《The Madness of Yilheim》 Chapter 1: Prelude on Earth The sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, casting warm golden light over the desks. Valerius Delindor sat near the back, gazing out the window with a faraway look in his eyes. The droning voice of his chemistry teacher was just background noise, barely registering. ¡°Valerius Delindor,¡± the teacher¡¯s sharp voice rang out, cutting through his haze. Valerius blinked, snapping out of his daydream. ¡°Uh¡­ yes?¡± The teacher folded her arms, a smug smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Since you¡¯re clearly paying so much attention, perhaps you¡¯d like to explain the reaction we just discussed?¡± A ripple of laughter moved through the class, but Valerius didn¡¯t miss a beat. He leaned back in his chair, smirking. ¡°Sure. When hydrochloric acid reacts with sodium hydroxide, you get water and sodium chloride. Neutralization. Simple stuff.¡± The teacher¡¯s expression tightened, and the class murmured in approval. ¡°Show-off,¡± Ryan muttered, elbowing him playfully. Valerius chuckled, whispering back, ¡°What can I say? Genius can¡¯t be hidden.¡± --- After school, the courtyard buzzed with students eager to head home. Valerius and Ryan strolled toward the gates when a growing commotion caught their attention. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Ryan asked, craning his neck to see over the crowd. ¡°No clue,¡± Valerius replied. ¡°Let¡¯s find out.¡± As they pushed through the throng, Valerius immediately spotted the source of the commotion. Towering over the students stood Eryndor Delindor, his commanding presence drawing every eye. At 8¡¯4¡±, his height alone was intimidating, but his striking features added to the effect. His tailored black jacket emphasized his broad shoulders, and his long, dark hair framed a face so perfectly symmetrical it looked otherworldly. His piercing gray eyes scanned the crowd with quiet authority. Valerius groaned. ¡°Of course, it¡¯s him.¡± The whispers began immediately. ¡°Who is that guy?¡± ¡°He¡¯s so tall... and gorgeous.¡± ¡°Is he famous or something?¡± Eryndor¡¯s gaze fell on Valerius, and he raised his hand in a gesture that demanded his younger brother approach. But before Valerius could move, a group of girls surrounded him. ¡°Valerius, is that your brother?!¡± one asked, wide-eyed. ¡°You look just like him!¡± another exclaimed. Valerius sighed, scratching the back of his neck. ¡°Uh, yeah, I guess¡ª¡± Ryan grabbed him by the collar and dragged him out of the circle. ¡°Let¡¯s go, you facially endowed bastard,¡± he muttered, his tone half-annoyed, half-amused. Valerius laughed as they broke free. ¡°Jealousy doesn¡¯t suit you, Ryan.¡± Ryan rolled his eyes. ¡°Whatever. Just go home with your ridiculously tall and handsome brother already.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°Don¡¯t mind if I do.¡± ---If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. Eryndor¡¯s sleek black motorcycle gleamed in the afternoon sun. The rumble of its powerful engine turned heads as Valerius climbed onto the back. As they wove through traffic, pedestrians stopped to stare, some even snapping photos. ¡°Don¡¯t these people have anything better to do than stare?¡± Valerius muttered. ¡°Admiration is but the natural consequence of excellence,¡± Eryndor replied, his tone smooth and refined. ¡°Let them marvel¡ªit is all they can do.¡± Valerius rolled his eyes. ¡°Do you have to talk like that all the time?¡± Eryndor smirked. ¡°Would you have me lower my standards to blend with mediocrity? Perish the thought.¡± Valerius groaned. ¡°You¡¯re insufferable.¡± --- The moment they stepped into the house, Ziraiah¡¯s voice rang out like a battle cry. ¡°You used my hairbrush to clean your shoes, didn¡¯t you?!¡± Before Valerius could respond, Ziraiah stormed into the hallway. At 5¡¯9¡±, she was tall and graceful, her auburn hair falling in waves around her shoulders. Her emerald-green eyes, typically warm, were blazing with fury. ¡°What? No!¡± Valerius protested. ¡°Don¡¯t lie to me! Eryndor would never do something so disgusting, so it had to be you!¡± Without warning, she launched herself at him, delivering a flying kick to his face. Valerius stumbled back, clutching his nose. ¡°Ziraiah!¡± he yelled. ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?!¡± As she moved in to attack again, Eryndor intercepted her, wrapping his arms around her and lifting her off the ground with ease. ¡°Calm yourself, Ziraiah,¡± Eryndor said, his tone calm but firm. ¡°This unbecoming display of wrath serves no purpose.¡± ¡°Let me go, you big oaf!¡± Ziraiah yelled, struggling in his arms. ¡°I need to teach him not to mess with me!¡± Eryndor sighed. ¡°Your temper is as fiery as your hair, but alas, it lacks refinement.¡± Before Ziraiah could retort, Lyriana¡¯s voice echoed from upstairs. ¡°All three of you, to my room. Now.¡± --- Lyriana stood by the window, her tall, regal frame silhouetted against the evening light. At 9¡¯4¡±, she carried herself with a presence that demanded respect. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves, and her sharp, symmetrical features radiated both authority and warmth. ¡°You three are utterly insufferable,¡± she said as her children entered. ¡°But perhaps this gives me the perfect reason to tell you what I¡¯ve been keeping from you.¡± Eryndor straightened. ¡°Will you be teaching them Bravo, Mother?¡± Valerius frowned. ¡°Wait, you already know about this?¡± Lyriana sighed. ¡°No, Eryndor. They are not ready for Bravo. First, they must understand our history.¡± She stepped closer, her gaze softening. ¡°You are Delindors. Our family has carried a legacy of extraordinary power for generations. Bravo is an energy fueled by willpower, one that strengthens the body and mind. But it is more than that¡ªit is a responsibility.¡± Ziraiah hesitated. ¡°So¡­ we can use it too?¡± ¡°In time,¡± Lyriana replied. ¡°But for now, focus on understanding the weight of who you are. That will matter more than anything.¡± --- At the dinner table, Lyriana gestured to Eryndor. ¡°Ery, will you lead us in prayer?¡± ¡°With pleasure, Mother,¡± Eryndor said, bowing his head. ¡°Bless this meal and the hands that prepared it. May it fortify us as we strive to uphold the Delindor name.¡± As soon as the prayer ended, Valerius grabbed his plate, piling it high and eating with his hands. Eryndor gave him a disapproving look. ¡°Must you persist in these barbaric habits, Valerius? Use the proper utensils.¡± Valerius sighed, waving the fork and knife in the air. ¡°There. Happy?¡± Lyriana chuckled softly. ¡°It¡¯s good to see some things never change.¡± --- That night, as the house fell silent, Valerius crept into Ziraiah¡¯s room. She lay sound asleep, her breathing soft and even. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he uncapped a marker and began to draw on her face. He stepped back to admire his handiwork¡ªa masterpiece of ridiculous doodles¡ªbefore sneaking back to his room. ¡°Revenge is sweet,¡± he whispered, chuckling to himself as he crawled into bed. --- At exactly 7:00 a.m., Valerius was jolted awake by the sound of distant screams. He sat up, his heart pounding, as a deep, crimson hue painted the sky. The ground trembled violently beneath him. ¡°What the hell?¡± he muttered, rushing out of his room. Eryndor and Ziraiah met him in the hallway, their expressions tense. They hurried to their mother¡¯s room, where Lyriana stood at the window, her face grim. A news broadcast played on the television, showing images of chaos: buildings crumbling, people vanishing, and the same red sky enveloping the world. ¡°It¡¯s happening,¡± Lyriana said, her voice low. ¡°Sooner than I expected.¡± ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Ziraiah asked, her voice trembling as she clung to her mother¡¯s arm. Lyriana turned to them, her eyes fierce. ¡°You must leave. Now.¡± ¡°What do you mean, leave?!¡± Valerius demanded. ¡°We¡¯re not leaving you!¡± Lyriana pulled them into a tight embrace. ¡°You¡¯re Delindors. Now and forever. Survive. Together.¡± As the house crumbled around them, the siblings felt a strange sensation coursing through their bodies. Their vision blurred, and their mother¡¯s voice was the last thing they heard. Chapter 2: Arrival on Yilheim The transition was violent. Valerius felt his body being yanked, twisted, and stretched as if he were caught in a raging whirlpool. His lungs burned, his mind screamed for relief¡ªand then, as suddenly as it began, it was over. Valerius hit the ground hard, jagged rocks scraping his hands and knees. He groaned, coughing as he struggled to lift his head. Around him, the world was unrecognizable. The sky above was painted in swirling purples and fiery reds, dominated by two massive moons that loomed ominously overhead. Jagged cliffs and glowing plants dotted the rugged landscape, casting eerie shadows. ¡°Where¡­ are we?¡± Ziraiah¡¯s trembling voice broke through the silence. She lay a few feet away, her emerald-green eyes wide with fear as she took in the alien surroundings. Her dark, silky hair, streaked with dirt, framed her youthful face. Though her light brown complexion still radiated her natural beauty, the fear in her expression made her seem far younger. Valerius sat up, wincing as he dusted himself off. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re in Kansas anymore¡­¡± Eryndor stood nearby, already on his feet, his towering 8¡¯4¡± frame casting a long shadow over them. His chiseled features and dark, neatly groomed hair gave him an air of regal confidence, even in the face of the unknown. His green eyes¡ªpiercing and unyielding¡ªscanned the horizon with quiet intensity. ¡°It seems, dear siblings,¡± Eryndor began, his deep voice calm yet authoritative, ¡°that we have been transported far beyond the bounds of Earth. This realm¡­ is not of our world.¡± ¡°Yeah, thanks, Captain Obvious,¡± Valerius muttered as he stood, brushing off his scraped knees. Around them, thousands of people were scattered across the rocky terrain. Some sat in shock, while others argued or shouted, their panic mounting. Then it hit them. A sharp, searing pain tore through their heads, making all three siblings clutch their temples. Valerius fell to his knees, gritting his teeth as an unfamiliar voice echoed in his mind. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim, young ones. I am Yelleen, and I shall be your guide.¡± Valerius froze, looking around wildly. ¡°What the hell? Who said that?¡± Ziraiah whimpered, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Am I¡­ am I hearing things?¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression remained calm, though his green eyes narrowed in thought. ¡°A voice within our minds¡­ intriguing. Continue, unseen herald.¡± For the three siblings, the voice was clear and distinct, but around them, the other Earthers seemed to react differently. They stared at glowing panels that had materialized before their eyes, their expressions ranging from confusion to terror. It seemed Yelleen¡¯s voice was meant only for the siblings; the others were left to read her words. ¡°For the one million of you brought here,¡± Yelleen continued, her tone smooth and deliberate, ¡°I am your guide. Your survival depends on listening to what I tell you.¡± The other Earthers erupted into chaos. ¡°What is this place?¡± ¡°Why are we here?¡± ¡°Send us back!¡± The siblings, however, received a far more personal message. Yelleen¡¯s voice grew softer, almost affectionate as she addressed them directly.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. ¡°You three¡­ I have waited for you. You are unlike the others.¡± Eryndor raised an eyebrow, his voice calm but laced with curiosity. ¡°Pray tell, what sets us apart from the masses?¡± Yelleen¡¯s tone carried a tinge of amusement. ¡°In time, you will understand. For now, survive.¡± --- The chaos among the Earthers quickly escalated. Arguments turned to shoving, and desperation gave way to violence as people scrambled to assert dominance. ¡°Hey, you!¡± a burly teenager shouted, pointing at Valerius. ¡°You look like you know what''s going on. Tell me how to get out of here!¡± Valerius frowned, his green eyes narrowing. ¡°Do I look like I have a map or something?¡± The teenager advanced, flanked by two others. ¡°Don¡¯t play smart with me. You three look so calm--- you know something! spill it!¡± Before Valerius could respond, Eryndor stepped forward, his imposing frame cutting an intimidating figure. His calm, authoritative voice carried across the tension. ¡°I would strongly advise against such folly,¡± he said smoothly, his tone almost polite. ¡°My brother may lack sophistication, but his fists are far from forgiving.¡± The teenager hesitated, clearly unnerved by Eryndor¡¯s height and composed demeanor. But one of his friends, fueled by anger, lunged at Valerius. Reacting instinctively, Valerius sidestepped the attack and delivered a solid punch to the attacker¡¯s gut. The teenager crumpled to the ground, wheezing. ¡°Still wanna try me?¡± Valerius asked, a cocky grin tugging at his lips. The other two backed off, dragging their friend with them. Eryndor smirked faintly, his green eyes glinting in the alien moonlight. ¡°Crude, yet effective. Though, dear brother, I must urge you to refine your technique. Precision is the hallmark of a true warrior.¡± Valerius rolled his eyes. ¡°Yeah, yeah, thanks for the lecture.¡± --- The siblings moved away from the chaotic crowd, seeking refuge in a rocky outcrop. As the alien moons bathed the land in an eerie glow, they managed to gather enough materials to build a small fire. The warmth brought little comfort, as the foreign landscape seemed to watch them in silence. A low, guttural growl shattered the quiet. Ziraiah froze, clutching Valerius¡¯s arm. ¡°Did¡­ did you hear that?¡± Eryndor¡¯s eyes scanned the darkness. ¡°We are not alone.¡± From the shadows emerged a massive, wolf-like creature. Its jet-black fur seemed to drink in the light, and its glowing red eyes burned with predatory intent. Spikes jutted from its back, glinting like obsidian. ¡°That¡­ does not look friendly,¡± Valerius muttered, gripping a nearby branch. The wolf snarled and lunged at Ziraiah. Eryndor moved with blinding speed, shoving her out of the way and taking the brunt of the attack. The force knocked him back, but he stood firm, his broad shoulders bracing against the onslaught. ¡°Valerius! Ziraiah! Move!¡± he commanded, his voice sharp and unwavering. Valerius swung the branch with all his strength, but it splintered uselessly against the wolf¡¯s side. ¡°This is bad,¡± he muttered. ¡°Really bad.¡± Eryndor grabbed a jagged rock and slammed it into the wolf¡¯s head. The creature howled in pain, staggering back. Valerius tackled it from the side, pinning it down with all his weight. Ziraiah, trembling but determined, grabbed another rock and bashed the wolf repeatedly until it stopped moving. Bloodied and exhausted, the siblings collapsed onto the ground. ¡°That,¡± Valerius panted, ¡°was insane.¡± Eryndor adjusted his jacket, his green eyes calm despite the ordeal. ¡°Insane, yes. But necessary. Strength and unity are paramount in this world.¡± --- Later that night, the siblings sat around the fire, their exhaustion evident. The adrenaline from the wolf attack had faded, leaving them in heavy silence. Eryndor leaned back against a rock, his piercing green eyes reflecting the flames. After a long pause, he spoke. ¡°So, Ziraiah,¡± he said with a faint smirk, ¡°how long do you plan on retaining that facial decoration?¡± Ziraiah blinked, then groaned as realization hit her. ¡°Damn you, Val!¡± she yelled, tackling her brother. Eryndor watched with mild amusement as Ziraiah pummeled Valerius with her fists. ¡°This,¡± he remarked dryly, ¡°is unbecoming of a lady.¡± When Ziraiah finally tired herself out, she sat on Valerius¡¯s chest, tears welling in her eyes. ¡°Are we never gonna see Mom again? Are we stuck here, Val?¡± Valerius¡¯s grin faded. He pulled her into a tight embrace. ¡°Everything will work out. I promise.¡± Eryndor, watching them, clenched his fists. ¡°I will protect you,¡± he thought. ¡°I must.¡± As Ziraiah drifted off to sleep, Eryndor stood watch over them, his resolve stronger than ever. --- Chapter 3: Survival Yilheim was a world of harsh beauty and alien terror. Its alien landscape was both mesmerizing and terrifying, filled with strange sights and sounds that reminded the siblings they were far from home. Every breath felt heavier, every step more arduous, as they ventured deeper into the unknown. --- The air pressed against their lungs, thicker than what they were used to on Earth. Every inhalation felt like dragging water into their chests, leaving them fatigued far quicker than they expected. Valerius stopped mid-step, doubling over and panting. ¡°Why... is the air... trying to kill us?¡± he wheezed, leaning on his knees for support. Eryndor¡¯s tall frame remained steady as he surveyed the terrain. ¡°It is not the air, Valerius, but rather our untrained bodies struggling to adapt. We must endure.¡± Ziraiah sat on a nearby rock, clutching her makeshift spear. ¡°Yeah, sure. Endure. Easy to say when you¡¯re not about to pass out.¡± Before Eryndor could reply, a low voice spoke from ahead. ¡°It¡¯s because the air is saturated with Vitalis.¡± The siblings immediately tensed, their eyes darting to the towering figure emerging from the shadows. At 9¡¯11¡±, Kaelan Dravik was an imposing sight. His broad shoulders and sharp green eyes gave him an air of authority, and his confident stride spoke of experience. He looked at them curiously, his voice steady. ¡°You¡¯re not from around here, are you?¡± --- Valerius straightened, forcing a grin despite the ache in his chest. ¡°Name¡¯s Lerius. These are my siblings, Eryndor and Ziraiah.¡± Kaelan crossed his arms, his gaze lingering on each of them before he nodded. ¡°Kaelan Dravik. And yeah, I can tell. You¡¯re half the size of most people here.¡± Ziraiah frowned, her emerald-green eyes narrowing. ¡°Half the size? What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Kaelan smirked faintly. ¡°People here call your kind ¡®Earthers.¡¯ You¡¯re smaller, weaker, and always staring at thin air like there¡¯s something there.¡± The siblings exchanged a glance, their thoughts immediately going to the panels only they could see. Before they could respond, Kaelan continued. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter where you came from. Yilheim doesn¡¯t care. If you want to survive, you¡¯ll need to learn fast.¡± Valerius tilted his head, his curiosity outweighing his irritation. ¡°You seem to know a lot. What¡¯s the deal with this air?¡± Kaelan leaned against a boulder, his tone matter-of-fact. ¡°The air here is heavy with Var. It¡¯s what fuels this world¡ªwhat makes it different from anywhere else. You¡¯ll get used to it, but not easily.¡± Ziraiah hesitated. ¡°And the water? We¡¯ve been looking, but...¡± Kaelan sighed, walking over to a nearby plant with wide, spiral-patterned leaves. ¡°See this? These plants store clean water in their roots. Slice them open, and you¡¯ll have something to drink. But be careful¡ªmost plants here are designed to kill.¡± Valerius stepped forward, curiosity flickering in his green eyes. ¡°Kill? Like how?¡± Kaelan pointed to a plant with bright red flowers nearby. ¡°That one emits a sweet smell to lure in prey. Once you¡¯re close enough, the vines lash out and drag you in. Trust me, you don¡¯t want to find out the hard way.¡±Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Ziraiah shuddered, clutching her spear tighter. ¡°Great. This place really is trying to kill us.¡± Kaelan nodded, his expression unflinching. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim.¡± --- As they made their way further into the wilderness, Valerius and Ziraiah began speaking in English, discussing their next steps. Kaelan¡¯s sharp ears caught the unfamiliar sounds, and he frowned. ¡°What language is that? I¡¯ve never heard it before.¡± Valerius shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s called English. We¡¯re from a place very, very far away, so you wouldn¡¯t know it.¡± Kaelan nodded slowly, his curiosity evident but unspoken. ¡°I see.¡± He didn¡¯t pry further, his focus returning to the path ahead. Ziraiah glanced at her brother. ¡°Wait a second... how are we even able to understand him? And why are we speaking this... Stern?¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice rang out in their minds. ¡°That would be because Stern, the common language of Yilheim, has been embedded into your minds. Communication is essential for your survival.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°Well, that¡¯s convenient. Thanks, Yelleen.¡± Eryndor¡¯s tone was measured as always. ¡°It is yet another reminder that we are bound to forces beyond our understanding.¡± --- The group came across a grove of peculiar plants, their bulbous fruits glowing faintly in the dim light. Valerius¡¯s stomach growled loudly as he reached for one of the fruits, but Yelleen¡¯s voice rang out sharply in his mind. ¡°Stop, Valerius. That fruit is highly poisonous.¡± Valerius froze, his hand inches from the fruit. ¡°Seriously? It looks fine to me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Yelleen said firmly. ¡°Yilheim¡¯s flora is dangerous. You cannot trust appearances.¡± Kaelan noticed Valerius hesitate and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Thinking about eating that? Let me save you the trouble¡ªit¡¯ll kill you.¡± Valerius sighed, stepping back from the plant. ¡°Great. Back to starving.¡± Eryndor¡¯s calm voice broke the tension. ¡°We will find sustenance. Patience, Valerius.¡± --- As they continued their journey, the group suddenly froze as a low growl rumbled through the air. A massive wolf-like creature emerged from the shadows, its glowing red eyes locked onto them. Its jagged claws dug into the ground as it crouched, ready to strike. Ziraiah¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°What... what is that?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Your first trial.