Ezekiel and Leyla froze in their tracks as they came face-to-face with a group of over twenty skeletal figures. The skeletons sent shivers down their spines, and they exchanged a worried glance.

Cardian turned to the others and whispered,

"What do we do now?"

Ezekiel furrowed his brow and gulped.

"Let's not make any sudden movements. They don't appear to be aggressive at the moment."

Ezekiel tried to look for a way to escape as he said his words.

"I tell others to be calm, but I am shitting myself," he thought.

Leyla nodded in agreement, her gaze fixed on skeletons.

"We should observe their behavior first. It's possible they're under someone's control or have a specific purpose."

As if in response to Leyla's words, the group of skeletons remained motionless,

There was an uncanny stillness in the air, broken only by the faint rustling of leaves in the wind.

"Do you think they're guarding something?" He pondered aloud, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of importance.

Ezekiel considered Cardian's question.

"It's certainly a possibility. Perhaps there's something of value nearby."

Leyla's eyes widened as a sudden realization struck her.

"Wait," she whispered.

"Look at their size and strength. These skeletons are different from the usual summoned ones. They're powerful and more complex than other types of skeletons..."

Cardian's eyebrows raised in surprise as he observed the sturdiness of the skeletal figures.

"You're right. These skeletons seem more advanced, like they've been carefully crafted or imbued with enhanced abilities. Especially those two; they are over two meters in height, and they give off a powerful aura."

The three mages continued to stand still.

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Despite their initial apprehension, a sense of awe and curiosity began to replace their fear.

They all knew that if these skeletons decided to attack them, the only way to keep their lives was escape; magic combat was out of the question.

They were all new mages with one or two spells, and even then, the casting time and their magical energy reserves were not nearly enough to take down all the skeletons.

Ezekiel took a step forward, his eyes narrowing as he examined the skeletal figures more closely.

"I wonder who summoned them, and for what purpose? This level of control over such powerful undead creatures is impressive."

Cardian commented in his mind.

"Cut the crap, you fucking bookworm; it is no time to get interested in these creatures. We could die here."

Leyla nodded in agreement to Ezekiel.

"While they may not be hostile at the moment, we shouldn't let our guard down.”

Cardian's grip tightened on his staff, his gaze unwavering as he considered their options.

"Agreed, let's maintain a safe distance and continue to observe. We can decide on our next course of action once we have a better understanding of their purpose."

With a collective nod, the three mages slowly began to retreat, their eyes fixed on the skeletons, especially the two that towered over all other skeletons.

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At that time, something unexpected occurred.

One of the bigger skeletons started talking. Not like humans, but still understandable.

The three mages exchanged startled glances as the deep, resonating voice of the skeleton reached their ears.

The unexpectedness of the skeleton's speech and the message shocking for them.

Ezekiel took a step forward.

"Who is your master?" he asked, trying to keep himself calm.

The skeleton's eyes seemed to fixate on Ezekiel as it responded in its slow, magical voice.

"Master, I desire your presence," it said. Come... with us... to see... Master."

Leyla's brow furrowed as she tried to decipher the meaning behind the skeleton's words.

"Why does your master want to see us?" she questioned.

"Yeah, this is not good at all."

Layla thought as she asked.

The skeleton's bony frame shifted slightly,

"Master sees potential in you. He wishes to offer an opportunity."

Of course, this was not the truth. The skeleton was talking about Archvel, and Archvel had no thought of these three; he didn't even know much about them other than that they existed and that they were the ones that destroyed his skeleton.

Cardian spoke up.

"And what if we refuse?" he asked.

The skeleton's voice took on a chilling tone, sending a shiver down their spines.

"Refusal... is not advised. The master's reach extends far."

This time it was not a complete lie; it was true that Archvel had connections with The Tower of Black Sun and Void Star, which is not a small power at all.

Considering Cardian and others were students and new mages of The Tower Of Black Sun, it just makes the words of Skeleton even more true.

Ezekiel's mind raced, weighing the risks and potential rewards.

The offer intrigued him, but he couldn't shake the feeling of unease.

"Can we at least know the nature of this opportunity?"

The skeleton's response came as a low, rumbling chuckle.

"All... will be revealed... in due time. Follow... if you dare... the Master awaits."

The young mages stood in silence,

After a moment of deliberation, Ezekiel spoke.

“We will come.Lead the way."

The decision of Ezekiel was expected by Cardian and Layla; they both know that it is the best decision for the time being.

With a slow nod, the skeleton turned and began to move deeper into the forest.

The mages exchanged one last glance before cautiously following.