After a revealing conversation with the High King, the climate between Kal and his siblings, Katara and Gwen, is one of a tense calm. They meet in Arlathania's grandiose hall, where the morning light filters through the high windows, dancing over the armors and tapestries that tell the story of an ancient kingdom. Lua, with her noble posture and serene gaze, says goodbye to the group with a mix of sadness and hope.
"You take a piece of Arlathania with you," says Lua, her eyes finding each of theirs.
"And leave a piece of your hearts here."
Lua's words resonate deeply within all, especially in Kal, who feels the weight of his mission growing. Gwen, with tears in her eyes, hugs Lua firmly, promising to return one day. Katara, more reserved, offers a soft smile, her silent but sincere gesture of gratitude.
As the group shares this emotional moment, Ellurin, Lua's older brother, appears like a whirlwind of energy, dissipating the heavy atmosphere with his vibrant presence. He jumps between the group, distributing hugs and words of encouragement, his contagious laughter echoing through the hall.
Ellurin approaches Gwen, casting her gallant glances and slightly bold comments in an attempt to capture her attention. Gwen, in turn, responds with an air of amused indifference, skillfully evading his advances with wit and sarcasm.
"Ah, Gwen, your beauty is surpassed only by your ability to ignore me," Ellurin exclaims jokingly, placing a hand over his heart.
The scene draws laughter from the group, lightening the weight of farewell. Ellurin, accepting his defeat in good humor, hugs each of them, wishing them luck and safety on their journey.
"Don't forget about Arlathania," he says, with a friendly glow in his eyes.
With these words, the group says goodbye, leaving behind Arlathania's walls but taking with them unforgettable memories and unbreakable bonds. The road ahead is uncertain, but the hope and courage they share strengthen them against the challenges to come.
After the emotional farewell in Arlathania, the young ones, Kal, his siblings, Katara and Gwen, resume their journey towards Alnuum. The trip takes them to the village of Suri, a place that carries the sweetest and most painful memories of their childhood. Upon arriving, they are confronted with the vision of their former home, triggering an avalanche of emotions.
Katara, moved by curiosity and desire to learn more about Kal, questions the young man about the home they now observe. With a voice tinged with nostalgia, Kal shares memories of a simpler time, lived alongside his mother and father, highlighting the moments of joy and unity that marked his childhood.
The intensity of the moment deepens when Inala and Sin, under the weight of nostalgia, are unable to contain their tears. It is at this moment that Gwen, always ready to find a way out, suggests they spend the night in that house full of stories. The idea, although initially surprising, soon proves to be an invitation for an inner journey, a moment to honor, remember and perhaps find new meaning in the memories of what was their first home.
Upon entering the house, they found a scene of abandonment: accumulated dust, furniture out of place and silence echoing through walls that once vibrated with laughter and conversation. Katara, seized by a spirit of leadership, calls everyone to the cleaning task, initiating a process of transformation not only of the physical space, but also of their connections to it. As objects are cleaned and rearranged, a sense of renewal and belonging begins to blossom among them.
While dedicating themselves to cleaning, Kal, with his sharpened sensitivity, notices the discreet presence of someone watching them from a distance. Deciding to keep his discovery secret, he chooses to continue with his activities, waiting to discover the mysterious observer's intentions. This moment adds a layer of mystery and anticipation to the narrative, preparing the ground for future revelations and encounters.
After cleaning the house, the environment transforms with the lighting of the firewood stove, bringing a warmth that goes beyond the physical, a warmth that rekindles memories and unites hearts. Inala chooses the dish, and Katara, with skill and affection, prepares a banquet that serves as a balm for souls, offering the brothers a happy memory to cling to.
The meal unfolds amid laughter and conversation, a precious moment of communion and joy. Katara, whose heart beats stronger for Kal, finds immense happiness in seeing him smile, a silent confirmation of her deep feelings.
As night advances, everyone retreats, except Kal, who remains outside, contemplating the now silent village, reflecting on his past and the future of those few who still call this place home. It is in this moment of vulnerability that Katara approaches, offering comfort and understanding. The exchange between them reveals deep dreams and desires, with Katara assuring Kal that his journey is far from over and that she will be by his side no matter what lies ahead.
With an embrace that sealed unspoken promises, Kal returns to rest, while Katara stays outdoors, reflecting on Kal's complexity, a young man bearing an immense light but who, deep down, still seeks his place in the world. This moment encapsulates the essence of each character's journey, between bonds forged and challenges to be faced together.
