ã€ŠFaded Secrets: Legend of the Licheã€‹


 Warm Up

    Thornton

    The sun is sitting high in the sky doing its daily observation over the Belfour Kingdom and all of Kirk. Rays of lights slivers through the forest and gleams off the lakes and ponds. Water is rapidly racing and crashing into the streams below.

    "Three, two, one GO!

    As soon as I say go, an arrow hiss pass my head causing a few of my locks to sway from the wind it created . I hear a loud thud and crack behind me as the impact of the arrow violently rips through the bark of a small oak tree in the distance reducing it into sawdust . A swift ringing generates from my scabbard collar as I unsheathe my steel sword; immediately I charge forward carefully maneuvering and slicing through the barrage of arrows that started raining upon me. As I approach closer to my sister Jade, she shoots one last arrow that I slice in half, the difference with this arrow is that it explodes and sends me flying backwards into the stream getting soaked.

    I slowly get back up to my feet dripping with water as I await another barrage of arrows. I wipe off the soot from sword and armor. Jade slowly walks over to the river bank with her bow dangling from her left hand shaking her head.

    "You have to be able to tell the difference between enchanted arrows and regular arrows Thornton! If this were a real battle, you would be seriously hurt. Let''s try again." Jade commanded.

    "Alright this time I''ll be ready," I said with a sigh.

    I climb back onto the rock across from the one Jade is standing on, water dripping from my armor. The stream''s cold bite reminds me of the sting of failure, but this time, I won''t repeat my mistakes. Watching the arrows more closely, I finally notice how the enchanted ones sway through the air, glimmering faintly, and move a little slower than their mundane counterparts. Now, I have a plan. I''ll close the gap between us more quickly this time, dodge the barrage, and land a decisive blow. Little does Jade know, I''ve been perfecting a new attack for weeks. Today, she''ll see it in action.

    "Three, two, one GO!

    Once again, a barrage of arrows rains down upon me. This time, however, I can distinguish the enchanted arrows from the regular ones. Skillfully slicing through the regular arrows and dodging the enchanted ones, I manage to close the distance between Jade and me. She smiles, a glimmer of pride in her eyes, and I find myself mirroring her expression. With a fluid motion, she secures her bow in the holster on her back and draws her sword.

    "I hope you''ve been honing your hand-to-hand skills, Thornton," Jade said with a sly grin.

    "That, and more," I replied confidently.

    As I close the distance, I swing my sword, but she deflects it with ease. Seizing the opportunity, I attempt a leg sweep, but she leaps gracefully over it and counters with a swift 360-degree kick to my right shoulder. The impact sends me rolling backward, but I recover quickly with a backward handspring.

    Reaching into my dagger pouch, I hurl two blades toward her, hoping to divert her focus. As expected, she effortlessly swats them aside¡ªbut that''s when I make my move.

    I close my eyes and channel all my mana, forcing it to surge through every fiber of my body. As the power courses through me, I catch a glimpse of Jade''s expression twisting in confusion.

    "I''m not sure what you''re trying to pull, but you''d better get serious!" she shouts, starting to charge toward me.

    Then it happens. She halts abruptly, her look of confusion deepening.

    "Thornton? Thornton? Where are you?"

    It worked¡ªI was invisible. I knew it because the world around me had turned gray, drained of all color. But I also knew I needed to finish this training session quickly. This technique came at a cost: my body was already growing cold and fatigued. Worse, the invisibility would only last a minute.

    As Jade scans the area frantically, I seize my chance. Charging at her, I deliver a solid kick to her stomach.

    "What the hell!" she grunts, stumbling back.

    Without missing a beat, I unleash a flurry of strikes into her ribs. Desperation flashes in her eyes as she swings wildly, hoping to land a hit.

    Now about 20 seconds into my invisibility, I step back, taking a moment to assess her movements and plan my final attack. Summoning energy into my hand, I begin to conjure a fireball, ready to end this.

    But then¡ªsomething unexpected happens.

    She smiles in my direction, her expression sharp and focused, as though she can see me. In one swift motion, she draws her bow and fires three arrows in perfect unison. I have no choice but to hurl the fireball earlier than planned, aiming to intercept them.

    WHOOSH!The fireball collides with the arrows midair, creating a blinding flash of light. My invisibility clock is ticking¡ªI''m about 45 seconds in now.

    As the brilliance fades, I scan the area for Jade, but she''s nowhere to be seen. Suddenly, I feel the cold edge of her sword press against my back.

    "You had me for a moment," she says with a smirk. "But when you''re standing still, you''re dripping with water."

    With a sharp kick, she sends me tumbling to the ground just as my invisibility wears off.

    "If you weren''t soaked, those fireballs might''ve actually worked," she remarks. "Who taught you how to use that technique?"

    "No one," I reply, brushing myself off. "I was meditating one day, and when I stopped, everything turned grayish. At first, I thought I''d gone blind and freaked out. But as I walked around the house, I noticed I couldn''t see my reflection in the mirror. I thought I''d turned into a vampire or something! Then, just like that, I could see myself again, and everything went back to normal."

    "That''s incredible, Thornton!" Jade exclaims, her eyes gleaming. "I''ve got something new to show you, too."

    Reaching into her quiver, she grabs two arrows and nocks them simultaneously. With a deft release, she fires them into the sky. Then, her hands glow faintly as she radiates her aura, taking control of the arrows mid-flight.

    I watch in awe as one arrow begins to chase the other, weaving gracefully like birds in an intricate dance. If I hadn''t seen her shoot them, I''d think they were alive. After about 30 seconds of this mesmerizing display, the arrows straighten out and strike a distant tree in perfect unison.

    "That was amazing. How long have you been able to do that?" I asked, still in awe.

    "Actually, today was the first time," Jade admitted with a small smile. "But for weeks now, I''ve noticed that if I focus enough mana into my hands, I can move objects. You and I just saw it happen for the first time. I wanted to try it during our sparring session, but I didn''t want to risk accidentally hurting you."

    I could only stare at Jade in amazement. We had both come so far since we first started training.

    "Let''s pack up and head home," I said, shaking off the lingering adrenaline.

    Jade and I began removing our training armor and organizing our equipment. I carefully placed Jade''s bow into her satchel alongside her daggers, arrows, and sword. Then, I folded her training armor and tucked it neatly next to the rest of her gear. I did the same with my sword and armor, methodically packing everything away.

    "Are you excited to celebrate our birthday today?" Jade asked as we finished up.

    "I am," I replied with a grin. "But you know what I''m really looking forward to? Our first mission!"

    Jade''s expression shifted, her excitement giving way to concern. "Aren''t you a little scared, though? I''ve heard the first mission can be really tough. People... people don''t always make it back," she said, her voice tinged with worry.

    "Jade, the past three years we''ve endured harsh and treacherous training from the village elders to prepare for this moment. We''ve been broken physically, mentally, and emotionally. On top of that, we added our own daily routines to stay sharp. I''m excited to show everyone that we''re more than ready to take on missions."

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    "You''re right," Jade said, though her voice was hesitant. "But most people don''t even think about accepting their first mission within two years of turning twelve¡ªlet alone on their birthday."

    "I heard Emberes might lead our mission!" I said, unable to hide my enthusiasm. "How can you not be excited? He''s one of the strongest people in our age group, and I''m sure he''ll keep us safe."

    Emberes is the 14-year-old son of the Canu village''s prime elder, Drexel. Over the years, Drexel and Emberes have become like family to us, especially since we''ve had no one else for the last decade. If Emberes is leading this mission, I feel confident we''ll succeed and return safely.

    Jade adjusted her satchel, dusting off the grime that had built up during training.

    "Alright, let''s head back and get some rest before meeting Drexel about the mission," she said.

    Jade stood at 5''1, with a slender frame that couldn''t have weighed more than a hundred pounds. Her golden-bronze skin glowed under the sun, and her double afro puffs swayed slightly as she turned to lead the way. I slipped my satchel onto my shoulder and followed her as she walked ahead.

    "The walk to the village takes five minutes, but I''ll race you there," I said to Jade.

    Jade glanced at me and laughed.

    "Thornton, you''re not going to beat me. You rarely do."

    "Whatever. Are we racing or not?"

    "If it makes you happy," Jade replied snarkily.

    Beating Jade wasn''t my goal today. I just enjoy moving quickly, knowing a five-minute walk could become a two-and-a-half-minute run. This workout was the perfect chance to turn the walk into a race with Jade.

    "On your go," Jade said.

    I took off running, and Jade followed. I pushed myself as hard as I could without using mana, but Jade quickly passed me. I could tell she wasn''t using any mana either, but I decided to tap into mine. I focused it into my legs and feet, feeling a surge of power. Three giant steps later, I shot ahead of her. I hadn''t really cared about winning, but when Jade mentioned how rarely I beat her, I felt embarrassed.

    "So you''re not playing fair?" Jade yelled.

    I laughed and kept running, jumping over bushes and sliding under branches that tried to grab me. I was closing in on the gates of Canu village, certain that today I''d finally win. But then, I tripped when my left leg wouldn''t move forward. As I tumbled, I realized Jade''s mana had been leaking from her hands when she passed me. She had stopped my leg from moving and kept me pinned to the ground for five more seconds. By the time I got up, she was at the gates. I just stood up and walked the rest of the way.

    "That''s what happens when you don''t play fair."

    "I''m sorry," I said with a sigh.

    "You have to take things more seriously! You want to accept our first mission so badly, but you''re still pulling these cheap tactics! You need to realize the enemy won''t take things as lightly as I do."

    "Whatever. The enemy isn''t ready for me. I know what I''m capable of!"

    "But do you know what they''re capable of?"

    I didn''t answer Jade, just continuing to walk through the village gates. She may be right that I don''t know what the enemy can do, but since they don''t know what I can do, I can easily exaggerate my abilities. Some might say I''m overconfident, but I don''t believe in being scared. Fear is the quickest way to die. As we walked through the village, a few villagers greeted us.

    "Look, the twins are back!"

    "Thornton, Jade, how was your training?"

    "Whew, you two look beat up."

    "Happy birthday! You only turn twelve once!"

    "The people here are so nice, but one thing I''ll never get tired of is how beautiful this village is," Jade said.

    "I''ll have to agree with you."

    "I heard from Drexel that Canu Village is the largest village in the Belfour Kingdom. The other two villages are Lye and Exile Village," Jade added.

    "I''d love to visit those two villages! I heard they''re a lot less strict there."

    "You know, Canu is the closest to Belfour City, which is why it''s so strict and heavily protected. But look on the bright side: Canu sits between giant mountains that touch the sky. Valleys so deep, you''d think they lead to the other side of the world, surround the village. The forests are so rich in life that the village could hunt for ten years and barely make a dent in the animal population. I don''t think the other two villages have that luxury."

    "Hey, wait! Slow down!" a voice called from a distance.

    Jade and I stopped walking and saw Emberes sprinting toward us. He came to a stop with a smile. Emberes has dark skin and stands about 5''10", despite being only fourteen years old. His hair is dreaded down his back and moves restlessly as he walks or turns his head. His muscles are so big and defined that if we didn''t know his age, we''d think he was an adult. The only thing that gives away his youth is his bare face.

    Emberes has been training just as hard as we have and was recently assigned as a leader for missions. At first, many thought he was rising through the ranks so quickly because his father is the village''s prime elder. That rumor was quickly put to rest when Emberes completed a difficult mission with no help.

    "How are you two?" Emberes asked.

    "We''re doing fine, just on our way back from training," Jade replied.

    "You two look beat up," Emberes said with a laugh. "Mind if I come back to your place so we can all head to the mission briefing together?"

    "You know you''re welcome over anytime! You and your father have treated us like your own for so many years," I said.

    "Thank you, Thornton," he said, his deep voice steady.

    "I don''t even know why you ask anymore," Jade replied, clearly annoyed.

    After passing about a dozen houses and shops, we reached the back of the village. Our house is isolated from the rest, sitting on its own plot of land. We have a field about one hundred yards wide, a balcony, and a locked shed. We''ve tried to open it a few times, but a magic seal protects it. Originally, no one from our clan lived inside Canu Village; we were located on the outskirts. But we were close enough to be considered part of the community. Our clan kept a house here for events, as they didn''t like having too many outsiders on our grounds.

    Jade took off her satchel and opened the front door. She dropped it on the floor, and the loud thud echoed as her weapons shifted inside the bag. I followed suit, stepping through the door and doing the same. Emberes walked over to a chair and sat down. As he began speaking, there was a seriousness in his tone.

    "We have about two hours before the briefing. I suggest you two get some rest and drink plenty of water. On this mission, I have complete control over your actions. If you act without my knowledge or approval, it falls back on me," Emberes said sternly.

    "Don''t worry about us, we''ll be fine. The training helped," I said.

    "Thornton, while the training may have been beneficial, it was all structured. Out there, on real missions and in battle, the only thing structured is what we have. Everything else is unpredictable."

    "Thank you, Emberes. I tried to explain to him earlier that missions aren''t as easy as he thinks."

    "You''re absolutely right, Jade. But for you, don''t second-guess yourself. You have to act without hesitation against your opponent." Emberes gave me a quick look.