¡± The creature lunged, and chaos erupted. Eryndor moved with precision, using a branch to block the creature¡¯s claws. Valerius attacked from the side, using his makeshift weapon to distract it, while Ziraiah stabbed at it with her spear. Kaelan¡¯s movements were swift and deliberate, his experience evident as he landed a heavy blow on the creature¡¯s side. Despite their combined efforts, the wolf wasn¡¯t easily defeated. It slashed at Ziraiah, forcing Valerius to shield her, and knocked Eryndor off his feet with a swipe of its tail. Finally, Kaelan delivered a crushing strike to its head, causing the creature to stagger and retreat into the shadows. As the group caught their breath, Kaelan nodded. ¡°You held your own. Not bad for players.¡± --- Not long after their encounter with the predator, the group came across a small clearing surrounded by jagged rocks. A group of five players emerged, their weapons crude but their desperation palpable. ¡°Hey, you!¡± one of them shouted. ¡°What do you have? Food? Supplies?¡± Kaelan stepped forward, his towering frame radiating authority. ¡°Move along. You don¡¯t want trouble.¡± The group hesitated, but one player stepped forward, feigning friendliness. ¡°We¡¯re just trying to survive. Maybe we can work together?¡± Eryndor¡¯s sharp gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Your deception is transparent.¡± The player smirked, signaling his group to attack. Chaos ensued as the siblings defended themselves. Valerius used his branch like a staff, Ziraiah wielded her spear with surprising precision, and Eryndor fought with calculated strikes. Kaelan moved with ease, disarming one attacker and scattering the rest. As the defeated players retreated, Kaelan shook his head. ¡°I told you. Don¡¯t trust anyone.¡± --- That night, the siblings sat around a small fire, the alien moons casting a faint glow over their makeshift camp. The silence was heavy, broken only by the crackling of flames. Ziraiah¡¯s voice trembled. ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll ever see Earth again? Mom?¡± Valerius leaned back, his grin softening. ¡°Of course, Ziraiah. We¡¯re Delindors, remember? We¡¯ll figure this out.¡± Ziraiah looked at him, tears welling in her green eyes. ¡°What if we don¡¯t?¡± Eryndor placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. ¡°Fear is natural, Ziraiah. But it must not consume you. Together, we will endure.¡± Kaelan watched the siblings quietly, a flicker of something unspoken in his expression. Finally, he stood. ¡°You¡¯ve got a long road ahead. There¡¯s a town not far from here. If you make it, you might survive a little longer.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°Thanks for the vote of confidence.¡± Kaelan¡¯s gaze lingered on them for a moment before he turned and disappeared into the darkness. --- Chapter 4: The Desperate Run The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting long shadows over the forest floor. The air was heavy, damp from the morning dew, and filled with an eerie quietness broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves. Valerius yawned, stretching his arms as he got to his feet. ¡°So, Kaelan really left us, huh? I thought we made a good team.¡± Ziraiah rubbed her eyes, her expression a mix of worry and annoyance. ¡°Yeah, well, not everyone is as reckless as you. He probably didn¡¯t want to stick around and babysit.¡± Eryndor, already standing and surveying their surroundings with a regal calmness, interrupted. ¡°We can ill afford to linger on his absence. Our survival now rests entirely on our shoulders. Let us press forward before the dangers of the forest awaken.¡± Valerius smirked, tossing a pebble into the nearby brush. ¡°Always so serious, big bro. You should try loosening up¡ªit¡¯s a great stress reliever.¡± Ziraiah giggled before the sound of Yelleen¡¯s voice silenced them. ¡°Head northwest. Follow the rising sun. There¡¯s a town three days from here. If you survive.¡± The weight of her words hung in the air like an ominous cloud. Valerius¡¯s grin faded slightly. ¡°Well, nothing like a little motivation to get us going. Let¡¯s move.¡± --- As they trudged forward, the forest revealed its alien nature. Trees twisted in unnatural spirals, their leaves shimmering faintly as though infused with light. The ground beneath their feet was soft and spongy, giving a faint bounce with each step. Strange plants lined their path¡ªsome glowing faintly, others emitting odd, melodic hums. Valerius stopped by a bush with vibrant red berries, plucking one and holding it up to the light. ¡°Huh, looks edible. I¡¯ll give it a try¡ª¡± ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Yelleen interjected sharply. ¡°That fruit is highly toxic. It will paralyze you within seconds and kill you within minutes.¡± Valerius froze, his grin faltering as he quickly tossed the berry away. ¡°Good to know.¡± Eryndor shot him a disapproving glance. ¡°Valerius, refrain from indulging your impulsiveness. It is unbecoming.¡± Ziraiah snickered. ¡°That¡¯s a fancy way of saying stop being dumb.¡± The three pressed on, their stomachs rumbling in protest. They scoured the area for water and food, finding a peculiar tree with thick, green stalks filled with liquid. At Yelleen¡¯s instruction, Eryndor split one open, revealing a clear liquid inside. ¡°Drink,¡± Yelleen advised. ¡°It¡¯s safe, and it will sustain you for now.¡± The siblings each took a sip, relief washing over their faces as the refreshing liquid soothed their parched throats. --- By mid-morning, the forest opened up to reveal a wide, roaring river. The water surged with force, its surface glinting in the sunlight like shattered glass. Ziraiah groaned. ¡°Great. How are we supposed to cross this?¡± Eryndor knelt by the bank, examining the current. ¡°The flow is too strong here. Perhaps upstream, we might find a gentler crossing. Alternatively, we construct a raft.¡± Valerius picked up a stick, dipping it into the water and watching as it was swept away. ¡°Yeah, no thanks. I¡¯m not getting swept out to sea.¡± Yelleen chimed in. ¡°Look for the large-leafed trees nearby. Their branches are buoyant and sturdy. Use them to build a raft.¡± The siblings worked together, gathering branches and vines. Eryndor tied them together with precision, Ziraiah fetched supplies, and Valerius hacked at the wood with a sharp rock to create a stable frame. After an hour of effort, their crude raft was complete. The crossing was treacherous. The raft swayed violently, the river threatening to tip them over with each surge. Eryndor¡¯s strength kept them anchored, and they finally reached the other side, soaked but alive. --- Their relief was short-lived. As they rested by the riverbank, a low, guttural growl echoed through the forest. Ziraiah froze, her eyes wide. ¡°What was that?¡± Valerius forced a chuckle. ¡°Probably just... a weird Yilheim bird.¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice cut through, sharp and urgent. ¡°That¡¯s no bird. Move. Now.¡± Emerging from the shadows was a wolf-like predator, its eyes glowing red and its back lined with jagged, spiked protrusions. The beast let out a deafening roar, saliva dripping from its bared teeth. Eryndor stepped forward, calm but commanding. ¡°Ziraiah, behind me. Valerius, stay alert. This creature will not hesitate to kill.¡±Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The predator lunged, and the siblings broke into a sprint. The forest blurred around them as they ran, the creature¡¯s snarls growing louder behind them. Ziraiah tripped over a root, but Eryndor scooped her up effortlessly. ¡°You must not falter, Ziraiah. Your life depends on it.¡± Valerius grabbed a stick, turning briefly to swing it at the beast. ¡°Over here, you oversized mutt!¡± The stick broke on impact, barely phasing the predator. --- The siblings reached a steep incline, their breaths ragged. The predator was closing in, its glowing eyes locking onto its prey. Eryndor led the way up, using his strength to pull Ziraiah along when she struggled. Valerius stayed behind, grabbing loose rocks and hurling them at the beast. One rock hit the creature square in the eye, causing it to howl in pain and slow its pursuit. ¡°Nice shot!¡± Ziraiah shouted breathlessly. At the top of the incline, they found a narrow ledge leading to a dense thicket of trees. Valerius grinned, a spark of determination in his eyes. ¡°I have an idea.¡± As the creature lunged again, Valerius stomped on the unstable ground, causing part of the ledge to collapse. The predator fell, landing on a lower ledge with a roar of frustration. For now, they were safe. --- Exhausted and battered, the siblings found a small clearing to rest. Ziraiah sat by the fire, hugging her knees. ¡°I hate this place.¡± Valerius plopped down beside her, forcing a grin. ¡°Yeah, but think of the stories we¡¯ll tell someday. ¡®Remember that time we got chased by a giant murder-wolf?¡¯¡± Eryndor stood watch, his green eyes scanning the darkness. ¡°Rest while you can. The worst may yet lie ahead.¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice echoed softly in their minds. ¡°You¡¯ve survived another day. But Yilheim¡¯s true trials are just beginning.¡± Morning Breaks: The first rays of sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of the forest, painting the ground with a soft, golden glow. Valerius, Ziraiah, and Eryndor rose from their makeshift camp, their muscles stiff and their minds weary. They exchanged brief glances, each silently dreading the unknown dangers that lay ahead. Eryndor adjusted the straps of his bag, his green eyes scanning the surroundings with quiet determination. "Let us press onward. The longer we linger, the greater the risk." Ziraiah sighed, brushing leaves from her jacket. "Another day of walking through this cursed forest? Wonderful," she muttered, her sarcasm failing to mask the exhaustion in her voice. Valerius stretched, a playful grin on his face. "Come on, Ziraiah. Think of it as an adventure. Maybe we¡¯ll find a friendly inn at the end of this trail¡­ with pancakes." Ziraiah shot him a glare. "Val, if I don¡¯t get real food soon, you¡¯ll be on the menu." Eryndor, as composed as ever, interjected. "Enough bickering. We have much ground to cover." His tone left no room for argument. --- The Warning: They had barely begun their journey when Yelleen''s voice echoed in their minds, her tone sharp and urgent. "Run. Now. Something is coming, and it¡¯s not slowing down." The siblings froze. The distant sound of snapping branches and guttural growls reached their ears. It was a sound that sent a chill down their spines. "What is that?" Ziraiah whispered, gripping her dagger tightly. Valerius¡¯s grin vanished, replaced by a look of unease. "Whatever it is, it doesn¡¯t sound like it wants to share pancakes." Eryndor¡¯s voice was calm but commanding. "No time for wit, Valerius. Move!" The siblings broke into a sprint, the forest around them blurring as they dashed forward. The ground trembled beneath their feet, and the snarling growls grew louder, closer. --- The First Hideout: Ahead, a narrow cave hidden behind dense vines caught Eryndor¡¯s attention. "There! Take cover!" he shouted, leading them toward the small opening. They squeezed inside, their breaths ragged. For a moment, silence enveloped them, save for the sound of their pounding hearts. "Think we lost them?" Valerius asked, trying to catch his breath. Yelleen¡¯s voice cut through the temporary relief. "Do not linger. These creatures can track you by scent. They won¡¯t stop until you¡¯re caught." As if on cue, the snarling resumed, louder and more menacing. Claws scraped against the cave entrance, and glowing eyes peered through the vines. "Fantastic," Ziraiah muttered, drawing her weapon. "We¡¯re trapped." Eryndor didn¡¯t hesitate. "No. We run." --- The Chase: The siblings bolted from the cave, the beasts hot on their trail. These creatures were unlike anything they had encountered before¡ªferal, four-legged monsters with glowing red eyes and jagged fangs. They moved with unnatural speed, tearing through the underbrush as if it were paper. "Why won¡¯t they stop?!" Valerius shouted, leaping over a fallen log. Eryndor, carrying Ziraiah¡¯s bag along with his own, replied steadily. "Questions can wait, Valerius. Focus on survival." Ziraiah, struggling to keep up, panted, "Eryndor¡­ Val¡­ I can¡¯t¡­" "Keep going!" Valerius urged, grabbing her hand briefly to pull her forward. --- Ziraiah Collapses: After hours of running, Ziraiah¡¯s legs gave out. She stumbled and fell to the ground, gasping for air. "I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ go on¡­" she whispered, her voice barely audible. Eryndor immediately stopped, turning back without hesitation. He reached her in moments, hoisting her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing. "Rest, Ziraiah. I shall carry you." Valerius, glancing back, saw the beasts closing in. "We don¡¯t have time for this!" Eryndor¡¯s reply was calm but firm. "Go ahead if you must, but I will not leave her." Valerius groaned but slowed his pace, staying close to his brother. "Fine. Let¡¯s just keep moving." --- The Final Stretch: The siblings emerged from the forest into a clearing. In the distance, the massive gates of the town loomed, a beacon of safety amidst the chaos. Relief washed over them, but the snarls behind them grew louder, more desperate. "The gate! We¡¯re almost there!" Valerius shouted, his voice tinged with both hope and exhaustion. Eryndor adjusted Ziraiah on his shoulder and quickened his pace, his breathing heavy but steady. Valerius stumbled slightly but forced himself to keep moving, his legs burning with every step. The horde surged forward, their glowing eyes and snapping jaws a terrifying reminder of the danger at their heels. --- The Town¡¯s Defense System: As they neared the gate, runes carved into the town¡¯s walls began to glow. A low hum filled the air, followed by a deafening roar as magical cannons mounted on the walls activated. Beams of energy shot out, decimating the front lines of the horde. The beasts howled in agony as the onslaught continued, reducing them to ash. The siblings collapsed just inside the gate, their bodies trembling from exhaustion. Guards approached cautiously, their weapons at the ready. Eryndor gently set Ziraiah down, his expression unreadable but his movements careful. Valerius sprawled on the ground, gasping for air. "We made it¡­ somehow¡­" Ziraiah, still weak, managed a small smile. "Thank you¡­ both of you¡­" Eryndor placed a hand on her shoulder. "You did well, Ziraiah. Rest now." The gates closed behind them with a resounding thud, shutting out the horrors of the forest. For the first time in days, the siblings were safe¡ªif only for a moment. Chapter 5: Mystvir’s Gates The massive gates of Mystvir loomed ahead, their intricate carvings visible even through the fading light of the setting sun. The siblings stumbled forward, their bodies battered and near breaking. Ziraiah, her face streaked with dirt and sweat, barely lifted her head as they crossed into safety. Behind them, the magic cannons roared one final time, decimating the last of the pursuing beasts. Ziraiah collapsed onto her knees, panting heavily. ¡°Thank you,¡± she whispered, her voice shaky but sincere. Eryndor knelt beside her, his massive frame casting a shadow over her as he rested a hand on her shoulder. ¡°You can rest now, Ziraiah,¡± he said softly, his voice as elegant and steady as always. Valerius, still catching his breath, turned to one of the guards stationed near the gates. ¡°What the heck were those things that shot the beasts down?¡± he asked, gesturing toward the towering structures lining the walls. The guard, a burly man with a stern face, smirked. ¡°You¡¯ve never seen magic cannons before? Where¡¯ve you been living, under a rock?¡± Valerius crossed his arms, a lopsided grin forming on his face. ¡°Something like that. So, they¡¯re magic?¡± The guard nodded, motioning toward the cannon towers. ¡°Aye. Powered by runes. Each one¡¯s etched by the best inscriptionists in Mystvir. They can take down just about anything short of a full-scale stampede.¡± Ziraiah, still catching her breath, managed to glance up at the cannons. ¡°Magic cannons¡­¡± she murmured, awe creeping into her voice. Val chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°Magic exists here too, huh? Guess this place is full of surprises.¡± The guard gave them a wary look. ¡°You lot are smaller than most folks around here. You¡¯re Earthers, aren¡¯t you?¡± Eryndor¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°And if we are?¡± The guard shrugged, leaning on his spear. ¡°Nothing personal. Just a word of caution. There¡¯s old legends about people like you¡ªplayers, they called them. A bunch of small folks appeared centuries ago and wreaked havoc before vanishing. So don¡¯t expect everyone to trust you right away.¡± Ziraiah frowned. ¡°Wait¡­ so people from Earth came here before?¡± Valerius raised an eyebrow, clearly as surprised as his sister. ¡°How am I supposed to know?¡± The guard grunted. ¡°Earth? Is that what you call your world? Whatever the case, just don¡¯t cause trouble. Mystvir¡¯s not as welcoming as it looks.¡± As the siblings exchanged uneasy glances, a familiar voice cut through the tension. ¡°Congrats, you survived.¡± Valerius spun around to see Kaelan leaning casually against the inn¡¯s entrance. His towering frame was hard to miss, even among the other imposing figures of Mystvir. ¡°Kaelan,¡± Ziraiah said, her voice tinged with surprise and relief. Kaelan smirked. ¡°I figured you¡¯d make it. Barely.¡± Valerius narrowed his eyes, his grin returning. ¡°You couldn¡¯t have stuck around to help us out?¡± Kaelan shrugged, pushing off the wall. ¡°You didn¡¯t need it. Besides, the strongest survive here, and the strongest always have something¡­ special about them.¡± He gave Valerius a knowing look before stepping aside. Eryndor¡¯s tone was calm but direct. ¡°What exactly do you mean by that?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°There¡¯s more to this world than you can yet perceive. Stick around long enough, and you¡¯ll see for yourselves.¡± Before the siblings could press further, the innkeeper, a stout man with a thick beard, waved them over. ¡°You lot look like you¡¯ve been through hell. Come in, get some rest. But don¡¯t think I¡¯m running a charity here.¡± Valerius glanced around the inn as they entered, his eyes catching on a glowing orb mounted on the wall. ¡°What the heck? You have TVs here?¡± The innkeeper raised an eyebrow. ¡°TVs? What¡¯s that?¡± Valerius pointed at the orb. ¡°That thing. You¡¯re telling me it¡¯s not a TV?¡± The innkeeper chuckled. ¡°Oh, you mean the seer? It¡¯s powered by some complicated runes I don¡¯t fully understand, but it lets us see things happening in different parts of the world. Handy, ain¡¯t it?¡± Ziraiah wandered over to the orb, staring at the flickering images. ¡°This place just keeps getting weirder.¡± As they settled into a corner of the inn, a fox-like woman with shimmering orange fur and piercing golden eyes approached their table. Standing at an impressive 10¡¯3¡±, she towered over Ziraiah, her movements graceful yet intimidating. ¡°You must be the new Earthers,¡± she said, her voice smooth and melodic. ¡°The whole town¡¯s talking about you. Your small stature gives it away.¡± The woman bent down to Ziraiah¡¯s height, her golden eyes narrowing playfully. ¡°You¡¯re a really small girl, aren¡¯t you?¡± Ziraiah crossed her arms, her cheeks flushing. ¡°Small? I¡¯m perfectly fine, thank you.¡±This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The woman laughed, straightening up. ¡°I¡¯m Elsa. Welcome to Mystvir. Let me guess¡ªyou¡¯re fascinated by all the magic here?¡± Valerius leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. ¡°You could say that. Is it true everything here runs on magic?¡± Elsa nodded, a sly smile playing on her lips. ¡°Magic, yes. But it¡¯s all powered by runes. Every object, every building, even the seer you were gawking at¡ªit all relies on the inscription of runes.¡± She waved a hand, and a small flame danced above her palm. With a flick of her wrist, it transformed into a swirling gust of wind. Ziraiah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That¡¯s incredible¡­¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression remained calm, but his gaze was sharp. ¡°And what of those who cannot use magic?¡± Elsa¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°They survive by other means. But survival here always comes at a cost.¡± Before the conversation could deepen, Kaelan returned, leaning casually against their table. ¡°I see you¡¯re entertaining the new kids, huh, Elsa?¡± Elsa grinned. ¡°They¡¯re an interesting bunch. You know them?¡± Kaelan nodded. ¡°We crossed paths. They¡¯ve got potential, even if they don¡¯t know it yet.¡± Valerius smirked. ¡°That¡¯s high praise coming from you.¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Don¡¯t let it go to your head. This world doesn¡¯t care about potential¡ªit cares about results. Stay sharp, Lerius.¡± As the siblings exchanged glances, Ziraiah leaned back in her chair, a mix of exhaustion and intrigue on her face. Mystvir was unlike anything they¡¯d ever seen, and they were only beginning to scratch the surface of its secrets. The soft morning light streamed through the wooden shutters of the inn, bathing the room in a warm glow. Valerius stirred first, blinking sleepily as the scent of fresh bread wafted in from the inn¡¯s kitchen. He nudged Ziraiah, who was still snuggled beneath the thin but warm blanket. ¡°Zaraiah, time to wake up,¡± he said, his voice gentle but insistent. Ziraiah groaned, pulling the blanket tighter around herself. ¡°Five more minutes, Val,¡± she muttered. Eryndor¡¯s voice, calm and resolute, broke the stillness. ¡°Ziraiah, we¡¯ve lingered long enough. Mystvir has much to reveal, and we must not squander our time.¡± Ziraiah peeked out from under the blanket, frowning. ¡°Do you ever take a break from sounding like a philosopher, Eryndor?¡± Eryndor raised an eyebrow, his towering figure already fully dressed and ready. ¡°Wisdom is never untimely, sister. Shall we proceed?¡± With a resigned sigh, Ziraiah swung her legs over the side of the bed. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯m up.