One hour past ten in the morning, Tony and Eleo were enjoying a peaceful picnic with Lilith. The sun bathed the scene in a warm glow as they laughed and shared stories. But this tranquility was abruptly shattered when a dark portal erupted into the air. From within stepped a formidable knight, his presence immediately commanding attention.The knight’s helmet was a full-faced, angular piece with glowing red eyes that gave him a demonic or dragon-like appearance. A pointed crest on top added to its intimidating look. His armor was dark with metallic tones, heavily adorned with intricate detailing. The pauldrons were large and spiked, resembling dragon scales, while his gauntlets were claw-like. His leg armor was reinforced with layered plates, leading down to sturdy boots. A tattered red tabard hung from his waist, adding a battle-worn, regal touch. The overall design of the armor demanded both fear and respect.“My dear Lilith,” the knight’s deep voice was laced with regret. “I am so sorry for losing you.”Lilith met his gaze with a soft smile. “It’s okay. These two took good care of me.”The knight bowed deeply, a gesture of profound gratitude. “Thank you. We shall forever be in your debt. If you ever need help, do not hesitate to call on us.”With a solemn nod, he took Lilith’s hand. They walked towards the portal, and as it began to close, Lilith waved goodbye. Tony and Eleo waved back, watching as the portal vanished into nothingness.Tony turned to Eleo, who was brimming with excitement. “Well, that was nice. Anyway, let’s head to town.”Eleo’s eyes sparkled with anticipation. “Yeah, I can’t wait to show everyone my power!”Tony sighed, the sound reminiscent of rustling leaves. Despite his skeletal features, his expression was gentle as he knelt to Eleo’s level. “Eleo,” he began, his tone kind yet firm, “I need you to understand something important about your ink power. It’s a part of you, like your fur or ears. But it’s more than that—it’s unique and powerful. And with that power comes responsibility.”He paused, choosing his words carefully. “Think of your ink like… well, like something personal. You wouldn’t just go around showing it to everyone, right? There’s a time and place for it. The same goes for your ink.”Tony leaned in slightly, ensuring Eleo was paying attention. “Your ink isn’t something to flaunt or use recklessly. It’s yours, and that makes it special. But it also means you need to be wise about when and where you reveal it. Not everyone needs to see it, and not every situation calls for it.”He gestured subtly, as if making the abstract idea more tangible. “Protect what’s yours, Eleo. Understand it, but don’t feel compelled to display it to the world. There will be times when you’ll need to use it—times when revealing it is the right choice. But those times will be rare and significant. It’s about timing and discretion.”Tony straightened up, the soft glow in his eye sockets radiating understanding. “So remember, Eleo—your ink is like something personal. Keep it to yourself unless the moment truly calls for it. That’s how you show respect for your gift and for yourself.”He patted Eleo on the head with a smile. “Or, you know, do whatever you want with it. I was just trying to sound wise.”As they neared the town, they noticed a bustling signing area where a man stood with a stack of papers. Nearby, a cat with deep purple fur and piercing yellow eyes caught their attention. The cat wore a high-collared, long coat of deep black with gold embroidery, slim-fitting blue pants with faint silver lines, sleek black gloves with embedded lights, and rugged boots. His serious demeanor contrasted with his stylish, modern outfit.Beside him, a comedian in a colorful clown suit was making a scene. His eccentric attire was bright and exaggerated, clashing with the cat’s calm and determined expression. “Sign me up, buddy! I want to take down the strongest, and I’ll find a group to help me!”The cat, almost smiling, responded dryly. “Hurry up, Clown. The rest of us don’t have all day.”The clown stuck out his tongue, then sang a cheerful tune before walking away. The cat, nearly amused, followed suit.Tony and Eleo quickly approached the signing area. The man behind the desk greeted them with a curious look. “You two seem… unique. Just so you know, if you sign up, you’ll be hunted by the Supreme Council.”Tony raised a bony eyebrow. “Why would the Supreme Council hunt us if we sign up?”The man’s expression turned serious. “The Supreme Council is at the top, with representatives from each major region, known as Sovereigns. They hold immense power and make decisions that impact the entire world. They’re elected for 200-year terms and act as political commanders.”Tony nodded, intrigued. “So, like a government?”The man continued, “Exactly. The Sovereign Assembly promotes global unity and stability, but they’re often criticized for their authoritarian methods. They control major trade routes and resources, managing tariffs and trade agreements. Public perception of the Assembly is mixed—some view it as necessary for stability, while others see it as corrupt and oppressive.”Tony pressed further, “And why would they hunt us if we sign up?”The man explained, “The challenge destabilizes global order by encouraging violence to seek power. It empowers new adversaries who might oppose or overthrow the Sovereigns. The power promised could lead to unpredictable consequences, shifting public perception away from the Sovereigns. The challenge promotes a cycle of violence, contradicting the Assembly’s efforts to present themselves as a force for good. It also drains resources and attention, creating political and social instability.”Tony and Eleo were taken aback by the complexity and depth of the situation. They exchanged a look, their minds racing with the implications of what lay ahead.

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