《The Fallen Kingdom》


 Countdown Part 1

    3 days until the Culmination


    "Wake from your slumber, you must try again. You need to."


    ''Try again'' Xerxes thought, what did it mean. Oh that''s right, I need to get up, me and Aya had something to do today, didn''t we?


    "Xerxes!" A muffled voice called out to him, that was distant, yet close to him at the same time. The voice then called out again, but with more anger within her usual soft voice, "GET UP NOW!"


    A groan left Xerxes'' mouth as one eye opened, the other rubbed by his forearm,


    Before him stood Aya - his childhood friend. Her ash blonde hair was tied back, the way she had always done before going on missions, and her arms, laced in leather garments, were crossed in annoyance, her expression angered.


    She then pointed at Xerxes'' face, "YOU PROMISED ME THAT YOU WOULD BE UP TODAY, WE NEED TO LEAVE FOR OUR MISSION!"


    Mission? Promised? Crap. As soon as those words left her mouth, Xerxes realised why Aya was berating him. Today was the day they were supposed to leave for their grand mission¡ªto impress the entire guild and the kingdom of Layne for that matter.


    Originally, he thought she had been joking about this mission. After all, its contents were not suitable for 12-year-old adventurers who had only just become Tier 6 mages.


    "Oh you were serious about really taking this mission?" Xerxes said, accompanied with a nervous laugh. She then grabbed Xerxes by his ear lobe and roared.


    "How dare you imply that I was not. I am Aya the greatest of adventurers, looking to take on the greatest of quests, with my extremely wimpy and tardy friend Xerxes."


    Xerxes replied with sarcasm to her obnoxious attitude. "Wow, thanks for the reassurance, Aya. As your extremely wimpy and tardy friend, can I ask one last time for you to maybe not go through with this mission? I mean, even though we don''t need to go into that place, we are still going to be very close to it, and I am kind of wary. You know what Lady Vanessa says about it."


    Aya took a moment to glance at Xerxes while he continued explaining why it wouldn''t be a good idea. That was the sort of person Xerxes was¡ªhe deeply thought about risk before reward. Like Aya, he did want to become a great mage, renowned even, but this mission felt like biting off more than they could chew.


    "Doing a surveillance mission on the outskirts of the Fallen Kingdom, even if we are required to stay 15 miles away from the actual entry, feels wrong."


    "C''mon, Aya, you know we only recently awakened our magic, and we''re both at Tier 6. People who consider this kind of thing are at least Tier 5 or 4, aren''t they? We have limited control over our elements. I admit you''re pretty strong with your wind affinity, but I''m only good at creating fireballs and using my sword."


    He looked down, "I don''t mind close combat but imagine if we run into one of those scary monsters from the Fallen Kingdom." Shivers quickly encompassed Xerxes'' body as he thought about how frightening the Fallen Kingdom was.


    It was the place mothers often told their children they would be sent if they misbehaved. Even if you weren''t going directly in, just being close was enough to frighten most people.


    "Seriously, Xerxes, there is not a single thread of worry that should make you scared. I''ve spent time in the Crossed Seas guild library, asking adventurers around here for information about the Fallen Kingdom. Do you want to know what every one of them says?"


    "They say the beasts that live there, for one, wouldn''t even mind us because we are kind of weak, and for two, they never leave without good reason. For heaven''s sake, the last time they decided to mobilise for some sort of attack was more than a decade ago. I promise you, Xerx, if anything even looks dangerous, we will be out of there like¡ªhmm¡ªlike a hare fleeing hounds!"


    She was right. Everything Aya was saying was right because Xerxes had done his due diligence and researched it himself. To put the cherry on top, she even said "Xerx"¡ªa nickname that was kind of crappy but the best she could manage, as making a nickname out of Xerxes was rather the challenge...


    Xerxes then took a deep breath, grabbing the handle of the sword from the side of his bed and, with unforeseen bravery, exclaimed, "To the Fallen Kingdom, m''lady!"


    Aya then laughed incredulously at Xerxes¡ªnot for his bravery but for something else. "You intend to go to the Fallen Kingdom in your underwear, oh brave knight of Layne, Xerxes."


    Xerxes then let out a sound of confusion. He looked at Aya, looked down, and continued this cycle for a few seconds, until all of his bravery drained from him. "Ah, shit."


    Following Xerxes'' failed attempt at acting cool in front of Aya, they both managed to escape the Crossed Seas guild, where they had both grown up and been looked after by Vanessa Insigni, a 4th Tier adventurer.