    "Do you mind fetching me a cup of water?" Emberes asked.

    "Of course," I replied.

    As I walked toward the kitchen, I began to sweat heavily, and my body grew hot. Each step felt like a hundred. I tried swallowing and licking my lips, but my mouth felt as dry as the deserts in the east of Kirk. After a few more steps, I felt myself starting to collapse.

    "You sure are confident for someone who can''t even control your mana enough to ward off a weak surprise attack," Emberes said, laughing.

    "Weak!" I said, startled.

    "Yes, weak. I tried the same technique on Jade, but she always keeps a small layer of protective mana on. She didn''t even feel the attack. Now, make sure you always have that small layer of mana protecting you. You should never go without it."

    Maybe I''m not ready for a mission. He said that attack was weak, but it felt like I was going to roll over and die. Slowly, I stood up and tried to process the power I had just witnessed.

    "You''re one of the strongest people around, though, right?" I asked.

    "Yes, but there are people much stronger than I am. Just bring the water and get some rest," Emberes replied.

    I filled a pitcher with water, grabbed three cups, and headed back to the living area. I handed Emberes his glass, placed Jade''s next to her on the table, and began filling them up. While I was getting the water, Jade was collecting fruit and meat from the cooling box and arranging the food on the table.

    I grabbed a handful of grapes and shoved them into my mouth. They were the juiciest grapes I''d ever tasted, and the burst of juice instantly quenched my dry mouth. I completely disregarded the glass I''d gotten for myself and chugged water straight from the pitcher. After about five minutes, all the food and water were gone, and we began cleaning up. Jade gave me a look and let out a contagious yawn.

    "I''ll go take a quick nap," Jade said.

    "So will I."

    "Good. While you two sleep, I''ll get all your equipment together in your satchels. I''ll add a few things for the travel as well," Emberes said.

    "Thank you, Emberes. We appreciate you," Jade said.

    We both headed upstairs silently. I wanted to tell Jade that after that brief encounter with Emberes, I was a little nervous about this mission, but I refused to show fear to anyone. Jade walked into her room and closed the door behind her, and I entered mine, which was adjacent to hers. I kicked off my shoes and lay down in bed. The bed grew softer the longer I stayed there, but I remained restless. The constant doubt from witnessing Emberes'' power overwhelmed me. The thought of having to fight someone stronger than him kept me awake. Would I ever be as strong as him? Is being a warrior even worth it?

    In my restlessness, I got up and looked out the window. A blinding ball of light shot into the sky, faster than an arrow leaving a bow. I stared at it in confusion as the light began to expand. The heat radiating from the ball intensified, growing hotter by the second. Peering closer, I noticed the shadow of a man forming within the light. My heart pounded in my chest when I realized the figure was staring directly at me with a malicious smile.

    He raised a staff and pointed it at me. Suddenly, the gleaming ball of light erupted, hurtling straight toward me. Paralyzed with fear, I could do nothing but accept my fate. I closed my eyes, bracing for the inevitable.

    Then, I heard him chanting my name.

    "Thornton... Thornton... THORNTON!"

    The ball collided with me, and my world was swallowed by darkness. No sight. No feeling. Just the relentless, muffled chant of my name echoing in the void.

 First Steps

    Thornton

    My body remains still and serene, a deep calm settling over me. Is this the sensation of death? Am I already gone? My name echoes once more, and I am certain it is the voice of the gods summoning me to move on to the next life. Then, the voice cuts through the silence again, sharper than before.

    "THORNTON!"

    My eyes snap open, my heart racing. The sound of birds chirping fills my ears, and the warmth of the sun kisses my cheek through the window. I''m back in my bed. Jade stands over me, a look of concern on her face.

    "Wake up; you don''t want to oversleep. We''ve got thirty minutes before the briefing."

    "Oh, right," I reply, my voice thick with lingering confusion, my heart still pounding from the remnants of the dream.

    I sit up, still disoriented. I don''t remember falling asleep, but that dream¡ªno, that nightmare¡ªfelt too real. I can still feel the presence of that man, and the overwhelming energy he radiated, like a storm threatening to break through the calm.

    "How did you sleep?" Jade asks, her voice light, though there''s an undercurrent of concern.

    I lie, forcing a smile. "I slept fine," I say, quickly changing the subject. The lie feels like a stone in my chest, but I push it aside. "Come on, let''s get ready." I nudge her gently and head for the door.

    Jade doesn''t press further, though I catch the flicker of doubt in her eyes. She knows me too well, but she lets it go for now. Together, we make our way downstairs, where Emberes greets us with his usual warm smile. He''s dressed in a new set of armor¡ªlight, but gleaming with a polished sheen. The greatsword resting on his back is an extension of his form, and his locs are neatly tied into a ponytail. On the outer left shoulder of his armor, a blue symbol stands out: a single line cutting through the center of a half-upside-down rectangle. The ends of both the line and the rectangle align perfectly at the bottom of the shoulder. The symbol belongs to the Char Clan, the protectors of Canu Village.

    Noticing my gaze, Emberes smirks at me.

    "You like it, right? I''ve got yours laid out on the chairs, and all your equipment and weapons are in the satchel beside it."

    "You''re seriously the best, Emberes!" I exclaim, my excitement building.

    I rush over to my new armor and examine it carefully. It''s identical to Emberes'' set, except for the symbol on the shoulder. This one is a green-outlined triangle with a purple fill, and atop the triangle rests a green squiggle.

    "Hey, Emberes, what''s this symbol? Is it for people who''ve just accepted their first mission?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

    "No," Emberes replies, his tone thoughtful. "My father told me this is your clan''s symbol. I don''t know much else about it, except that you two are the only Liche left. That''s why you have this symbol instead of ours."

    "I don''t even remember my parents, let alone our clan," I say quietly, the words heavy in my mouth.

    Jade shoots me a sharp look. "That''s because your memory''s terrible," she snaps, her frustration clear.

    Emberes cuts in before I can respond. "Regardless, whether you remember them or not, Liche is who you are, and it''s what you''ll represent. It''s not my rule. So wear your name with pride."

    Jade ignores Emberes'' words and looks directly at me. "I really hate that you don''t remember our parents, Thornton. I don''t remember much about our clan either, but I still remember them," she says, her voice tinged with sadness and frustration.

    "I''m sorry," I reply, guilt tightening in my chest. "We should just focus on what''s ahead of us right now."

    I hate that she''s upset, but I don''t know how to fix it. The memories are gone, and it feels like they''ve been gone for a lifetime. Jade tries to help me remember, but nothing she says sparks any recollection. Instead, I try to change the mood. "Look how cool our armor is!"

    I eagerly put it on. It fits perfectly, like it was made just for me. I grab my satchel and sling it over my shoulder, the familiar weight a small comfort.

    "Ah, you can take that off, Thornton. Your armor has compartments for your weapons and potions," Emberes calls out, his tone light but practical.

    I remove the satchel and start organizing my gear. The fabric of the armor is soft, almost like silk, making it incredibly easy to move in. I slide my sword into its sheath, and the armor feels lighter than I expected, almost weightless despite its sleek appearance.

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    I glance at Jade, who has already donned her armor. The sunlight coming through the window catches her in a perfect halo, her purple eyes glowing as they reflect the light. She looks regal, powerful. Her bow rests on her back, poised and ready. I notice Emberes watching us with awe in his eyes, but we exchange a brief, knowing look. There''s a silent understanding between us all.

    "You two ready?" Emberes asks, his voice steady.

    Jade and I nod in unison, signaling we''re prepared.

    "Alright, let''s go. And Thornton, good job remembering how to maintain your protective mana. I tried to intensify the attack I did on you earlier, but it didn''t work."

    The only reason why i''m maintaining my protective mana right now is because I can''t shake the feeling that the dream is still with me, lingering in my veins like the aftereffects of a powerful spell. The thought sends a chill down my spine. Everything about that experience felt too real, like it was more than just a dream. I give Emberes a confident smile, masking the unease that still clings to me.

    We step outside, the air fresh and crisp, and begin walking toward the village manor. As we pass through the village, people stop and stare, but today the stares feel different. People capable of manipulating mana begin to release waves of energy, each burst adding to the atmosphere. It''s as if the whole village is alive with magic. Strangely, the energy doesn''t intimidate me¡ªinstead, it boosts my confidence. Cheers of "Good luck!" and "Return safe!" fill the air. I realize that I''ve never seen this much mana concentrated in one place before.

    But then I glance at Jade. Her expression is conflicted, weighed down by something, though she doesn''t say anything.

    "Hey, Emberes. What''s going on? I''ve never seen anything like this when warriors are receiving or departing for a mission," Jade asks, her curiosity piqued.

    "Ah, this is a ritual the Liche always performed when warriors received their first mission," Emberes explains, a small smile on his face. "My father thought it would be special to honor your clan''s tradition in this way."

    "This energy is unbelievable!" I exclaim, feeling the power surging around me, as if the very air itself is charged.

    "I haven''t felt anything like this either," Emberes admits, his voice thick with awe.

    As the ritual continues, a wave of curiosity begins to wash over me. For the first time, I feel a deep need to learn more about my clan. Before today, I had never cared much about them, but now, with the symbol on my armor, this strange ritual, and even the mysterious shed in our yard that no one talks about, I can''t ignore the pull to uncover the truth.

    We reach the manor, where the five village elders stand at the top of the stairs. Galla, Fells, Drexel, Brinks, and Winston¡ªeach a representative of their respective clans. Winston is from the Char Clan, just like Emberes and Drexel. The other three hail from the Rew, Ajian, and other clans with their own histories and traditions.

    There''s a tense silence as we exchange glances with the elders. The weight of their gaze feels like a test, as if they''re measuring us, sizing up our worth. Drexel breaks the quiet, pushing open the large wooden doors behind him and gesturing for us to enter. We follow closely, stepping into the dimly lit manor.

    Inside, weapons gleam in glass cases, and rows of ancient books line the walls. The flickering torchlight casts shadows that dance on the cobblestone floors. As we move deeper, Drexel leads us into a room bathed in warm light. It''s starkly different from the dim corridors, the ceiling towering nearly twenty feet high. A round table sits in the center of the room, ten chairs surrounding it. The elders take their seats, and we follow suit, taking our place at the table.

    Drexel speaks first.

    "First and foremost, congratulations on completing all the training assigned to you and being here to accept your first mission, Thornton and Jade. I know this is your first mission, but it''s an important one. Fells will give you a rundown on the situation, as his clan specializes in this sort of matter."

    Fells nods and takes over. "King Belfour has reported recent dark magic activity outside the Forest of the Lost. You three will stake out the area for three days and gather as much intelligence as possible. A cabin has already been prepared for you, six miles before the forest. We believe a small, non-threatening group of mages is trying to locate the Mask of Cada. Only engage in combat if absolutely necessary. If this situation turns out to be larger than we anticipate, Emberes will report back to us immediately, and the king will send the Guar Knights to handle the situation."

    "What is the Mask of Cada?" Jade asks, her curiosity evident.

    "The Mask of Cada is an incredibly powerful artifact that amplifies the wearer''s magical abilities," Fells explains. "If the wearer practices dark magic, they would likely seek revenge against King Belfour for banning dark magic within the kingdom."

    "Let''s say the Mask of Cada really is in the Forest of the Lost. Should we retrieve it and bring it back?" I ask, my voice filled with anticipation.

    "No, the Guar Knights will handle that if the mask is truly there," Drexel replies firmly.

    "You must also be cautious," Fells adds. "When the mask is worn, the wearer''s face remains exposed, but the mask adapts to match their features. The only way you can identify the mask on someone is by the immense amount of mana they''ll give off."

    The mask sounds incredible. If it falls into the right hands, it could be a game-changer. I imagine what it would feel like to wear it, to harness its power. Maybe my invisibility would last longer, or I could access more of my mana. Perhaps with its power, Jade could control even more arrows at once. I secretly hope the mask is in the forest¡ªand that I will be the one to recover it. This mission could be the beginning of something bigger for me.

    "Emberes, you have full control over this mission," Galla says, sliding a small black cylinder across the table. "If anything goes wrong, point this into the sky. We will assist you if necessary."

    Emberes takes the cylinder and nods. "Understood."

    And just like that, we''re ready. The mission lies ahead of us, and I can feel my heart racing. The Mask of Cada could hold the key to everything I''m looking for.

    I glance at Jade and Emberes, and though the road ahead is uncertain, one thing is clear: we will face whatever comes our way, together.

 Anticipation

    Thornton

    The village behind us slowly faded from view as we began our journey to the cabin. The path ahead was well-trodden, a dirt road flanked by towering pines that reached toward the sky like sentinels guarding an ancient secret. The late afternoon sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, creating patterns of golden light that danced on the ground as the breeze stirred the branches.

    "I''ve got to admit," Jade said, breaking the silence, "this is the first time I''ve been this far from Canu Village. It''s... peaceful." She walked slightly ahead of me, her bow strapped securely to her back, her gaze scanning the treetops.

    "Peaceful for now," Emberes replied from behind us, his tone measured. He adjusted the greatsword resting on his back. "But don''t let your guard down. This road may be safe, but we''re nearing uncharted territory. Bandits and wild beasts could be lurking."

