The garden of light shimmered with an otherworldly radiance, its golden blossoms swaying gently in an invisible breeze. The air carried a fresh, floral scent mixed with the faint tang of ozone, as if the magic sustaining the garden was alive and breathing. The beautiful, vibrant surroundings, however, were about to become a battlefield.
Klem, standing tall and feral in the heart of the garden, his massive eight-sided ax resting heavily against his shoulder, roared with laughter. His white mane shimmered with streaks of molten gold as his amber eyes burned with an intensity that seemed almost primal. The chains attached to his weapon rattled faintly, glowing with the same radiant light as the runes etched along the ax’s surface. With every step he took toward Yuuna, the ground beneath him cracked slightly, though the garden repaired itself immediately, the grass regrowing and the flowers blooming anew.
Yuuna, standing on the other side of the garden, grinned wide, her sharp teeth glinting. Her hair was a chaotic mess, falling haphazardly across her face, her scarlet eyes gleaming with wild excitement. Her dragon-like wings twitched slightly, and her tail flicked behind her lazily as if she wasn’t taking any of this seriously.
"Illyana," Klem said, his deep, rumbling voice echoing across the garden, "so you’ve really thrown in with her? This one? A demon-worshipper with dragon blood tainted by Hell?"
Yuuna raised a brow, her grin widening. "Demon-worshipper? That’s new. Usually, people just call me ‘a pain in the ass.’ I kinda like this one."
Klem’s grin faded slightly, his expression hardening. "Let’s see if you can prove you’re more than just a danger to everyone around you." Without another word, he dashed forward, his inhuman speed sending a shockwave through the garden as white flames erupted from his weapon.
Quinara, who was leaning casually against an ethereal tree on the sidelines, suddenly straightened up, her golden eyes flickering with surprise. "Uh, is no one else going to stop this?" she asked, gesturing toward the two figures now squaring off in the middle of the garden.
Gridd, arms folded and unbothered, grunted. "That lion guy’s no threat."
Quinara threw her hands up. "No threat? He’s literally on fire and swinging a giant murder ax! How is that not a threat?"
Mertha smirked, "Relax, Quinara. This is gonna be fun to watch."
Kivorn yawned, his perpetually tired expression unchanged. "I’m with Gridd. She’s fine. Probably."
Quinara’s jaw dropped. "You’re all insane. Every single one of you."
Faera and Vektor, standing slightly apart from the group, exchanged a glance. Vektor’s brow furrowed, his sharp features tightening slightly as he observed the scene. "They have... insane faith in her," Faera murmured softly, almost to herself.
Vektor nodded, his voice low. "It’s not just faith. It’s like they already know the outcome."
Faera’s gaze shifted to Illyana, who stood with her hands clasped loosely in front of her, her soft smile unshaken. There was a calmness in her expression, an unwavering trust that Faera couldn’t ignore. Faera’s golden eyes narrowed slightly as a thought crept into her mind. "She has more faith in Yuuna than Lancelot himself."
The battle began with a deafening crack as Klem lunged forward at light speed, his ax blazing with white flames as it cleaved through the air toward Yuuna. She didn’t flinch. With a casual flick of her wings, she darted to the side, her movements almost too fast to follow. The ax struck the ground where she had been standing, sending a shockwave of light through the garden. The golden grass burned away in a flash—only to regrow instantly, vibrant and untouched.
Yuuna laughed, her voice wild and mocking. "Is that all you’ve got, furball? I thought you were supposed to be strong!"
Klem’s grin returned, feral and sharp. "You’re quick. Let’s see if you can keep dodging."
He raised his weapon high, the runes along its surface glowing brighter as he began to chant in a deep, resonant voice:
"In the light, there is clarity.
In clarity, there is strength.
In strength, there is purpose."
The ax erupted with even greater power, the white flames spiraling outward as Klem’s speed and strength surged. He swung the weapon in a wide arc, the chains snapping toward Yuuna like living serpents.
Yuuna ducked, her wings folding tightly against her back as she spun away, narrowly avoiding the deadly chains. She laughed again, her tail flicking out to parry one of the chains mid-swing. "You really like chanting, don’t you?" she teased.
Klem ignored her, continuing his mantra:
"Lancelot’s will is absolute.
The unworthy shall be burned away.
The righteous shall rise anew."