    Vanessa had once held great power but had declined in progress over the years, deciding to focus more on taking care of Xerxes, Aya, and Dorian. All of them having their own story but no figure they could call ''mother'' besides her.


    A while later, they reached the Horse''s Hilt, a wagon service in the Layne Kingdom that had been operating for more than four generations, providing transport services all across the kingdom.


    The streets were always busy in the early parts of the morning, trade as lively as ever in the stalls of Layne. People negotiated prices, laughter filled the air, and there was nothing but joy.


    Aya made sure to look around at plenty of stalls¡ªgetting her hands on an artifact was her dream, but with Xerxes'' and Aya''s combined balance, that was nothing more than a fantasy.


    "Aya, I think that''s the man we''re looking for." She looked around, quite confused, as she had been distracted by pretty jewellery.


    "You''ve got the eye of an eagle, Xerxes. That is indeed Mr Hilt, owner of the transport business and the exact person we need!" Xerxes was surprised she hadn''t noticed sooner because, as they approached him, his appearance was quite distinguished from others.


    His build was large, with no signs of muscle besides his forearms. He wore a white button-down shirt, wrapped by a leather overcoat. A cigarette rested in his right hand, and he adjusted his flat cap upon seeing them walk towards him.


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    They finally came close to him, and Aya initiated the conversation. "Mr Hilt, we''re looking to go nose-deep past Eshvir Forest, to the 15-mile point of the Fallen Kingdom, and as agreed, for not informing the guild, here''s the pouch of money you asked for." Aya pulled out a pouch that seemed as heavy as the man himself and dropped it into his hands. He weighed it mentally and took a look inside, confirming that it was the requested amount.


    "Alright then, chaps. I hope ya'' ready. And for the last time, I ain''t liable if anything happens, ya hear me? I warned ya, girlfriend, enough times, so don''t blame me¡ªI was offered a pretty penny and accepted."


    Xerxes gave him a doubtful gaze, almost judging him through his eyes. "I''m a businessman. Half of it is honest work, half of it isn''t. You''ll get to know it, kid, if you have any family in the trade," he blurted out quite defensively.


    Mr Hilt then walked to a horse and carriage, patting the horse''s back, before looking back at the kids. "Ya gonna get on? It''s time to go." Aya then looked at Xerxes, ambition flaring from her being, as she grabbed onto Xerxes'' wrist, a grin plastered on her face.


    "It''s time to depart¡ªto being great mages." She said it with cheer upon her face, raising a hand up as she got on the wagon, Xerxes following, not having the same excitement, but still enough to satisfy Aya.


    Through a wedge in the wagon, Mr Hilt confirmed that their journey to the outskirts of the Fallen Kingdom had begun. He rode for around four to five hours, Aya discussed mission plans, reassuring Xerxes and speaking about the gratitude they would receive from the guild.


    Eventually Growing tired of his own silence, Mr Hilt lit a cigar and decided to make small talk.


    "So, what''s in it for you lot, testing the waters in the Fallen Kingdom?" he asked.


    Xerxes was quick to correct him, picking up on his phrasing. "We aren''t exactly going into it," he said. "We''re just heading to the outskirts for a scouting mission. I''m not sure about your business ethics, Mr Hilt, but you do realise it''s forbidden in Layne to travel within a ten-mile range of that place, let alone offer transport services through it."


    Snapping back snarkily, Mr Hilt raised his voice. "Ah, coming after my business ethics now? Covering up your fear, are we? We call that deflecting." He chuckled, adding an extra shade of tease.


    "N-no, I am not scared! You''re the one deflecting!" Xerxes exclaimed, slightly startled by the accuracy of Mr Hilt''s response.


    Aya only added to his embarrassment, giggling like a maniac. After a brief pause, Xerxes carried on, calming himself. "But if you need to know, it''s because Aya and I are going to become great mages. Dorian too¡ªbut we both need to catch up to him."


    "Get this: he''s a fierce swordsman, only a year older than me, but he already goes on missions with the more experienced guild members because of his rational thinking and battle prowess. The way he wields his sword is incredible, and he always gives us pointers."


    "His magic isn''t great¡ªkind of like me¡ªbut when we need results, we deliver. Dorian is going to do amazing on his mission with Lady Vanessa, and Aya and I are going to excel on ours, narrowing the gap."


    Aya never missed a chance to hype herself up. "Totally right! As Xerxes said, even though he''s quite scrawny, old man, he delivers a devastating strike when he gets riled up in battle. You must see it one day! But, of course, it''s not complete without my glamour and expertise."