¡± The trio descended the creaky staircase to the inn¡¯s common room, where the morning bustle was in full swing. Kaelan stood near the entrance, his imposing frame unmistakable even among the taller inhabitants of Mystvir. His green eyes met theirs, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Good to see you survived the night without falling off the beds,¡± he teased. Ziraiah shot him a playful glare. ¡°Funny. What are you doing here so early?¡± Kaelan shrugged. ¡°I figured you¡¯d want a tour. There¡¯s a lot you need to know if you¡¯re going to last here.¡± Valerius grinned, his curiosity already piqued. ¡°Lead the way, then.¡± Kaelan motioned for them to follow, leading them out into the bustling streets of Mystvir. The town was alive with activity¡ªmerchants peddling exotic wares, children laughing as they chased each other, and craftsmen skillfully engraving glowing runes onto various objects. Kaelan stopped near a quiet alley and turned to face them. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get to the point. Last night, you saw Elsa conjure fire, right?¡± Ziraiah nodded eagerly. ¡°Yeah, that was insane. How did she do that?¡± ¡°Magic,¡± Kaelan said simply. ¡°Here in Yilheim, most people rely on magic for everything¡ªcombat, crafting, even cooking. Magicians like Elsa pull in Vitalis from the air and use it to cast spells or inscribe runes. That¡¯s why you see so many glowing symbols around town¡ªthey¡¯re runes powered by magic.¡± Valerius tilted his head, his brows furrowing. ¡°So, magic is all about using this¡­ Vitalis stuff?¡± Kaelan nodded. ¡°Exactly. Vitalis is everywhere in Yilheim¡ªit¡¯s in the air, the soil, the plants. Magicians absorb it, store it in their bodies, and refine it to create spells or power objects. But magic has its limits, and not everyone can use it effectively.¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression remained stoic, but his voice carried a hint of intrigue. ¡°And what of those who cannot wield magic? Are they left defenseless?¡± Kaelan smirked. ¡°That¡¯s where Bravo comes in, and we Elvheins---are better suited for bravo.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Bravo? That¡¯s what Mom told us about. No way, is Mom from Yilheim?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression turned serious, his green eyes meeting hers. ¡°It¡¯s possible. Bravo isn¡¯t just rare¡ªit¡¯s practically unheard of for most people here. Apart from me, there¡¯s no one in this town who¡¯s even heard the word Bravo, let alone uses it.¡± Valerius crossed his arms, his curiosity deepening. ¡°What makes Bravo so special?¡± Kaelan leaned against the wall, his tone dropping to a near whisper. ¡°Bravo doesn¡¯t rely on Vitalis the same way magic does. It¡¯s tied to willpower and physical mastery. Where magicians manipulate the world around them, Bravo users command their own bodies, pushing beyond natural limits. Bravo is raw, internal, and extremely powerful¡ªbut it¡¯s also dangerous.¡± Ziraiah tilted her head, her curiosity bubbling over. ¡°Dangerous how?¡± ¡°Because it¡¯s volatile,¡± Kaelan explained. ¡°Training Bravo pushes your body to the brink. Without discipline, it can destroy you. That¡¯s why Bravo users are rare¡ªmost people don¡¯t have the willpower to handle it.¡± Valerius smirked, a spark of excitement in his eyes. ¡°So, what does that mean for us?¡± Kaelan chuckled. ¡°It means you have a choice. You can learn to use Bravo and unlock your true potential, stick to the basics and try to get by, or learn magic and become a mage. But if you choose Bravo, be warned¡ªit¡¯s not an easy path.¡± Ziraiah leaned closer, her voice filled with wonder. ¡°If Bravo is so rare, how do people even know about it?¡± Kaelan hesitated, glancing around as if to ensure no one else was listening. ¡°Bravo is ancient. It¡¯s tied to the Awakening Seeds.¡± Valerius raised an eyebrow. ¡°Awakening Seeds?¡± Kaelan¡¯s voice dropped even lower. ¡°Legends say the Awakening Seeds are mythical sources of power in Yilheim. These seeds grant incredible abilities¡ªthings beyond imagination. Some are said to enhance Bravo, while others awaken unique powers. But they¡¯re almost impossible to find.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes sparkled with intrigue. ¡°So, these seeds¡­ they¡¯re real?¡± Kaelan smirked. ¡°Oh, they¡¯re real, alright. But finding one? That¡¯s another story. People spend their entire lives searching for them and come up empty-handed. But for those who do find one¡­¡± He paused, his gaze turning distant. ¡°Let¡¯s just say they change everything.¡± Eryndor¡¯s voice was calm but resolute. ¡°And you? Have you sought these seeds?¡± Kaelan shook his head. ¡°Not yet. I¡¯ve heard rumors, but I¡¯m not ready to chase legends. My focus is survival¡ªfor now.¡± Valerius leaned back against the wall, his mind racing. ¡°So, Bravo, Awakening Seeds, magic¡­ This place keeps getting more complicated.¡± Kaelan chuckled. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim. It¡¯s a world of endless possibilities, but it¡¯s also unforgiving. If you want to thrive here, you¡¯ll need to adapt¡ªand fast.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s voice softened, a mix of excitement and trepidation. ¡°Do you think we can do it?¡± Kaelan¡¯s green eyes met hers, filled with quiet confidence. ¡°You¡¯ve got the potential, Zaraiah. Whether you make it or not depends on your will.¡± The siblings exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. Mystvir was just the beginning, and their journey was only getting started. As they followed Kaelan back into the bustling streets, their minds buzzed with possibilities, questions, and a newfound determination. --- Chapter 6: Steps into the Unknown The sun climbed higher into the sky, casting a warm glow over Mystvir¡¯s bustling streets. Valerius, Ziraiah, and Eryndor trailed behind Kaelan as he led them through the heart of the town. The siblings took in the sights and sounds of their new surroundings, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and caution. Kaelan stopped in the middle of a wide marketplace, gesturing for them to take in the scene. Merchants called out to passersby, their stalls brimming with exotic goods and glowing objects. Children darted between the crowds, laughter mingling with the hum of daily life. ¡°Welcome to Mystvir¡¯s main square,¡± Kaelan said, his voice carrying easily over the noise. ¡°This is where the magic of the town happens¡ªliterally.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s green eyes sparkled as she gazed at the intricate wares on display. ¡°It¡¯s incredible. Everything looks so¡­ alive.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the runes,¡± Kaelan explained. He pointed toward a blacksmith¡¯s stall, where a burly man was etching glowing symbols into a blade. ¡°See that? He¡¯s inscribing a rune of durability. Makes the blade almost unbreakable. Without magic, it¡¯d be just another sword.¡± Eryndor, ever composed, folded his arms. ¡°And those who cannot afford such enhancements? How do they fare?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°They survive, but barely. Mystvir¡¯s a place where power dictates respect, and without magic or resources, you¡¯re at the bottom of the ladder. That¡¯s just how it is.¡± Valerius raised an eyebrow. ¡°Sounds like it¡¯s every man for himself.¡± Kaelan shrugged. ¡°In a way. But there¡¯s also opportunity¡ªfor those willing to take it.¡± --- As they moved through the square, Kaelan led them to a stall near the edge of the market. The shopkeeper, a wiry man with sharp eyes and nimble fingers, greeted them with a curt nod. His table was lined with an assortment of tools, weapons, and trinkets, each glowing faintly with runic inscriptions. ¡°These are some of the best rune-inscribed tools you¡¯ll find in Mystvir,¡± Kaelan said. ¡°If you¡¯re planning to venture outside the town, you¡¯ll need gear like this.¡± The shopkeeper eyed them warily. ¡°Newcomers, huh? Don¡¯t look like you¡¯ve got much coin. These aren¡¯t for free, you know.¡± Ziraiah bristled at his tone. ¡°We¡¯re not here for handouts.¡± Kaelan chuckled, stepping between them. ¡°Easy, Ziraiah. He¡¯s just being cautious. This place doesn¡¯t exactly roll out the welcome mat for outsiders.¡± The shopkeeper¡¯s gaze softened slightly, but he still looked them over with suspicion. ¡°If you¡¯re smart, you¡¯ll stick to the safety of the town. Out there, it¡¯s a different story. And trust me, you¡¯re not ready for it.¡± Eryndor¡¯s voice was calm but firm. ¡°We appreciate your concern, but we will decide our own path.¡± The shopkeeper smirked. ¡°Suit yourself. Just don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡± --- As they left the stall, the siblings couldn¡¯t help but notice the tension simmering beneath the surface of Mystvir¡¯s lively facade. A heated argument broke out between a group of players and some locals near a food vendor. Voices rose, tempers flared, and it wasn¡¯t long before shoves were exchanged.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Kaelan stopped, his green eyes narrowing. ¡°See that? That¡¯s the reality of Mystvir. Players and locals don¡¯t mix well. Too much history between them.¡± Valerius frowned. ¡°What kind of history?¡± Kaelan hesitated, his gaze distant. ¡°It¡¯s complicated. Let¡¯s just say players aren¡¯t exactly trusted around here. You¡¯re outsiders, and people won¡¯t forget that anytime soon.¡± Ziraiah watched the scuffle with a mix of unease and curiosity. ¡°So what are we supposed to do? Keep our heads down and hope no one notices us?¡± Kaelan turned to face her, his expression serious. ¡°No. You earn respect. But be smart about it. Mystvir¡¯s not a place where you can afford to make enemies.¡± --- As the argument in the square died down, Kaelan led them to a quieter part of town. They stopped near a small fountain, its crystal-clear water shimmering in the sunlight. Kaelan leaned against the edge of the fountain, his voice low. ¡°I didn¡¯t just bring you here to show you the sights. There¡¯s something you need to know¡ªabout Awakening Seeds.¡± Valerius crossed his arms, his interest piqued. ¡°You mentioned those before. What are they exactly?¡± Kaelan¡¯s green eyes glinted with a mix of excitement and caution. ¡°Awakening Seeds are the rarest and most powerful objects in Yilheim. They grant abilities that go beyond anything you can imagine. Some say they can even rewrite the rules of this world.¡± Ziraiah leaned closer, her voice filled with wonder. ¡°And you¡¯ve seen one?¡± Kaelan shook his head. ¡°No. But I¡¯ve heard stories. Legends, really. They say the Seeds are hidden in the most dangerous places¡ªplaces most people wouldn¡¯t dare go. But for those who find one¡­¡± He paused, his gaze distant. ¡°It¡¯s worth the risk.¡± Eryndor¡¯s tone was measured but firm. ¡°And you believe we are capable of such a feat?¡± Kaelan chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve got potential. But finding a Seed isn¡¯t just about power. It¡¯s about will. If you want one, you¡¯ll have to fight for it¡ªand be prepared to face anyone who stands in your way.¡± --- Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of a trumpet echoing through the square. Kaelan straightened, his expression sharpening. ¡°Looks like the tournament¡¯s about to start.¡± Valerius raised an eyebrow. ¡°Tournament?¡± Kaelan smirked. ¡°It¡¯s a test of skill¡ªa rite of passage for newcomers. If you want to earn respect around here, this is your chance. But be warned, it¡¯s not for the faint of heart.¡± Before they could respond, a deafening screech pierced the air. The marketplace erupted into chaos as people screamed and scattered. Kaelan¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Skyarcs.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes widened as she looked up. Two massive bird-like beasts, each twice Kaelan¡¯s size, swooped down into the square. Their razor-sharp talons gleamed in the sunlight, and their piercing cries sent shivers down her spine. ¡°What are those things?¡± she gasped, clutching Valerius¡¯s arm. ¡°Skyarcs,¡± Kaelan said grimly. ¡°Feral predators. They shouldn¡¯t be this close to town.¡± The guards of Mystvir sprang into action, their rune-inscribed weapons glowing as they launched projectile attacks at the beasts. Arrows of light and bolts of energy streaked through the air, striking the Skyarcs with explosive force. ¡°Why aren¡¯t they using the cannons?¡± Valerius asked, his voice tight with fear. Kaelan shook his head. ¡°Too risky. The cannons could destroy half the town if they miss. They¡¯ll have to handle this the old-fashioned way.¡± One of the Skyarcs swooped low, its talons narrowly missing a group of fleeing civilians. The guards retaliated, firing a concentrated volley of projectiles that clipped its wing. The beast screeched in pain, veering off course and crashing into a nearby stall. Eryndor stepped forward, his green eyes blazing with determination. ¡°We cannot stand idly by while these creatures endanger innocent lives.¡± Kaelan placed a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. ¡°This isn¡¯t your fight. Let the guards handle it.¡± The battle raged on, the Skyarcs proving to be formidable foes. The guards fought valiantly, their rune-inscribed weapons flashing with each attack, but the beasts were relentless. Finally, after a tense standoff, one of the guards managed to land a decisive blow. A glowing spear struck the lead Skyarc square in the chest, piercing through its heart. The beast let out one final, ear-splitting cry before collapsing to the ground. The remaining Skyarc, seeing its companion fall, took to the skies and fled. As the dust settled, Kaelan turned to the siblings, his expression grim. ¡°Welcome to Yilheim. This is the reality of living here. You¡¯ll need to be ready for anything.¡± Valerius clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. ¡°We¡¯ll be ready.¡± Ziraiah nodded, her green eyes filled with determination. ¡°Whatever it takes, we¡¯ll survive.¡± Eryndor¡¯s voice was calm but resolute. ¡°And we shall thrive, for that is our destiny.¡± As they left the square, their minds buzzed with questions, plans, and a growing sense of purpose. Mystvir had shown them a glimpse of the challenges ahead, and they were ready to face them together. --- Chapter 7: Foundations of Strength The sun shone brightly over Mystvir, bathing the town in a warm glow that belied the chaos of the previous day. In the heart of the bustling town square, a raised platform stood tall, fifty meters in height, intricately carved and etched with glowing runes. A crowd gathered, murmuring among themselves about the tournament and the sudden attack by the Skyarcs. A diminutive figure stepped onto the platform, his yellow fur gleaming under the sunlight. The Braxis race member, standing no taller than five feet, exuded a presence far greater than his small, chubby stature might suggest. With short limbs and a round physique, his human-like eyes scanned the crowd. He spoke into a rune-powered microphone, his voice amplified to echo across the entire town. ¡°Attention, citizens of Mystvir!¡± His voice was calm yet commanding. ¡°Due to the Skyarc attack, the tournament has been postponed. It will now take place six days from today. Use this time to prepare wisely.¡± The crowd erupted in whispers and murmurs. Among the people were Valerius, Eryndor, Ziraiah, and Kaelan, who had been observing the scene from the edges of the square. ¡°Six days, huh?¡± Valerius muttered, crossing his arms. ¡°Plenty of time to figure things out.¡± As the announcement ended, a group of uniformed figures entered the square, drawing immediate attention. They were Velphraxis, their tall, sleek forms standing out even in a crowd. The leader, a towering man standing at 10¡¯6¡±, wore a dark, fitted uniform adorned with golden runes, emphasizing his sharp features and piercing golden eyes. His orange fur shimmered faintly as he directed his companions to lift the Skyarc carcasses onto rune-powered carts. Valerius, his curiosity getting the better of him, stepped closer to the group. ¡°What are you going to do with those?¡± he called out. The Velphraxis leader turned his sharp gaze on Valerius. ¡°Classified,¡± he said curtly, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Stay out of it.¡± Valerius frowned, but before he could push further, Kaelan¡¯s hand clamped down on his shoulder. ¡°Let it go, Lerius. Trust me, you don¡¯t want to mess with them.¡± Valerius sighed, muttering under his breath, ¡°Always a mystery in this place¡­¡± --- As they walked away from the square, Ziraiah broke the silence. ¡°So, Kaelan, what do you think about the tournament? Do you think we could compete?¡± Kaelan stopped in his tracks, turning to face her with a serious expression. ¡°Compete?¡± He let out a short laugh. ¡°When I said you could compete earlier, I meant Eryndor. If you entered that tournament, you¡¯d die instantly. Especially you and Valerius.¡± Valerius bristled. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Kaelan sighed, crouching slightly to meet Ziraiah¡¯s eye level. ¡°Look, you¡¯re Elvhein children. And Elvhein children are fragile. More fragile than you can imagine. If an adult from any race punched you straight in the belly, their fist would go right through you. That¡¯s how weak your bodies are right now.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Are you serious?¡± ¡°Dead serious,¡± Kaelan replied. ¡°Elvhein children are heavily sheltered by their parents for this exact reason. It¡¯s why your kind rarely interacts with other races until you reach adulthood.¡± Eryndor, standing taller and more composed than his siblings, folded his arms. ¡°So, you''re implying I might survive?¡±Support the creativity of authors by visiting the original site for this novel and more. Kaelan nodded. ¡°You¡¯re different. Bigger, stronger. But even then, you¡¯re not fully developed. Don¡¯t get cocky.¡± Ziraiah tilted her head, her curiosity bubbling over. ¡°So how much stronger are the people in the tournament compared to us?¡± Kaelan smiled faintly, straightening up and crossing his arms. ¡°Way stronger.¡± Valerius frowned. ¡°Then what¡¯s the point of even trying?¡± Kaelan turned to Eryndor, his green eyes glinting. ¡°Eryndor, you need to make some money. I¡¯m not going to keep paying for your living expenses after the tournament.¡± Eryndor raised an eyebrow. ¡°So you want me to fight?¡± Kaelan shrugged. ¡°You¡¯re 18 cycles old, right? That¡¯s old enough to fend for yourself. You¡¯re smaller than most Elvheins at your age, probably because your world¡¯s environment isn¡¯t as efficient, but you can still train.¡± Eryndor¡¯s jaw tightened, but he said nothing. Valerius¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Train us? I want to train too.¡± Kaelan glanced at him, his smirk widening. ¡°You? Sure, if you think you can handle it.¡± --- While the brothers prepared for training, Ziraiah decided to explore Mystvir. The vibrant town captivated her. Stalls lined the streets, showcasing colorful fabrics, intricate jewelry, and exotic artifacts. She paused at one stall where a woman demonstrated the use of enchanted threads to create glowing patterns on dresses. ¡°Isn¡¯t it beautiful?¡± the merchant asked, noticing Ziraiah¡¯s interest. ¡°This technique has been passed down for generations.¡± Ziraiah smiled, her green eyes sparkling. ¡°It¡¯s amazing. Your culture is incredible.¡± The merchant beamed. ¡°Thank you, dear. Perhaps one day you¡¯ll wear one of these creations.¡± Ziraiah continued her exploration, marveling at the blend of magic and craftsmanship that permeated Mystvir¡¯s culture. Each building seemed alive with history, the runes etched into their walls telling stories of the past. --- Back at the training grounds, Kaelan wasted no time putting Eryndor and Valerius through grueling drills. They sprinted, dodged, and climbed under Kaelan¡¯s watchful eye, their bodies pushed to the brink. Eryndor¡¯s endurance was impressive, his movements steady and controlled. Valerius, on the other hand, struggled to keep up. By the end of the first day, he was gasping for air, collapsing onto the ground. ¡°My heart,¡± Valerius panted. ¡°My heart¡¯s gonna explode¡­ I¡­ can¡¯t¡­ take¡­ this¡­ anymore.¡± Kaelan crossed his arms, his expression unimpressed. ¡°Pathetic. Not even Elvhein children are this weak.¡± Ziraiah, who had returned from her sightseeing, smirked. ¡°Poor Val. Maybe you should leave the hard stuff to Eryndor.¡± Valerius glared at her. ¡°If you think it¡¯s so easy, why don¡¯t you try it?¡± Ziraiah raised an eyebrow, amused. ¡°Maybe I will.¡± Valerius crawled toward Ziraiah¡¯s feet, his face twisted in mock agony. ¡°You¡­ know¡­ that I could¡­ lift a car¡­ back on Earth¡­ I¡­ am not¡­ weak. You¡­ don¡¯t respect me. I¡¯m¡­ telling¡­ Mom.¡± Ziraiah burst into laughter. ¡°Me? Respect you? In what world? Aww, poor Val, he¡¯s so beat up he forgot Mom¡¯s not here. Come to think of it, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you exhausted before. It suits you.¡± --- Frustrated with his failed attempt at training, Valerius wandered through the town, his thoughts swirling. He stopped at a stall where a man was carefully inscribing glowing runes onto small objects. ¡°Hey,¡± Valerius said, his curiosity piqued. ¡°Are you a magic user?¡± The man looked up, shaking his head with a chuckle. ¡°Not really. This here is a Runic.¡± He held up the tool, its surface engraved with shimmering symbols. ¡°It¡¯s an artifact that already contains magic. I just use it to inscribe runes.¡± Valerius frowned. ¡°So you¡¯re not actually using magic?¡± The man smiled. ¡°Nope. All I have to do is learn how to write runes. That¡¯s the hard part¡ªit takes years of study to master.¡± Valerius tilted his head. ¡°Why not just learn magic?¡± The man¡¯s smile faded slightly. ¡°Magic takes time, effort, and resources that most of us can¡¯t afford. It¡¯s easier to go to a rune school, learn the craft, and buy a Runic. After that, I started my business.¡± Valerius nodded slowly, his interest growing. ¡°So the Runic does most of the work?¡± ¡°Exactly,¡± the man replied. ¡°It¡¯s not as flashy as magic, but it gets the job done. And it puts food on the table.