Each line seemed to empower him further, his movements becoming faster, more feral. He swung the ax with terrifying force, the chains lashing out in every direction, but Yuuna weaved through the onslaught with ease. Her movements were fluid, almost playful, as if she were dancing through the chaos.
On the sidelines, Kivorn frowned slightly. "What’s he doing?" he asked, his voice flat but curious.
Vektor shook his head, his expression grim. "That fool is testing her."
Illyana stepped forward, her voice soft but filled with understanding. "Klem has always been the type to test the worth of everyone’s soul," she explained. Her tranquil smile remained, but her tone carried a hint of sadness. "He believes in the light, in Lancelot’s teachings, but he also believes that worth must be proven. He tested me when I first joined the Clerics of the Holy Branch… and I suspect he’s trying to see if Yuuna will give in to her primal instincts."
"Primal instincts?" Faera asked, her golden eyes narrowing.
Illyana nodded. "He’s trying to push her to her limits. To see if she’ll lose herself to her demonic nature. If she does, if she kills recklessly—even here, surrounded by light and peace—he’ll believe she’s unworthy."
Mertha groaned, running a hand through her fiery hair. "That’s stupid."
Vektor glanced at her. "Why?"
Gridd, ever stoic, answered for her. "Just watch."
The battle raged on, every strike from Klem more ferocious than the last. The garden bore the brunt of the destruction, but each time it was torn apart, it healed itself instantly, the magic sustaining it unyielding.
Klem’s grin widened as he finally landed a blow, his ax slashing across Yuuna’s chest in a brutal arc. The impact sent a shockwave through the garden, and Faera and Vektor gasped as they saw Yuuna begin to fall.
But as she descended, Yuuna grinned wickedly, her crimson eyes gleaming. "Just kidding!"
In the blink of an eye, she vanished, leaving behind a trail of black and dark pink flames. Klem’s eyes widened as she darted around him, her speed now far surpassing his. He swung his ax wildly, but she was always a step ahead, her laughter echoing through the garden.
With a sharp turn, Yuuna grabbed one of the glowing chains mid-swing, her grip like iron. She twisted the chain around Klem’s neck in a blur of motion, darting left and right as she yanked him off balance. With a feral grin, she spun him around and hurled him across the garden, only to yank him back with the chain.
As he stumbled toward her, Yuuna’s grin widened. She darted forward, her fist slamming into his stomach with such force that the air around them cracked like thunder. The impact sent Klem staggering, his amber eyes briefly glazing over as memories of his childhood—dark, painful memories—flashed through his mind.
Klem fell to his knees, clutching his stomach as he struggled to catch his breath. Yuuna crouched in front of him, her grin fading as her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I’m not who I was before. I know the Clerics of the Holy Branch hunted me for years, but don’t you dare test my loyalty to myself. I know who I am. I’m not a monster. Test me again, and I’ll drag you to Hell myself."
For a moment, the garden was silent, the only sound the faint rustling of the flowers.
Klem slowly stood, his breathing heavy, but a grin spread across his face. "You’ve got guts, demon girl," he said, his voice tinged with amusement. "I was just making sure Illyana made the right choice joining you."
Yuuna blinked, then burst out laughing. "Oh, you’re such a pain!" she said, clapping her hands together. "Alright, enough of this. Let’s talk. We’re here for a meeting, right? I heard my mother was mentioned…"
The garden of light continued to be stunning, almost dreamlike in its beauty. The table at the center was carved from smooth, glowing crystal, its surface shimmering with soft patterns of gold and white that pulsed gently like a heartbeat. Around it were chairs of ethereal light, their design intricate and elegant, almost too perfect to be real. Sitting in the chairs wasn’t just comfortable—it was soothing. The faint hum of their magic radiated an aura of peace, warmth, and tranquility, relaxing even the most restless of minds.
The garden itself was alive with brilliance. Flowers of every color imaginable blossomed in cascading vines along the edges, their petals glowing faintly against the sunlight filtering through the canopy above. The air was filled with the sweet aroma of blooming jasmine and honeyed lilies, and the soft rustle of leaves harmonized with the faint murmur of a nearby fountain. Birds sang softly, their melodies weaving into the peaceful atmosphere.
The Tyrants, however, were having a hard time adjusting to the impossible serenity of the place.