    "I am an elegant wind mage who packs a punch with a wand!" She proudly raised her wand, showing it off to the man. He glanced at it for a few seconds, chuckling hoarsely before responding.


    "Ambition, dreams¡ªall of it. You kids definitely have that sorted. Well, before I stop for a leak near Eshvir Forest, let me give you some advice. Never slow down once you start building momentum. Keep the wheels spinning, and before you know it, business is booming and you''re the most successful transport service in Layne¡ª"


    Before he could finish, disaster struck.


    Aya and Xerxes lurched forward, practically tumbling over each other, as Mr Hilt landed hard on the ground. The horses galloped in shock. "Crap, the wheel''s busted," Mr Hilt muttered.


    Aya, after recollecting herself, immediately exploded with anger. "DID YOU NOT SAY YOU HAD THE MOST SUCCESSFUL TRANSPORT SERVICE?" she yelled, pressing Mr Hilt.


    The businessman groaned as he got up, quickly moving to assess the damage. The group stared at the broken wheel¡ªsnapped clean due to a small divot in the ground.


    Xerxes asked the obvious question. "How long until it''s fixed, Mr Hilt?"


    Mr Hilt sighed, analysing the trees nearby and jotting down calculations in his notebook. His voice carried a note of regret. "Damn it... maybe a good sixteen to twenty hours. I don''t even have a spare wheel on this thing. Best we can do is head to the small village near Eshvir Town, about a mile east. We''ll get a replacement there, but nightfall is approaching, and just in case there are goblins about, I ain''t looking to get attacked. First thing tomorrow, we''ll sort this out. Since it''s a business fault, I''ll cover your stay at an inn for the night¡ªfree of charge."


    Xerxes sighed, looking at Aya. "Guess we don''t have any other option, right?"


    Aya placed a hand on her forehead. "You''re right. We''ll delay our pursuit of greatness for a day, I suppose. It shouldn''t be a problem, but I want reimbursement, Mr Hilt."


    With a dismissive wave, Mr Hilt responded half-heartedly while taking hold of the horse''s reins and guiding it through the forest. "Sure, sure. Let''s get moving. I know this route well¡ªI usually deliver supplies to the Eshvir family out of courtesy. I respect them a lot."


    As they travelled eastwards, Xerxes turned to Mr Hilt. "I''ve heard about the Eshvir family, but I don''t know much. They''re not really talked about among us kids in Layne."


    Mr Hilt moved some branches and twigs aside as they trotted down a path covered in wet leaves. "That''s because when you''re young, you don''t travel enough. Nor do you have the money to do so. Another life lesson for you¡ªwhen you grow up to be great mages, travel becomes mandatory."


    "The Eshvirs are a step above your conventional travel services. You want to know why? Simple."


    Xerxes and Aya waited, but Aya, growing impatient, pushed for an answer. "Go on."


    "As I was saying, when you kids collect money from quests¡ªroughly five gold coins for a party¡ªyou can travel between kingdoms in an instant. Some places require trading or adventuring licences, but some don''t. The Eshvirs have guarded this place for over five hundred and fifty years."


    "Some of the coolest people come through here from time to time. This is what you kids would know as a Stargate."


    Then, before them, on the horizon, a breathtaking sight emerged¡ªa Stargate. It was no mere construct; it was something beyond a tree, beyond nature itself. Its massive trunk pulsed with veins of luminous blue mana, coursing like rivers of ethereal light through its bark, casting an otherworldly glow across the clearing.


    Leaves shimmered with radiant beauty, the very air vibrating with energy, tingling against their skin and filling their lungs with something foreign yet exhilarating.


    At its vast, coiling roots lay an intricate platform of polished stone, etched with symbols that flickered like stars against the night sky. Mana-infused mist curled at its base, rising and falling as though the world itself breathed alongside it.


    Xerxes stood in awe¡ªbut what made his interest rise peak was something else, something concurring beyond the tree.

 A plea of Faith

    Two Days Until the Culmination


    In the distance, Xerxes could see the wide spread of adventurers gathering around each other, with a man in shimmering white armour.


    The other details of his appearance were too vague from this point, but he could make out the fact that he looked like someone of nobility, with long, luscious locks of silky blonde hair and a broad greatsword that clearly displayed craftsmanship representative of the Baratheon Kingdom¡¯s making.


