretching through dense forests, sprawling plains, and treacherous mountain passes. The group moved with purpose, their laughter and camaraderie breaking the otherwise silent path. Yet, beneath the surface, there was an unspoken tension.
---
Campfire Conversations
One evening, they set up camp near a crystal-clear stream. The night was quiet, the only sounds the crackling fire and the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze.
Mark leaned back against a tree, his sword resting on his lap. "So, JC," he began, his tone casual but curious. "What's the deal with this Council? Are they some big-shot elites, or what?"
JC, sitting on a nearby log, glanced at him. His expression remained calm, but his crimson eyes betrayed a flicker of thought. "The Council is... complicated," he said. "They're the governing body of the Country of Nations, made up of the strongest elites and the most influential families. My family has always had a seat there because of our legacy. They oversee everything—from politics to military strategy to the management of dungeons."
Angel tilted her head. "And now they're calling you back? Sounds like they're desperate."
JC nodded. "They wouldn't summon me unless it was urgent. But I don't trust their motives. The Council has its secrets, and I've learned that not all of them are noble."
---
Midnight Watch
Later that night, while the others slept, JC took the first watch. The forest was alive with the quiet sounds of nocturnal creatures, but JC's mind was elsewhere.
Lissy stirred awake and joined him by the fire. "Couldn't sleep?" she asked, wrapping a blanket around her shoulders.
JC shook his head. "Too much to think about."
She sat beside him, her hand brushing against his. "You're worried about the Council."
"I'm worried about all of it," he admitted. "The Council, the abyssal energy, the monsters... and you all. I need to make sure you're strong enough for what's coming."
Lissy gave him a small smile. "We're stronger because of you. Don't forget that."
---
A Sudden Encounter
The next day, as they traveled through a narrow mountain pass, the air grew colder, and the atmosphere heavier.
Angel shivered. "Is it just me, or does this place feel... wrong?"
"It's not just you," Jackson said, his hand on the hilt of his weapon.
JC slowed his pace, his marks faintly glowing. "Be ready. Something's here."
Suddenly, the ground shook, and from the shadows of the cliffs emerged a massive creature—a twisted amalgamation of stone and darkness. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent light, and its roar echoed through the pass.
"It's an A-rank abyssal construct!" Angel shouted.
The group immediately fell into formation, weapons drawn and magic at the ready. JC stepped forward, his calm demeanor unchanged.
"Don't hold back," he instructed. "This isn't just a fight—it's a test."
---
The Battle
The creature attacked with relentless force, its massive limbs crashing down and sending shockwaves through the pass. Mark charged in with his blade, landing a series of precise strikes, while Angel cast defensive barriers to protect the group.
Lissy and Jackson worked in tandem, their combined magic creating powerful bursts of fire and ice that staggered the beast.
JC observed from a distance, analyzing the creature's movements. When the moment was right, he joined the fray, his glowing marks amplifying his speed and strength. With one powerful swing of his blade, he severed one of the beast's arms, causing it to roar in pain.
"Focus on its core!" JC commanded.
The team worked together seamlessly, their attacks coordinated and precise. Finally, with a combined effort, they destroyed the creature, its form collapsing into a pile of ash and debris.
---
Aftermath
As they caught their breath, JC examined the remains of the creature. Among the ash was a glowing crystal—a rare abyssal mana stone.
"Take it," JC said, handing it to Angel. "It'll enhance your magic."
She hesitated before accepting it. "Thanks... but why didn't you take it?"
JC's gaze was distant. "Because I don't need it."
The group exchanged glances but didn't press further. They knew JC had his reasons, even if he didn't share them.
---
The Journey Continues
As they moved on, the group's confidence grew. The fight had proven their strength and their ability to work as a team.
"Think the Council will be impressed?" Jackson joked.
JC smirked. "Let's hope so."
But as they approached the towering gates of the Council of Nations, JC couldn't shake the feeling that their challenges were only beginning.