After the grueling battle against the cursed forest's guardians, Rio found himself surrounded by seven individuals who were barely clinging to life. Their eyes carried traces of hope and scars of a bitter past. They stood before him as though awaiting his judgment.
Rio, holding his broken sword, gazed at them with a mixture of strength and compassion. He spoke firmly:
"If you're searching for a reason to live, you might find it with me. But I'll accept nothing less than full loyalty. Who are you, and why should I take you in?"
• Raed: A strong-built man with a long scar running across his face. He spoke with a steady voice, though burdened with deep sorrow:
"My name is Raed. I was a soldier in the army of a small kingdom that was crushed. I betrayed my command to protect my village, but they killed everyone. I'm searching for a new purpose, and perhaps I'll find it with you."
• Myra: A young woman with pale blonde hair and icy blue eyes. Her voice was calm but carried an inner strength:
"I'm Myra. I was a priestess in an ancient temple, but the temple was destroyed in an invasion by the Eastern Empire. All I have left are my magic and the secrets I've learned. I seek revenge, but I need a leader."
• Kareem: A man with an Arabian appearance, a short beard, and sharp eyes. He spoke with confidence and pride:
"My name is Kareem. I was a commander in an army betrayed from within by treachery. I seek an honorable battle and a leader worthy of my loyalty. I promise to be your right hand."
• Liana: A middle-aged woman with a stern face. She spoke with a voice full of determination:
"My name is Liana. I was a servant in a palace, but I fled after they killed my daughter in front of me. I don't have much, but I fight with everything I've got."
• Noor: A slender young man with shy features. He spoke hesitantly:
"I'm Noor. I was a petty thief, but I've learned that deception can be a weapon sharper than any blade. I can be your eyes and ears."
• Elena: A girl young in age but with the gaze of a seasoned assassin. She spoke with unwavering confidence:
"My name is Elena. I grew up in a world of blood and betrayal. A dagger is my only friend. If you need someone to handle the dirty work, I'm here."
• Markus: A massive man wielding a heavy hammer. He spoke in a deep, resonant voice:
"Markus. I don't fight for gold or glory. I fight only to protect those who are worth protecting. Prove to me that you're worth it, and you'll always find me at your back."
Rio scanned them all with a piercing gaze before saying:
"You are now part of something greater. I won't promise you an easy life, but I will promise that what we fight for will have meaning."
Away from the group, Jin stood alone in the forest's shadowy stillness. The wind rustled the branches gently as his eyes, heavy with concern, stared into the distance.
The system spoke in his mind with a mocking tone:
"Don't you feel like you're relying on him a little too much?"
Jin replied coldly:
"Rio is unlike anyone else. There's something in him that allows him to carry all this weight. But I fear… he might break."
The system chuckled lightly and said:
"Break? Perhaps. But he's the kind who breaks only to rebuild himself stronger."
Jin remained silent for a moment before muttering to himself:
"I just hope he doesn't have to sacrifice himself again."
In the imperial palace of the Eastern Empire, Emperor Lucas stood before a massive map displaying his forces' positions. Beside him was his first minister, who looked visibly uneasy.
The emperor spoke angrily:
"Valder was a weak tool. I need someone more ruthless to end this nonsense."
The first minister bowed and said:
"There's a new commander suggesting we send the Black Division. They never fail."
Lucas turned with a wicked smile and said:
"Then let's play with fire. Send them. Let Rio and Jin learn what true fear means."
As the seven companions prepared for their new journey alongside Rio, the forces of darkness began to move. The challenges ahead would not just test their strength in battle but also their wills and the bonds of trust between allies.
The road to the next city was long and arduous. The Seven Companions, now more at ease under Rio's leadership, spoke in low voices about the trials they had endured.
Midway through their journey, the group stopped at an abandoned campsite. The eerie silence of the place made Rio uneasy.
• Myra, examining the ground:
"There are footprints here. Fresh ones."
• Raed, resting a hand on his sword:
"But there are no signs of a fight. Something feels off."
Rio raised his hand to silence them and said in a low voice:
"Stay alert. This place isn't as abandoned as it seems."
As they cautiously moved through the camp, they heard muffled sobs coming from one of the huts. Rio motioned for the group to approach quietly. He pushed the door open slowly and found a young boy, no older than 11, tied up and gagged, his eyes filled with fear.
• Rio, speaking gently to reassure him:
"Don't be afraid. We're here to help."
As Rio untied him, the boy collapsed into his arms, sobbing. Through broken words, the child said:
"They took everyone… my mother… my father… please, save them!"
As the group comforted the boy, Noor stepped forward and spoke in a low voice:
"I've heard of camps like this before. They belong to a cult of slave traders. They kidnap people and sell them to empires or shadowy factions."
• Myra, her voice trembling with suppressed anger:
"This is unacceptable. How can people stoop to such evil?"
• Kareem, gripping his sword tightly:
"We must act. If the cult is operating here, we can't allow them to take more lives."
Rio turned to the boy and asked:
"Do you know where they took your family?"
The boy nodded and replied:
"There's another camp in the mountains where they gather everyone before moving them. But… it's filled with monsters and guards."
Rio stood and said with determination:
"Then we'll go there. This isn't just about saving your family—it's about sending a message to anyone who thinks they can trade in human lives."
At the cult's mountain camp, its leader, Sigur, sat in his tent. A massive man with a terrifying build and cold, merciless eyes, he listened as one of his subordinates reported to him:
"The last convoy will leave tomorrow with the captives. This is the only camp left. Should we increase the guards?"
Sigur smirked wickedly and replied:
"No one dares approach us. But put the beasts on night patrol. I don't want any surprises."
That night, the group formulated their plan.
• Noor, drawing a rough map in the dirt:
"The guards are stationed here and here. Large beasts patrol the perimeter. To sneak in, we'll need to deal with them first."
• Myra, confidently:
"My magic can subdue one or two, but if we're swarmed, things will get messy."
• Raed, grinning:
"Leave the beasts to me. I'll play decoy if it comes to that."
Rio looked at the group and said:
"There's no room for failure. If we're to prove ourselves worthy of protecting this world, we must show our strength here. Remember, saving lives is our primary goal."
As the group approached the camp, they saw its lights flickering in the distance and heard the muffled cries of the captives. Rio paused for a moment, his eyes blazing with anger.
• Rio, unsheathing his sword:
"It's time to end the Cult of Shadows."