    "Oh, great. Thanks for the comforting thought," Jade muttered, rolling her eyes.

    Despite Emberes'' warning, I couldn''t help but enjoy the serenity of the forest. Each step seemed to carry us deeper into a world untouched by time. The sound of our boots crunching on the dirt road blended with the rustling of leaves and the occasional call of distant birds.

    "Thornton," Jade called back to me, her voice light. "If you keep spacing out, you''re going to trip over your own feet. What''s got you so distracted?"

    I hesitated before answering. "I guess... it''s just been a while since I''ve been out in nature like this. I forgot how calm it feels."

    Jade smirked. "Calm? Don''t get too used to it. Something tells me things won''t stay calm for long."

    Emberes chuckled. "You''re not wrong, Jade. This mission isn''t going to be a stroll through the woods. But for now, enjoy the quiet. You''ll miss it when the chaos begins."

    As we continued walking, the sun began its descent, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Shadows grew longer, stretching across the road like fingers reaching for the horizon. The air cooled, and the faint scent of pine mingled with the earthy aroma of the forest floor.

    "How much farther do you think it is?" Jade asked, glancing over her shoulder at Emberes.

    He pulled out a small map from his satchel and studied it briefly. "About an hour, maybe less if we keep up this pace. The cabin should be at the edge of the forest, near a clearing."

    "Good," Jade said, adjusting her quiver. "My feet are starting to ache. Whoever invented boots needs to do better."

    I laughed. "I don''t think it''s the boots, Jade. You''re just not used to walking this much."

    She shot me a playful glare. "Keep talking, and I''ll make you carry me the rest of the way."

    "I''d pay to see that," Emberes added with a grin.

    The lighthearted banter eased the growing tension I''d felt since we left the manor. Despite the calm surroundings, there was an underlying weight to our journey¡ªthe knowledge of what lay ahead. Yet, for this brief moment, it felt like we were just three kids on an ordinary hike.

    As the sun dipped lower, the forest began to change. The air grew cooler, and the once-lively chirping of birds quieted. Shadows deepened, and an almost eerie stillness settled over the woods. Even the breeze seemed to hold its breath.

    "It''s getting darker faster than I expected," Emberes noted, his tone more serious now. "Stay close. We don''t want to get separated."

    We tightened our formation, the earlier levity replaced by a cautious focus. I rested my hand on the hilt of my sword, my senses alert for any sign of danger. The trees loomed taller now, their twisted branches forming jagged shapes against the fading light.

    "Anyone else getting the feeling we''re being watched?" Jade whispered, her voice barely audible.

    I scanned the forest but saw nothing out of the ordinary. Still, an uneasy feeling crept over me, like a pair of unseen eyes were following our every move. Emberes must have felt it too because his hand hovered near the hilt of his greatsword.

    "Stay calm," he said quietly. "It''s probably just your imagination. But keep your weapons ready, just in case."

    We pressed on, the tension thickening with every step. The path narrowed, forcing us to walk single file. The canopy above grew denser, blocking out the remaining light. I could barely make out Jade''s silhouette ahead of me, and Emberes'' steady footsteps behind me were the only reassurance that we were still together.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the trees began to thin. A faint light ahead signaled the edge of the forest. Relief washed over me as we stepped into a small clearing bathed in the warm glow of twilight. In the center of the clearing stood a modest wooden cabin, its roof partially obscured by overhanging branches.

    "There it is," Emberes said, his voice breaking the silence. "The cabin."

    Jade let out a breath she''d been holding. "Thank the gods. I thought we''d never get here."

    The night is quiet, an eerie stillness hanging in the air, until a Emberes lets out a series of thunderous knocks shatter the silence, each one rattling the cabin walls as though the earth itself might tremble. My heart skips a beat, and I glance at Emberes, who''s still moving toward the door. The sharp, rhythmic sound echoes in my ears.

    "Why are you knocking?" I ask, trying to steady my pulse. The tension in my chest is almost unbearable.

    "Well, the lights are on, so it appears the other three are already here. It''s the polite thing to do," Emberes replies, his voice calm, collected, as if he doesn''t share the same uneasy feeling that crawls up my spine.

    Before I can respond, a voice from behind the door calls out sharply, "You can enter!"

    As Emberes slowly opens the door, I feel my palms grow clammy, and I instinctively reach for the hilt of my sword. Something about this moment feels different. Everything has gone smoothly up until now, but I can''t shake the nagging feeling that trouble is lurking just beyond that door. The tension builds like the moments before a storm.

    The door swings open, and there they are¡ªthree young figures standing with weapons drawn, their faces a mixture of caution and readiness. They''re around our age, and though their expressions are focused, there''s an undeniable sense of familiarity in their stance, as if they''ve been in a hundred battles before. The one in the center stands tall, exuding a sense of command. I can tell immediately he''s the leader.

    But it''s Emberes who speaks first, his voice steady. "We were sent here to help investigate the dark magic in the Forest of the Lost. I''m Emberes of the Char, and this is Thornton and Jade of the Liche."

    The young man in the center, the one I''m guessing is their leader, steps forward. His eyes narrow slightly as he sizes us up. "My name is Hue, son of King Belfour. This is Gashiaz of the Goudoox family, and Aszhauk of the Chonk." He gestures to the two figures still crouched by the door, weapons still drawn but now lowered as they step forward.

    The mood in the cabin shifts, the weight of each gaze heavy, calculating. The five of them exchange greetings and handshakes, but the air remains taut, as if no one quite trusts anyone yet. I can feel my own pulse quicken, though I try to mask it.

    Hue''s eyes narrow as he studies us, and then he speaks, his tone cautious but probing. "May I ask you two a question, Thornton and Jade?"

    "Of course," we answer in unison, though there''s a subtle tension in our voices.

    Hue''s gaze sharpens, and he asks, "I think Emberes was mistaken when he said you two are from the Liche clan. Were they not slaughtered years ago, and any survivors hunted down through the years?"

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    The question strikes like a blow, and I feel Jade''s eyes burn into Hue with a glare that could melt steel. Her purple eyes gleam with unspoken fury, and for a brief moment, I''m afraid she might strike, but I place a firm hand on her shoulder to steady her.

    I take a deep breath, my voice steady but firm. "You are right. Almost all of us were killed. But Jade and I are the last survivors. While we are alive, you will respect that, and refer to us as the Liche."

    Emberes steps in, his voice cutting through the growing tension. "Calm down, you two. The Canu hid the truth from other villages to protect you. The information that Hue had was accurate, but there''s more to it," he says, his voice smooth, like a balm to a wound. His calm authority fills the room, and I can feel the anger begin to dissipate.

    Hue''s frown deepens, but there''s a note of regret in his voice. "The news that there are still two members of the Liche clan alive is... astounding. My father always spoke of how the Liche held a very special place in his heart. He always wished he could''ve saved them during the genocide."

    The weight of his words lands heavily in the room. For a moment, there''s a raw silence, as though everyone in the room is reflecting on the past.

    "I''m sorry for the misunderstanding," Hue adds, his tone soft, genuine.

    "It''s fine," Jade replies coolly, though I can see the flicker of emotion in her eyes.

    Hue continues, a slight, genuine smile forming on his lips. "My father often mentions the Liche. After this mission, you should come to Belfour City."

    Both Jade and I exchange surprised glances. For a fleeting moment, we forget ourselves, our faces lighting up with excitement. The idea of visiting Belfour City, a place so woven into the fabric of our people''s history, fills us both with a sense of hope.

    "Yes, we''d be honored," I say, my voice more earnest than I intended.

    "If you would like to come as well, Emberes, I''ll send Guar Knights to escort you," Hue adds, as though offering an olive branch.

    The moment of warmth quickly dissipates, replaced by Aszhauk''s harsh voice. "You dare invite them to the palace? We don''t even know what they''re capable of. And for all we know, they could be spies."

    The room grows colder at Aszhauk''s words, and I feel a ripple of unease spread across the group. Gashiaz and Aszhauk are still watching us with wary eyes, but Hue, ever calm, responds with a quiet, unwavering confidence.

    "I can assure you they are not spies. Their armor and weapons are forged from the finest metals and fabrics of Belfour City. And remember, this cabin was constructed specifically for this mission a few weeks ago. It would be highly unlikely for an enemy to know this exact location and send three members of the Canu here. Let''s be honest, the Liche were believed to be extinct. No one would claim them."

    Aszhauk''s eyes flicker, but he doesn''t respond immediately. His suspicion lingers in the air like a cloud. "Whatever. If they give me one reason not to trust them, they''re dead," he mutters, his voice low and dangerous.

    Gashiaz speaks up, her voice steady but firm. "Only the Liche have eyes like those. I believe them."

    The words are simple, but they carry weight, and they seem to settle the air somewhat. Aszhauk''s glare softens, though his suspicion remains.

    Emberes steps in, his tone firm but measured. "Aszhauk, I understand your suspicions, but remember, until we know for sure, keep it to yourself. We are not enemies here. Let''s settle in, and we can discuss what''s been happening and plan accordingly."

    The tension in the room finally begins to dissipate as the three of us¡ªJade, Emberes, and I¡ªhead inside the cabin. There''s no more conversation as we prepare our things. The unease lingers, but it''s quiet now, more like a low hum that we''re all trying to ignore. It only takes about five minutes for us to get our food and equipment into the proper places, and once we return to the main room, Emberes wastes no time getting down to business.

    "So, what weapons do you three use?" he asks, his voice pragmatic, cutting through the quiet.

    "I use a quarterstaff as my main weapon," Hue replies, his voice strong and steady, "but I always keep a sword sheathed for emergencies."

    Gashiaz lifts her bow, her gesture a clear statement of her weapon of choice. Aszhauk''s reply is short and blunt. "A scythe."

    Emberes nods, his gaze flicking over us as he speaks. "As you can see, Jade uses a bow, and Thornton uses an iron short sword."

    Then, with a flourish, Emberes reaches over his shoulder and pulls a massive sword from his back. It gleams in the low light, radiating heat and power. Mana pulses from it, the very air around us seeming to hum with energy. Even Jade and I exchange looks of awe, unable to hide our amazement at the sheer presence of the weapon.

    "This," Emberes says, his voice filled with quiet pride, "is what I use."

    He returns the sword to its sheath with reverence and then motions for a piece of paper. Gashiaz returns shortly with the paper and ink. Emberes begins to sketch the layout of the cabin, marking it with a square and labeling it simply: "Cabin."

    "This is our location," he explains, pointing at the drawing. "As we scout for signs of dark magic or mage activity, we''ll update this map. That way, when the Guar Knights arrive, they''ll have a full understanding of the terrain."

    Gashiaz''s voice cuts through the moment. "We were actually thinking we could handle this ourselves. We''ve already scouted the area for two days before you got here."

    Aszhuak glares at her, his eyes narrowing with hostility. I can feel the sharp edge of his gaze, and the tension in my chest tightens.

    "I was thinking the same thing!" I speak up, a little too forcefully. "If we complete a mission that requires a Guar Knight''s involvement, we''ll get noticed. That''ll bring me one step closer to becoming one."

    The mention of the Guar Knights seems to shift something in Aszhauk''s stance. His glare falters, and the angry tension in his body slowly dissipates.

    "That''s why we wanted to take this mission," Aszhauk admits, his voice quieter now.

    I notice Emberes watching me with a smirk, clearly enjoying the dynamic unfolding.

    "If that''s what you want to do, we can go that route," Emberes says, his tone neutral but knowing. "I''ll let the elders know we had no choice but to engage in battle."

    "I mean, it''s five on one, so I''m in too," Jade sighs, her voice tinged with resignation but also an eagerness that mirrors mine.

    We spend the next few hours finalizing our plans, working out the best strategies for each day. By the time night falls, we''ve settled on a course of action. Hue, Gashiaz, and I will head into the forest tonight to look for any signs of dark magic or hidden hideouts. Emberes, Jade, and Aszhauk will prepare for a potential strike in the morning if we encounter any mages. If there are no mages, they''ll shift their focus to searching for the Mask of Cada before anyone else can claim it.

    "You three will set the tone," Emberes says, his voice firm, "be safe, and rush back if anything too dangerous arises."

    He hands me the map, his expression serious. "Update it with any landmarks and suspected enemy activity."

    We gather our weapons, steeling ourselves for what''s to come. Outside, the moon hides behind a curtain of clouds, leaving the path ahead bathed in the soft glow of scattered light. The air is warm, filled with the sounds of croaking frogs and hissing cicadas as we step into the forest.

    "This night is so beautiful," Gashiaz murmurs, her voice filled with awe as she gazes at the sky.

    "Filled with beauty," I reply softly, my eyes lingering on her, captivated by the way the moonlight dances across her features.

    "Isn''t it?" Gashiaz replies, oblivious to the way I''m looking at her.

    She doesn''t seem to notice my subtle flirtation, or maybe she''s simply disregarding it as childish. Either way, I can''t help but feel a sense of warmth whenever she speaks.

    We continue walking, passing the time with lighthearted games. I pretend to shoot blasts of energy from my hands, while Gashiaz aims her bow, shooting imaginary arrows at the raccoons and foxes that dart across our path. Hue remains focus as if being a kid isn''t an option for him.

