"We have to run! If we stay here, we die!"
The scream cut through the darkness, echoing through the cave's jagged corridors like a warning bell from the abyss. Panic danced in every syllable, chased by the thunderous footsteps of two fleeing figures.
"Achlys! When will you wake up?!" a shrill, desperate voice rang out, carried by the wind as a great shadow surged behind them—an expanding tide of darkness threatening to swallow everything. Just as it reached them, a shield of blazing fire erupted, halting the darkness for a breathless moment.
"It's too damn strong!" Saria roared, her voice cracking beneath the pressure. "RUN FOR IT!"
Laughter—too cruel, low, and inhuman—echoed from within the void.
"Shiki… shiki… shiki…"
Soon the laughter faded and then silence echoed in the cave. The waves receded. Boulders cracked and crumbled as though the land had lost its hold.
The cave collapsed. Dust billowed.
Saria tumbled to her knees, her blade trembling in her grip. "Myogafu… A monster far too dangerous to ignore…"
From the rubble, Achlys stirred. His body was scorched, marked with burns that pulsed faintly as they began to heal on their own. He blinked against the light, all dazed and confused.
"Where… where am I?" He woke up.
Saria stared at him intently, standing tall with her fire-forged sword crackling at her side. "That marking of yours—it's got to awaken soon!" she demanded.
Achlys flinched at the tone but nodded weakly.
Before the tension could flare, Tiabishi stepped between them. "May I interrupt?" she said calmly, her eyes narrowing. "Something—or someone—protected Achlys before I could."
Achlys glanced at his hands, and looked up at her, all confused, and searching for an answer.
Saria absentmindedly played with her ear, deep in thought. "Protected... by what?"
"Where's that weird monster guy?" Achlys muttered.
A sharp kick slammed into his face, sending him flying into a nearby tree.
"Stop asking so many damn questions!" Tiabishi snapped.
Saria took a step back, stunned. "Damn, scary elf…" she whispered.
Tiabishi blinked, confused. "Did I do something wrong…?"
Saria shook her head. "No… just startled."
Achlys groaned from the ground, rubbing his face. "That hurts…"
Tiabishi stared down at him, unblinking. He quickly slapped a hand over his mouth. I better be quiet here, he thought.
"I'm going home," Tiabishi announced, brushing off her cloak and stomping away. "See you later, Achlys. Saria."
The two watched her go, baffled. Then, without speaking, they turned and headed back to the city as well.
That night, beneath the hush of stars, Saria lay in bed, the sword of Nota cradled beside her like a silent companion. It shimmered faintly in the dark.
"What are you…?" she murmured to the blade.
It hummed, pulsing softly with ancient fire.
She set it down and closed her eyes. "Good night…"
But as the city slumbered, the sword levitated. Its hilt gently touched her forehead.
"Stop… don't go…" Saria whimpered in her sleep, trembling, trapped in memory.
Twenty Years Ago – City of Loipetras
Laughter sparkled in the air like sparks from a hearth. A small red-haired girl darted through the cobbled streets, flames dancing on her fingertips as she sang.
She burst into a modest house, eyes glowing with pride and a smile leaking through the face.
"Mama! Papa! I finally got my magic!"
Her father entered, his reddish-brown hair tousled and smile wide. But the mother followed, blue hair flowing, lips curled in disdain.
"What kind of magic did you get, useless pawn?" her mother scoffed.
"Stop it," her father chided gently. "She's trying her best."
"Look, Papa!" the girl beamed, showing him her flickering flame. "It's fire magic!"
His eyes lit up. "That's amazing! Use it to protect everyone, okay? Be the flame of hope."
"Yes, Papa!" her smile widened. "I will try my best!"
Her father patted her head with a wide smile, but her mother sneered. "Useless. You couldn't get light magic?" With a cruel flick, she doused the flame in water.
The child stood, soaked and silent.
"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" the father shouted, pushing the woman aside. "She's your daughter too!"
He hugged her tightly, protecting her from her abusive mother.
The woman stormed out annoyed while the little girl wept all soaked in water.
"Saria," her father whispered, cradling her, "don't ever lose hope. You're stronger than you know."
"Papa…" she sobbed, clutching him tightly.
Saria jolted awake, breath ragged, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Why did I remember that…?" she whispered.
