“Bravo,” a voice drawled, slow and mocking.

The trio spun around, their weapons instinctively raised, as three figures stepped from the shadows. Their silhouettes were sharp and predatory, their eyes gleaming with cold intent. These were no mere treasure hunters—they moved with practiced confidence, weapons gleaming in the dim light of the ruin.

“Thank you for beating the guardian and, of course, deactivating all the deadly traps,” the leader said, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he continued clapping. He was a burly man, his frame clad in reinforced leather armor, and he carried a pair of double chainsaws that roared to life with a flick of his wrist. “Made our job so much easier.”

Beside him, a lithe woman uncoiled a whip from her side, the weapon glistening with a sinister, iridescent sheen that hinted at poison. Her smirk widened, her eyes locking onto Martin like a predator savoring its prey.

The third figure, a towering man with an eerie mask, clenched his fists, electricity crackling and arcing between the heavy metal knuckles he wore. The faint glow reflected his malicious intent as he sized up Rem, who stood unflinching.

Martin’s grip on his Tuning Blade tightened, the hum rising in pitch as if the blade itself sensed the tension. “Looks like we’ve got company.”

Nova’s feline eyes narrowed, her stance shifting into a defensive crouch. Her claws extended, catching the chamber’s dim light. “I hate company.”

Rem stepped forward, cosmic energy swirling around her hands in a protective halo. “You’re making a mistake if you think we’ll just hand it over.”

The leader chuckled, his double chainsaws roaring to life with a deafening snarl. “Hand it over? Oh no, darling. We’re taking it—and you three? Just another set of unfortunate casualties.”

With a guttural yell, he charged, the chainsaws cutting through the air in wide, deadly arcs. Nova darted aside, her reflexes keeping her just ahead of the blades, her movements precise and deliberate.

At the same moment, the woman lashed her poisonous whip toward Martin, its tip whistling through the air. He deflected it with his Tuning Blade, the weapon vibrating with resonant energy as it repelled the toxic strike. “You’re going to regret that,” Martin muttered, sending out a shockwave that forced her back a step.

The masked man lunged at Rem, electricity crackling ominously around his fists. He threw a powerful punch, the electric surge threatening to break through her defenses, but Rem conjured a shimmering barrier of cosmic energy, deflecting the attack with a dazzling burst of light.

The clash raged on, the chamber reverberating with the clamor of blades, chainsaws, and cosmic energy.

The leader lunged again, his dual chainsaws carving through the air with terrifying precision. Nova stayed just out of reach, her feline reflexes outmatching his brute strength. Darting behind him, she landed a flurry of swift strikes, each swipe of her claws tearing into his armor. With a growl, he turned, slashing wildly, but Nova vaulted over his attack, landing gracefully and taunting him with a smirk.

Meanwhile, Martin faced off against the whip-wielding woman. She lashed her weapon with expert precision, the poison-laden tip aiming to strike any exposed flesh. Martin, his Tuning Blade glowing with the power of his Humming Sun, intercepted each strike with resonant waves that deflected her attacks. With a sudden counterattack, he unleashed a concentrated pulse, the vibrations sending her stumbling back. “Tough luck,” he quipped, closing the distance to disarm her.

Rem held her ground against the masked man. His electrified punches crackled with lethal intent, each swing threatening to breach her cosmic shield. She countered with bursts of energy, her attacks illuminating the room in flashes of light. As he lunged again, she sidestepped, her barrier dissipating just in time for her to deliver a focused energy blast to his chest, sending him crashing into a wall.

Despite their exhaustion, the trio moved with seamless coordination, their trust in one another evident. Nova distracted the leader with agile maneuvers while Martin used his sound waves to disrupt the whip-wielding woman’s footing. Rem, with unerring precision, unleashed bursts of cosmic energy to neutralize the masked man’s electric onslaught.

The tide of the battle turned as Nova spotted an opening. She feigned a retreat, leading the chainsaw-wielding leader into a trap. “Now!” she shouted.

Martin unleashed a powerful resonance wave, disorienting the remaining hunters. Rem followed up with a dome of cosmic energy that pinned them in place. Nova moved in for the final blow, slamming the butt of her weapon against the leader’s head, knocking him unconscious.

With a final, coordinated strike, the trio subdued their foes. The hunters collapsed to the ground, their weapons clattering away.

“Is everyone okay?” Martin asked, wiping sweat from his brow and surveying his teammates.

Nova shifted back to her human form, brushing a hand through her disheveled hair. “We’re fine, but that was way too close.”

Rem nodded, her breathing heavy but steady. Her eyes locked onto the pedestal, where the Cosmic Plumage sat untouched by the chaos. She approached cautiously, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for the relic. The feathers felt warm and alive, the energy within them pulsing like a heartbeat.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispered, her voice reverent as she lifted the Plumage. It shimmered with an otherworldly glow, shifting colors like a living galaxy.

