The sea breeze caressed Leonhardt's face as the ship sailed toward the unknown island. Ever since they had set sail, he had felt a strange sensation in the air, as if something powerful was waiting for them on that land.
Beside him, Evelyn gazed at the horizon with serenity, though her elven ears twitched slightly, picking up sounds imperceptible to the others. Saya, on the other hand, sat on the ship's railing, her demonic tail hidden, but her eyes keenly scanning for any danger. Victoria, with her usual elegance, stood nearby, refining her combat strategy while her sword rested in her lap.
"I have a feeling this island is not just uncharted territory," Leonhardt murmured.
"I think the same," Evelyn nodded. "There is an... ancient presence here."
When the ship finally touched land, the first thing they noticed was the dense vegetation and the magical aura that permeated the surroundings. It was an unexplored site, yet there were traces suggesting that someone had been here before.
Exploring the Island
The group advanced cautiously. The island wasted no time in revealing its dangers—creatures unlike anything they had seen before emerged from the underbrush. These beasts had obsidian-like skin and glowing eyes. Leonhardt immediately drew his sword.
"Formation!" he ordered as Saya and Evelyn took their positions.
The creatures attacked with unnatural speed. Leonhardt blocked the first strike and countered with precision, noticing that his new ability allowed him to see the enemies' weak points more clearly.
"This is going to be useful!" he thought as he delivered a precise slash to the glowing red mark on the beast's skin.
Saya, using her agility, dodged the attacks and struck with lethal precision, eliminating another creature. Evelyn, with her mastery over magic, summoned roots from the ground to trap the remaining enemies, allowing Victoria to finish them off with a single swing.
A New Enemy
After the battle, the island revealed an even greater discovery—an ancient ruined structure with symbols engraved on its walls. But before Leonhardt could analyze them, a deep voice echoed through the air.
"Well, well… what an interesting group."
From the shadows emerged a towering man. His dark armor radiated a malevolent energy, and his gaze seemed to pierce straight into Leonhardt's soul.
"Who are you?" Victoria asked, sword at the ready.
"I am Kael, and this island is my domain."
The air grew heavy. Kael raised a hand, and darkness seemed to materialize around him. Leonhardt felt his skin prickle.
"Prepare yourselves, for today, you will experience true terror."
Forging His Own Sword
The battle did not happen immediately. Kael vanished into the shadows, promising that they would meet again soon.
Aware of the looming threat, Leonhardt knew they needed something more to face him. That's when he remembered the special materials he had collected on his journey.
"I'm going to forge a new sword," he announced.
Using a makeshift anvil and fire magic, he began the process. Evelyn and Saya watched in fascination.
"This is something only a true blacksmith can do," Evelyn murmured.
After hours of work, the blade took shape. A black sword with golden runes gleamed in his hands, radiating a unique energy.
"I will call it Fate's Edge."
But he didn't stop there. He also crafted personalized weapons for Evelyn and Saya, ensuring that everyone was prepared for the battle ahead.
As the sun began to set, Leonhardt looked at his new creation, then at his companions.
"Kael… I'm ready to face you."