¡± As Valerius walked away, his mind buzzed with possibilities. Mystvir was a world of endless opportunities, but it was clear that success would not come easily. --- As the days passed, the siblings prepared in their own ways. Eryndor pushed himself through Kaelan¡¯s rigorous training, Ziraiah immersed herself in the culture of Mystvir, and Valerius explored the town, seeking knowledge and inspiration. The postponed tournament loomed on the horizon, a challenge that would test their strength, resolve, and unity. Together, they were determined to rise to the occasion¡ªno matter what it took. However, things won''t go as planned. To be Continued... Chapter 8: Secrets in the Shadows The night before the tournament, Ziraiah leaned against the cold stone wall, her heart pounding in her chest. She had been exploring the town, soaking in the culture of Mystvir, when the voices had stopped her in her tracks. Hidden in the shadows, she peeked around the corner and spotted the Velphraxis leader and his companions standing near an open warehouse. ¡°They¡¯re not ready yet,¡± the leader growled, his golden eyes flashing. ¡°The experiment failed before, but this time we¡¯ll succeed. The cleansing will begin tomorrow, and the Earthers will be the first to go.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s breath hitched, her hands clenching into fists. She pressed herself further into the shadows, her green eyes wide with terror. Another Velphraxis chuckled darkly. ¡°What about the ones we¡¯ve already captured?¡± ¡°They¡¯ll be dealt with,¡± the leader replied. ¡°Either sold or disposed of. The failure three hundred cycles ago won¡¯t happen again. This time, we¡¯ll ensure complete compliance.¡± Ziraiah didn¡¯t need to hear more. Her body trembled with fear and fury as she turned and bolted, her heart racing. She sprinted through the winding streets of Mystvir, her thoughts a whirlwind of panic. --- The inn¡¯s door burst open, slamming against the wall. Valerius and Eryndor, seated near the fireplace, jumped to their feet as Ziraiah barreled in, panting heavily. ¡°We have to leave now!¡± she cried, her voice trembling with urgency. Valerius frowned, stepping forward. ¡°What happened, Ziraiah? What¡¯s going on?¡± Ziraiah gasped for air, clutching her sides. ¡°The Velphraxis¡­ they¡¯re planning something. They called it a cleansing. Tomorrow, during the tournament, they¡¯re going to wipe out the players!¡± Eryndor¡¯s green eyes narrowed, his towering frame tense. ¡°Are you certain?¡± ¡°I heard them talking,¡± Ziraiah said, her voice frantic. ¡°They mentioned experiments. Earthers being sold¡ªor killed. We can¡¯t stay here!¡± Valerius clenched his fists, his green eyes blazing with anger. ¡°Then we¡¯re not staying. We¡¯re finding out what¡¯s going on and stopping it.¡± Eryndor nodded. ¡°If Ziraiah is right, we need proof. Without it, we¡¯re just running blind.¡± --- The siblings moved quickly under the cover of darkness, guided by Ziraiah¡¯s account of the warehouse. The air was heavy with tension as they approached the looming structure, its rune-inscribed walls glowing faintly. They slipped inside through a side entrance, the shadows concealing their movements. The interior was dimly lit, the faint hum of magic resonating through the air. Rows of cells lined the walls, each one holding an Earther. The siblings froze at the sight.The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°This is worse than I thought,¡± Ziraiah whispered, her voice trembling. Valerius approached a desk piled high with papers, his hands shaking as he rifled through them. ¡°Earther Experimentation Project,¡± he read aloud. ¡°Three hundred cycles ago¡­ complete failure¡­¡± Eryndor¡¯s calm voice broke through the silence. ¡°Here.¡± He held up a document. ¡°¡®Subjects unfit for compliance to be terminated.¡¯¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes filled with tears. ¡°They¡¯re treating us like animals¡­¡± Footsteps echoed down the hall. The siblings turned to see the Velphraxis leader and a group of his soldiers blocking their escape. ¡°Well, well,¡± the leader said, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°What do we have here? Meddlesome little children.¡± Valerius stepped forward, his fists clenched. ¡°Let them go!¡± The leader chuckled, his sharp teeth glinting in the dim light. ¡°And why would I do that?¡± A familiar voice interrupted. ¡°Because they¡¯re with me.¡± Kaelan emerged from the shadows, his green eyes sharp and unwavering. He stood between the siblings and the Velphraxis, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. The Velphraxis leader sneered. ¡°Oh, Kaelan. You elves never mind your own business, do you?¡± Kaelan¡¯s expression darkened, irritation flashing across his face. ¡°How many times must I tell you?¡± he said, drawing his sword in one fluid motion. ¡°I¡¯m not an elf.¡± --- The air crackled with tension as Kaelan charged forward, his sword glowing with runic power. The first Velphraxis lunged at him, claws extended, but Kaelan sidestepped effortlessly, his blade slicing through the air with deadly precision. The leader snarled, matching Kaelan¡¯s speed as they clashed. Sparks flew as their weapons collided, the sound of metal ringing through the chamber. ¡°You¡¯ve always been fast, Kaelan,¡± the leader growled. ¡°But speed won¡¯t save you this time.¡± Kaelan smirked. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± The siblings watched in awe as Kaelan fought with a mix of elegance and ferocity. His movements were a blur, each strike calculated to push his enemies back. The Velphraxis were fast¡ªalmost as fast as Kaelan¡ªbut his precision gave him the upper hand. ¡°Run!¡± Kaelan shouted over his shoulder. ¡°Now!¡± Eryndor hesitated, his fists clenching. ¡°We can¡¯t leave you¡ª¡± ¡°Go!¡± Kaelan barked, his voice leaving no room for argument. Reluctantly, the siblings turned and ran, their footsteps echoing through the corridors. --- Outside, the battle escalated. Kaelan¡¯s sword glowed brightly as he fought off the Velphraxis, their claws raking against his blade. The leader¡¯s strikes grew more aggressive, pushing Kaelan to his limits. But as the fight raged on, the runes on Kaelan¡¯s sword began to flicker. The glow dimmed, and the blade lost its magical aura. Kaelan cursed under his breath, tossing the now-ordinary sword aside. He turned and bolted, his speed instantly reaching 100 meters per second. The Velphraxis gave chase, their agility matching his as they leaped off walls and rooftops with stunning acrobatics. Kaelan¡¯s smirk returned as he glanced over his shoulder. ¡°Not bad. Let¡¯s see how long you can keep up.¡± Despite their speed, the Velphraxis began to falter. Kaelan¡¯s endurance outmatched theirs, and one by one, they slowed, their breaths labored. --- Kaelan caught up to Eryndor and Ziraiah, who were struggling to navigate the narrow streets. Without breaking stride, he scooped Ziraiah onto his shoulder and grabbed Eryndor under his arm. ¡°You¡¯re too slow,¡± he said with a smirk. Before they could protest, Kaelan bolted again, his acceleration so sudden that it created a powerful gust of wind. Ziraiah lost consciousness from the sheer force, while Eryndor struggled to stay alert, his vision swimming. Kaelan raced through the forest beyond Mystvir, his speed unmatched as he put as much distance as possible between them and the Velphraxis. --- When he finally stopped, Kaelan set Ziraiah down gently and released Eryndor, who stumbled as he tried to regain his balance. Eryndor blinked, his head clearing as he took in their surroundings. ¡°Where¡¯s Valerius?¡± Kaelan froze, his green eyes scanning the darkness. ¡°Damn it,¡± he muttered, his voice laced with frustration. --- To be continued. Chapter 9: Shadows in the Forest The forest was alive with whispers, the wind carrying secrets between the trees as though the shadows themselves were conspiring. The trio darted through the dense foliage, their breaths uneven and their footsteps frantic. Kaelan led the way, his eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of danger. Eryndor followed closely, his tall frame steady despite the chaos, while Ziraiah struggled to keep up, her thoughts consumed by the weight of Valerius¡¯s absence. Kaelan¡¯s voice broke through the silence. ¡°Keep moving. We can¡¯t stop yet.¡± ¡°But Val¡ª¡± Ziraiah began, her voice trembling. ¡°Isn¡¯t here,¡± Kaelan interrupted, his tone sharp but not unkind. ¡°We¡¯ll find him, but not if we get caught.¡± Eryndor glanced back, his green eyes narrowing. ¡°Ziraiah, focus. If we lose ourselves to panic, we¡¯ll lose more than just Valerius.¡± Ziraiah bit her lip, nodding as she pushed herself to keep pace. The cold night air stung her skin, but the fear in her heart burned hotter. --- A Deal in the Darkened Facility Prior to Valerius¡¯s capture. In a room suffocatingly dim, lit only by the faint blue glow of runes carved into the steel walls. Shadows stretched unnaturally, pooling into corners where the light dared not reach. At the center of the room, a man paced frantically, his lab coat stained with soot and sweat. His hands trembled as he clutched a stack of scattered documents, the edges crumpled from his panicked grip. ¡°They took my research,¡± the man muttered, his voice hoarse with fury and fear. ¡°Years of work¡ªgone! We can¡¯t let them escape with it!¡± In the far corner, a figure leaned against the wall, his form shrouded in darkness as though the shadows themselves clung to him. His eyes¡ªfaintly glowing like embers¡ªwatched the scientist¡¯s outburst with an unsettling calm. He didn¡¯t move, didn¡¯t blink. ¡°Really?¡± The figure¡¯s voice was smooth, low, and dripping with mockery. ¡°And what, scientist, is your next course of action?¡± The man stopped pacing, turning sharply to face the shadowy figure. His expression twisted with frustration. ¡°We have to capture them! If they escape, everything I¡¯ve worked for¡ªeverything¡ªwill be for nothing!¡± The shadow figure¡¯s head tilted, the motion slow and deliberate. ¡°Then go after them.¡± The scientist froze. His throat bobbed nervously, the words sticking in his mouth. ¡°I¡ªI can¡¯t,¡± he admitted, his voice cracking. ¡°I¡¯m a scientist, not a fighter. That¡¯s why you¡¯re here.¡± Silence followed, thick and oppressive, as the shadow pushed away from the wall. The way he moved was unnatural, almost fluid, as though he weren¡¯t bound by the same rules of physics as other men. He approached slowly, each step echoing against the metal floor like a death knell. ¡°You want my help?¡± the shadow figure said softly, his voice an icy whisper that seemed to fill the room. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll get you one.¡± The man blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion. ¡°One?¡± he repeated. ¡°No¡ªyou don¡¯t understand. There are three of them¡ªtwo boys and a girl. You have to get them all!¡± The air in the room changed. The shadows along the walls rippled and grew darker, pressing in as though alive. The figure stopped just inches from the scientist, his presence towering and suffocating. His glowing eyes locked onto the man¡¯s with such intensity that the scientist stumbled back, his knees buckling beneath him. ¡°I said,¡± the shadow figure hissed, his voice dropping to a dangerous growl, ¡°you¡¯ll have one.¡± The words carried a weight that crushed the man¡¯s protests before they could leave his lips. He collapsed to his knees, his documents spilling from his hands like dead leaves. His head bowed instinctively, the primal urge to submit overriding all reason. ¡°O-Okay,¡± the man stammered, his voice trembling. ¡°One¡­ just one.¡± The shadowy figure loomed over him for a moment longer, as though deciding whether to erase him from existence altogether. Then, without another word, he turned and strode toward the exit. Darkness trailed after him like a living shroud, swallowing his form as he stepped through the doorway.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. The scientist remained on the cold floor, his breath ragged and uneven, his heart pounding in his chest. The silence returned, but the cold weight of the shadow¡¯s promise lingered, heavy and unshakable. --- A Predator¡¯s Hunt Prior to Valerius¡¯s capture, high above, perched on the branch of a towering tree, a figure cloaked in shadow watched the fleeing group. His piercing eyes gleamed in the moonlight, their gaze locked onto the siblings and Kaelan. ¡°Interesting,¡± the man murmured, his voice smooth and laced with amusement. ¡°Such fragile little creatures, running so desperately.¡± He extended a gloved hand, and a ripple of energy pulsed from his fingertips, invisible to the untrained eye. The air seemed to hum as the force surged toward the trio below. Valerius, lagging slightly behind, felt an overwhelming pull seize his body. His stride faltered, his breath catching in his throat as an unseen force yanked him backward with incredible speed. ¡°What the¡ª?!¡± Valerius¡¯s shout was cut off as he was dragged through the air, his siblings and Kaelan too focused on their escape to notice his absence. The figure caught Valerius effortlessly, his grip firm yet strangely gentle. He tilted his head, studying the boy with a curious smile. ¡°You¡¯ll do.¡± Valerius struggled against the invisible force binding him, his emerald eyes blazing with fury. ¡°Let me go, you bastard!¡± The man chuckled, his voice a blend of mockery and genuine amusement. ¡°Such fire. I like that.¡± With a flick of his wrist, the man encased Valerius in a shimmering field of energy. The boy¡¯s struggles ceased as the light around him dimmed, and the man disappeared into the shadows, leaving no trace of their encounter. --- Shadows in the Safe House Kaelan led Eryndor and Ziraiah to a hidden structure deep within the forest. The safe house was a modest cabin, its rune-inscribed walls glowing faintly in the moonlight. The air around it felt heavy, a clear sign of protective enchantments. Inside, Ziraiah collapsed onto a chair, her hands trembling as she buried her face in them. ¡°We lost him,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible. Eryndor remained standing, his posture tense. ¡°We don¡¯t know that. Valerius isn¡¯t weak.¡± Ziraiah looked up, her eyes filled with tears. ¡°But he¡¯s alone. And we just left him¡ª¡± Kaelan slammed a hand on the table, his voice cutting through her anguish. ¡°Enough. You think I wanted to leave him behind? We were outnumbered, and if we¡¯d turned back, we¡¯d all be captured¡ªor worse.¡± Ziraiah flinched at his tone but didn¡¯t argue. Eryndor placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. ¡°Ziraiah, Kaelan is right. Grief serves no purpose now. We must act.¡± Kaelan exhaled, his frustration giving way to resolve. He unrolled a map on the table, pointing to a marked area. ¡°We¡¯ll regroup here at dawn. But first, we need to understand what we¡¯re dealing with.¡± He produced the stolen documents, spreading them across the table. ¡°Let¡¯s see what secrets the Velphraxis are hiding.¡± --- The Earther Experiment The siblings and Kaelan pored over the documents, their expressions darkening with each page. One report, weathered with age, bore the title ¡°The Earther Experiment: A Report on 300 Years of Study.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s hands shook as she read aloud. ¡°Subjects retrieved from other worlds¡­ tested for adaptability¡­ compliance failure rate: 90%.¡± Kaelan leaned over her shoulder, his green eyes scanning the text. ¡°This isn¡¯t new. Three centuries ago, a group of Earthers arrived in Yilheim. Most of them didn¡¯t survive. The ones who did¡­ were changed.¡± ¡°Changed how?¡± Eryndor asked, his voice steady despite the weight of the revelation. Kaelan pointed to another page. ¡°Enhanced. Used as weapons, tools¡­ experiments.¡± Ziraiah¡¯s eyes filled with anger. ¡°They¡¯re treating people like¡­ like things.¡± Eryndor¡¯s jaw tightened, his green eyes blazing with quiet fury. ¡°This isn¡¯t just about us. If the Velphraxis succeed, they¡¯ll do this to every human they find.¡± Kaelan nodded grimly. ¡°And they won¡¯t stop there.¡± --- Valerius¡¯s Prison Far from the safe house, Valerius awoke in a dimly lit chamber. The air was thick, each breath feeling like a struggle. The walls glowed faintly with suppressive runes, and his body felt heavy, as though weighted by an unseen force. ¡°Where¡­ am I?¡± he muttered, his voice hoarse. The sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber. A man stepped into view, his form shrouded in shadow. His piercing eyes locked onto Valerius, a predatory grin spreading across his face. ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± the man said, his tone casual. ¡°Good. I was beginning to think you might be too fragile for this.¡± Valerius glared at him, his eyes defiant. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± The man chuckled, his amusement evident. ¡°Names are irrelevant. What matters is potential. And you, boy, have plenty of it.¡± Valerius struggled against the energy field binding him, his teeth gritted. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about, but you¡¯ve made a mistake.¡± The man¡¯s grin widened. ¡°Oh, I don¡¯t think so. You¡¯ll make an excellent subject.¡± --- A Shadow Approaches Back at the safe house, Kaelan stood watch, his green eyes scanning the darkness. The forest was unnervingly quiet, the usual hum of life replaced by an oppressive stillness. Then, he saw it¡ªa figure emerging from the shadows, its silhouette blending seamlessly with the night. Kaelan¡¯s hand moved to his weapon, the runes along the blade flaring to life. ¡°Who are you?¡± he demanded, his voice low and dangerous. The figure tilted its head, a faint smile playing on its lips. ¡°You¡¯ve taken something that doesn¡¯t belong to you.¡± Kaelan¡¯s grip tightened on his weapon. ¡°If you want it, come and take it.¡± The figure¡¯s smile widened, revealing sharp teeth. ¡°Oh, I intend to.¡± --- To Be Continued The tension in the air was palpable as the forest prepared to erupt into chaos. With Valerius trapped in the clutches of an unknown enemy and the safe house compromised, the siblings¡¯ journey was about to take a darker turn. The question lingered: could they survive the shadows that sought to consume them? Chapter 10: Echoes of Fear A Terrifying Revelation Valerius shivered against the cold metallic surface of his cell as the shadowy figure stepped closer, his piercing eyes scanning Valerius as if dissecting him with his gaze. The man¡¯s towering form loomed over him, exuding an aura of menace and authority. ¡°You reek of Bravo,¡± the man said, his voice smooth but laced with disdain. ¡°Weird. Earthers are humans, no exceptions. Yet you¡­ you''re not human. You¡¯re an Elvhein. How?¡± His gaze narrowed, scrutinizing Valerius as if searching for answers. ¡°What are you? You defy common sense.¡± Valerius met the man¡¯s gaze, anger burning behind his emerald eyes. ¡°Who are you?¡± The man¡¯s lips curled into a faint smirk. ¡°And why would I tell you that?¡± Before Valerius could retort, the man crouched down, his face now level with his captive¡¯s. His eyes glimmered with curiosity and something darker. ¡°You don¡¯t know this, but one¡¯s body cannot circulate both Mana and Bravo. And yet you¡­ you might be the key to our success. With you, I feel an absurd amount of Bravo, and yet¡­¡± He tilted his head slightly, his smirk widening. ¡°It doesn¡¯t circulate. It just lingers there. How fascinating.¡± The shadowy figure stepped back, his expression shifting to one of amused interest as he examined Valerius. ¡°You haven¡¯t undergone any formal training, and yet the potential in you is staggering. So, how is it that an untrained boy wields such dormant power?¡± Valerius, gritting his teeth, glared up at him. ¡°You¡¯ll regret this. I promise you.¡± The man chuckled, the sound low and mocking. ¡°Regret? I doubt that.¡± With an effortless motion, he grabbed Valerius by the collar and lifted him off the ground with one hand. ¡°Let me show you why.¡± The man hurled Valerius across the room. He crashed into the iron railing at the edge of the cell, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. As Valerius gasped for breath, his eyes widened at the sight below. The space beneath his cell was a macabre laboratory. Rows of glass tubes lined the chamber, each filled with murky liquid and floating body parts¡ªarms, legs, even severed heads suspended in eerie stillness. Metal tables bore the dismembered corpses of humans, their lifeless faces twisted in agony. Strange mechanical devices whirred and hummed, their sharp instruments dripping with blood. The smell hit him next¡ªiron and decay, so thick it made his stomach churn. The horror of it froze him in place, his mind racing to comprehend the grotesque scene. ¡°See?¡± the man said, walking over and kneeling beside him. He grabbed Valerius by the hair, forcing his head against the railing. ¡°There is no escape.¡± --- Yelleen¡¯s Guidance When the man finally left, Valerius slumped back against the cold floor of his cell, his breathing ragged. His emerald eyes darted around the chamber, trying to block out the gruesome imagery below. Then, in the silence, a familiar voice echoed in his mind. ¡°You¡¯ve been awfully quiet these days, Yelleen,¡± Valerius muttered under his breath. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to help me?¡± Yelleen¡¯s tone was calm, almost amused. ¡°You must overcome this yourself, Valerius. Consider this your first trial.¡± ¡°First trial?¡± Valerius whispered, his voice rising in frustration. ¡°That madman is going to chop me up. There are bodies everywhere!¡±Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. ¡°I know,¡± Yelleen replied, her tone unbothered. ¡°Then help me escape!¡± Valerius hissed. There was a pause before Yelleen responded, her voice tinged with something that might have been pity. ¡°I will help¡­ a little. I¡¯ll send your location to your siblings.¡± Valerius blinked, his anger giving way to confusion. ¡°Wait. How do you know where I am?¡± ¡°I can see everything you see,¡± Yelleen answered matter-of-factly. ¡°Seriously?¡± Valerius muttered, incredulous. ¡°Well¡­ damn.¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice took on a lighthearted tone. ¡°I¡¯ll activate the Baby Monitor.¡± ¡°The what?¡± Valerius asked, his frustration returning. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Yelleen replied. ¡°Just hold on.