“We don’t have time to admire it here,” Nova said, glancing warily toward the entrance. “If these guys found us, more might be on the way.”

Rem tucked the Plumage securely into a protective pouch, and the trio began their trek out of the chamber. The ruins felt eerily quiet now, the echoes of the battle still lingering in the air.

As they navigated the treacherous corridors once more, a sense of accomplishment filled the group. They had survived deadly traps, outsmarted a mimic guardian, and bested a team of ruthless hunters.

——

As they passed through the academy’s grand gates, the familiar sight of bustling students and towering buildings welcomed them. The academy grounds were alive with activity, even more so with the mid term exams approaching. The pressure was tangible, but their victory in the Ruin of Ethereal Glade gave them a rare sense of triumph amidst the chaos.

Martin stretched, looking around at the other students rushing between classes. “Back to reality,” he said with a sigh. “At least we’ll be walking into the mission office with some glory.”

Rem remained quiet, walking ahead of them, her fingers tracing the outline of the relic through her bag. The power within the Cosmic Plumage thrummed with a strange familiarity, almost like it was trying to communicate with her. She shook her head, trying to ignore the unsettling feeling. “Let’s just report this mission and claim our reward. We’ve earned it,” she said, her voice steady but laced with a hint of unease.

They made their way to the mission hall, where the rewards were claimed and missions were officially recorded. Inside, the air buzzed with excitement as students exchanged stories of their own adventures, but none as thrilling or dangerous as theirs. Rem handed over the scroll and the Cosmic Plumage to the mission officer, a stoic man in a navy-blue cloak who nodded approvingly at their success.

“Impressive work,” the officer said, jotting down details into the mission ledger. “Four-star missions don’t often come back with success.”

Martin puffed out his chest slightly, enjoying the praise. “We’re just that good.”

The officer raised an eyebrow but refrained from commenting further. Reaching under the counter, he pulled out three small leather pouches, each filled with gold coins. The faint clinking of the coins was enough to make Nova’s eyes gleam with excitement.

“Here are your rewards,” the officer said, handing them over. “Well done. Keep up the good work.”

Nova immediately grabbed her pouch and opened it, her sharp eyes gleaming as she counted the coins. “This will cover my research for months,” she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.

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Martin tossed his pouch in the air and caught it with a satisfied grin. “Victory tastes even sweeter with gold,” he said, giving Rem a playful nudge.

Rem accepted her pouch quietly, her mind still partially on the relic they’d handed over. The weight of the gold in her hand felt hollow compared to the lingering unease in her chest. Still, she managed a small nod of gratitude toward the officer before the trio turned to leave.

As the trio stepped outside, the weight of the mission began to lift from their shoulders. They had done it—succeeded in one of the most challenging missions yet, and now they were one step closer to their goals.

Rem turned to Martin with a rare smile. “How about ice cream to celebrate?”

Martin’s face lit up. “Yes! Why not?” he said, practically bouncing with excitement. He shot a glance at Nova. “You coming?”

Nova, however, was focused on the gleaming coins she had earned from the mission. “Nah, you two enjoy yourselves. I’ve got plans.” She turned with a flick of her tail and disappeared into the crowd, her mind already buzzing with her future researches.

Rem and Martin exchanged a quick glance before heading off toward the academy's café.

As they strolled through the lively grounds, the atmosphere buzzed with the chatter of students discussing exams, missions, and rumors. The sun cast a golden hue over the stone paths, and the faint scent of blooming flowers from the nearby garden added a comforting backdrop to their walk.

Martin was animated, recounting their encounter in the Ethereal Glade with dramatic gestures. “And then, BAM! Right in the chest with the Tuning Blade. Did you see her face? Priceless!”

Rem chuckled softly, letting his enthusiasm lighten the mood, though her thoughts were still partially tethered to the Cosmic Plumage.

As they approached the main hall of the academy, Martin suddenly froze mid-sentence, his grin vanishing. His eyes locked on a figure in the distance—a fleeting shadow that moved briskly down the opposite corridor.

“Lorenzo?” Martin muttered under his breath, his brow furrowing deeply.

The figure bore an uncanny resemblance to his usual teammate Lorenzo—same dark hair, same confident stride—but something was off. The Lorenzo Martin knew wouldn’t rush about so frantically, nor would he avoid eye contact so deliberately.

“Lorenzo!” Martin called out, louder this time.

The figure didn’t stop. Without warning, Martin broke into a sprint, leaving a startled Rem behind. “Martin, wait!” she called, hurrying after him.