Yuuna was sprawled across her chair, her arms behind her head and her legs stretched out. She sighed dramatically, her eyes half-lidded as the soothing light magic worked its way into her chaotic essence. “Ohhhh, yeah,” she groaned, her voice dripping with exaggerated satisfaction. “This chair? It’s like sitting on a goddamn cloud. I could live here. Forget the mission, forget Hell—this is it for me.” She tilted her head back, basking in the glow. “I’ve found heaven, you losers.”
Quinara, leaning back in her own chair, smirked. “Careful, Yuuna. If you keep talking like that, these guys are going to ask you to join their temple and start praying to lanterns or something.”
Yuuna snorted, waving her hand dismissively. “Yeah, no thanks. Too many rules. But these chairs? These I’ll steal.”
Kivorn, sitting at the far end of the table, was uncharacteristically silent. He leaned back slightly, his tired, emotionless eyes staring at the glowing table. For once, his perpetually slouched posture seemed to ease, and he exhaled a quiet breath. The peaceful magic of the garden stirred something deep within him—a faint memory of his childhood, a time when he was truly happy. The tranquility reminded him of simpler days when he could feel joy without the weight of the world pressing down on him. But now, the emotions felt distant, like a faint echo he couldn’t reach.
“It’s…” Kivorn started, his voice soft, almost hesitant.
Yuuna snapped her head toward him, raising an eyebrow. “Nice? That’s the most I’ve heard you say in a week.”
Kivorn shrugged, his face as blank as ever. “Don’t get used to it.”
Across the table, Mertha shifted in her chair, her fiery hair catching the light. She fidgeted restlessly, tapping her fingers against her spiked mace, which she had propped against the edge of the table. “I don’t like it,” she muttered, her tone clipped. “It’s too calm. Makes me feel like I’m supposed to sit still, and I *hate* sitting still.”
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Gridd, the dwarven warrior, grunted in agreement, his thick arms crossed over his chest. “Aye. It’s unnatural. S’pose it’s fine for the likes of Illyana, but I’d rather have solid stone under me than all this glowing nonsense.”
Faera, standing to the side with her hands clasped in front of her, sighed softly. “It’s meant to help you focus,” she said, her tone patient but slightly exasperated. “Not everything has to be about fighting or stomping around like a troll.”
“Tch. I don’t do a lot of fighting, lass,” Gridd retorted, narrowing his eyes at her.
Faera rolled her eyes but said nothing more. Instead, she turned to Vektor, who was standing beside her. “We should get started,” she said quietly.
Vektor nodded, stepping forward and placing his hands on the table. His sharp features were calm but commanding as he spoke. “Now then, we don’t have time to waste. The world doesn’t stop turning just because we’re comfortable.”
He was halfway through his sentence when Yuuna interrupted, groaning loudly as she sank deeper into her chair. “Let me enjoy this for five more minutes. You guys are so boring.” Yuuna smirked, leaning forward dramatically and clasping her hands together. “Fine,” she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Let’s get serious. Look, my hands are folded. I’m focused now.” She then swung her feet up onto the table with a loud thud, crossing her legs as she grinned at Vektor. “Happy?”
Vektor’s eye twitches violently, his composure cracking as he glares at her. “You’re defiling the light itself by putting your filthy boots on this table!”
Before he could say more, Klem, who had been leaning against a nearby tree with his massive ax resting on his shoulder, let out a booming laugh. “Oh, stop bein’ such a wuss, Vektor,” he said, striding toward the table with a grin. “It’s just a table. Here, I’ll join her.”
And with that, Klem plopped himself into one of the glowing chairs and slammed his massive feet onto the table, the chains on his ax rattling as he leaned back with a satisfied grin.
Vektor groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I swear, you’re all impossible.”
Faera, who had been watching quietly, tilted her head slightly as she observed the scene. She narrowed her golden eyes, her mind racing. “Yuuna…” she murmured thoughtfully.
Yuuna turned to her, raising an eyebrow. “What?”
“You seem… affected by the light magic,” Faera said, her tone curious. “In a good way, I mean. It’s calming you. I wonder…” She trailed off, glancing at Illyana. “Could it be because you’re half human?”
Yuuna blinked, then shrugged nonchalantly. “Maybe. Or maybe I’m just awesome.”
Illyana, who had been watching the group with a peaceful smile, finally spoke. “Let’s begin,” she said softly, her tone carrying a quiet authority that immediately settled the group. “There’s much to discuss, and the world won’t wait for us to sort ourselves out.”