¡± --- A Message from Yelleen Back at the safe house, Ziraiah leaned against the table, staring at the map Eryndor had spread out earlier. The silence was thick, punctuated only by the faint hum of the runes inscribed on the walls. Then, without warning, a 3D holographic map flickered into Ziraiah¡¯s vision. A red dot glowed in the center, labeled Valerius. She gasped, her hand flying to her temple. ¡°What¡­ what is this?¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice chimed in her mind. ¡°That¡¯s Valerius¡¯s location. Hurry.¡± Ziraiah bolted from her seat, rushing to Eryndor, who was sharpening a blade nearby. ¡°Eryndor! Look at this!¡± Eryndor frowned. ¡°At what?¡± ¡°This!¡± Ziraiah pointed to the air in front of her. ¡°You can¡¯t see it?¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice interrupted. ¡°Sharing now.¡± Eryndor froze as the same holographic map appeared in his vision, the red dot glowing ominously. ¡°Valerius¡­¡± he murmured, his calm demeanor cracking slightly. Ziraiah¡¯s panic shifted to urgency. ¡°We have to tell Kaelan.¡± Yelleen¡¯s voice was firm. ¡°I¡¯m not connected to Kaelan.¡± Eryndor grabbed a piece of parchment and a charcoal stick, quickly sketching the map. His strokes were precise, almost artistic. Ziraiah watched in awe. ¡°Since when can you draw like that?¡± Without looking up, Eryndor replied in his elegant tone, ¡°Who do you think drew those paintings at home?¡± ¡°Definitely not you,¡± Ziraiah quipped, her tone disbelieving. Eryndor smirked faintly. ¡°Thank you, dear sister, for I am most offended.¡± --- Kaelan¡¯s Fight A piercing scream cut through the forest, shattering the quiet of the safe house. Ziraiah and Eryndor froze, their eyes wide with alarm. ¡°That¡¯s Kaelan!¡± Ziraiah cried, rushing toward the door. Outside, Kaelan was locked in a desperate battle with the shadowy figure. The man¡¯s towering frame dwarfed Kaelan¡¯s as he stood almost motionless, deflecting every strike with effortless precision. Kaelan¡¯s rune-inscribed blade glowed with energy as he swung with all his might, but the man blocked each attack with a flick of his hand. ¡°For an Elvhein, you¡¯re awfully weak,¡± the man said, his tone almost bored. Kaelan gritted his teeth, his movements becoming more frantic. ¡°Never¡­ have I been called weak.¡± The man chuckled darkly. ¡°Really? Let me show you.¡± In a flash, the man disappeared from Kaelan¡¯s vision. Before Kaelan could react, a powerful hand clamped onto the back of his head, slamming him into the ground with bone-crushing force. ¡°To me, you¡¯re but an ant beneath my boots,¡± the man said coldly. Kaelan gasped for air, his mind reeling. ¡°What¡­ just happened?¡± The man pressed his boot onto Kaelan¡¯s back, applying crushing pressure. Kaelan screamed in pain, his voice echoing through the forest. --- The Siblings Confront the Shadow Ziraiah and Eryndor burst into the clearing, their eyes widening at the sight before them. Kaelan, the strongest man they knew, was pinned beneath the towering figure¡¯s boot. ¡°Kaelan!¡± Ziraiah screamed, taking a step forward. Eryndor grabbed her arm. ¡°Run!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t move!¡± Ziraiah cried, her body frozen in place. The shadowy figure shifted his eyes toward them but didn¡¯t turn around. Stretching his arm backward, he clenched his fist, and Ziraiah was yanked off her feet, pulled through the air as if by an invisible force. She screamed as the man¡¯s massive hand clamped around her neck, lifting her effortlessly. Eryndor roared, grabbing Kaelan¡¯s discarded blade and charging forward. ¡°Let her go!¡± He swung the blade with all his strength, continuously striking the man, but the man didn¡¯t flinch. Eryndor stepped back, consumed by fear as his attacks were completely ineffective. Turning his head slightly, the man¡¯s gaze locked onto Eryndor. At this very moment, for the first time in his life, Eryndor knew true fear, it felt like a raging beast stood before him, then Eryndor collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Kaelan, bloodied and broken, shouted, ¡°Stop! It¡¯s them¡ªthey¡¯re Elvheins!¡± The man froze, releasing Ziraiah, who crumpled to the ground, gasping for air. He turned, his gaze lingering on her tear-streaked face before moving to Eryndor¡¯s unconscious form. Kaelan, battered and bloodied, crawled his way towards Zaraiah, "am sorry", he faintly utters. After careful gazing at Eryndor, the man walks to a nearby rock, sitting down, he muttered, ¡°It seems¡­ it was true.¡± --- To Be Continued¡­ Chapter 11: My Gift to You The Shadow¡¯s Call The shadowy figure observed the battered forms of Kaelan and the siblings, his gaze lingering on their bloodied and unconscious bodies. His expression was unreadable, a mask of faint curiosity mixed with indifference. From his jacket, he retrieved a sleek object about the size of a pen. Bringing it to his mouth, he spoke into it, his voice smooth and commanding. ¡°Bring yourself and your equipment to Fragrance Forest.¡± A frustrated voice crackled back from the device. ¡°Are you out of your mind? You want me to go to Fragrance Forest? I¡¯m not even in Mystvir. And for what you¡¯re paying me, this isn¡¯t worth it.¡± The shadowy figure interrupted calmly. ¡°Use the Waver.¡± The voice hesitated before replying, incredulous. ¡°Do you know how much it costs to fuel that thing?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pay you ten times your rate,¡± the figure interjected, his tone final. There was a brief pause before the voice answered, ¡°I¡¯m on my way.¡± The call ended abruptly. The figure called again, his tone casual. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you why you¡¯re coming.¡± ¡°Oh yes,¡± the voice replied, slightly amused. ¡°Who did you almost beat to death this time?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll find three people when you arrive,¡± the figure said without emotion. ¡°Take care of them.¡± Ending the call, the figure rose from the stone he had been sitting on. His silhouette began to fade, his tall, imposing frame melting into the shadows. As he walked away, his black-tailed jacket with its high collar swayed gently. Only his back was visible, his movements slow and deliberate. ¡°Don¡¯t let them die, Kaelan,¡± he murmured, his voice barely audible. ¡°I wish to see the madness they¡¯ll bring to Yilheim.¡± As his form dissolved completely, his green eyes briefly glimmered in the fading light before vanishing entirely. --- The Savior Arrives Two hours after the figure¡¯s departure, as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the forest canopy, a large, futuristic flying vehicle descended from the sky. Its sleek, white exterior gleamed, adorned with glowing runes and green-striped lights that pulsed rhythmically. The vehicle landed smoothly in the clearing, and from its side, a door slid open. Out stepped an 8-foot-tall, rotund rabbit-like creature with gray fur and black stripes across his face. He wore boots and gloves, and a large belly gave him an oddly endearing, if comical, appearance. Carrying a briefcase almost as large as himself, he surveyed the scene with keen, human-like eyes. ¡°Passed out from fear?¡± he muttered, looking at the siblings sprawled on the ground. ¡°Kids these days¡ªso weak-willed.¡± His gaze shifted to Kaelan, whose bloodied form lay nearby. The rabbit-like man winced. ¡°Oh my,¡± he said, making a face of disgust. ¡°You very nearly died, didn¡¯t you? Well, worry not! I am here. When I¡¯m done, you¡¯ll be good as new¡­ for a price, of course.¡± He opened his oversized briefcase and began rummaging through its contents. ¡°Where is that thing? I¡¯m sure I packed it¡­ Ah, there you are!¡± From the case, he pulled out a metallic object resembling a plate. Placing it beneath Kaelan¡¯s body, the object transformed into a stretcher with wheels, lifting Kaelan effortlessly. Kaelan stirred weakly. ¡°Who¡­ are you?¡± The rabbit-like man grinned enthusiastically, gesturing grandly. ¡°Gustein, your savior! I am known far and wide as the one who brings people back from the brink of death¡ªfor a price, of course. Now hush, and get ready to be reborn!¡± Singing a jaunty tune, Gustein wheeled Kaelan into his vehicle. He then returned for the siblings, repeating the process with each of them. Inside, the vehicle¡¯s interior defied its outer dimensions, revealing a massive space filled with advanced medical equipment, glowing runes, and shelves stocked with strange devices. --- A Peculiar Exchange Once inside, Gustein inspected Ziraiah¡¯s neck, where the shadowy figure¡¯s handprint lingered like a dark brand. He sighed heavily. ¡°Did you really have to do this to a little girl?¡± Moving to Eryndor, he gave the unconscious young man a vigorous shake. ¡°Wake up!¡± Eryndor jolted awake, disoriented and alarmed. ¡°What¡ªwhat¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the only one unharmed,¡± Gustein said dryly. ¡°Why were you still sleeping?¡± Eryndor¡¯s eyes focused, and panic overtook him as he saw Ziraiah. ¡°Ziraiah!¡± he yelled, rushing toward her. Gustein promptly slapped the back of his head. ¡°Don¡¯t wake her, you fool! She¡¯ll be fine after I treat her¡­ for a price, of course.¡± Eryndor blinked, his composure returning. ¡°Might I know your name?¡± With a dramatic flourish, Gustein announced, ¡°Gustein! The one who can bring anyone back from the brink of death¡ªfor a price, of course.¡± Eryndor inclined his head respectfully. ¡°Gustein, you have my gratitude for saving us.¡± Gustein laughed heartily. ¡°Saved you? Oh no, my boy, I did no such thing.¡± Eryndor frowned. ¡°Then how are we¡­?¡± ¡°Alive?¡± Gustein interrupted, munching on a snack he had pulled from his pocket. ¡°That¡¯s because he let you live.¡± Eryndor¡¯s expression hardened. ¡°For what reason?¡± With his mouth full, Gustein replied vaguely, ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± before gesturing dismissively. --- A Sudden Arrival A loud knock on the vehicle¡¯s door drew everyone¡¯s attention. Gustein waddled over, muttering to himself. When he opened the door, he found a boy standing outside¡ªValerius. The two stared at each other in confusion. Gustein squinted. ¡°Who on Yilheim are you?¡± Valerius hesitated, glancing into the vehicle. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Before he could say more, Gustein grabbed his face and pushed him back. ¡°How dare you peek into another man¡¯s property! That¡¯ll cost you. Forty narlins!¡± ¡°Forty what?¡± Valerius asked, bewildered.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. ¡°Pay up, kid,¡± Gustein said, stretching out a hand expectantly. ¡°Valerius?¡± Eryndor¡¯s voice cut through the commotion. Valerius¡¯s eyes lit up as his brother approached. ¡°How are you here?¡± Valerius scratched the back of his head. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe what happened.¡± --- A Brother¡¯s Return ¡°Is this your brother?¡± Gustein asked Eryndor. ¡°Yes,¡± Eryndor confirmed. Gustein stepped aside. ¡°Fine, bring him in. And don¡¯t touch anything.¡± As Valerius entered the vehicle, Gustein wheeled Kaelan to the far back, a section of the Waver shrouded in pitch-black darkness. Eryndor frowned, his tone elegant as ever. ¡°How do you intend to work with no light?¡± Gustein grinned, pulling a pair of glowing goggles from a drawer. ¡°With these!¡± He slipped them on and disappeared into the darkness. Meanwhile, Eryndor turned to Valerius. ¡°Would you mind telling me how you managed to escape?¡± Valerius took a deep breath. ¡°This is what happened¡­¡± --- Valerius¡¯s Ordeal Back in his cell, Valerius had heard voices outside¡ªfamiliar voices. He crept to the bars, straining to listen as Belos and two other scientists discussed him. ¡°The boy¡¯s body has an extraordinary amount of bravo,¡± Belos said, pacing. ¡°It¡¯s unprecedented. To become a bravo user, one must undergo bone crushing training, training that requires an extraordinary amount of willpower to complete. But him? He hasn''t gone through any form of training, yet he has so much of it¡ªit shouldn¡¯t be possible!¡± Another scientist chimed in, skeptical. ¡°How do we extract it? Every method so far has failed.¡± Belos sneered. ¡°We¡¯ll find a way. If I can unlock this anomaly, the possibilities are endless.¡± The third scientist hesitated. ¡°But what if we kill him in the process?¡± Belos¡¯s eyes gleamed. ¡°Then we dissect him and learn what we can.¡± Suddenly, a deafening explosion shook the facility. --- Explosions in the Depths The first explosion rocked the underground facility, sending tremors through the walls. Dust and debris rained down from the ceiling as alarms blared to life. Belos stumbled but quickly steadied himself, his expression twisting into a scowl. ¡°What in the name of Yilheim is happening?¡± one of the scientists yelled, panic seeping into his voice. Belos growled, barking orders. ¡°Find out! Now! I won¡¯t have years of research destroyed because of some foolhardy attack!¡± Another explosion followed, closer this time. The tremors knocked over equipment, and the lights flickered ominously. One of the guards ran into the room, his face pale. ¡°Sir! We¡¯re under attack! Someone¡¯s using explosive magic to breach the facility. She¡¯s already taken out three floors!¡± Belos¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°She?¡± Before the guard could respond, another explosion shook the room, and the sound of fighting echoed from the levels above. Belos¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°It¡¯s her. She came after the boy.¡± --- Elsa¡¯s Entrance On the level above, Elsa leapt through a jagged hole in the floor she had created, her rune-inscribed sword glinting in the dim light. Her combat gear clung tightly to her frame, offering both protection and freedom of movement. Her golden hair was tied back, and her eyes burned with determination. She pressed her hand to her chest, muttering an incantation. A small tuft of hair hovered in the air before her, glowing faintly. She closed her eyes, allowing the search spell to guide her. ¡°There you are,¡± she whispered, her gaze locking onto the direction where Valerius was being held. As she moved forward, guards poured into the hallway, their rune weapons drawn. Elsa didn¡¯t hesitate. She extended her hand, summoning a wave of water that surged forward, crashing into the guards and slamming them against the walls. Before they could recover, she lunged, her sword flashing as it cut through their defenses. ¡°Stop her!¡± one guard yelled, rallying his comrades. Elsa smirked, raising her free hand. A burst of flames erupted from her palm, forcing the guards to scatter. She spun gracefully, her movements a seamless blend of acrobatics and precision. With a series of quick slashes, she disarmed two guards and incapacitated a third with a firebolt. More guards swarmed in, their rune weapons glowing menacingly. Elsa dodged their strikes with fluid motions, using the narrow hallway to her advantage. One guard lunged, and she flipped over him, landing behind him and delivering a swift kick to his back, sending him crashing into his comrades. --- A Mage¡¯s Power As the fight raged on, Elsa combined her mastery of elemental magic with her combat prowess. She created a ring of fire to block reinforcements, then summoned a torrent of water to extinguish the flames and obscure her movements. The guards hesitated, their confusion giving her the opening she needed to strike. Using her sword as both a weapon and a conduit, Elsa etched a series of glowing runes into the walls. The runes pulsed with energy before detonating, collapsing parts of the hallway to cut off the guards¡¯ pursuit. Belos¡¯s voice echoed through the facility. ¡°Stop her at all costs! She¡¯s after the boy!¡± Elsa paused briefly, catching her breath. She glanced at the marks on her arm where the shadowy figure had grabbed her days before. The memory of his oppressive presence sent a chill down her spine, but she shook it off. ¡°This is for you, Kaelan,¡± she muttered, pressing forward. --- The Final Stretch As Elsa neared Valerius¡¯s cell, the guards grew more desperate. One guard, wielding a massive rune axe, charged at her with a roar. Elsa sidestepped his swing, slashing her sword across his side. She followed up with a concentrated blast of air, sending him hurtling into the wall. Another guard tried to flank her, but she countered with a sweeping kick, knocking him off balance. She raised her hand, summoning a stream of fire that enveloped him. The hallway lit up with the fiery glow as the guard¡¯s screams faded. Just as Elsa reached the door to Valerius¡¯s cell, a group of heavily armored guards appeared, blocking her path. Their weapons crackled with energy, and their stances radiated discipline. ¡°Enough,¡± their leader growled. ¡°You won¡¯t take another step.¡± Elsa smirked, gripping her sword tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡± The guards attacked in unison, their movements coordinated. Elsa dodged their strikes with acrobatic precision, flipping and twisting through their formation. She retaliated with bursts of water and fire, forcing them to break formation. One by one, she incapacitated them, her blade moving faster than the eye could follow. When the last guard fell, Elsa stood before the door, panting but victorious. She raised her hand, summoning a concentrated jet of flame that melted the lock. The door creaked open, revealing Valerius inside. --- A Daring Escape Valerius stepped back, his eyes wide with shock. ¡°You?¡± Elsa offered a small smile. ¡°You¡¯re in luck, kid.¡± Valerius hesitated, glancing at the melted bars. ¡°How did you know I was here?¡± Elsa stepped into the cell, extending a hand to him. ¡°Kaelan asked me to follow you all. I saw what happened to you guys. I couldn¡¯t help earlier because that man was there.¡± Her voice softened. ¡°Sorry for being late.¡± Before Valerius could respond, a familiar voice echoed behind them. ¡°You enter my lab, destroy years of research¡­¡± They turned to see Belos, his face twisted with fury. He held a massive weapon resembling a futuristic cannon, glowing ominously. ¡°¡­and expect to leave alive?¡± Belos raised the weapon, which hummed as it powered up. ¡°This is one of my inventions. I call it Lucy. Let¡¯s see if your magic can withstand her.¡± Valerius¡¯s eyes widened as the cannon emitted a high-pitched whine. Elsa reacted instantly, grabbing Valerius and muttering an incantation. ¡°Insentos!¡± They vanished from sight, their forms cloaked in invisibility. Belos scanned the room, his expression cold. He closed his eyes briefly, then smirked. ¡°There you are.¡± He fired Lucy, the cannon unleashing a massive beam of energy that obliterated everything in its path. Elsa narrowly dodged, dragging Valerius with her. ¡°Holy shit!¡± Valerius exclaimed, staring at the massive hole left by the blast. Elsa¡¯s expression was grim. ¡°If that hits us, we¡¯re dead.¡± Belos fired again, the beam tearing through walls and floors. One shot grazed Elsa¡¯s arm, leaving a deep burn. She gritted her teeth, pushing through the pain. As Belos aimed Lucy upward, the massive weapon unleashed beams of destructive energy. Each shot tore through the facility, ripping apart ceilings and walls until the beams breached the surface. Aboveground, homes shattered into rubble, and the ground quaked with every impact. Civilians screamed as the blasts claimed lives indiscriminately, leaving charred remains and craters where thriving buildings had once stood. The destruction painted a grim picture of Lucy¡¯s power. --- A Clever Plan As they dodged the relentless attacks, Elsa noticed the holes the cannon had created leading to the surface. An idea formed in her mind. She stopped directly beneath one of the holes, turning to face Belos. Belos sneered. ¡°Tired of running?¡± Elsa smirked. ¡°Thanks for clearing the path.¡± She summoned a powerful gust of air beneath them, launching herself and Valerius through the hole. ¡°No!¡± Belos roared, trying to aim Lucy upward. The cannon was too heavy to adjust quickly, and his shot missed. As they soared through the air, Elsa glanced down at the facility below. ¡°I left you a gift.¡± Belos¡¯s eyes widened as he spotted a glowing rune bomb strapped to the wall. ¡°Shit¡ª¡± The bombs detonated simultaneously, engulfing the facility in a massive explosion. The ground shook violently, and a fiery plume rose into the sky. --- Freedom at a Cost Elsa and Valerius landed roughly on the forest floor, both panting and covered in soot. They collapsed onto the ground, their bodies heavy with exhaustion. The smoke from the destroyed facility rose in the distance, a silent testament to their narrow escape. Before they could catch their breath, a chilling voice broke the silence. ¡°Impressive.¡± Valerius and Elsa froze as the shadowy figure appeared between them, crouching low with his head tilted, mere inches from their own. His green eyes glimmered in the faint light, and a predatory grin spread across his face. --- To Be Continued... Chapter 12: Bonds in the Aftermath Valerius Recounts His Tale The Waver hummed softly as Valerius finished recounting his story. The cabin was silent, save for the occasional creak of Gustein¡¯s equipment in the background. Valerius leaned back, his gaze unfocused as he remembered the shadowy figure¡¯s piercing green eyes. Eryndor broke the silence, his tone sharp. ¡°Wait¡ªyou met the shadowy man?¡± Valerius nodded. ¡°Yeah¡­ Quihote Develos. He told me his name before he left.¡± Eryndor¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°You¡¯re saying he confronted you and let you live?¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t just let me live,¡± Valerius replied, his voice uneasy. ¡°He¡­ laughed. He called me an anomaly. Then he told me to find him when I get stronger.¡± Ziraiah, still lying on her stretcher, stirred slightly, her face pale but alert. ¡°Stronger? What does that mean? And why you?¡± Valerius shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know. But he looked¡­ startled at first. It¡¯s like he saw something in me that made him jump back.¡± Kaelan, though barely conscious, muttered weakly, ¡°Quihote Develos¡­ I¡¯ve heard that name before. If he spared you, it wasn¡¯t out of kindness.