The Sword of Nota glowed in her hand.
"Did you… show me that?" The crimson blade pulsed once in reply.
Sunlight crept over the horizon. She got up, rubbing her eyes. Just then, someone barged in—sharp-jawed, sword at his hip, thunder necklace swaying.
"Toiaka…!?"
"Uh—Saria!" he froze, eyes wide. "Sorry, sorry! Honey, please—!"
With a flash, the bed flew toward him. He yelped, tried to dodge—failed.
"Argh!"
He stumbled up, but Saria grabbed his collar, eyes blazing. "You're not going anywhere."
Toiaka paled. "I-I'm sorry—!"
"I'm going to rip your eyes out, dry them in the sun, burn them, and sew them back in so hot you'll never look at another woman again."
Toiaka screamed and ran, dragging Saria along as she laughed behind him.
"Idiot," she muttered, patting his head. "I was joking."
"Promise?" he asked nervously.
"Promise." She smiled.
"I heard you've been training kids lately," he said, brushing himself off.
"They're not kids," she replied. "They're my students. Nearly as strong as I am when I'm serious."
"Can't wait to see for myself!" he laughed maniacally.
She slapped him and sighed. "Why did I marry you again?"
They walked out together, arguing all the way.
Later, Saria stormed to Achlys and Tiabishi's home and dragged them out into the street.
"Today, we're going to the city!"
Achlys and Tiabishi exchanged a glance. Then:
"YAAAHOOOO!"
They spun in circles, dancing like fools.
"My husband's right," Saria sighed. "You really are just kids."
Soon they left and made their way toward the city, with Saria leading, Tiabishi behind, and Achlys bringing up the rear.
"What are we doing in the city?" Achlys asked.
"Visiting the Adventurer's Guild," Saria replied. "Nox is waiting."
"Couldn't we have gone ourselves…?" Tiabishi ventured.
Saria stopped. "Haah?"
Tiabishi hid behind Achlys.
"You idiots never would've gone and I knew it."
She punched Achlys in the gut.
"Why me…" he gasped, collapsing.
At last, they reached a battered wooden building.
"This is the Adventurer's Guild," Saria declared.
A wooden beam creaked. The letter "T" fell and smacked her on the head.
"Ow." She turned. "Achlys. Did you just hit me?"
"No! The T did!"
Saria's smile was terrifying. Blood dripped down her forehead.
"You're bad at lying." She slugged him and dragged him inside.
The hall was vast—four towering pillars, five busy reception desks, and twin staircases leading up and down.
"Nox!" Saria called.
From above, a figure bounded wall to wall, pillar to pillar.
"Sariaaa!"
They leaped at each other, collided mid-air, and fell laughing.
"How are you?!" Saria grinned.
"Fantastic!" Nox replied, bloodied but joyful.
Meanwhile, Achlys lay face-first on the floor, mumbling about yellow stones.
Tiabishi helped him up caressing his hair. "There, there…"
At the power assessment bar, a boy with stark white hair and heterochromatic eyes awaited them.
"Welcome. I'm Diople. I'll be measuring your abilities." He extended a crystal stone. "Here, we'll be using this to measure your power level."
Achlys headbutted the crystal stone.
"Idiot." Tiabishi sighed and took the stone.
It glowed blue-white.
"Ice manipulation and creation. Rare, but not surprising for an elf," Diople said.
He passed it to Achlys.
As Achlys held it, the crystal cracked, glowing faint gray.
Diople leaned forward, eyes gleaming. "Mist magic… and… the Order?"
Achlys blinked.
"Cool! Is mist magic strong?" he asked.
"Not upfront," Diople said. "But from behind, unnoticed… it can be deadly."
Achlys beamed.
Saria ruffled his hair. "You'll be strong. I know it."
"Ice manipulation…?" Tiabishi trembled beside them, staring at her shaking hands. "Why… now?" she whispered, tears falling. "Why is it so late?"
Achlys embraced her, grounding her.
"It'll be okay, Tiabishi."
She flushed and shoved him away. "IDIOT!"
Achlys smiled, watching her flee.
Saria watched from afar, sighing. "Idiots. But strong ones… Except Achlys."
"I HEARD THAT, FLAMING CAT!"
She smirked. "What did you call me, long-haired goblin?!"
And the chase began again, laughter echoing into the evening air.