Illyana explained, “I’ve already explained a few things with Yuuna, so she has a clear idea of what’s going on—.”
Vektor asked, “—Where is the boy that was here last night?”
Faera added, “Yeah, where is Xyenn?”
Gridd answered, “The lad went to clear his head a bit. He’s fine.”
Vektor and Faera slowly looked at each other.
Vektor said, “The war with Ezrael vs King Haldrek is upon us. The rest of the Clerics believe it’ll be a cataclysmic event. Unless..”
Quinara asked, “Unless what?”
Illyana went on to say, “Xyenn mentioned that the draconic sohks or people in general that end up escaping the Cycle of Rebirth and end up dying while having contracted with hells darkness it performed any dark ritual are bound to Hell for the First Monarch to puppeteer.”
Kivorn said, “And..we’re on a mission to kill King Haldrek…that means…”
Klem interrupted, “The fucking stakes just get higher huh?! Screw it. Let’s just seal him.”
Vektor explained, “We will have to seal both Ezrael and Haldrek. Which will be hard to do. If we can use the same method Yuuna’s mother used to seal King Samuel then that could work.”
Yuuna asked, “So what are we suggesting? Find my mother’s soul before everything?”
“That’ll be unrealistic in this situation—.”
“And why is that?”
“First there’s no guarantee where her soul is, but the number one place the Clerics suggest is the Astral World.”
Yuuna scratched the back of her head, “Yeah….you see…the Astral World has reportedly vanished.”
Faera asked, “Vanished?”
“I encountered a pixie from the Astral World, who had become a witch. She told me she was being manipulated by a Monarch of Hell, with a mask I have. She was performing a ritual that the Monarchs instructed her to prepare and perform so hell can open.”
Klem chuckled, “How convenient!”
Mertha asked, “What is? You know of this already?”
“Of course we do, muscle woman! Everything aligns with each other. The current vessel of Lancelot, his name is Sugred. And he’s caught wind of the incident in Soulcaris.”
Yuuna clenched her fists, “Those damn Prophets…”
“No, it wasn’t them this time. Soulcaris was known to have the coven of witches, and since the Clerics of the Holy Branch mainly target witches, they’ve had eyes on the witches in Soulcaris. They were about to move in, until you and your group came in and killed the dragon god of the sun, they watched it all.”
Vektor added, “This all points back to our current situation. Sugred always hated King Samuel, the Jotyin. He is planning to have one of our Clerics complete that pixies ritual to connect Hell to Kyrrin.”
Gridd grunted, “Why the hell want to do that shite for? Ye’ lads stand for light and Lancelot, but would do this?”
Faera grumbled, “It’s not OUR doing. We don’t want this at all! We stand for the light, not the darkness. We all strive to be overcome by leave and tranquility, conquering the darkness is our life goal, as that’s the only way to acquire true happiness. Sugred has the sealed King Samuel in their sanctuary. Sugred is already probably preparing the ritual, which will take a while, so we have to go in and unseal King Samuel and acquire his sword.”
“What sword?” Mertha questioned.
“A sword that cut the bridge from Hell to Kyrrin during the early days of this world. Someone used his sword to cut it the first time after King Samuel’s battle. Called the Sword of Sovereign Light.”
Yuuna whispered to herself, “Mom..” She then looked up and commented, “Why would Sugred want to open Hell here again…? What’s his reasoning?”
Klem clenched his fists, “That bastard…he’s like King Haldrek in a way, but obsessed with the light itself. He always believed himself to be a Jotyin, one who could conquer Hell. But he let it get to his head, he’s like us, we’re determined to protect the light, our peace, and our Clerics, but he’s taking it to another fucking level.”
Kivorn stated, “So..he’s willingly…opening Hell..to go in and conquer it…?”
Vektor explained more, “He doesn’t plan on keeping it open long. Just for a mere second so he can jump in and then close the gates.”
Yuuna snarled, “Is he a madman?! Even opening it one second is dangerous! I’m from Hell…I know. Demons and beings alike are clawing away to try and get out. They’re always ready. As soon as he opens it, half of Hell will roam around here.”