    Not much was happening as we walked through the woods. The air was warm and thick with the scent of pine and earth, broken only by the occasional rustling in the bushes. Each time the noise came, we would freeze, only to see a small animal dart out¡ªa rabbit startled by our presence, or a fox rummaging for food. It was enough to keep our nerves on edge, even if nothing seemed to pose an immediate threat.

    About ten minutes away from the forest entrance, we came upon a massive rock, its surface jagged and weathered as though carved by ancient hands. It loomed over the path like a silent sentinel, casting long shadows under the pale moonlight.

    "Thornton, take out the map and mark this rock to update the area," Hue barked, his tone brisk, slicing through the quiet like a blade.

    I nodded, slinging my bag off my shoulder and fumbling for the map. Unfolding it, I knelt beside the rock and tried my best to draw a crude symbol to represent it. It wasn''t perfect, but it would do. This spot was significant¡ªa clear halfway point between the cabin and the forest''s entrance.

    As I rolled up the map and began to stuff it back into my bag, a sound caught my attention. Another rustling through the underbrush. At first, I paid it little mind. We''d heard it so many times already tonight¡ªjust another animal, I told myself.

    But then, I saw them.

    Five figures stepped out from the shadows, their movements silent and predatory. My pulse quickened as my eyes darted over them. They were tall, ranging from about 5''11 to 6''4, and each one carried a weapon¡ªswords gleaming faintly in the dim light, and staffs carved with sinister-looking runes. They moved with purpose, their dark silhouettes blending with the shadows around them.

    "Nice armor, kids," one of them sneered, his voice dripping with disdain as he stepped forward. His face was hidden beneath a hood, but I could see the glint of amusement in his eyes.

    Another chuckled, his voice mocking. "I bet they stole their parents'' gear and decided to play hero out here."

    "Doesn''t matter where they got it," a third said coldly, his voice low and gravelly. He gripped his sword tighter, the edge catching the moonlight. "We''ll kill them and sell every last ounce of it."

    My stomach twisted into a knot. These weren''t just travelers or lost wanderers¡ªthese were predators, mercenaries perhaps, and they weren''t here to talk. I tightened my grip on the hilt of my sword, my knuckles white. My heart raced as I glanced at Hue and Gashiaz, trying to gauge their reactions.

    "Stay calm," Hue muttered, his voice barely audible but laced with authority. He took a subtle step forward, raising his quarterstaff. "If this turns into a fight, we''ll hold the line. Thornton, Gashiaz, be ready."

    My breath hitched as one of the strangers laughed, a cruel, mirthless sound that sent a chill down my spine. The distance between us seemed to shrink with every heartbeat, and I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

    I wasn''t sure if we were ready for this.

 Liche Power

    Thornton

    I draw my sword, its weight familiar in my grip, and Gashiaz unsheathes her twin daggers, the blades catching the faint moonlight.

    "I''m not sure if you two realize," Hue begins, his voice calm but firm, "but these are just your average run-of-the-mill bandits. That doesn''t mean we can afford to be careless."

    "Look, they''ve got shiny weapons too," one of the bandits jeers, laughter echoing through the quiet night.

    Anger rises in me, a pressure building behind my eyes¡ªnot the kind that comes with tears but something different, more intense. A strange energy courses through me, and purple mana begins to leak from my eyes, casting a faint glow. When I catch my reflection in the blade of my sword, I''m startled by the brilliant, vivid purple that stares back.

    "Those eyes..." one bandit mutters, his tone shifting to unease.

    "He''s Liche," another growls, his grin widening. "We''ll get a fortune for killing this one."

    One of the bandits lunges at me, his sword arcing through the air in a heavy swing.

    CLANK! CLINK! CLANK!

    I parry each blow effortlessly, my movements fluid and precise. The others watch, weapons ready but seemingly content to let the fight unfold. The bandit, frustrated by my defense, winds up for another powerful strike, leaving himself open. I seize the moment, thrusting my blade forward in a clean, decisive stab to his sternum.

    His body stiffens, his sword still raised overhead. Blood trickles from the corners of his mouth, but he smiles through it.

    "The legends... are true," he rasps.

    With my glowing eyes fixed on him, I twist the blade viciously before pulling it free. A single swing follows, severing his head from his shoulders. His lifeless body collapses to the ground as the others charge.

    Gashiaz moves swiftly, loosing an arrow that finds its mark in one bandit''s skull. As the body crumples, she hurls a dagger into another''s chest, dropping him instantly. I summon a fireball, its heat singing the air as it connects with one of the last two assailants, leaving only one standing.

    The remaining bandit''s eyes are locked on me, his sinister smile unwavering.

    "Those guys were weak compared to me," he sneers.

    "Well, now it''s three on one," Hue retorts, gripping his staff. "Your odds aren''t great."

    We close ranks, Hue on the left, Gashiaz on the right with her bow drawn, and me in the center. But as the bandit''s mana swells, thick and oppressive, Hue and Gashiaz freeze in place, unable to move. The air grows heavier, but I remain unaffected, my own mana shielding me.

    "Hmm. You win," the bandit says suddenly, his voice casual.

    The tension in the air shatters as he tosses me a rolled-up piece of paper. I catch it, unrolling it to reveal the map from my bag, now marked with updates¡ªcabins, our point of contact, and areas of interest.

    "When did he even¡ª" I begin, but the bandit cuts me off.

    "No matter who I am," he says. "I''ll be on my way. And don''t worry about your friends in the cabin¡ªno harm will come to them. Today."

    He steps back, a gust of wind swirling around him. "Thornton, I''ll see you again soon. And Hue¡ªgive the king a message."

    The last words come like a whisper on the wind:

    "My name is my name. Scor is my claim."

    Before we can react, he vanishes. The forest comes alive with the sound of birds scattering, startled by the eerie stillness that follows. A chill runs down my spine.

    "Where did he go?" I ask, my voice barely a whisper, as if the very act of speaking could bring him back.

    "What is Scor?" Gashiaz shouts, her eyes wide with confusion and fear.

    "I don''t know, but we must finish our mission by midnight and report back to Emberes," Hue commands, his tone sharp and unwavering, though I can sense the uncertainty lingering beneath his words.

    It''s clear that Emberes is the strongest among our six, but would he stand a chance against this mysterious man? Why didn''t he kill us when he clearly could have? The questions swirl in my mind like a storm.

    "As rattled as we are, a warrior must fulfill their mission at any cost," Hue says, his words laced with a hard resolve as he strides toward the cabins the man marked for us. Gashiaz and I remain behind, still digesting the strange turn of events, but Hue''s focus doesn''t waver. He''s already moving forward.

    I glance at Gashiaz, who looks as unsettled as I feel. She opens his mouth to speak, but Hue cuts in before she can.

    "Thornton, your eyes earlier... what was that?" Hue asks, his gaze piercing.

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    "I''m not sure," I reply, my voice almost lost to the weight of the moment. "I just got really upset, thought we were going to die. That was my first time experiencing something like that."

    "Your mana didn''t increase or decrease," Hue continues, his voice softer now, almost analytical. "But it was controlled¡ªmore intense. Every movement you made was precise, purposeful. No action was wasted."

    I can feel the weight of his words settling over me like a cloak. Something inside me shifted today, something I don''t fully understand.

    "I think you should figure out what that was," Gashiaz adds, her voice sweet but urgent. "Especially with people like him out there. We need to be ready."

    "I will," I promise, though I don''t yet know how.

    "Do you think Jade can do that too?" Hue asks, his curiosity piqued.

    "I''m not sure," I say, frowning. "She hasn''t mentioned anything. We can find out when we¡ª"

    "Wait," Gashiaz interrupts, lowering her voice to a whisper.

    "There are lights flickering through those trees," he says, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

    We crouch behind a tree, the world suddenly holding its breath. Through the shadows, I can make out ten figures huddled together, speaking in low voices. I''m shocked that the mysterious man gave us the location of these cabins. Could he be... good? Or are we unknowingly doing his dirty work? No. His mana was pure malice, and he was strong enough to wipe out a squadron on his own. These people don''t seem like they could pose much of a threat to him.

    I strain to hear their conversation. Fragments drift through the air like whispers in the wind:

    "The mask isn''t here; we''ve been looking for weeks."

    "It has to be. Legend says it was buried here."

    "We''ll pick up tomorrow. Let''s call it a night."

    "We''ll meet back here tomorrow at the same time to discuss what we''ve found."

    The group breaks apart, heading into their respective cabins. Hue straightens, eyes focused.

    "We can report this back to the others. And there''s no need to scout any vantage points. It''s clear this place isn''t dangerous." Hue says

    "Do you trust that guy?" I ask, my voice tinged with doubt.

    "I know he''s not good," Hue replies, his voice heavy with the weight of experience, "but he doesn''t seem like a liar. He could''ve killed us all back there and didn''t. I don''t think he''ll do it now."

    "Let''s keep our story straight, though," Gashiaz says. "We can''t let the others know how we got this information. We''ll need a believable cover."

    "I know exactly what you''re thinking, Gashiaz," Hue says, his eyes narrowing. "If Aszhuak finds out we got all this intel from an enemy, he''d run out and get himself killed trying to track him down. And Thornton... your calmness right now is reassuring. It''s good to have someone like you on the team."

    "How many missions have you completed?" Hue asks, turning to me.

    "None," I admit. "This is my first."

    "What?" Gashiaz and Hue exclaim in unison.

    "You act like you''ve been doing this for years."

    "I haven''t. But when it''s time to get serious, I can focus. That''s all."

    "Have you ever seen real combat?" Gashiaz presses.

    "No," I reply. "Jade and I train hard, but it''s nothing like real combat."

    "I find it hard to believe you''ve never seen combat," Hue says, his gaze appraising. "You killed those bandits without hesitation."

    I can tell by his look that he''s burning to ask more questions, but he holds back, sensing the weight of the moment.

    "Should we abandon this mission and report to the Guar Knights?" Gashiaz asks, her voice tentative.

    "No," Hue snaps, the anger in his voice palpable. "If I report this to my father, I''ll be seen as weak. He''ll never forgive me. I believe when all six of us are together, we stand a real chance against anyone."

    We walk back to the cabin slowly, our footsteps soft on the wet ground. The world around us is eerily silent, the tension hanging heavy in the air. Nothing out of the ordinary happens¡ªnothing except the surprise of those bandits. But even that feels distant now, as if something darker is looming just beyond our reach.

    After a fifteen-minute walk, we arrive at the cabin. But there are no lanterns outside, no welcoming light. The stillness is unsettling, the air thick with the scent of rain. And then it starts. A torrential downpour.

    We dash inside, grateful for shelter, but something is wrong. The cabin feels empty, unnaturally quiet. What if the stranger came and... what if he killed Jade, Aszhuak, and Emberes?

    Fear grips me, and I feel it crawling up my spine as the thought takes root: What if he''s waiting for us?

    SNAP!

    The lanterns that had been dark flicker to life. Footsteps echo down the hall, slow and deliberate. With each step, a feeling of dread settles deeper into my bones. A shadow appears, flickering in the lantern''s glow¡ªa figure holding something, but it''s too dark to make out the details.

    "Happy birthday, Thorton!" Aszhuak and Emberes shout, stepping into the light.

    Aszhuak is holding a cake, still warm and fresh. Emberes stands beside him, a grin spreading across his face. Jade appears last, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

    I blink, trying to shake the unease. "Well, you did want to celebrate our birthday today," Jade says, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips.

    "Shut it!" I snap, the words escaping before I can stop them. There''s something about her¡ªabout all of this¡ªthat feels wrong. She might be more dangerous than the stranger we encountered. A surprise party is debilitating.

    Before we can dive into the details of our scouting, Emberes motions toward the cake. "Let''s eat first. We''ve earned it."

    We indulge in the most delicious cake I''ve ever tasted. The base is light and airy, as soft as the clouds before a storm. The icing is a perfect blend of fresh strawberries and blueberries, spread evenly across the top. Wild berries are scattered across it, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors. Each bite sends a surge of mana through me, making my senses hum.

    "This cake is worth a thousand gold coins," Hue says, stabbing his fork into the cake for one last bite.

    I smile as I take another forkful. Just the anticipation of the next bite puts me in a relaxed state, a rare moment of peace. But then¡ª

    "SCOR!"

    I jump, my sword already in my hand before I even realize I''ve drawn it. My fork and cake fall to the floor, the chair scraping the wooden floor with an ear-splitting screech.

    Everyone stares at me, confused.

    "Um, are you okay?" Emberes asks, his voice filled with concern.

    "Ha-ha, of course," I stammer, trying to shake off the sudden rush of panic. "Just staying limber. You know, keeping my reflexes sharp."

    "Ah, I get it," Aszhuak says, nodding. "An attack could happen at any moment. Always good to stay ready."

    "That''s right," I reply, my voice strained.

    But deep inside, I''m shaken. That voice¡ªScor¡ªit was so clear. It felt like the stranger was right there, in the room with us. The fear that gripped me was unlike anything I''d ever felt, even after my nightmare.

    "Scor..." I murmur under my breath, the name echoing in my mind.