    Xerxes asked Mr Hilt, ¡°What¡¯s happening over there?¡± He jabbed a finger upwards to point at the group of adventurers. Aya curled her fingers into circular shapes, forming makeshift binoculars as she tried to gaze at the adventurers.


    Mr Hilt then looked at the young aspiring mages, a frown evident in his bushy eyebrows. ¡°Sure, sure, check it out. Remember, I ain¡¯t a babysitter, and there¡¯s only one inn in this small village. You two know how to navigate yourselves, don¡¯tcha?¡± Without waiting for confirmation, he carried on, saying, ¡°Cool, we all cool? Great. Well, down to the village.¡±


    The small group of three traversed a few unsteady paths until they met the main track that led directly to the city. The city didn¡¯t evoke anything that Xerxes or Aya had seen before. It wasn¡¯t modern; the houses were made of logs of wood, and no bricks were in sight.


    The paths were filled with different adventurers holding various weapons: swords, bows, and axes. Joyous faces were apparent on each and every single person.


    What clearly caught the eyes of the young adventurers was the Stargate. Adventurers moved in and out, going to places Aya and Xerxes could only dream of, completing quests beyond their strength, experience, and price range.


    Aya stopped for a moment, staring at the Stargate, its ethereal blue glow radiating on her face, her eyes wide open. ¡°I refuse to believe we are in front of an actual Stargate, only Vanessa and Dorian have ever used one before. But I think¡ªno, I know¡ªwe will get to this level, taking quests all over the continent.¡±


    Xerxes reassured Aya¡¯s beliefs, smiling at her, knowing that one day they¡¯d conquer the most difficult of quests, gaining power and recognition.


    Besides the Stargate, Xerxes looked over at the group of people lined up behind the entry of a darker and more potent portion of the forest. Mr Hilt also placed a hand on Xerxes¡¯ shoulder. ¡°Kid, I¡¯m heading to the Lumberjack. Gonna try to get this wheel situation sorted. Also, don¡¯t be late¡ªwe will head out at some point between 4 and 5 pm tomorrow. I charge a fee if you delay the journey even more¡ªdon¡¯t you forget that!¡±


    Aya snapped back, ¡°We charge a fee for a 16-hour delay too, charlatan!¡±


    The businessman paid no mind to Aya¡¯s snarky comment and began walking away, waving his hand as the kids were left to their wits, free to do as they pleased for the next few hours.


    Aya asked Xerxes, ¡°So what now, Xerx? I¡¯m feeling rather ready to ask adventurers how much they believe I will amount to, or I would love to taste some amazing food.¡±


    Xerxes chuckled at her remarks, scratching the back of his head. ¡°I had something else in mind. See that group of adventurers? I think something is happening down there. I want to check it out and see what they are raving about, and maybe then we can ask some adventurers how cool you are.¡±


    Aya nodded her head, clenching a fist and smiling as they began to walk over to discover what a large group of adventurers was doing here.


    As they approached, they saw the knightly man pointing his sword at a few people whom neither Xerxes nor Aya could see, as they were encompassed in a crowd hurling insults and claims along the lines of, ¡°How come you idiots have come here without the minimum requirements?¡± ¡°You¡¯re delaying the mission! It¡¯s only this time of year when we can catch a look at the thing!¡± ¡°Get outa¡¯ ere¡¯, ya gonna hold us back, mongrels!¡±


    The knightly figure then grinned. ¡°They are correct. Your insolence has already given me enough reason to deny you entry to the forest. The rules are as follows.¡±


    He pulled out a scroll, clearing his throat quite comically. ¡°FIRST! Have at least two mages within the party. SECOND! Provide the entrance fee of two gold coins to me. And THIRD! Have a minimum of four adventurers within your party to enter The Forest of Last Living.¡±


    The two adventurers on the floor, one more audible than the other, pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m doing this in the name of science, don¡¯t you understand?! Before you barbarians take out the Orc, I want to see it! It¡¯s the last of its kind, and I don¡¯t want the prize for killing it or anything. You¡¯d be fools if you denied science. This is what will shape the future, leading to more discoveries about an ancient race! You scoundrels¡ªdon¡¯t you see the importance?! My friend Blake is training to become a full-on tutor at a magic academy! Two, three, what¡¯s the difference? C¡¯monnnn!¡±


    The proclaimed Sir Knight gave a sharp look down as Xerxes and Aya drew closer. ¡°You overgrown child! There isn¡¯t any world where we would let you in now. You don¡¯t even know the difference between two and three!¡±


    The insult was well received by everyone, and the crowd erupted in laughter. He continued, ¡°Unless there are magically two extra adventurers willing to help, then sure. But if someone doesn¡¯t come forward in the next ten seconds, then we will begin the expedition!¡±


    The crowd fell silent, bickering amongst themselves. No one wanted to join them. They were pretty useless in hindsight, and even if they could join another party, people didn¡¯t want to spoil their chance at claiming the prize in the most beneficial way.