Martin weaved through the students, narrowly dodging a group balancing stacks of books. His heart pounded, though he couldn’t tell if it was from exertion or unease. By the time he reached the end of the hall, the corridor was empty. The figure had vanished.

“Martin!” Rem caught up, slightly out of breath. “What’s going on? Who did you see?”

Martin scanned the empty space, his hands on his hips, his face clouded with confusion. “I thought… I thought I saw Lorenzo,” he said finally, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Lorenzo?” Rem repeated, glancing around. “But why would he run off like that?”

“I don’t know,” Martin admitted, his tone unusually subdued. “It looked like him, but... something felt wrong.”

Rem studied him for a moment, her expression thoughtful. “Are you sure it was him?”

Martin hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line. “I don’t know. It’s just… he’s been acting weird lately.”

The weight in his words was enough to make Rem pause. But before she could pry further, Martin shook his head and gave a forced laugh, trying to shake the tension. “Ah, forget it. Maybe I imagined it. Probably just tired from the mission.”

Rem didn’t buy his dismissal, but she let it slide. “If you’re sure…”

“Yeah, I’m sure,” he said, though his tone wavered. After a beat, he added, “Come on. Didn’t we say something about ice cream?”

Rem gave him a small, reassuring smile. “Alright, let’s go.”

As they resumed their walk, the lingering unease between them was hard to ignore.

——

The air around Titan's Keep was thick with tension, an unease that seemed to seep into the very stones of the fortress. Lord Lambert Apollo, clad in his silver armor adorned with the insignia of the house Apollo, stood on the edge of the watchtower. His piercing gaze swept over the six colossal chains binding the ancient gate. Each chain radiated an ethereal light, their shimmering links carved with runes that pulsed faintly as if struggling to contain a power far beyond mortal comprehension.

Behind him, the sound of boots echoed lightly against the stone. “Lord Lambert,” came a calm yet firm voice.

Turning, Lambert saw Ellie Camberwell, her short silver hair glinting like a halo in the flickering flames of the nearby torches. Now the Vice-Captain of the Aegis Enforcers, she carried herself with the precision and authority of someone who had earned her position through countless battles.

“The sun is about to set, my lord,” Ellie said, her voice soft yet unyielding. “Please, get some rest. Captain Steven has already taken over the watch.”

“Steven…” Lambert murmured, his thoughts momentarily drifting to the current leader of the Aegis Enforcers. A young but formidable warrior, Steven bore the Mercury Shroud, a powerful ring capable of bending mercury to his will. His leadership had quickly garnered the trust of King Chris Elysionsonn and the admiration of his peers. Yet despite this assurance, Lambert’s expression remained troubled.

“I can’t rest, Ellie,” he said, his voice low but firm. “Something feels… wrong. As if this night will bring the disaster we’ve all feared.”

Ellie hesitated, reading the worry etched across his face, but before she could respond, a deep, echoing boom reverberated through the Keep.

At the base of the Keep, in the shadow of the ancient gates, a hooded figure moved with practiced precision. The towering chains glowed faintly, pulsating with the arcane magic that held them intact. From a worn leather satchel, the figure drew the Cosmic Plumage, its iridescent feathers shimmering like a fragment of the night sky. Beside it lay several other dark artifacts, their mere presence distorting the air around them.

There was the Ebon Shard, a jagged piece of obsidian said to be the crystallized hatred of a long-forgotten deity. Its surface glowed faintly with red runes that flared when touched. Next to it rested the Dread Icon, a small, grotesque effigy that exuded an aura of despair, its hollow eyes seeming to draw in the light. Finally, there was the Veilstone Relic, a fractured, smoke-filled gem that hissed softly, as though the souls trapped within were attempting to escape.

The hooded figure meticulously placed each artifact at specific points around the gate, their dark energies beginning to synchronize. Around them, the seven glowing orbs, imbued with the sacrificial souls, pulsed in unison, amplifying the magic.

“The final piece,” the figure murmured, lifting the last orb. Their voice carried a mix of reverence and cruelty. “Soon, father… your cage will no longer bind you.”

As they moved to cast the seventh orb into its position, a commanding voice broke through the tension.

“Step away from the gate!”

Captain Steven emerged from the shadows, his silver armor gleaming under the setting sun. Tendrils of liquid mercury swirled around him, a testament to the power of his Mercury Shroud ring. Beside him stood Jun’de, his Dusty Dancer ring glowing faintly as grains of sand swirled around his feet.

Jun’de’s sharp gaze locked onto the hooded figure. “We won’t let you finish this ritual,” he said, his voice steady and resolute.

The figure turned, their movements deliberate. “Aegis Enforcers,” they said, almost mockingly. “Always so eager to protect a world you barely understand.”