    We finish the cake, our conversation shifting back to the mission. Twenty minutes later, we''ve agreed on our course of action and the new location on the map. We''ve filled the others in on the bandits but left out any mention of the mysterious man. Emberes is relieved that we made it out unharmed.

    I retire to the room with Jade and Emberes, who are already sound asleep. I lie in bed, replaying the word "Scor" over and over in my mind, trying to shake the feeling of dread that clings to me. Only then, as sleep starts to claim me, do I finally slip into a restless slumber.

 A Cry in the Rain

    Jade

    It''s early morning, the sky still a dull grayish-blue, with the sun just beginning to creep over the horizon. The air is crisp, and the grass is damp from the overnight chill. Thornton and I are the only ones awake, our bodies accustomed to rising early for training. I can''t help but feel a little jealous of Thornton¡ªhe''s seen real combat without me. Today, I''m determined to show everyone what I''m capable of.

    "Hey Jade, I need to talk to you real quick about last night," Thornton says, his voice low.

    "What''s going on?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

    "First, have your eyes ever glowed purple?"

    "Not that I know of," I reply, my brow furrowing.

    "Well, last night when we were attacked by those bandits, my eyes started glowing purple, and I felt this unbelievable power surge through me. My mana was fierce yet controlled¡ªI could''ve wiped out all of them on my own if necessary."

    "That''s amazing, Thornton! How did you do it?"

    "I can''t explain it... it just happened. I thought I was going to die, and then it hit me."

    "If you figure out how to control it, let me know. We both should master something like that, especially if it''s a clan power."

    "I think it is. Before I killed the last guy, he looked me in the eye and smiled, saying, ''The legends are true.''"

    "When we get back to Canu, we''ll ask around and see if we can learn more about the eyes. Do you still feel the power now?"

    "No..." Thorton pauses, his face growing serious. A look of concern crosses his features, and I brace myself for something heavy.

    "There''s something else I didn''t tell you about last night. Even with all that power, there was one guy who was far stronger than any of us."

    "Why are you just telling me this now?" I snap, my worry spiking. "Did you beat him?"

    "He left us alone. Just vanished." He meets my gaze, his expression grave. "Don''t tell anyone else, Jade."

    "I won''t, but we''ll talk about this again."

    Before I can say more, movement fills the cabin. I''m angry at Thornton for not telling me sooner, but I''m relieved he''s still here. If the man he described is as powerful as he said, we might be in serious trouble. I can''t believe anyone could be that much stronger than Emberes.

    "Good morning, Thornton, Jade," Gashiaz greets as she enters the main room of the cabin.

    "Good morning," I reply, trying to shake off the unease.

    Thornton stands there, wearing a tight shirt that shows off the muscles in his arms. He flexes instinctively, every muscle taut. If I didn''t know any better, I''d say he''s got a crush on Gashiaz.

    "If you flex any harder, you''ll pop a blood vessel," Hue quips as he walks in.

    Thornton''s face flushes bright red. He relaxes his posture, glancing at Gashiaz to see if she noticed, though I''m sure she didn''t. Hue grabs two apples from the bowl, tossing one down the hallway. Just before it hits the wall, Aszhuak appears and snatches it midair.

    "Looks like you still have those razor-sharp reflexes," Hue says with a smirk.

    "Do you expect anything less from me?" Aszhuak replies, his tone dripping with confidence.

    When we met Aszhuak yesterday, I thought he was arrogant, but after the mission last night, I learned more about him. He''s as strong as Emberes and has impeccable control over his mana. He explained how everything seems to slow down for him, making him able to react faster than anyone else. Aszhuak, Gashiaz, and Hue grew up together and have been on missions for four years. This is the first time they''ve worked with anyone outside of Belfour City. Last night, we talked about our families. The only family I could talk about was Thornton. Aszhuak promised that one day, he''d help us discover more about our clan, since family is one of the most important things.

    Emberes is the last to wake up. By the time he enters the room, Thornton and Gashiaz are already dressed in their armor and weapons, talking on the opposite side of the room. Hue and Aszhuak are finishing their second serving of fruit.

    "When those two are done, we''ll proceed with the plan we discussed last night," Emberes says, his voice steady and commanding.

    "Sounds good," Thornton stretches, preparing for the day ahead.

    Our plan is to camp out and monitor the mage activity. Instead of splitting up, we''ll stick together. Emberes initially wanted us to go separate ways, but Hue, Gashiaz, and Thornton convinced him it''s safer to stay united after last night''s encounter.

    Five minutes later, we''re ready to move. The sun is now fully visible over the mountaintops, casting soft golden light on the forest. Despite the rising sun, the forest remains shrouded in a misty darkness. We walk in silence, anticipating an ambush like the one from the bandits. The path is muddy and slick beneath our boots, but our movements are practiced, almost silent, as we make our way through the fog.

    "We stick to the plan," Emberes orders, breaking the silence. "We''ll spy and ambush when they''re split up. Last night, you three said there were ten outside the cabins, right?"

    "Yes," Gashiaz, Thornton, and Aszhuak confirm.

    "We need to assume there are at least ten more inside or hiding elsewhere. We should also assume they already have the mask and only attack if we find out otherwise," Aszhuak adds.

    I agree, adding, "We need to account for the unknown."

    Everyone is quiet as we continue walking. Tension hangs in the air, and I can feel the anticipation building, just waiting for an attack. Our armor is light, fitted just enough to keep noise to a minimum. Emberes, Hue, and I are at the front, while Gashiaz and I trail slightly behind, keeping watch. Thornton and Aszhuak are positioned further back, watching for anything behind us.

    As we approach our designated spot, the fog begins to thin, the sun now halfway up in the sky. Emberes signals us to stop, holding up his hand.

    "Alright, Thornton, this is your time to shine," Emberes says quietly. "Get as close as you can without being noticed. If you''re not back within two minutes, we''ll assume the worst and come for you."

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    Thornton nods and begins to move down the hill. His movements are quick and silent, darting from tree to tree, careful not to make a sound. Gashiaz and I watch intently, her bow drawn, ready to fire at any threat.

    The two mages outside the cabin are talking. Thornton closes in on them, then suddenly vanishes.

    "One Canu arrow, two Canu arrows, three Canu arrows..." Emberes begins to count softly, watching the time.

    I can''t see Thornton, but I trust him. My eyes scan the area, looking for any sign of his movement.

    "Fifty-five Canu arrows, fifty-six Canu arrows..."

    SNAP!

    One of the mages stops and turns toward the noise. Their mana pulses out as they start to move toward the source.

    "You might as well come out now," one mage calls, sensing Thornton''s presence.

    The air crackles with tension as their mana surges, dark and violent, ready to strike. But just as they aim to attack, Gashiaz''s arrows fly. I stop them before they reach their target, pulling them back just in time to prevent an accidental kill.

    The mages release their lightning bolt, striking the tree, causing it to explode in a shower of sparks. Gashiaz stares at me, her eyes wide with panic.

    "You let them kill your brother! What''s wrong with you?" she hisses, her voice shaking with anger and fear.

    I gesture toward the distant trees, where Thorton is hiding safely.

    "It was just a squirrel," a mage explain.

    "Really?" one mage mutters, looking disappointed.

    More bandits pour out of the cabins, but they quickly return inside after realizing the source of the disturbance was just a false alarm.

    "I''m sorry for reacting so fast," Gashiaz says, her voice soft.

    "No need to apologize," I reply. "You were just protecting the team."

    As we prepare for the next move, Thornton makes his way back to us. The tension isn''t gone¡ªif anything, it''s thicker now. As he reappears, he informs us of bad news.

    "There are more than ten. I counted fifteen."

    "Fifteen?" I repeat, disbelief setting in.

    "Fifteen doesn''t matter, Jade," Emberes interrupts. "What matters is that those mages aren''t as strong as they seem."

    He points to the tree that was struck by lightning. "When they charged that attack together, it was weak. We can handle them."

    Aszhuak smiles, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

    "I thought I was the only one who noticed," he says.

    "Phase B of the mission is a go," Emberes declares.

    The cabins that the mages had split into were dilapidated, their wooden frames battered and crumbling from years of neglect. They weren''t heavily guarded, a relief for us. Small, narrow windows dotted the sides of the cabins, just big enough to catch a glimpse of the interior, yet still offering a perfect vantage point for us to strike. Emberes gave a nod, signaling us to move forward. He took the lead, his movements slow, deliberate, a shadow blending into the night. He positioned himself behind a tree, his gaze flicking to Gashiaz and me, signaling for action.

    "Take out those two from earlier. Jade, you take the left; Gashiaz, you take the right."

    Gashiaz and I exchanged a glance¡ªsharp, focused, no words needed. We loaded our bows in perfect unison.

    "On your go," I whispered to her, my fingers tight around the arrow''s shaft.

    The mages in the distance suddenly turned in our direction, their eyes narrowing as they began to point.

    "Are those...?"

    Before they could finish their sentence, Gashiaz let her arrow fly. Mine followed almost immediately. The two mages had no time to react, their eyes wide with shock just before the arrows buried deep into their skulls. Their bodies stiffened, and they fell to the ground with unnerving ease. This was my first kill, and though a cold knot twisted in my stomach, there was no time to process it. I quickly glanced back at Emberes, eager to know what was next.

    "Thirteen left," he muttered, barely a flicker of emotion crossing his face. "Next, we take out the three by the tree."

    "I''ll handle them," Aszhuak volunteered, his voice calm but with a deadly edge.

    He lifted his finger, drawing upon his mana. A ball of light materialized from his fingertip, dense and pulsing with energy. He plucked it out of the air and sent it soaring toward the three enemies. They paused, bewildered, watching as the ball approached. Then, with a flick of his wrist, Aszhuak snapped his fingers, and the light burst apart. Three shards shot through the air with deadly precision, each one finding its mark. The three mages dropped without a sound.

    "Ten left," Hue said, his tone flat.

    Emberes motioned us forward, and we closed in on the next cabin, moving faster now that the outside mages were taken care of. We reached our positions, the plan unfolding seamlessly. Gashiaz activated her void magic, a spell so precise it erased all sound from our movements. We were ghosts, unseen, unheard. She was the perfect shield, though I knew the strain it put on her¡ªif she faltered, even for a second, the magic would unravel. It was a dangerous gamble, one that had to be handled with care.

    I took cover behind a tree, positioning myself for a clear shot through the small window. Thornton and Aszhuak climbed onto the roof while Emberes and Hue positioned themselves by the front door. Hue began to summon a storm, his hands weaving through the air with practiced ease. A thick, oppressive cloud began to form overhead. The wind picked up, carrying the first drops of rain. One, two, three¡ªsoon the entire forest was drenched, the rain falling in sheets that blurred our movements even further.

    "NOW," Emberes commanded, his voice cutting through the silence like a whip.

    The storm was upon us. Emberes and Hue charged through the front door, their weapons flashing with lethal precision. Each of them struck in an instant, a fluid, synchronized dance of death. Thornton and Aszhuak dropped down through the roof, swiftly eliminating two more. I shot my arrow through the window, and a fifth enemy fell. It was almost too easy. This team¡ªmy team¡ªwas unstoppable.

    "Anyone hurt?" Emberes called out, his voice steady.

    "All good," we replied in unison.

    "Same thing to the next cabin. Let''s finish this," Hue said, already moving toward the next target.

    The four boys darted off toward the next cabin, taking up their positions as we had before. They burst through the doors, their movements a deadly blur. I shot another arrow, fully expecting the same result. But this time, the last bandit was ready.

    With surprising speed, he caught my arrow between his teeth. The sound of metal scraping against his teeth sent a shiver down my spine.

    "Be careful where you''re pointing that thing, girl," he sneered. "You could really hurt someone with your little toy."

    He dropped the arrow, letting it fall to the ground, and looked directly at me, his eyes gleaming with malice through the small window. My blood boiled. I was sure that shot would have ended him.

    "I''m guessing you children know why I''m here, just as I know why you''re here," the bandit said, his voice smooth, mocking. "Let me make one thing clear¡ªthese matters should not involve children. I advise you turn around and leave."

    Emberes'' eyes narrowed, a calculating look passing across his face. "Okay, everyone move in and surround him. We''ve got him outnumbered."

    Gashiaz and I crept closer, shadows in the rain, as the others moved into position. We were on the verge of closing in when the bandit spoke again, his voice low, dangerous.

    "Now, which one of you is the reason I can''t hear anything from you pests?"

    The moment he closed his eyes, I realized he was preparing something. The air thickened with tension. A sinister smirk twisted on his face, and with a sharp gesture, he pointed his hand toward Gashiaz.

    "This should even the odds by one."

    I watched in horror as the arrow I had shot tore through the cabin''s wall and embedded itself in Gashiaz''s left arm. The magic she had woven around us vanished, and the sudden absence of sound made my heart race. Gashiaz let out a blood-curdling scream, a cry that rang out louder than the storm itself. The sound was enough to drown out the fierce rain, and it shattered the silence of our perfect assault.

    Before we could react, the bandit barreled through the wall, his eyes gleaming with twisted delight as he loomed over Gashiaz. I froze, unable to move, as he stomped on the arrow still lodged in her arm, twisting it deeper into her flesh. Her scream was raw, desperate, and it tore at my very soul.