In the midst of the silent, dark night, while all rested peacefully, the lurking figure decides to enter the house. With furtive steps and a knife in hand, he heads to Inala and Sin's room. In a confused and desperate gesture, he attacks a pillow, believing he has struck his sleeping target. But he is surprised by a firm voice and the vision of two golden eyes that cut through the darkness, emanating an intense and revealing light.
"It seems you didn't learn from last time!"
Recognizing Peon Umbridge, the antagonist from his past marked by conflicts and violence, Kal faces the fear and despair on the intruder's face. Peon's confession, marked by hatred and threats, is interrupted by Katara and Gwen's arrival. "Don't look at me with those eyes, you abomination, I'm going to kill you, I'm going to kill you, you took everything from me..."
The scene unfolding in the lamplight's glow is shocking, revealing not only the terrified intruder but also the tension and drama of an unresolved confrontation. Kal's reaction, Katara and Gwen's intervention, and Peon's desperation weave an intensely emotional and complex moment, highlighting the themes of forgiveness, justice and the continuous struggle against the shadows of the past.
Peon was a shadow of what he once was, his skin was full of scars, his eyelid had been torn off, only a few strands of hair remained on his head and his hands were extremely trembling and marked. "Ever since that day, I never stopped seeing your eyes, wherever I looked, those golden eyes tormented me, I went mad, to the point that even my own father abandoned me." said Peon panting and drooling.
"I tried to close my eyes so I couldn't see your eyes anymore, but they were still there, so I tore out my own eyelids so I couldn't close these eyes anymore. Many times I tried to end it all, but first I needed to make you pay for what you did to me!"
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Kal, calm and serene, continued walking towards Peon. "Do you know him, Kal?" asked Gwen, quite sleepy while Katara illuminated Peon's grotesque face. "It's an old feud, but now he is harmless." said Kal. Peon seemed terrified of Kal, but his hatred prevented him from fleeing, even with his trembling hands, he held his dagger firmly and advanced on Kal, who simply dodged and with a sweep, brought the boy down.
Kal took Peon's dagger and pulling him by his cloak brought him outside. "I'm not the same boy from before, so I'll give you a choice, you can leave here and live your life, or you can die once and for all so you never bother my family again. What will you choose Umbridge?". Without his dagger, Peon let fear and terror take hold of his heart and desperately ran as far from Kal as possible.
At dawn, after a turbulent night, Kal seeks to understand the recent events in the village of Suri, talking to the remaining residents about the fate of the Umbridge family. He discovers that, after allying himself with the feared Morfrey in his reign of terror, the family was exterminated by the villain himself, leaving Peon as the last of his lineage. This fatal alliance reveals the complexity of Suri's political and social situation, now marked by the absence of the Umbridges.
The revelation sparks mixed feelings among the villagers; some blame Kal and his companions for the fight against Morfrey, arguing that despite their flaws, the Umbridges kept the village prosperous. This perspective highlights Suri's difficult reality, now on the brink of extinction without its leadership. The weight of this responsibility falls on Kal, who finds himself torn between the greater good and the unforeseen consequences of his actions.
Moved by compassion and the desire to repair the damage, Kal promises to seek assistance from King Relon of the Waters, in the hope of revitalizing the village. He commits to ensuring that a new noble will be sent to govern Suri, planting a seed of hope among the villagers.
However, the climate of mistrust and accumulated pain lead the inhabitants to request the immediate departure of Kal and his friends. Before leaving, Kal, touched by the village's situation, leaves behind treasures given by the High King of Elves, a gesture of generosity that reflects his altruistic nature and his willingness to leave a positive legacy despite challenging circumstances.
As they say goodbye to the house and village of Suri, the young adventurers carry with them not only the memories of a lost childhood, but also the responsibility of their choices and the promise of a better future for those left behind. Their journey back to Alnuum is marked by reflections on the power of actions and the lasting impact they can have on the lives of others, shaping Kal into a compassionate leader conscious of the complexities of the world around him.
As night fell, the group of young adventurers once again established their camp in the vastness separating them from Alnuum. The scenery was soothing, with Katara taking on the role of cook, preparing a meal that promised to be comforting after a day of travel. Meanwhile, Gwen, the master of magic, shared her knowledge of protection spells with Sin and Inala, her eyes gleaming with the enthusiasm of one who finds in magic not only a weapon but a universe of possibilities.
Kal, for his part, remained vigilant, circling the perimeter of the camp. His warrior's instinct prevented him from lowering his guard, even in moments of apparent peace. He knew that danger could arise at any time, and his determination to protect those he loved was unshakable.