Jun’de’s expression tightened, but he held his composure. Like Ellie Camberwell, he was once a promising student at the academy. Both had risen quickly through the ranks of the Aegis Enforcers after graduation, their skills and loyalty earning them respect among their peers. Now, he stood alongside Captain Steven, ready to defend the Keep with his life.

Steven’s mercury surged forward, forming sharp, spear-like projectiles. “You’ve made a mistake coming here today.”

Without hesitation, the figure raised a hand, summoning a shield of elemental energy that deflected the attack. Their mastery over multiple elements became apparent as they unleashed a wave of fire and lightning, forcing Steven and Jun’de to dodge.

Jun’de countered, his Dusty Dancer ring summoning a sandstorm that swirled around the figure, attempting to trap them. But the figure moved with unnatural speed, their dark magic cutting through the sand with ease.

Steven advanced, his mercury morphing into a massive hammer. He swung it with force, aiming to shatter the figure’s defenses. But the figure retaliated with a chant, unleashing an explosion of flame that pushed both Steven and Jun’de back.

“Your power is impressive,” the figure said, their voice calm yet taunting. “But it won’t be enough.”

Before the Enforcers could recover, the figure tossed the seventh orb into place. The ground beneath them shook violently as the dark artifacts resonated with the orbs, their combined energy lashing out in waves of destructive power. The first chain shattered with a deafening crack, its pieces disintegrating into glowing ash.

“No!” Steven roared, his mercury forming a protective dome as a burst of cosmic energy erupted from the gate.

Lord Lambert and Ellie arrived just as the first chain shattered, its fragments disintegrating into glowing dust. The gate groaned ominously, and from within, an ancient cry echoed—a sound that chilled even the most battle-hardened warriors to their core. From the depths of the Keep emerged Coeus, the Primordial Peacock, its colossal wings adorned with shimmering feathers that seemed to house entire galaxies.

“Coeus…” Lambert whispered, his voice trembling as the titan’s cosmic eyes locked onto them.

The shadowy figure stood below the titan, their hood falling back to reveal a cruel smile. “Rejoice, mortals. Your era ends tonight.”

Coeus unleashed a wave of raw cosmic energy, sending Lambert, Steven, Ellie, and the rest of the Aegis Enforcers flying. The ground split apart, and the air shimmered with destabilizing magic. With a deafening cry, Coeus spread its wings, each beat radiating chaos, and soared into the sky, vanishing into the darkening horizon.

Lambert struggled to his feet, his heart pounding. “Sound the alarm,” he barked at Ellie. “Send word to the king. The Primordial Coeus is at large.”

——

In the heart of the academy, deep within the Sanctum of Concord, a chamber known only to the highest authorities, the air hung thick with tension. The room, hidden beneath layers of protective wards, was dimly lit by the soft glow of enchanted candles. Their flickering flames danced against the stone walls, casting long, shifting shadows that seemed almost alive. A large, circular table stood at the chamber's center, its surface etched with ancient sigils of protection and unity, worn smooth by generations of council deliberations.

Chris sat at the head of the table, his fingers steepled as his piercing blue eyes stared blankly at the woodgrain. Though his posture was composed, the strain of leadership and the weight of the recent crisis were etched into his face. The Thunder Crown ring on his finger pulsed faintly, responding to his unsettled thoughts as if it, too, sensed the storm brewing beyond the academy’s walls.

To his right, Rena Lumius, her silver hair tied in a neat bun, sifted through a stack of dossiers with brisk efficiency. Her violet eyes scanned the pages, detailing unsettling reports about the Cult of Cerberus—a group believed to be involved in the chain-shattering ritual at Titan's Keep. Her lips pressed into a thin line, betraying the growing unease beneath her usual stoicism.

“We all felt it, didn’t we?” Rena said at last, breaking the tense silence. Her voice was low but carried the sharp edge of certainty. “That surge of power… something ancient and malevolent has been unleashed.”

As she spoke, her Golden Nirvana ring shimmered briefly, its resonance aligning with the faint hum of Chris’ Thunder Crown. Across the room, Neil stood by the arched window, his silhouette framed by the faint glow of the setting sun. He gazed southeast, toward the distant Titan’s Keep, the unease in his chest growing heavier with each passing moment.

“I can feel it,” Neil murmured, his voice tinged with quiet dread. His hands were clasped behind his back, but his knuckles whitened as if gripping an invisible weight. As he stood there, his Mirage Pearl ring began to gleam faintly, the shimmering light reflecting his growing sense of unease. The magic within the pearl responded to the disturbances in the balance, flickering like the ebb and flow of water caught in a storm.

A sudden pulse of energy surged through the room, and all three turned their attention to their rings. The enchanted artifacts glowed faintly, their magic resonating in unison, an ominous sign—a warning—that the balance had begun to tip further toward chaos.