    The bandit chuckled darkly. "The sun will set on you beautifully." His blade was raised high, gleaming in the dim light.

    Time slowed. My heart pounded in my chest as I stood frozen, paralyzed by the fear in Gashiaz''s eyes. I couldn''t move fast enough to save her.

    But then, a blur of motion. Hue¡ªcalm, unwavering¡ªstruck, kicking the bandit in the back and knocking him off balance. His weapon was in his hand in an instant, poised for the kill.

    "Get her out of here. We''ll handle him," Hue said, his voice like a cold whisper.

    Without thinking, I ran. I grabbed Gashiaz, her weight suddenly heavier in my arms, and sprinted back toward camp. My heart raced, my breath sharp and quick as I pushed myself harder. The sounds of the fight faded behind me, and I began to lose sight of the boys and the bandit. Then, just as I thought I might reach safety, a massive explosion rocked the ground beneath me, sending shockwaves through the trees. The force of it knocked me off my feet, and the forest around me seemed to erupt in chaos.

 Inferno Rising

    Thornton

    "What the hell was that?" My heart is racing in my chest. Everyone seems to be in one piece, no one''s injured, but I can''t shake the feeling of being caught in a nightmare. Was that an explosion? Why are we still standing? Did that kill us? My mind spins, the adrenaline clouding my thoughts.

    Through the haze, I hear the bandit speak, his voice cutting through the confusion.

    "My name is Oz. Member of the Scor." His voice drips with arrogance. "If you''re wondering what you just witnessed, that was me releasing about eighty percent of my mana. I figured you pests wouldn''t leave, so I decided to make this fight a little more challenging for myself."

    "Bold son of a bitch," Aszhuak barks, his voice low and filled with anger, but there''s a tremor in it. I can sense his hesitation.

    Without warning, Oz moves with blinding speed. He crosses the distance between them in a heartbeat, driving his knee into Aszhuak''s gut. The sound of it¡ªthe sickening crunch of bone and flesh¡ªmakes me cringe. Aszhuak spits out blood with a faint grunt, crumpling slightly from the blow.

    "You speak when I am done, do you understand, boy?" Oz snarls, his voice like gravel. His eyes flash with menace. With a swift motion, he kicks Aszhuak into the side of the cabin wall, sending him crashing into it with a sickening thud.

    "Now, where was I?" He licks his lips, his grin widening as he turns his gaze back to us. "Ah, yes. Since you children will be dead soon, I''ll entertain you for a bit. Once I find the mask, I''ll resurrect the Scor clan and take over the land, starting with the Belfour Kingdom."

    My heart skips a beat. The Belfour Kingdom? The words hit harder than I expected. I glance over at Hue, whose expression has darkened. His jaw is clenched so tightly I fear his teeth will break. I don''t need to ask; I already know this means something personal for him. The words echo in my mind, "My name is my name and Scor is my claim." This is the second Scor member we''ve encountered, and he seems just as dangerous, if not more.

    "You think I''ll let you take control of my father''s kingdom?" Hue barks, his voice laced with fury. His eyes are like fire, and I can almost feel the heat coming off him.

    Oz lets out a sinister chuckle. "Ahhh, I see. You''re the king''s son! And we have the little orphaned Liche boy here too, right?" His words are like daggers, twisting in the air. "I''ll have fun killing the lot of you."

    With that, Oz charges at Hue, his sword drawn and gleaming in the rain-soaked air. Hue doesn''t hesitate. He draws his own weapon and moves to defend himself, but before he can land a blow, Oz''s speed is overwhelming. The clash of metal rings in my ears as Aszhuak rushes to Hue''s side, his ball of light glowing brightly in his hand.

    But Oz doesn''t give them a moment to breathe. He knocks both of them back with a powerful double kick, sending them sprawling. I grit my teeth, my hand tightening around my sword. I want to help, but I don''t want to get in Emberes'' way. He''s been our leader for a reason.

    Hue, ever determined, throws a dagger with deadly precision. The blade grazes Oz''s cheek, drawing a thin line of blood.

    "Good one, boy," Oz laughs darkly, wiping the blood away and licking it from his fingers. His eyes are glowing with malice as he prepares for the next attack.

    Aszhuak, unfazed, launches another ball of light at Oz. But this time, Oz is ready. He catches it mid-air and throws it with terrifying strength, sending it soaring through the treetops. The shards explode outward, splintering the air like the sun breaking through a storm.

    Aszhuak doesn''t hesitate. He waves his arm and redirects the shards down toward Oz. In the split second of distraction, Hue lunges at Oz, swinging his sword in a wide arc. But Oz is faster, far too fast. He snatches Hue''s sword from his hand and slashes it through the shards with an almost lazy motion. In the blink of an eye, Oz grabs the sword by the blade and smacks the hilt into Hue''s face, sending him crashing backward.

    Blood drips from Hue''s nose, and his left eye begins to swell, turning a dark shade of purple. I can feel the anger boiling within me, but I know I can''t act rashly. The moment is slipping through my fingers.

    "You two aren''t making this any fun," Oz sneers, his voice dripping with disdain.

    "How about this¡ªcome attack me now," he taunts, his hands behind his back as he waits for them to charge.

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    I can see the hesitation in Aszhuak and Hue. They''re struggling to stay on their feet, battered and broken. They''re giving everything they have, but it''s still not enough.

    "Stop!" Emberes yells, his voice cutting through the tension like a knife.

    "I''ll take over from here."

    "And just what do you think you''ll do, boy?" Oz laughs, an air of amusement in his tone.

    Emberes cracks his neck, a look of cold determination settling over his face. He steps forward, his movements slow but purposeful. "I don''t talk much," he says, "I''ll show you."

    Before Oz can react, Emberes throws a punch at him, landing squarely in his gut. For a moment, Oz''s confident smirk falters, a brief flicker of pain flashing in his eyes. Emberes steps back, his voice icy. "I suggest you use both of your hands to fight me."

    Oz''s grin returns, more feral than before. He quickly draws his weapon, clearly relishing the challenge.

    "That''s better than those two weaklings," he sneers.

    Emberes steps into the fight with a fluidity that I can''t help but admire. He takes a swing at Oz, landing a powerful blow to his jaw that sends Oz skidding across the mud, but Oz doesn''t stay down. He''s too dangerous, too ruthless. Emberes doesn''t give him time to recover. He charges again, his fists like blinding fire, but Oz is equally as fast, parrying and dodging with the speed of a predator.

    They fight like animals, each blow louder than the last. I can''t look away. It''s terrifying to watch, yet mesmerizing. Emberes ducks and weaves, dodging Oz''s slashes, and then with a burst of heat, he conjures a fireball and throws it at Oz.

    Oz dodges, but as he does, he throws a conjured spear, its sharp point glinting in the air as it flies toward Emberes. But Emberes doesn''t flinch. With a snap of his hands, he pulls them apart, creating a line of flame that burns through the spear before it can touch him.

    In that moment, I think¡ªWe have a chance. But Oz isn''t finished. He lunges at Emberes, sliding through the mud and kicking him in the chest, knocking the wind out of him. Emberes stumbles but catches himself. The fight is far from over, but I can feel my resolve crumbling. What can we do? How can we stop him?

    The conjured spear strikes Emberes, slamming into his chest. Everything goes still. My heart stops in my chest, and panic sets in. Did we lose him? Did we just lose our only hope?

    I should''ve acted sooner. I should have helped. My breath comes in short gasps. I can''t let him die. I can''t let everyone die.

    "Did you think that weak-ass blow was going to pierce through my flame aura?" Emberes'' voice cuts through my thoughts, laced with arrogance. He''s standing tall, the spear melting away in his chest as if it were nothing more than paper. "You were better off trying to kill me with your actual weapon. For years, I''ve trained my aura to repel any type of magical weapon or spell. Surprised you didn''t notice?"

    His eyes glow with the intensity of flames, and suddenly, I understand just how powerful he is. The front part of the spear is now a glowing ember. He stands over Oz, towering with an overwhelming presence.

    "Wha... What are you?" Oz stammers, his confidence slipping for the first time.

    "I''m the flame of the Canu," Emberes declares, his voice unwavering. His hand latches onto Oz''s face, and without a second thought, he lifts him into the air, releasing a blast of searing heat from his palm. The air around us seems to warp as Oz''s face burns, his screams echoing through the forest.

    Oz stumbles backward, his body smoking and singed. "NOOOOOOO! You will regret this!" he screams in agony. His face is badly burned, the once confident sneer replaced with a look of pure terror. He staggers to his feet, pushing everyone back with a surge of energy, and then¡ªhe vanishes.

    In an instant, the world is silent. The storm has dissipated, the rain no longer falling. Emberes stands alone, the only one still on his feet, his chest rising and falling as he regains his breath.

    "Sorry for worrying you, Thornton," Emberes says, a grin spreading across his face. "But that guy was a total dickhead. Had to humiliate him a little."

    I let out a shaky breath. I don''t know whether to laugh or cry, but I''m just relieved we''re alive.

    Hue, blood still dripping from his nose, tosses Emberes a medallion. It gleams in the sunlight that finally breaks through the canopy.

    "What''s this?" Emberes asks, examining the emblem engraved into the medallion.

    "It''s for you to come to the Belfour Kingdom and join the G-" Aszhuak begins, but Hue cuts him off.

    "Just bring it to the Belfour Kingdom. You''ll know what to do from there," Hue says, his voice still heavy with emotion.

    Emberes rubs the medallion thoughtfully, its gold reflecting the faint light as if acknowledging his new responsibility.

    "Thank you. Now let''s get back to the girls," Emberes says, his tone serious once again. "Oz could still be out here. Once we get to them, we''ll report back to the Canu and the Kingdom to get this area secured and look for the mask."

    "Why don''t we just look for it?" I ask, frustration bubbling in my chest.

    "It''s not our job," Emberes responds, his voice hardening. He pauses, looking at each of us, his expression serious. "This mission has escalated far beyond what we were prepared for. If I weren''t here, I''m sure the five of you would be dead by now." His words cut through the air like a blade, the gravity of the situation sinking in deeper. There''s no arrogance in his voice, only the cold truth of the danger we''re in.

    I feel the weight of his statement pressing on me. We''re out of our depth, and he''s the only reason we''re still breathing.

    Hue nods, wiping blood from his face, his movements stiff with pain. "I agree," he says, his voice strained but resolute. "I''ll talk to my father about letting us revisit this site with reinforcements. We need to prepare properly, or we''ll never survive the next round with people like Oz." There''s a fire in his voice, tempered with the clear understanding that we''re in over our heads. We can''t afford to be reckless anymore.

    I can feel the tension in the air, the burden of responsibility heavy on all of us. It''s not just about the mask anymore¡ªit''s about survival.

 Road to Resolve

    Thornton

    The walk back to the cabin is eerily quiet. Tension hangs in the air, thick and oppressive, as each of us keeps a wary eye on the surroundings. The thought of Oz lying in wait gnaws at the back of my mind. My pulse quickens at the possibility of an ambush.

    Since I am the only one uninjured, I lead the group, my hand clenched tightly around my weapon. Emberes takes up the rear, his presence steady and commanding, while Hue and Aszhuak, battered and limping, remain in the middle of our formation. The strategy is simple: protect the injured at all costs. Yet, as I walk, a nagging sense of inadequacy churns in my chest.

    This mission has laid bare the gulf in strength between Emberes, our enemies, and myself. Can I ever reach their level? Is strength something you can achieve, or is it something you''re born with? My fists clench involuntarily at the thought of being forever outclassed.

    "You did well today, everyone," Emberes calls out from the back. His voice is steady but carries an undertone of reassurance.

    The words, meant to encourage, don''t ease my mind.

    "Let this be a lesson," Emberes continues, his tone firm. "The enemy is strong. This isn''t a training exercise. They''ll kill you if given the chance. What you lack in strength, you must make up for with intelligence and teamwork. Jade and Gashiaz made the right choice to retreat. If they hadn''t, we''d have lost at least three of us." He pauses, scanning each of us with an intense gaze. "This mission was successful, despite Oz''s interference. The Elders and the King wouldn''t have assigned this group if they''d known someone that dangerous was out here. Learn from this, and grow stronger."

    As Emberes''s words settle over us, the silhouette of the cabin comes into view. Its small, unassuming frame stands undisturbed amidst the dense forest. Relief wars with anxiety in my chest. What if something happened to Jade and Gashiaz? What if Oz circled back here or summoned reinforcements?

    Suddenly, the front door bursts open.

    "Thornton!" Jade runs out, her face a mixture of relief and fear. She throws her arms around me, her hug tight enough to crush bones.

    The raw emotion in her embrace says more than words ever could. I return the hug just as fiercely.

    "I''m glad you made it back," she whispers.

    Behind her, Gashiaz emerges, her left arm wrapped in hastily applied bandages. The fabric is stained red, her injury a silent testament to the chaos we narrowly escaped.

    "Gashiaz," I say gently, "let me rewrap that for you. I''ll make sure it''s done properly."

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    "Thank you, Thornton, but these guys need attention first." Gashiaz moves toward Hue and Aszhuak, who barely manage to stay upright. She struggles to help support them.