¡± The siblings fell into a tense silence, each mulling over the implications of Valerius¡¯s encounter. It was Eryndor who finally broke the stillness. ¡°This woman¡ªElsa. I should thank her personally for saving you.¡± Valerius smiled faintly. ¡°You¡¯ll like her. She¡¯s strong. Scary, but strong.¡± --- My Name The narrative shifted back to that moment after shadowy figurewhispered ¡°impressive.¡± Elsa felt beads of sweat drip down her temple as she tried to mask her trembling. Beside her, Valerius was frozen, every instinct screaming at him to stay silent. ¡°Boy,¡± the shadowy figure said, his voice low but commanding. ¡°What is your name?¡± Valerius gulped, his throat dry. ¡°L-Lerius,¡± he stammered, his voice cracking. The figure shifted his gaze to Elsa. ¡°And you?¡± ¡°Elsa,¡± she replied, her tone steady despite the fear coursing through her veins. The figure nodded slowly. Then, still squatting behind Valerius, his intense gaze fixed on the boy¡¯s back. His eyes narrowed as if perceiving something invisible to others. In an instant, he leapt backward, landing a few meters away with the grace of a predator. His posture was defensive, yet his face betrayed amusement. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Elsa asked, her voice breaking the tension. The fugures laughter filled the clearing, a chilling sound that echoed through the forest. ¡°You really are an anomaly, boy,¡± he said, his tone shifting from amusement to intrigue. ¡°Once you grow stronger, come find me.¡± He turned to leave, then paused mid-step. ¡°My name is Quihote Develos,¡± he said, glancing over his shoulder. His eyes gleamed as they locked onto Valerius. ¡°Do remember it.¡± With a sudden burst of power, Quihote leapt into the air, vanishing in the blink of an eye. The force of his departure left a small crater in the ground, a stark reminder of his overwhelming strength. Elsa and Valerius remained rooted to the spot, their breaths shallow as they tried to process what had just happened.Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. ¡°He didn¡¯t kill us,¡± Elsa finally said, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s just be thankful he didn¡¯t,¡± Valerius muttered, his gaze fixed on the empty sky. --- Curiosity in the Aftermath A commotion broke out as townsfolk began gathering near the explosion site. Some whispered among themselves, others pointed at the massive hole left behind. The town guards arrived moments later, urging people to stay back. ¡°Keep your distance!¡± one guard barked. ¡°Don¡¯t go near the edge!¡± Valerius tugged at Elsa¡¯s sleeve. ¡°We should go.¡± Elsa nodded. ¡°Yeah. No need to stick around for more questions.¡± As they turned to leave, Elsa glanced down at the boy beside her and smirked. ¡°Kid, you¡¯re one lucky brat. So, little man, what happens now?¡± ¡°I need to find Eryndor and Ziraiah,¡± Valerius said earnestly. ¡°Thank you so much for everything, Elsa.¡± He began to run, but Elsa caught up to him with a teasing laugh. ¡°And you just so happen to know where they are, right?¡± Valerius stopped in his tracks, his face flushing red. Elsa walked up to him, slinging an arm casually around his shoulders. Her tall frame towered over him, and Valerius felt his cheeks burn as his head rested awkwardly against her hip. ¡°Come on,¡± she said with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ll help you find them.¡± --- Bonding on the Journey As they walked, Elsa¡¯s arm still draped over him, Valerius¡¯s mind raced. He tried to ignore how close she was, but it was impossible. He glanced up at her, taking in her confident stride and radiant smile. ¡°Damn,¡± he thought to himself. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ hot. Snap out of it, Valerius. She¡¯s a fox woman twice your size¡ªit¡¯ll never work.¡± But then another thought crept into his mind. ¡°Wait¡­ Kaelan¡¯s an Elvhein. I¡¯m also an Elvhein. Which means I¡¯ll be as big as him one day.¡± A grin spread across his face. ¡°Yup. It can definitely work out.¡± Elsa tapped his head lightly, pulling him out of his thoughts. ¡°What are you thinking, little man?¡± ¡°Nothing!¡± Valerius blurted, his face red. Elsa chuckled. ¡°Sure. So, tell me¡ªwhat¡¯s your world like? Earth, right?¡± Valerius brightened. ¡°It¡¯s very different. We have tall buildings everywhere, some so high they touch the clouds.¡± Elsa raised an eyebrow. ¡°Buildings that tall? Sounds inconvenient.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Valerius explained. ¡°They¡¯re really well designed. And the view from the top? Incredible.¡± As they continued, Elsa shared her perspective. ¡°Yilheim doesn¡¯t have anything like that. Here, nature and magic shape our cities. Most buildings are carved from mountains or grown from trees using Vitalis Weaving.¡± Valerius¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°That sounds¡­ amazing. On Earth, we don¡¯t have magic.¡± ¡°No magic?¡± Elsa said, feigning shock. ¡°How do you survive?¡± Valerius laughed. ¡°Technology. It¡¯s kind of like magic, but without the¡­ well, magic.¡± Elsa tilted her head. ¡°Interesting. So how did you end up on Earth? You¡¯re an Elvhein.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Valerius admitted. ¡°I was born there. Ziraiah too.¡± ¡°What about your brother?¡± Elsa asked. ¡°Eryndor¡­ I¡¯m not sure,¡± Valerius said, scratching his head. ¡°Ziraiah was definitely born on Earth, but as for Eryndor and me, I don¡¯t know.¡± Elsa pondered this. ¡°I wonder how your parents got there.¡± ¡°Me too,¡± Valerius said. ¡°I¡¯ve always felt we were different.¡± Elsa nodded. ¡°Young Elvheins aren¡¯t so different from humans. I think you¡¯d blend in well.¡± Valerius smiled wistfully. ¡°We did blend in¡­ but not too well. My mom was biggrr than everyone. Everywhere we went, people stared at us. She held the title of most beautiful, tallest, and smartest woman. People from all over wanted to meet her.¡± Elsa smirked. ¡°Humans aren¡¯t particularly gifted when it comes to beauty. An Elvhein like your mom would definitely stand out. What about your father?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know my father,¡± Valerius said, his voice quiet. ¡°Never met him. I only know his name.¡± Elsa¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Valerius replied. ¡°It¡¯s got nothing to do with you.¡± Elsa¡¯s eyes narrowed playfully. ¡°If you never met your father, what about your brother?¡± ¡°He doesn¡¯t remember him either,¡± Valerius said. Elsa picked him up suddenly, holding him under her arm. ¡°Poor Lerius. Grew up without his daddy. Don¡¯t worry¡ªif I ever meet him, I¡¯ll give him a good beating.¡± Valerius laughed. ¡°Thanks, Elsa.¡± They shared a smile as they approached Mystvir¡¯s gates. --- Parting Ways At the gates, Elsa stopped, setting Valerius down gently. ¡°This is where we part ways.¡± Valerius¡¯s face fell. ¡°But I still need you.¡± Elsa reached into her pocket and pulled out a small transparent object with a single strand of hair inside. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. See where this hair is pointing? That¡¯s your sister¡¯s location. Follow it, and you¡¯ll find her.¡± Valerius stared at her, overwhelmed. ¡°Why are you helping me? You risked your life for me.¡± Elsa smiled, ruffling his hair. ¡°Because I felt like it. Now go.¡± Valerius hesitated, then started walking. After a few steps, he turned around, waving. ¡°Elsa, I won¡¯t forget you!¡± Elsa chuckled, watching him go. ¡°You¡¯d better not, little man.¡± --- Back in the Waver, Valerius finished his story. Eryndor folded his arms, his expression thoughtful. ¡°This woman¡ªElsa. I should thank her personally.¡± --- To Be Continued... Chapter 13: The Sky’s Wrath The Waver¡¯s Refuge The dimly lit confines of the Waver reverberated with tension as Valerius, Ziraiah, and Eryndor gathered in Gustein''s Waver. Valerius asked, " Where is Kaelan?" Eryndor replies, "In that dark place, Kaelan lay unconscious, his body battered and bruised." Valerius, his voice heavy with concern, asked, ¡°What happened to Kaelan?¡± Ziraiah, visibly shaken, answered before anyone else could. ¡°Someone came after us. We were utterly powerless¡ªthere was nothing we could do against him. How can someone like that even exist? Even Kaelan couldn¡¯t hurt him.¡± Eryndor spoke next, his tone grim yet tempered. ¡°Let us be thankful he had a change of heart.¡± But as the memory of the battle resurfaced, Eryndor¡¯s calm faltered. He looked down at his hands, swollen and bruised from the encounter, and clenched them tightly. ¡°That man¡¯s body was as unyielding as steel. As you well know, back on Earth, my strength far surpassed that of any ordinary human. We now understand why¡ªbecause I am not human. Yet, even with all that strength, when I struck him... it felt as though I were pounding against an impenetrable wall.¡± He extended his hands toward Valerius, his frustration palpable. ¡°Look at them, Valerius¡ªsee how battered they are. I was utterly helpless. I couldn¡¯t protect Ziraiah. It is nothing short of a miracle that he let us live.¡± Valerius, seething with anger, turned sharply toward Yelleen. ¡°Yelleen! Why didn¡¯t you help them?¡± Yelleen¡¯s disembodied voice answered with an unsettling calm. ¡°There was nothing I could have done. I cannot interact with the physical world.¡± Valerius¡¯s tone sharpened. ¡°But you could have warned them!¡± ¡°I shall make adjustments for the future,¡± Yelleen replied, its voice unchanging. ¡°Don¡¯t blame Yelleen,¡± Eryndor interjected, his voice steady but firm. Valerius glared at the empty air as though trying to confront Yelleen¡¯s invisible form. ¡°Is this what you meant by facing our own problems? Does this mean that if such a thing happens again, you will simply let us die?¡± A suffocating silence filled the room, thick and oppressive. Finally, Yelleen spoke, its voice carrying a somber gravity. ¡°Rid yourselves of all thoughts of Earth. This is Yilheim, a world wholly alien to the one you once knew. Here, the strong dictate the laws, and the weak are trampled beneath them. The weak may only survive if the strong permit it. Your notions of morality, your ideals of justice¡ªnone of these have a place here. ¡°This world operates by its own rules, its own morals, and its own laws. If you wish to survive, you must adapt. Fortify your resolve and make your will unbreakable. I do not desire your deaths. Whatever it takes, you must live.¡± The weight of Yelleen¡¯s words hung in the air, an unshakable reminder of the harsh reality they now faced. Moments later, Gustein emerged from the dark room, his expression as inscrutable as ever. He surveyed the siblings with a curious gaze. ¡°So, you¡¯re Earthers. Wait... aren¡¯t you Elvheins?¡± Without waiting for a response, Gustein rushed toward them with the urgency of a healer. He pried open their eyes, checked their pulses, and even examined their mouths with an air of professional curiosity. ¡°What are you doing?¡± Ziraiah asked, pulling back slightly, her voice tinged with irritation. Gustein laughed, his fascination evident. ¡°Fascinating! Elvhein Earthers! This world truly never ceases to amaze.¡± ¡°How did you come by such knowledge?¡± Eryndor inquired, his voice calm and measured, carrying an air of dignified curiosity. Gustein chuckled, gesturing at the space around him. ¡°I see no Yelleen here, do you?¡± The Journey ¡°Anyway,¡± Gustein said, his tone shifting to a more practical one, ¡°you¡¯ve endured quite enough for one day. Get some rest.¡± He walked to the front of the Waver, where the controls gleamed faintly in the dark. Pulling a helmet adorned with cables onto his head, he gestured toward Kaelan. ¡°Lerius, secure the straps around¡ª¡±The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. ¡°It¡¯s Kaelan,¡± Valerius corrected, his tone clipped. ¡°Ah, yes, Kaelan,¡± Gustein said absentmindedly. He adjusted a few controls before asking with a wry grin, ¡°I don¡¯t suppose Mystvir still welcomes you?¡± Without waiting for an answer, he pressed a red button. The Waver hummed to life, its runes glowing. ¡°So, I¡¯ll take you away from here,¡± he added, casting a sly look back at them, ¡°for a price, of course.¡± The siblings exchanged weary glances. ¡°Everyone, take a seat and strap yourselves in. We¡¯ll be in the air for a few hours,¡± Gustein instructed, and with that, the Waver began its ascent. As the Waver sped through the sky at sonic speeds, Valerius couldn¡¯t help but marvel. ¡°I must admit,¡± he said, a hint of awe in his voice, ¡°this world has some truly remarkable creations.¡± Gustein smirked, pressing a button on the console. ¡°You¡¯ve yet to see anything,¡± he said. ¡°Allow me to give you a proper tour of Yilheim.¡± The walls of the Waver began to fade, becoming translucent. The siblings gasped as the view unfolded before them¡ªa vista so marvelous it seemed like a dream. They saw waterfalls defying gravity, cascading upward toward floating islands. Seas of lava, oil, and water stretched out in dazzling arrays, with one sea of water suspended midair, glistening like a jewel. Trees of unimaginable size towered above them, their colossal branches stretching kilometers into the heavens. Flying creatures of all shapes and sizes soared past, their wings slicing through the air like graceful blades. ¡°My God,¡± Eryndor breathed, his voice hushed in reverence. ¡°Look at that,¡± Valerius said, pointing. ¡°Ziraiah, the sea¡ªit¡¯s in the sky!¡± ¡°How is this possible?¡± Ziraiah whispered, her voice trembling with wonder. Before their astonished eyes, a family of Skyarcs¡ªmagnificent bird-like creatures¡ªflew gracefully with their young. Eryndor smiled faintly. ¡°Even they have families. Look at them, Valerius¡ªflying together with their little ones.¡± But their awe was abruptly shattered. Without warning, a massive creature emerged from the void, its maw opening wide. In one horrifying moment, it devoured the entire family of Skyarcs. Ziraiah gasped, her hands flying to her mouth. ¡°It came out of nowhere!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t look this way, don¡¯t look this way, don¡¯t look this way,¡± Valerius muttered under his breath, panic creeping into his voice. The creature turned its enormous, scaled head toward them. ¡°Shit,¡± Valerius cursed, his face contorted with dread. ¡°Gustein!¡± Eryndor shouted, his voice sharp. ¡°I know!¡± Gustein barked in reply. ¡°Strap yourselves in¡ªnow!¡± The siblings hurriedly obeyed as Gustein pushed the Waver to its limits. The runes glowed brighter as the craft broke the sound barrier, a deafening boom echoing through the air. ¡°What was that?¡± Ziraiah cried. ¡°A sonic boom,¡± Eryndor explained, his voice strained. ¡°We¡¯ve just surpassed the speed of sound.¡± "I can''t breath," Valerius cried. "As a result of the sudden acceleration, your chest is currently experiencing high levels of G-force," Eryndor explained. "Endure it." The creature, undeterred, pursued them relentlessly, its enormous form weaving through the air with terrifying speed. Eryndor, his voice tight with urgency, shouted, ¡°Gustein, if that thing catches us, it¡¯ll swallow the entire Waver whole!¡± ¡°I know!¡± Gustein snapped, his focus unwavering as he guided the ship toward the massive trees ahead. ¡°Why are you heading for the tree? We¡¯ll crash!¡± Ziraiah exclaimed, her voice rising. ¡°We¡¯ll thread through the branches and leaves,¡± Gustein said. ¡°Hopefully, it¡¯ll lose us in the process.¡± The Waver plunged into the dense foliage of the colossal tree. The branches, each spanning kilometers, became a labyrinth through which Gustein expertly maneuvered. Behind them, the monstrous creature struggled to navigate the tight spaces, its enormous size working against it. ¡°Come on,¡± Valerius shouted. ¡°Go find food somewhere else.¡± Gustein laughed grimly. ¡°The curse of being big.¡± Suddenly, Ziraiah squinted at a distant figure weaving effortlessly through the branches. ¡°Is that... a person?¡± The figure moved with unearthly grace, leaping through the air as though it were their domain. They wielded a sword, and with one fluid motion, unleashed a shockwave that cleaved the creature in two. The siblings and Gustein stared in stunned silence, their jaws slack with disbelief. The Waver shuddered violently from the aftershock, but none of them noticed, too entranced by the scene. The creature¡¯s blood and remains rained down upon a distant town below, sending its inhabitants into a panic. ¡°The world is ending!¡± someone cried. ¡°Gustein!¡± Eryndor shouted, snapping out of his daze. But Gustein, still stunned, failed to react in time. The Waver collided with a massive branch, sending it careening downward. ¡°You could have been more careful!¡± Ziraiah scolded, her voice weak from the impact. ¡°Stop pressuring me!¡± Gustein snapped back, wrestling with the controls. The Waver crashed through leaves and branches before Gustein managed to regain partial control, landing in the middle of a bustling town. The ship skidded to a halt, leaving a long crater in its wake. Eryndor unstrapped himself, checking on his siblings. ¡°Is everyone all right?¡± He gently tapped Ziraiah¡¯s face, her eyes fluttering open as she struggled to focus. ¡°Ziraiah, look at me. How many fingers am I holding up?¡± ¡°What fingers?¡± she murmured groggily. Valerius groaned. ¡°Thanks for asking about me.¡± Before they could regroup, the back door of the Waver opened to reveal a battalion of soldiers, their long ears marking them as Elves. They raised their weapons, aiming directly at the group. "State your business---or face the wrath of Ignir!" To Be Continued... Chapter 14: Lab Rat The Standoff The tension was palpable as the Elven guards, their rune-etched weapons gleaming faintly, surrounded the Waver. Gustein, unstrapping himself from his seat, shuffled to the door with his hands raised high. His imposing yet comical figure seemed almost out of place amidst the sharp precision of the Elves. ¡°We are not hostile!¡± Gustein declared, his voice carrying an odd mix of desperation and confidence. The guards parted to allow their commander through¡ªa towering Elf, nearly 9 feet 8 inches tall, his golden hair cascading past his shoulders. His angular features were severe, and his sharp blue eyes radiated authority. Standing at the threshold of the Waver, he said with cold precision, ¡°Surrender now.¡± Gustein stepped forward cautiously, speaking quickly but with a disarming smile. ¡°I¡¯m a healer, and these are my patients. We were being chased by that monstrosity when we crashed here. As you can see, we¡¯re completely unarmed.¡± Kaelan stirred faintly from his stretcher, his voice groggy. ¡°What¡¯s¡­ happening? Feels like a mountain crushed me.¡± ¡°Shut up,¡± Gustein hissed under his breath, flashing an apologetic smile at the Elves. ¡°We¡¯re in a¡­ delicate situation.¡± The Elf commander¡¯s gaze shifted to the siblings. His expression darkened with suspicion. ¡°You pests¡­ Do you plan to invade our land?¡± ¡°No, no, no!¡± Gustein waved his hands, forcing a nervous chuckle. ¡°There will be no invading! None at all. We¡¯re just harmless travelers.¡± The Elf commander narrowed his eyes. ¡°You expect me to believe that? A million Earthers appear at our doorstep, and now you bring that massive beast to ravage our kingdom. If it weren¡¯t for¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Gustein interjected, ¡°We were trying to escape it! That¡¯s why we crashed here!¡± The Elf commander¡¯s patience wore thin. He raised his hand sharply. ¡°Knock them out.¡± ¡°Wait¡ª!¡± Gustein began, but the guards were faster. They fired gas canisters into the Waver, filling the air with thick, acrid fumes. Valerius, Ziraiah, Eryndor, Kaelan, and Gustein succumbed to unconsciousness in moments. The commander motioned to his troops. ¡°Take them away.¡± --- The Journey to the Capital The guards worked with practiced efficiency. The siblings were carried over their shoulders, while Kaelan¡¯s stretcher was wheeled out, and Gustein was unceremoniously strapped onto another. They were loaded into a massive, rune-inscribed vehicle¡ªa Kruiser. Its sleek white surface shimmered faintly, glowing with the energy of embedded runes. Inside, the Kruiser¡¯s spacious interior allowed the guards to stand as they secured their captives. At the helm, a guard donned a helmet wired to the control panel. The Kruiser hummed to life, and its runes glowed. As the vehicle sped toward the Elven capital, the guards exchanged hushed words. ¡°Do you think this will be like 300 years ago?¡± one asked, his voice uneasy. ¡°I hope not,¡± replied another. ¡°Those Earthers¡­ they¡¯re dangerous. Walking bombs. I was a child back then, but I still remember the chaos they caused.¡± A younger guard, barely 90 years old, scoffed. ¡°Are they really that dangerous? These ones seem weak.¡± The commander¡¯s voice cut through the chatter, stern and sharp. ¡°They were experimented on, turned into weapons. If you underestimate them, you¡¯ll regret it. Stay alert.¡± --- The Elven Capital As the Kruiser passed through the grand gates of the Elven capital, the scene unfolded like a living masterpiece. The city was an awe-inspiring fusion of nature and architectural brilliance. Towering trees, their trunks wider than city streets, served as the foundation for homes and structures. Some buildings were carved seamlessly into the wood, while others perched atop colossal branches, connected by golden bridges and glowing vines. Waterfalls poured from elevated streams, cascading into crystalline pools below. Vibrant flowers bloomed in every corner, their radiant colors shimmering under the light of suspended magical orbs. The streets were paved with luminous stones that sparkled like stars, casting a soft, warm glow over the city. In the heart of the capital stood a colossal white castle, its surface gleaming like polished marble. Its intricate carvings depicted ancient Elven lore, and runes etched along its walls pulsed faintly, radiating a serene yet commanding energy. Surrounding the castle were towering statues of legendary Elves¡ªheroes and leaders of the past. Their expressions exuded wisdom and strength, their gazes seeming to watch over the city they had built. The Kruiser came to a halt in front of a grand building bearing the name Hefestir Hospital inscribed in flowing Elvish script. Its design mirrored the city¡¯s natural elegance, its structure curving gracefully like the petals of a flower. The commander stepped out, issuing orders. ¡°Take them to Renia.