    Having a party of four was better for prize distribution than five, six, or seven people, despite the added safety. Additionally, new strategies would have to be adjusted to include them, and with ten seconds left, there wasn¡¯t any chance.


    The knight then began counting down until the last second. ¡°Three, two, and¡ª¡±


    He was cut off by Aya shouting above the crowd¡¯s anticipation, ¡°We will accompany the hopeless adventurers!¡±


    Xerxes gave Aya a bewildered look at her spontaneous claim. All the surrounding adventurers looked at the two, distancing themselves from each other.


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    The two pleading adventurers finally came into view.


    One had the quintessential appearance of a scientist: a large white overcoat, dark shoulder-length hair that seemed like it had been the victim of an explosion. Her glasses were overly large and were constantly adjusted to fit her small face. Her skin was tanned, and although she was naturally beautiful, it was evident she didn¡¯t prioritise maintaining it.


    She pursued something greater¡ªscience. The man, who appeared to be in his late twenties, had quite a bland look. He seemed one-dimensional, dressed simply, with no weapons on him, black messy hair, and tired, sunken eyes.


    The crowd burst into laughter at the kids who were taking initiative, as Sir Knight put a hand upon his forehead, shaking it in pity. ¡°Well, rules are rules,¡± he said as he put away the scroll. ¡°Whether it be a child or an elderly man, they meet the requirements. It is against a knight¡¯s code to send children into battle. However, there will be no room for error. As Sir Knight, I will drive this blade through the Orc¡¯s heart, so men¡ªfirst or last to the orc¡¯s head¡ªknow that today is a day that history shall be made. In three minutes, we depart with the flimsy party Lady Umiya and Blake have created.¡±


    Xerxes then walked through the parting crowd to meet Lady Umiya, who immediately threw herself towards Aya, hugging her tightly. ¡°Oh, thank you, blondie! I really needed that lifeline¡ªif not, history would have been lost! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!¡± she exclaimed, tears streaming from her happy eyes, dripping onto Aya¡¯s suffocating body.


    Meanwhile, Xerxes took a more simplistic route and waved a hand at the man named Blake. ¡°So your name is Blake, I¡¯m Xerxes and that¡¯s Aya. I¡¯m going to assume that the lady who¡¯s crushing her is Umiya. We¡¯re both Tier 6 mages; she has an affinity for wind and I do for fire, though I¡¯d say I have better physical strength than magical, so I carry around this old sword. It may not be flashy, but I can still cut most things with it. So it¡¯s nice to meet you.¡±


    With an exhausted voice and a blunt way of talking, Blake replied, ¡°Cool, I¡¯m Blake. I was coerced to come here by crazy over there. I¡¯m quite strong; I am Tier 4 in fire magic like you, and because I am at Tier 4, my mana pathways have opened up to taking on another affinity, which is earthen magic as well. I am Tier 6 in that. Umiya is more of a liability, but if she really knows that something will kill her, she will act, so let¡¯s focus our teamwork on us three, and we have quite a good mix of elements that can help. So, you and I will take the front, Umiya and Aya can take the back of the party, offering support when needed. Agreed?¡± Xerxes nodded, and that was all the confirmation Blake needed. Xerxes was also curious about one more thing¡ªthis man Blake had two elements.


    ¡°How do you have two elements, Blake? I thought people were only born with one.¡±


    Blake, honestly not bothered to give a full response, simply said, ¡°Well, get strong, to the 4th tier stage, and then maybe you will get another element. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Xerxes knew pushing more would only aggravate Blake and waste time that they needed in strategising, so he stopped prying and directed his attention elsewhere.


    Blake then walked over to Aya and Umiya, pulling the mad scientist off her. ¡°Leave the kid alone, you creep. We are going to head into the forest any minute now, and we barely have a strategy. I don¡¯t plan on getting too hurt either, so don¡¯t be reckless. You and Aya will cover the rear guard; I will be up at the front with Xerxes, and I will provide the additional assistance he needs to deliver a decisive blow.¡±


    Umiya smiled while Aya gasped for air as she ran from the tyrant, scurrying behind Xerxes. Umiya spoke, **¡°Oh yeah, we need a strategy. How forgetful of me. Okay, my mind needs to work at double capacity quickly, so what I think would be best is that I have earthen magic at 5th tier, so I will be able to pick up on footsteps within a radius of 12 metres, so I will sense out for any beasts.