Faera said, “Which is why we need you. Sugred doesn’t have demons on his side to let him know this is wrong. But he probably won’t listen. King Samuel’s sword is inside the Tree of Ohnupilath itself, where Sugred has a stone which can take him to the base of the Tree in a separate realm.”
“Let me get this straight then,” Mertha adjusted her folded arms. “You want help infiltrating Sugred’s sanctuary? The main sanctuary for the Clerics of The Holy Branch? Wanting us to unseal King Samuel, AND give him his sword?”
“I understand if it’s too much to ask…”
Yuuna said, “I understand this. Lancelot never was fond of me, as we two are opposites of one another. I’m with the darkness and he with the light.”
Illyana said, “My former husband must learn the hard way.”
Kivorn said to her, “He’s your husband…?”
“Former. The one who tried to sacrifice me to Lancelot. I do not like thinking of him much.”
Klem grinned, “If Illyana even sets foot back there, she will be killed. Sugred will see to it himself that it happens.”
Quinara went on to say, “Don’t we have to figure out how to unseal King Samuel while being all secretive and stuff? AND pickpocket a crazy ass draconic vessel?!”
Vektor answered, “We will have only one of you be in disguise. You will be showered with light magic and garments to hide your dark aura that comes from Yuuna. There is a library in the sanctuary that houses all documents from past vessels of light and the war from the beginning. You will need to find the song notes to unseal him.”
“Song notes? We have to sing to a statue?” Yuuna tilted her head.
Faera replied, “It was documented that a song was used to seal him at first. We remember reading it when we were there, but have long forgotten which book to read for it.”
Illyana nodded, “I’ve heard of it as well.”
Suddenly, Yuuna started to remember the times when her mother had sung to her, her peaceful voice of tranquility being blissful through song, and Yuuna used to sing with her.
“My mother…she’s connected. I know she is. I used to sing with her, she sang songs to me, and I sung them back. This is definitely her doing.”
Vektor nodded, “That is why we say it’s unrealistic to waste to look for her soul in the Astral World right now, as we figured you would know about her songs, you being her daughter and all. We would advise you go with Xyenn to the sanctuary, but you both will have to literally drown in the light to hide your dark presence.”
“Both?!”
“You and Xyenn will be the perfect candidates for infiltration.”
“Why?”
“If me, Klem, of Faera or Illyana waltz in there we would easily get spotted. Everyone will be our enemy. But you and Xyenn are more connected to this than we all are, so it would make sense. Xyenn being a Jotyin, created by the King of Sen, and being partially related to King Samuel by him being a Jotyin also. And with you and your mothers songs, you can awaken King Samuel. And once you do that, collect the stone and the sword, and give the signal and we will gather our forces and invade. Sugred will do anything to accomplish his goal of preserving the light and protecting it, he was born and raised in this life. Taking him down is the only way to preserve the light.”
Illyana asked, “We’re gathering all Clerics for this invasion? All the survivors?”
“All the survivors are here in this orphanage. But with you and your Tyrants with us, we have a high chance of winning. We cannot let Sugred finish that witches ritual, but we have the sword to stop it if we get our hands on it.”
“…I never thought it would come to something like this. Fighting against the Clerics…after doing everything I could to escape.”
Klem nudged Illyana, “Us too! We went right with you, and don’t regret it. If we would’ve stayed…”
Faera finished, “We would be doomed. And maybe even eventually taken down by you all..”
Faera thought, ‘Illyana being detached from the Clerics and Lancelot like this…she speaks to her own light and prays to it instead of Lancelot.. what would become of me if I do the same? Will the outcome always be victory? The one thing I fought so hard to be a part of, I’m fighting against it. My own Clerics who hunted us. Is this my true freedom…? Or me going against what I always stood for, going against the vessel who made me who I am…will I be free then? Illyana…the cleric priestess I've always looked up to..she seems so free. I’ve become jealous.’
Vektor said, “It has come to this. I beg all of you, for your help, Tyrants!”
Yuuna, Gridd, Kivorn, Mertha, and Quinara looked at each other.
They all nodded as this was just another day in the office for them. But this time it was going deeper and deeper, more personal things being revealed.
Yuuna said, “You’ll be able to find my darling Xyenn in the Northern District of this dreadful city. Next, we will be keeping those song notes when we face Haldrek and Ezrael and the other dragon gods we face. I won’t let my Father puppeteer them—.”