¡± --- The Laboratory The hospital¡¯s interior was pristine and futuristic. Its white walls seemed to glow, and the faint hum of magic-infused machinery filled the air. The guards carried their captives to an elevator, where a hidden scanner activated as one guard placed his hand on the floor. A circular compartment revealed a glowing blue button labeled 0, which he pressed.Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings. The elevator descended rapidly, opening into a sprawling underground laboratory. The room buzzed with activity¡ªscientists moved between holographic displays, glowing vials, and intricate machinery. Standing at the center was an Elf woman. Renia, tall and poised at 9 feet 5 inches. Her long blonde hair was tied back neatly, and her sharp blue eyes gleamed with intellect. She wore a white lab coat over a knee-length skirt. ¡°Put them on the beds,¡± she instructed crisply. The guards obeyed, securing Valerius, Ziraiah, Eryndor, Kaelan, and Gustein on separate examination tables. Renia dismissed the guards with a wave of her hand. ¡°You may leave now.¡± As the room emptied, Renia turned to her team of scientists. ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± --- The Discovery The scientists worked diligently, their voices filling the room as they ran scans, took samples, and examined the siblings with meticulous care. Renia¡¯s voice rose above the murmurs as she reviewed the data. ¡°These three¡­ they aren¡¯t human,¡± she said, astonishment coloring her tone. ¡°What do you mean?¡± one of her colleagues asked, leaning closer to the holographic display. Renia gestured to the screen, highlighting a strand of genetic data. ¡°Their DNA is Elvhein in origin, but it¡¯s far more complex. Their physiology surpasses anything we¡¯ve documented. Look at their bones¡ªdenser yet lighter due to a unique crystalline structure. And their muscles¡ªthey¡¯re in the process of restructuring themselves, embedding stronger protein fibers. It¡¯s as if their bodies are preparing for survival on a whole new level.¡± A younger scientist pointed to another set of data. ¡°And this energy surge¡ªwhat¡¯s causing it?¡± Renia¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°It¡¯s the Bravo. They must have come into contact with a powerful user. Their dormant Bravo resonated with that exposure, triggering this transformation. Their bodies are adapting to ensure they can withstand such stress if it happens again. The pain they experienced was from this process¡ªtearing them apart and rebuilding them, piece by piece.¡± Another scientist frowned. ¡°Good thing we administered pain inhibitors. Without them, they might not have survived the process.¡± Renia nodded. ¡°They¡¯re fortunate. But this discovery raises more questions than answers. Why were their abilities dormant? And why now?¡± She turned toward Kaelan¡¯s display, her voice thoughtful. ¡°His DNA is normal for an Elvhein. Stable, consistent. But the siblings¡ªthere¡¯s something entirely different about them.¡± --- Elvhein Mystery One of the older scientists, an Elf with streaks of silver in his long hair, spoke up, his voice resonant with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯ve studied Elvhein physiology for over a century, but I¡¯ve never encountered anything like this. These siblings¡ªhow did they end up on Earth?¡± Renia tilted her head, her expression contemplative. ¡°That¡¯s another question. The Elvheins on Yilheim are rare¡ªalmost extinct. For them to have been born on Earth is an anomaly in itself.¡± Another scientist, a younger Elf with sharp features, interjected. ¡°The girl, Ziraiah, is fascinating. She has traces of human DNA, but it¡¯s being overwritten. Her body is rejecting the human genetic code and reinforcing her Elvhein traits. By the time she reaches full maturity, she¡¯ll likely be indistinguishable from a pure Elvhein.¡± The older Elf frowned. ¡°An Elvhein mating with a human¡­ that¡¯s unthinkable. To stoop so low¡ª¡± ¡°Careful with your words,¡± Renia snapped, her tone icy. ¡°What matters is the discovery, not your prejudices. Their existence challenges what we know.¡± The younger scientist nodded, clearly intrigued. ¡°Their transformation suggests their Elvhein traits are far more dominant than we assumed. Perhaps their Bravo-infused awakening has accelerated the process.¡± ¡°Or perhaps it¡¯s something inherent to their lineage,¡± Renia suggested. She gestured toward the readings on Valerius¡¯s body. ¡°His Bravo levels are staggering, even by Elvhein standards. It¡¯s as though his body is adapting to contain and harness it.¡± --- The Weight of Responsibility The energetic young Elf scientist, Grain, leaned back against a counter, grinning mischievously. ¡°So, who¡¯s going to tell the King about this?¡± Immediately, the other scientists exchanged nervous glances before collectively replying, ¡°Not me.¡± Renia crossed her arms, her gaze narrowing at Grain. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± But Grain pointed at her with both hands, his grin widening. ¡°Too late, Renia. You¡¯re the best choice. Besides, you¡¯ve got the authority.¡± Renia sighed heavily as the other scientists quickly made their exits, leaving her to handle the daunting task. Grain gave her a playful salute as he walked out. ¡°Good luck, Renia. You¡¯ve got this!¡± Muttering under her breath, Renia turned back to the siblings. Her sharp gaze softened as she studied their unconscious forms. ¡°What are you really, and why are you here?¡± --- The Awakening As the scientists prepared to move the siblings to secure chambers, murmurs of curiosity and concern filled the lab. Renia kept a close eye on the monitors, her gaze flicking between the screens and the siblings. Suddenly, Ziraiah¡¯s body tensed, her muscles contracting as her face contorted in pain. A low groan escaped her lips, followed by a sharp gasp as her body arched off the table. Eryndor and Valerius followed suit, their expressions twisting with discomfort as waves of pain rippled through them. ¡°What¡¯s happening to them?¡± a scientist asked, his voice tinged with panic. Renia¡¯s tone was calm but firm. ¡°Their bodies are adapting, but the process is far from smooth. This level of transformation would be excruciating.¡± ¡°They¡¯re waking up,¡± another scientist said, alarm creeping into their voice. ¡°Prepare the sedatives!¡± Renia ordered. ¡°We need to stabilize them before the pain overwhelms their systems.¡± Before the sedatives could be administered, Valerius¡¯s eyes fluttered open. He sucked in a sharp breath, his chest heaving as he struggled to sit up. His movements were shaky but deliberate, his instincts taking over as he scanned the unfamiliar room. His gaze settled on Renia, his expression wary. ¡°Where¡­ am I?¡± Valerius¡¯s voice was hoarse, his words heavy with confusion. Renia stepped forward cautiously, keeping her hands visible. ¡°You¡¯re in a secure facility. You¡¯ve been undergoing a transformation¡ªa process triggered by your recent experiences.¡± Eryndor stirred beside him, his breath labored as he forced himself upright. His gaze was sharp despite the evident strain. ¡°What did you do to us?¡± Renia met his accusing stare evenly. ¡°We¡¯ve done nothing to harm you. Your bodies are changing, adapting to your latent potential. Without intervention, the process could have killed you.¡± Valerius¡¯s jaw tightened, his protective instincts flaring as he glanced at Ziraiah. She was still lying down, her breathing uneven as she struggled to open her eyes. ¡°Why should I trust you?¡± Eryndor placed a steadying hand on Valerius¡¯s shoulder, his voice calmer but firm. "Valerius, let us first discern the truth of our circumstances before casting blame or suspicion." Ziraiah finally managed to speak, her voice faint. ¡°This¡­ pain. What¡¯s wrong with me?¡± Renia¡¯s expression softened, her tone more empathetic. ¡°Your DNA is awakening, reshaping your bodies to align with your dormant Elvhein heritage. It¡¯s a natural response to the recent stress you¡¯ve endured, but it¡¯s a brutal process. Your pain is a sign that it¡¯s working¡ªand that your bodies are growing stronger.¡± --- The King¡¯s Command As Renia began explaining further, the door to the lab burst open, and a regal figure stepped inside. The Elven King, towering even among his kin. His golden armor glimmered under the lab¡¯s lights, and his blue eyes swept across the room. ¡°What is the meaning of this?¡± he demanded, his deep voice silencing everyone. Renia stepped forward, bowing slightly. ¡°Your Majesty, these are the subjects I mentioned in my report. Their physiology is unlike anything we¡¯ve encountered. They¡¯re Elvhein¡­ but not as we know it.¡± The King¡¯s gaze lingered on the siblings, his expression unreadable. ¡°Elvhein Earthers,¡± he mused. ¡°Interesting. And dangerous.¡± Valerius stood, his legs shaky but defiant. ¡°We¡¯re not your enemies.¡± The King¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°Perhaps. But that remains to be seen.¡± To Be Continued... Chapter 15: The kings Demand The king¡¯s imposing figure radiated authority as he entered the chamber, his silver cape flowing like liquid metal behind him. His presence alone seemed to demand silence, and all within the room instinctively straightened, as if the air itself had grown heavier. ¡°I could have delegated this interrogation to one of my subordinates,¡± he began, his deep, resonant voice cutting through the tension like a blade. ¡°But when I heard you were Elvhein Earthers, my curiosity grew too great to resist.¡± The room remained silent as his sharp blue eyes swept over the gathered figures. He moved with deliberate grace, every step echoing on the polished floor. As he approached Renia, his gaze sharpened. ¡°Renia,¡± he said, his tone cool but commanding, ¡°did you include every detail in my report?¡± Renia inclined her head respectfully, bowing slightly. ¡°Yes, my lord. Every detail has been documented.¡± The king¡¯s gaze shifted, catching sight of Gustein sprawled on the floor, snoring with his hand on his ample belly. His lips curled faintly in disdain. ¡°Is that¡­ a Leporid?¡± he asked, his voice laced with incredulity. Renia nodded. ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± The king¡¯s expression darkened as he studied Gustein. ¡°I haven¡¯t seen one of those avaricious creatures in years. Their greed is rivaled only by their cowardice.¡± He took a few more steps, his commanding presence filling the room. With a mere wave of his hand, a chair formed seamlessly from the ground. He sat down, resting his arms on the armrests as he leaned forward slightly, his tone darkening. ¡°Now, let us dispense with pleasantries. Boy, what are you, and why are you here?¡± The weight of his magical aura pressed down upon them, chilling the air and causing the siblings to shrink back. ¡°And remember this,¡± the king continued, his voice low but laced with menace, ¡°utter even a single falsehood, and your heads shall roll.¡± The oppressive energy sent shivers through everyone present. Kaelan and Gustein, startled from their slumber, were instantly on edge. Ziraiah¡¯s breath hitched as she clutched her hands to her chest, her eyes wide with fear. Eryndor, ever composed, stepped forward. He placed a steadying hand on Valerius¡¯s shoulder and spoke, his voice calm yet firm, his words deliberate and elegant. ¡°Allow me to address your questions, your grace. We hail from Earth, though we know not how we arrived in this realm. One moment, we were amidst our lives, and the next, we found ourselves cast into Yilheim. Since then, we have endured hardship and peril, striving only to survive.¡± His measured tone seemed to ease the suffocating tension in the room, his sincerity cutting through the king¡¯s oppressive aura like a blade. The king¡¯s cold gaze lingered on Eryndor before he turned his attention elsewhere. ¡°Hesta,¡± he commanded, his voice sharp, ¡°confirm his statement.¡± The doors to the chamber opened, revealing a young Elf woman. She was lithe and delicate, standing at 8 feet tall. Her short blonde hair framed sharp blue eyes that sparkled with quiet intelligence. Her green dress, layered over fitted trousers, swayed as she moved with grace toward the group. ¡°It is true, my lord,¡± Hesta said with unwavering certainty. Eryndor turned to her, his curiosity evident. ¡°How can you be so certain?¡± Hesta¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile. ¡°In my presence, no one can speak a lie without it revealing itself.¡± Before Eryndor could respond, Gustein, ever opportunistic, attempted to diffuse the tension with a wide grin and a polite bow. ¡°Ah, now that we¡¯re all on the same page, might this humble Leporid beg your graciousness to allow us to depart in peace?¡± Renia¡¯s voice cut through his attempt, precise and sharp. ¡°My lord, the Leporid carries a Seed.¡± The king¡¯s piercing gaze snapped to Gustein, who immediately began to sweat, his composure faltering. ¡°You possess a Seed?¡± the king demanded, his tone icy. Gustein stammered, his voice high-pitched with panic. ¡°What? No, no, I¡¯m just an ordinary Leporid¡ªnothing special!¡± Hesta¡¯s calm voice rang out. ¡°That is a lie.¡± Without hesitation, the king raised a hand, and a thin blade of ice materialized, slicing cleanly through Gustein¡¯s left arm. Blood spattered onto the polished floor as Gustein howled in pain, clutching the severed limb. The siblings froze in shock, Ziraiah covering her mouth to stifle a gasp. Kaelan roared, launching himself at the king, but the Elf lord barely moved. With a flick of his wrist, Kaelan was frozen mid-air by a cage of ice, then dropped unceremoniously to the ground. Gustein writhed in agony, his cries echoing through the chamber. Yet, before their eyes, his severed arm began to regenerate. Bone and sinew wove themselves together, flesh knitting itself back into place. The process was slow and excruciating, beads of sweat pouring down Gustein¡¯s face as he groaned in pain. The king¡¯s expression shifted, intrigue replacing disdain. ¡°Quite the impressive ability, Leporid,¡± he remarked, his tone calm but cold. ¡°I do not tolerate falsehoods¡ªremember that well.¡± He leaned back slightly, watching Gustein catch his breath. ¡°Now,¡± he said, his voice sharp as steel, ¡°tell me the truth. What is your Seed¡¯s ability?¡± Still trembling, Gustein answered, his voice hoarse. ¡°I¡­ I can heal any injury or disease.¡± The king¡¯s icy gaze remained fixed on him. ¡°Does your power extend to others?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Gustein admitted, his tone resigned. The king¡¯s expression became unreadable as he rose from his seat, his silver cape billowing slightly. He took a step forward, his voice measured and firm. ¡°If you can perform one task for me, Leporid, I shall grant you and your companions their freedom.¡±If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. He turned toward the door, his presence dominating the room. ¡°Hesta, see to it that they are presentable. Bring them to the castle at dusk.¡± With that, the king exited, leaving an air of tension and unease in his wake. --- A Sigh of Relief As the grand doors closed behind the king, the suffocating weight of his presence lifted. The air in the chamber seemed to lighten, and the siblings exchanged uneasy glances. Ziraiah knelt beside Kaelan, her eyes filled with concern as she gently touched the block of ice encasing him. ¡°Is Kaelan¡­ is he dead?¡± she asked, her voice trembling. Hesta, standing nearby with her arms crossed, shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s alive. The king¡¯s magic can be undone. He won¡¯t kill without purpose.¡± Valerius turned his attention to Gustein, whose chest rose and fell heavily as he cradled his newly regenerated arm. ¡°You had a Seed all along,¡± Valerius said, his tone tinged with disbelief. ¡°Is that how you healed Kaelan? He told us about Seeds¡ªthey¡¯re supposed to be incredibly rare. How did you even find one?¡± Gustein scowled, his frustration bubbling over. ¡°That noble bastard! Cutting off my arm like that¡­ he¡¯ll pay for this someday.¡± ¡°Mind your words, Leporid,¡± Hesta said sharply, her tone carrying a warning. ¡°Speaking ill of the king could earn you a swift execution.¡± Gustein glared at her, his face red with indignation. ¡°The name¡¯s Gustein!¡± Hesta¡¯s stern expression softened slightly, and a sly smile touched her lips. ¡°The king is terrifying, isn¡¯t he?¡± She glanced at Renia. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Renia?¡± Renia raised her hands defensively, shaking her head. ¡°Oh no, I¡¯m not getting involved in this conversation.¡± Hesta chuckled, clapping her hands once. ¡°Enough of this. Come with me. Let¡¯s get you all cleaned up.¡± --- A Private Conversation The siblings huddled together as they followed Hesta, their voices dropping to a whisper as they spoke in English, their shared language from Earth. Eryndor¡¯s tone was measured, carrying an air of caution. ¡°We must tread carefully in the presence of the king. His display of power was deliberate¡ªa warning. If we provoke him further, it could cost us more than an arm.¡± Ziraiah nodded, her voice tinged with worry. ¡°So, Gustein has a Seed. Is that what Kaelan spoke of?¡± Valerius furrowed his brow, glancing at Gustein ahead of them. ¡°It must be. Didn¡¯t Kaelan say Seeds were rare and dangerous? How did Gustein even get one?¡± ¡°I suppose that¡¯s how he healed Kaelan,¡± Ziraiah added. ¡°But why did he lie about it?¡± Eryndor¡¯s gaze hardened, and his voice dropped to a near whisper. ¡°Keep your guard up. The people of this world are dangerous. That shadowy man and now the king¡ªthey possess powers that dwarf anything we¡¯ve ever encountered. A single mistake could be our undoing. Let us tread carefully.¡± Before they could continue, Renia, walking just ahead of them, turned her head slightly. ¡°What language is that?¡± she asked, her voice laced with curiosity. ¡°I¡¯ve never heard anything like it.¡± The siblings hesitated, exchanging quick glances. Before they could respond, Hesta¡¯s voice rang out ahead of them. ¡°I told you to follow me!¡± Taking the excuse to avoid answering, they hurried after Hesta, leaving Renia¡¯s question unanswered. --- Hesta¡¯s Hospitality The group arrived at a quaint Elven home tucked away in a serene corner of the city. Hesta gestured to the door. ¡°Go on in. I¡¯ll fetch some proper clothes for you.¡± The siblings hesitated, exchanging wary glances. Hesta noticed their reluctance and added, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nothing bad will happen to you here. You have my word.¡± After a moment¡¯s hesitation, they stepped inside. Valerius¡¯s eyes lit up as he took in the elegant simplicity of the home. ¡°This place is¡­ really nice,¡± he remarked, his voice tinged with surprise. The siblings wandered through the house, admiring its charm. Valerius paused at a wall adorned with paintings. One depicted Hesta with another young Elf girl, their smiles warm and genuine. Moving further, Valerius entered another room and noticed cups of water sealed with a strange transparent material. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Valerius muttered, tapping the unfamiliar covering. Curious, he peeled it away and took a sip. From the other room, Ziraiah¡¯s voice rang out sharply. ¡°Val! What did Eryndor say about being cautious?¡± Valerius shrugged, unbothered. ¡°This is her house. No way it¡¯s poisoned.¡± Ziraiah rolled her eyes, exasperated. ¡°You know what? Just die. I don¡¯t care.¡± The siblings regrouped in what appeared to be the living room. They sat in an awkward silence until Eryndor broke it, his tone dry but refined. ¡°Why so unusually quiet, Gustein? I thought you relished the sound of your own voice.¡± Gustein shot him a glare, muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t annoy me.¡± Ziraiah leaned forward, her curiosity getting the better of her. ¡°So, where did you get your Seed?¡± ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Gustein snapped, crossing his arms. Their exchange was interrupted by Hesta¡¯s return. She carried a bundle of elegant Elven clothing, handing it out to each of them. ¡°Here. You¡¯ll need to take turns using the bathroom to change.¡± --- An Audience with the King As dusk fell, the siblings and Gustein were led to the castle. The grand doors opened with a low groan, revealing the sprawling throne room illuminated by soft golden light. A servant¡¯s voice echoed, announcing their arrival. ¡°They have arrived, my lord.¡± Valerius¡¯s breath hitched as he took in the sight before him. The Elven king sat upon a grand throne adorned with intricate carvings and glowing runes. Beside him stood his daughter, a vision of ethereal beauty. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back, and her sharp blue eyes sparkled like gemstones. She stood at 8 feet 9 inches, her flowing blue dress complementing her regal presence. Eryndor, standing beside Valerius, whispered, his tone filled with admiration, ¡°My, what unparalleled beauty. She carries a grace that could humble even the heavens.¡± The siblings and Gustein knelt on one knee, bowing their heads as they spoke in unison. ¡°We are here, my lord.¡± The king gestured for them to rise, his voice firm yet elegant. ¡°Raise your heads. My wife has endured an illness that has plagued her for thirty years. Despite our efforts, no remedy has succeeded. Leporid, I have learned of your extraordinary ability. If you can cure her, I shall grant you not only your freedom but also a reward befitting such a feat.¡± As the king spoke, Ziraiah¡¯s attention was drawn to a massive stone tablet to her right. Her eyes widened as she recognized the intricate carvings. She leaned toward Valerius and whispered, ¡°Hey, Val, that¡¯s the language Mom taught us.¡± ¡°Where?¡± Valerius whispered back, his gaze following hers. His eyes widened. ¡°Oh yeah, it kind of looks like Mom¡¯s handwriting.¡± The king¡¯s sharp voice cut through their whispers. ¡°What are you murmuring about?¡± ¡°Nothi---, ¡± Valerius began, but before he could finish, Ziraiah punched him in the stomach, silencing him with a groan. She leaned in, whispering harshly, ¡°Do you remember what happened to Gustein when he lied? Use your head for once." She stepped forward and addressed the king directly. ¡°My lord, we were merely discussing the language on the stone.