As the sun dipped beneath the horizon, it painted the sky with a breathtaking masterpiece of fiery reds and vibrant oranges. Milo couldn't help but be captivated by the celestial canvas, his eyes tracing the sun's descent. Meanwhile, at their oasis sanctuary, Alistair meticulously fine-tuned the last threads of their protective enchantment. Xu Wei, a picture of serene concentration, stood beside him. With graceful gestures, he wove the currents of his wind magic into the barrier, each movement enhancing its strength and resilience.

As they completed the construction of the protective barrier, the weight of their arduous journey was palpable in the weary lines etched across Alistair's face.

"Whoa, easy there," Milo urged, hurrying to Alistair's side. He offered a supportive arm, guiding him to a comfortable resting spot.

"Thanks," Alistair rasped, coughing softly before closing his eyes. With a weary smile, he whispered, "I'm utterly drained. Goodnight."

Milo nodded understandingly, tucking a blanket around his friend. "Rest well, Alistair. We'll keep watch tonight."

...

Milo and Xu Wei sat huddled together in the stillness of the desert night, their tear-filled eyes reflecting the shimmering stars above. The campfire crackled, its flames mirroring the turmoil within their hearts. After a heavy silence, Milo's voice quivered with emotion as he spoke.

"Xu Wei," he began, his words barely audible over the desert's hushed whispers, "about Marco... and what happened with Alexis..."

Xu Wei nodded, his gaze fixed on the fire, a profound sadness etched across his face. "I know, my friend. It's been tearing me apart too."

Milo's tears glistened in the firelight as he continued, "I can't believe Alexis would do that to us. We trusted her, Xu Wei."

"We were deceived," Xu Wei replied, his own tears tracing faint, glistening paths down his cheeks. "She used us from the day we met you. I can't help but wonder if that's even the real Alexis, or if she fell under some dark influence..."

Milo's jaw clenched with anguish. "I just... I just wish there was another explanation, that she was being controlled. Otherwise, Marco's blood stains her hands, and I swear to you, Xu Wei, it won't go unpunished."

Xu Wei's grip on Milo's shoulder tightened, a vow made through tear-filled eyes. "And I'll stand by your side, every step of the way, my friend."

Milo saw an unusual blaze of anger in Xu Wei's eyes, a rare crack in his usual composure.

"Xu Wei," Milo asked cautiously, "What would you do if we ever face her again?"

Xu Wei's hands, once tracing delicate patterns in the sand, clenched into fists. His voice trembled with suppressed rage. "If I see her again, Milo, I can't guarantee I'll remain as composed as usual. She... she betrayed us all. Marco..." He couldn't finish the thought, the memory of their fallen comrade still too fresh, too painful.

With a deep breath, Xu Wei regained his composure. "We'll honor Marco's sacrifice and ensure that Alexis doesn't deter us from finding the Crystal of Balance. That's what we must do."

A small, tearful smile passed between them, a silent pledge to carry on, no matter the cost.

Alistair stirred from his fitful sleep, looking more gaunt than ever. Despite his weakened state, determination flickered in his eyes as he joined Milo and Xu Wei by the campfire.

"Alright," he rasped, his voice barely audible above the crackling flames. "We need to discuss our next move."

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"Where do we go from here?" Milo asked, searching Alistair's face for answers.

"North," Alistair replied with grim resolve. "To the fabled City of Licht, the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Michiwitt."

"Why there?" Xu Wei inquired, his brow furrowing in concern.

"Because that's where we'll find the allies we need to fight against the Alliance of Three," Alistair explained. "After our ordeal yesterday, I have realized that we were in over our heads if we thought we could do this as only two people. We need more numbers, more power to face them. It won't be easy, but it's our best chance.".

"Alright, then," Milo said, clenching his fists with determination. "We'll head for the City of Licht."

"Get some rest," Alistair urged, his eyes flicking between Milo and Xu Wei. "We have a long journey ahead of us."

"I could use some rest," Milo responded. He then went over to a soft patch of sand and lay down a bedroll.

As Milo lay down on his bedroll, he couldn't help but feel uneasy. The protective enchantments around the oasis were strong, but would they be enough to keep the Alliance of Three at bay? His mind churned with doubt and worry, but he knew that he had to trust in his instincts and the skills of his companions.

"Stay alert," he whispered to Xu Wei, who nodded solemnly in response.

"Always," Xu Wei replied, his fingers tracing the hilt of his sword as he settled into a meditative state.

With one last glance at the darkened sky, Milo closed his eyes, allowing his body to rest while his mind prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. Their journey was far from over, and he knew that it would test every ounce of their strength and resilience. But together, they would face whatever the Alliance of Three threw at them, bound by their shared purpose and unwavering trust in one another.

...

Milo's eyes flickered open as the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, casting warm hues across the Oasis. He sat up on his bedroll and stretched, muscles aching from days spent maintaining protective enchantments. Alistair had taught him how to do this as Milo was adamant to make himself useful in any way, shape, or form.

The campfire had long since died down, and Alistair was now sitting cross-legged beside it, meditating to recharge his magical reserves.

"Good morning," Milo greeted quietly, not wanting to interrupt Alistair's focus. Xu Wei emerged from the shadow of a palm tree, his swift movements revealing his readiness for the day ahead.

"Morning," Xu Wei replied, his voice calm and steady. "Alistair said he has something important to share with us."

Alistair opened his eyes, fixing them on Milo and Xu Wei. "Before we set out for the City of Licht, there's something you both need to know." He paused, gathering his thoughts. "Within the city, there's an organization known as the Order of Light. They're sworn to uphold balance and protect the realm from dark forces."

"Are they allies?" Milo asked, curiosity piqued by the mention of potential comrades in their fight.

"I truly hope so," Alistair replied. "I have a trusted contact within the order who can help us get an audience with the High Templar. If we can reveal the truth - that it's the Alliance using dark magic, not the Arcana clan - the Order will aid us. But to do that... It might be more difficult than finding the Crystal of Balance."

"Why is that?" Milo asked.

"Because the Alliance has eyes and ears in every corner of the continent. Their influence isn't as strong in the City of Licht, but it is still there. The moment we show up, they will know, meaning that it'll be impossible for us to escape. So we have one chance."

"Then we must find your contact," Xu Wei said, determination etched on his face. "They may be our best chance at stopping the Alliance's schemes."

Over the next few hours, the trio engaged in strategic discussions, mapping out their approach to the City of Licht. Alistair created holograms of the city and gave detailed information about the routes in and out, as well as every possible area of interest to them. They considered potential dangers and obstacles, knowing that the Alliance would stop at nothing to thwart their mission.

"Remember, we don't know how deep the Alliance's influence runs," Alistair cautioned. "Even though I think it is negligible, we must be cautious, even within the City of Licht."

Milo's determination flared with each passing moment, his mind racing as he absorbed every piece of intel and advice. He would not allow the Alliance to continue their dark machinations. His thoughts were interrupted by a gust of wind, Xu Wei's fingers tracing intricate patterns in the air.

"Your mastery of wind magic will be invaluable," Milo acknowledged, watching the miniature whirlwind dance around Xu Wei's fingertips. "It could give us an edge against our enemies."

"Indeed," Xu Wei agreed, the wind dissipating at his command. "But we must rely on more than just our abilities. Our unity and trust in one another are our greatest strengths."

A shared sense of purpose hung in the air as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the Oasis of Serenity. Though the journey ahead was fraught with peril, Milo knew that together, they would face whatever challenges the Alliance of Three had in store, bound by unwavering trust and a common goal: to unveil the truth and protect the realm from darkness.