**[When Kael was trying to sneak out]**

Victor was taking a walk in the backyard of the mansion.

"Another night, another nightmare. Is this a coincidence or something else?" Victor muttered, troubled by his recent sleepless nights. Suddenly, he noticed Kael in the distance. "Kael? What is he doing at this hour?" He followed Kael, watching as the boy sneaked out through the mansion's gate. "You never learn, do you, boy?" Victor whispered ominously, his voice carrying a chill that would send shivers down anyone’s spine.

Victor trailed Kael through the night, keeping his distance. After some time, he saw Kael hiding behind a tree, with Mia perched atop the same tree and a Crimson Carnosaur prowling below.

Kael hesitated, clearly torn about whether to save Mia.

Victor, still hidden, observed Kael’s indecision, ready to intervene if necessary. "What will you decide, boy?" he thought, preparing to step in. But as Kael made the decision to save Mia, a small smile crept onto Victor’s face. "I was not wrong to put my trust in you, Kael," he whispered, relieved. "Thank you for proving me right."

The Carnosaur turned its attention toward Kael, preparing to strike. Mia, sensing the danger, grasped her sword.

"She’s targeting its heart," Victor noted, impressed. "Good thinking, but a normal sword won’t even scratch its tough hide. Seeing their dedication, I’ll lend a hand—discreetly."

Victor picked up a small stone, carefully aiming it at the Carnosaur’s heart.

"Blood Art: Blood Eye Detect," Victor murmured, closing his eyes as he pinpointed the creature’s heart. "There it is... Flame Style: Infuse Rising Phoenix." He infused the stone with compressed power, coating it with a fiery layer that would cause a micro-explosion upon impact.

He hurled the stone at high speed. It pierced the Carnosaur’s heart, and the resulting explosion killed the beast instantly.

Victor opened his eyes, satisfied. "All done," he mumbled quietly.

**[Scene changes to present time: 3:00 AM, Year 1007 of the Eldorian Calendar]**

Victor, Kael, and Mia entered a deep, dark cave.

"I can’t see anything," Kael said.

"Wait," Mia responded. "Elemental Magic: Mini-Light." A small but powerful light appeared, illuminating their surroundings.

"Oh," Victor chuckled, "so you’re pretty talented in magic, huh?"

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

"So she can use elemental magic," Victor thought, growing suspicious. "Why was she alone in the forest?"

"What are they doing in a cave like this? What’s so special about this place? I’m getting bad vibes." Victor’s voice grew serious as he turned to Kael. "This cave is not a simple cave. Usually, caves are smaller, but this one is different—more like it was deliberately created. This could be an ancient cave."

"An ancient cave? What’s that?" Kael asked.

"Depending on the cave’s importance and age, it can be classified as such," Victor explained.

"How do you know this is an ancient cave?" Mia inquired.

"I’m using a forbidden technique to see through everything," Victor answered. "This technique allows me to sense the mana of objects and living beings. I’m detecting a strong presence of mana from something in the direction those four went."

"Grandpa, can you tell me more about that technique?" Kael asked.

"Later, Kael. Not now," Victor replied.

"Awesome!" Mia exclaimed, surprised and impressed. "No wonder you’re one of the strongest of your time, even now."

Victor’s suspicion deepened. "Oh, she knows about me... Just who is this girl?"

"Follow me," Victor commanded, leading Kael and Mia deeper into the cave. The passage widened as they progressed, allowing all three to walk side by side. Eventually, they caught sight of the four individuals ahead of them, standing before a large door, attempting to open it.

"They are strong," Victor thought. "Should I fight alone or call for help?" He glanced at Kael. "I’m trusting you, boy," he sighed. "Kael, stay behind me. And listen, girl," he addressed Mia, "you stay behind Kael as support. I’m not saying you’re weak, but we both are primarily swordsmen, so we fight close-range. You’re skilled at long-range, so will you support Kael?"

Mia smiled confidently. "I’ll support Kael with my life."

Victor’s resolve strengthened. "I can’t risk their lives, but I have to stop them now, before it’s too late," he thought.

The three stood directly behind the four individuals.

"Having trouble?" Victor called out, his voice serious and commanding. The four turned around, stunned to see Victor and his group.

"Who the hell are you, old man? Lost your way?" Garrick sneered, trying to intimidate Victor.

"Thomas, Isolde... This is bad," Edwin stammered, clearly frightened. "He’s Victor P. Aran of the 'P' Clan, the same clan as our master. A direct fight will be tough. I don’t know how he found us, but we’re in trouble."

"What?" Thomas and Isolde exclaimed, shocked.

"What should we do now?" Thomas asked, panicked. Victor, unimpressed, remained silent.

"We can’t do anything until the cold-hearted man gives us orders. Failing to obey will mean death for us," Edwin said.

"We should at least inform Garrick about him," Isolde suggested.

Kael, oblivious to the tension, looked around, growing impatient. "If we have to fight, then why not do it already?" he thought. "Wait!" Kael shouted. "If we’re about to fight, let’s get it over with! This is my grandfather, Victor P. Aran. I am Kael Aran. This girl here is Mia—uh... just Mia. Now introduce yourselves, and let’s see who wins."

Everyone stared at Kael, bewildered.

Garrick chuckled. "You’re a funny boy. Well, if that’s what you want, then fine. I’m Garrick, the Commander of the 4th Division of the group 'NightRay.' This is Thomas, Isolde, and Edwin."

Victor nodded, a slight smile on his face. "I’m fine with it. Let’s do it," he said, excitement building. "NightRay, huh? I’ll have to look into that later," he thought.

Thomas and Edwin agreed to fight alongside Garrick.

Both Isolde and Mia sighed inwardly. "Boys! Ah... Why are they like this?" they thought, disappointed.

Mia blushed, feeling conflicted. "Well, whatever. He was cool when he said that... No, why am I thinking like this?" she scolded herself.

Victor drew his sword, and Kael positioned himself behind him.

**[The Gate]**

Isolde

Thomas Edwin

Garrick

Victor

Kael

Mia