Klem closed his eyes like he regretted to say this, “Based on what we know, her song notes aren’t unlimited. And since they won’t be sung using her voice, it will have less effect if you keep using it, your Mother’s voice carries magic, an external type of magic. If you used it, then it would eventually run out. That’s the harsh reality of it all. But hopefully, when you come across the elder dragon gods or Haldrek or Ezrael, you’ll have enough songs left to seal their souls in place. Which will be the same as death but it’s holding their soul in place from going to its destination. So the dragon gods who are being reborn through pregnant Quen women..would have to die if they pose a threat to this world.”
“Damn. Okay. Can you go find my darling now? Thank youuuu!” Yuuna smiled.
‘After so long…I’ll be able to dig deeper into where my mother is…! What if I’m able to reach the Astral World with this…?’
As the meeting was being concluded and everyone was talking, Kivorn and Klem were talking on the side.
Klem chuckled, “You want to drown in the light?”
“You…mentioned happiness..and it comes with the light….Inneed help.” Kivorn said while looking down at the ground.
“You want to be happy? Joyful? Then battle me, you might get some sensation! Haha!”
“No…I mean…I’m doing whatever it takes to find my joy again…witches ruined me…”
“They made you not able to feel joy or emotions, and you’re fully aware of this?! That’s dark, and it’s evil. That’s why we clobber those damn witches to Hell where they belong. But if this is what you want, then I’ll let it happen. I won’t refuse to let one feel the power of light.”
“Yeah.”
‘Maybe I’ll be able to feel something, my Joy even. With Light Magic able to overpower Dark Magic at times, there’s a 50/50 chance this could work. I need it to work. I’m tired of watching everyone be joyful without me..I don’t wanna be hollow anymore.’
…
The streets of Svarthelm’s Northern District were alive with chaos and desperation, a symphony of noise and motion that never truly stopped. The city sprawled like a beast, its jagged towers of steel and stone piercing the sky, while narrow alleys and crooked streets wove through its underbelly like veins. The district was a place where the poor clawed at scraps while the rich watched comfortably from their gilded balconies above. Steam vents hissed from the cobblestone streets, and the air smelled faintly of burnt coal, sweat, and oil.
Xyenn walked through the bustling streets with his head low, his eyes focused on the ground as he kicked a small, jagged stone ahead of him. The simple action helped him focus, his mind swirling with all the things he’d learned in the past few days. The city around him was like an unending blur of noise—vendors shouting, children laughing and crying, the constant clatter of machinery—but he tuned it all out, keeping his gaze fixed downward.
‘This was a nice walk. I need to do this more often.’
The Northern District was packed with people trying to make a living, most of them barely scraping by. It was a place where survival wasn’t a guarantee, and the only way to thrive in Jörvaldr was to already be rich. The poor didn’t thrive—they endured.
“Fresh elixirs! Guaranteed to cure what ails you!” a vendor called out, thrusting a glowing vial toward Xyenn’s face. The man had wild, unkempt hair and wore a greasy apron, holding the bottle like it was a treasure. “Only ten silver! It’ll make you stronger!”
Xyenn ignored him, kicking the stone ahead and continuing on.
The vendor scowled and leaned over his cart. “Hey, kid! Don’t ignore me! Fucking brat!”
Before Xyenn could respond, another man—this one shirtless and muscled, with scars crisscrossing his chest—stepped in front of him, cracking his knuckles. “You look strong. Let’s see if my elixir can make you stronger!” he growled.
The man lunged at Xyenn, throwing a punch. Without even looking up, Xyenn flicked his finger, sending the man flying backward into a pile of empty crates. The crowd gasped, and the vendor cursed under his breath, quickly retreating to his cart.
“Next time, sell something real,” Xyenn muttered, kicking the stone again.
The crowd around him gasped:
“He’s strong…”
“Is he dragonkin?! Look at his tail and teeth and pupils!”
As he walked, the streets grew even more chaotic. A pair of scammer kids darted through the crowd, their faces dirty but their eyes sharp. One of them, a boy with a mop of dark hair, bumped into Xyenn, while the other—a smaller girl—slipped in behind him, her fingers reaching for his pouch.
Xyenn sighed, barely glancing over his shoulder as he grabbed the girl by the wrist. She froze, her wide eyes meeting his.
“Nice try,” Xyenn said dryly.