    "I''ve got this," I say, stepping in to help carry the two injured warriors inside.

    The interior of the cabin is a strange mix of tension and ingenuity. Furniture is piled against the doors and windows, makeshift barricades to deter intruders. At the windows, ragdolls with drawn-on faces and makeshift bows stand watch.

    "You like them?" Gashiaz asks with a smile. She motions to one of the ragdolls. "This one even has a mean face!"

    The crude figure has a childlike scowl drawn on with charcoal, its frown exaggerated to look intimidating.

    "It''s... cute," I say hesitantly, unable to keep the corners of my mouth from twitching upward.

    "Cute?" Gashiaz raises an eyebrow, mock-offended.

    "Oh, never mind," I mumble, my face flushing.

    Emberes takes charge of tending to the boys'' injuries. His efficiency is striking, his hands deft as he cleans and rewraps their wounds with precision.

    "If you need help, I''m happy to lend a hand," Jade offers.

    The entire room pauses, and everyone politely declines in unison. Her reputation with first aid precedes her.

    "Fine," Jade huffs. "I''ll go start dinner." She disappears into the kitchen, her steps lighter than before.

    Gashiaz and I settle into a quiet conversation. "Thornton, you''re a fine warrior," she says softly. "I hope we meet again, but this will be my last mission with the Canu. My clan has been tasked to resolve an ongoing dispute in Belfour City."

    "I''ll find a way to visit," I reply earnestly.

    "Well," she says with a smile, "if you want a guaranteed way to see us, you should enroll in the PURE."

    "The PURE?"

    "It''s a festival that starts next month. Vendors, magic contests, inkvoy games, music, and an arena-style battle royale."

    "Jade and I will be there," I promise.

    The smell of food wafts through the cabin, pulling me from the conversation. Emberes gathers everyone in the living area, his expression serious.

    "Jade, thank you for cooking, but we need to leave immediately," Emberes says. "It''s too dangerous to stay here any longer."

    Jade nods. "I figured as much. I''ve packed the food into portable containers for the journey back."

    Her foresight is comforting, though I can see the tension still etched into her features. She hands out the food, and we tuck the containers into our bags.

    Hue approaches me, pulling out three coins from his bag. The copper glints in the light, each one engraved with a crown.

    "These are VIP tokens," he explains. "They''ll get you into the PURE and give you access to everything before the general public arrives. If you''re serious about coming, use these."

    I examine the coin, feeling its ridges under my thumb, before passing one each to Emberes and Jade.

    "I''ll see you in the arena," Aszhuak declares, his voice brimming with determination.

    Emberes smirks. "It''ll take more than a month for you to catch up to me."

    Their mana flares in the air like opposing storms¡ªEmberes''s calm and commanding, Aszhuak''s wild and untamed. The tension builds until Hue interjects, breaking the moment.

    "Let''s head out," he says.

    Gashiaz smiles warmly as she and the others prepare to leave. "See you in a month," she says.

    We watch them disappear down the road until the forest swallows them completely.

    The PURE. A chance to prove myself, not just to my comrades but to the Guar Knights. My fists clench with resolve. I''ll make sure I''m ready.

 Flames of Instinct

    Jade

    "I can''t believe it''s been three weeks since the integration mission, and those prisoners the Elders and Guar Knights captured still haven''t confessed to knowing who Oz is!" Thornton''s frustration was evident as his voice echoed down the path to the training field.

    "Maybe they have confessed," I replied, attempting to soothe his temper, "but if the villagers and kingdom residents don''t know about the incident, then I''m sure they''re keeping some secrets from us too."

    Thornton let out a bitter laugh. "But we were part of the mission! Shouldn''t that mean we''re informed of any new information? At the very least, we deserve that much."

    I sighed, trying to ease his paranoia. "It''s not our mission anymore. I wouldn''t dwell too much on it. The Elders and the King seem to have everything under control."

    He turned sharply, his eyes dark with disbelief. "Then why have we had extra security in the village for the past three weeks? Because everything is under control? The Elders are scared, Jade. They don''t have any answers, and that''s why they''re keeping us in the dark."

    I stopped walking, planting my feet firmly on the ground. "Thornton, I''d rather not talk about this right now. We have a week until the PURE. This is an opportunity not many get. Let''s focus on that and worry about Oz after."

    He clenched his fists and growled under his breath. "Whatever you say."

    As we entered the training area, Thornton slammed his gear onto the ground, the sound reverberating like a thunderclap, before stomping off to train alone. His frustration was palpable, but I knew better than to chase after him right now. I made my way to the rampaging river nearby, needing its calming presence to center myself.

    Taking a deep breath, I submerged myself in the roaring current. The icy water embraced me, pulling me downstream before I caught my concentration. Closing my eyes, I focused my mana, commanding the torrent to still around me. The water obeyed, forming a tranquil bubble in the middle of chaos. Standing firmly on the riverbed, I felt the power of the current hum against my skin. Drawing my bow, I notched an arrow, pulled back, and fired it into the air. It soared upward, then curved back toward me in a lethal arc.

    "Focus," I whispered to myself.

    Summoning my mana once more, I directed the rushing water upward, forming a spiraling barrier. The arrows collided with the torrent, each one deflected harmlessly into the river. A small smile tugged at my lips¡ªa fleeting moment of pride.

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    "That was pretty cool," a voice said from the shore.

    Startled, I turned to see Cole and Lane watching me. They approached with relaxed smiles, though their presence brought a flicker of unease.

    "Oh, hey, guys. What brings you here?" I asked, climbing out of the river.

    "We were invited to the PURE next week," Cole said casually. "Figured we should get some training in."

    "Thornton and I are going too," I said, eager to shift the focus. "You two should train with us."

    Lane glanced at Cole before answering. "We could, but we''ll train our way. You and Thornton focus on combat. Your mana control is okay, but there''s a lot more to mana than just manipulating the elements."

    Cole nodded. "What you just did with the water? That''s surface-level stuff. With practice, you can reshape objects, even change their nature temporarily. Watch."

    He motioned for me to shoot an arrow at him. Hesitant but curious, I obeyed. The arrow streaked through the air, but before it reached him, it transformed into a handful of pebbles, clattering harmlessly to the ground.

    "See? Mana isn''t just about control," Cole explained. "It''s about transformation."

    The pebbles shimmered and reverted into the arrow I had fired. Lane added, "Since you''ve got an affinity for water, you should be able to liquefy solid objects. Try it. Focus your mana on that arrow and imagine it as water."

    I stared at the arrow, channeling every ounce of concentration into the task. My breath hitched as a strange sensation washed over me. The world seemed to fade, my body growing tense. Then, everything went blank.

    When I came to, Lane and Cole were shouting. The arrow was gone, replaced by a towering white flame edged in purple. It danced between us, radiant yet unnervingly calm. Lane had pulled me back, her mana shield glowing as she stared at the flame in horror.

    "What the hell, Jade? Are you trying to kill us?" Cole yelled, his voice shaky.

    "I didn''t mean to! I thought it would turn into water!" I protested.

    Thornton appeared, sprinting from his training area. "Is everything okay?"

    "Your sister''s insane! She nearly roasted us alive!" Cole snapped.

    Before I could explain, Thornton charged at Cole, landing a punch that sent him sprawling to the ground. "Watch your mouth," Thornton growled.

    Cole stood, his fists hardening into stone. "You''re as crazy as she is."

    Lane pulled me farther back, her mana shield thickening. "We need to stop them!" she said, panicking.

    Thornton and Cole circled each other, mana flaring around them like storm clouds. Cole''s stone fist shot forward, but Thornton deflected it with his sword, the impact shaking the ground. Cole charged again, his strikes wild but powerful. Thornton moved with precision, dodging and countering, his sword turning to stone with every clash.

    "Jade, we need to intervene," Lane urged.

    "No. Thornton''s using his training sword. He''ll bruise Cole at worst. Besides, Cole''s throwing real punches."

    The fight escalated. Cole encased himself in stone, launching forward on a pillar of earth. The ground trembled as he barreled toward Thornton, who braced himself. The collision sent a cloud of dust and debris into the air, obscuring them both.

    "THORNTON!" I screamed, my voice cracking with fear.

 Flames of Legacy

    Jade

    I sprint out of the mana shield and into the settling dust, heart pounding. My mind races with fears of what I might find.

    "It''s okay, Jade," a calm yet commanding voice reassures me.

    The dust clears, revealing Drexel standing between Thornton and Cole. He holds Thornton''s sword blade gently between his pointer and middle fingers, and Cole''s stone-encased fist rests harmlessly against Drexel''s shoulder, as though it had hit an impenetrable wall. His presence radiates a quiet, intimidating authority.

    "I''m disappointed in you both," Drexel says, his tone even but weighted.

    He releases Thornton''s sword with a flick of his fingers and lowers Cole''s hand. I glance at Drexel''s shoulder, amazed to see no mark, not even a scratch.

    "Cole... that attack could have severely injured Thornton. Why did you put so much strength into it?" Drexel asks, his voice edged with steel.

    "Because Jade tried to kill me, and he defended her!" Cole yells, his voice cracking with indignation.

    Drexel turns to me, his piercing eyes demanding the truth. "Is this true, Jade?"

    "No... I mean, I don''t think so," I stammer, my voice faltering under his intense gaze.

    Cole points angrily at the white flame still burning nearby. "Then explain that!"

    "You did this, Jade?" Drexel asks, his voice softening with curiosity.

    "I think so," I reply, my voice barely a whisper.

    Drexel studies the flame, his expression unreadable. Finally, he says, "All of you return to the village. I''ll keep this incident between us, but don''t think you''re off the hook. Another slip-up like this, and none of you from Canu will participate in the PURE. Understood?"

    "Yes, sir," we reply in unison.

    Drexel turns to Thornton and me. "You two, head to the village archive. There''s something I need to show you."

    Thornton mutters under his breath as he collects his gear, but I''m too distracted to catch his words. Lane and Cole have already disappeared into the distance. Drexel approaches the flame, studying its intense glow.

    "How long has this flame been burning with this intensity?" he asks.

    "About eight minutes," I reply.

    Drexel''s expression darkens. "Jade, you need to extinguish it. Place your hand over the flame."

    "Why can''t you do it?" I ask hesitantly.

    Drexel steps back, shaking his head. "I can''t. If you or Thornton don''t extinguish this fire, it will burn forever¡ªeven after your death. Nothing I do will affect it. Only you can control it, and while it may look harmless, it''s nearly impervious to ordinary magic or force."

    Swallowing my fear, I approach the flame and hover my hand above it. Expecting searing heat, I''m startled to feel a gentle, almost cool sensation. The flames react instantly, twisting and swirling through the air before wrapping themselves around my body and vanishing inside me.

    "Let''s move," Drexel says, his voice firm but distant. "You both need to see something."

    The Archive

    After a few minutes of walking, we arrive at a weathered, cylindrical cobblestone tower stretching high into the sky. Its massive wooden doors are cracked and aged, their surface marred by time.

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    Thornton wrinkles his nose. "Looks more like a prison than an archive."

    Drexel ignores the comment, pushing open the creaking doors. The sound echoes ominously, but the stale, musty air that greets us is unexpectedly cool.

    Drexel places his palm against the wall, and a faint blue outline begins to spread, illuminating the room. To my surprise, the interior is breathtaking¡ªrows upon rows of scrolls and books line towering shelves, their edges gilded with faintly glowing inscriptions.

    "Prison, you said?" Drexel teases, casting a knowing look at Thornton.

    I''m too awestruck to respond. "I never knew anything like this existed in the village," I breathe.

    "This archive exists because of your clan, Jade," Drexel explains. "Before the massacre, your family filled these shelves with knowledge gathered from missions. Every piece of information here is a legacy of the Liche."

    Drexel strides toward a spiraling staircase. "The truth is, no one uses this archive anymore except the Elders. Scholars sometimes request access to study the Liche''s accomplishments, but we always deny them."

    "So why are we allowed here?" Thornton asks suspiciously.

    Drexel stops at the base of the staircase, his expression grave. "Because this archive was made for the Liche and their chosen guests. You''ve always had access¡ªyou just didn''t know it. But now, you have a reason to be here."

    As we descend, the air thickens with mana, its presence almost suffocating. Each step feels heavier than the last.

    "This next part," Drexel says, his voice tense, "will show if you''re truly ready for what lies ahead."

    At the bottom of the staircase, a wall of white flames with a faint purple outline blocks the path forward. My heart stops¡ªit''s the same fire I conjured earlier.

    "These flames," Drexel murmurs, "have kept this path sealed since the massacre. Now I understand why¡ªthey were waiting for you two."

    His face is solemn as he addresses us. "Once you pass this barrier, your lives will never be the same. No one has been beyond this point in years. Only you have the power to remove the flames. Focus your mana and place your hands on them."

    Thornton and I step forward, hands trembling. As we press against the searing light, the flames coil around us, their energy pouring into my body. It''s overwhelming¡ªexhilarating and unbearable all at once.

    The ground trembles, and the air crackles with raw power. Stones from the ceiling crumble, shaken loose by the force of the flames dissipating. My legs buckle, and I collapse, barely aware of Drexel''s steadying hand on my shoulder.