After the meal, which was accompanied by laughter and exchanges of stories, the group prepared for a well-deserved night of rest. Gwen, well aware of the dangers lurking, conjured a detection barrier around the campsite. This spell, an invisible circle of security, promised to alert them of any intrusion, allowing them to sleep without fears.
The night progressed silently and serenely, until, at the deepest point of darkness, a whispering voice found Kal's ear: "I found you!". Startled, he arose, expecting to confront yet another imminent danger, but around him, only the calm of the night. Convinced that his mind was playing tricks, he tried to return to sleep.
However, fate had other plans. As he lay down, Kal noticed a disturbing presence by his side: a man with eyes blazing like coals and black robes, he was very tall and had arms and legs slightly longer than normal, rummaging through Kal's bag in search of something unknown. "Who are you?", Kal questioned, alarmed. The answer came in the form of a challenge, as the stranger continued his frantic search, ignoring the danger Kal represented.
In an instant, the peaceful camp transformed into a stage of tension. Facing the unknown, Kal realized that the security he imagined was guaranteed by Gwen's magic might not be enough against certain enemies. As the man with red eyes rose, revealing himself more clearly in the dim light, Kal prepared for confrontation, determined to protect his friends at any cost. This moment of suspense and imminent danger underlined the uncertain journey they faced, reminding them that in a world full of magic and mysteries, not all encounters would be friendly.
In the dead of night, with his companions imprisoned in a deep magical sleep, Kal faces danger alone. Armed with Dawnbreak, his luminous sword, he is the sole line of defense against a threatening stranger. A golden mana aura powerfully irradiates from Kal, illuminating the darkness with promises of protection and challenge. This confrontation is not merely physical; it is a battle of wills, magic against magic, determination against malice.
The stranger's reaction to Kal's power is one of mockery "Ohhh, what a magnificent vision, what grander mana!". Applauding the grand manifestation of mana. However, when Kal launches a decisive attack, believing he has eliminated the threat, the adversary proves not to be so easily defeated. The situation takes an even more complex turn when the man, earlier on the ground, rises, challenging Kal's perceptions of reality. His cold laughter and provocative words indicate a game of illusions and intertwined realities, forcing Kal to question the truth of his situation.
Kal then finds himself in a duel not just physical but mental as well, trying to unravel the true nature of his opponent while defending against a surprise attack with sharp reflexes. The speed and skill of the stranger, armed with a sinister-looking ritualistic dagger, demands all of Kal's dexterity and intuition in a dangerous dance that tests his limits. The man, once again moving with supernatural agility, attacks with a black dagger cutting through the air, trying to find gaps in Kal's defense.
Pressed, Kal defends himself with Dawnbreak, stopping each blow with precision, but the adversary is relentless, forcing him to retreat. The fight intensifies as the stranger unleashes a sequence of rapid attacks, each more dangerous than the last, his cold laughter echoing in the night. Kal, realizing the seriousness of the danger, channels his golden mana in a display of power and light, trying to turn the tide.
The battle between Kal's golden light and the stranger's sinister shadows illuminates the darkness, a true test of Kal's skills and his determination to protect those he loves against the hidden threats lurking in the shadows of the world.
Facing darkness and the unknown, Kal channels a monumental force, his aura shining intensely as he prepares for a decisive confrontation. The fight, marked by speed and ferocity, echoes in the silence of the night, a clear sign that none of his companions would awaken to assist him. After a powerful blow that would floor any adversary, Kal watches in perplexity as the man not only rises unharmed but also presents himself with a gesture of reverence, finally revealing his name: "I am Sorrow, I came here to see what you were like, and I confess I got very excited. I will count the hours until we can see each other again." With these words, Sorrow disappears into the darkness, leaving Kal with more questions than answers.
Katara, alarmed, wakes up at that moment, seeking to understand the situation. Faced with the evident concern on her face, Kal tries to calm her spirit, minimizing what happened as "just another unwanted visit". Trusting in Kal, Katara returns to her rest, but Kal remains awake, watching over the night. His mind is a whirlwind of thoughts about Sorrow's power, an adversary capable of invading magical barriers, inducing a deep sleep in his companions, and emerging unscathed from fatal blows. Dawn finds Kal determined but disturbed by the certainty that Sorrow presented a new and different challenge.
The following morning, as everyone cheerfully prepared to resume the journey to Alnuum, Kal could hardly hide his exhausted state, moving with the agility of a zombie. His energetic companions could not help but notice his sleepy appearance, turning the moment into a series of light-hearted jokes about Kal's ability to "walk and sleep" at the same time. While trying to pack up camp, Kal tangled himself with the simplest of tasks, provoking laughter and a light-hearted atmosphere despite the challenges awaiting them.