The boy, realizing his sister had been caught, tried to play innocent. “Sorry, sir! She’s just clumsy!”
Xyenn smirked. “Right. Clumsy.” He released the girl, but not before flipping her a single coin. She stared at it, confused, as he walked away. “Buy something real with it.”
“T-Thanks mister!”
As he moved further into the district, Xyenn came across a group of five individuals, each one unique enough to catch his attention.
- The first was a hulking man with a prosthetic arm made of blackened steel, steam hissing from its joints as he adjusted a strange contraption on his back. His face was scarred, his eyes sharp and calculating.
- Beside him stood a woman cloaked in patchwork fabrics, her face hidden but her piercing green eyes glowing faintly beneath her hood. A faint shimmer of magic radiated from her, making the air around her feel charged.
- A wiry man with a long, crooked nose leaned casually against a lamppost, flipping a dagger in his hand. His grin was sharp, almost predatory, and his eyes darted around the crowd like a bird of prey.
- Next to him sat a young girl on the ground, no older than sixteen, her hair tied into messy braids. She played with a small mechanical bird, winding its gears with nimble fingers. Despite her youthful appearance, there was a hardness in her expression that spoke of a life lived on the streets.
- The last was an older man covered in tattoos, his skin marked with runes that glowed faintly in the dim light. He carried a staff, its top adorned with a flickering orb, and his gaze seemed distant, as though he were seeing something far beyond the city.
Xyenn didn’t stop to engage with them, though their presence lingered in his mind as he continued forward.
---
He had just turned down a quieter alley when a sudden voice behind him made him jump.
“Xyenn.”
Xyenn spun around so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet. “AHHH!” he screamed, his voice higher than he’d like to admit. A few passersby stopped to stare, and he felt his face go red as he glared at the figure before him. “WHAT THE HELL, MAN?!”
It was Vektor, standing calmly with his arms crossed, his piercing eyes locked on Xyenn.
“Wh-what are you doing here?!” Xyenn stammered nervously, trying to regain his composure.
“You didn’t come to the meeting,” Vektor said bluntly.
Xyenn furrowed his brow. “I never said I was going to come. I just needed to clear my head, alright? Got wayyyy to much shit on my mind right now.”
Vektor sighed, his sharp features softening ever so slightly. “Clearing your head doesn’t mean avoiding your responsibilities.”
Xyenn frowned but didn’t respond.
Vektor hesitated, then added, “I get it. Sometimes it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. The Clerics of the Holy Branch… the battles against the darkness… it’s overwhelming. Every day, I feel like I’m fighting a losing battle. But avoiding it doesn’t make it go away.”
Xyenn stared at him, surprised by the vulnerability in Vektor’s tone. For a moment, he saw past the stern façade and glimpsed the struggles Vektor carried. But just as quickly, Vektor straightened, his composure returning as he cleared his throat.
“Anyway,” Vektor said, changing the subject, “about the Delleren noble family. We talked about it yesterday. Are you serious about getting involved in this? Or do you think it’s a waste of time, given everything else going on? Because our meeting concluded of a deadly task for you Tyrants.”
Without missing a beat, Xyenn replied, “No. Tell me what to do. I can handle this quickly. I’m putting a stop to the Delleren family today.”
…
Moments later, Xyenn found himself standing in the middle of Wernglenn Forest, surrounded by towering golden trees that shimmered in the sunlight. The air was crisp and cool, carrying the faint scent of pine and wildflowers.
He was dressed in an absurd outfit made entirely of feathers, with a weird mask resembling the face of a bird. He stomped around angrily, his boots crunching against the forest floor as he muttered to himself.
“‘Dress like the Owlgrudd Bird,’ he said. ‘It’ll lure the assassins out,’ he said. This is stupid!” Xyenn growled, flapping his arms dramatically. “I look like a damn idiot!”
He stopped in the middle of the clearing, took a deep breath, and let out a loud, awkward, “HOO! HOO-HOO!”
The sound echoed through the forest, and Xyenn groaned, burying his face in his hands. “I hate this. I hate this so much.”
He flapped his arms again, stomping around in a circle. “HOO! HOO-HOO!”
“Why does it have to be weird noises?!” he grumbled, kicking a rock. “Couldn’t I just… I don’t know, act like a normal person?”
Still, he kept doing it, his voice growing louder and more frustrated.
“HOO! HOO-HOO!”