¡± The king¡¯s expression turned inquisitive. ¡°Language, you say? What does it reveal?¡± The nobles in the room exchanged suspicious glances, their murmurs filling the chamber. "Could she truly know the ancient tongue?¡± one noble muttered. ¡°Is it possible she is deceiving us?¡± another whispered, his tone dripping with doubt. ¡°Why would a mere Earther recognize such sacred markings?¡± a third interjected, his voice tinged with indignation. Ziraiah steadied herself and replied, ¡°It resembles a language my mother taught us as children. She said it was her native tongue.¡± One elderly Elf, clad in ornate robes, stepped forward. ¡°Preposterous!¡± he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the chamber. ¡° No one in Yilheim can understand the ancient script. How could an Earther possibly comprehend it?¡± The king leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. ¡°This revelation warrants further inquiry. Renia, record her words. The ancient script must not be taken lightly.¡± Renia nodded. ¡°Yes, my lord.¡± The king¡¯s gaze hardened as he turned back to Gustein. ¡°Leporid, prove your worth. Heal my queen, and your fate will change.¡± The siblings stood silently, aware that this moment could define their path forward. --- To Be Continued¡­ Chapter 16: Chaos Unleashed The Grand hall The grand hall echoed with the rustling of the king¡¯s silver cape as he turned, his piercing gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles and guests. His voice, both regal and commanding, resonated throughout the chamber: ¡°Follow me.¡± The siblings, Gustein, and a few of the high-ranking nobles obeyed, trailing after the king as his presence carved a path through the murmuring crowd. Whispers flared among the nobility, their voices barely contained in their gossip. "How dare they walk beside His Majesty?" one noble muttered. "To bring Earthers into our sacred halls," another hissed. "What madness is this?" One nobleman, middle-aged by Elven standards, lingered silently as the group passed. His sharp eyes locked onto the siblings, and a faint smile curved his lips. His attention shifted to a rotund noblewoman standing nearby, equally middle-aged in appearance. Their gazes met, and with an almost imperceptible nod, an unspoken understanding passed between them. The king, oblivious or indifferent to the whispers, led the group out of the hall. As the entourage exited, the man who had been observing the siblings slipped his hands behind his back. Pressing a hidden device strapped to his wrist, he whispered under his breath, "It begins." --- Ascending the Castle The group began climbing the spiraling staircase, its steps wide and gleaming with polished marble. The king¡¯s commanding aura kept everyone silent, save for the faint echoes of their footsteps. His cape fluttered with each stride, and the nobles followed in respectful silence, their unease masked by formality. Breaking the stillness, the princess turned to Ziraiah, her tone curious and soft: ¡°My grandfather told me stories about the Elvhein. Are those stories true?¡± Ziraiah hesitated, her voice uncertain. ¡°Stories? I¡­ I¡¯m not from here, so I don¡¯t know them, Your Highness.¡± The princess¡¯s eyes gleamed with nostalgia. ¡°As a child, my grandfather often read me bedtime stories of your kind. He spoke of warriors unmatched in battle, of minds that held the secrets of the world. Legends say your people created artifacts so powerful that the Unbound would kill to possess them. Even now, the remnants of what you left behind have plunged the world into chaos, as the Unbound scour the lands to claim your treasures.¡± Intrigued, Ziraiah asked, ¡°What sort of things did they leave behind?¡± The princess smiled faintly, her gaze distant. ¡°Artifacts. Treasures. Tools of unimaginable power.¡± She paused, lowering her voice to a whisper. ¡°Things that could shape the fate of nations.¡± Ziraiah glanced at the king ahead of them and lowered her voice further. ¡°Is it safe for us to talk like this? Your father is kind of¡ª¡± ¡°Scary?¡± The princess finished with a sly grin. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. He won¡¯t mind.¡± She leaned closer. ¡°So, what did the stone say?¡± Ziraiah hesitated, glancing around nervously. ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯m lying?¡± The princess¡¯s expression softened. ¡°I¡¯m just curious.¡± Hesta¡¯s quiet voice emerged from the shadows beside them, startling Ziraiah. ¡°Yes. I¡¯m curious too.¡± Ziraiah turned to see Hesta walking beside her, her calm demeanor masking the intensity of her gaze. Valerius, who had been eavesdropping, pretended to inspect the staircase but listened intently. --- The Queen¡¯s Chamber At last, they reached an ornate door inscribed with glowing runes. The king raised his hand, and the runes illuminated under his touch, unlocking the entrance with a soft hum. The door creaked open, revealing the queen¡¯s chamber. As they entered, the room was shrouded in an almost sacred silence. The Elven Queen lay upon an ornate bed, surrounded by attendants who diligently tended to her. Her once-radiant form was now frail and sunken, her skin a pallid gray, her muscles wasted away. Her condition was so dire that her bones protruded visibly beneath her skin. Ziraiah gasped, covering her mouth in shock. Valerius, however, could not contain his thoughts: ¡°Goddamn, she¡¯s ancient.¡± The words slipped from his lips before he could stop himself. The princess¡¯s face twisted in annoyance as she snapped, ¡°That¡¯s my mother.¡± Realizing his blunder, Valerius paled and immediately began bowing repeatedly, his words tumbling over each other. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ziraiah silently cursed him. ¡°This idiot,¡± she thought. ¡°How is he so stupid?¡± Eryndor, standing behind them, sighed deeply, his refined features barely concealing his embarrassment. From behind, the nobles began murmuring, their whispers growing louder. ¡°What did he say to the princess?¡± ¡°Did he harm her?¡± ¡°Guards, seize him!¡± one noble exclaimed, pointing at Valerius. The guards stationed in the four corners of the room stepped forward, but before they could act, the princess raised a hand, her voice calm but firm. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Stay where you are.¡± The king, observing the commotion, used thought transmission to communicate with his daughter: ¡°What transpired, Eli?¡± Eli replied through thought, her tone measured. ¡°It is nothing, Father. An unfortunate slip of the tongue.¡± The king¡¯s mental voice softened slightly. ¡°Very well.¡± Out loud, he addressed the room with a regal tone. ¡°Leporid, I trust you will not disappoint me.¡± --- The Healing Begins The nobles whispered among themselves as Gustein stepped forward. ¡°What is this Leporid going to do?¡± one asked. ¡°The king didn¡¯t tell us anything,¡± another grumbled. ¡°Does he not trust us?¡± Gustein raised his hands over the queen¡¯s frail body, his expression unreadable. Before he began, the king spoke again, his tone firm and elegant: ¡°Leporid, heed my words. I shall tolerate only two outcomes: either her condition remains unchanged, or it improves. Should she worsen under your care, you will understand the full extent of my wrath.¡± Gustein grimaced, muttering to himself. ¡°What the hell kind of disease is this? Isn¡¯t she just¡­ too old? Whatever. Let¡¯s get this over with so I can leave this damned kingdom.¡± He began channeling his Seed ability, a faint glow emanating from his hands. Slowly, the queen¡¯s body began to rejuvenate. Her gray skin regained color, her sunken cheeks filled out, and her frail frame started to show signs of life. The nobles gasped in awe. ¡°Who is this man?¡± one exclaimed. ¡°We tried every elixir and healing magic. How is he accomplishing this?¡± Valerius, unimpressed, muttered, ¡°I thought I¡¯d see some glowing lights or something. Gustein¡¯s Seed is boring.¡± The princess turned to him, her tone sharp. ¡°Seeds? Your companion has a Seed? I thought they were myths.¡± Eryndor replied, his voice calm but tinged with intrigue. ¡°It seems so. Gustein is proof of their existence.¡± The princess¡¯s eyes sparkled with wonder. ¡°First, I meet Elvheins, then a Seed user, and now my mother is healed. This might be the best day of my life.¡± Gustein lowered his hands, stepping back. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± The king approached the queen¡¯s bed, kneeling beside her. His regal composure broke as he took her hand gently. ¡°My love, can you hear me?¡± The queen¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her voice faint but filled with emotion. ¡°Gozay?¡±Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. Tears streamed down the king¡¯s face. The princess ran to her mother¡¯s side, throwing herself onto the bed and embracing her. ¡°Mother!¡± she cried, her voice breaking with emotion. Valerius watched the scene, murmuring, ¡°I guess even he has a heart.¡± Eryndor responded quietly, his tone thoughtful. ¡°No matter how cruel a man may seem, his love for his family endures. That is, if he is truly a man.¡± --- The Plot Unfolds Meanwhile, back in the hall, the nobleman who had been observing the siblings stood motionless, his eyes fixed on the ceiling. Only a few lower-ranking nobles and guards remained. In a low voice, he said, ¡°Only act when I give the go-ahead.¡± --- Outside the Castle Near a small, heavily-guarded building, a towering Pesterio with four arms, dark skin and a horn on his forehead stood before the entrance. His bald head gleamed under the moonlight as he waved his hand in front of an oblivious guard. ¡°This artifact is really good. I can¡¯t believe he can¡¯t see me.¡± Hiding behind a tree, a dark-skinned human girl with an afro whispered sharply, ¡°Beily, stop that. Don¡¯t ruin the mission before it even starts.¡± The Pesterio, Beily, grinned. ¡°Relax, Silvie. They can¡¯t see or hear us. The artifact is working. Dreados will give the signal soon. Don¡¯t be scared. I¡¯m here.¡± --- The Mission Begins As the king stood in the Queen¡¯s Tower, the weight of his emotions consuming him, the world outside remained oblivious to the dangerous scheme unfolding near the castle. In the shadows outside the treasure room, Beily, the towering Pesterio, crouched with an eager grin as he held a small device in his hand. Turning to the human girl beside him, Silvie, he whispered with an edge of excitement, ¡°It¡¯s time. Put on the suit. You Earthers are so frail, I¡¯ve already drawn the circle around the guards.¡± Silvie hesitated, her heart pounding in her chest, but she nodded and began securing the thin black suit around her body. The material shimmered faintly, hugging her figure like liquid metal as a helmet formed over her head. Beily bent low, his unnervingly eyeless face inches from hers. ¡°Is your heart pounding?¡± His voice was low and teasing, as if he thrived on her nervousness. Silvie swallowed hard. ¡°Yes.¡± Beily smirked, straightening up and turning back to his device. ¡°Good.¡± With that, he pressed the button. Instantly, the guards stationed around the treasure room stiffened, their bodies seizing before collapsing unconscious to the ground. ¡°You brought the Krack, right?¡± Beily asked, his tone light as if they weren¡¯t committing treason against an entire kingdom. Silvie held up a small artifact, its crystalline structure glowing faintly. ¡°Yes.¡± Beily nodded approvingly, then handed her a small device. ¡°Remember, what you¡¯re looking for is red and shiny.¡± As she prepared to move, Beily opened a sleek briefcase, revealing two polished swords and a long, rune-etched gun. He armed himself, slinging the weapon over his back and gripping the swords firmly. His muscles coiled as he braced himself to leap. Turning back, he gave her one last look. ¡°Don¡¯t die on me. Oh, and wait until you hear a loud noise before you start.¡± Without waiting for her response, he launched himself skyward with tremendous force, the impact of his leap creating a small crater and sending a gust of wind that whipped through the area. Silvie stumbled slightly, her wide eyes fixed on his rapidly disappearing form. ¡°What the hell¡­¡± she whispered, momentarily stunned by his inhuman strength. Shaking off her awe, she approached the treasure room¡¯s entrance. Using the Krack, she tapped it against the massive doors. They instantly disintegrated into fine dust, revealing the treasure trove within. Silvie¡¯s mind replayed Beily¡¯s warning: ¡°This artifact is invaluable. Countless lives were lost to acquire it. Do not lose it.¡± As the loud noise of Beily¡¯s destructive antics echoed in the distance, Silvie darted inside. --- Silvie¡¯s Trial The treasure room was vast and dimly lit, the air thick with an unearthly stillness. Shelves lined with gold and artifacts gleamed faintly in the dim light, and intricate traps lay hidden in plain sight. Silvie moved with newfound agility, her enhanced suit heightening her reflexes and strength. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this suit is this powerful,¡± she thought as she dodged a volley of arrows triggered by a stray movement. Leaping and twisting through the air with acrobatic precision, she reached a spiral staircase descending into the depths. Beily¡¯s words rang in her ears: ¡°If you move fast enough, the traps won¡¯t get you.¡± With a confident smile, she sprinted down the stairs, weaving through mechanical snares and pressure-sensitive tiles. At the bottom, a massive chamber greeted her. Seven humanoid stone statues stood motionless, each armed with weapons, guarding an altar piled high with treasures. At the center of the altar, bathed in an eerie glow, were two gleaming red gloves. Silvie¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Red and shiny. That has to be it,¡± she thought. Cautiously, she crept past the statues, the artifact in her possession masking her presence. ¡°With this artifact, nothing can detect me,¡± she reassured herself, inching closer to the altar. When she finally reached the gloves, she exhaled in relief, her trembling hands hovering over the prized objects. --- The Assault on Ignir Meanwhile, in the Queen¡¯s Tower, Valerius, Eryndor, and the nobles rushed to the windows as deafening booms echoed throughout the city. To their horror, massive craters, each spanning 80 meters in diameter, were appearing across entire neighborhoods, obliterating buildings and scattering debris. Eryndor¡¯s sharp eyes narrowed as he assessed the situation. ¡°What is happening?¡± he asked aloud, his tone calm but layered with urgency. An Elven noble screamed, ¡°We¡¯re under attack!¡± The princess, still wiping away tears from moments earlier, spun around in shock. ¡°What?¡± She ran to the window, her eyes widening at the devastation. Her voice broke as she cried out, ¡°Father! The city is being destroyed!¡± The king remained kneeling beside his wife, his hands trembling as he held hers. Tears streaked his cheeks, and his body appeared lifeless, like an empty vessel consumed by his emotions. The princess knelt beside him, shaking him desperately. ¡°Father! Please, we need you!¡± The nobles erupted in panic. ¡°What is happening to the king?¡± one shouted. Another noble exclaimed, ¡°My lord, we are under attack!¡± Hesta stepped forward, her tone grim. ¡°The king hasn¡¯t seen his wife speak in 30 cycles. He won¡¯t be himself for a while.¡± The siblings regrouped, their expressions grim. Valerius muttered, ¡°What a perfect time to attack¡ªthe king is out of commission.¡± Eryndor¡¯s tone was sharper, his words heavy with thought. ¡°This is no coincidence. Such an assault is far too precise to be random. This calamity has been meticulously orchestrated, its timing no accident. The mastermind behind this attack knows exactly when and how to strike.¡± The princess, desperation in her voice, cried out, ¡°Call the commander of security!¡± --- The Breach Back in the treasure room, as Silvie lifted the red gloves from the altar, an ear-splitting alarm blared throughout the chamber. The stone guardians began to move, their eyes glowing a menacing red. Upstairs in the surveillance room, panicked guards turned their attention to the monitors. ¡°The treasure room has been breached!¡± one shouted. Another guard stammered, his voice filled with dread. ¡°How did we not see this? We¡¯re doomed!¡± As the massive doors began to seal, Silvie sprinted toward the exit, the gloves clutched tightly in her hands. ¡°Beily, you better keep your promise!¡± she thought, her heart pounding as the room¡¯s defenses activated around her. --- Beily¡¯s Devastation Outside, Beily landed amidst a group of Elven guards, his swords gleaming as he cut through them with ease. The sheer force of his landing created a crater, scattering debris and ending the lives of all in the immediate vicinity. The nobleman who had stared at the siblings spoke into a pen like device. " knock down the queens tower." Pulling out a sleek pen-like device, Beily spoke into it. ¡°Where¡¯s the Queen¡¯s Tower?¡± The nobleman replied calmly through the device. ¡°The highest point of the castle.¡± Beily smirked. ¡°Quite far¡­ but manageable.¡± With a burst of energy, he launched himself toward the tower, positioning his feet as a glowing blue disk formed beneath him. ¡°The maximum range of my ability is 100 meters,¡± he thought. ¡°But the tower is only 20 meters wide. Let¡¯s narrow the range to ensure precision.¡± The disk shrank, focusing its destructive energy. Beily collided with the base of the Queen¡¯s Tower, the impact obliterating its foundation and sending the structure plummeting. --- The Collapse Inside the tower, the sudden collapse tore through the air with a deafening crack, the walls groaning as the structure gave way. The nobles, guards, and siblings were flung helplessly into the air as gravity and chaos intertwined. Chandeliers shattered against the tumbling walls, and debris cascaded around them like a deadly rain. The princess, overcome by the abrupt acceleration, lost consciousness, her limp body suspended mid-air as shards of glass and stone spun around her. Valerius, his body twisting in the air, struggled to grasp at anything solid. His voice cracked with panic as he yelled, "We¡¯re falling!" From the castle below, amidst the chaos of crumbling stone and deafening destruction, a figure sprang into action. In a span of mere seconds, a man¡ªhis movements sharp and deliberate¡ªgrabbed a woman by the hand. With calculated precision, he spun her with incredible force, the momentum building as her long cloak flared out behind her. Without hesitation, he hurled her with astounding strength toward the collapsing tower. The woman, now a blur of motion, clutched a massive shield. Her trajectory was flawless, cutting through the thick cloud of debris and rubble. The shards of glass and stone fell away as she burst through the tower''s window, the impact leaving a jagged opening in her wake. From her perspective, the world seemed to slow to a crawl as she scanned the chaos. There, amidst the deadly cascade, was Ziraiah, her body suspended mid-air in a descent that seemed frozen in time. With an expert twist of her body, the woman angled herself toward Ziraiah. The shield she held beneath her feet served as a makeshift platform, absorbing the brunt of the falling debris. Reaching out with one hand, she caught the girl firmly, pulling her close. With a powerful thrust, she redirected their fall, bracing herself against the shield once more as they hurtled through the chaos. The woman¡¯s mind flashed back to a moment just before the chaos erupted. She recalled her transformation¡ªa shift from a plump, unassuming noblewoman to her true form: a statuesque and radiant young Elf with sharp features and piercing green eyes. In the memory, the man who had hurled her, now revealed in his own handsome Elven form, stood beside her. His voice, calm and assured, echoed in her thoughts: "After Beily knocks down the tower, you will have exactly one second to act. Enter the falling tower, secure the girl, and get out immediately." Her lips curved into a small, amused smile as the memory faded. ¡°Dreados,¡± she thought to herself, the humor tinged with admiration. ¡°Your plans are always maddeningly precise.¡± Back in the present, the woman tightened her grip on Ziraiah. With one final push of her shield, she crashed through the opposite wall of the tower, propelling both herself and the girl away from the deadly collapse. Tumbling through the air, her body twisted with controlled grace as she tried to balance herself in the air. --- Gustein¡¯s Desperation Meanwhile, Gustein tumbled uncontrollably alongside the king, the queen, and their unconscious daughter. His body bounced against crumbling sections of the tower, and he shouted with desperation, ¡°Hey! Snap out of it, you fool! We¡¯re going to die!¡± The king¡¯s eyes, clouded with emotion, began to focus. The weight of his family¡¯s survival cut through his grief. With a roar of determination, his magic surged forth, casting radiant golden runes that formed an intricate barrier around himself, his wife, his daughter, Hesta, and a few nearby nobles. The shimmering shield deflected the falling debris, carving out a fragile sanctuary amidst the chaos. --- The Impact The collapsing tower plummeted toward the ground, massive chunks of stone shattering into the earth with catastrophic force. The initial impact sent shockwaves rippling through the castle grounds, creating craters and fissures that swallowed nearby structures. Entire sections of the courtyard disappeared beneath the debris, while clouds of dust and smoke rose like a shroud over the devastation. Unprotected, Valerius and Eryndor hurtled toward the ground. Eryndor twisted mid-air, his sharp eyes scanning for any possible salvation. He reached for Valerius but found nothing to grab. The brothers locked eyes briefly¡ªValerius¡¯s filled with panic, Eryndor¡¯s with grim resolve. ¡°This must be it,¡± Valerius thought bitterly as the wind howled around him. ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is how my life ends.¡± To Be Continued¡­