    "Not much longer," Drexel urges, his voice strained.

    With one final surge, the flames vanish, leaving the path clear.

    Drexel helps me to my feet, brushing dust from my shoulders. His gaze lingers on my face. "The glow of a Liche''s eyes... It''s been so long since I''ve seen it."

    I glance at Thornton, whose eyes shimmer faintly with the same purple hue.

    "Not every Liche could create or extinguish these flames," Drexel says softly. "Even fewer possessed the glow of the eyes. Both together... That''s a rarity even among your clan."

    "How do we control it?" Thornton demands. "The glow seems to happen at random."

    Drexel shakes his head. "You''re still young. That''s all I can offer. The answers you seek lie ahead."

    Thornton and I exchange an uncertain glance, the faint purple glow of our eyes already fading back to normal. Drexel steps aside, his expression heavy with unspoken thoughts.

    "This path belongs to you now," he says, his voice solemn. "Lead the way."

    We step forward, the silence around us stretching thin, every footfall echoing ominously against the walls. As we move deeper into the passage, the air grows colder, the mana in the atmosphere so dense it prickles my skin.

    The corridor twists ahead, shrouded in shadows that the flickering remnants of our glow can barely pierce. Finally, we reach an arched doorway. Carved into the ancient stone above it is a symbol I recognize¡ªa phoenix wreathed in white and purple flames, the crest of my clan.

    Thornton hesitates, his hand hovering over the door. "You ready for this?" he asks, his voice tight.

    "Not really," I admit, my heart thudding painfully in my chest.

    Before either of us can act, the door creaks open on its own, revealing a room bathed in eerie, pulsating light. At its center stands a massive pedestal, its surface etched with runes that glow faintly as if alive. On top of it rests an orb, swirling with white and purple energy that feels disturbingly familiar.

    And then I hear it¡ªa whisper. Faint, almost imperceptible, but unmistakably real.

    "Jade... Thornton... do you remember us?"

    I freeze, every hair on my body standing on end. Thornton stiffens beside me, his face pale.

    The whispers grow louder, overlapping and echoing, filling the room with an unnatural hum. My breath catches as shadows flicker across the walls, taking on shapes¡ªhuman forms with eyes like ours, glowing purple in the dim light.

    "Jade, what is this?" Thornton whispers, his voice trembling.

    "I don''t know," I manage to say, my voice barely audible.

    The shadows stop moving, their glowing eyes fixed on us. The largest one steps forward, and in a voice that sends a chill straight through me, it speaks:

    "You carry the burden of our legacy. Are you ready to face the truth?"

    The figure then dissipates into the air revealing a new door that was not previously there on the back wall.

 Echoes of the Liche

    Thornton

    Jade stumbles beside me, struggling to maintain her balance. It''s not obvious to anyone else, but I can feel the weight of the mana she''s absorbed, the subtle strain in her movements. She''s carrying it well, but there''s a stillness in her that tells me she''s not feeling great. I want to ask her if she''s okay, but the silence between us speaks volumes. She''s been through a lot already, and I can''t help but feel the weight of it pressing on both of us.

    We continue walking down the long corridor, my thoughts drifting as if my body is on autopilot. The walls close in around us, the air thick with the remnants of the mana we''ve both taken in. My pulse steadies with each step, but there''s an unease gnawing at the edges of my mind.

    When we reach the end of the hallway, I''m momentarily struck by a strange symbol engraved into the door¡ªa triangle with a curved line above it. It seems familiar, but I can''t place why.

    Drexel''s voice breaks through the tension. "This is your clan''s symbol," he says, his tone flat but carrying a weight of respect.

    I open my mouth to ask more, but before I can, a voice rings out in my head, cold and commanding.

    "Don''t open it."

    I freeze mid-step, my eyes snapping to Jade. "What did you say?" I blurt out, feeling the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.

    Jade looks at me, confused. "What are you talking about?"

    "Didn''t you hear that?" I ask, my voice low, unnerved.

    Drexel raises an eyebrow, clearly perplexed. "It''s just a door. It bears your clan''s symbol."

    I blink, the voice repeating in my mind. Don''t open it. Don''t trust him.

    I shake my head, trying to clear it. Something feels off, but I don''t know what. My hand reaches for the door, and instinctively, I push it open.

    "Thornton, what are you doing?" Jade''s sharp voice pulls me from my trance, her concern cutting through my fog of confusion.

    I snap back to reality just in time to see my sword raised, mid-swing, aimed at the door. My heart skips a beat. What was I thinking?

    "Ah, I can fix this. Take these, Thornton and Jade," Drexel says quickly, his voice steady but tinged with a hint of urgency.

    He hands each of us a handful of berries. They''re dull red, hard to the touch, with a strange weight to them. I stare at them for a moment, unsure of their purpose.

    "My apologies," Drexel continues. "I should''ve warned you sooner. The amount of mana you absorbed could affect your bodies and minds. These berries will help stabilize you for the next ten days while your bodies adjust. Take one now, and then one each morning for the next nine days."

    I eye the berry warily. But before I can protest, the voice in my head comes again. Don''t take it. He''s lying. He wants to mask your true power.

    Ignoring it, I toss the berry into my mouth. It melts instantly, the sensation like rich chocolate, but the taste¡ªsharp, bitter, like biting into a rotten lemon. As I swallow, the taste lingers, bitter and strange.

    A vision flashes across my mind¡ªa smiling face, soft and reassuring, as if everything will be okay.

    Drexel''s voice cuts through my disorienting thoughts. "Behind this door are your clan''s secrets. Out of respect, I will remain here while you two proceed." His tone is calm, but there''s something in his words that suggests he knows far more than he''s letting on.

    Jade and I exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between us. She nods, her expression determined.

    "Thank you, Drexel," we say in unison, our voices steady, but the uncertainty lingers in my gut.

    Jade leads the way, pushing the door open with a force that belies her earlier fatigue. I follow closely behind, my hand grazing the coarse surface of the door as we enter. The room beyond is vast, though the sight inside is not what I expected. There are no ancient scrolls or mystical relics¡ªonly three large chests, standing as if waiting for us. The emptiness feels suffocating.

    "We''re going to be rich!" I exclaim, a burst of excitement filling me for a moment.

    "Get serious," Jade says, nudging me on the shoulder, a faint smile tugging at her lips despite the tense atmosphere.

    Each chest is engraved with a giant letter. A ''T'', ''J'', and ''F''. Naturally, Jade and I walk toward the chest with our initials. I open mine with ease, eager to see what''s inside. But the chest with the ''F'' on it doesn''t budge.

    "Jade, can you help me out?" I ask, frustration creeping into my voice.

    Jade steps over, offering her strength, but even together, we can''t open it. Something feels wrong, and the unease grows.

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    "I don''t think this one is meant to be opened by us," Jade says, her voice quiet but firm.

    I walk back over to my chest, still trying to make sense of what''s happening. When I open it fully, a letter is resting on top. I unroll it, the paper crinkling in my hands as I read aloud.

    "Jade, Thornton, Findel. If you three are reading this, it means the Liche Clan has been destroyed and the fall of the Belfour Kingdom is imminent. This also means that if you are reading this under Drexel''s supervision, we didn''t get a chance to see you three grow. Drexel was instructed to bring the youngest Liche members to this location when the time was right if the Clan was destroyed. It is important that you three follow the next few instructions clearly. First, only trust each other; our clan received a blessing that makes it impossible to betray one another. We Liche are only able to approach each other with pure intentions."

    I stop reading for a moment, my mind whirling. Findel? Who is Findel? Why does his name appear here?

    I continue. "Secondly, there is a map with marked locations. You three can only see these marked locations once you awaken your elias. Your elias is when your purple eyes begin to glow. Besides an increase in strength and mana, your elias allows you to see life energy. These marked locations are of powerful artifacts that you three must swear to protect. Also on this map is the location of people who will help and guide you on your journey. The first person you must seek after viewing this letter is The Wisher Noah. Lastly, know that we love you all and know you will make the right choices. Wish we could''ve seen you grow up."

    I roll the letter back up, placing it carefully back in the chest.

    "Who is Findel?" I ask, my voice quiet, almost afraid to hear the answer.

    "I don''t know," Jade says, her voice distant. "My only guess is that he died when the rest of the clan did."

    "Yeah, maybe," I mutter, though a thought gnaws at the back of my mind. Could Jade and I have another sibling? Someone we never knew about?

    I continue to sift through the chest. My fingers brush against something solid and wooden. I pull out a dark brown box. Inside, there''s a thin metal bracelet engraved with our clan symbol. Next to it is a golden ring with the same insignia. The words armor and weapon are inscribed at the bottom of the box. I slide the ring onto my finger. It''s loose, but after a few seconds, it adjusts, tightening to fit. The bracelet does the same.

    "Hey, Jade, check this out," I call out.

    She looks over, and to my surprise, she already has both the ring and bracelet on. But instead of just jewelry, both items are now extensions of her¡ªmanifesting as a black bow with a swirling purple design around it, and armor made of dark metal with a purple lining. I can feel the fire, the white flames, racing through the open lining of the armor.

    "How''d you do that?" I ask, my voice awestruck.

    "Just think it. However you want your armor and weapon to look¡ªenvision it, and the ring and bracelet seem to react to that," Jade explains, her voice calm.

    I look down at the ring and bracelet, my mind racing with possibilities. "Give me time to think. I''ll come up with something cool."

    I rummage through the chest one last time and pull out two more items: a key and a carved wooden figure of a man. As I hold them, the chest rises into the air, enveloped in a swirl of mana before disintegrating into nothingness.

    "This will be the resting place for the last of the Liche," a voice says from the entrance, its tone low and ominous.

    Before I can react, a beam of light shoots from the doorway and strikes me in the chest. The force knocks me off my feet, and I brace for the impact, but to my surprise, there''s no pain. My chest feels warm, protected. The bracelet must have absorbed the blow before it could reach me.

    "Thornton, get up! The bracelet must have saved you!" Jade''s voice is panicked, but determined.

    I scramble to my feet just as a barrage of beams comes at me, hitting me again. This time, the key and doll fly from my hands and into the air. A flash of light darts from the entrance and forms into a man¡ªno face, just jagged, fang-like teeth.

    The figure catches the key and the doll, turning to face me slowly, the horrific grin never leaving his face.

    "I will eat those eyes off your cold corpse..." he hisses, his voice dripping with malice.

    Before he can finish, a small circle of fire ignites from his torso, racing up his body, burning him from the inside out. Despite the fire consuming him, his smile remains, unnerving and unbroken.

    "This isn''t over," he says, his voice fading as he disintegrates into nothing.

    The key and doll fall to the floor with a dull thud. I rush to grab them, my hands trembling.

    "Who was that?" I ask, my voice hoarse.

    "It wasn''t a person," Drexel says, his frown deepening.

    "It was a clone of someone¡ªa puppet. Whoever created it is powerful. We''ll need to be careful on our way out."

    I collect myself and hand Jade her key and figure. We rush to the exit, my mind still reeling from the encounter.

    "Drexel, who is Findel?" Jade asks again, the question lingering in the air.

    "He was a baby when you two were just two years old," Drexel explains, his gaze distant. "The night your clan was massacred, his body couldn''t be found among the dead."

    "So do you know where he is now?" Jade presses.

    "Unfortunately, no one knows. We''ve been searching for ten years with no sign of him. It''s as if he never existed."

    As we make our way up the stairwell, the light from the open door spills into the corridor, but the pressure in my chest doesn''t ease. The gravity of what just happened weighs heavily on me. I''ve been outclassed¡ªagain. This time by someone or something far beyond my capabilities.

    Drexel stops at the entrance, his eyes narrowing, a sigh escaping him.

    "Jade, Thornton, before we leave, listen closely," he says, his voice stern. "Do not let your rings or bracelets fall into anyone else''s hands. There were three pairs made. One is probably still locked in the chest below, but these are powerful artifacts. The greatest minds in Kirk could never recreate them."

    He pauses, making sure we''re both listening. "With these artifacts, you''ll find others¡ªmany would kill for them. For instance, the Mask of Cada, which we sent you to retrieve, is among the weaker artifacts, but it''s still one of the most sought-after because it''s easy to use and carries little risk."

    I glance down at the bracelet and ring on my body. They''re part of me now¡ªextensions of my soul.

    "The ring and bracelet grow as you grow. From this point forward, they are a part of you. But be warned¡ªyour journey will only get harder," Drexel continues.

    "Wait, what about these carved figures?" Jade asks, holding hers up.

    "Ah, those are carvings of your parents. They released part of their souls into them before they died. When the time is right, those figures will come to life for two hours, helping you complete your journey."

    "And what exactly is our journey?" I ask, my heart heavy with uncertainty.

    Drexel''s eyes meet ours, and for a moment, there''s a deep sadness in his gaze. "Find the people responsible for the destruction of your clan. And bring back Findel¡ªwhether he''s dead or alive."

    A surge of pressure floods my chest, and I feel the weight of Drexel''s words sink into me. Our path is set. We have a purpose now¡ªto avenge our clan, to find the truth about Findel. I know what I have to do now, but the cost will be high. And the world out there is unforgiving.