    Blondie has what?¡±** Xerxes replied, confirming it was wind.


    Umiya repeated, ¡°So you have wind, Blondie. You can use your magic to keep a good range, spotting enemies faster than we can. Also, you can provide support in Blake¡¯s favour. He uses fire, so he can take out loads of small fry without wasting mana, with you amplifying his attack. This is done by using fire and wind in confluence, creating a more potent attack.¡±


    She chuckled, acknowledging things were coming together smoothly with this small group. ¡°Finally, Xerxes, our only melee and fire mage, well, he just needs to save enough magic to get a really good blow on things, so he should wait before engaging too much. Boom! Strategy equals done! So can we go in yet?¡± Umiya said, jumping high to see above the people¡¯s heads to check if anyone was going in from the front.


    Blake sighed and complained, ¡°Best we will get, so does everyone follow? There are going to be low-level goblins, so keep watch. Their strength isn¡¯t a problem, even for Tier 6 mages, but their numbers are.¡±


    Xerxes and Aya didn¡¯t display a face of worry. After all, goblins and small wolves had been easily bested by the both of them, but compared to Aya, Xerxes was a bit more afraid of something¡ªit was the Orc.


    Xerxes decided to mention it, ¡°I heard that there was an Orc. I don¡¯t really understand. Weren¡¯t they supposed to be extinct from The Great War of Succession, 740 years ago? I mean, if there really is one, what would it be doing here?¡±


    Umiya happily answered his question, ¡°EXACTLY WHY WE ARE HERE! I want to know what drew the orc to Layne, and not only that, he is a part of the ancient races¡ªwho wouldn¡¯t want a glimpse or even a part of his body for testing?¡± She laughed quite maniacally, which made Aya pale in the face. This woman really was crazy.


    Xerxes put a hand to his chin, thinking about the Orc. Though he did feel bad that this was probably the last orc of its kind, he wasn¡¯t as afraid as he thought he would be. Was it the thrill of the unknown? Was it the risk he was putting himself into? Was it the fact that this felt so real¡ªthe start of him becoming an adventurer that could be respected?


    Without enough time to unravel the truth about himself, he pushed his thoughts down.


    Simultaneously, Sir Knight also had an announcement, ¡°Adventurers, we are going to go in. Everyone ready, set, and charge!¡± He roared. Xerxes didn¡¯t even have the chance to process the announcement before a horde of adventurers pushed past him, Aya, Umiya, and Blake, knocking him to his knee. Once that storm passed, Blake put a hand out to Xerxes.


    ¡°C¡¯mon, we¡¯re relying on you heavily. Don¡¯t just stay on your knee; rise, Xerxes, and run.¡± Aya and Umiya waited back as Xerxes took Blake¡¯s hand, with Xerxes and Blake nodding at each other in confirmation that they were ready. They both then drove their feet into the ground, launching forwards. They ran at an incredible pace, with Umiya and Aya following them from behind.


    They were instantly met with the screams of the adventurers who were further ahead, alongside battle cries and the clashing of metal. The forest was extremely dark, which didn¡¯t help. The visibility was less than a metre in front of them, so Xerxes decided to change that. With his left arm, he lit a flame that illuminated the area better, and in his right hand, he held his sword.


    Blake then complimented Xerxes¡¯ action, ¡°Good stuff. Umiya, can you sense anything, and Aya, can you feel or see anything ahead?¡±


    Aya immediately replied, ¡°No, I cannot.¡±


    Umiya then followed up on Aya¡¯s quick response, ¡°I can¡¯t sense anything either. I¡¯m using my earthen magic to try and feel anything that may be on the ground, but there¡¯s no irregular movement. Am I tone-deaf or something?¡± She questioned herself.


    They ran for a minute, Blake wondering why they couldn¡¯t sense anything, but then Xerxes remembered a key attribute of goblins. His face grimaced as he stopped in his tracks. Blake and the rest of the party looked at Xerxes, Blake¡¯s voice tensing, ¡°WHAT ARE YOU DOING, XERXES!¡±


    Xerxes gnashed his teeth, looking up, and what peered back was what seemed like an infinite expanse of red gleaming eyes pouring down on him, with Xerxes muttering, ¡°They are above us.¡±